Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 30th September 2025 by Star News Group

A lifetime of art is on display

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A Gembrook artist is opening up her home studio on 2526 October and the following weekend, inviting the public to step inside her creative world and explore decades of her artwork.

What started as finger painting in kindergarten for the visual artist, Lesley Dickman has blossomed into a lifelong passion that’s taken her from painting huge stage backdrops for the Australian Ballet to creating deeply personal and thought-provoking pieces at home.

“I react to art emotionally, whether it’s my own or another artist’s and that feeling has never left me,” she said.

Ms Dickman has transformed her garden property into a cosy, immersive space where visitors can see her work alongside creations by her partner, Roger Strickland.

Her art often explores stories about women, identity, and resilience, including her striking installation ‘Salt and the Dress,’ inspired by memories of her mother and ideas about femininity.

Sombre reflection

On Monday 29 September, it was National Police Remembrance Day and Blue Ribbon Day, dedicated to honouring the officers who’ve sacrificed their life for the greater good of the community.

2025 has been a significant year for the police force, with the alleged shooting of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah sending waves of grief and shock throughout the country.

The Star Mail has produced a series of articles on police in the Yarra Ranges, acknowledging those who are no longer with us and those affected by the burdens of police work.

We remember the shock death of Senior Constable Tony Clarke for its 20th anniversary and explore the grief felt by a Dandenong Ranges family after their son died serving in 2024.

While National Police Remembrance Day is about celebrating and commemorating the lives taken too soon in the line of duty, as well as those

who have died outside of the force, it is also a chance to thank current members.

We take a look at the life of Yarra Junction Officer In Charge Andrew Coulson, exploring the ins and outs of police work in the Yarra Ranges.

We also tell the stories of those closest to the officers themselves, such as Lilydale’s Kelly Parker, who’s supported her husband during his eight years of service.

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne

Gatt said the events in Porepunkah meant this year’s National Police Remembrance Day was especially significant.

“It reminds us of the spectre of self-sacrifice that shadows every police officer and every police family, whenever a member puts on the uniform, sets foot into the unknown in pursuit of justice or puts themselves between good and evil in the protection of those who rely on them.”

Police were prepared for family violence rise over AFL grand

The last weekend in September and AFL go hand-in-hand, especially in Victoria, but as footy fans were preparing for the biggest weekend in the sport, police were preparing for a rise in family and domestic violence incidents.

Each year, Victoria Police sees an increase in violent and abusive behaviour during holiday and long-weekend periods, including the AFL Grand Final weekend.

“When families get together to enjoy holidays perpetrators may use these periods of extended contact to increase their abusive behaviours,” Family Violence Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Sharon McKinnon said.

“There is never an excuse for family violence and police will ensure that each crime is investigated and that all offenders are held to account.”

In the three-day weekend last year, a total of 796 family violence incidents were recorded, a nine per cent increase from the 729 incidents in 2023.

Our Watch, Australia’s leading primary prevention organisation, highlighted that it’s

not the game itself that drives violence but the combination of alcohol and high emotions, particularly in spaces where women are not treated as equal.

“Violence against women is unfortunately too common, but it’s not inevitable and it certainly isn’t normal,” Our Watch chief executive officer Patty Kinnersly said.

“Everyone can think about what they can personally do to ensure violence against women is not tolerated.

“Whether it’s calling out disrespect when they see it, cheering on their team without resorting to aggression, or looking out for their mates, we can all make Grand Final day a safer celebration.”

According to Our Watch, research shows that alcohol can weaken men’s empathy, care, concern and respect for those around them, particularly women.

The spike in violence is not limited to the code of AFL but a number of major sporting events.

Our Watch stated that Victoria Police prepare for a 20 per cent rise in violence against

women on AFL Grand Final day, while on State of Origin nights, domestic assaults in New South Wales increase by up to 40 per cent.

But Ms Kinnersly said prevention and attitudes must change at a ground level, across all sporting codes.

“Our Watch supports efforts across the community to reduce harm caused by alcohol. We know that contributing factors, when combined with disrespect and harmful gender stereotypes, can make men’s violence towards women more frequent and severe,” she said.

“To prevent violence from happening in the first place, we need to improve club cultures across all sporting codes. That begins with promoting respect for women, adopting codes of conduct that have zero tolerance for violence and disrespect, and ensuring the responsible service of alcohol. We want everyone to be safe from violence on Grand Final day.”

In 2024, Victoria recorded its highest ever number of family violence incidents in a 12 month period, with over 100,000 incidents, something that was noted by Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations

Neil Paterson as an “unwanted milestone”. Across the Yarra Ranges, the number of incidents reached 2019, according to the Crime Statistics Agency’s Family Violence Database. Verbal abuse equated to 41.1 per cent of the recorded abuses, followed by emotional abuse (28.2 per cent) and physical abuse (15.1 per cent). Acting AC McKinnon said police will always ensure all forms of violence and abuse are taken seriously.

“Our key message is that police will take all reports of family violence crime seriously and will always respond to keep victims safe and hold perpetrators to account,” she said. “Police will always continue to work through peak holiday periods to provide safety to the community.”

If you or someone close to

Forum opens tough discussion

By Mikayla van Loon

The impacts of domestic and family violence ripple through the community, and as rates across Victoria reach record highs, ensuring everyone is equipped with knowledge and resources to seek assistance or help someone who has been affected has never been more important.

That was the preface when the Rotary Club of Lilydale and Community Bank Mooroolbark decided to partner to host a Domestic and Family Violence Forum on Wednesday 8 October at Japara House in Kilsyth.

“It’s in the international sphere. Everybody’s talking about domestic violence and family violence, and there are so many forms of it, and it affects so many different people,” Lilydale Rotary president Cheryl Mackay said.

“The intention of it is to get as much information to as many people out there as we can. It’s even developing a conversation. It’s making people aware that there are a wide group of people out there that are not OK with what’s happening and that there is somewhere for them to go.”

Wanting to create a safe and welcoming environment, where there is no judgment, the forum is open to everyone to attend, whether as a representative from a sporting club, community group or business, or someone who has experienced any form of mistreatment.

Community Bank Mooroolbark director Sophie Todorov said the hope is that people can learn and leave feeling a little bit more informed and comfortable to provide or seek assistance.

“It’s a starting point, that opportunity to bring education, awareness and networking,” she said.

“We’re actually going to touch on a couple

of different aspects of family violence, which is coercive control and elder/financial abuse as well, because they’re not as spoken about or as obvious to detect.

“When community residents think about family violence, most of them will think about physical violence and injuries, whereas coercive control can be just as detrimental in a relationship.”

Two people with lived experience will be in attendance to share part of their story, having been in a coercive relationship and been financially abused, respectively.

Organisations like Safe Steps, Eastern Community Legal Centre, Victoria Police, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Centre, Orange Door, Yarra Ranges Council and the Bendigo Bank’s Financial Awareness Support Team will have representatives speak on

a panel and be present afterwards for further conversations.

Ms Mackay said the forum, and the posters that have been placed in townships, aim to “give some hope and some comfort to people who might be going through this, that there are people out there who have been trying to be vocal and trying to offer education.”

Even if people don’t attend the forum, Ms Mackay said, if people can identify that Rotary or one of the other listed groups is willing to help, that’s also a positive outcome.

“People might feel safe coming to somebody that’s a Rotarian, or someone from Japara House or anywhere else, even if it’s a shop where they saw the sign.”

The forum, while a standalone event at this stage, Ms Mackay said Lilydale Rotary will continue looking at ways to share information and

keep conversations about domestic and family violence on the agenda.

“I’m hoping people will not feel so isolated; it’s a problem that is shared,” she said. There are no registrations required to attend the event, ensuring safety should people wish to remain anonymous.

The forum will be held at Japara Neighbourhood House, located at 54-58 Durham Road Kilsyth, from 6.30pm to 9pm on Wednesday 8 October. Light refreshments will be provided.

“There still is a lot of stigma around it and fear, but if we start talking about it, having conversations addressing it, having people who advocate on behalf of others and calling it out, and really calling upon male champions to do just that as well, hopefully that’ll change the narrative in our local community, and be a loud voice,” Ms Todorov said.

Statewide rise in crime

By Gabriella Vukman

Victoria’s crime rates are 13.8 percent higher than they were last year, and the Yarra Ranges is no exception.

This week, the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) published Victoria’s crime data statistics for the period June 2024 to June 2025.

The findings revealed that the state’s crime rate rose by 13.8 per cent, after accounting for population growth - an increase of 86,587 offences since June 2024.

According to the data, the Yarra Ranges also saw a rise in the number of offences, with the period’s total number of recorded offences sitting at 8158 - a 15.6 per cent rise since last year.

Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park, Kilsyth and Healesville constituted the top five suburbs with the fastest growing offence rates, with 1624 offences recorded in the suburb of Lilydale, an additional 215 from the previous year.

In these suburbs, the most common location types where crimes occurred were at houses, on streets, lanes and footpaths, in driveways or carports, at retail businesses and at petrol stations respectively.

In order, the top types of crime included the breach of family violence orders, theft from motor vehicles, criminal damage, other types of theft and stealing from retail stores.

Where last year’s data found the most common alleged offender age categories to be relatively even between 10 to 17 year olds and those aged 45 and over, this year’s data shows that the number of alleged offenders aged 45 and over far outnumber those from the 10 to 17 years age bracket.

The data from both 2024 and 2025 indicate that most alleged offenders are within the age brackets of 10 to 17 and 45 and over. Last year, 520 alleged offenders were children aged 10 to 17 and 568 were adults aged 45 years and above. This year, there are 568 alleged offenders aged 10 to 17, and 710 aged 45 years and over.

More broadly across Victoria, the CSA’s data found that the five fastest growing offences were predominantly acquisitive crimes, with theft from motor vehicles remaining the fastest growing and most common crime in Victoria.

Where this year’s data showed an additional 24,409 instances of theft from motor vehicles, rendering this offence the most common crime in Victoria, number plates were the most prevalent item stolen, accounting for almost 40 per cent of all theft from motor vehicles.

Motor vehicle theft was the second most common offence, and is at its highest level since 2002, seeing a 42.1 per cent increase to reach a total of 33,018 instances of theft.

An increase in technology-facilitated car theft was suggested by police intelligence, with a conservative estimate suggesting at least one in five of all cars is being stolen by offenders using electronic key reprogramming or mimicking devices.

While these devices are not illegal to own, Victoria Police has seized more than 800 in the past year from individuals arrested for stealing cars.

Family violence order breaches were third among the top five most common offences, with Victoria experiencing a record 106,427 family violence incidents.

Theft from retail stores, along with other miscellaneous instances of theft, were the fourth and fifth most common crimes, respectively. The theft of petrol was the most common item stolen in the other instances of theft category.

Prohibited and controlled weapons offences, including the use of knives and items such as knuckle dusters, batons and tasers, did not feature in Victoria’s top five most common crimes.

The notion that repeat offenders are driving up the arrest numbers can also be deduced from the data, as a small cohort of repeat offenders remains responsible for a large proportion of total crime recorded in Victoria.

For example, Victoria Police arrested 1128 child offenders aged between ten and 17 years, a combined 7,118 times, with total arrests increasing by 26.7 per cent from the previous year.

There were 149 fewer child offenders in the reporting period, indicating that repeat offenders are driving the arrest numbers. Organised crime is also a factor in a range of crime categories, including retail crime, where we have seen retail theft syndicates stealing goods worth up to $10 million.

According to the Victoria Police, offending by children remains a significant concern. While children account for only 12.8 per cent of all offenders processed, they are overrepresented in serious and violent crimes such as robberies, aggravated burglaries, and car theft.

In response to the CSA’s published crime statistics data, Victoria Police also noted that aggravated home burglaries remain “unacceptably high,” having risen by 21.7 per cent from 6454 to 7856 offences between June 2024 and June 2025.

Victoria Police also suggested that car keys remain the most common item targeted during aggravated home burglaries.

In response to this period’s rise in crime, Victoria Police suggests increasing accountabil-

ity for crimes in accompaniment with ongoing swift arrests and proactive operations to prevent crime in the first place.

Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations at Victoria Police Bob Hill said, “As a society, we simply cannot allow the level of crime we are seeing to become normalised and accepted. Every Victorian deserves to feel safe in their home, within the community and on the roads.”

“Victoria Police is tackling these issues head on. Our members are doing exceptional work to resolve these crimes. But it must be said - the number of arrests we are seeing reflects an unacceptable level of offending,” he said.

“We will continue to make arrests and hold offenders to account, but we need to prevent and deter crime to reduce offending so that there are fewer victims in Victoria.”

Mr Hill also noted that the community should continue to take steps to aid in the prevention of crime, such as locking doors and considering anti-theft devices for vehicles.

“Victoria Police has set an ambitious target of reducing serious and violent crime by five per cent each year. There is no doubt this will be a challenge, but it is a fight we are up for to ensure our community remains as safe as possible,” he said.

“Right now we are working on new approaches that will deter repeat offenders and help stop these crimes before they can occur. This includes a focus on how we can get more police out on the streets”

The Crime Statistics Agency’s release of the Victorian recorded crime statistics encompassed the first release of Victorian bail statistics.

To report a non-urgent crime or for non-urgent police assistance, call 131 444.

To report information anonymously, call 1800 333 000 or visit the Crime Stoppers Victoria website: crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/

Boronia driver charged

On Friday, 26 September 2025, a 24-year-old probationary driver was caught doing a skid in front of local Highway Patrol officers in Boronia. He later tested positive for illicit drugs. The driver faces multiple charges including driving a prohibited vehicle, careless driving, drug-driving, using a defective vehicle, and failing to display P-plates. His car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1016.

If convicted, he will lose his licence for at least six months. Police continue to enforce strict measures during Operation SCOREBOARD across the state.

Missing teen, last seen in Emerald Kyesha, 13, was last seen in Emerald on 22 August and is now reported missing. Police and family are concerned for her welfare given her age and the time she’s been gone.

Kyesha is known to visit Emerald, Gembrook, Drouin, Pakenham, and Melbourne CBD. Anyone with information is urged to contact Pakenham Police Station on (03) 5945 2500.

National Police Remembrance Day

On Monday 29 September, Victoria Police, alongside families and the community, gathered to honour officers who lost their lives serving the public, with a special remembrance for two officers tragically killed in Porepunkah last month.

National Police Remembrance Day, observed annually on 29 September, featured a commemorative march from Princes Bridge to the Victoria Police Memorial, followed by a formal service at 10:20am. This year, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were added to the memorial’s honour wall after their deaths while executing a search warrant on 26 August.

Since 1853, 178 officers have died in the line of duty, including Constable Patrick Whyte, who passed away in 1866 during a drill.

The service also recognised 11 police personnel who died due to illness or other circumstances in the past year. Similar ceremonies were held across regional Victoria.

National Police Remembrance Day coincided with Blue Ribbon Day, which supports emergency hospital facilities named in memory of fallen officers.

For more details, visit Victoria Police’s website.

Yarra Valley police survey

A new research project is seeking input from Yarra Valley residents about how they prefer to contact Police and use Police Station front counter services. The anonymous survey, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, includes optional questions about your experiences and preferences. The goal is to understand whether communities still prefer having Police Officers at station counters, how best to report crime, and if there are more accessible ways to connect with Police. To participate or learn more, visit: orms.office. com/r/7HFSNAJZTX

Burmese soccer tournament kicks off in Monbulk

On Friday 26 September, the Burmese Soccer Tournament began at Monbulk Soccer Club, offering a rich cultural experience for local police from Lilydale, Monbulk, and Belgrave. Officers engaged with youth and enjoyed local Zomi community cuisine while watching teams from Perth, South Australia, and the Monbulk Rangers compete in friendly matches.

Crime rates have risen by 15.6 per cent in the Yarra Ranges. (File).

Coronial warning after baby’s ‘freebirth’ death

By Callum Ludwig

Warning: This article contains content about infant death.

A coroner has urged expectant parents to be wary of the risks of ‘freebirth’ - at-home births with no medical assistance - following the death of Baby H.

Born on 21 September 2022, Baby H was the fourth child of their parents, with their siblings having been born at home in the presence of a midwife or doula.

Baby H’s siblings all had long labours but were described as “smooth”, with the mother not seeing a medical practitioner at any point during her pregnancy with Baby H and the sibling who preceded them.

Baby H’s mother went into labour at about 8am on 21 September when she believed she was at 41 weeks gestation. About 30 minutes prior to birth, the mother stopped feeling movement from the baby and at 11.25pm, she gave birth to Baby H who had a white and blue complexion, exhibited no signs of life and the umbilical cord had a prominent blue vein.

It is unclear whether Baby H was alive at birth or stillborn, but the parents tried to

arouse Baby H for ten minutes with no success, after which they stayed with the baby overnight and grieved, calling their parents at 6am the next morning to inform them.

At 9am, the parents cut the umbilical cord, placed Baby H in a wicker basket with a blanket and placed the basket in a fridge. They contacted a funeral home later in the day who alerted emergency services, with police and paramedics arriving on scene at 6pm.

Coroner Audrey Jamieson proceeded with requesting an autopsy, despite the parents objecting on spiritual grounds.

“Our spiritual beliefs are that our soul travels on to other realms after existing here on Earth,” the parents submission read.

“We believe that it is important to honour and respect the body of this soul and return it to Papat nuku (Mother Earth) without being desecrated.

“The very fact that the body was taken from us and has been handled by those that are not family and friends has already pushed our boundaries.

“An autopsy on top of this feels like desecration and would also cause distress to her family and friends.”

The autopsy was deemed necessary by forensic pathologist Dr Melanie Archer as it ‘would not possible to rule out birth trauma with an external examination only, nor would it be possible to determine an internal anatomical cause for the death’.

Ultimately Baby H’s cause of death was ruled as unascertained, but the findings in the autopsy presented a number of issues that may have contributed to the death such as Baby H’s large size (weighing more then nine pounds), being past term and the impact of maternal diabetes.

Meconium was detected in Baby H’s lungs, which usually indicates stress and would trigger medical intervention in a hospital, and it can result in infant death due to damaging the umbilical cord, inhalation or exposure.

Baby H’s lungs were collapsed and showed no sign of air flow, but is unclear if she ever lived outside of her mother.

A Coroners Prevention Unit search of the court database found between 2013 and 2023 34 deaths occurred due to home births between 2013 and 2023, with four of those in the context of a ‘freebirth’ with no medical staff or third party present.

Ms Jamieson said in the finding that deci-

sions a parent makes during pregnancy and birth are deeply personal.

“I accept that it was Baby H’s parents desire and intention to have a peaceful home birth with only the two of them present, and that is the reason no medical advice or attention was sought when Baby H’s mother’s waters broke at around 8am on 21 September,” it reads.

“What is more unclear to me is why no medical assistance was sought when her mother noticed that Baby H had stopped moving, or perhaps more obviously, when she was born in such condition and was unable to be roused.

“While I ultimately support a person’s right to choose how they birth, I would strongly encourage them to seek medical care during pregnancy so that they can make an informed decision on how to birth to ensure the best outcomes for them and their baby.”

Ms Jamieson also supported Safer Care Victoria’s position statement, with the organisation stating it would ‘strongly encourage women and families to seek care from trained AHPRA registered professionals, who can provide medical support when needed, helping to ensure the safest possible outcomes for mother and baby’.

Cardinia Shire Council’s debt to double in the next term

By Corey Everitt

Cardinia Shire Council is now turning to more borrowing to cover their increasingly tight budgets, with the next council term to be burdened by a doubling of debt equal to a third of total revenue.

The council’s latest performance review was published in last week’s meeting, showing an increasing turn to borrowing as revenue continues to dry up and the council is more and more burdened by climbing expenses.

By 2029, the council is likely to draw more than double in loans to equal just under half of total rates revenue.

“Financial decisions we make for the next few years regarding assets, expenditure, have a trade-off,” Cr Nickell said during last week’s council meeting.

“We are gonna to keep our ability to generate income flat and not hit our ratepayers with ever-increasing rates. There is a debt to be paid for that, literally, and that is my concern for the future.”

Interest-bearing loans will equal 49 per cent of total rate revenue, which currently sits around $100 million per year and has increased by five per cent per annum in recent years.

This is a significant jump from this year where loans and borrowing equate only 14 per cent of total rate revenue.

Overall debt will double by 2029 with liabilities equal to 35 per cent of total source revenue, compared to 16 per cent this year.

This figure includes long-term loans, the timing of maturing loans will only see a slight increase in the service of debt by 2029 with repayments equating to 11 per cent of rates revenue, an increase from just nine per cent this year. This figure is not projected beyond 2029.

The balance of the budget is forecast to remain around one per cent in deficit by 2029, an improvement from four per cent in the red last year.

“We are going okay, and I think other growth area councils who have the same sort of trajectory as us have been in much worse financial positions in the past, but it’s not a fait accompli, we still have to continue working hard at it,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

The figures fall within the council’s means, as a standard of loans being below 60 per cent of rate revenue is still met within the forecast.

It’s noted in the report that the increase in borrowing is due to covering the cost of infrastructure builds.

The council is turning more to borrowing as the cost of infrastructure increases. (File)

MP Taylor to quit

By Callum Ludwig

There will be a new face elected to the district of Bayswater, with sitting MP Jackson Taylor announcing he will not run for re-election in 2026. First elected in 2018, Mr Taylor was a member of Victoria Police and a councillor and deputy mayor of Knox City Council before entering state politics.

Mr Taylor said being the member for Bayswater has been the greatest privilege of his life and his decision to not recontest the seat next year came after much consideration with his young family.

“Being in politics and public office has given me incredible opportunities to work with our community and achieve things together that I’m immensely proud of, but it has also meant a lot of time away from my family,” he said.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision, but after nearly 10 years in public life, including my time on Council – it feels like the right time to step back,”

“Through this amazing chance to serve our community I have made so many lifelong friends and people I will be forever grateful for, you see a lot of negativity in the news, well I can tell you, out in the real world doing what I do – I’ve seen the best of us every day, and it gives me great hope for tomorrow.”

Mr Taylor first won the seat of Bayswater for Labor in 2018, narrowly beating out incumbent Liberal MP Heidi Victoria by 296 votes.

Mr Taylor said that in his very first speech he said that he would work hard every single day because his constituents deserve nothing less and he certainly hopes he has lived up to that.

“I’ve always said I know not everyone voted for me, but I have always done my absolute best to act in our community’s interest and to represent you with honesty and with commitment,” he said.

“I’ve also had the greatest of opportunities to get to know so many fantastic community organisations, schools and local businesses right across the area, we are so lucky to have such a strong community, one that cares and one that knows just how good Knox is, thank you for being so kind, for your support and for simply being you,”

Mr Taylor faced a stiff challenge to retain his seat in 2022 when the seat of Ferntree Gully was abolished and he had to run against the sitting Liberal MP Nick Wakeling. Despite a statewide swing against Labor and predictions that the redistribution would favour Mr Wakeling, Mr Taylor was returned with an increased primary vote and a lead of 3603 votes.

Mr Taylor took the time to celebrate some of the projects delivered in the district but said the credit belongs to the community for pushing for many things and keeping him honest.

“I am stoked that we’ll soon have an upgraded

Angliss Hospital caring for more people as well as a new public aged care facility, I’m proud we’ve secured the biggest investment into Boronia ever by a level of Government with our revitalisation work and the new station precinct…I am especially proud that we’ve delivered major upgrades to every single Government school that I have had the great honour of representing,” he said.

“I’m stoked to have delivered for our legends across community sport including new pavilions at JW Manson, Tormore, Wally Tew and Colchester reserves and that we helped deliver new basketball and netball centres and that we delivered the green heart of Knox… I’m proud that we’ve made our local roads safer like at the new McMahons intersection in Ferntree Gully or the Alchester intersection in Boronia,”

“Equally I’m so proud that we have delivered more support for mental health services, backed local prevention of family violence funding, supported the Boronia Breakfast Program and so much more to help people who need it.”

Mr Taylor also expressed pride for broader Victorian Government policies such as free kinder and free TAFE and projects including the Metro Tunnel, North East Link and the Suburban Rail Loop.

In a statement, Premier Jacinta Allan said Mr Taylor continued to show extraordinary energy and determination to deliver for the community he loves.

“Jackson didn’t have an easy start in life, but his upbringing has clearly shaped his deep sense of purpose,” she said.

“He credits his public education for giving him the support and direction he needed to set off on the right path,”

“I want to thank him for his outstanding contribution to our Parliament, and to his community and I wish him, his wife Tash and his son George the very best for the future.”

Lake Aura Vale toilets ﬁnally open

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

After weeks of frustration, visitors to Lake Aura Vale in Menzies Creek can finally enjoy their day out without the added stress of finding a toilet, the long-closed public facilities reopened on Thursday, 25 September, just in time for the AFL Grand Final weekend.

The closure had left many families and day-trippers in an awkward spot, with no alternative amenities nearby.

Some resorted to using the area behind the toilet block out of desperation, leading to growing complaints and concerns about hygiene and the overall visitor experience. Parks Victoria spokesperson confirmed the toilets are now fully operational. The repair was part of broader upgrades across the region, but for regulars at the lake, the reopening comes as a welcome change.

With warmer weather on the way and a busy weekend ahead, Lake Aura Vale is expected to draw crowds once again, this time with working toilets and a much more comfortable experience for all.

Get Fire Ready this October

October is Get Fire Ready month, and CFA brigades around the state are opening their doors to help Victorians prepare for the upcoming ﬁre season.

If you live near bush or grassland, taking the time to tidy up around your property can improve the chance of your home surviving a ﬁre.

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, it's essential to have a plan in place. Make sure you’ve downloaded the VicEmergency App and set your Watch Zone correctly.

Talk to your local brigade or visit cfa.vic.gov.au/getﬁreready for more information.

Jackson Taylor in front of the in-progress Boronia Station precinct works. (File)

L-R: Premier Jacinta Allan, then transport and infrastructure minister, and Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor share a signature thumbs-up at Boronia Station in 2023. (File)

Aura Vale Lake Park toilets reopened on Thursday, 25 September. (Stewart Chambers: 502508)

Lake Aura Vale toilets are now fully operating. (Stewart Chambers: 502508)

How township built early bushﬁre warning system

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Twenty-five years ago, the community of Ferny Creek turned unimaginable loss from the 1997 bushfire that killed three people and destroyed 30 houses into action.

It was January 1997 when a deliberately lit bushfire, ignited in The Basin and driven with terrifying speed by hot, gusty winds, tore up the hill.

Within just eight minutes, flames raced up a steep gully known locally as “The Devil’s Chimney” and reached the first homes.

Thirty houses and numerous sheds and gardens were destroyed.

Three residents lost their lives. There was no warning.

Only the red sky and choking smoke marked the horror that had already arrived.

Among those who survived was Anna-Marie Shew, who lost her home that day.

She vividly recalled the confusion and fear.

“We had no time, and no warning. I remember seeing the sky change colour and thinking, ‘it can’t be happening here.’ But it was. And it was too late,” Ms Shew said.

What followed in the weeks and years after was a community-led effort to mitigate another tragedy taking Ferny Creek without warning.

Alongside John Irving and Karl Krumtunger, Ms Shew co-founded what would become a world-first purpose-built early warning bushfire system - ‘the Ferny Creek Bushfire Alert System (FCBAS)’.

Their campaign, launched in the aftermath of the disaster, sought to install sirens that could give residents precious minutes to act when fire threatened.

Mr Irving, a resident of Ferny Creek for 48 years didn’t lose his house in the 1997 fire, but only just.

His garage was destroyed, and he found small fires burning on his deck when he returned.

Thanks to extensive fire protection measures he had installed years earlier – including a house-wide sprinkler system, metal shutters, and independent water sources – his home was saved.

But the emotional toll lingered.

“After taking my wife to safety, I came back and was told by a firefighter that everything was gone. I drove in through the smoke, prepared for the worst, and saw my house still standing. I couldn’t believe it. Then our cat appeared out of nowhere. It was overwhelming,” he said.

Mr Irving said it was clear to residents that bushfires would return.

“It’s not if a fire will come – it’s when. We probably won’t see a fire truck up my narrow road next time. It’s too dangerous. That’s why we needed the sirens,” he said.

Their campaign faced resistance.

The group’s request to install CFA sirens, particularly in this area where other sirens couldn’t be reliably heard, was initially denied.

But the devastation, combined with the coroner’s findings that the lack of warning had contributed to the deaths, galvanised support.

Ms Shew, Mr Irving, and Mr Krumtunger rallied residents, lobbied government bodies and emergency agencies, and slowly built the case. With support from the Yarra Ranges Council, the CFA, Victoria Police and the Department of Justice, a working group was formed.

The result was the FCBAS – installed in December 2000 and officially launched in February 2001.

The system uses three CFA-controlled sirens to provide early alerts of potential bushfire emergencies during the fire danger period, warning not only residents but also bushwalkers and visitors.

Ms Elaine McCunn, current Coordinator of the FCBAS and member of the Sassafras-Ferny Creek Fire Brigade, emphasised the role of education in the system’s success.

“A warning siren is only effective if people know what to do when they hear it. The sirens are not a signal to evacuate. They’re a signal to seek information immediately,” Ms McCunn said.

“On high-risk days, if you haven’t already left by the time the sirens sound, it may be too late.”

Since its launch, the FCBAS has grown into much more than just a noise on the hill.

Information packs are given to all new residents.

Monthly tests remind the community of the ever-present risk.

Brigade community meetings and the CFA website provide up-to-date advice and education, and the message is consistent: be properly prepared and leaving early on high-fire risk days - before any sirens are heard - is the safest option.

The FCBAS was officially handed over to the CFA in 2014 and underwent refurbishment at the start of the most recent fire season.

The sirens are programmed to be activated via CFA pager messages responding to local fires reported to Triple Zero (000).

Mr Irving reflected on Ferny Creek’s unique vulnerability.

“There have been 36 fires here since 1850. The slope of this land doubles the speed and intensity of a fire. There’s almost no time. That’s why the sirens matter,” he said.

Ms McCunn spoke about the emotional healing that took place in the aftermath of the 1997 fire.

“Neighbours helped neighbours. Some rebuilt, some moved away. But the community came together,” she said.

“Special programs helped the kids. Local events gave people the opportunity to grieve, to talk, or just to hold a hand. Over time, the forest

and the people started to heal.”

Ms Shew, who wrote much of the public communication during the system’s development, once described the sirens as a “voice for the forest.”

For her, they symbolise the lives lost – and the ones that might still be saved.

The FCBAS has since been recognised beyond Ferny Creek.

The United Nations acknowledged it as best practice.

The 2009 Victorian Royal Commission into the Black Saturday bushfires referred to it when recommending community alert sirens across the state.

The State Coroner Graeme Johnstone called out the system’s importance.

And Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce Esplin reminded residents that “the FCBAS is not a replacement for proper planning.”

A quarter of a century on, the system still stands as a testament to what community action can achieve.

Those sirens may only ring out on test days or in the face of danger, but for Ferny Creek residents, they represent awareness, resilience, and the power of never forgetting.

As Mr Irving said, “Preparedness is the key. The sirens may give us a little time. And when it comes to bushfires, every minute counts.”

A documentary DVD about the Ferny Creek Bushfire Alert System, produced by Mr Irving and awarded the RACV Fire Awareness Award in 2010, is available to watch on YouTube: www. youtube.com/watch?v=lIKUzpJ7QVc

For further information: email SFCFB secretary on: sfcfbsecretary@outlook.com

Group photo from the final committee meeting in 2014, when the CFA took over management of the alert system. (Bottom row, L-R): Karl Krumtunger, Anna-Marie Shew, John Irving, Cr Robyn Hale. (Supplied)

John Irving and his wife Virginia return home the day after the fire. (Supplied)

Anna-Marie Shew, Karl Krumtunger and John Irving receive the Yarra Ranges Council Citizen of the Year award on Australia Day, 2002. (Supplied)

Gliding to new heights

By Callum Ludwig

A landmark Federal Court case is set to benefit a threatened local critter, as well as many other species in peril around the country.

The Wilderness Society, represented by Environmental Justice Australia, successfully argued a court settlement with Environment Minister Murray Watt and the federal government, arguing they had failed to create mandatory recovery plans for a number of threatened species.

Biodiversity policy and campaign manager for the Wilderness Society Sam Szoke-Burke said the case has achieved an important precedent, namely that making these recovery plans is not optional.

“When in place, the recovery plans will have legal heft when the government assesses future development projects — it won’t be able to ignore them,” he said.

“The community will also be watching to make sure the plans accurately describe the key threats to each species’ survival, and that the government adequately funds and implements them,”

“All of these elements will be needed to enable recovery of species that have been neglected by government after government.”

Greater gliders, found in the forests of the Yarra Ranges, are one of four species that will have a recovery plan in place by July 2026, alongside ghost bats, sandhill dunnarts and Australian lungfish. The greater glider was reclassified from vulnerable to endangered in 2022, having first been classified as threatened in 2016.

Ms Szoke-Burke said the Wilderness Society are elated that the greater glider will finally have

a recovery plan after years of government delay.

“It’s an iconic and well-loved species that relies on mature native forests that are often smashed by deforestation,” he said.

“The greater glider’s recovery must also be premised on the removal of harmful deforestation loopholes in federal laws that allow logging and deforestation to occur without federal oversight,”

“Our supporters have been mobilising across the continent to urge the Environment Minister to close these loopholes as part of the current reform process.”

As a result of the ruling, recovery plans will no longer expire after a period of time (previously having been considered expired after 10 years, known as ‘sunsetting’) and will now only be removed when a species is no longer listed as threatened and well on its way to recovery.

A government spokesperson said the Albanese Government is on track to deliver recovery plans for the Australian Lungfish, Sandhill Dunnart, Greater Glider (southern and central) and Ghost Bat.

“Plans are currently in their mandatory public consultation period for the Australian Lungfish and Sandhill Dunnart,” they said.

“Public consultation on plans for the Greater Glider (southern and central) and Ghost Bat will be conducted well before the agreed timeframe for the plans’ completion.”

“The Albanese Government is investing over $600 million in actions that are directly contributing to the recovery of threatened species and ecological communities.”

An Auditor-General report in 2022 into the management of threatened species and ecolog-

ical communities found that only two per cent of recovery plans were completed within the statutory time frame since July 2013, making the removal of sunsetting a crucial component to ensuring these plans are seen through to completion. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website has been updated to reflect this.

President of Warburton Environment Nic Fox said the group feels a huge sense of relief, but also deep disappointment.

“This outcome shows that the law can still work to protect nature when communities hold governments to account but it really shouldn’t be up to community groups and volunteers to force the government to follow its own laws,” she said.

“The Court has made it crystal clear that recovery plans are not optional, they are a legal duty, this precedent should push governments to take their responsibilities seriously and deliver recovery plans on time, so species aren’t left waiting while their habitats disappear,”

“It’s a game-changer for species like the greater glider, they’ve been listed as needing

a recovery plan since 2016, but one has never been delivered.”

Protection of the greater glider was a talking point in May 2024 when bushfire mitigation works carried out by Forest Fire Management Victoria in the Yarra Ranges National Park resulted in the death of a glider.

Ms Fox said the greater glider recovery plan must focus on protecting and restoring habitat, especially hollow-bearing trees that gliders need for nesting.

“It should also address stopping logging and deforestation in glider strongholds, securing climate refuges, and ensuring connectivity between forest patches so gliders can survive fires and adapt to change, strong community and scientific monitoring programs should also be part of it,” she said.

“Protecting forests for greater gliders will also help Leadbeater’s Possums, sooty owls, yellow-bellied gliders, and countless other hollow-dependent species,”

“These forests are home to a whole community of threatened wildlife, when you protect one, you protect many.”

Emerald & District Co-operative Society Ltd (the Co-op) is seeking passionate, valuesdriven individuals to join our Board of Directors.

As a member-owned co-operative, Emerald Co-op exists to serve our community and has been a feature of Emerald and the surrounding district for many years. Our Board plays a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of the Co-op, ensuring strong governance and upholding our co-operative values.

The Co-op aims to ensure our Board has the right skills, experience and diversity to lead the organisation, we are seeking Directors who:

• Are committed to community-led, ethical, and sustainable business practices,

• Bring experience in governance, finance, strategy, risk, or community engagement,

• Are collaborative, curious, and willing to contribute to robust board discussions, and

• Reflect the diversity of our membership and community.

Ideally you will:

• Have prior experience on a board or governance committee,

• Skills in financial oversight, legal compliance, strategic planning, or risk management,

• Knowledge of the cooperative sector,

• Experience in stakeholder engagement or advocacy,

• Demonstrated commitment to cooperative values and community service,

• Ability to understand and contribute to board-level decision-making,

• Relevant qualifications in governance from AICD or the Governance Institute of Australia and/or willingness to undertake director training and ongoing governance development, and/or

• Availability to attend regular board meetings and participate in subcommittees as needed.

The Board currently meets monthly in person on the 4th Tuesday of each month in the evening.

The appointment is from the AGM in November 2025 for a 2-year term at which point you may be eligible to stand for re-appointment at the AGM in 2027.

To submit your expression of interest for the role or for more information, please contact Mark Lock, Company Secretary on secretary@emeraldco-op.com.au Nominations close Sunday 19th October 2025 at 11:59pm.

The endangered greater glider is set to have a recovery plan in place by July 2026 following a court settlement. (File)

NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY

‘Proud’ wife of a serving oﬃcer thanks members

Police officers give so much of themselves to their work, from the ever-changing shifts to facing different challenges each day, but none of that would be possible without a support system.

For Lilydale’s Kelly Parker, she knows this first-hand, as her husband has served as a member of Victoria Police for a little over eight years. He joined when their youngest child was 10 days old, and with two children, Kelly admitted it can be challenging, “but overall we are proud he puts that uniform on each day”.

As a serving member of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), Star Mail won’t reveal many details about Kelly’s husband.

CIRT are highly trained officers who support frontline members in high-risk incidents, particularly sieges, barricade incidents and searches for armed and/or violent persons.

Because of this, the worry can be immense, Kelly said, especially recently when her husband was deployed to Porepunkah to assist in the manhunt for fugitive Desi Freeman.

“The recent events, such as Porepunkah, have affects on our lives. I can stop the kids from watching the news, but I can’t stop the radio when we’re on our way home,” she said.

“I can’t stop what is said in the school yards or on the streets that a murderer is on the loose, and their dad is going in there to find him.

“My kids are eight and 10, they’re old enough to understand a bit, but not quite old enough to understand their father has extensive training to do what he does.”

As the country commemorated National Police Remembrance Day on Monday 29 Septem-

ber, it was a day of sombre reflection as families remembered their loved ones, especially Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who were shot dead in the line of duty in Porepunkah.

For the families of serving members, the day is a reminder that no police officer is guaranteed a return home.

“My heart is with the families of those fallen. I never wish to be you, and you are my biggest fear,” Kelly said.

“It’s really strange when a high school friend messages me and says her husband is headed away and she feels uneasy, and I say to her,

‘it’s okay, they wouldn’t send him if he wasn’t equipped’.

“There are times I worry about where or what my husband is doing. But then I ground myself. My husband is trained and will always choose coming home to his family over anything.”

While the big moments are impactful, Kelly said the everyday requires adjustment, teamwork, flexibility and support.

“I’ve learnt that the shift never finishes when the roster says. The job is demanding, and some days when I can only bring 20 per cent to the house, he brings the 80 per cent, and roles are switched when needed.

“I’ve learnt I need to be on guard 24/7 as a

parent, my husband can be called away at any point. So I need to be available for my kids 24/7.”

As the son of a now-retired career-serving Victoria Police officer, Kelly said she knows her husband will always have support and guidance to get him through the hard days.

“I’m confident with any challenges he comes across or faces, he seeks advice through his father or colleagues and or counsellors provided by Victoria Police,” she said.

Kelly said knowing her husband does his job with the community in mind makes her incredibly proud.

“Being married to a man who is so dedicated to protecting the community is a good feeling. I’m proud of him and very proud he is the father of my children.”

While National Police Remembrance Day is about celebrating and commemorating the lives taken too soon in the line of duty, as well as those who have died outside of the force, Kelly said it is also a chance to thank current members.

Kelly said it was important to highlight and champion the work they do every day to protect and serve the community.

“When you put on that uniform each day, know that I and many around you stand with you. We thank you for your endless service, and at the end of the day, we want you home with us and with your families.

“I have so many family and friends in the blue and white uniform, from my husband, my brother-in-law, to lifelong coaches, and you all are incredible.

“We thank you for your service, just always come home to your family, because that’s who counts in the end.”

The Victoria Police memorial will be bathed in tributes to thank and commemorate the service of members. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

By Mikayla van Loon

Remembering Yarra Junction’s Tony Clarke, shot on duty

By Oliver Winn

2025 has been a significant year for the police force, with the alleged shooting of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah sending waves of grief and shock throughout the country.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the death of one of our own local officers from the outer east.

In the early hours of Sunday 24 April, 2005, senior constable Tony Clarke was shot and killed by a drunk driver while on patrol on Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction.

Just like the deaths of Mr Thompson and Mr De Waart-Hottart, the shooting of Mr Clarke left the Yarra Ranges community reeling with grief.

Mr Clarke had intercepted a vehicle and was about to administer a breath test when at some point, the driver managed to gain possession of Mr Clarke’s gun.

The driver fatally shot Mr Clarke before he stole the police car and left the scene.

Other police officers discovered Mr Clarke’s body shortly after and later the police discovered the stolen vehicle in LIlydale, where the driver’s body was found.

The driver had committed suicide using Mr Clarke’s gun.

Mr Clarke was regarded as an efficient and dedicated police member who was highly regarded by his colleagues and superiors.

Deaths like these only further cemented the importance in recognising the efforts of police - the things they witness and deal with so we don’t have to.

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said 178 officers have died while serving the community in Victoria.

“Behind the uniform they represented with courage, care and compassion, we remember 178 people. People who loved and were loved

and whose loss is a burden shouldered by those they left behind.

“We hold their memory dear and their families, friends and colleagues in our thoughts every day, but even moreso on dedicated days of reflection like Police Remembrance Day,” Mr Gatt said.

He said the death of Mr Thompson and Mr De Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah meant this year’s National Police Remembrance Day had added significance.

“The loss of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart remains raw and overwhelming.

Gerovasilis legacy lives on

By Mikayla van Loon

No parent ever expects the unthinkable will happen to their child, but through all the grief and pain of losing a son, one Dandenong Ranges family hold immense gratitude for the people who extended their love and support in the weeks and months afterwards.

Bill and Janine Gerovasilis’ son, Elias, joined the Victoria Police Academy in October 2023, graduating in May 2024 and was posted to Belgrave Police Station for his first stint in the job.

Tragically, while enjoying something he loved, riding his motorcycle with a group, Elias suffered fatal injuries after he came off the road in Emerald and collided with a tree in August 2024.

“He only worked eight weeks, so a very, very short time, but he certainly made an impact in that short time,” Janine said.

Joining the police force was never something his parents expected, with Bill saying, “it wasn’t his lifelong dream”, but his character and personality matched the profession to a tee.

“As a kid in the school yard, we used to call him the school yard copper because he would watch over the not-so-strong kids and be mindful of the bullies as well,” Bill said.

“He had a very strong sense of right and wrong and injustice.”

“He really looked out for girls, even as he got older, he was very protective of girls,” Janine added.

This protectiveness, despite being the middle child with an older brother and younger sister, translated to his siblings.

Not knowing Elias had applied to the police academy, Janine said it came as quite a shock when he got in.

But after his passing, Janine and Bill said the stories of Elias helping and supporting others made his decision to become an officer all the more clear.

“We’ve learned so much more about him, and it’s amazing how many people have said, ‘he was there for me. He was there for my friend’s daughter in her darkest time’,” Janine said.

“It’s really nice to hear that. I wish we had known a lot more about our son before all this.”

“All these people have come forward telling us their stories, and you realise that was the direction he should have gone in, and you can understand it,” Bill said.

Despite it being the right path for him, Bill said, as a parent, you never not worry about your child, especially when they choose a high-risk job.

“As a parent, you just don’t want your child to go through that, but he wanted to go and make a difference,” he said.

“He was young and eager, the whole lot. To him, it wasn’t a job; it was something to help make a difference.”

Janine and Bill said seeing Elias pursue policing made them so proud, even if the worry never ceased.

They too became passionate and interested in every aspect of what Elias was doing, his day-today as an officer and how he faced certain challenges.

“You become invested because every day you want to find out, How did your day go? What did you get up to? What happened? How did you deal with that? Or how was it dealt with? And then he could tell you the good side of society or some of the seedy side of society,” Bill said.

“You worry about it every day, all day, and then when they come home, sometimes they’re grumpy, but you wanted to find out, how did you go? You really become invested, and then you view the police differently.

“They’re not ‘bloody coppers’. They’re integral in society.”

If there’s one thing Elias’s time in the police force showed Janine and Bill, it was that all officers are human and they ask everyone in the community to remember that.

“They are human beings as well; they’re just putting on that uniform to do that job, to protect society and to make a difference,” Janine said.

“Respect them as you would respect everyone else doing a job.”

On the day of Elias’s funeral at the Police Academy, Janine said that feeling was never more prevalent.

“We saw it firsthand with Elias’s farewell service. Going through a guard of honour, with officers saluting, with tears in their eyes,” she said.

“We actually said to the sergeant who was driving us, this is what the public doesn’t see, that they’re human beings as well. They feel the loss as well.

“That was the most powerful thing I’ve ever seen,” Bill added.

From the moment they said goodbye to their

son, Bill and Janine said they were wrapped in support from the entire police family.

Victoria Police Legacy was at the forefront of that support, first in a quiet way and then helping the Gerovasilis start the Elias Project and Memorial Award in his name.

“It’s not just Legacy, it’s the whole blue family, from the chaplain from Legacy to Belgrave police. We’ve got that 24-hour assistance if we need it. We haven’t used it, but it’s there if we need it,” Janine said.

“They quietly step forward. They’re wherever you need them. They’re behind you, they’re in front of you, or they’re next to you. It’s there,” Bill said.

Without the support of Legacy and Victoria Police, Bill and Janine said they wouldn’t have been able to channel their grief into something productive and meaningful.

Bill said “grief is unique”, and no one grieves the same as anybody else, but accepting the help of the blue family has ensured he and his family can move forward.

“Sometimes, if you can accept it, you need that person in front of you to open a door so you can move, or you’re going to fall backwards because you’ve had a day, but there’s someone behind you who’s going to cushion you.

“And if you can accept that, it can help; it can really help you move in a positive way. If there’s anything positive to come of grief, and what they’re doing with the memorial, the education and Elias’s project, they’re trying to turn a tragedy into something, so it’s not another tragedy for somebody else.”

Janine has become a lived experience speaker

with Amber Community, a road incident support and road safety education organisation.

“I speak to people who have offended on the roads, and I tell them my story. Doing my first talk recently, telling my story, you could see tears.

“You could see that it was making an impact and every other opportunity I have now, if I see a learner rider pulled over in Emerald, I will stop and go and have a chat with them.

“That’s my way of coping with all this. He’s made me a stronger person because of what’s happened.”

On behalf of Victoria Police Legacy, Janine had the honour of placing a wreath on National Police Remembrance Day on Monday 29 September.

Remembering their son, alongside Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who were shot dead in the line of duty in Porepunkah, and every other member who has passed, Janine and Bill encouraged everyone to take a moment to remember and to say thank you.

Although the grief of losing Elias will never disappear, advocating for change and being part of Police Legacy means Janine and Bill can carry on Elias’s memory and goal to make a difference.

“I’m grateful. I’m grieving. I’ll never stop grieving, but I’m so grateful. I’m looking at his graduation picture right now. He had a killer smile on him, this kid, and there he is, proud as punch in his uniform, and he looks fantastic in his uniform,” Bill said.

“I ask my son to help and protect people every day. If this memorial helps and protects just one person, that means everything, just one person. That’s all we want is to save one person.”

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, Inspector Kate O’Neill Chair of Victoria Police Legacy with Janine, Bill and Poppy Gerovasilis at the Police Memorial. (Supplied)

The Gerovasilis family had the honour of laying the Victoria Police Legacy wreath at the memorial service in Melbourne.

Elias Gerovasilis graduated from the Police Academy in May 2024.

A memorial plaque on the Warburton Rail Trail commemorates Mr Clarke’s death. (Neil Follett, Monument Australia)

The life of a Yarra Junction cop in a tight, trusting team

By Oliver Winn

Australia recognised the sacrifice and service of our police force on Monday 29 September for National Police Remembrance Day.

The Star Mail had a chat with Yarra Valley station cluster acting senior sergeant Andrew Coulson, to find out more about the ins and outs of police work, what it entails and what it means to him.

The Yarra Valley station cluster consists of Yarra Junction, Warburton, Healesville and Yarra Glen police stations, though Mr Coulson is normally the officer in charge for Yarra Junction.

“As the officer in charge my role usually revolves around the general running of the police station, supervising the officers on duty and ensuring we are doing the best we can to meet the community’s needs,” Mr Coulson said.

Having served for 16 years in the police force, Mr Coulson has experienced a variety of roles and locations, having worked in the Melbourne CBD before returning to the Yarra Valley.

“Working at Yarra Junction is very different to working in the Melbourne CBD where I was previously.

“There are days where we can just go back to community policing and spend time speaking to our local traders, school groups and community members and then there are days when we are just going from job to job,” Mr Coulson said.

As opposed to the chaotic nature of the Melbourne CBD, Mr Coulson said he and the other officers loved working at Yarra Junction because of the community.

“All of my officers want to work at Yarra Junction because they have a similar passion to me and really enjoy working in the community that we live in. They get to know a lot of people and generally don’t forget a face which can be very handy.”

Mr Coulson took pride in leaving a positive impact on people in the community, regardless

of whether he dealt with them when “they’re having a good day… or one of their worst days”.

“I enjoy the opportunity to meet new people either when they come into the police station, or when we are just down the street and they come up and say hello.”

But, working within a small community means when tragedy strikes, it rocks the whole town - including Mr Coulson and his fellow officers.

This couldn’t be more evident than when two officers were forced to shoot Yarra Junction man Justin Filardo while he was attempting to kill his sister in August.

Upon arrival at the Warburton Highway property, the police officers were briefed by the mother outside the home before entering to find the brother strangling his sister, who appeared unconscious and had a partially severed arm.

Police tasered the man multiple times, but were forced to shoot him eight times to stop the assault and save the woman.

Victoria Police Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett said the officers were highly distressed after the event.

“It’s a tragic circumstance for a family and for a relatively small rural community who know their community and know their police,” Mr Barrett said.

“These police officers have come to work doing what they do every day in a relatively small community, had been confronted with a situation where they’ve had to take life-taking action.

“It’s what they’re trained to do and they’re trained very, very well. But no police officer wants to take these actions.”

Mr Coulson working in a small town meant police experienced the same feelings as the rest of the community.

“We genuinely feel the loss when there is a death in the community or seeing the destruction to our area caused by natural occurrences such as bushfires, floods and high winds,” Mr Coulson said.

Days like National Police Remembrance Day (and Victoria’s Blue Ribbon Day, observed alongside National Police Remembrance Day) are important as they raise awareness of the challenging, confronting and life changing situations police officers deal with for the greater good of the community.

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said alleged shooting of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah meant this year’s National Police Remembrance Day had added significance.

“The loss of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart remains raw and overwhelming.

But, it’s not all “catching criminals”, Mr Coulson said - being a smaller sized station, Yarra Junction has no public servants.

Or, as he jokingly put it - no “unsworn members assisting us with our admin and other nonpolicing functions”.

Therefore, Mr Coulson is required to have an array of skills to undertake niche and highly specialised tasks to ensure operations run smoothly.

“I have to know how to do everything from checking the mail to putting the bins in and out,” he joked.

In the end, he loves his job and the variety it brings.

“I love it all, no two days are rarely the same. You might be coming into work thinking of what you plan to do for the day and as soon as you arrive you are kitting up and driving out to a serious collision, critical incident or some other sort of natural emergency.

Having a great team to work with and being able to have faith and trust in them that they know what they are doing is such a great feeling,” Mr Coulson said.

Reflecting on losses, legacy

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Police forces across the country on Monday 29 September stopped to pause and reflect on National Police Remembrance Day (NPRD), a solemn occasion dedicated to honouring officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

This year’s commemoration held a particularly sombre significance following the brutal murder of two Victoria Police members in Porepunkah on 26 August 2025, a tragedy still weighing heavily on the minds of police and the public alike.

Closer to home, Belgrave Acting Sergeant Bradley Raaymakers and his father, Robert Raaymakers, a retired Victoria Police Inspector who once served as Officer in Charge at Belgrave, shared their reflections on the importance of this day and what policing means to them.

Mr Robert Raaymakers spoke of his 48-year career with Victoria Police as a time of great personal growth and connection.

“National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity for me to remember those that we have lost along the way,” he said.

“I am particularly fortunate to be involved with Victoria Police Legacy who look after police families who have lost a loved one, so NPRD is a prominent activity on our calendar.”

Reflecting on his time as station manager at Belgrave, Mr Raaymakers said police officers build deep community connections beyond their official duties.

“Our members were heavily involved within the Belgrave community, through local sporting clubs, community groups and schools,” he said.

“What has stayed with me was the outstanding work during the Black Saturday fires where they often put themselves in harm’s way for the good of the community.”

Mr Raaymakers expressed pride in his son’s decision to pursue policing.

“It is more than a job, it is a vocation and an honourable one at that,” he said.

“These are different times now with more complex community expectations, but Victoria

Police will always be seen as leaders within the community.”

Acting Sergeant Bradley Raaymakers echoed his father’s sentiments, describing NPRD as a chance to pause and acknowledge the inherent dangers of policing.

“Police members said goodbye to their families, went to work to serve their communities and keep them safe, yet didn’t make it home after their shifts,” he said.

“It’s a sombre reminder of the risks Police face daily and the grief shared by the whole ‘Blue Family’ when we lose one of our own.”

Having grown up around policing, Mr Raaymakers said his father’s example inspired his own career.

“Dad was always there for his members and the community through major events like the Black Saturday Fires, that’s the foundation of why I do what I do,” he said.

In his current role at Belgrave, Mr Raaymakers emphasised the importance of building strong community relationships.

“We are heavily invested in our local schools and broader community,” he said.

“As leaders within our community, enhancing these relationships is so important.”

Both father and son acknowledged the challenges and risks that come with the job.

Mr Robert Raaymakers reflected on the difficult moments police officers face, often unseen by the public.

“There have been too many who have not made it home after incidents that have gone dramatically wrong,” he said.

“You cannot put a price on that sacrifice.”

Yet, despite the dangers, both agreed policing remains a rewarding vocation.

“When you help fix things and restore faith, that’s what keeps you going,” Mr Robert Raaymakers said.

As the nation paused on 29 September to remember those lost in the line of duty, the Raaymakers’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication, sacrifice and community spirit at the heart of policing in Victoria and across Australia.

Rob and his son Bradley Raaymakers. (Stewart Chambers: 506223)

Healesville Police Station acting sergeant Taylor Ray and senior constable Joseph Bickerdike and Yarra Valley Cluster acting senior sergeant Andrew Coulson. (Oliver Winn: 506562)

Customer focus the goal

New Belgrave Motors are reliable, experienced and always go the extra mile.

Owners and dynamic duo Shane and Cindy Taylor say safety is the number one priority.

“We keep our customers and their families safe in roadworthy, reliable cars,” they said.

Bringing bountiful experience to the job, no vehicle is too big or small, and extensive service options are available for all kinds of cars and 4WDs.

Licensed Vehicle Testers for Vic Roads (RWCs) and VACC-approved repairers, New Belgrave Motors also has two courtesy cars that can be reserved free of charge when booking a service.

Founded in the ‘90s, Shane has been with New Belgrave since 1998 and enjoys working on older vehicles.

Sharing his passion, Cindy said many mechanics shy away from older cars.

“We love them!” she said.

Cindy started with New Belgrave in 2007, doing the books on the weekends and the pair bought the business in 2010, relocating from Belgrave to Ferntree Gully in 2018.

“Nearly all of our amazing customers still travel down the hill to see us for their servicing and repairs, and we are so very grateful for this support,” Cindy said.

Thoughtful touches like iconic lolly bags for the ride home and key rings with bottle openers highlight the team’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

The team will keep you updated via phone calls and texts, and there’s a comfy couch, coffee machine and free wifi.

Trading hours are 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday, with an RDO every third Monday.

Pop in today and meet the crew at 19 Kevin Avenue, Ferntree Gully.

Book now and get a free quote on 03 9125 6362.

Max, Louis, Cindy and Shane at the wheel alignment area. (Stewart Chambers: 432497)

Decades of Gembrook art

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Gembrook visual artist, Lesley Dickman is inviting the public into her personal creative world, opening her home studio on October 25–26 and the following weekend for the first time to showcase a lifetime of artwork spanning decades.

What began with finger painting in kindergarten has evolved into a remarkable journey of expression, exploration and installation for Ms Dickman.

Now, she is transforming her garden property into an immersive arts experience, giving visitors a rare opportunity to view her work in the place it was created.

“Art became my passion very early on. I’ve always been a visual person,” Ms Dickman said.

“I react to art emotionally, whether it’s my own or another artist’s and that feeling has never left me.”

After initially studying graphic art at Swinburne in the mid-60s, Ms Dickman later returned to complete a fine arts degree at Monash Caulfield while raising a young family.

Her professional career has included painting stage backdrops for the Australian Ballet and major theatre productions such as Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.

But even while working on grand productions, Ms Dickman was always developing her own studio practice.

“It shaped the scale of my work. Painting those massive backdrops meant I became comfortable working large, it’s hard to go back to small canvases after that,” she said.

Through the 1980s, she shared studio space in Brunswick under the Fringe umbrella during the early years of the Melbourne Arts Festival.

“That experience took the fear out of exhibiting. It was so important,” she said.

Since 1993, Ms Dickman has held 24 solo exhibitions and taken part in 27 group shows.

Her works are expressive, often deeply personal, and never bound to a single theme or style.

One of her most recognised installations, ‘Salt and the Dress’, was the product of two years’ work and a collaboration with the Cheetham Salt Company.

It featured full-length dresses encrusted with salt, photographs of salt flats and camellia gloves, and was exhibited at Walker Street Gallery and Swan Hill Regional Gallery.

Ms Dickman said that body of work was both a personal and political statement.

“The dresses reflected memories of my mother, who was a professional dressmaker. Dress-

making was just part of life at home,” she said.

“But it also questioned how femininity is defined, how we’re sold an idea of beauty. Salt can be beautiful, but it’s also corrosive - there’s a crossover there.”

Ms Dickman’s art frequently explores feminist themes.

Other works have honoured women and girls whose stories are erased or undervalued, and recent paintings depict women in watercraft, figures of strength and resilience.

Now, with her long-time exhibiting gallery having closed due to illness, Ms Dickman has reimagined her home studio as a gallery space.

Built by her partner Roger Strickland, the con-

verted barn on their one-acre property now holds decades of her work, from figurative painting to political installation and expressive abstraction.

“It’s not a slick gallery,” she said.

“It’s higgledy-piggledy, the work spans different eras and ideas, but that’s okay, it reflects my journey.”

The open studio will include works by her sister, also a designer and artist, and paintings by Roger in a separate studio on the property.

Afternoon tea will be available thanks to a neighbour, and visitors are encouraged to wander the garden between exploring the three creative spaces.

“It’s not really about selling. That’s a bonus if it happens,” Ms Dickman said.

“It’s about opening the space, sharing the work, and letting people experience it for themselves.”

The open studio will run across two weekends, 25–26 October and the following weekend, 1-2 November at Ms Dickman’s Gembrook property.

“It’s just an invitation to come and look. I’ve worked hard over the years, and I want to share that, not in a white-cube gallery, but in my space, where it all happens,” she said.

You can also view Ms Dickman’s work on her website, lesleydickman.com, which includes a contact page for those wishing to get in touch.

Fire safety will be focus at Kallista-The Patch open day

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Kallista-The Patch Fire Brigade is inviting the community to visit their fire ready open day and sausage sizzle at the Kallista Market on Saturday, 4 October, between 9am and 1pm to connect with local CFA volunteers and get prepared for the fire season.

The initiative is part of the brigade’s push to raise awareness and encourage community preparedness ahead of the upcoming fire season.

The brigade’s captain, Luke Maclean said the event is a valuable opportunity for residents to get informed and take practical steps toward protecting themselves and their properties.

“I hope we can answer some of the questions people may have about living in a bushfire atrisk area,” Mr Maclean said.

“If even a few locals go home and write a fire plan, the day will have been worthwhile, it’s so important to think these things through before an event occurs.”

Brigade members will be on hand to discuss everything from preparing properties and understanding fire danger ratings to knowing when to leave and how to create a fire plan.

Free “Get Fire Ready” materials will be available, along with a localised map highlighting high-risk properties and areas within the bushfire management overlay.

Mr Maclean emphasised that fire safety begins at home, with simple actions making a big difference.

“Number one, have a plan to leave early on catastrophic days at a minimum. If a severe fire impacts Kallista, leaving early is the safest option,” he said.

“To prevent smaller fires from spreading,

keep your lawns mown, gutters clear, and have a hose readily available if you are burning off.”

The brigade is also urging all residents in the Dandenong Ranges to download and set up the ‘VicEmergency app’, which provides real-time updates during emergencies.

“The app provides good quality and easily understood information that will help you make

Saturday 4 October, 9am–1pm.

sound decisions when activating your fire plan,”

Mr Maclean said. “That being said, we know phone service can be unreliable in the hills, so having a radio on 774 and stepping outside to check for smoke on hot and windy days is still a good idea. Multiple sources of information is key.”

The open day will also be a space for two-way

conversations. “The day will be a great opportunity to ask your local firefighters questions about anything – preparing your property, access for our trucks, joining the brigade, when you can or can’t burn off, school closures – whatever you need to know,” Mr Maclean said. For more information about your local get fire ready open day, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready

Lesley Dickman has always been a visual person, which led her to study fine art and develop her practice over time. (Stewart Chambers: 505818)

Kallista-The Patch Fire Brigade’s open day and sausage sizzle at Kallista Market,

(Supplied)

Bloomin’ great holiday fun

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

All-day activities include craft, games, a treasure hunt, tractor rides, and a fairy garden.

With over a million tulips, cherry blossoms, live entertainment, Dutch food, and even the world’s biggest clog, it’s a colourful day out for all ages.

Silvan comes alive with colour and excitement as the Tesselaar Tulip Festival enters its second week of spring school holiday fun, running from 29 September to 3 October at 357 Monbulk Rd. Many activities for families, including daily appearances from PAW Patrol’s Marshall and Chase, plus drumming workshops, wildlife talks, yoga, and fairy storytelling.

Vibrant tulip field. (506355)

The colourful field still waiting to fully bloom. (506355)

Over a million tulips are grown for the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. (Shamsiya Hussainpoor: 506355)

Cherry blossoms in full bloom. (506355)

A field of vibrant tulips. (506355)

Tulips bursting with colour. (506355)

Colourful tulips create a breathtaking landscape at the 2024 Tulip Festival. (506355)

Cherry blossoms in full bloom. (506355)

Gloomy sky, vibrant tulip field. (506355)

Sports hold a unique spot

By Maria Millers

Today many may still be hoarse or nursing sore heads, either high on victory or low on feelings of loss.

The post mortems will have begun and will go on for days, even weeks, but eventually will come that emotional dip that must follow weeks of intense engagement that culminated in the Grand Final.

With all its razzamatazz, the obligatory overseas artist headlining, our own as support acts, it was the biggest show in town.

Players must surely feel exhausted, both physically and mentally with their bodies still in a high state of stress and arousal from the match.

And not only the players.

Diehard fans often describe a mix of fatigue, disappointment or deflation, especially after losses.

It’s common to have that emotional dip, after a football match, driven by intense physical and psychological engagement during games and investment in the fortunes of a team.

And then the sudden end of excitement. Football season ends and many are faced with empty weekends until the void is filled with cricket or tennis.

In Australia, sport holds a unique place, a platform for both physical and emotional expression, deeply ingrained in our national psyche, contributing to national identity and also to economic growth.

From grassroots participation in suburban and country town footy clubs to elite competitions in the colosseums of our cities Australia’s preoccupation with sport is a defining characteristic of our culture.

Sometimes to the regrettable neglect of other cultural expressions.

Bruce Dawe’s Life-Cycle (1967) is probably the most famous AFL poem.

It reads like a secular liturgy for Victorian life, showing how footy devotion becomes a birth-todeath ritual:

When children are born in Victoria they are wrapped in the club-colours, laid in beribboned

WOORILLA WORDS

cots, having already begun a lifetime’s barracking.

Here, football isn’t just a game — it’s inheritance, a tribal belonging, passed on like religion or class identity.

Similarly, but back in 1915, CJ Dennis in The Barracker captured the raw emotion of a fan just like we saw and heard on Saturday.

He’s barrackin’ fer Collingwood, he’s barrackin’ fer Fitz,

He’s barrackin’ fer Essendon, he’s barrackin’ fer the bits;

… He’s barrackin’ like blazes, an’ he don’t care what he says,

He’s the barracker — the terror of these footballtippin’ days.

The “barracker” is the working man’s voice — loud, loyal, passionate, and sometimes unruly.

It reflects the tribal belonging of class-based communities.

Yet for families struggling to find common ground with their children, following the fortunes of a team can be the glue to hold them together.

From Red Room Poetry comes a younger voice, less about class but strong on tribal belonging:

Ode to AFL

A family divided in colours and songs, Yet united each weekend by the bounce of the ball; The crowd is a chorus, the team is our tribe, In losing or winning, it’s life amplified.

While Australians are engrossed in sports, vital issues such as healthcare, economic inequal-

ity, and environmental degradation are sidelined.

Of all sports, AFL evokes the widest range of passions, reflecting its working class tribal origins.

The media, often complicit in this distraction, floods the airwaves with sports coverage, leaving little room for the critical discussions necessary for a healthy democracy.

Sport stories are no longer on back pages of newspapers now they often lead.

Sports distraction coverage also dominates television schedules, online news platforms, and social media feeds.

The result is a saturated media landscape where sports news overshadows political reporting, reducing the public’s exposure to critical issues.

Politicians of all colours often align with popular sports and events to further their agendas.

The public’s ability to hold politicians and corporations to account is weakened.

In a country where housing affordability, healthcare access, and educational inequality are pressing concerns, the public’s focus on sports can detract from the necessary debates and actions needed to address these challenges.

Despite Australia’s vulnerability to climate change impacts — such as bushfires, droughts, and rising sea levels — sports events often receive more coverage than environmental policies or scientific reports.

The fine athleticism and dedication shown by athletes may come at a price to be paid later in life:

AE Housman mourns the passing of a young athlete who in his prime was celebrated for his athletic prowess, capturing the bittersweet moment of an athletes life.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away

From fields where glory does not stay,

And early though the laurel grows

It withers quicker than the rose.

In Saturday’s match Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron suffered a broken arm after a heavy collision yet continued playing with strapping and visibly in pain.

Similarly Lion’s captain Lachie Neale was

brought in to play, the strategic reward outweighing the risk.

The potential long term problems of injuries, particularlyconcussionsmustbebetteraddressed.

Indigenous Australians have profoundly influenced both the sport and the broader cultural landscape using this platform to celebrate heritage, challenge racism and inspire future generations.

The late Archie Roach’s Colour of Your Jumper was inspired by the moment in 1993 when Indigenous AFL player, ‘Nicky Winmar’ lifted his shirt and pointed to his skin in defiance of racial abuse from spectators. Roach’s song points out that the colour of your jumper is more important than the colour of your skin:

Putting down a player is tryna put him off his game

For my football team (oh-oh-oh)

In my football team (oh-oh-oh)

Well, it’s the colour of your jumper

Not the colour of your skin

Yeah, it’s the colour of your jumper

Not the colour of your skin

The ancient Greeks had a very distinctive view of sport, deeply tied to ethics, citizenship, and civic life.

In their worldview, athletic activity wasn’t just entertainment — it was a fundamental part of cultivating the ideal citizen and sustaining a healthy democracy. Training grounds were not just for the body but centres for philosophical discussion and instruction.

The Olympic Games and other competitions were religious, cultural and civic events. And it prepared citizens for participating in democracy.

October in Victoria marks the height of spring bringing mild weather, blooming landscapes, vibrant festivals and exciting cultural and outdoor events and is also the breathing space and welcome break we all need from sport dominance.

Final week for submitting entries to the Woorilla Poetry Prize 2025. Visit woorilla.org.au

Subscribe, for facts’ sake, because they matter in life

On World News Day (28 September) we are reminded of a truth that cannot be ignored and this is that facts matter.

In an era where misinformation and mistruths are constantly amplified on social media, and where even the President of the United States routinely distorts reality, the role of trusted, independent journalism is more critical than ever.

Local media in Australia is a necessity. We are the eyes and ears of our communities, telling the stories that matter most, celebrating our achievements, challenging injustice, and documenting the everyday triumphs and struggles that define us.

Just as importantly, we act as a watchdog. We hold governments, corporations, and institutions accountable. We ask the questions that others would prefer to avoid. We shine light into dark corners.

When misinformation and half-truths circulate unchecked, the consequences are profound. Communities lose trust. Division deepens. People act on falsehoods rather than facts. At such times, local newspapers and news sites play a stabilising role, cutting through the noise and confusion with careful reporting, rigorous standards, and a commitment to truth and balanced reporting.

At Today and Star, we believe that journalism is not just a business, it is a vital piece of public infrastructure, a cornerstone of our democracy, and a shared responsibility.

Every story we publish carries the weight of trust our readers place in us, and every headline we write reaffirms our promise to serve the public interest above all else.

Without strong, independent local media, communities risk losing not only their voice but also their connection to one another. The threads that bind us fray when truth is undermined.

That is why, on World News Day, we join with newsrooms across the globe to say clearly: Choose truth, choose facts, choose balance and choose journalism.

Paul Thomas, Managing Director,

Star News Group/Today Group.

Not for everyone

One Battle After Another

4/5

Loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, One Battle After Another is a great new film from renowned indie director Paul Thomas Anderson that I just don’t like very much.

Pat Calhoun (Leonardo Di Caprio), a washedup former revolutionary, must rescue his daughter Charlene (Chase Infiniti) from an old enemy.

One Battle After Another is a searing satire of modern America, addressing how tyrants in power operate with a thin veneer of authority and how some resistance members use opposition as a smokescreen for thrill-seeking and violent urges of their own.

Sean Penn plays the twitchy, sadistic villain Steven Lockjaw almost like Frank Booth from Blue Velvet if he were a white supremacist colonel.

Benicio Del Toro is an amusing ally as Sergio St. Carlos, an unflappable karate sensei, and Infiniti conveys a compelling confidence as Charlene.

The film maintains multiple layers of rising white-knuckle tension through Pat’s scramble to save Charlene, Lockjaw’s relentless hunt for her and the machinations of a Klan-like fraternity

CARTOON

and their fixer, and builds to a gripping desert action climax.

The powerful score features a clever lullabylike leitmotif drawn from the trackers Pat uses to keep Charlene safe.

Some viewers will just find One Battle After Another too harsh and grim to endure.

Perfidia (Teyana Taylor), Pat’s revolutionary wife and Lockjaw’s counterpart, is a deliberately unlikeable character, but she is so ruthless and narcissistic that she starts the film on a sour note that it never fully recovers from.

For that matter, while the film draws plenty of humour from Pat as a has-been severely in over his head, everyone around him is more interesting and developed (and competent, but that’s the point).

A taut, expertly-crafted film that you may enjoy more than me, One Battle After Another is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

A novel about grief and hope

Book review of The Burrow by Melanie Cheng

The Burrow, by Australian author Melanie Cheng, was shortlisted for the 2025 Stella Prize.

The slim novel (only 185 pages) begins with this quote from Franz Kafka’s unfinished short story of the same name, which was published posthumously in 1931: “The most beautiful thing about my burrow is the stillness. Of course, that is deceptive. At any moment it may be shattered and then all will be over.”

In Kafka’s story, the narrating protagonist is an unnamed badger-like creature who struggles to secure the labyrinthine burrow he has excavated as a home.

He does so by hammering and pounding the loose, sandy soil into firm walls for his “beautifully vaulted chamber”: “I had to run with my forehead thousands and thousands of times, for whole days and nights, against the ground, and I was glad when the blood came, for that was a proof that the walls were beginning to harden; and in that way, as everybody must admit, I richly paid for my Castle Keep.”

Like Kafka’s creature, in Cheng’s story, Amy and Jin live an isolated life and are terrified of change.

Their partially renovated inner-city home is a sanctuary from both external risks and internal

PASSION FOR PROSE

turmoil.

Not just because of the pandemic lockdown –their life has been standing still and silent since the tragic death of their baby daughter Ruby four years prior.

But their other daughter, 10-year-old Lucie, is bright, curious and yearning for emotional companionship, something that the couple are still too grief-stricken to offer, so they buy a pet rabbit for her.

Also coming for a temporary stay with the family is Amy’s estranged mother Pauline, who is deemed unsafe to live by herself due to her recently broken wrist.

With five members of the family crammed

Different types of enjoyment

Kemp’s curtain call

Oz: The Cirque Experience

World class circus acts and musical theatre stars come together in the world premier.

Starring world-class circus artists alongside musical theatre performers.

This is the story you know reinvented with breathtaking stunts, killer songs and a modern twist – perfect for all ages.

Vibrant musical theatre talent Elena Atanasovski will star as Dorothy, with world-touring artist Den Price as Tinman and Bede Nash as Scarecrow.

The enigmatic Wizard will be played by multi-skilled circus, dance, theatre and music performer Jonathan Nash-Daly, who was recently the comedian host at Brisbane’s iconic Pink Flamingo Club.

From gravity-defying acrobats and dazzling tricks to stunning design and jaw dropping effects, Oz: the Cirque Experience is a kaleidoscopic collision of performance and play – Oz like you’ve never seen it before.

Here circus meets story, fantasy dancers with reality and nothing is ever as it seems. Will Dorothy outsmart the Wizard and the Wicked Witch of the West. Whether you’re chasing heart, brans,, courage, or just a damn good time - Oz is calling.

Benue: Alex theatre St. Kilda. Season: 4 October – 1 November.

• Bookings: oztheexperience.com

Burrinja theatre – Upwey

Gladgame – Kitty Flanagan Kity Flanagan is coming to Burrinja with her new stand-up show.

Asking but not necessarily answering all the questions, Were we smarter before social media? Has your call ever been used for training purposes? And what exactly is an empath?

This is our chance to see the awardwinning star of Fisk, Utopia, and Have You Been Paying Attention? Doing what she does best, stand-up vomitlike on stage –like, actually near you, possibly just down the road depending on where you live. Point is, Kitty’s doing all the travelling so you don’t have to. Don’t miss it!

• Season: Friday 28 November at 8pm, and Sunday 30 November at 5pm.

under the same roof, long-buried secrets – guilt, blame, shame and anger – inevitably resurface.

Worse, at one stage there is an attempted break-in, which shatters the family’s feeling of false security.

It forces them to honestly face themselves in order to reconnect with each other again.

If this sounds bleak, then perhaps it is.

Yet, as Cheng subtly and skilfully reveals, when one reaches rock bottom, the only way to go is up. In the process, we gain much insight into trauma and grief.

We also get a sense of relief near the end, followed by hope, in the same way that Percy Bysshe Shelly describes how withered leaves can “quicken a new birth”: “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”

To borrow Cheng’s own words, the novel is “restorative and life-affirming” by reminding us, ever so gently, of the emotional and psychological labyrinthine burrows we often dig for ourselves in times of crisis.

To this reviewer, the story is also about family and parenthood – not just how fragile and vulnerable they can be, but, more importantly, how much healing, hope, love and joy they can and will bring to our individual lives.

Karralyka Theatre

Moonwalker - Michael Jackson’s History Celebrating 30 years in 2025, thus unique show features a live band, live vocals, a professional dance team, visual displays, special effects, covers over 40 sings spanning 40 years and is fronted by the three-time undefeated Michael Jackson Dance Club Champion, Paul Rizzo.

• Season: Friday 17 October at 8pm The round Theatre

Grease

It’S 1959 at Rydell High School, Danny Zuko and Dancy Dumbrowski’s summer romance is put to the test when they unsuspectedly meet on the first day of school. One of the longest running shoes on Broadway and made even more popular with the 1978 film), Grease is a celebration of rock n’ roll, American teen culture and the 1950s.

Having been nominated for countless awards Grease is sure to get you feeling electrified.

• Season: 19 – 18 October.

Starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro M

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

16 Disgust (9)

18 Making loud and confused noise (10) 21 Ticklish (6) 22 Surroundings (6) 24 Fusion (5) 25 Purchaser (5)

26 Fashion designer, – Jacobs (4)

A GRAND FAMILY SANCTUARY

A GRAND FAMILY SANCTUARY IN LEAFY BEAUTY

TUCKED away in a quiet, tree-lined street in the heart of Upper Ferntree Gully, this stunning double-storey family haven offers an unbeatable combination of space, comfort, and lifestyle versatility in one of the Hills’ most tightly held pockets. Set on a generous block and surrounded by lush greenery, the home boasts five spacious bedrooms—four with built-in robes—three stylishly appointed bathrooms, a dedicated study nook perfect for remote work or learning, and a large rumpus room ideal for a home theatre, games room, or teenage retreat. Designed with families in mind, the floorplan features two separate living areas—one on each level—providing wonderful flexibility for multi-generational living, entertaining, or simply giving everyone their own space. Modern comforts are seamlessly integrated with warm, homely touches, including ducted heating and cooling throughout, and a charming wood fireplace that sets the perfect ambiance during the cooler months. Step outside to an expansive double-storey balcony where you can take in tranquil treetop views, enjoy your morning coffee, or entertain guests in style. A massive garage offers secure parking, workshop space, or room for tools and toys, while a separate shed provides additional storage or hobby potential. Peacefully positioned yet close to everything, this property is just minutes to Upwey & Upper Ferntree Gully Villages, local schools, cafes, walking trails, and public transport—offering the rare chance to enjoy serene Hills living without sacrificing space, convenience, or lifestyle.

Property Highlights:

Five spacious bedrooms, four with built-in robes

Three well-appointed bathrooms with quality finishes

Two separate living areas – one upstairs, one downstairs

Dedicated study nook, perfect for work-fromhome or student needs

Large rumpus room ideal for a theatre, games room, or teen retreat

Ducted heating and cooling for year-round comfort

Inviting wood fireplace for warmth and character

Expansive double-storey balcony with peaceful treetop views

Massive garage with space for multiple vehicles or workshop use

Additional shed offering storage or space for hobbies

Peaceful, family-friendly location surrounded by nature ●

A HOME THAT WARMS THE HEART

SET on a sweeping 2,796m² block just moments from the heart of Emerald, this splitlevel home captures everything there is to love about hills living - Warmth, space, and a touch of country charm wrapped in modern comfort.

Step through the door and you’ll feel it immediately. The striking mantlepiece frames a cosy log fire, the natural flow from kitchen to dining to deck feels effortless, and there’s a sense this home was made for gathering.

The kitchen strikes the perfect balance between rustic appeal and modern convenience, featuring timber benchtops, a stainless steel dishwasher, a stand alone oven and cook top, and an easy connection to the dining space. From here, doors open wide to a huge undercover deck that overlooks the terraced grounds below.

An outlook that feels like your very own retreat, while offering plenty of room for children to roam, furry friends to play or the

opportunity to add future shedding.

The main bathroom is modern and bathed in natural light thanks to its large windows, and comes complete with both a shower and a bath. Two of the five bedrooms have been cleverly designed to maximise space, incorporating built-in cabinetry and drawers, while the master suite enjoys its own walkin robe, ensuite, and a private retreat area, perfect for quiet moments away from the bustle of family life.

Outside, a double garage provides secure parking, while drive-through access to the rear yard makes storing extra vehicles, trailers, or future projects a breeze.

All of this, just a short walk from the vibrant cafe culture of Emerald and the convenience of public transport.

A home that blends space, style, and warmth, ready to be loved in its next chapter. ●

SET on 2.47 acres (1 hectare) of beautifully landscaped grounds, this exceptional lifestyle property offers privacy, space, and breathtaking 180-degree views across Gembrook and the Yarra Valley. Custombuilt by Botanic Homes, it combines quality craftsmanship with sophisticated design.

The home’s north-westerly orientation floods the interior with natural light, while expansive picture windows and sliding doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Inside, recycled red brick accents, a calming neutral palette, and timber flooring set a warm, stylish tone. The open-plan living and dining area impresses with soaring ceilings and sweeping valley views, while the designer kitchen features Caesarstone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, a central island, walk-in pantry, and excellent storage. A second living area with barn door offers flexibility as a theatre or playroom.

Accommodation includes four spacious bedrooms, highlighted by a luxurious master suite with ensuite and walk-in robe.

Comfort is assured with split system heating/cooling, Coonara fireplace, double glazing, 6.6kW solar system, and a 6-star energy rating.

Outdoors, the expansive verandah, lawns, gardens, fruit trees, and fenced paddock enhance the lifestyle appeal. A 6m x 9m garage provides secure storage or workshop space. ●

OPPORTUNITY

TREE-TOP ARCHITECTURAL RETREAT

WELCOME to 175 Mt Morton Road, Belgrave Heights — a stunning, architecturally designed sanctuary nestled among the treetops. Set on approximately 4,290m² of lush, established gardens and peaceful surrounds, this exceptional home offers the perfect blend of style, space, and serenity.

Feel like you’re on holiday every day with breathtaking views from every window, multiple living zones, and thoughtfully crafted design elements that embrace the beauty of the natural landscape.

Inside, the home exudes warmth and character with exposed timber beams, a cozy brick fireplace, highlight windows, and a unique sunken master bedroom that creates a private retreat feel. The spacious kitchen and living areas open out to a generous entertaining deck and BBQ zone, ideal for enjoying the tranquil surrounds with family and friends.

Additional features include:

Architecturally inspired design with seamless indoor-outdoor flow

• Ducted heating and ceiling fans for yearround comfort

• Large double carport with a sealed circular driveway

Beautifully maintained veggie gardens and mature landscaping

• Peaceful location with ultimate privacy and tree-top outlooks

Whether you’re entertaining, relaxing, or working from home, this property offers a unique lifestyle opportunity in one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most sought-after locations all in walking distance to Birdland Reserve and Belgrave Heights Christian school.

Don’t miss your chance to secure this oneof-a-kind escape.

SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING IN A PRIME LOCATION

PERFECTLY positioned this immaculate property just a short stroll to Emerald’s town centre, supermarket, and schools, offers a beautifully designed four-bedroom, twobathroom home on 1005sqm bringing the perfect balance of privacy and convenience.

Step inside to a welcoming entry where 9ft ceilings and Blackbutt floors set a sense of space and style. The master suite is a haven of comfort with large windows, ceiling fan, an oversized walk-in robe, and a generous ensuite. Three further bedrooms, each with built-in robes, are positioned around a central family bathroom and separate toilet.

The open-plan kitchen and dining area is the heart of the home, complete with a large island bench, stone benchtops, walk-in pantry, integrated oven, gas cooktop, dishwasher, split system, and abundant storage. For quieter moments, retreat to the second living room with gas log fire, ceiling fan, split system, and sliding door access to the verandah.

Year-round comfort is assured with gas ducted heating and ducted vacuum, while outside, the undercover alfresco with privacy blinds provides the ideal space for entertaining family and friends. Dual driveway access with a 6.5m x 9m powered garage, double carport, garden shed, and secure pet area add excellent functionality to this inviting home. ●

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Upwey-Tecoma transfer denied

By Callum Ludwig

The Upwey-Tecoma Football Netball Club (UTFNC) are set to stay put in the Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) competition in 2026 after its transfer request was denied by AFL Victoria.

121 of 138 club members voted in favour of the Tigers seeking a move to the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) on Thursday 26 June, at a time when Premier Division powerhouse Wandin were also considering the same change of scenery but ultimately chose to stay.

A statement from UTFNC president Craig Waters said it goes without saying that he is extremely disappointed with the result.

“Our decision to seek a transfer to the EFNL was made following a thorough review of our club, with a view to what the next 10, 20 and 50 years would hold, rather than looking one year at a time,” he said.

“Changing demographics now see Upwey as probably the most metropolitan town in Outer East Football and Netball and I believe our profile is now more akin to clubs in the EFNL, having 29 clubs within 20km of us compared to four OEFN clubs.

“Ultimately it appears that the impact on our Club did not match the impact of losing one club from OEFN, with the reluctance to fixture a bye in Premier Division in 2026 a factor in AFL Victoria’s decision.”

Mr Waters also thanked both club volunteers, the EFNL and the clubs within the competition for their hard work, support and acceptance in the transfer request process.

The OEFN released a statement regarding the decision, signed by chief executive Brett Connell and chair Mark Sargent, which said the league welcomes the decision that Upwey-Tecoma’s senior and junior clubs will remain members of the Outer East Football Netball competition in 2026.

“Throughout the process, we have respected the clubs’ decisions to explore other competition options, with the firm view that both were required clubs of the Outer East Football Netball Community,” it reads.

“Outer East Football Netball look forward to working with both clubs and their respective teams (Football, Netball and Juniors) in planning for the 2026 season and beyond.

“Outer East Football Netball wish to reiterate that we remain steadfast in our view of working for the good of community sport in our region

with relevant stakeholders.”

Upwey-Tecoma competed in the league’s Premier Division in 2026;

The senior footballers recorded a seventh-place finish, The reserves went unbeaten in the home and away season on their way to a flag,

The U18s finished sixth,

The Women’s footballers finished second and were beaten in a grand final by minor premiers Mt Evelyn

The A, B and C grade netballers all finished second from bottom, while the D grade managed one place higher.

Upwey-Tecoma has been forced to stay put in the OEFN in 2026. (File: 405142)

Eastern Ranges Boys in blue ﬂip script and bring it home

By Callum Ludwig

The Eastern Ranges Boys took the field up against the Sandringham Dragons at 1pm and didn’t have the hot start that the girls did, down by two goals at quarter time 2.1, 13 to 4.1, 25.

The script was flipped in the second quarter as Eastern slammed on six goals to one to hold a three-goal lead at the main break.

Sandringham had the scoring end again in the third and fought back, kicking five and holding Eastern to one goal to hold a narrow seven-point lead at the final change.

The boys in blue rallied in the last to run over the top of the Dragons, keeping their opponents goalless and nailing four goals straight to run out victors by 15 points.

Boys coach Lauren Morecroft said it was a great reward for everybody who has contributed to the Eastern Ranges but also for the players , who had a very consistent year.

“I think we deserved to be there at the end and I was really glad that they would finish with a victory,” she said.

“They’re a very coachable group… I think we had some moments in games where we were challenged and we had to change the way that we played and some of those moments where the guys can change in a game was really great for their development,”

“It epitomises what this group’s like, they’re so coachable, they’re so team first and that’s why I think we were so consistent in the end.”

The win was the Ranges’ first Boys Under-18 premiership since the dominant 2013 side, which featured the likes of AFL premiership players Tom Boyd and Christian Petracca, current Collingwood forward Dan McStay, former Western Bulldogs Mitch Honeychurch and Ben Cavarra and former Fremantle Docker Michael Apeness.

Morecroft said they knew it was going to be really close up against the Dragons who were searching for a fourpeat.

“They’re a really good team, they’re always

really structured well and organised, they were looking to go really fast against us as well so to me, it was stressful as a coach, it was making sure that we were pulling the right levers to get the game looking a bit more the way that we wanted it to look rather than to their advantage at points. It was probably at the end, the fourth quarter, we were able to get a bit more on top and capitalise, which was a bit of a scoring end with the wind as well and the conditions,”

“I’m just really happy that we wrestled momentum and the boys probably carried out a fair amount of our training that we’ve been doing in terms of close games and scenarios.”

Xavier Taylor (East Ringwood junior club) was best on ground in defence, reeling in 15 marks among his 25 disposals. Draft bolter Sullivan Robey (Rowville), Oskar Taylor (South Belgrave, formerly Upwey-Tecoma), Jos Landy (Norwood), Oliver Greeves (Vermont) and Lachy Dovaston (Blackburn) were also among the best on the day.

Morecroft said the premiership win is a huge

testament to the strength of local footy in the region and to the local clubs who develop them from the early ages where the hard work is done on fundamentals and good habits, and shared her advice for hopeful draftees.

“I think the main advice from us is to take all the learnings that they’ve had in the time they’ve been with our program and continue to build on them at AFL level,” she said. “Between now and then it’s a nervous wait, it’s just staying in really good condition, making sure that they’re ready to go for a pre-season and at the moment they’re having club interviews as well with their families so making sure that they’re just being the best version of themselves,”

“It’s hard, it’s pretty nerve-racking when you’ve got a really strong goal and you’ve got a lot of clubs in your house, interviewing and going through the fine details but we know they’re really good people and we hope they make sure that they’re showing that in those interviews and also that they’re still in great condition for when they do turn up for an AFL pre-season.”

Greeves, Dovaston, Robey, Xavier Taylor and Oskar Taylor are all beng tipped as potential early picks. Talent lead Danny Ryan said it’s been pretty exciting to see Eastern Ranges talents get their chances at AFL and AFLW level in recent years and shared his advice for the boys and girls hopeful of being selected to play at the elite level.

“To see some of our girls that were in our program last year making their debut, Grace Belloni and Georgia Brisbane, it’s really exciting that both the boys and girls programs we’re seeing these kids have impacts immediately when they go into the AFL and we’re seeing what Nick Watson’s been able to do and Christian Moraes over in Port Adelaide. Don’t read the media and don’t read the commentary on the socials with draft predictions, there’s a lot of pressure that comes from it, there’s a lot of articles written about them and some are good and some are negative and I think for us it’s just trying to enjoy the next couple of months. They’ve obviously got their VCE coming up which we know is very important for them to get that part right so hopefully they can get some time back studying, can have a really strong exam period and then the draft will take off from there.”

ER girls make ﬂag history

By Callum Ludwig and Jonty Ralphsmith

The talented young footballers of the Eastern Ranges have proven their credentials, celebrating a historic pair of premierships on Saturday 20 September.

It marks the first time in Coates Talent League history where one club has secured both flags in the same year, with the Girls competition having begun in 2017.

Eastern Ranges talent lead Danny Ryan said it’s very exciting for the club and the reward for a lot of hard work.

“We talk about the so many layers of support that comes to get into a grand final and we can’t underestimate what the local clubs and the coaches are doing to develop the kids coming through for us and then to have our recruiters that go out every weekend to watch the kids in rain, hail or shine,” he said.

“They’re out watching to see that next group of talent coming through and to our support staff, to the parents, to the kids, it’s really just a great reward for all the hard work and sacrifice,”

“To be a part of our program for the players, it’s a huge sacrifice, they’re all trying to balance Year 11 or Year 12, all got part-time jobs and they’re coming in three, four nights a week to train, it’s a huge commitment but the weekend was a great day to celebrate it, especially with both programs winning.”

The girls kicked off the action at IKON Park at 10.30am, putting three goals and two behinds on the board in the first quarter while their Dandenong Stingrays opponents could only muster a solitary point.

Having set the tone early, the Ranges went on to assert their dominance over the next two quarters, only allowing the Stingrays to kick one goal while piling on two and four goals in each quarter themselves.

The Eastern Girls only added one more goal in the last quarter while Dandenong kicked three to reduce the margin but the lead was insurmountable and the Ranges ran away with a 38-point win.

Eastern’s Girls coach Jarrad Donders said the win is very significant for female footy in the region and a great reward for everyone involved.

“A lot of work goes in from a lot of people right across the region, we’re an extremely strong region and that comes from the work we do at our local clubs and the development we do with our players once they enter our program from a holistic lens, with high performance, wellbeing and footy,” he said.

“We had a pretty good idea that this group would be another level on top of last year and we’re excited about what’s coming through in the next few years as well, it will be strong for a long time so hopefully bigger things to come,”

“It was interesting to have not played them (Dandenong Stingrays, during the season), we knew they were pretty strong as the number one country team, we were predicting a fast, quick game with us both playing an attacking style and even though they had moments of it, we controlled more of the game which was nice for us.”

Eastern Ranges captain and Vic Metro co-captain Tayla McMillan (Wantirna South junior club) was awarded best on ground honours and ably

supported by Josie Bamford (Ferntree Gully), Emily Rankin (Park Orchards), Brylee Anderson (Healesville, sister of Hawthorn men’s player Cody Anderson), Jordyn Allen (Heathmont) and Isabelle Creaton (Blackburn).

Donders said top-line talents McMillan, Allen and Anderson have continued to elevate their game across multiple positions.

“Jordy is a talented high defender off halfback and breaks lines with her run and carry, and to elevate her game into the midfield complemented the way we wanted to play and our efficiency going forward, Brylee was the same – she’s a wellbuilt inside mid and her playing across multiple roles prepares her well for her top-aged year,” he said. “Tayla continues to get better and better, she’s always been known as an inside mid, she’s played across halfback and under a bit of duress with a knee injury in the back end of the year, we played her forward for most of the finals series until the grand final and she kicked goals and proved to be a dominant weapon down there,”

“She’s (McMillan) tremendous, she leads by action and is authentic in her leadership, to bring her tackle pressure, get 29 possessions was huge, particularly under duress with her knee injury, she’s a very talented player and I can’t wait to see what these girls will do at the next level.”

Outer East players to feature in the premiership win included Healesville’s Adelaide Caldicott and South Belgrave’s Mathilde and Zoe Wilkinson while other premiership players also came through the strong programs at Wantirna South, Lysterfield and East Ringwood not too far away.

Donders said it’s great for the region to have had so many players recently drafted to the AFLW and to have as role models.

“The girls love coming back, we had two girls move interstate but their willingness and want to come back and stay in touch has been great, there’s been so many,” he said. “They love coming back, they miss the place and that’s the environment we want to create, you want people feeling comfortable and like they belong.”

The win marked the Eastern Ranges’ first-ever Girls premiership, having fallen at the final hurdle in both 2023 and 2024.

Donders also took the reins for Vic Metro at the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships between July and August, with Eastern Ranges players Bridie Neale (Heathmont), AsherFearn-Wannan (Blackburn), Zoe

Vozzo (Wantirna South), Scout Semple (Wantirna South), Bree Horne (Lysterfield), Isabelle Creaton (Blackburn), Zoe Wilkinson, McMillan, Bomford, Anderson, Allen and Rankin all having featured in the squad.

The Eastern Ranges Girls cemented their place in history with the club’s first flag for its female side.

(AFL Photos/Jordan Sacchetta)

Teammates swamp captain Tayla McMillan as she is awarded the best-on-ground medal. (AFL Photos/Jordan Sacchetta)

The Eastern Ranges Boys side who broke a 12-year premiership drought. (AFL Photos/Lachie

Xavier Taylor was impenetrable in defence. (AFL Photos/Lachie Chugg)

Hawks celebrate standouts

By Armin Richter

MONBULK PRESENTATION NIGHT 2025

The Monbulk Football Netball Club drew their season to a close on Friday with their annual Jennings and Broekhof Medal Presentation Night at the club pavilion. After a relatively successful year, where seven of the ten sides fielded made the finals, including two netball premierships, it was time to recognise Monbulk’s best.

The following were the award winners for 2025

Football

Seniors

Best and Fairest - Lachlan Sheppard

Runner Up - Lochie Beecroft

Third - Ryan Burleigh

Best Finals Player - Lochie Beecroft

Best Team Player - Adam Banks

Most Improved - Josh Wentworth

Coaches Award - Cam Evans

Reserves

Best and Fairest - Brodie Emmett

Equal Runner Up - Johnathon Hevern and Hamish Emmett

Most Improved - Kieren Galloway

Most Determined - Trent Purcell

Under 18

Best and Fairest - Will Hughson

Runner Up - Brock Downey

Third - Eamon Dawson

Most Improved - Myles Koelewyn

Best Team Player - Finn Horsfall

Netball

A Grade

Best and Fairest - Stephanie Ferguson

Runner Up - Paige Whitworth

Best Finals Player (tied) - Stephanie Ferguson and Sophie Stubbs

Coaches Award - Grace Scott-Thomas

B Grade

Best and Fairest (tied) - Asha Jones and Liz Cutting

Runner Up (tied) - Jorja Wragg and Bonnie Munday

Best Finals Player - Jorja Wragg

Coaches Award - Tiana Mancarella

C Grade

Best and Fairest - Sammi Kelly

Runner Up - Chloe Schmidtke

Coaches Award (tied) - Brooke O’Loughlin and Hayley Donald

D Grade

Best and Fairest - Simone Beattie

Runner Up - Macy Giling

Best Finals Player - Jamie Sands

Coaches Award - Bronte Passingham

Under 17

Best and Fairest - Isabelle Cross

Runner Up - Maddison Bedet

Coaches Award - Kaitlyn Summers

Under 15 Maroon

Best and Fairest - Isla Stubbs

Runner Up - Bridie McCormick

Best Finals Player - Stevie Mullinder

Coaches Award - Layla Murray

Under 15 Gold

Best and Fairest - Daphne Mitchell

Runner Up - Ruby Irwin

Best Finals Player - Eden Murphy

Coaches Award - Amelia Magarry

Best Club Person (joint winners) - Bec and Rod Turpin

President’s Award (joint winners) - Liz Cutting, Chris Mitchell and Adrian Passingham

Next season the club is looking to field two extra football teams, with the Women’s team to reform after just failing to have a side this year and the Veterans to reform. Monbulk previously had a Veterans team 1995-2006 and won two premier-

ships in 1995-96 and finished runners up in 1998. Around 10 players have been invited to the League Presentation Night next Saturday, October 4, which bodes well for the chances of having players win individual awards or be selected in the Team Of The Year.

Tharle in to lead Brookers, providing a licence for fun

By Justin Schwarze

Gembrook Cockatoo has a fresh look with Troy Tharle being appointed as its new senior coach for 2026.

Tharle comes across from coaching Officer’s reserves and replaces outgoing playing coach Michael Firrito.

Tharle has an experienced footy mind after being a long-time reliable forward and twotime premiership player at Cranbourne while also spending time at Cora Lynn before stepping into coaching roles and an eventual return to playing at Starling Road.

In his time on the field, Tharle was a decorated player as he racked up over 250 senior games along with two Team of the Year nominations in 2017 and 2018 in the South East Football League. His tremendous skill as a hard-leading forward with good marking ability has translated seamlessly into his mentoring as he was also forwards coach at Officer.

After hanging up the playing boots in 2024, Tharle has enjoyed success in his coaching career by leading the Kangaroos’ reserves side to

a preliminary final this year. He also comes with experience coaching Officer’s seniors in 2022 before transitioning into an assistant position for the following two years.

For Tharle, he can’t wait to pull on the dark green polo at Gembrook Reserve and lead the Brookers from the sidelines in 2026.

“It’s genuine excitement,” he said. “It’s going to take a while to get used to but I’m ready to go.

“They’ve got a young, talented group and were fairly competitive in most games this year.

“The first thing I’ll be doing at Gembrook is teaching these guys a new gameplan and making it enjoyable.

“When I was coaching the reserves at Officer this year, we wanted to make it fun. It’s going to be fast, it’s going to be exciting and hopefully the supporters will enjoy watching the new-look Gembrook. Hopefully the style that I bring is going to be enjoyable and the boys will really love it, they’ve just gotta buy in now.”

The Brookers finished ninth in Outer East Premier this year with four wins and 14 losses.

Gembrook has an exciting pool of upcoming talent and Tharle has set his goals to have a

perfect mix and balance of experienced recruits meshing with the youth brigade.

With six losses by less than three goals this season, it fills the side with optimism that a new

level can be reached in 2026.

“I just think they’re ready to launch in 2026, that’s the most exciting thing about it,” Tharle said. “They were close to beating some good sides and now being able to learn how to win, I think that’s the most important part.

“The main thing is getting 10 per cent extra out of these young kids.

“I want to give them the confidence to know that they can actually do it.

“We’ve gone to the recruiting table to top up with some experienced players with professionalism but the most important thing with these young kids is that they’re still developing.

“Keeping them interested, keeping them engaged, for me that’s important and having some experience around these guys, hopefully they’ll feed off it.

“The younger they are, the more eager they are to learn so once we get stuck into learning all the new structures, that’s the best part of it.

“They’re going to keep absorbing any information that we pass on as coaches and they’ll just see natural improvement; that’s what I’m excited about with the young list.”

President Grant Dennison with some of the B Grade premiership players. (Tiana Mancarella)

Under 15s Maroon Coach Alice McCormick (left) with Best and Fairest Isla Stubbs (right). (Tiana Mancarella)

Under 17s coach Tom Hardwick with best and Fairest Isabelle Cross. (Tiana Mancarella)

Club president Grant Dennison with Bec and Rod Turpin, joint winners of the Best Club Person award. (Tiana Mancarella)

Incoming Gembrook Cocaktoo senior coach Troy Tharle wears his new colours for the first time after being appointed. (Supplied)

Welcome to Clovelly Cottage. Nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges but still within close proximity to the Boronia Junction shopping precinct and amenities, it is a place our residents are proud to call home. Featuring abundant indoor and outdoor spaces with a choice of private sanctuaries and communal living, we are dedicated to delivering excellence in care and services that enable residents to live well and celebrate the autumn years of their life.