SES crews responded tomultiple callouts
Wright wins, and retires
By Dongyun Kwon
Coldstream Boxing Club coach Hayden ‘H-Bomb’ Wright gained another title WBF Heavyweight Champion on Saturday 13 September.
Wright took on Thai boxer Sunthon Pankhui at Melbourne Pavilion.
Thanks to a lot of hard training with his mates, Zac Thompson and Chris Hume, Wright was able to push the opponent strongly from the first round.
After hanging one more medal on his neck, the Coldstream-based boxer officially retired from professional boxing.
“I am very proud of all the hard work and dedication; 25 professional fights over the past 10 years, to become the new heavyweight champion and bring it back to the Yarra Valley to inspire kids,” Wright said.
“My next move is to train the young kids and hopefully, they can become a champion one day.”
Turn to page 34 to read the full page
Animals starving
By Oliver Winn
With 108 animals seized by inspectors during the 2024/25 financial year, the RSPCA Victoria’s Animal Cruelty Report has ranked the Yarra Ranges at an unenviable second place.
But, RSPCA north east region inspectorate team leader Belinda Dent said it was because owners were struggling to feed their animals.
“The majority of what we deal with is not malicious cruelty, but neglect stemming from finan-
cial stress, poor access to feed, or personal challenges like mental health issues.
“These situations are incredibly complex, and our job is to balance enforcing animal welfare laws with helping people do better by their pets,” Ms Dent said.
This is evident through a 43 per cent increase in animal cruelty reports relating to insufficient food, water or shelter from 2023-24 to 2024-25.
RSPCA chief inspector Michelle Green said there’d been an increase in cruelty cases for hors-
es as the cost of hay continued to rise amid a drier than usual winter.
“We have seen a 32 per cent increase in cruelty reports involving horses and a 23 per cent increase in the number of horses seized or surrendered this year,” Ms Green said.
Hay is becoming increasingly scarce in the Yarra Ranges, with only small bales of lucerne and teff hay available, according to Upper Yarra Pony Club district commissioner Anite Prowse.
Meanwhile, a round bale of hay was priced at
roughly $300 - up by $180 since the start of the year.
With only 28 inspectors to investigate more than 10,000 cruelty reports across the state, the RSPCA’s enforcement arm is severely limited and relies on community donations for it to run.
The increase in neglected animals added more pressure onto rescues such as Forever Friends Animal Rescue and Ms Adams said they urgently needed more support.
Turn to page three to read more
Wright pushes the opponent strongly from the first round.
(Marty Camilleri/Marty’s Knockout Photography)
SES responds to 10 call outs
By Dongyun Kwon
Many trees fell over due to strong winds that hit the Yarra Valley on Monday 15 September.
Healesville SES crew responded to 10 callouts for assistance in dealing with fallen trees and a damaged roof.
Healesville SES unit controller Karen Picone said the crew began receiving the requests from 2.15 pm.
“Our last one was about 5.25pm,” she said. “We had one in Steels Creek, on Myers Creek Road that had power lines involved, on Healesville Kinglake Road and on Wallace Parade. They were all over the place.
“There was one building damaged. It was a tin roof taken off.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning of damaging winds averaging 60 to 70km/h with peak gusts around 100km/h for 15 September.
Ms Picone encourages community members to secure outdoor furniture and trampolines when a storm warning is issued.
Adding to Ms Picone’s advice, VICSES also encourages Victorians to trim back any overhanging branches, clear gutters regularly and park a car under cover or away from trees if gusty winds are anticipated.
To learn more about how to prepare for a storm event, visit ses.vic.gov.au/be-stormsmart
Upper Yarra SES recovers a car beneath crushed carport
By Oliver Winn
A burst of windy weather saw the Upper Yarra SES take on 16 call outs on Monday 15 September.
With trees toppled atop car ports and roads, emergency volunteer crews kicked into action and successfully managed the increase in activity.
Upper Yarra SES deputy controller Garion Hall said while it “wasn’t a huge day”, crews had to be resourceful to deal with each call out.
One job stood out to Mr Hall which was an example of how emergency crews have to think outside of the box to find solutions.
Crews had turned up to a large tree on top of a collapsed car port, held up only by the car underneath it.
“When the tree’s that big, it’s beyond our ability [to remove the tree].
“But what we could do is trim the branches back a bit and prop up the carport… cut some of the roof beams with the chainsaw, and then move the car out, mostly undamaged.
“So at least she could still drive her car around even though it was beyond us to actually take the tree off the carport in this case,” Mr Hall said.
The sudden and unexpected intensification of the winds on Monday was an example of the increasingly unpredictable climate.
Mr Hall said while climate change would bring more extreme weather conditions more often, he wasn’t concerned about the SES’s capacity to deal with those situations.
“With more extreme climate situations, it’s likely that sort of thing is going to happen again at some time in the future.
“We’re concerned by climate change, but we’re not concerned about our ability to deal with things that come up in our region,” Mr Hall said.
The daunting National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) released by the Australian Climate Service on 15 September has made waves throughout the country as it laid bare a scary future for Australia.
Events such as the June 2021 storms would become more common as the report identified an increase in severe weather events.
The NCRA also stated spending on damages to soar, with the Yarra Ranges expected to bear a 199 per cent increase in spending by 2050 if average global temperatures rise by 1.5 degrees (which has already happened in some parts of Australia).
It’s no doubt emergency services will be squeezed to its limits too - but Mr Hall remained confident in the collaboration between units.
He pointed to how crews will travel across the state to help out affected areas.
“I think we feel pretty good, and we know that we can get help from nearby units.
“For example… Western Victoria put out a call for a deployment on Tuesday night, they ended up with 50 or 60 people in just a one-hour period,” Mr Hall said.
The majority of callouts for the Upper Yarra
SES crews responded to 16 callouts on Monday. (Upper Yarra SES)
SES on Monday were during the day, which can actually make it harder for a response due to most members being at work.
“Most of the jobs were during the daytime, which is often difficult for us because many of our members work down the line and aren’t available up here during the daytime,” Mr Hall said.
One crew responded to eight calls in one day, while an unofficial “evening crew” was assembled to alleviate the others and deal with jobs
going into the night.
“People knock off work and come home at four or five pm, and they can then start working on more jobs.”
Preparations are being made for the changing climate locally at the Upper Yarra SES, with a range of training being undertaken to try and ensure members are equipped to deal with any situation confronting them.
But, Mr Hall said the state body for the SES has also provided support through intelligence briefings.
“SES has an intelligence department who helps us with long range forecasts and predictions by different regions.
“So we’ve been getting a bunch of reports about the fire season, and of course the flood and the storm season coming up,” Mr Hall said. He said the SES always needed more volunteers to help out during times of crisis. Those who are interested in becoming a volunteer can sign up here: ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.
Healesville SES responds to a tree job on Steels Creek Road, Steels Creek. (Supplied)
IN BRIEF
Cost of living hits pets
By Oliver Winn
A new report by the RSPCA has revealed the Yarra Ranges to be one of the worst regions in the state for animal cruelty.
With 108 animals seized by inspectors during the 2024/25 financial year, the RSPCA Victoria’s Animal Cruelty Report has ranked the Yarra Ranges at an unenviable second place.
But, RSPCA north east region inspectorate team leader Belinda Dent said the findings weren’t a result of malicious cruelty, but rather cost of living pressures making it harder for people to care for their animals.
“The majority of what we deal with is not malicious cruelty, but neglect stemming from financial stress, poor access to feed, or personal challenges like mental health issues.
“These situations are incredibly complex, and our job is to balance enforcing animal welfare laws with helping people do better by their pets,” Ms Dent said.
This is evident through a 43 per cent increase in animal cruelty reports relating to insufficient food, water or shelter from 2023-24 to 2024-25.
Director and founder of Gladysdale-based Forever Friends Animal Rescue Saskia Adams
said she’d seen an uptick in malnutritioned animals coming into the shelter.
“We have seen an increasing number of cases of animals being underfed or even starved.
“We had a four-month-old puppy come in yesterday from a country area who was just skin and bone, and showed clear signs of malnutrition,” Ms Adams said.
She said it had “definitely been rising over the last two to three years”.
RSPCA chief inspector Michelle Green said there’d been an increase in cruelty cases for horses as the cost of hay continued to rise amid a drier than usual winter.
“Feed simply can’t grow well in these conditions, making it far more expensive and difficult to source than in previous years.
“We have seen a 32 per cent increase in cruelty reports involving horses and a 23 per cent increase in the number of horses seized or surrendered this year,” Ms Green said.
This year, 1197 cruelty reports involved horses and 209 horses were surrendered or seized by inspectors this year across Victoria.
Hay is becoming increasingly scarce in the Yarra Ranges, with only small bales of lucerne and teff hay available, according to Upper Yarra
Pony Club district commissioner Anite Prowse.
Meanwhile, a round bale of hay was priced at roughly $300 - up by $180 since the start of the year.
With only 28 inspectors to investigate more than 10,000 cruelty reports across the state, the RSPCA’s enforcement arm is severely limited and relies on community donations for it to run.
The RSPCA have called upon the government to increase its annual funding, as the $2.3 million directed toward inspectorate costs only covered 21 per cent of the $10.8 million forecast for this financial year.
The increase in neglected animals added more pressure onto rescues such as Forever Friends Animal Rescue and Ms Adams said they urgently needed more support.
“We are always urgently seeking more support from our local community, particularly in terms of short or long-term foster carers, sanctuary volunteers at our kennels or cattery, general volunteers and donors,” Ms Adams said.
“It is mostly dogs who are coming in with signs of neglect and/or abuse, but we are receiving an increasing number of surrender requests from horse owners who can’t afford their care, but we are at capacity.”
Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit are seeking owners for property believed to have been stolen from a number of offences in the outer eastern suburbs and Yarra Valley between 29 August and 15 September.
A grey Toyota utility has been seized in relation to the investigation and a large amount of property has been seized.
Police are seeking to identify the owners of the property depicted. (Some owners have been identified).
Proof of ownership is required.
If you are the owner of any of these items, please email LILYDALE-PROPERTY-MG@POLICE.VIC.GOV.AU with your name, contact details and relevant exhibit number/s.
■Ref No: PALM 202509-E-1471
■Ref No: PALM 202509-E-1582
■ Find more information and photos of the items on Facebook at facebook.com/eyewatchyarraranges
Be wary of snakes this summer People of the Yarra Ranges are being warned to stay vigilant of snakes this snake season. As temperatures rise, snakes become more active, emerging from a period of reduced activity to seek food and mates.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) wildlife advisory services statewide manager Lachlan Clarke said most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill them.
DEECA have encouraged people to keep their yard tidy and clear away clutter like timber piles and rocks.
Dress for the occasion: when out walking, wear long pants and proper shoes. Don’t try to catch or harm a snake. Call a licensed snake catcher instead. In the case of a bite, call 000 immediately.
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and capturing, harming, or killing them is illegal.
■ You can report wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
■ For more information contact DEECA on 136 186.
■ For essential snake bite first aid information, visit stjohnvic.com.au/news/snake-bite-firstaid-tips/
Eltham-Yarra Glen Road closed
Eltham–Yarra Glen Road (between Mt Wise Road and Steels Creek Road) will be closed from 8pm Sunday 21 September to 10pm Sunday 5 October for Maroondah Aqueduct bridge maintenance works.
Plan ahead and allow an extra 30 minutes for travel.
Livestock notice
The Yarra Ranges Council has reminded the community to take care when securing stray livestock. “We know the community means well when trying to secure stray livestock, but placing them in nearby paddocks or pens can lead to serious biosecurity and animal welfare consequences,” the council said in a Facebook post.
If you see livestock wandering in the Yarra Ranges, call Victoria Police on 000 if there’s an immediate safety or road hazard.
Or contact the council’s Safer Communities Team anytime on 1300 368 333.
This helps ensure the animals are relocated safely and properly — protecting them, our farmers and our local food systems
(RSPCA Victoria)
Health workers are feeling ‘forgotten’
By
A push to privatise the employment of essential support workers at Eastern Health has been met with fierce opposition as employees say they feel “forgotten” and “disposable”.
Patient services assistant (PSA) Greg, who has worked at Eastern Health for 36 years and spoke to Star Mail on the condition of first name only, said he and his colleagues play an important role in the hospital system.
“We worked through Covid. We had to deal with a lot of stressful issues during that time. You just feel forgotten as a PSA,” he said.
“You feel like you’re disposable. You feel like they don’t value you, that they can just toss you aside to a multinational corporation.”
As a non-clinical role, PSAs support nurses and doctors in the day-to-day tasks of caring for patients, whether taking patients to the ward, delivering specimens to pathology or cleaning.
Greg said, despite it being “difficult at times”, he loves his job, “there’s no reason why I wouldn’t”.
“At the end of the day, you have a role to play. You have to look after patients to the best of your ability, and that’s why we’re here,” he said.
It is estimated that 300 to 400 staff could potentially have their role outsourced across Box Hill and Maroondah Hospitals, Yarra Ranges Health in Lilydale, and Blackburn and Healesville Food Services.
Greg was one of dozens to take part in a worker action outside Box Hill Hospital on Tuesday 16 September.
The Health Workers Union (HWU) led the action.
“Our members and the workers across the hospitals want to keep working for Eastern Health. They want to keep working in the public health system,” HWU lead organiser Jake McGuinness said.
“If they move over to this multinational corporation, a labour hire firm, they’re going to see their hard-won conditions go backwards.”
In a statement to Star Mail, an Eastern Health spokesperson said the health service was “proposing a transition to a single, externally contracted model”.
ISS Facility Services Australia, a labour hire firm, is said to be the engaged “provider”.
“It is anticipated that existing employees will receive an offer of employment with the proposed provider,” the spokesperson said.
But workers and the HWU believe a shift to privatisation would bring “less compensation, weaker entitlements, less secure jobs”.
“The main concern for me personally is that we will lose our salary packaging. Nothing’s been given as far as a dollar figure, but apparently, we will be compensated to a certain degree,” Greg said.
“I’ve got maybe five or so more years until retirement, and I’m just wondering if that figure is going to be adequate in terms of compensation.”
Among a raft of issues, like the perceived lack of communication and consultation from Eastern Health, the HWU claimed the announcement to staff was made on 19 August, with no prior warning, and in the midst of an enterprise bargaining period.
The current agreement lapsed on 30 June this year, which had a clause stating “that the parties are committed to preferencing secure employment and reducing labour hire within the Victorian Public Health Sector”.
The HWU states that this move by Eastern Health is in “direct conflict” with this previous principle.
Mr McGuinness said under a labour hire firm, workers are “not able to take industrial action” and would essentially “get an agreement they have no right to take part in”.
Greg said, after speaking with nurses, doctors and clerical staff, who are not directly involved in the dispute, there is general support but also worry.
“They’re supporting us. They’re not happy, particularly the ward clerks, who think they could be next. You start with the PSAs. We’re the low-hanging fruit,” he said.
“The system is under a lot of pressure in regards to its finances and budget. Management is looking for savings everywhere.”
Wastewater visitor boost
Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation is preparing for a new era with the installation of an innovative new wastewater management system by Yarra Valley Water.
The system will allow Wandoon Estate to expand its visitor program at the historic Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, where people learn about Coranderrk’s history and Indigenous land management.
Until now, the site’s ageing septic system has meant only small groups could visit, with limited toilet facilities available.
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder and Coranderrk Wandoon Estate Manager Uncle Dave Wandin said the installation of the new wastewater management system would change that.
“We’d previously been unable to host large groups because we only had a portaloo on site for them to use. Now, with the new wastewater system and public toilets, we can start welcoming bigger groups and holding our visitor program more frequently,” he said.
“We get a lot of interest from schools, universities and community groups in our visitor program, so it’s fantastic to now have the facilities to fully accommodate these requests.
Annual Reports tabled in the Victorian Parliament in November last year, for the 2023-24 financial year, indicated Eastern Health recorded a $100.04 million deficit.
Star Mail posed a question to Eastern Health about this privatisation consideration being financially motivated, but no direct response was given.
“The proposed change is designed to streamline operations and support long-term sustainability,” the Eastern Health spokesperson said, however.
Mr McGuinness said “all (staff) really want is secure employment with money to pay their mortgage and make ends meet”, and so there is a “mixture of anger and sadness”.
Greg and the HWU are calling on the Victorian Government and Eastern Health to halt this outsourcing action, to make a “hard but fair decision” so “bargaining can continue”.
A Victorian Government spokesperson told Star Mail that the government could not intervene if health services were making lawful employment decisions.
“As the employer, this is a decision for the board and management of Eastern Health,” they said.
“There are no planned redundancies as part of the proposal.
“We will continue to work closely with Eastern Health, the Department of Health and stakeholders to ensure proper process is followed”.
Eastern Health said discussions would continue.
“Consultation with staff and industrial partners is underway, and no decisions have been made.”
“The new system will also help us expand our commercial kitchen which we will use to prepare Aboriginal food as well as for contemporary cooking purposes. It will also allow us to provide education and training facilities primarily for Aboriginal tertiary students, so they can have culturally appropriate, culturally safe facilities to further their education as they move out into the wider world.
“We are pleased to have this new, cutting-edge technology at Coranderrk. It supports our commitment to sustainable practices using both new knowledge systems and the knowledge systems of our elders and ancestors.
“The initiative Yarra Valley Water has shown in providing the wastewater system for us gives me confidence that there are people and organisations out there that will support the vision of Coranderrk into the future.”
The on-site wastewater management system is one of the first of its kind in Australia. It removes pollutants from the wastewater using biofilms grown on a recycled glass media within the system, before the treated water is irrigated on site.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Natalie Foeng said she was pleased the water corporation could help bring Wandoon Estate’s vision to life.
“We’re delighted to provide this new wastewater management system, which means more people can experience the incredible Coranderrk visitor program,” she said.
“Providing this system to Wandoon Estate highlights our commitment to partnering with Traditional Owners to support them in self-determination and caring for Country. It’s a very exciting project but it is also part of a much broader approach to honouring and healing Country.”
Dozens of workers gathered to take action against a proposed move to privatise their employment. (Mikayla van Loon: 504439)
Health Workers Union lead organiser Jake McGuinness spoke to attendees outside Box Hill Hospital on Tuesday 16 September. (504439)
Mikayla van Loon
Yarra Valley Water’s Bri George, Dillon Van Heer, Simon Willis, and Rhys Eddy with Coranderrk Wandoon Estate Manager
Uncle Dave Wandin (second from left) in front of the newly installed wastewater management system. (Supplied)
Fight for threatened plant
By Callum Ludwig
A precariously populated plant which calls parts of the Yarra Valley home continues to face threats to its existence, and the Kinglake Friends of the Forest (KFF) are prepared to go to court to protect it.
Pomaderris vacciniifolia, or the round-leaf Pomaderris, is critically endangered, with as few as 150 to 250 mature plants remaining based on the most recent state and federal government assessments, respectively.
Known to be found in the Murrindindi and Yarra Ranges areas, one distinctly eastern population in the Baw Baw Shire is potentially under threat, where Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are set to conduct clearing works for a 23-kilometre, 20-metre-wide strategic fuel break (SFB).
KFF president Sue McKinnon said the site has a history of Pomaderris vacciniifolia detections along the roadside and they have found about 30 plants, while the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas also has detections along Cowwarr Road where clearing will be carried out for the SFB.
“For strategic fuel breaks, their standard is that they have at minimum a five metre distance between canopies of trees and it’s quite a dense forest now so that means that most of the trees will be removed, you can actually see which trees will be removed because they’re the ones that don’t have a ribbon around them,” she said.
“They will clear the forest floor, they will remove all the stumps and they will prepare the forest floor for mowing and slashing from then on and we don’t know whether they have surveyed or not for pomaderris or other threatened species in the area,”
“Even if they have and even if they do protect the mature plants that won’t necessitate the survival of those plants into the future because their climate, the light hitting them, the heat hitting them, will be very different to what it was.”
According to VicFlora, there are round-leaf
pomaderris populations around Healesville, Badger Creek and Chum Creek in the Yarra Valley, as well as two further east of Warburton.
Ms McKinnon said because this population is on the edge of the plant’s extent of occurrence (the geographic boundary of the plant’s existence), they see the works as a particularly threatening process.
“The extent of this species in the far east will be reduced, they’re the critical and urgent concerns that we have and we’ve found that there are four other strategic fuel breaks they’re going to construct in the pomoderris area, there’s three in the Kinglake area and another one in the Rawson area,” she said
“All the mature species seem to be on road or track side and that’s for various reasons that have not actually been determined, but one of the likely reasons is that they are activated where there’s a small amount of light but a still cool area,”
“They’re also very limited in their regeneration, the seed is only ever found within about five meters of the mature plant… unless there this is a flood or something that carry the seed further on and in most cases, if you have a flood, the seed is carried along the roadside.”
The Victorian Government’s Threatened Species Assessment for the round-leaf pomaderris admits that roadside populations are ‘threatened by road maintenance works and associated fire management and suppression activities including the construction and regular slashing of fire breaks.’
An FFMVic spokesperson said strategic fuel breaks are a critical part of FFMVic’s strategy to protect communities and the environment from bushfire.
“Strategic fuel breaks enable firefighters to get access to the forest to respond to fires and carry out backburning in the event of a major bushfire,” they said.
“By doing work under careful and planned conditions, we avoid having to do it while responding to large, life-threatening fires when we
have less time to check for and manage environmental and heritage values.”
The local Warburton Environment group have also taken legal action regarding fire management works in Victoria following the death of an endangered greater glider in the Yarra Ranges National Park.
Dr John Patykowski did his honours research at Deakin University on the conservation ecology of the round-leaf pomaderris and said clearing through a known population for a firebreak is likely to have significant detrimental effect on that local occurrence, potentially resulting in local extirpation (complete extinction in a geographic area).
“P. vacciniifolia likely occupies only a fraction of its former range; much previously suitable habitat is permanently changed, fragmented, or lost through land clearing and development, each extant occurrence thus represents an important insurance population safeguarding the species from extinction,” he said.
“The occurrence of P. vacciniifolia imperilled by the proposed vegetation clearing for a firebreak is significant because it represents the most easterly part of its known range, maintaining the Extent of Occurrence of P. vacciniifolia, as well as Area of Occupancy, are important principles for improving the trajectory of this species,” “Loss of this occurrence would shrink both the Extent of Occurrence and the Area of Occupancy, reduce genetic representation, and increase extinction risk for this species… at best, the clearing would likely send a functioning population and its seed bank into long-term decline.”
Dr Patykowski is now a research scientist at the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Ltd (NAILSMA).
DINNER AT QUARTERS
Experience Hubert Estate after dark with dinner at Quarters.
Find all of your favourites firing until 9PM every Thursday, Friday & Saturday night.
QUARTERS AT HUBERT ESTATE
MON—WED: 11AM—4PM
THU—SAT: 11AM—9PM SUN: 11AM—5PM
THURSDAY DINNERS ARE KICKING OFF FROM 25TH SEPTEMBER!
Botanist Joshua Burke assisting Kinglake Friends of the Forest with their survey. (Supplied)
The creamy-white flowers of the round-leaf Pomaderris. (Supplied)
Between 150 and 250 plants are believed to remain in the world. (Supplied)
NEWS Climate risk report daunting
By Callum Ludwig
The Australian Climate Service has released a daunting National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA), modelling the impacts if average global temperatures rise by 1.5, two and three degrees.
Property values, heatwave deaths, disaster recovery, sea levels, the natural environment and productivity are all among the slated impacts of Australia and the rest of the world failing to reduce and prepare for global warming.
Executive officer of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) Scott McKenry said it’s really important to have and start a broader national discussion that’s informed by a clear evidence base, which our policy and decision makers across all levels of government can work from.
“There’s no real surprises in them for someone who works on climate all day, every day but it is a very useful and probably the most robust synthesis of evidence that we have on impacts, vulnerabilities, hazards and risks,” he said.
“I think what’s also important to note is that the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) that accompanies what is quite a scary risk assessment, that plan is not a suite of policy solutions, responses and funded measures to address the risks in the NCRA,”
“That’s probably a big glaring gap for me, that there’s no funding attached to the plan that responds to the risk assessment.”
The EAGA represents the eastern Victorian councils of Maroondah, Yarra Ranges, Knox, Monash, Whitehorse, Stonnington, Glen Eira and Booroondara.
Mr McKenry said what he sees in the risk assessment is very consistent with councils’ own work trying to understand exposure to climate hazards and what the risks are to councils themselves and the community.
“I would say that local governments are at the forefront of the risks, as they are closest to the hazards … the rhetoric is very much basically that those closest to the risks are best placed to manage them,” he said.
“However local governments have just not been resourced to do that, they’re often involved and caught up in emergency response after hazard events,”
“Eventually, you really just need to go to a location and do much more place-based work that informs the investment-based response to (climate) adaptation.”
A 2023 report commissioned by the EAGA found that all councils, including the Outer East councils of Yarra Ranges, Maroondah, Knox and Cardinia, will see significantly increased damage costs from climate hazards alone:
Yarra Ranges spending on damages is estimated to rise by 199 per cent by 2050 and 332 per cent by 2100.
Maroondah’s costs will rise by 212 per cent by 2050 and 350 per cent by 2100.
178 per cent by 2050 and 308 per cent by 2100 for Knox.
Cardinia’s will have risen by 160 per cent by 2050 and 295 per cent by 2100.
Mr McKenry said the federal government has long just wanted to talk to 537 councils through the Australian Local Government Association
(ALGA) but over time that approach has not provided the carefully coordinated conversation that we need to have on climate change issues.
“Victoria has long been the most progressive voice at the table and they’re often just dragged back to the centre by other less progressive states,” he said.
“A flow-on opportunity is provided by the NAP, we can set up a governance structure under the NAP based on a multi-level governance model that enables much more carefully coordinated conversation between the different spheres of government, working out the roles and responsibilities of each much more clearly.”
Some key predictions from the NCRA, using a two per cent increase in temperatures, include property values falling by $611 billion by 2050, over a millions homes falling into high-risk zones, annual spending on natural disasters multiplying by over five times current spending, a $211 billion in lost labour productivity and as many as 95 severe/extreme heatwave days a year. Heat-related deaths in Melbourne could rise by over 125 per cent, a figure which jumps to 2509 per cent at three degrees of warming.
Mr McKenry said the position of government has always been talking about what’s achievable and that’s probably not an acceptable framing for the emissions target.
“I think councils will be pretty disappointed with an announcement that it’s anything less than 70 per cent, which is also because previous attempts to model bottom-up what was achievable thoroughly underestimated what’s happened subsequently,” he said.
“Our own work sort of shows that councils can probably unlock around seven to 15 per cent of the abatement potential in a community through a range of different stuff they’re already doing and is not considered in the Climate Change Authority’s (CCA) advice to government, things like street and gardening organics programs through
to planning controls or household upgrade programs,”
“We think it’s really important that the government adopts that science-based 1.5 (degrees) aligned target because otherwise they’re accepting that we will live in a high-risk future.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, announced on Thursday 18 September that Australia will adopt an emissions reduction target of between 62 per cent and 70 per cent on 2005 levels, matching the Climate Change Authority’s advice.
“This is the right target to protect our environment and secure our prosperity and to create jobs and economic growth for our nation,” the statement reads.
“The Government’s sensible, practical approach means our exporters, farmers and key industries will be able to compete and succeed in the world and our environment will be safe for future generations,”
“Vitally, this target range balances what the Commonwealth can achieve with existing policies and technologies, and what the country could achieve with a whole-of-economy and whole-of-society effort, a range enables greater ambition, recognising how quickly technology can change and the potential for even greater emissions reduction in the next decade.”
The target has drawn criticism from a number of organisations for not being ambitious enough, including Greenpeace, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA), Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action, Parents for Climate, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, Climate Media Centre, the Intergenerational Fairness Coalition and the Climate Council.
Mr Bowen said in an earlier press conference, following the release of the NCRA, that one thing that is very clear in the risk assessment is that ev-
ery Australian, regardless of where they live, has a lot at stake.
“Cascading, compounding, concurrent – that’s how the Australian Climate Service describes the impact of climate change on every community in our country,” he said.
“Cascading, it will get worse over time, compounding, each impact of climate change will make another impact worse and concurrent, communities will suffer the impacts of climate change in different ways at the same time and we’ll have a lot to manage,”
“There’s a lot in this report, and I certainly encourage all Australians to carefully go through it, it’s important that we don’t gild the lily or downplay its impacts in any way.”
The Coalition’s position on climate change remains a point of contention, with shadow minister for home affairs Andrew Hastie this week telling ABC Radio Perth that he would resign from the frontbench if the Coalition didn’t drop the target of net zero by 2050 and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce having tabled a bill to scrap the target in July.
A joint statement from Opposition leader Sussan Ley and deputy leader Ted O’Brien said climate change is a global problem, and it demands global action.
“The Opposition has accepted a briefing from the Australian Climate Service and will examine the assumptions behind the report, including how projections have been made about health, property prices, insurance costs, and impacts on communities and businesses,” it reads.
“Australia cannot make a difference on its own, but we must play our part. The Coalition will always support sensible action to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and protect communities,”
“Our nation has the capacity and resources to meet the challenge of climate change with the right policies and priorities.”
Public libraries boosted with nearly $50 million to grow
Public libraries across Victoria will share in just under $50 million for the next financial year to ensure library functions can grow and develop.
The State Government announced that $48.1 million has been allocated through the latest round of the Public Libraries Funding Program to promote education and innovation among young Victorians.
“With this funding, libraries can continue to inspire creativity and foster learning in communities right across Victoria,” Victorian Public Library Ambassador Andrea Rowe said.
The program was established to provide annual funds for councils, regional library corporations, Connected Libraries Ltd, My Community Library Ltd, Your Library Ltd and Vision Australia, and supports a range of essential community activities and services delivered every day across 293 branches statewide.
This includes everything from physical and electronic collection of items, information tech-
nology facilities, delivery of library and outreach programs, and the raft of other services provided by public libraries across Victoria.
Libraries are no longer a place just for borrowing books. They are places where the community can access e-resources, wifi, computers, meeting rooms, art spaces, and diverse child, youth, and adult programs.
“We are supporting our terrific community libraries and the endless access to knowledge, social connection and entertainment they offer all Victorians,” local government minister Nick Staikos said.
“Our libraries offer so much more than books – they foster lifelong learning and contribute to the connections that strengthen and enrich Victorian communities.”
Public libraries are vibrant community hubs that offer a safe space for social interaction, digital connection, lifelong learning and rich, cultural experiences.
The State Government announced nearly $50 million for public libraries for the 2025-26 year. (Stewart Chambers: 290552)
The National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) modelled climate impacts at 1.5, two and three degrees of global warming. (File)
NEWS Wombat joey needs help
By Dongyun Kwon
A local wildlife shelter is calling for support from community members.
A wombat was found dead on Beachs Lane, Dixons Creek, on Saturday 30 August.
Local wildlife carer Sue Forrester said the body was still flexible and warm when she found the wombat.
“In that female’s pouch, there was a very active joey, a little boy,” she said.
“We were able to extract him from the pouch carefully.
“He didn’t appear to have any injuries. He had a little bit of a bruise on his nose.”
She took the baby wombat to her home for the rest of the night, passed him to Babbajin Park Wildlife Shelter the next morning and then buried the mother wombat later that morning.
The joey is now named Badger.
Babbajin Park Wildlife Shelter founder Tony Woolley said Badger is now in good health.
“Badger will be staying here for two years,” he said.
“When he’s two years old, he should be roughly about 18 to 20kg, and he will be released.”
Ms Forrester set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for Badger and Babbajin Park Wildlife Shelter with a target amount of $3000.
Mr Woolley said he will use the funds not just for Badger but also for the other 47 animals in his care.
“I’ve got to buy formulas and medications not just for Badger,” he said.
“I’ve also got kangaroos, baby possums, sugar gliders and baby wallabies.”
Find out more about the GoFundMe at gofundme.com/f/help-little-badger-grow-up-bigand-strong-and-safe
According to Ms Forrester, eight wombats have been killed by cars in Dixons Creek this year.
“A couple of those had babies in their pouches,
and that means mother and baby were all killed,” she said.
“We seriously need people, particularly on country lanes and dirt roads, to be respectful and pay more attention to watching the roads more carefully.
“There are wildlife kangaroos, wombats and echidnas.”
Between 2018 and 2023, Wildlife Victoria responded to over 50,000 reports of wildlife injured or killed on Victoria’s roads.
This number rose with Wildlife Victoria recording a 24 per cent increase in cases between 2022 and 2023.
Wildlife Victoria encourages Victorians to avoid travelling at dawn and dusk or, if unavoidable, reduce speed and watch for wildlife.
“If you have struck a native animal, please pull over (when safe to do so) and call Wildlife Victoria. If the animal is a marsupial, it will need to be checked for any pouch young,” the Wildlife Victoria website reads.
Members of the public can report incidents of sick, injured or orphaned native animals found anywhere across the state to Wildlife Victoria’s 24/7 Wildlife Emergency Response Service on (03) 8400 7300 or by filling out the online reporting form at wildlifevictoria.org.au/report-a-wildlife-emergency
Outdoor holiday safety focus
The spring school holidays are the perfect time to get back into the great outdoors, and Ambulance Victoria (AV) is urging community members to plan ahead and know the risks so they stay safe.
Many Victorians will be dusting off their camping and hiking gear as the weather warms up and AV manager emergency management Kathryn Haden said it’s crucial to be well prepared for your adventure and to know how to get help in case something goes wrong.
“This time of year is a great chance to enjoy activities like hiking, mountain bike riding, 4WDing or camping, but it’s important people know their abilities and take preparation seriously,” Kathryn said.
“Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the conditions and bring enough supplies, including water, food, sunscreen, a torch, basic first aid equipment and warmer layers in case you’re out for longer than expected.
“Research where you’re going and make sure your planned trip is suitable for your level of fitness and experience.
“Most importantly, always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.”
Kathryn said Victorians should consider learning basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time.
“If you’re heading somewhere new, look up the nearest Urgent Care Clinic, doctors’ clinic or pharmacy beforehand, so you can visit these services if you or someone else is injured or becomes unwell, but it’s not an emergency,” she said.
“From a safe, sheltered location such as a campsite, you could also access the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) via video call, for free urgent medical assessment and advice, without needing to travel anywhere.”
As the weather warms up, more Victorians will also head to waterways across the state which present additional safety risks.
“Getting in trouble while swimming in a river, lake or dam isn’t the only danger – a lot
of our call outs to inland waterways are where people have unintentionally found themselves in a body of water from slips and falls or boating accidents,” Kathryn said.
“Whenever you’re near water, it’s important to be alert and to actively and constantly supervise children.”
Kathryn said it’s easy to become lost or disorientated in bushland, especially in unpredictable weather conditions, so it’s critical to be able to call Triple Zero (000) in case of an emergency.
“Before you head out, download the EmergencyPlus app, which has a range of features to help you call for help and accurately tell a call-taker where you are, even in remote or unfamiliar environments,” she said.
“The app uses your phone’s GPS function to identify your address, latitude and longitude coordinates, as well as your ‘What3Words’ location – three words that emergency services can use to narrow your exact location down to three square metres.
“You may also consider taking a personal locator beacon (PLB) which, when activated, sends an emergency signal via satellite to emergency services.”
Kathryn also encouraged community members to check the VicEmergency app or website for incidents and warnings in the area you’re visiting.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) is urging community members to plan ahead and know the risks so they stay safe during school holidays. (File)
Ms Forrester buried the mother wombat on 31 August.
Badger is now in care at Babbajin Park Wildlife Shelter. (Sue Forrester)
Council innovation praised
By Callum Ludwig
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is set to recognise the efforts of Yarra Ranges Council to innovate for the local community at an upcoming awards ceremony.
The inaugural MAVlab Innovation Awards will shine a light on staff and programs from councils around the state next month, with Yarra Ranges Council a finalist in four categories.
Yarra Ranges Council chief executive Tammi Rose said they’re thrilled that several of their teams and projects were named as finalists in the inaugural MAVlab Innovation Awards.
“These Victoria-wide awards are open to all councils and include innovative solutions when responding to complex challenges like climate change, economic pressure and community wellbeing with creativity and care,” she said.
“Finalists include service optimisation through our new online planning tool, working with community as part of the State Government’s Timber Transition through the Upper Yarra Local Development Strategy and embedding Indigenous perspectives in land and emergency management.”
Yarra Ranges Council are represented in the following categories:
- Planning and building manager Amanda Kern is up for the 2025 Innovatio Pro Bono Publico Award.
- The ‘Our Country, Our Way – Embedding Indigenous Perspectives in Land and Emergency Management’ program has been nominated for the The Connector Award for community inclusion and cohesion.
- The ‘Timber Transition: Upper Yarra Local Development Strategy’ is a finalist for the Stronger Together award for council collaboration.
- The MyLot digital planning tool is one of five projects in the running for the Smooth Sailing award for service optimisation and customer experience.
Ms Rose said they’re proud that Yarra Ranges’ work has been recognised with these nominations.
“Each of these projects is a worthy recipient, and a small example of the work all of our teams do day-in, day-out to serve our community,” she said.
“I look forward to the awards event, and will have my fingers crossed for our staff.”
Other awards categories celebrate emerging leaders, change management, data-driven decision making, community health, climate resilience and adaptation, regenerative design, impact and legacy, impactful and inclusive storytelling, asset management, innovation in safe spaces, experimentation practice and financial ingenuity.
been recognised. (File: 448236)
MAV chief innovator in residence Bonnie Shaw said the calibre of entries reflects the sector’s leadership and collaborative spirit.
“Local government is where innovation meets community impact, these awards shine
a spotlight on the courage, creativity, and commitment of councils across Victoria who are shaping the future of our state,” she said..
“These finalists, and all of the amazing entries, have shown what’s possible when vision
and collaboration come together,”
“We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the awards night.”
Winners will be announced on Wednesday 8 October.
Year’s worth of support from Community Bank to Wandin Food Distribution Program celebrated and extended
By Oliver Winn
The Wandin Food Distribution Program celebrated a year’s worth of support from the Community Bank Wandin-Seville.
Over $12,500 of fresh food has been paid for by the bank’s generous sponsorship which has run for 52 weeks on Friday 12 September.
Member of the Wandin Food Distribution Program Beth Davis said the program was a great initiative that brought food to those who need it.
“We want to be able to help whoever’s in need, it’s important to help people in the community,” Ms Davis said.
Established by LinC Yarra Valley last year and run by volunteers from the Seventh Adventist Church, the service provides fresh food for those doing it tough in the Yarra Ranges.
It runs every Friday from 10.30am at the Wandin Senior Citizens Centre and the fruit is supplied by Seville Fresh Fruit.
Community Bank Wandin-Seville executive officer Leah Thompson said the program has had an amazing response from the community.
“The program is great for the locals in our community and we’ve had really amazing feedback since we commenced our support.
“Originally we agreed to sponsor the program for 12 weeks, but because of the positive feedback our board agreed to continue and now
we’ve supported it for a whole year.”
Ms Davis also thanked the Wandin Senior Citizens Club for allowing them to host the service in the club’s hall, free of charge.
“They’ve been fabulous too.”
Ms Davis said the program itself has been
made possible by the generous contributions coming from various parts of the community.
“Seville Fresh Fruit supplies the food so they’ve been doing that and they’ve really looked after us.
“We have bread delivered to us from Baker’s
Delight, and also we go to Wandin Bakery, and they are so generous,” she said.
Wandin Rotary has also helped by donating frozen meals and even blankets and pyjamas which Ms Davis said is a “real blessing”.
Women’s charity Share the Dignity donates handbags full of hygiene products for women, and Fresh Berry Company in Coldstream has donated trays of strawberries.
It has also given people a chance to socialise and connect, Ms Davis said, and has led to some strong friendships between users of the service and the volunteers themselves.
“They come a little bit earlier… and they chat to each other and they become friends as we have with them. So that’s really nice,” Ms Davis said.
She described how a man named Bob, who has now passed away, would come early because he enjoyed it so much.
“One time Bob said to me, ‘I absolutely hate waiting in queues but I enjoy coming here so much that I come an hour earlier’.
“It was one of the nicest things that’s happened down there.
“They become friends, as we have with them,” Ms Davis said.
The Community Bank Wandin-Seville will continue to support the Wandin Food Distribution Program for another six months.
Yarra Ranges Council’s collaboration with RMIT University and the Victorian Government on the Upper Yarra Local Development Strategy has
Community Bank Wandin-Seville visited the Wandin Food Distribution Program on 12 September to celebrate one year of support. (Supplied)
CWA veteran Edna is 100
By Oliver Winn
Members of the Wandin Country Women’s Association (CWA) gathered on 14 September to celebrate the 100th birthday of long time member, Edna Parker.
Ms Parker has been a member of the Wandin CWA for 51 years, and during her time there, she’s left a legacy of kindness, wisdom and joy.
Wandin CWA president Lyndall Rowe spoke of Ms Parker’s personality and the influence she’s had on many over the years.
“She’s won a lot of hearts with her personality, she’s the happiest lady because she’s always given her heart to anybody who’s needed it.
“It’s just her whole manner towards everybody in the community and she’s a wonderful storyteller,” Ms Rowe said.
Ms Parker’s benevolent nature meant many saw her as an empathetic and caring person in the Wandin CWA.
She was born in Wandin and has fond memories of catching the train or riding her bike from Wandin to Lilydale, to her first job at Hutchinsons Produce Store in Lilydale.
Now, she still lives independently in the villa she moved into 25 years ago at Tudor Village in Lilydale.
Ms Rowe said Ms Parker was still full of adventure and youth, with Ms Parker recently catching a bus to the Shrine of Remembrance for a walking tour.
“She’s always been very active socially and she’s a very outgoing, fun-loving lady.
“She loved partying, loved dancing, and she’s carried that on.
“She always loved being involved in any excursions or bus trips that would occur and she was always first on the bus for those,” Ms Rowe said.
She met her partner Robert Parker and married in 1946 and had three children, their eldest boy Ian, and two girls, Adrienne and Nancy.
Mr Parker sadly passed away in 1997 and that’s when Ms Parker moved to her home in Tudor Village.
Casey MP Aaron Violi and Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence also attended Ms Parker’s celebratory
afternoon tea.
Ms Parker has lived through some of the most significant, era-defining moments of the 20th and 21st century.
She has lived through World War Two, witnessed the proliferation of family-owned cars and the introduction of colour television. She’s seen
the personal computer become commonplace, and the mobile phone go from the size of a brick to a slim rectangle.
“The changes in the world and what she has seen come through, that must be just mind bending for somebody of that age,” Ms Rowe said.
After all these years, Ms Parker said in an arti-
cle in the Lilydale Star Mail that she’s still sharper than ever.
“I still cook for myself and until four years ago I was still able to drive. Now my daughter Nancy does my shopping for me, or Ian takes me to the shops then we go to the marketplace for lunch,” said Ms Parker.
Celebrating four decades of the Seville Community House
By Oliver Winn
The Seville Community House celebrated four decades of connection, collaboration and creativity on 18 September.
Over 50 people gathered at the Killara Estate for the event where many speeches were given and lots of tasty nibbles were consumed.
Seville Community House manager Stacie Adams said it was an amazing event because it brought everyone together.
“We’ve had an incredible turnout, mostly from our program participants, and for me, the really special thing has been seeing everybody together in the same room.
“We often have smaller groups of four or five people for our programs, so it’s really special.”
A plethora of prominent people filled out the tables of the bustling Killara Estate venue, with many smiles plastered across faces as the event commenced.
The sun’s golden rays blanketed the rows of grassy vineyards outside as if the weather decided to take part in the celebrations.
Casey MP Aaron Violi and Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence also delivered speeches on the day.
The Seville Community House initially formed in 1985 where they renovated a venue at the Seville Primary School, before an official opening on 5 August 1985.
With funding from the State Government and the Shire of Lilydale (now Yarra Ranges Council), the organisation began holding art and craft activities, support services for local mums and a range of after school programs.
Seville Community House committee chairperson Anne Kean said whether it be keeping up with current trends or moving classes online during covid, the group’s longevity lies in its innovation.
“One of the things that’s important about the Seville Community House is that it adapts as things change. The economic conditions change, so it adapts to meet what’s needed in the community.
“Though there still are a lot of classes and activities that were similar to 40 years ago, there’s also more emphasis on community engagement
and social connection,” Ms Kean said.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence echoed this sentiment and praised the community house’s flexibility during lockdown.
“The Seville Community House was flexible and adaptable and became an online community house and provided really crucial opportunities for people in our community to stay connected.
“We really owe a massive thanks to the Seville Community House for what they do and the programs that they offer,” Ms Vallence said.
Ms Adams said she found the way the organisation facilitates friendships to be one of its strongest fronts.
“Getting the chance for people just to have a small social connection where they get to really engage with four or five people is something that
I find really special about Seville Community House.
“We get to create a space where people can bring really nice friendships and get to be together with those people week after week and develop that for their life,” Ms Adams said.
Those who attend Seville Community House’s programs overwhelmingly found the sense of connection to be the most enjoyable aspect of participating.
According to Seville Community House’s own survey, 84 per cent of respondents found spending time with others to be the main benefit, followed by meeting new people at 80 per cent.
This is compared to 40 per cent of respondents who found developing a new interest or activity as the main benefit of attending Seville Commu-
nity House’s activities.
Despite receiving $168,000 in income last year, Ms Kean estimated its value as almost double that number using the Neighbourhood House Victoria’s Real Impact, Real Value survey.
“You’ve got value through the volunteers, through the emergency food relief as we have a food pantry that’s available for people in the local community,” Ms Kean said.
Looking forward, the Seville Community House is set to move into the new Seville Pavilion once it is built.
Ms Kean said it would open up a myriad of new sporting opportunities as the house expands its programs further.
“We’ll be moving in with the other sporting clubs, so it’s a really exciting future,” she said.
The Wandin Country Women’s Association (CWA) gathered for afternoon tea on 14 September for Edna’s 100th birthday. (Supplied)
The Seville Community House celebrated its 40th birthday on a sunny September day at Killara Estate. (Oliver Winn: 504807)
Upcycling connects people
By Oliver Winn
A bike upcycling workshop demonstrated the value of sustainability and the beautiful social connections which can come with it on 17 September.
The UpCycles workshop was part of the Choose Your Own Adventure social event hosted by ECOSS and the Yarra Ranges Council which saw community members connect through a range of engaging experiences.
Over 20 attendees chose between four Adventure Options, which included Ceremonial Cacao Making, a Sound Healing and Guided Meditation experience, the UpCycles workshop and Crops for Community Gardens.
Four people came along to Damian Auton’s UpCycles workshop where he explained the workshop’s program and how it has helped young people and the environment.
UpCycles receives discarded bikes and then participants, whom are often young kids, refurbish them from scratch by replacing their parts and restoring them to a usable condition to be sold.
Mr Auton said UpCycles was great as it gave anyone the opportunity to get their hands dirty and construct a bike - whether it be a bike they’ve brought in, or one that’s already been donated.
“Mostly what we’re trying to do is upcycle, reuse, and teach people how to repair rather than chuck them away,” Mr Auton said.
UpCycles has provided an inclusive environment for young people while teaching essential bike maintenance skills.
It also provided families with the opportunity to purchase refurbished bikes at a fraction of the cost, despite most of the upcycled bikes being in almost perfect condition.
A brand new $650 bike was sold to a customer for $170 after being upcycled which demonstrated the amount families could save.
Aside from the savings, the UpCycles workshop is also a place for young people to connect and learn new skills.
Mr Auton said children found a lot of joy at UpCycles due to the hands-on nature of the work.
“Kids love the tactical nature of getting your hands dirty, but also the problem solving too. That’s really what it is - I have a problem, and I know how to fix it, that’s life you know,” Mr Auton said.
“When they do that, they get their hands dirty, and they get to know how bikes work without any consequence. They pull bikes apart, break something, it doesn’t matter.”
He also noted children who don’t enjoy con-
ventional sports such as football, netball or soccer were common visitors at UpCycles.
“For some of them, this is their sport, this is
With Victorians across the state preparing their property for fire season, emergency services are urging landowners to register their burn-offs online through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
Spring is a common time for landowners to take advantage of the favourable weather conditions to conduct burning off activities.
However, in most areas in Victoria, less than 50 per cent are registering their burn-offs online, with many unnecessarily waiting on hold to register over the phone.
The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify.
In some areas where the highest number of burn-offs are registered each year - such as Healesville, Olinda and Mt Evelyn in the Yarra Ranges, and Kyneton and Woodend in the Macedon Ranges - as many as 60 per cent of registrations are by phone, leading to longer wait times during busy periods.
Triple Zero Victoria chief operating officer Nicole Ashworth said registering burn-offs online was fast, easy and allowed call-takers to focus on higher priority calls.
“Spring is the ideal time to prepare your property ahead of the fire danger period, which makes it one of the busiest times for people registering their burn-offs by phone,” Ms Ashworth said.
“That’s why we always urge landowners to plan ahead and save themselves some time by jumping onto the Fire Permits Victoria website and registering well in advance, especially when suitable weather conditions are forecast.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the Fire Permits Victoria website is the preferred platform for community members to register their burns.
“Registering your burn-off allows emergency services to verify the fire is not an emergency before unnecessarily calling out local brigades,” Mr Heffernan said.
“It also allows us to display burn-offs on the CFA website so the public can see where a burnoff is taking place, preventing needless calls to
Triple Zero (000).
“Over the past year, CFA responded to nearly 900 escaped burn-offs, which used around 19,000 hours of our volunteers’ time. Please don’t leave your burn-off unattended and only burn off when conditions are favourable.”
The website allows you to notify emergency
services of your burn-off, and also check and apply for a permit, if necessary. However, if your burn is taking place within the next two hours, you must register your burn via the phone line on 1800 668 511. For more information about burning off safely, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff.
their soccer, or their basketball. If they don’t fit into that sort of group sport then I find that they love coming here,” Mr Auton said.
After the UpCycles workshop, the Choose Your Own Adventure attendees gathered for a debrief and some cocoa to finish the event.
UpCycles manager Damian Auton said his goal was to teach people how to repair bikes rather than discard them. (Oliver Winn: 504707)
Unveiling of Ned Kelly’s local links
By Oliver Winn
Did you know that a Warburton family was involved in one of Ned Kelly’s most significant moments - the Jerilderie Letter?
It turns out that the Gill family, who ran a printing business which had just closed down earlier this year, has ties back to the publication of the infamous letter.
The Jerilderie Letter was a 56 page manifesto dictated by Mr Kelly, which attempted to justify his actions. He described cases of alleged police corruption and called for justice for poor rural families.
The letter is named after the town of Jerilderie in New South Wales, which Mr Kelly and his gang had carried out an armed robbery on in February 1879.
Owner of printing company L. S. Gill and Son, Jeff Gill told the Star Mail about the story of when Ned Kelly personally hunted down
Samuel Gill, the editor of the Jerilderie Herald and Urana Gazette, to have his letter published.
Mr Gill said he was riding his motorbike through the town of Jerliderie when he dropped by the museum and entered his name as he signed in.
“A couple of cars pulled up… and about four people came out. They said, ‘You’re a Gill’, and I said ‘Yeah.’”
“Then one thing led to another, they worked it back and figured out I was a direct descendant of Samuel Gill,” Mr Gill said.
When Mr Kelly had taken over the town of Jerliderie, he prepared his letter and then attempted to track down the editor, Samuel Gill.
But, Samuel had gone into hiding after he witnessed the takeover, which left Samuel’s wife to deal with the bushranger. Interestingly, Mr Gill was told by his father Len Gill that Samuel had left to go get help from the next town over.
Mark Riddell goes to air on Yarra Valley FM tri-weekly
By Dongyun Kwon
The past 25 years of experience on Yarra Valley FM have been “fantastic” for Mark Riddell.
The opportunity of being a radio presenter came to Mr Riddell out of the blue while he was setting up the stereo.
The tuner was scanning all the channels, and it locked onto 99.1, which he’d never heard of before.
“I put it on, and I liked the song it was playing. It turned out it was by a man called Chris Rea and the song was called Deltics,” Mr Riddell said.
“The guy who was playing it was Mark. He gave out the phone number of the station. I rang him … and he said, ‘Why don’t you come and join the station?’”
Mr Riddell took the training course at the Yarra Valley FM and came on board in 2000.
The radio presenter currently runs three different programs.
One of the shows is called The Christian Experience.
He took over the show in 2001 from the previous presenter who had a health issue.
“I became a Christian while I was living in Woori Yallock, and then I started doing a Sunday morning program called The Christian Experience,” Mr Riddell said.
“I thoroughly enjoy doing it and still do it on Sunday mornings from 7am till 9am.
“I share Bible verses and play Christian music.”
Apart from The Christian Experience, Mr Riddell runs two more music shows on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
He runs both remotely from his home, using his laptop.
Rise and Shine, previously known as Let It Shine, is on air from 7am to 9am on Tuesdays, playing his music collection.
The other music show, Terry Meets Julie, named after a line from The Kinks’ song Waterloo Sunset, plays music from the ‘60s, including advertisement and TV theme music.
Terry Meets Julie is on air every Saturday from 9am to midday.
Mr Riddell said even people who cannot come to the radio station all the time can host a program on the radio remotely from home, like him.
“But I think the official version is he did a runner to get out and save himself. So there’s two sides to that story,” Mr Gill said.
“Mrs Gill slammed the door and said, ‘you can take your manuscript and whatever, we’re having nothing to do with it.’”
Edwin Living, a bank accountant who was present at the time, convinced Mr Kelly to give him the letter in order to save Samuel’s wife from having to deal with the bushranger any further.
A synopsis of the letter was given to Samuel once Mr Kelly had left the town, and Samuel then published the synopsis in the Jerilderie Herald and Urana Gazette on 22 February 1879.
When the people from Jerliderie found out that Mr Gill was a direct descendant of Samuel Gill, they were ecstatic.
“They were just over the moon,” Mr Gill said.
“I was feted like a bit of a celebrity. I’m not used to it, I’m just an average Joe.”
“I do (Rise and Shine, and Terry Meets Julie) remotely from home,” he said.
“I’ve just got a laptop which plays the audio. I link through a system, and I have audio coming out.
“I’ve got an Apple iMac screen and have the image up on the screen so I can just load up things.
The radio presenter said community radio is open to everyone of every age.
“We’ve been very blessed with the people who have come through the Yarra Valley FM,” he said.
“They teach us so much. When they come, they bring all their little gifts with them.
“They bring all the stuff they’ve grown up with, which is fantastic.”
You can listen to Mr Riddell’s shows at yarravalleyfm.org.au/listen.html or 99.1 on your FM dial.
Ned Kelly on the day before his execution. (National Archives of Australia)
Mark Riddell joined Yarra Valley FM in 2000. (Stewart Chambers)
COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE
Exciting array of classes
Woori Community House is set to blossom with a vibrant array of events and classes this Term Four. A cornerstone of local life, the house offers a welcoming hub for residents to connect, learn, and grow. From social gatherings and fitness classes to specialised workshops and free forums, there is truly something for everyone to enrich their life and build a stronger, more connected community. Each week kicks off with familiar faces and friendly conversation. For those seeking a relaxed start to their Monday, the Monday Mix provides the perfect opportunity for a cuppa and a chat, fostering new friendships among locals. This social spirit continues with the Golden Years group, a weekly morning tea that offers a dedicated space for locals to gather, share stories, and build a strong network of support.
Physical and mental well-being are at the forefront of the term’s offerings. The popular Sit2Fit – Chair Based Exercise Class returns, proving that fitness is accessible to all. This gentle yet effective workout focuses on improving aerobic fitness, strength, balance, and flexibility from the comfort of a chair. For those who prefer to move and groove, the Dance Fitness Class has a new evening time, providing a full-body workout set to popular music. It’s a fun and energetic way to feel confident and strong. To find inner calm and stillness, the Meditation class offers guided visual meditations, a powerful tool for reducing the stress and anxiety of everyday life. The serene practice of Dru Yoga is also available with both afternoon and evening classes. This gentle and graceful form of yoga, suitable for all ages and abilities, helps release physical and emotional tension, promoting a sense of inner peace and balance.
New and exciting classes are set to spark curiosity and creativity. This term, the Woori Community House is diving into the intricate world of Feng Shui with the Fire Horse 2026 class. Led by Feng Shui Master Salwa Abboud, the session will explore the myths and misconceptions of the 2026 Fire Horse year. Participants are encouraged
to provide their birthdate upon booking for a personalised chart, offering a unique glimpse into what the new year brings for their destiny and how to weaken negative energy through specific remedies.
A hands-on workshop with Bunnings will teach participants to create their own Kokedama Balls. This unique Japanese art form, which translates to “moss ball,” involves a plant enclosed in a ball of soil and covered with moss. It’s a chance to get creative and take home a beautiful, living piece of art. The house is also prioritising community health with a Mental Health Wellbeing Information Session, providing free and accessible support for adults over 26 in the Yarra Ranges. Several classes have new dates this term, en-
suring important information is more accessible than ever. Kids Craft – Clay Art will now run after school, offering primary-aged children (six to 12) the chance to express their creativity with clay. Parents and carers of young children will benefit from the updated Ambulance Victoria session, which provides valuable insights into paediatric health, common illnesses, and essential first aid. For those living with diabetes, the NDSS Diabetes Victoria DESMOND Program has a change of date. This comprehensive program, which stands for Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed, covers everything from understanding what happens in the body with diabetes to physical activity and setting personal goals.
The community is also invited to several free, must-attend events. The WCH AGM will be held on 7 October, followed by the joyful Kids Fest on 23 October. A particularly vital event is the Men’s Health Forum on 11 November. This empowering evening will feature guest speakers who will share insights on crucial topics, including heart health, prostate cancer, hearing loss, men’s mental health, and eye health. It’s a powerful initiative aimed at helping men live healthier, happier lives. As Term Four begins, the Woori Community House remains a beacon of learning, connection, and support. Whether you’re a returning member or a first-time visitor, the house offers a space to grow, share, and build a stronger community, one class and event at a time.
Seville Conununity House-Tenn 4
Check out some of our programs this term at Seville Community House! For the full lineup, visit www.sevillecommhouse.org.au. We can't wait to see you.
BOXING FOR FITNESS
Join Les for this fun weekly boxing class. No experience required.
WEDNESDAYS *
6.45-7.30PM SEVILLE HALL ������• $5 PER CLASS
SENSORY PLAYGROUP FOR TOODLERS
A welcoming playgroup for little ones to explore, connect and have fun!. Each week offers something new- from singing, dancing and musical instruments to messy and sensory activities. Come along to enjoy playtime, make friends and leave the clean-up to us!
WEDNESDAYS 10.00-11.00AM
8 WEEKS STARTING 15 OCT$60 FOR THE TERM (+$10 PER ADDITIONAL CHILD)
Proudly Supported By
Yarra Ranges Council
SEW ALONG
Bring your sewing project to work on in the company of others. Sewing machines available to use.
FRIDAY OCT 31 AND NOV 28
2.00-6.00PM $10 PER SESSION
CARERS GET TOGETHER
Our quarterly Carer's group will get together for afternoon teas, a good chat and some creative time. If you identify as a carer, you are welcome!
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6
2.00-4.00PM SEVILLE HALL
I Bendigo Bank
For questions or more information, contact us at 59643987 or info@sevillecommhouse.org.au
You're always welcome hereEveryone's Community House
Woori Community House. (File: 337348)
FIRE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
Time and support help heal
By Gabriella Vukman
On 16 February 1983, over 180 fires swept through Victoria, destroying the property and livelihoods of thousands of people.
Ash Wednesday was an event of mass destruction that is still taking its toll 42 years later.
On 7 February 2009, 173 lives were lost to the Black Saturday bushfires. Homes and livelihoods were destroyed and the trauma accompanying such devastation remains a constant battle in the lives of those impacted by the event.
While the loss of property and death tolls star in the headlines when it comes to major bushfire events, the concept of ongoing social recovery tends to lurk in the background.
Clinical psychologist and consultant for disaster recovery to the Victorian Government Dr Rob Gordon noted it took a long time before trauma conditions and the need for their treatment were recognised.
“I first got in, I was a psychologist at a children’s hospital and then when Ash Wednesday occurred, I was asked to go out with a team and support parents, families and children after the trauma there and really at that stage, I realised that nobody knew what we should be doing and that the understanding of trauma in 1983 was very primitive,” he said.
“As more bushfires occurred, I had the opportunity to build up an area of understanding. In the meantime, all the research started, PTSD was diagnosed and the whole area started to get going.“
The idea of trauma has come a long way since 1983.
Dr Gordon said, “The idea of trauma was much more associated with a single or a discrete kind of impactful event disrupting a person’s life and making them very frightened. But we’ve since learned that that’s very important, but it’s the context in which that happens, the relationships, the sense of control in life and the stability of the habits and security of the environment that are very important for allowing someone to recover from trauma.”
“And in relation to disasters, there is the trauma of the threat of the terrible things that happen on the day. And when we talk about that, we have to remember that it’s not just what happens that is important. It’s what I think is going to happen to me that is often the trauma in natural disasters,” he said.
Now it is understood that often, people won’t start to deal with their trauma for years.
Dr Gordon said, “When you work with people who maybe come for help in the second year, you realise that they are really just trying to come to grips with how their world has been changed by this traumatic event.”
“They have been trying to live their lives and do what’s required to get their families in a stable state, particularly if they have to rebuild their house and argue with insurance companies, so it is quite common that people only start processing trauma in the second year.
“It is very important for them to have that support and then for the services to be aware that the real demand is going to surface months or years down the track.”
According to Dr Gordon, emotional responses to bushfire disasters tend to diverge from the typical clinical psychology conditions of anxiety and depression and instead manifest as loss, grief, trauma and disruption.
“Loss is an important thing to consider in disasters. The worst thing, of course, is losing loved ones but they also lose heirlooms and mementos and precious things like wedding presents and photographs if their house were to burn down and these things are not just objects,” he said.
“These things hold history and history gives us identity. People often have this feeling that they’ve been stripped bare when they’ve lost all
It’s the unexpressed emotion that is tucked away and shut down that causes problems.” - Dr Rob Gordon
of this stuff and it takes a while to build that back up again so that work with loss is a very important part because they may have lost their friends and neighbours who’ve moved out of the area and their sense of community.“
Although both grief and trauma reactions accompany loss and oscillate with each other, they are disparate responses.
Dr Gordon said, “Trauma occurs when something terrible has happened and might happen again. Grief is when someone has lost something and can’t get it back.”
The fourth reaction associated with bushfire events is disruption.
“The disruption of the pattern of life can be having to live in temporary accommodation and not knowing where you are going to be next. This leads to people having to focus on the next few moments rather than the long term and when they’ve done that for six months or two years, often when they eventually move into their new house, they just don’t feel right. They’ve lost their bearings and this is something that they can only start to address when they’ve got their life stabilised again,” Dr Gordon said.
An essential step in recovering from bushfire disasters is thinking back and making sense of what happened during the event.
Dr Gordon said, “When you are in a state of danger and threat, you go into a kind of tunnel vision of survival but later when you think back, there are gaps in how events unfolded. It is very important that people can get good information about what happened and why.”
“People need to know why the fire brigade weren’t there, why they didn’t get warnings and which way the wind came. This information gives people a sense of control,” he said.
Another important step in the recovery process is talking about experiences.
“It’s only when we try to explain something to
somebody else that we have to take what is in our memory as a strong set of images and emotions and lay them out in words to make sense of them,”
Dr Gordon said.
“Those communities that start meeting regularly, having meals together and talking together, slowly move through their trauma together as a group. People who are isolated or don’t want to attend gatherings or feel too worried about getting upset tend not to move on.“
Conversing with and reacting to the trauma and emotions of other people who have been involved in a bushfire event can be difficult to navigate. Dr Gordon said, “If people start crying as they tell you something sad, you don’t need to be uncomfortable. You just need to offer them tissues and keep listening.”
Asking questions can also be helpful to victims of fire events, as these questions can build on the victims’ clarity and understanding of the events they witnessed.
“If you are patient and kind, non-judgemental and accepting, you will find that you will be able to really help people,” Dr Gordon said.
It is also very important for people in recovery to feel supported by and connected to their community, as well as be able to meet together and talk about what happened. The promotion and support of the formation of community groups can aid in facilitating this discussion among victims.
Suggesting a three to four year timeframe for creating opportunities for the community to engage with and support people in recovery, Dr Gordon said, “Councils can do this by facilitating and making sure there are places where people can meet, maybe giving them a little bit of funding for food, as food brings people together.”
“In those regular meetings, people will talk, share experience, support each other, solve problems and generally process the experience and
they’ll get a great sense of value from being in their community,” he said.
“Bringing community together is essential and promoting community events of various sorts, such as pamper days, shared meals, creating art, or having sessions on helping to rebuild fences or something, are all ways of doing this. People often come out the other end saying they feel much more a part of the community than they ever did before such events, and we know that this is very good for mental and physical health.”
Further, Dr Gordon suggested that one of the best things for councils and communities to do is to “make sure that there are opportunities for agencies such as emergency services to have meetings when things are settled down where everyone can describe what they know and what they tried to do and why it happened the way it did and then to allow people to ask questions.”
Ensuring that community support, financial counselling and health services are made readily available to victims down the track are also recommendations of Dr Gordon’s.
He noted that there is much more acceptance of mental health today.
“It’s the unexpressed emotion that is tucked away and shut down that causes problems,” Dr Gordon said.
“You don’t have to have had a serious mental illness to need help.
“It is also important to recognise that people will recover at their own rate.”
Graham Simpson was a captain of the Cockatoo CFA when the Ash Wednesday fires occurred.
“I’d come home from work and I could see the smoke on the way. There was no fire in Cockatoo at the time, but up the hill you could see the smoke that was over the other side of Cardinia Reservoir, which was the fire coming through from Belgrave South,” Mr Simpson said.
Clinical psychologist and consultant for disaster recovery Dr Rob Gordon. (Supplied)
FIRE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
“One of our trucks had been dispatched to go down there and help them and they ended up at Upper Beaconsfield.“
Mr Simpson received a call to go out to a small fire on the side of the road.
“We had a little truck that only had 180 litres of water because our other truck had gone to Upper Beaconsfield,” Mr Simpson said.
“We started working on the little fire and I looked across the road and I could see smoke coming up from the Wrights Forest. I went off to investigate and it was burning quite fiercely so I called a truck in but they said they were out of water, and had to fill up first.
“By the time they came into the forest, there was no way we had enough water to stop it, so we had to retreat out.”
The fire in the Wright forest had burned up to the top of the hill, and was threatening some houses.
“Our truck at Upper Beaconsfield had heard me on the radio and asked to be released, and they returned to Cockatoo pretty much when the wind change came through,” Mr Simpson said.
“I was in my car and I heard on my radio that the wind change had hit Frankston and I thought, oh, gee, it’s moving.
“By the time the guy finished saying that it had hit Frankston, the next boy said, the wind change had hit Cranbourne.“
Mr Simpson recounted that some of the CFA team thought that the wind change would miss Cockatoo.
“I didn’t believe them. I knew it would go straight down the hill and straight through Cockatoo so we headed down the hill to see what we could do in the town but it was total chaos,” he said.
“Everyone was trying to get out of town and when I was in the Wrights Forest, the police helicopter had flown over and had broadcast something. Probably told everyone to evacuate.
“I put my red helmet on and the night just kept going on. We were just chasing fire after fire and there were houses burning down everywhere.“
Equipped with just a small and large truck due to the other trucks being committed to other fires across the state, Mr Simpson and the CFA team did what they could with what they had.
“There was nothing we could do. We didn’t have much,” he said.
“If I had to go back, though, I wouldn’t change anything.
“I had very limited resources, and there’s nothing I could have done any differently. I live with that. I live with the fact that I did what I could with what I had.”
Mr Simpson had one wall of his house severely burnt when his neighbours burnt down. He considers himself lucky that the only damage was that, and the loss of an above-ground swimming pool and a cubby house for his children.
Following the Ash Wednesday fires, many people from the Cockatoo community were left homeless and lived in caravans while waiting to rebuild.
The community banded together, providing showers, food, clothing and even helping to reconstruct fences, houses and other buildings that had been lost in the fire.
“People rebuilt, they lived in their caravans on their bit of land as long as they could. We’d organise showers and a laundry and that sort of thing down here,” Mr Simpson said.
I had very limited resources, and there’s nothing I could have done any differently. I live with that. I live with the fact that I did what I could with what I had.” - Graham Simpson
“Fortunately, it was easy to get a permit to rebuild a house then, as opposed to after Black Saturday. People are still struggling to get through a permit to build a house, which is very, very sad.“
Trauma from the fire wracked the community.
Mr Simpson said, “Some people didn’t cope very well at all. Some marriages broke up and a lot of people moved out. They said they were never going back to Cockatoo.”
As for the long-term effects, it wasn’t until two years after the fires that the PTSD struck Mr Simpson.
“I was building a deck out the back of my place and I was trying to get a piece of wood to fit. Each time I cut a bit more off, it still wouldn’t fit. And I just broke down and cried. It wasn’t anything to do with a bit of wood,” he said.
“It was the fact that everything had caught up because after two years we’d had the coronial enquiry and all that sort of stuff. And I openly admit that it does catch up with you eventually. I’m pretty much over it because I use talking to the school kids at the education centre as a release.“
The Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre lies in Cockatoo and serves to remind the community and anyone who chooses to visit about what happened on Ash Wednesday.
“The Centre serves many roles for the community. A lot of people need to come and have a look and get it out of their system. And so if it just serves that purpose, it can take a lot of pressure off a person,” Mr Simpson said.
“One lady came in and she was there in Cockatoo on Ash Wednesday. When she found the centre, she broke down and cried. It was a good release for her,” he said.
“She then became one of our weekend volunteers so it was good.
“The council was originally going to demolish the Education Centre and return it to parkland but the Cockatoo community fought hard to keep it.
“The community rose up against the Council and convinced them to put the Learning Centre on the heritage list for its cultural significance to the state of Victoria because people sheltered there on Ash Wednesday.
“Men, women, children, dogs, cats, goats, their pets from the fire so it has a history of being used as a refuge,” Mr Simpson said.
The Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre is open on Sundays from 11am to 3pm and remains an important, historical site for the Cockatoo and broader community.
There are resources available if you are suffering or have suffered from a natural disaster.
For community services and aid visit: redcross.org.au/emergencies/resources/
For a Trauma and Disaster recovery toolkit, visit: knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/recoveryhelpful-resources/
For supportive resources for disaster recovery, go to: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Climate-and-environment/Emergencies/Supportive-resources-for-disaster-recovery-webinarsvideos
For information on how to support recovery workers, go to: vic.gov.au/community-recoverystories
The Ash Wednesday Bushfire Education Centre is open on Sundays from 11am to 3pm and remains an important, historical site for the Cockatoo community. (Gabriella Vukman)
Former Cockatoo CFA Captain Graham Simpson talked about what happened on Ash Wednesday.
Global warming concerns
WOORILLA WORDS
By Maria Millers
I love a sunburnt country, A land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, Of droughts and flooding rains
When homesick 19 year old Dorothea Mackellar wrote her poem My Country, while travelling through Europe with her father, she unleashed an emotional attachment in many to this land of ‘droughts and flooding rains.’
Often used to refute warnings about climate change, it serves as a rallying point for some to dismiss scientific data that shows us heading for difficult times.
This week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia will commit to cutting emissions by between 62 per cent and 70 per cent by 2035.
While the country remains divided on the speed and scope of the transition, there is increasing momentum toward embracing renewable energy as a key part of Australia’s future energy mix.
This week, the National Climate Risk Assessment Report highlighted some of the realities we are facing as the planet continues to warm; increased deadly heatwaves, floods, rising sea levels and worsening bushfires: resulting in economic and health problems.
Those who reject that global warming is the result of human activity see the cycles of extreme weather events that Mackellar wrote about as natural and that when they pass the land ‘pays us back threefold.’
At the time, Mackellar was writing Australia and the world was a different place.
Australia’s population was only about 3.8 million and global population was 1.65 billion.
It was a resource-exporting settler economy: rich in mining and agriculture, with growing but modest manufacturing, and already very urban and infrastructure-rich for its size.
And people led simpler life styles.
From the early observations about the greenhouse effect to today’s urgent warnings, the science has become clearer and the conversation about addressing it has reached a global scale.
Going back as far as early 19th century, scien-
WHAT’S ON AROUND THE VALLEY COMMUNITY DIARY
COMMUNITY DIARY
Mini market at Rayners Orchard
Rayners Orchard will host a mini market on 11 October and everyone is welcome.
The market goes from 9am to 2pm and is located at the 60 Schoolhouse Rd Woori Yallock.
The market is currently looking for interested stall holders.
CFA Get Fire Ready
CFA is urging Victorians to Get Fire Ready with more than 500 brigades across the state hosting an event this October to help communities
tists were already warning about global warming and greenhouse effect.
Svante Arrheniusn a Swedish scientist suggested that increases in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels from burning coal would lead to global warming and rising temperatures: a ground breaking idea at the time.
Awareness of the impact of human activity grew over the century, and in 1979 at the First World Climate Conference scientists discussed the potential impact of human activities on global temperatures.
The conference warned that human-induced climate change could be a serious problem in the coming decades.
In 1997, The Kyoto Protocol committed developed nations to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
A significant step but limited by the absence of some major emitters like the U.S.
By the 2000s increased evidence showed with greater confidence that human activities, particularly burning of fossil fuels, are responsible for most of global warming.
The Paris Agreement of 2015 saw a historic international effort to limit global warming to well below 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C if possible.
The agreement recognized the need for collective action, with countries committing to carbon reduction goals.
prepare ahead of what’s expected to be a challenging fire season.
The Get Fire Ready initiative will kick off on 4 and 5 October and run throughout the month.
These are the Get Fire Ready days taking place in the Yarra Ranges:
• Badger Creek CFA - 31 October from 5pm to 9pm.
• Gruyere CFA - 5 October, 9am to 2pm.
• Coldstream CFA - 26 October, 10am to 3pm.
• Seville CFA - 5 October, 10am to 2pm.
• Yellingbo CFA - 25 October, 10am to 4pm (door knock visit).
• Hoddles Creek CFA - 5 October, 10am to 2pm.
• Yarra Junction CFA - 26 October, 10am to 2pm.
• Wesburn-Millgrove CFA - 12 October, 10am to 3pm.
• Warburton CFA - 15 October, 6pm to 8pm.
• Little Yarra CFA - 12 October, 10am to 2pm.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the Get Fire Ready events are designed to inform and educate the community about their local fire risks.
“The seasonal outlook warns parts of Victoria could face an increased fire risk this bushfire season and CFA is getting on the front foot to help communities across Victoria plan and prepare for bushfire season,” Jason said.
CFA is encouraging all Victorians, particularly those in high-risk areas, to attend their local Get
By the 2020s: reports warn that climate change is now unequivocal and human influence on the climate system is clear.
Extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense.
Just think of the wildfires that have swept this year through countries like the US, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece and ice melting in the Arctic and Antarctic.
The ice caps are melting,
The world’s heat is rising,
The earth turns on,
But who will survive it?“
The Icecaps by Derek Jacobi China, now a powerhouse of manufacturing has in recent years adopted a fairly ambitious set of policies, targets, and actions to address global warming.
Some of these are already yielding results, though there are also challenges and criticisms.
A part of China’s strategy is increasing the share of nonfossil fuels (solar, wind, nuclear, hydro) in its energy mix.
In both Australia and the Pacific, climate change is visible to the naked eye: burning forests, bleaching reefs, shrinking rivers, drowned coastlines, and shifting wildlife.
For Pacific countries, climate change isn’t a distant risk — it’s already eroding land, food se-
Fire Ready event.
Jason reinforced that preparation doesn’t need to be complicated.
“Clearing gutters, mowing lawns, trimming branches, knowing where you’ll go if a fire breaks out and setting a watch zone in the VicEmergency app can make a real difference in an emergency,” Jason said.
To find out when your local brigade is taking part visit cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready
Millgrove Community Open Day
A Community Open Day in Millgrove will take place on Sunday 12 October which will showcase the town’s friendly and tight-knit nature.
Hosted by the Millgrove Residents Action Group (MRAG), the open day takes place at Memorial Park from 10am to 2.30pm.
Community stalls will have a range of goods on offer, while a jumping castle and face paint will keep the kids entertained.
There will be informative bushfire preparation sessions held by the Wesburn-Millgrove CFA and the Upper Yarra SES will destroy a car with the Jaws of Life tool.
There’s plenty more on offer, so be sure to get down to Millgrove to check it all out.
curity, and livelihoods, and forcing them to fight for their very existence on the world stage.
As Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner – Marshallese poet; speaking at the UN Climate Summit in 2014 addresses her infant daughter.
No one’s drowning, baby no one’s moving no one’s losing their homeland no one’s gonna become a climate change refugee
From Dear Matafele Peinem.
In 2023, Australia joined the Clean Energy Transition Partnership at COP28.
The CETP requires ending direct support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, with some limited exceptions.
It was unsettling to see Woodside being given the recent approval of the massive Woodside gas project in Western Australia.
It’s described as a “climate bomb” for its impact on global emissions, but the gas will be exported, so it won’t count on Australia’s emissions ledger.
Last year was the hottest year on record, at 1.55 degrees above pre-industrial levels, but this was a single year.
Scientists look at the long-term average, and on that basis, the planet has warmed 1.3 to 1.4 degrees.
Australia has warmed 1.5 degrees.
This will impact on both the environment and human health.
We see the damage to the Ningaloo reef in WA, the disastrous algae bloom in SA and the Barrier Reef in Queensland.
Now our heads are full of wreckage,
The ocean is full of wreckage,
The planet’s running down.
Excerpt The Planet on the Table by Craig Arnold.
The problem of climate change cannot be left solely the responsibility of governments.
There is concern as to what kind of an economy and environment are we leaving to our children, grandchildren and great-grand children.
In Grace Paley’s poem Responsibility she directly addresses the realities of climate change and the moral responsibility of humans to address the crisis.
Paley uses humour and irony to reflect on the human tendency to ignore urgent problems, despite overwhelming evidence. There is the ice that melts in the water
And the smoke that rises to the sky.
We have been told. But we ignore it.
We are so busy, so busy.
Responsibility -excerpt
Entries for the Woorilla Poetry Prize close on 30 September 2025
Lavender Festival open for stall holders
The Lavender Harvest Weekend at Warratina Lavender Farm is on from the 29 to the 30 November this year and there’s still room for stall holders. This event promises plenty of engaging activities, featuring traditional harvesting of lavender, demonstrations of old time crafts such as lace making, blacksmithing and wood turning and carving.
There’ll also be plenty of music and dance to accompany of lovely day of lavender. Musical entertainment such as Irish dancers, belly dancers, bagpipers, will be present, while children’s entertainment is also included on the day.
And there’ll be plenty of chances to have a feast with food trucks, stalls, lavender ice cream, and more.
The event takes place from 9.30am-5pm. Taking bookings now for stalls.
It will surely be a great day out for the family. Bookings on the day or online via website: warratinalavender.com.au.
A percentage of the takings with be donated to Wandin and Seville CFAs.
Contact: Annemarie on 0417 589 231 to enquire about hosting a stall.
The National Climate Risk Assessment Report highlights some of the realities of global warming: increased deadly heatwaves, floods, rising sea levels and worsening bushfires. (Unsplash)
Terribly twee but not terrible
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
Starring Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie M 3.75/5
The third film from Korean-American filmmaker Kogonada, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is an episodic, clunky but touching fantasy romance about two strangers who go on a time-jumping adventure after meeting at a wedding.
Despite the solid performances and gorgeous art direction, including the nifty costuming choice of colour-coding Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell) as red and blue (respectively), ABBBJ gets off to a rough start.
With the low emotional wavelength, the
CARTOON
blunt, slightly odd dialogue and the artificial framing-device of GPSes with the face of HAL-9000 guiding David and Sarah to doors
Green thumbs will love it
Book review of Your Asian Veggie Patch by Connie Cao
Your Asian Veggie Patch, by Melbourne-based urban permaculture gardener Connie Cao, is a user-friendly guide on growing and cooking a vibrant array of Asian vegetables, herbs and fruits.
The beautifully curated book is designed to “motivate as many people as possible to embrace and celebrate the diversity of edible plants grown and eaten across Asian households”. As Cao declares at the start of the book: “Let me be your Asian best friend who can’t stop raving... Expect bountiful encouragement and enthusiastic cheering from me on the sidelines.”
Indeed, the author’s cheerful and sincere words distinguish this title from other gardening books out here in the market, as her writing comes straight from her heart.
She writes about growing up in an Asian immigrant family in Australia who are thrilled to discover they can grow the taste of home in their own backyard.
“Both (my dad and me) learned from scratch; I searched the Internet for advice, and he used trial and error as well as pragmatic logic. In the kitchen, my mum would turn our harvests into easy-to-make Asian dishes.”
“I was in awe then, and I’m in awe now. Nature reminds us that even the smallest things can be incredibly resilient and grow into something wonderful,” Cao wrote.
And that is what encourages gardeners across Australia and beyond to keep growing –not just to produce and enjoy their own food, but to cultivate heartfelt appreciation and respect for their working and living environment that is nurtured by Mother Nature. The book is divided into two parts, with Part one introducing gardening essentials from climate to container growing and then to cooking.
PASSION FOR PROSE
WITH CHRISTINE SUN
The section “A permaculture way of growing” is particularly useful, promoting a “sustainable, resilient and regenerative” way of living.
Part Two is the true gem of the book, introducing cool-season veggies, warm-season veggies, year-round veggies, herbs and fruits that are commonly grown, harvested and prepared in Asian countries. These are accompanied with easy-to-follow recipes and cooking instructions. Some of these are highly manageable, such as homegrown kimchi, homemade chilli oil, and gardener’s sambal. Others are eye-opening even to seasoned Asian cooks, such as yuzu vinaigrette dressing, lemongrass and pandan coconut rice, and cumquat and lavender iced tea. As a fellow Asian Australian, this reviewer especially welcomes different versions of “ordinary” dishes such as pork and (garlic) chive dumplings, spring onion pancake, mapo tofu, and winter melon tea. It is also great to learned about some unusual and uncommon plants, such as shark fin melon, jujube, shiso, choko, and curry leaf tree.
As Cao writes: “The best part of a home is always the veggie patch.”
There is nothing better than growing your own fresh, nutritious and delicious produce, because you know where your food comes from and what is involved in bringing them to your dining table.
in space-time (imposed through an annoying comedy bit with Kevin Kline and Phoebe WallerBridge), ABBBJ’s first half sits in a tonal Uncanny Valley.
Too twee as drama but too grounded as surrealism, ABBBJ pushes you away rather than drawing you in, and often feels like a lavish, lowstakes museum tour.
The film finds its stride in the second half with some wonderful vignettes, more meaty dialogue, plenty more stunning visuals and a moving examination of David as a man who tires of true love once he achieves it and Sarah as a woman afraid of being too happy.
Much like the street dance scene in The Life
of Chuck and the time-bending rave in Sinners, ABBBJ’s highlight is a funny, purposefully awkward sequence of David reliving his high-school musical, as his future knowledge threatens to sink the show.
There are also poignant complementary scenes of Sarah and David confronting their pasts, where the drama (mostly) rises out of the Valley and the sensitive dialogue and Farrell and Robbie’s acting really shine.
Consistently pretty, hard to engage with for the first half but deeply moving for the second, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is playing in most Victorian cinemas.
The Round Nova Theatre presents Chess
At the heart of the story is a politically-driven, Cold-War era chess tournament between two grandmasters – one American and the other Soviet.
Cold-War era chess tournament at The Round Kemp’s curtain call
Their fight on the chess-board is paralleled by their competing over a women who assistant to one and falls in love with the other.
The American Grandmaster, Frederick Truper, was performed by Jenter Zilm. A wonderful portrayal of the American showing all the finer nuances of such a person. Added to his professional performance was a good singing voice which enhanced the evening.
The Soviet was represented by Anatoly Dergievsky played by Leighton Garwin. A great performance actually capturing the feel of a Soviet player as opposed to the American Grandmaster, the two carried their respective roles with professionalism and were a great balance to each other.
The lady in contention, Freddy’s assistant and Anatoly’s lover, Florence Vassy, was played by Nat Carden. Nat projected well but in the beginning her voice sounded like she was screaming, you reviewer is not sure whether or not this was a technical flaw or her own voice.
During the production her voice became excellent and was a pleasure to listen to.
Her performance as an actress was superb and one memorable scene was when she and Svetlana played by Lauren Seymour as Anatoly’s wife, sung a suet I Know Him So Well.
This was an excellent duo and the audience responded as expected.
The Arbiter was performed by Matt Jakwenko, an amazing character in his role as arbiter.
A good strong voice and excellent acting skills.
Matt gave a terrific performance in such a role.
Another good performance was given by Sean McBride as Anatoly’s assistant Alexander Molokov. An excellent portrayal capturing the essence of a Russian assistant.
One memorable scene was One Night in Bangkok.
It had a temple flown in and the dancers were in Bangkok costumes and performing a traditional dance but then it switched to modern day Bangkok complete with tourists, girls of the night and others.
A wonderful transformation of the old and the new.
The remainder of the cast handled themselves very professionally and added to the high standard of the evening.
Your reviewer has been reviewing amateur theatre for over 40 years and Nova’s performance of Chess was equal to any professional performance.
The 1812 Theatre Speaking in Tongues Nine lives weave together in ways known and unknown in Andrew Bovell’s piercing drama, Speaking in tongues.
Leon is married to Sonja, Jane is married to Pete.
By chance, each spouse meets the other’s
one night and wind up in motel rooms. Pete and Sonja resist the one-night stand; Leon and Janet do not.
A lonely man, Neil, pines for the love of his life, Sarah, who moved on decades ago.
A woman, Valerie, goes missing and her stiletto was last seen in Nick’s car.
“Love, marriage, infidelity and betrayal are all tackled in this tense, electrifying play about relationships between lovers, strangers, and the infinite ways people wound each other.”
Season: 3 – 25 October. Bookings: 9758 3964 Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
The Importance of Being Earnest LAT chose an old regular play for the September season, but it still works.
A full house at the first matinee was absolutely packed and the audience appreciated the play.
I consider it one of the best plays produced by Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre.
Opening saw a remarkable set, a semi-circle in green with two entrances and exits.
After an interval in the country house, the set was still roughly the same but with more arches and a view of the countryside.
The butler, Lane/Merriman, played by Jesse Thomas, was given the correct feel expected of a butler in that era. A good performance. Algernon Moncrieff, Gwendolen’s cousin, was played by Josh Mitchell, who performed excellently and worked well with Lachlan Glennie as Jack Worthing.
Jack was in love with Algernon’s cousin, which led to some fun scenes in the play. Jack Worthing was given a terrific performance by Lachlan Glennie and some scenes with Algernon and Aunt Augusta were a scream.
Lady Bracknell, Aunt Augusta, was given a superb performance by Julie Arnold.
Julie caught the essence of the character and projected well.
Her niece, Gwendolen Fairfax, was played by Madeline Connolly, who captured the character as written and also some of her scenes, particularly with Cecily Cardew were a picture.
Cecily Cardew, Mr Worthing’s ward was well played by Cassidy Ryan, an excellent performance and also her scenes were a delight to behold.
Miss Prism, Cecily’s teacher, was played by Katie Gompertz, a lady with a past. Her scenes were a delight, also worked well with Dr Chasuble played by Ian Frost, who caught the subtleties of such a character. A delightful production leaving one to wonder why go to the city when such high-standard shows are in your neighbourhood.
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 Dine (3)
3 Increase in value (10)
10 On the way (2,5)
11 Make clear (7)
12 The study of speech sounds (9)
13 Head cook (4)
15 Greatly impressed by fame (10)
17 Sunrise (4)
19 Stead (4)
20 Professed (10)
23 Exclamation of surprise (4)
25 One who restrains an impulse (9)
27 Repeats (7)
28 Hard to define (7)
29 Widespread destruction; disclosure (10)
30 Newt (3) DOWN
1 With embarrassment (10)
2 Pierce (9)
4 First showings (9)
5 Sways to and fro (5)
6 Opportunity (6)
7 Tolerate (5)
8 Irish singer (4)
9 Constraint (6)
14 Affection (10)
16 Dispiriting (9)
18 Eggplant (9)
21 Follow to the end (3,3)
22 Fruit (6)
24 Big, grey, herbivorous mammal (5)
25 Fastidious (5)
26 Operatic air (4)
No.
Robbie, Gavan and Janet
SANCTUARY IN THE TREETOPS
SANCTUARY IN THE TREETOPS
RARELY do you get to enjoy such a high-end finish with cutting-edge design, coupled with breathtaking views.
This modern home has a clever architectural design, timber flooring, square set plaster work, and huge expanses of glass. There are two distinct levels where you will discover two spacious living zones, five large bedrooms, a home office, three luxury bathrooms, including a full ensuite and walk-in robe to the master. The huge central room is open plan and incorporates living/ dining and kitchen that is fully fitted with soft close cabinetry, engineered benchtops, walk-in pantry, Meile dishwasher, induction cooktop, and a large island seating up to eight people. Opening the triple stacker doors links
seamlessly to the entertaining deck and with glass balustrading, the panoramic VIEWS by day transform into twinkling CITY LIGHTS by night. It is truly STUNNING!
This fully renovated home is not only walking distance to the train station and shops, but also offers a separate kids TV/ rumpus room which opens to their adventure playground backyard (766 sqm) that is terraced for lots of fun. Other benefits include being an efficient all-electric home, central heating and cooling, and a bitumen driveway leading to a double carport. A second road frontage at the rear allows for additional onstreet parking. (NOTE - opposite 31 Grandview Crescent). ●
CONTEMPORARY ELEGANCE IN OFFICER
BUILT with quality and style at the forefront, this beautiful 4-year-old home on 630sqm offers the perfect mix of space, comfort, and modern design. Spread across two levels, it’s a home that works for families who want room to move, a flexible floor plan, and all the little extras already done. The façade has real street appeal with its clean lines and sealed driveway leading to a wide front door. Inside, the generous proportions set the tone, with open living areas and plenty of natural light giving the home a sense of warmth and space. The kitchen is a standout, finished with 60mm Caesarstone benches, induction cooking, oven, and built-in microwave, plus a walk-in pantry with plenty of storage. It flows easily into the main living and dining area, complete with feature wall and sheer curtains.
The master bedroom includes a fitted walk-in robe and a luxury ensuite with double vanity, freestanding bath and large shower. Upstairs, three further bedrooms with built-in
robes are serviced by an upgraded family bathroom with separate toilet. Downstairs offers its own private retreat, with a large rumpus and dining space, kitchenette and a fifth bedroom with ensuite and built-in robe— ideal for extended family, teenagers, or even potential rental income. Outside, the gardens are fully landscaped and easy to maintain, accompanied with built in benches and a ½ basketball court, while still offering plenty of space for entertaining.
Other highlights include built-in cabinetry, refrigerated heating and cooling, LED strip lighting, smart switches and PowerPoints, large laundry, a 2.5-car garage with Wi-Fi remote, keyless code entry, alarm system with 8 cameras, 3 phase charger for an electric car, 10kW of solar panels and excellent storage throughout!
Set in the highly regarded Timbertop Estate, you’re close to local shops, quality schools, cafes, train station, parks, walking tracks and easy freeway access.
HOME FOCUS
RURAL LIFESTYLE WITH AMAZING VIEWS
IT’S not often you combine flat, usable land with amazing views, yet this property has both!
Privately located and on a sealed road, this contemporary style home comes for sale for only the second time, and the first time with the house, just showing you how much the owners have absolutely loved the property.
Enjoying a wonderful series of rural outlooks from every room, the living spaces offer both casual and formal settings, the stylish lounge and meals area are heated by the double-sided wood heater/open fireplace that provides comfort and warmth. Indoor and outdoor spaces combine here for absolute lifestyle pleasure.
The modern gourmet kitchen is appointed with Caesarstone benchtops and modern appliances and dishwasher is the hub of the home. There are four bedrooms, with 3 offering built-in robes, the master bedroom with a large ensuite and walk-through robe. Relax with your favourite beverage each night, look across the paddocks and enjoy the serenity on offer. The property offers plenty of opportunities for equine pursuits, with a large stable complex, including 4-5 stables, tackroom and 2 large bays for floats or machinery, as well as a menage and 4 large paddocks plus a small yard offering options for even a few sheep or some cows (or whatever takes your fancy!), alongside the native gardens creating a haven for beautiful visiting birds and wildlife - come home to paradise!
Additional features include a bore, wood shed, 2 bay shed with chicken coop attached, split systems and 4 water tanks plus new fencing.
Car parking is via a double carport at the front of the home, with plenty of space for all the toys!
Locally, you have easy access to Macclesfield Primary School, kindergartens, IGA, Woolies and Aldi with High Schools, shops and cafes in nearby Emerald and Monbulk.
This property truly is your piece of paradise – and only around an hour from central Melbourne – so be quick, this one won’t last! ●
PICTURE PERFECT PIECE OF ART
TIME is the one thing you can’t buy, and this immaculately restored historic home provides timeless appeal with a garden to match! Offering stunning views over the garden and Cardinia Reservoir to the West, this oneof-a-kind property offers space, charm and versatility for the whole family.
The home itself is full of character, featuring polished timber floors, ornate plasterwork, soaring ceilings and heritage tiling that give it a timeless appeal. A choice of two living areas plus a study/sunroom makes it ideal for both family living and entertaining, with the spacious country-sized kitchen offers dining space opening out to a private courtyard.
Sweeping verandas provide the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the surrounds. Tucked away within the grounds one will find the gorgeous three-room artist’s studio, a more beautiful and tranquil spot to nourish your creative talents would be difficult to envisage. Gardens
lovers will be ecstatic with a beautiful pond and the maturity and diversity of plantings including 100 year-old oaks, elm, copper beech together with a myriad of camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and water features providing colour and interest to delight the senses on a year-round basis.
To the rear of the property, and accessed via the third driveway, there are four paddocks offering room for animals or lifestyle use.
With Emerald township only a few minutes away offering all modern conveniences and Melbourne only a 50 minute drive via Wellington Road and Monash Freeway ‘Woodlands’ simply offers the best of all worlds.
Homes of this calibre, with so much character and space, rarely come to market. This one truly needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. ●
Mount Royal Manor with Option to Purchase Lifestyle Allotment
A local landmark on lush acreage with spectacular views, Fletchers Yarra Ranges is proud to present magnificent “Mount Royal Manor”. A palatial dwelling framed by an inground pool and outdoor entertaining area with sauna, ground person’s bungalow, 6-car garage, 2-car in-house garage and single carport, greenhouse, glasshouse, and landscaped gardens with ornate water features, this property feels a million miles from civilisation while, in fact, only moments from amenities. Inside this incredible residence, the sense of grandeur is palpable. The split-level lounge boasts intricate coffered ceilings, a show-stopping marble fire, and a wrought iron circular staircase that leads to the lower level billiards room. The adjacent formal dining area features parquet flooring, decorative ceiling panels, and crystal chandeliers. The neighbouring open plan kitchen with granite benchtops overlooks the spacious meals area and sprawling level lawn framed by leafy gardens. For versatility, there are 2 upper level bedrooms with spa tub ensuites, 3 family bedrooms with plush carpet and built-in robes, and 2 rooms that could serve as additional accommodation or sizeable home offices. Furthermore, there are luxurious bathrooms on both levels featuring floor to ceiling tiles. Additional highlights include 2 balconies that soak up the exquisite outlooks, sealed drive with dual access, secure gated entry, and the incredible opportunity to purchase the adjoining block with complementary functions building and tennis court. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own this
CHARMING HOME IN A SENSATIONAL SPOT
A quality home and a very special Warburton property with a little bit of musical history at this well known address, simply stunning location, this beautiful home is the ideal place to secure you little piece of Warburton. Walk out your back gate and you’re right on the walking trail and in Warburton’s main street within minutes to enjoy all the main street eateries and attractions. The classic weatherboard home is very well presented, well maintained and loved and cared for for years, offering 2 bedrooms plus a separate bungalow ideal for the B & B or the extra weekend guests. The lounge/family room is just the spot to sit back relax and enjoy the colorful views and surrounds and ideally situated with the Yarra River and golf course just over the road it’s the ideal place to call home. ●
TRANQUIL MILLGROVE GEM
IF exceptional living, a generous backyard, and a big garage have been on your wish list, then this could be the one you’ve been waiting for. A beautifully updated home offering comfort, charm, and space in all the right places.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be impressed by the sealed driveway, manicured gardens, and welcoming entry. Step inside to discover fresh paint and new carpets in a tasteful, modern colour palette that exudes warmth and style throughout.
The living area is cosy and filled with natural light, with every window offering a scenic view. A split system ensures year round comfort, while the vibrant kitchen complete with gas cooking and splashes of colour will delight home chefs.
HOME ESSENTIALS
There are three bedrooms, two with built-in robes, and a master bedroom featuring double robes along with a private toilet and vanity for added convenience, stylish main bathroom, move in with nothing left to do!
Outside, the large undercover entertaining area overlooks a generous backyard, ideal for families, tradies, or those with extra toys. With excellent side access to the backyard and a large garage at the rear, there’s plenty of room to work or play. The low maintenance gardens and additional carport add to this fabulous package.
Backing onto tranquil bushland, this is a home that offers both privacy and practicality. A true lifestyle package—ready for some lucky buyer to call home. ●
Address: 48 Carroll Avenue, MILLGROVE Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 4 garage Price: $650,000 - $695,000 Inspect: By appointment
Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION. 5967 1277
FAMILY LIFESTYLE LIVING ON A GRAND SCALE
A beautiful property with an impressive street appeal boasting plenty of space inside and out, set on just over 3/4 of and acre. This property is sure to please the growing family with something for everyone! The classic homestead style home offers 4 big bedrooms plus an ensuite and walk in robe in the main bedroom. The open plan kitchen area has loads of bench and cupboard space plus a separate meals/dining area. Expansive lounge/living and family rooms ideally zoned to give the whole family plenty of space to spread out. Head outside and enjoy and explore the outdoors with big wide open spaces all round - it’s a kids and pets paradise. Covered veranda’s front and rear plus a separate covered entertaining area offer year round outdoor entertaining. A large garage and workshop provide plenty of car accommodation and with established gardens all round, this is an impressive property from every aspect. A great property designed with family space in mind and set in the glorious and semi rural surrounds of East Warburton - yet only a short drive to the Warburton township and public transport just a short walk down the road.
MountainViews&aMassiveBlock– LifestyleLivinginWarburton
EmbracethebestoftheWarburtonlifestylewiththisbeautifullyupdatedbrickhome,proudly positionedon agenerous1,924m²(approx.)allotment.Inside,thehomefeaturesthreebedrooms, includinga spaciousmastersuitecompletewithwalk-inrobeanda stylishprivateensuite.Themain bathroomhasbeentastefullyrenovated,boasting afreestandingbath,walk-inshower,anddesigner tilechoices.Theopen-planliving,dining,andkitchenareaislightfilledandwelcoming,withlarge picturewindowsthatperfectlycapturebreathtakingmountainvistas.Thisoneisnottobemissed!
27.7AcresofPrimeLand– RareOpportunitywithSpectacularViews
ThisstunningparceloflandofferssweepingpanoramicviewsacrosstheWarburtontownshipand beyond.Comprisingofthreeseparatetitles,severalopenpaddocksidealforgrazinghorsesorcattle, thepositioncreates apicturesquesettingidealforthoseseekingprivacy,lifestyle,orinvestment.With waterandelectricityalreadyconnected,thegroundworkislaidforyoutobringyourvisiontolife whetheritbea dreamhome,eco-retreat,or astrategicinvestmentinoneofthemostsoughtafter destinationsintheYarraValley.
RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068 Inspection: ByAppointment
FamilyLivingin aConvenientLocation PositionedjustminuteswalktoYarraJunctions’towncentrethischarmingpropertyoffersallthe convenienceatyourfingertips.Offering3 goodsizebedrooms,largefamilysizeliving/loungearea leadingoutto acoveredentertainingareaanda securelyfencedbackyard.Thekitchenspacious andhasplentyofbenchandcupboardspaceplusa separatemeals/diningarea,thelargefront deckingoffersextraoutdoorlivingandentertaining.Amplecaraccommodationwith alargedouble carportandextracarspace, agreatpropertyin aconvenientlocation. 1CrestwoodPlace,YarraJunction
DavidCarroll M 0419539320
$630,000 -$690,000
SuperNeat– Renovated& ReadytoEnjoy!
Thischarminglittlegemistheidealmatchforanyoneseekinga lowmaintenance,cosylifestyle in abeautifullyrenovatedhome.Stepinsidetodiscover atastefullyupdatedinterior,featuringa beautifullyappointedkitchenwithgascooktop,amplestorage,andplentyofspace.Offeringtwo bedrooms,includinga generousmastercompletewith abuiltinrobe.Outside,thefullyfenced backyardis atruehaven.Withmultipleshedstopotterinand asinglecarportplusextraparkingat thefront,thisis agreatpackageata superaffordableprice. 44CarrollAvenue,Millgrove $530,000 -$570,000
RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068
CharmingHomein aSensationalLocation
Aqualityhomeand averyspecialWarburtonproperty,thisbeautifulhomeistheidealplaceto secureyoulittlepieceofWarburton.Theclassicweatherboardhomeisverywellpresented,well maintainedandlovedandcaredforforyears.Offering 2bedroomsplusa separatebungalowideal forthe B&Bortheextraweekendguests.Thelounge/familyroomisjustthespottositbackrelaxand enjoythecolourfulviewsandsurrounds.Ideallysituated,it’sa greatplacetocallhome.
DavidCarroll M 0419539320
CONTEMPORARY COTTAGE LIVING
WELCOME to 3 Railway Place, Belgrave – A beautifully renovated character cottage that seamlessly blends timeless charm with a modern, functional floorplan. Set on a low maintenance 781m² block in the heart of Belgrave’s vibrant hub, this stunning home offers exceptional convenience, style and versatility for today’s family lifestyle.
Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed layout featuring three spacious bedrooms plus three modern bathrooms, offering flexibility and privacy for families of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re accommodating multi generational living, guests, or someone with mobility needs, this floorplan has been cleverly crafted to suit a wide range of lifestyles.
The open-plan kitchen and living zone is definitely the heart of the home – complete with a spacious, classic kitchen, flanked by both formal and informal lounge areas. Whether you’re entertaining or relaxing, this central space is warm and inviting, enhanced by beautiful timber windows that frame the leafy surrounds and fill the space with natural light.
Rich hardwood floors, multiple split system heating/cooling and a cosy wood fire ensure year-round comfort, while the home’s blend of period details and modern finishes create a truly welcoming atmosphere.
Outside, the manageable block means more time to enjoy everything this incredible location has to offer. Just steps away are the walking trails of Sherbrooke Forest, Belgrave’s popular cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and the iconic Puffing Billy Railway Station, not to mention Mater Christi College and St Thomas More’s Primary School. Whether you’re catching a movie, heading out for dinner, or exploring the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, everything is at your doorstep.
This is more than just a house – it’s a rare opportunity to secure a unique, move in ready home in an ideal pocket of Belgrave. Inspect today and fall in love with everything 3 Railway Place has to offer. ●
AN ELEGANT HOME IN HEART OF RANGES
SET on a pristine, flat and sun-filled 4716 sq. mtr block in the sought-after Dandenong Ranges, this elegant five-bedroom period home captures the essence of timeless charm and modern comfort. Surrounded by established gardens and embraced by the natural beauty of the hills, it offers an idyllic lifestyle with the perfect balance of space, privacy, and convenience.
From the moment you arrive, the home’s character-filled façade, manicured gardens and leafy outlook create an immediate sense of welcome. Inside, high ceilings adorned with ornate cornices and Victorian ceiling roses, compliment the light-filled interiors, highlighting its refined personality, while generous living spaces provide an inviting setting for both family life and entertaining.
The five spacious bedrooms offer flexibility for growing families or those seeking a retreatstyle haven, complemented by beautifully appointed bathrooms that blend classic design with contemporary finishes. The heart of the home is the French Provincial style kitchen featuring stone sink and stone benchtops as well as the Butler’s pantry, perfectly positioned for entertaining on a grand scale. Two spacious living zones will cater to all family needs having ample space for relaxation and entertainment, the formal lounge features an open fireplace and opens effortlessly to the outdoors—where sprawling lawns and sundrenched garden view rooms invite relaxed alfresco living.
Outdoors, the lifestyle is just as impressive. Covered verandas overlook the beautiful garden and sweeping lawns, creating a wonderful vantage point to watch the kids play. The outdoor kitchen and plumbed-in BBQ make alfresco dining effortless, ensuring every gathering is memorable.
Rarely does a property combine such an elegant period character home on a fabulous sunny block in this highly regarded location. Just moments from charming Kallista village, walking trails, schools, and transport, this residence is more than a home—it is a lifestyle sanctuary in the Dandenong Ranges. ●
$1,350,000-$1,450,000
Stepintowhatfeelslikeyourveryownbotanicalgardens—ahomesurroundedbylush, beautifullymaintainedgroundsthatarebothsereneandalivewiththesoundsofnative wildlife.ProbablyoneofthebestgardensinEmeraldsurroundthisspaciousfour-bedroom two-and-a-half-bathresidenceis filledwithnaturallightthatpoursthrougheverywindow, creatinganinvitingsenseofwarmththroughoutitsmultiplelivingareas
MickDolphin 0429684522
CaitiEllis 0493136937
This modernhome hasa cleverarchitecturaldesign,timberflooring,squaresetplaster work, and hugeexpanses ofglass.Therearetwodistinctlevelswhereyouwill discover two spaciouslivingzones, triplestackerdoorslinksseamlesslyto theentertainingdeckand withglass balustrading,thepanoramicVIEWSbydaytransforminto twinklingCITYLIGHTS bynight.Itis trulySTUNNING!
GrantSkipsey 0418528102
ASPACIOUSFAMILYRETREATINAPRIMELOCATION
Setona generous1,820sqmblock,thisexceptional 4bedroomplusstudyfamily residenceblendsthecharmofperiodfeatureswiththeeaseofmodernliving.With multiplelivingzones,updatedinteriors,andexpansiveoutdoorentertainingareas,it offerstheperfectlifestyleforfamiliesseekingspace,comfort,andtimelessstyle.Flowing seamlesslyfromthekitchenarethelounge,dining,andlivingareas,eachwithdirect accesstotheexpansivedeckwhereyoucanrelaxandtakeinthestunningforestviews.
JanBrewster 0409558805
HEARTOFTHEDANDENONGRANGES
Setona pristine,flatandsun-filled4716sq.mtrblockinthesought-afterDandenong Ranges,thiselegant five-bedroomperiodhomecapturestheessenceoftimelesscharm andmoderncomfort.Surroundedbyestablishedgardensandembracedbythenatural beautyofthehills,itoffersanidylliclifestyle withtheperfectbalanceofspace,privacy, andconvenience
JanBrewster 0409558805
Golfers face a gale
By Ron Hottes
The V.V.Vs:
We finally had a decent size field to contest the vouchers on offer.
Although the ladies playing put up with gale force winds blowing them off course, the day’s results were unfortunately not able to be posted, because the back nine scoring was not possible due to an admin error, in the Miscore system. Wednesday 17 September, Stroke and Canadian Foursomes:
This different type of event requires each paired partner to combine well with the other.
Therefore, the pair who work the most efficiently will usually get the job done better than the rest of the field.
The pair who finished on top on this day were Paul Kennedy and Kevin Conway.
Although not having played a lot before this day, P.K. and Kevin just clicked, to post a superb Nett 66.
Yet, this impressive result only just got the chokkies as Alan Macdonald and David Waterman came in with a Nett 66.5 - meaning they were “dudded“ by only half a shot.
With plenty of excellent results like these being recorded, the ball rundown only reached a Nett 71.
There were only two NTP winners because the tough fifth and twelfth holes were just too challenging for the entire field.
Dan Hyndman grabbed the one on offer on the fifth, and Dale Horrobin was a two time winner on both the ninth and the 15th.
Saturday 20 September, Stroke and Flag Day: Ok, so who could carry the proverbial flag the furthest?
The simple explanation for that definition is as follows: you play a stroke round.
If your final 18 hole score is a Nett 69, or more, then you pack up, enjoy the camaraderie in the
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE
AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT DIXONS CREEK
1. Optus is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station at 126 Pinnacle Lane, Dixons Creek VIC 3775.
2.The proposed upgrade will consist of:
• Replacement of five (5) existing Optus panel antennas with three (3) new Optus panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);
• Replacement of twelve (12) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with six (6) new RRUs;
• Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and
• Internal works within the existing equipment shelter.
3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.
4. Please direct comments to Vanessa Wan at 0447 240 015 or via email at Optus.submissions@servicestream.com.au or via post at Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 9 October 2025. For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3775002.
clubhouse, then go home.
But - if you better par (Nett 69), then you “carry“ the flag for the shots you end up under par.
So, on this day our winner was Ben Lever, who just edged out Andy Lockey by about 30 metres.
(Explanation: both Panda and Andy had the best Nett results, posting superb Nett 68s in tough conditions. But, Panda hit a drive about 30 metres longer and so carried the flag the furthest).
Well done to both boys.
Barry’s Nett 70 was good enough to claim that. Balls slid on down to Nett 72 only.
All five NTPs were claimed, as follows: P.K. (third), Paul Osbourne (fifth), Happy Gilmore (ninth), Mr. Pinkster (12th) and finally to David Lever (15th).
Horse Talk
By Anita Prowse
Weather held off for the most of the weekend for our horsey activities.
Upper Yarra Pony Club had a great rally on Sunday with Seville and Yarra Valley Veterinarians Adele coming to teach the kids some horse health tips and providing some dental treatments as well.
Next weekend all eyes will be at Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre for three days of Horse Trials action, starting at 10am on Friday 26th and finishing early afternoon Sunday. This year the event has been opened to include international competitors and will be a great weekend out for competitors and spectators alike.
The cross country action starts at 8.30am Sunday with the three star at approximately 9.50am. Should be an awesome weekend, well worth a look if you are searching for an activity for the weekend.
Seville Pony Club will then have their Dressage Jackpot and Combined Training Day, held at Wesburn Park on 5 October. Entries are closing soon, so get them in quickly.
for
days
Notification under Water Act 1989
An application has been made to Melbourne Water for a take and use licence for commercial/irrigation purposes to use 30 Megalitres of water which may affect you.
Details of the application are as follows:
Application address:10-12 Briarty Rd Gruyere VIC 3777
The application is for: From: Diversion location: 30 Megalitres Yarra River (Upper) End of Clugston Rd
The applicant’s name is Jackson Family Investments Australia Pty Ltd
Melbourne Water’s File No 465/700/5042
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Next weekend all eyes will be at Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre
three
of Horse Trials action. (Supplied)
Ben also won the A Grade voucher, and Andy had to be content with the daily runner up prize. Mr. Consistent Maltman claimed the B Grade voucher.
The V.V.Vs had to endure gale force winds. (File)
One more belt for the kids
By Dongyun Kwon
The Melbourne Heavyweight Champion came back to the boxing ring in front of huge crowds to gain another championship belt.
Coldstream Boxing Club coach Hayden ‘H-Bomb’ Wright took on Thai boxer Sunthon Pankhui at Melbourne Pavilion on Saturday 13 September for the WBF Heavyweight Champion of Victoria title.
After training hard with his mates, Zac Thompson and Chris Hume, Wright was able to push the
opponent strongly from the first round.
The new WBF Heavyweight Champion of Victoria said he was prepared, and came out hard and strong.
“It was very even. So in the first round, I kept punching and punching him, and I nearly knocked him down and unconscious,” Wright said.
“I win in the first round, and then the ref saves him from further punishment, and then I win and become the new champion.”
In July last year, Wright won the Melbourne
Heavyweight Championship title match against Indian boxer Ranjeet Singh by TKO.
After the match, he announced his retirement from professional boxing fights to turn his eyes to raising young talents in the Yarra Valley.
However, he reversed his decision as people surrounding him wanted him to bring another championship title back to the Yarra Valley.
After hanging one more medal on his neck on 13 September, the Coldstream-based boxer officially retired from professional boxing.
“I am very proud of all the hard work and ded-
ication; 25 professional fights over the past 10 years, to become the new heavyweight champion and bring it back to the Yarra Valley to inspire kids,” Wright said.
“My next move is to train the young kids and hopefully, they can become a champion one day.”
Coldstream Boxing Club, run by Wright, is located at Margaret Lewis Reserve, offering free boxing training to children and youth aged under 18.
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who supported me, including Zac and Chris,” Wright said.
Coldstream Junior Football Club is set to bounce back
After a challenging season, the Coldstream Junior Football Club has begun preparing for the next season.
The junior sporting club, with over 130 years of history, struggled with numbers prior to the commencement of the 2025 season.
Unfortunately, the club lost some players, which resulted in losing teams for a few age groups. The club only had two teams, U8s and U9s, playing this year.
President Darren Doggett said the club is now recruiting new members to re-establish for the next season.
“We’re looking to have a new number of U8s come through next year, and we’re bringing this year’s U8s and U9s together to form an U10s team next year,” he said.
“We were looking to have U12s and U13s teams in the 2025 season, but we didn’t have sufficient numbers to get those two teams up.
“A lot of those players who went to other clubs have reached out and said that they would love to come back and play with Coldstream next year, and a couple of them, unfortunately, are saying if they don’t get to play for Coldstream, they’ll probably give football away, because they’re so closely aligned with Coldstream that they’d rather not play than play for another club.”
Right after wrapping up the 2025 season, the club’s committee started working diligently to get what the club needs before the next season.
The committee is trying to establish another U12s and U13s teams or U12s and U14s teams to give more football opportunities to local children.
Mr Doggett said the Coldstream Junior Football Club offers a unique small-club feel where every child is known and valued and can feel a
sense of belonging that larger clubs with multiple teams in each age group cannot provide.
“We’re a great small community. We’ve got really good people around the club and a wonderful environment for young kids,” he said.
“Our Auskick program is fantastic. We’ve got about 50 kids turn up each Friday night. It’s a real carnival atmosphere. The junior club trains with the Auskickers on a Friday night.
“What we’re seeking to do is continue to build on the legacy of our club’s history, of the hard work and dedication of the committees in the past and re-establish Coldstream as a significant contributor to the Eastern Football Netball
League.”
As president, Mr Doggett has been at the front line in promoting the club, reaching out to primary schools and high schools through social media.
He has also communicated with other football clubs to check if they have surplus numbers.
The Coldstream Junior Football Club is planning to train the younger age groups once a week on Fridays and the older age groups twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays.
The president said the club doesn’t want to tax families too much, with having to be at the club more than they’re able to be.
“We found Friday night to be a really success-
ful night because everybody’s closing off their week, they come to the club, they watch their children participate in their sport, and then they go away and enjoy their weekend and come back on Sunday to play,” Mr Doggett said.
Coldstream senior footballers have supported the junior footy club. They run Auskick sessions, and the senior coach encourages junior footballers to play at halftime at home games a couple of times a year.
“Most importantly, it was amazing to see our junior kids join in with the senior players at training on a Thursday night,” Mr Doggett said.
“As our junior kids were running around the ground with their senior idols, it brought a smile to everybody’s face.
“With that support, we’re laying the foundations for our young future superstars to see the pathway to what they can become as a successful senior footballer at Coldstream or beyond.”
The preseason for next year will start in February.
Anyone interested is welcome to reach out to Mr Doggett by phone on 0419 500 022, via email at coldstreamjnr@efnl.org.au or on the Coldstream Junior Football Club’s Facebook page at facebook.com/coldstreamjuniorfc
Wright successfully earns one more championship belt for his mates. (Marty Camilleri/Marty’s Knockout Photography)
Wright takes on Thai boxer Pankhui for the WBF Heavyweight Champion of Victoria title. (Marty Camilleri/Marty’s Knockout Photography)
Wright with the champion belt and medal. (Marty Camilleri/Marty’s Knockout Photography)
U9s team for 2025. (Supplied)
Seniors footballers hand the jumpers to junior footballers. (Supplied)
By Dongyun Kwon
Wandin flies three new flags
Wandin have won the Outer East Football Netball League senior men’s grand final, beating OlindaFerny Creek in a dominant display.
Taking place at the Don Road Sporting Complex in Healesville, both teams travelled out with legions of fans behind them.
The grand final promised a fierce contest, and for the first quarter it delivered.
Olinda’s precision ball movement forced Wandin to work hard, but it was Tom Merlino who opened proceedings with a brilliant snap from deep in the pocket that set the tone.
From there, the Bulldogs adjusted superbly.
Having struggled to break down Olinda’s short kick game in the second semifinal, Wandin lifted their pressure in the second term.
They tightened their defensive press, cut off options around the ball carrier, and generated the repeat forward half turnovers they had been searching for.
The shift was decisive—once Wandin got the game on their terms, they never looked back.
What followed was a 60-minute footballing masterclass from Aaron Mullett.
Thriving in the open spaces of the Don Road Sporting Complex, the Wandin spearhead put on a show, booting 10 goals and six behinds to claim best-on-ground honours.
His dominance gave Wandin constant scoreboard pressure, while his ability to finish from all angles broke Olinda’s spirit.
Joel Garner added his own touch of class, amassing 27 possessions and slotting six goals in a brilliant all-round performance.
Co-captain Cody Hirst epitomised Wandin’s ferocity with his relentless intensity.
The Black Brothers Cayden and Chayce, tasked with stopping Olinda midfielder Percy Highett, were relentless in their role.
At the back, Daniel Willis was composed under pressure, and Pat Hodgett’s tireless running across the wide expanses of Healesville provided a vital link between defence and attack.
By the final siren, Wandin had powered to a thumping 91-point victory—22.13 (145) to 8.6 (54)—to seal the premiership in emphatic style.
It capped off a dream day for the club, with both A and C grade netball sides also lifting premiership trophies.
The celebrations back at Clegg Road reflected the magnitude of the achievement—three flags and one unforgettable night for the Bulldogs.
Stunning results across the Premier Division grand finals
By Armin Richter
The Outer East Football Netball League season wrapped up on Saturday at Healesville, with some of the hrand finals delivering some unexpected results across the football and netball.
In the senior football contest it was the raging favourites Wandin taking on a battered and bruised Olinda-Ferny Creek. Although the Bloods had been very competitive their season came to an end with a 91 point loss to Wandin. Aaron Mullett kicked another 10 goals to be the best player on the ground while teammate Joel Garner chipped in with six of his own. Matt Scharenberg kicked 3 goals for Olinda in a brave performance on one leg.
In the Reserves it was Upwey-Tecoma who bounced back against Mt. Evelyn after having been undefeated in the home and away season but losing to the Rovers in the Second Semi Final.
The first major upset came in the Under 18s Grand Final. Mt. Evelyn, who had been undefeated all year and finished the season with a percentage of 559.4, went down by a point to Officer. The Kangaroos led at every change and hung on for a surprise result.
On the netball courts there were tight tussles between the best sides. Wandin and Mt. Evelyn were tied at the completion of time in A Grade and the Bulldogs got up in a close result in extra time to claim the senior football/netball double. Mt. Evelyn had been minor premiers and just suffered a single defeat prior to the Grand Final.
B Grade was another upset when Monbulk came from fifth to defeat ROC, another team that had been minor premiers and only lost once for the year. C Grade also went to extra time to separate an undefeated Mt. Evelyn team and Wandin, and it was Wandin who got up as the outsiders. It was not to be Mt. Evelyn’s day as they lost a fifth Grand Final in D Grade to Monbulk. The only premiership that headed back to the Rovers was the Under 17s who triumphed over ROC Blue.
It was a dream day for Wandin, with football teams and netball teams securing flags. (Supplied)
Monbulk’s D Grade players celebrate their premiership win on Saturday. (Armin Richter)
