Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 14th October 2025 by Star News Group

MND drives in

By Callum Ludwig and Mikayla van Loon

The 2025 Daniher’s Drive passed through the Yarra Valley Friday 10 October, etching the east Victorian region into the effort to raise awareness for motor neurone disease (MND).

Daniher’s Drive, founded by AFL legend and motor neurone disease (MND) advocate Neale Daniher AO, is an Australia-wide campaign which raised money and awareness for the incurable disease this year.Neale has spearheaded the drive this year once again alongside numerous others and his daughter Bec said his support is only growing.

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Bloodied, bruised and virtually unrecognisable.

This is what a Seville East family’s 18-year-old son looked like when he came home from a Dandenong Ranges school.

The now 19-year-old, Lachlan, who is non-verbal and has an autism diagnosis, was described by his father as looking “like he’d just come out of a boxing match with Mike Tyson” after an incident at school left him injured.

“It was just so heart-breaking,” Lachlan’s father, Daryl, said.

According to Daryl, the school never called an ambulance, and the family wasn’t informed of the incident until after Lachlan came home visibly injured.

“We weren’t even told and you’ve got to understand, this is a kid who can’t tell us what happened,” he said.

“He can’t say, ‘This person did this’ or ‘This is why I was upset.’ We rely entirely on the people

His parents said the school failed to notify them of their son’s escalating behaviour, and they were never provided with an up-to-date behaviour support plan, despite clear warning signs.

around him to be transparent, and we got nothing.”

When asked for a behaviour support plan, Daryl claimed the school sent through one that was two years old which failed to outline how the school planned to prevent such behaviours.

The family is now pursuing legal action through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), arguing their son’s treatment was not only unacceptable but part of a broader systemic failure.

The Department of Education issued the following statement:

“The safety and wellbeing of all our students is the highest priority in Victorian schools.”

“As this matter is now before VCAT, it is inappropriate for the Department to comment further.”

The emotional toll on the family has been immense.

When asked what outcome he hopes for from the legal process, Daryl had one word: “Accountability.”

Local crime trends in focus

By Mikayla van Loon

Looking to understand community sentiment and trends when it comes to policing and crime in the Yarra Ranges, a Neighbourhood Policing Forum is scheduled for next month in Mooroolbark.

Lilydale Police Acting Senior Sergeant Luke Schroder said the forum will provide an interface between the community and police, where feedback is two-way.

“The purpose behind the forum is partly to explain current crime trends and policing trends, but it’s also to get feedback from the community about the issues that are important to them and the issues that they’re noticing as the public,” he said.

“These are the people who live and work in the community. They see a lot more than they realise, and sometimes we miss that as police because we’re focused elsewhere.

“So it’s just a good way to get a gauge on community sentiment, community feeling, issues that are important to the community that we can perhaps focus our attention on.”

The primary topics to be covered include current crime trends and crime prevention, family violence, young people, road policing, and drugs and drug-related crime.

Questions from the community on other relevant topics will also be encouraged and answered on the day. These can be submitted beforehand or asked directly in a Q and A format.

Acting Snr Sgt Schroder said while police receive individual reports about certain incidents, it’s the broader trends local police are also keen to understand.

“Sometimes we miss those trends, and people might identify a trend and they think it’s not a big deal, thinking ‘it’s just the one thing, I’m not going to report that to police’, but if they’re seeing it all the time, then it becomes a trend.

“It becomes an issue that maybe we need to address, and maybe we can try and prevent crimes from happening before they become an issue.

“It’s that proactive response to prevent the crimes from happening and prevent issues from becoming bigger than they need to be.”

With crime hitting a record high across the

state, Victoria Police has set an “ambitious target of reducing serious and violent crime by five per cent each year”.

Under the guidance and leadership of Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, who, in his time as New Zealand’s police force commissioner, was able to accomplish a 20 per cent reduction in crime, he wants to see the force “challenge ourselves to police differently.”

“It’s really important we stem the tide of increasing crime in Victoria,” he told the ABC at a Police Remembrance Day press conference.

The Yarra Ranges community can help contribute to this preventative approach by sharing concerns and asking questions at the forum.

“We’re just trying to get community leaders to come out and have their say. Understand where we’re coming from, where police are coming from, and the position we’re in, what we understand, and what we’re trying to do to address these issues,” Acting Snr Sgt Schroder said.

“So if they’ve got an opportunity, send one or two representatives from each of the groups and come along.”

The forum is taking place on Wednesday 12 November from 10am to 1pm, with doors opening at 9.45am, at the Mooroolbark Bowls Club, 170 Hull Road.

Registration is a must.

To attend, send your details to: YARRARANGES-PSA-MGR@police.vic.gov.au or register online eventbrite.com/e/yarra-ranges-psa-neighbourhood-policing-forum-tickets-1584237018569

To submit a question, go to app.sli.do/event/ ntxDHEsQLRAVxFfe23FYnL/live/questions

Bushﬁre Risk Management Program underway across state

By A letter from the Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman

Bushfires are a natural part of the Victorian landscape, but with the right planning and action, we can reduce their impact on communities, the environment and critical infrastructure.

Right across the state, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews are working hard to reduce the risk and impact of bushfires through a combination of planned burning, non-burn bushfire risk management and strategic preparation.

Leaves, small branches, long grass and undergrowth can fuel bushfires making them faster, more intense and harder to control. Bushfire risk management helps reduce this danger by removing excess vegetation (or fuel), protecting communities, the environment and critical infrastructure.

Less fuel means it’s harder for a fire to start and spread, and easier for our crews to contain. That’s why last season we delivered bushfire risk management works across more than 109,000 hectares of public land.

The seasonal bushfire outlook for spring asks Victorians to prepare for an increased risk, particularly in the state’s west, but also the southern coast and areas around Melbourne. With low rainfall over the past 18 months, the outlook shows areas at increased risk stretching from the South Australian border across to Bendigo, the Otways, Melbourne including the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley and parts of south Gippsland.

As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll make sure all available resources are delivering planned burning and nonburn bushfire risk management works.

Our bushfire risk management program is underpinned by a significant body of scientific evidence, built over more than 35 years. We acknowledge bushfire science is continually evolving, and we continue to invest in research and the best available science to inform our bushfire risk management program.

We use science and modelling tools to choose

Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman. (File)

the right time and approach for delivery of our bushfire risk management program in each location or landscape, combined with our understanding of the ecological needs of our forests and the plants and animals that depend on them. Planned burning plays a key role in our work in reducing bushfire risk. It involves the careful use of low-intensity fire to reduce dry vegetation like leaves and small branches that build up over time and make forests more flammable.

Our crews look for opportunities to carry out planned burning throughout the year, and with drier conditions in parts of the state, we’ve already been able to deliver planned burns over winter, including at Anglesea Heath in the Great Otway National Park, Boggy Creek Nature Conservation Reserve, Gellibrand Bushland Reserve, Wilson Promontory and at Mountain Creek Education Area in Shelley.

In areas where planned burning isn’t suitable, such as near homes, on steep slopes or close to roads and towns, FFMVic uses non-burn bushfire management techniques. These include mowing and slashing long grass, mulching dense vegetation, targeted spraying of invasive weeds and maintaining public road networks in forests and reserves. Each method plays a vital role in reducing fuel loads and improving access for emergency services.

Over the coming weeks, you can expect to see our crews and contractors ramping up the mowing and slashing program. The timing of these works is important; if grass is slashed too early, before it has cured, it will only encourage regrowth.

Our top priority is to protect life, property and the environment from the risk of bushfires. While Victoria will always have bushfires, we want you

to know that when fires happen, we are ready to respond. We have more than 1800 personnel on the frontline, including firefighters, fire lookout observers and fire support officers; firefighting equipment, including more than 500 ultralight tankers and close to 100 heavy tankers, and more than 50 aircraft contracted for the season ahead. But being prepared for the bushfire season is a shared responsibility. While FFMVic crews are working hard on public land, all Victorians are encouraged to start cleaning up around their properties to help reduce bushfire risk in their own communities.

Visit our website to learn more about how FFMVic manages bushfire risk.

And to keep up to date on planned burns near you, sign up to receive notifications at Planned Burns Victoria or download the VicEmergency app.

A Neighbourhood Policing Forum is scheduled for 12 November in Mooroolbark. (Dongyun Kwon: 433196)

Training pays oﬀ

By Oliver Winn

Cross-agency emergency service training has paid off as another successful Warburton Bike Park rescue took place.

Just weeks after training sessions took place, the rescue saw the Upper Yarra SES working with Ambulance Victoria (AV) and the CFA on 1 October.

Upper Yarra SES member Garion Hall said the operation went smoothly and demonstrated their ability to respond to rescues collaboratively.

“We were pretty nervous initially with these mountain bike rescues that they’d be very difficult for us to respond to.

“But we’ve done a lot of training and preparation work… and it’s really working well,” Mr Hall said.

After having some initial challenges locating the patient, emergency crews were given directions from riders passing by and they were able to locate and rescue the patient.

“Essentially, the person got out quickly and safely, and no one was further injured. So it’s a big measure of success,” Mr Hall said.

An AV spokesperson said paramedics treated one male patient in his teens on 1 October at 4.35pm.

“Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedics and Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) Paramedics, assessed and treated one person at the scene.”

“One male patient in his teens was transported by road ambulance to Maroondah Hospital, with lower body injuries in a stable condition.”

It’s the second mountain bike rescue for the SES unit since the park opened.

While these rescues can still be challenging, Mr Hall said it was much different due to the tracks being professionally built.

“I think we were basing our expectations on the existing unauthorised trails, thinking the 30 additional kilometres of tracks would be more of the same,” he said.

“What we didn’t take into account, that we now realise, is that these tracks are professionally built, professionally maintained, and that makes a huge difference.”

“They’re designed by experts to be safe, and not safe in a boring way, but safe in an absolutely thrilling way - the riders love these tracks.”

Fears of a surge in mountain bike related rescues were a worry for many in the lead up to the Warburton Bike Park’s opening.

But, Mr Hall said there’d been fewer callouts than expected.

One challenge for the Upper Yarra SES was mountain bike rescues often occurred during the day, when most volunteers were unavailable at their day jobs.

Mr Hall encouraged those interested to join the Upper Yarra SES to help ensure the unit has enough members.

Those who are interested can enquire at the link: ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/volunteer

Local emergency services have been preparing for the rise in mountain bike rescues with a range of training exercises and collaborations in recent months.

A shared training session between the Upper Yarra SES and the District 13 Rope Rescue Team (which consists of the Wandin and Monbulk

CFAs) in August highlighted the importance of high-angle rope techniques during MTB rescues.

Ms Brunton said the newly opened Warburton Bike Park has a lot of steep and hilly terrain where a rider may require a high-angle rescue and therefore it was essential Upper Yarra SES members have the knowledge on when these rescues will need to be deployed.

“Because of the bike tracks, there’s a lot of drop-off points that we may have to respond to with [high-angle rescues], so that’s why we want to do that familiarisation training.”

Wandin CFA and Monbulk CFA specialise in these high-angle rescues which make them crucial in MTB rescues.

Additionally, Exercise Trailblazer saw 70 emergency service personnel from the SES,

Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and Yarra Ranges Council collaborate in May to improve communications during mountain bike rescues.

However, Mr Hall also stressed it was important for the mountain bike riders themselves to be prepared too.

He said it was crucial for riders to be prepared before they ride by downloading the app, what3words, which helps users give accurate location data to emergency services.

He noted it was important for parents to take an interest in what their children were doing when it comes to mountain biking to instill good safety habits early on.

“I would encourage parents to discuss what the risks are with mountain bike riding with their kids.”

IN BRIEF

Arson investigation

Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit are investigating a series of arsons surrounding the Halley Supple Reserve (Coldstream Football / Cricket Club Oval) between 3 and 5 October.

The first fire was detected at 10.45pm on Friday 3 October where a tree had been set alight. The second fire was observed at about 5am on Sunday 5 October, where another tree has been set alight.

It is possible that this fire had been burning for some time prior to being reported.

Police are seeking any information regarding the offences.

If you have any information regarding the incidents, please contact Yarra Ranges CIU on 9734 2401, or alternatively make a report via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic. com.au Ref No: 250415316

Illegal e-bike concerns

Healesville Police are investigating a growing number of incidents where youths are riding illegally modified e-bikes (unregistered/unroadworthy motorbikes) in a dangerous manner.

There have been several near misses with pedestrians and other road users.

This behaviour has the potential to cause death or serious injury to all road users including pedestrians.

Healesville police are appealing for public assistance and ask that anyone who has dashcam footage, CCTV or any other evidence contact Healesville police on Healesville.uni@police.vic. gov.au or report confidentially to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Glucose monitor found

Warburton police are seeking the owner of this Glucose monitor which was located by a member of the public in the main street of Warburton on Sunday 4 October.

If you believe it is yours, please contact Warburton police on (03) 5966 2006.

Melba Hwy lane closed

From Mon 13 October, one lane will be closed on the Melba Hwy in Dixons Creek between Healesville-Kinglake Rd and Hunts Ln for landslip repairs until the end of January.

Plan ahead and allow up to 20 mins extra travel time.

Upper Yarra SES, along with the District 13 Ropes Team, responded to the callout on 1 October. (Supplied)

The glucose monitor was found in Warburton by a member of the public. (Yarra Ranges Eyewatch)

More Aussie ceremonies

Following a letter from Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs

Julian Hill to 537 councils across the country on 22 September, citizenship ceremonies are set to become larger and more frequent over the next 12 months.

The move will aim to reduce delays and backlogs in officially granting Australian citizenship to applicants who have already been approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

The Star Mail reached out to all Outer East councils to gauge how often they currently hold ceremonies for new residents to their region and whether they are ready to ramp them up.

A Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson said they host citizenship ceremonies every six weeks, on average.

“At these events, between 50-60 community members who have applied for Australian citizenship and have been formally approved take the final step to becoming an Australian citizen by taking the Pledge of Commitment,” they said,

“We believe that our ceremonies have a personal approach and we regularly receive positive feedback from our newest citizens and their families.

“Our waitlist for ceremonies is generally about three to four months, from the time approval is granted by the Department of Home Affairs.”

According to department data that is updated monthly, there are currently 217 approved applicants in the Yarra Ranges with 65 per cent having waited less than three months and 35 per cent having waited between three and six months since their approval for a ceremony.

The Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson said that the Federal Government has indicated that, with their new streamlined approval process, councils will need to accommodate a much larger number of new citizens taking this final step.

“We will endeavour to meet this increased demand, through larger and more frequent ceremonies,” they said.

“Citizenship ceremonies are an important part of our calendar and are deeply valued by both Council and the community.

“We look forward to working with the Depart-

ment of Home Affairs, to welcome our new Australian citizens to the Yarra Ranges – a new place to proudly call home.”

The shift to speeding and sizing up ceremonies is focused on improving efficiency, reducing processing times overall and particularly supporting the increase in New Zealanders who are choosing to take up Australian citizenship.

Knox Mayor Lisa Cooper said the council continues to seek full and ongoing funding from the Australian Government to deliver citizenship ceremonies on their behalf.

“By the end of this year, it is expected Council will have conducted citizenship ceremonies for over 1000 people across 2025,” she said.

“Next year, Council plans to increase the number of citizenship ceremonies for our newest citizens.”

There are currently 551 approved applicants in Knox with 68 per cent having waited less than three months and 32 per cent having waited be-

tween three and six months.

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Jack Kowarzik said Cardinia Shire Council currently holds citizenship ceremonies monthly, welcoming approximately 100 new residents each time.

“The ceremonies are a proud and meaningful celebration where new citizens make their pledge alongside their family and friends,” he said.

“The frequency of ceremonies is determined by waitlist numbers provided by the Department of Home Affairs,”

“As our community continues to grow and more residents choose to call Cardinia Shire home, Council will continue to monitor and adapt its citizenship ceremony processes to accommodate waitlist numbers.”

There are currently 424 approved applicants in Cardinia with 96 per cent having waited less than three months, three per cent having waited between three and six months and one per cent more than six months.

Maroondah City Council was contacted for comment.

There are currently 215 approved applicants in Maroondah with 95 per cent having waited less than three months and five per cent having waited between three and six months.

Another recent effort to streamline the citizenship process has been consolidating application streams into national caseloads, ensuring the process is more consistent and reducing delays due to administrative activities.

Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said it’s a wonderful thing when people who have been living here for years decide to formalise their commitment to Australia by becoming citizens.

“Citizenship is an enormously significant moment in a person’s life and when someone meets the requirements of citizenship the Government expects councils to welcome them to a ceremony promptly,” he said.

Maroondah Aqueduct Bridge reopens after maintenance

The Maroondah Aqueduct Bridge on ElthamYarra Glen Road has reopened after a four-stage maintenance program began earlier this year.

Transport Victoria said in April that stage three of the works would include the full closure of the bridge, which they postponed to the September school holidays.

Elidon MP Cindy McLeish requested in April that roads and road safety minister Melissa Horne investigate the installation of a temporary 44-tonne bridge over the aqueduct, together with a temporary pedestrian footbridge, as locals were concerned about the full closure.

“This bridge is literally the only way in and out of town for everyone that lives on the side of the hill,” resident Matthew Westbury told Star Mail. It’s estimated that 5400 vehicles use the bridge each day.

“We know how crucial this link is for locals in the Yarra Glen, Eltham and Diamond Creek region, which is why it was so important that we could reopen the bridge ahead of schedule so we can keep freight moving and ensure locals can get where they need to go,” Ms Horne said on Friday 10 October.

“We want to thank the local community for their patience while we undertook these crucial works to future-proof the Maroondah Aqueduct Bridge.”

Crews have worked around the clock to undertake essential maintenance and structural improvements, with reinforced steel, new concrete abutments and a new bridge deck installed to strengthen the bridge.

These maintenance works will future-proof the structure and make sure heavy vehicles –

which make up 12 per cent of vehicles using this route can continue to use it for years to come.

Built between the late 1800s and early 1900s,

Transport Victoria worked closely with Heritage Victoria to plan this maintenance to ensure the protection of the heritage listed bridge and aqueduct.

To reduce the impact to locals during these works, particularly for those living on the western side of the bridge, a free shuttle bus service was provided to offer a safe journey between the Maroondah Aqueduct bridge and the Yarra Glen township.

A temporary pedestrian crossing was also installed over the Maroondah Aqueduct to allow safe access for locals heading to and from Yarra Glen throughout the bridge closure.

Now that the bridge has been reopened, final works including road resurfacing, barrier installation and signage works will continue throughout October.

Siblings Josh, Jessica May and Joven Mark Mari Crisotomo Athelm receiving their citizenships at Yarra Ranges Council in 2023. (File: 317146)

Callum Ludwig

Matthew Westbury’s two sons, Angus (left) and Jack with Cindy McLeish at the Maroondah Aqueduct Bridge. (Dongyun Kwon: 471243)

Rough sleeper numbers leap

By Callum Ludwig

Local homelessness support service Anchor Community Care is reporting a concerning rise in reports of rough sleepers, highlighting the need to address pressures facing residents.

There was a 240 per cent rise in reports in 2024/25, made either directly to Anchor or via Yarra Ranges Council’s portal.

Anchor crisis response worker Erin said Anchor are very concerned about the growing number of individuals and families rough sleeping.

“We see this as an urgent emergency, and continue to advocate for more funding and support options to ensure that people are able to get out of these situations as quickly as possible,” she said.

“On top of the rise in rough sleeper reports last year, we have also experienced a slow down in our ability to place people in accommodation. This is a recipe for disaster, and goes to explaining why rough sleeping is becoming more prevalent in the community,”

“In a more positive light, the rise in reports suggest more community members are taking time to get help for rough sleepers when they encounter them in the community.”

A total of 83 men, 36 women, 27 children and 45 pets were reported rough sleeping over that year, though this data includes instances where multiple reports are made about the same person.

Erin said there is simply not enough affordable housing, including social, community and public housing to meet the increasing demand.

“We have seen growing numbers of families with young children in tents, and working families that have been priced out of the rental market, we have also seen a rise in individuals over the age of 55 rough sleeping in our area,” she said.

“The housing crisis sees working families unable to secure a private rental and falling into homelessness, which is not something we have previously seen at such rates,”

“The rising cost of living means people on government assistance are priced out of the rental market entirely, some of our clients have been spending close to 80 per cent of their income on rent/accommodation alone.”

The Rapid Response program is a partnership with Yarra Ranges Council and Ngwala Willumbong.

A Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson said homelessness continues to be a significant and growing issue in the Yarra Ranges.

“The combination of cost of living pressures, low social housing stock, and the lack of enough affordable rental properties in our region, among many other issues, contribute to increases in rough sleeping and homelessness,” they said.

“It’s crucial to remember that everyone, no matter their current housing or work situation, can be a major life change away from homelessness,”

“Which is why we need the State Government to increase funding and support to the community organisations locally that help people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.”

When a report of a rough sleeping location is made by a concerned community member or even rough sleepers themselves, it is sent to Anchor’s outreach team who can provide a holistic health response, explore housing options, provide material aid and link in with other vital ser-

vices.

Erin said frontline workers such as herself are placed under pressure with increased crisis line phone calls, increased presentations, increased reports that are attended via outreach, with decreasing access to resources.

“Everyone experiencing homelessness deserves somewhere safe to sleep, and a roof over their head, it’s a basic human right,” she said.

“Due to homelessness services being under resourced and underfunded, sometimes all we can offer is fresh clean bedding, a tent, material aid like food, assistance with links to services like health, and mental health,”

“Specialist Homelessness Services like Anchor do not have access to housing, our role is to provide information advocacy and support to people experiencing homelessness to navigate the homelessness system.”

According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, individuals who are experiencing homelessness have a life expectancy of 46 years and around a quarter of the people who die young as a result of rough sleeping are less than 25 years old.

Erin said the mental health toll of homeless-

ness is enormous, living in fear, stuck in fight or flight mode and constantly needing to be aware of your surroundings.

“Long term rough sleeping has significant impacts on individuals, they experience declining health at rates well above the average population,” she said.

“Unsafe living environments cause injuries and drive chronic illnesses and there is an increased risk of assaults,”

“It’s vital that more is done to stop this trend.”

Friday 10 October also marks World Homelessness Day, bringing awareness to the plight of people experiencing homelessness internationally.

Erin said homelessness services are stretched thin with access to limited resources but the majority of people in the Yarra Ranges are very empathetic, generous and community minded.

“The reality is, without major change, without building more social housing, without affordable homes for low-income households, without more funding for assertive rough sleeper outreach we will continue to see homelessness increase,” she said.

“People will occasionally make Facebook

community posts on the Yarra Valley Noticeboard or Yarra Ranges Noticeboard trying to get help for people they encounter sleeping rough, the outpouring of goodwill and support on these posts is really positive to see.”

“We just want to stress the importance of people knowing to make a report so that our Rapid Response team can assist rough sleepers, our team will head out, make contact with someone sleeping rough, assess what their needs are, provide basic necessities and actively support them to access services and supports.”

Residents can alert Anchor’s Rapid Response teamthatsupportisneededbyheadingtotheYarra Ranges Council website: au.openforms.com/ Form/e1ceadda-db00-4af5-974c-f84c901d40db The council spokesperson said they’ll be advocating to the State Government and Opposition on these and other issues ahead of next year’s state election.

“We’d love to see the State Government provide more social housing properties in Yarra Ranges as part of their Big Housing Build while Council is also looking at policy and partnership pathways to encourage development of more affordable and diverse housing locally,” they said.

Anchor crisis response worker Erin is ‘very concerned’ about the rising reports of rough sleepers, but also proud of the community’s care for the issue of homelessness. (Supplied)

Daniher’s Drive descends

The scenic Yarra Valley has been the route for many a road trip but a particularly special one passed through on Friday 10 October.

Daniher’s Drive, founded by AFL legend and motor neurone disease (MND) advocate Neale Daniher AO, visited the region this year, raising money and awareness for the incurable disease along the way.

Neale’s daughter Bec Daniher said her dad started a legacy, and though it’s getting harder and harder for him to lead from the front, they can just see that the community that backs what he’s trying to achieve is growing.

“We’ve come so far, but we know that we’ve got a way to go so when we see new people joining the cause, it just gives us hope that we can continue to find the brightest researchers and clinicians here in Australia, around the world, because we have to find a treatment and a cure,” she said.

“It’s been really beautiful the areas that we’ve gone through, it’s such a stunning drive, but it’s the communities, we had our first stop at Assumption College, and they just went all out, the school got right behind, it was Dad’s old school so they made such a special effort,”

“Then going to Warburton, we went to Millwarra Primary School where all 50 students came out and they presented a cheque, and for us, it’s those moments where we can connect with the community that makes this drive so special.”

The 2025 Daniher’s Drive took four days, having departed from Heidelberg Golf Club on Thursday 9 October and wrapping up at RACV Torquay Resort on Sunday 12 October.

Bec said when they started the drive, they weren’t really sure what they were doing, but knew that they wanted to make a change and needed people to come along for that journey.

“So to be standing here nine years on, and with the amount of funds that they’ve raised, we’ve been able to do so much with those critical

funds we needed to keep the researchers going and we’ve been able to do that,” she said.

“We’ve visited over 50 community towns and seen and met so many people, and we’ve met so many people impacted by MND so it keeps motivating us that we know that there are so many people affected currently and that’s why we need to keep going,”

“Dad’s always said that you can’t spell fundraising without fun and so whilst we’re fighting against something that is really tough and it really is a grim disease, we are going to laugh, we’re going to smile, we’re going to have so much fun as we fight back.”

The drive also stopped by Four Pillars Gin Distillery, Warburton Bowls Club and Helen’s Hill Estate on the way through the Yarra Valley. The next stops include visits to San Remo and Phillip Island, over to Sorrento before catching the ferry to Queenscliff and finishing off with a competitive dress up night in Torquay.

Bec said the drive is a moment in time where they unify, come together as one community and have so much fun whilst they’re making a massive impact.

“The 10 new teams, most of them have MND connections, and for some of them, it has taken a little while to feel comfortable to be telling their story, but all but now they’re in a position where they feel like they can be a part of the fight as well,” she said.

“They feel the legacy of their family members who have been impacted by MND, they feel like they’re in a position now that they’ve seen what their family members have gone through in their process and are ready to fight back in a different way,”

“They want to ensure that what their parents or siblings or friends have gone through isn’t for nothing, and they’re living in their memory, trying to make a difference.”

To find out more about MND or donate to the cause, visit fightmnd.org.au/.

Jan Daniher, Kath O’Donnell and Bec Daniher prepare to head off on the next leg of day two from Lilydale to San Remo. (Mikayla van Loon: 509727)

The Warburton Bowls Club put on a great display and arena for the Daniher’s Drive participants. (Fiona Hamilton)

Teams celebrate their bowling prowess. (Fiona Hamilton)

Powelltown FC Former President Graham Wynn, Warburton FC Vice President Steve Noonan, Casey MP Aaron Violi and Lachie Pitman at Warburton Bowls Club. (Fiona Hamilton)

It was all smiles as the teams set off for their beach-side part of the tour. (509727)

Daniher’s Drive teams watch on at Warburton Bowls Club. (Fiona Hamilton)

Winning team of the bowls Tropical North Victoria with ‘Professor Fun’ Rohan Obst. (Fiona Jan and Bec Daniher play bowls. (Fiona Hamilton)

There were cheers and excitement as the convoy departed Lilydale’s Helen’s Hill Estate on Friday 10 October. (509727)

Cars of all shapes and sizes joined the drive. (509727)

Teams consisted of friends and family, some in large groups others just with a fellow traveller. (509727)

MND. (509727)

By Mikayla Van Loon and Callum Ludwig

Family ﬁghts for Lachlan

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A Seville East family is demanding accountability after their 18-year-old autistic son was sent home from school in the Dandenong Ranges bloodied, bruised, and virtually unrecognisable, with his father describing him as looking “like he’d just come out of a boxing match with Mike Tyson.”

The now 19-year-old, Lachlan, who is non-verbal and lives with a significant intellectual disability, had never displayed such extreme behaviours at home.

His parents say the school failed to notify them of escalating incidents, and they were never provided with an up-to-date behaviour support plan, despite clear warning signs.

“It was just so heart-breaking,” Lachlan’s father, Daryl, said.

“We’ve got three kids, and he’s the youngest. We put so much effort into him, unfairly, probably, to the other two. 90 per cent of our time was focused on keeping him happy, safe, supported and it was working, he was going well.”

“And then suddenly, he started coming home like that. He had blood on his face, bruises, a swollen lip. I just looked at him and said, ‘What the hell is going on?’ It looked like he’d just come out of a boxing match with Mike Tyson and no one could give us a straight answer.”

According to Daryl, the school never called an ambulance, and the family wasn’t informed of the incident until after Lachlan came home visibly injured.

“We weren’t even told and you’ve got to understand, this is a kid who can’t tell us what happened,” he said.

“He can’t say, ‘This person did this’ or ‘This is why I was upset.’ We rely entirely on the people around him to be transparent, and we got nothing.”

“When we asked for the behaviour support plan, they sent through one that was two years old, that’s all they had. It said things like, ‘If he hits his head once, do this. Twice, do that.’ There was

nothing in there about what was causing the behaviours, nothing about preventing it, just what to do after the damage is already done.”

A long-time disability advocate supporting the family, Julie Phillips, said Lachlan’s case is sadly not unique.

“As a human being, I was appalled,” she said.

“And as an advocate, I’m just despairing. It is exhausting to see government schools, especially those that label themselves ‘specialist’ dealing with disability-related behaviours with such incompetence and violence, year after year.”

“Victorian government schools, particularly the segregated ones, simply don’t have the exper-

tise to support students with severe behaviours of concern and they don’t try to. Instead of bringing in experts or forming multidisciplinary teams, they rely on outdated, harmful responses, and that’s what happened to this boy.”

Ms Phillips said she was not surprised the school failed to notify Lachlan’s parents at the time of the incident.

“The Victorian Department of Education’s first priority is the reputation of their teachers,” she said.

“Schools know that, if they can hide what they’re doing, that is their preferred option. Many of these schools have already been sued over violent incidents involving students with disabilities and they just keep going.”

The Department of Education issued the following statement:

“The safety and wellbeing of all our students is

the highest priority in Victorian schools.”

“As this matter is now before VCAT, it is inappropriate for the Department to comment further.”

But Daryl said the school had no clear procedures and when pressed on how they planned to prevent future incidents, the responsibility was pushed back onto him.

“They kept saying, ‘Well, what do you want us to do?’” he said.

“And I’d tell them, ‘That’s your job. You tell me what your procedures are. You’re the experts, right?’ But they had nothing.”

“They couldn’t even tell me what to do if he started hurting himself. I said, if he was being attacked by another kid, you’d have to step in. If he’s attacking himself, you’ve still got to protect him. But they didn’t have a plan. And even when I begged them for one, they didn’t send it. Eventually, after I went to the Department, they gave me something and it was useless. Just a few lines about when to intervene - nothing preventative.”

The emotional toll on the family has been immense.

Daryl was forced to stop working to care for Lachlan full-time, and they are now working towards setting Lachlan up to live independently with appropriate 24/7 care.

“Most kids like Lachlan, after something like this, they end up in residential care,” Daryl said.

“The families just burn out. We’re lucky that we’ve had good people help us, but it’s been a hell of a fight.”

When asked what outcome he hopes for from the legal process, Daryl had one word: “Accountability.”

“I don’t want this swept under the rug like it has been for so many others,” he said.

“Because most parents, they don’t have the fight left in them. They’re too busy trying to survive.”

Julie Phillips echoed that sentiment.

For Daryl, the answer lies in prevention and compassion.

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An autistic teen was sent home from school bloodied and bruised, with the parents now taking the case to VCAT. (File)

Seville honours Ingram VC

By Oliver Winn and Callum Ludwig

Seville’s most decorated war hero and Victoria Cross (VC) recipient was once again celebrated on Sunday 5 October, with the date also marking a special addition to the treasured Seville War Memorial.

Community members gathered at the memorial to honour Lieutenant George Ingram VC as well as to see the unveiling of two new commemorative bench seats.

Seville War Memorial Committee chair Anthony McAleer OAM said they’ve been very committed to putting across the story of George Ingram post-World War One.

“The courage and the endurance that he showed there, because he was certainly came back a person who was really very affected by his war service…I went back and had a look at all of the Victoria Cross awards that were given to Australians and none is more soaked in blood than George Ingram’s was,” he said.

“On the day, he killed 44 enemy soldiers and more than likely probably looked into their faces at some stage as it was all hand-to-hand combat.. so when he comes home, because he’s won the Victoria Cross and everyone looks at it as a boy’s own adventure and they want to hear the glorious story of how he went and attacked the enemy,”

“But he couldn’t talk about it because it just was too traumatic, brought up all these terrible sort of memories for him and certainly when he came back, he spent a long time trying to adjust.”

Lieutenant Ingram was the last Australian VC recipient from World War One, awarded for his bravery in 1918 on the battlefield in Montbrehain, France.

Mr McAleer said it wasn’t until Lieutenant Ingram became one of the original Shrine Guards in 1934 that he really picked up.

“He was outside, he was walking around, so that helped his health but at the same time, he saw the effect firsthand that the beautiful Shrine of Remembrance had on families that had lost loved ones, the healing aspect of coming along and seeing such a magnificent structure that’s been dedicated to their loved ones and others,” he said.

“It certainly helped him sort of mentally as well, in fact the whole time he was there, he only had about a week off and he never took any sick leave …he was there until he enlisted again in World War Two.”

“I’m pretty sure he was aware that he wouldn’t see action, his job was to clear up a military job here in Australia so that a younger soldier could go overseas and serve and being in the building industry, they put him into the engineers and he served a number of different camps and depots around Victoria and New South Wales during the war years.”

A crowd of between 50 to 60 people visited the memorial for the ceremony including special guests Victorian Liberal Leader Brad Battin, state Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence and federal Casey MP Aaron Violi.

Mr McAleer said the turnout consisted of a good mixture of returning and new community member.

“Seville as a township is quite a dynamic township, there’s a lot of people that have moved in in the last 15 years and certainly for a long time, cheaper housing and stuff like that has attracted a whole new generation of people who don’t have connections to the pioneers of the town,” he said.

“They’ve come to embrace the memorial, they’ve come to embrace the George Ingram story as well and this is something that we were quite

keen on, we’ve worked strongly with the schools and we continue to do that by passing the story on,”

“George Ingram always considered Seville to be his home in fact his son told me that that’s why he used to always come back to visit people here, he grew up here and he lived here for a short time when he returned from the war, mainly he’d been living elsewhere, but he still considered it to be his home.”

Casey MP Aaron Violi said the newly installed bench seats at Seville War Memorial provide the Seville and Yarra Valley community with a place to sit and reflect on the sacrifices of those who served, including those who once called Seville home, like George Ingram, VC, MM and his brothers.

“Local war memorials help our communi-

ty see the human toll of war and remember the sacrifice of those served. When Seville residents visit the War Memorial and these new seats, their minds turn to think about the individuals that grew up in their community, who walked the same streets and went to the same local primary school. It’s a powerful way of honouring their service and never forgetting their sacrifice,” he said.

“We are so fortunate to have community organisations like the Wandin-Seville Community Bank. Their commitment to supporting local projects helps strengthen our community. The Seville War Memorial is a powerful place to reflect on the courage of locals who served and is a credit to the Seville War Memorial Committee and everyone involved at Wandin-Seville Community Bank who supported this project.”

New Mental Health Local opens its doors in Yarra Ranges

It is now easier for Victorians to get free, community-based mental health care, with the official opening of the permanent Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt celebrated the opening of the new Lilydale Local site on Thursday 9 October – developed with community members and people with lived and living experience.

“Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are making it simpler for Victorians to access free, walk-in support whenever they need it – with no referrals or Medicare card needed, just care that’s close to home,” she said.

The Local will support the Yarra Ranges community with a range of clinical and wellbeing mental health supports via in-person walk-ins and appointments, telehealth and outreach services – all free of charge with no Medicare card or GP referral required.

Acting as a ‘front door’ to the mental health system, Victoria’s network of Locals provide support and treatment for adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction.

Services at the Locals are delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experienced mental health professionals, wellbeing staff and peer support workers, and is designed to meet the diverse needs of the community.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale is led by Wellways Australia in partnership with Eastern Health, Access Health and Community and Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale has opened. (Unsplash)

“This is a fantastic milestone for our community – this service means people in the Yarra Ranges can get the help they need locally, without having to travel far or face barriers to care,” Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino said.

A flagship reform of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the Locals have already supported close to 28,000 Victorians

to access free, community-based care.

Building on the existing Locals, the Labor Government recently announced seven new Locals will soon open across the state, bringing the total number of Locals to 22 across 24 locations.

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 invested $34.4 million over two years to support the 17 existing locations, establish these seven new locations and continue community-based mental health care across Victoria.

People across the Yarra Ranges area can now access the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local located at 61-65 Anderson Street, Lilydale on weekdays from 9am to 5pm and on weekday public holidays from 10am to 4pm, with extended hours to come.

RSL representatives at the Seville War Memorial alongside Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence (second from left), Victorian Liberal Leader Brad Battin (second from right) and Casey MP Aaron Violi (far right). (Supplied)

Splash of colour brightens

By Oliver Winn

With steady hands, children, parents and school council members have given a fresh coat of paint to an outdoor play space at the Wandin Yallock Primary School.

Over the term three school holidays, school council members led a small group of parents and children to revitalise some asphalt artwork outside.

Parents and Friends Committee president Melissa Berger said the painting instilled a sense of pride in the students who took part in it.

“If they’re involved, they’re definitely more proud of it and they’re more concerned about keeping it looking nice and using it,” Ms Berger said.

The children involved came to school on Monday with their friends and utilised the space during recess and lunch.

“They tend to come in and they’re like, ‘I did this on the school holidays, let’s play with it now,’ “ Ms Berger said.

Not only did the effort add a splash of colour

up the old four square court, alphabet snake and outdoor chess board - it also brightened the moods of many.

“They loved it, they were really excited to see it all a bit brighter and a bit nicer and neater.

“To know that their friends had contributed to doing that as well was a really nice thing,” she said.

With the funds for the paint provided by the school’s trivia night last August, Ms Berger said she was appreciative of the community fundraising efforts.

She said it was a combined effort from the school community, students’ families and other organisations separate from the school.

“It’s so nice to see our community standing alongside us and helping us out with raising the money. We understand that things are a lot harder these days financially and physically,” Ms Berger said.

“People aren’t able to help as much as they would like to or as they could, but any help we get and any money raised is super helpful and we love that for our community.”

Sunday,October19th,2025

Time:10:00AM-2:00PM

By Dongyun Kwon

Another digital workshop for seniors is set to be held in Badger Creek during the Get Online Week.

The Get Online Week is a national campaign from 20 to 26 October established by Good Things Australia to close the digital divide.

Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed (BCDMS) will host a Technology4Seniors workshop on a Wednesday during that week to bring a change at the local level.

The workshop is funded by Be Connected, an Australian government initiative committed to building the confidence, digital skills and online safety of elderly Australians.

the industry.

He will facilitate this upcoming workshop.

“It’s always been one of those things that people come to me with questions. I was already doing that type of work, helping people set up computers or phones, or sometimes even going to people’s houses because their TVs weren’t working well for them,” he said.

“When I saw Be Connected, I just thought, ‘Wow, this is a really great opportunity to allow us to serve the community, while also being funded to do that.’

“It’s become a bigger thing now. Now I have people that assist me, and it’s not just a oneman show anymore.”

-TreePlanting -FoodStalls -Entertainment -PettingZoo -SportsandGames -ArtandPhotoExhibition -HomemadeStalls -Funforthewholefamily!

JoinusincelebratingWarburtonPrimarySchool’srich150-yearhistoryatourcommunity celebrationday!Thiseventpromisesafun-filleddayfortheentirefamily,withavariety ofactivitiesincludingtreeplanting,foodstalls,liveentertainment,apettingzoo,sports andgames,anartandphotoexhibition,andhomemadestalls.Don’tmissoutonthis opportunitytocometogetherasacommunityandhonortheschool’sincrediblelegacy!

BCDMS past president Mario Herodotus, currently a coordinator of the Be Connected workshops, said this workshop will be divided into three mini classes.

“The first one will be how to use AI to assist your writing from 10am to 11am,” he said.

“The second one will be how to remain anonymous online between 11am and 12pm, and the third one will be how to use AI to edit photos from 1pm to 2pm.

“People are welcome to bring a device, perhaps a laptop or a phone that they’re having a problem with, and between sessions, we’l l try to assist them.”

The shed will provide free lunch to attendees between 12pm and 1pm.

Mr Herodotus, who is now retired, has an IT background with 45 years of experience in

He has run different Technology4Seniors programs sponsored by Be Connected at the shed, including a 17-week scam awareness program and Microsoft sessions where he taught how to use Microsoft Word and the Microsoft operating system Windows.

Technology4Seniors programs run by BCDMS are open to seniors in the community for free, who are 60 years old and older.

Pre-registration is not required, and everyone is welcome to simply turn up on Wednesday 22 October.

“We just want to help our community gain a little more internet or computer literacy and understand what happens online and how to stay safe,” Mr Herodotus said.

BCDMS is located at 360 Badger Creek Road, behind the Badger Creek CFA.

Microsoft workshop led by Mr Herodotus in 2022. (Supplied)

The paint was funded by money raised at the school’s trivia night in August. (Supplied)

The painting was done over the school holidays by council members, parents and students. (Supplied)

Watch and report migrating moths

By Oliver Winn and Callum Ludwig

Outer east residents are being encouraged to take part in some citizen science as a special species migrates over the region this spring and summer.

Locals are urged to keep an eye out for endangered Bogong moths on their way to the alpine regions of Australia and report any potential sightings to Zoos Victoria’s Moth Tracker.

Senior Conservation Biologist Dr Marissa Parrott said Bogong moths are currently migrating to the Australian Alpine regions and will be passing through the Yarra Ranges over the coming months.

“Yarra Ranges locals don’t need to go far to spot these moths, we’ve received past sightings from people’s gardens, in parks, and from the grounds at Healesville Sanctuary,” she said.

“The Bogong Moth is intrinsically linked to the Critically Endangered Mountain-pygmy possum, for which Healesville Sanctuary runs a conservation breeding program.

“If these possums are to survive, we need to ensure the Bogong Moths are thriving too.”

Moth Tracker received a record-breaking 1956 sightings from every state and territory in Australia in 2024, with more than half of those verified by species experts as Bogong moths.

Dr Parrott said Bogong Moths once numbered in the billions – they even made global headlines visiting the 2000 Sydney Olympics – but their population collapsed by an estimated 99.5 per cent in 2017-2019, likely due to severe drought.

“The moths begin their migration just as the Mountain Pygmy-possums are waking up from their annual hibernation under the snow, the possums rely on the moths as a protein-rich meal during spring when they’re busy raising litters of up to four young.

“If you think you’ve seen a Bogong Moth, even if you are uncertain, take a photo and upload it to the Moth Tracker website, and our team at Zoos Victoria will verify it for you.

“You don’t have to travel to see them, if you’re on the lookout, they may appear around your home or garden, on the street or in the bush.”

Sightings help scientists to continue to better understand the moth’s migration patterns,

such as when and where they are flying, as well as observe their population trends, which will help guide actions like supplementary feeding if Mountain Pygmy-possums look likely to go hungry.

Bogong moths are only around three centimetres long with brown-grey wings and have distinctive markings: a dark band that runs vertically along each wing, intersected by two grey splotches; the lowest splotch is shaped like a kidney.

Volunteer environmental groups gain ﬁnancial boost

Environmental and landcare groups across the Yarra Ranges have been given a financial boost, with 20 projects throughout the shire receiving grants.

From the restoration of cool temperate rainforest in Sassafras Creek to establishing exemplar biodiverse demonstration dams in Christmas Hills, unique projects, specific to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, were funded through the 2025 Victorian Landcare Grant program.

The initiative is delivered via the State Government, in partnership with Melbourne Water and nine Catchment Management Authorities across Victoria to help protect and enhance our land and waterways.

“Landcare and environmental volunteer groups make a significant contribution to our communities managing projects that restore and enhance our parks, coastlines, nature reserves and waterways,” environment minister Steve Dimopoulos said.

“Over many years these grants have delivered incredible value to Victoria and we’re proud to continue supporting their work to protect our environment for generations to come.”

This year $3.6 million in grants will support 509 landcare and environmental volunteer groups across the state, helping fund on-ground works, community education and engagement activities, group development, and small grants supporting administrative functions, including insurance, incorporation and operational costs.

Melbourne Water’s contribution is over half a million dollars with the 2025 funding round supporting 32 organisations receiving Landcare Grants of up to $20,000 to improve biodiversity, restore habitats and promote community development, partnership and educational opportunities. A further 83 groups will each receive a $500 support grant to cover administration and running costs.

In the Yarra Ranges, Friends of Sassafras Creek received $19,350, Montrose Upper Landcare Group received $5154, Monbulk Landcare Group received $20,000, and Christmas Hills Landcare Group received $12,064.

The remaining 16 groups received the $500 contribution. These groups were: Candlebark Community Nursery, Yarra Ranges Landcare Network, Mt Toolebewong and District Landcare, Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery, Upper Yarra Landcare, Macclesfield Landcare Group, Olinda Creek Landcare Group, Friends of Upwey South Reserve, Steels Creek Landcare Group, Southern Ranges Environment Alliance, Yarra Valley Equestrian Landcare Group, Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group, Healesville Environment Watch, Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, Chum Creek Landcare, and Friends of Sherbrooke Forest.

“At Melbourne Water safeguarding our water, land and biodiversity is at the heart of who we are,” Melbourne Water regional landcare coordinator Barry Kennedy said.

“Protecting and revitalising our waterways, wetlands, parks and ranges is critical as they face increasing pressures from climate change and population growth.

“That’s why we’re proud to administer these grants on behalf of the Victorian Government to Landcare groups doing such vital work on the ground. From partnering on projects, to providing support via grants and training, together we’re ensuring the health of the environment now and for generations to come.”

The moths may appear individually but are known to congregate in large swarms when conditions are good.

Moths can get drawn away from their migration by bright lights, so conservationists urge locals to turn off unnecessary outdoor lights to help them on their migration and if they find their way inside, you can gently pop them outside to fly away at nightfall.

For more information on Moth Tracker, check out the website: zoo.org.au/moth-tracker.

Landcare grants deliver lasting benefits to the environment, the funding will help Landcare groups restore and protect vital habitats and waterways, and grow strong, connected communities that will continue to care for the land for generations to come.

Grants were available to all Victorian Landcare and environmental volunteer groups, including Landcare and Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Traditional Owner or Aboriginal groups and organisations working on Country.

Keep an eye out for the endangered Bogong Moths, which can migrate in swarms or individually. (Dr Linda Broome)

The Bogong Moth provides crucial food for the Mountain Pygmy-Possum, so understanding the moth’s migration is crucial. (Zoos Victoria)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Waterwheel showcases artist

By Oliver Winn

The daughters of an iconic Yarra Ranges artist, Jane Fitzherbert, are showcasing their mother’s work at this month’s Warburton Waterwheel exhibition.

The exhibition, Forms of Expression: Paintings and Ceramics, includes an array of abstract art in multiple mediums and runs for the month of October.

Jane was a widely celebrated artist who worked out of her Launching Place studio before she passed away in Healesville in 2021.

One of Jane’s daughters, Kate Fitzherbert, said the exhibition was an amazing opportunity to continue showcasing Jane’s work while also supporting emerging artists.

“Because this gallery doesn’t take a commission, it means we can offer them [the art] at a much reduced price which is great.

“All the proceeds from the sales are now going to support Jane’s legacy to extend her impact in the art world,” Kate said.

Through a partnership with the Baldessin Studio, the Jane Fitzherbet Memorial Residency will support upcoming artists by giving them the chance to work alongside experienced mentors.

The first recipient for the residency, a young artist Stephanie Mortlock was at the exhibition’s launch on Saturday.

“Stephanie Mortlock does beautiful work and we’re very excited to have that partnership with Balderson Studios and hopefully we’ll be able to continue it for numbers of years,” Kate said.

“My mum used to always say that she felt for young artists because the cost of materials is so high and they have no income.

“To be able to use the proceeds of those sales to support young artists into the future and help them build their art practice, I mean that’s just magic, I just love it.”

Jane’s work often features tangible subjects which evolve and morph into something more figurative, adding a sense of the surreal to everyday objects, sights and scenes.

Her style is characterised by dynamic and spontaneous brushwork, which captures an evocative energy and emotion.

tic mind certainly hadn’t, and so she moved to working with paints.

“She started working in clay and she became quite a well regarded studio potter.

“She focused on that for 20 years, but then in the mid-90s she found the heavy physical work more than she could manage,” Kate said.

Though Jane’s physicality had aged, her artis-

Alongside her work with oil paints, Kate said she started off as a sculptor after studying fine arts at RMIT, before moving into the world of clay and pottery.

Kate said her paintings were quite varied with a strong sense of “dynamism” permeating them.

“It’s a mix, there’s serenity in some of them, and there’s energy in some of them, and there’s dynamism in some of them, and so they cover a broad spectrum of emotions.”

But what Kate appreciated most about show-

casing her mother’s art was it would continue Jane’s legacy in a way that was meaningful for upcoming artists.

“The more we sell, the more support we can give to young and emerging artists. And that for me is what’s really lovely about it.”

Though Jane’s no longer with us, her soul lives on in the paint and pottery on show at the Waterwheel.

‘Indian mate’ speaks out on migration on the TedX stage

By Tanya Steele

A Yarra Ranges resident delivered a heartfelt TEDx talk last week, speaking about his life as a migrant to Australia and how shared understanding could be the way forward.

Tecoma’s Divesh Sareen shared a speech on an idea he has always believed in, ‘The World’s Diversity is wasted - Unless we fuse it’ at Swinburne University on Thursday 2 October.

“This experience pushed me in ways I didn’t expect - forcing me to be vulnerable, to stand firm in my belief, and to trust myself in front of that iconic red dot,” he said on social media.

Divesh Sareen is an Indian-Australian entrepreneur, author, and technology professional, and is the founder of After The Why, Migrants Life and The Leader Speaks - online platforms dedicated to using technology, fostering personal growth, advancing leadership, and empowering migrants.

Divesh said delivering the speech brought a lot of mixed emotions, and that the experience on the night was a life-changing moment.

“It was a privilege to stand on a TEDx stage,” he said.

“I was pumped that, hey, I’m actually doing this when I’m going to give it my best shot.”

Divesh said when he successfully applied to talk at Swinburne for TEDx he was excited to present a topic he has so much passion for.

“You think of it as something you’ve got to be really knowledgeable for and at the same time, crazy enough to put yourself out there,” he said.

“I had actually never thought that that would be something that I would do.”

The talk centred around understanding and how important it is for people to understand each other and also understand each other’s perspectives.

“Rather than choosing who’s right or wrong, I ask, how can we choose a good perspective and make a shared framework out of it? Everyone feels included, rather than choosing one over the other,” Divesh said.

“We are all different in today’s world, even though the whole environment is centred around

the assumption that we all think alike,” he said.

Using a personal example, Divesh said growing up in India, the culture for social events is very much geared around the hosts putting on as much food as the guests can handle, stemming from the Sanskrit phrase ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which translates to ‘Guest is God’.

Divesh said in Australia, he found it more likely that everyone would bring something to share at their regular barbecues, something he had to adjust to.

“One is showing care through abundance and the other is showing equality through contribution – so there’s different learnings of each one of them,” he said.

Following the publication of his two-volume memoir The Indian Mate: A Journey from Na-

maste to Howrya at the MCG last year, Divesh has since been busy working on several other projects.

He is currently in the process of finishing another novel, Migrant’s Life.

“The book will be launched next year, which shares stories of other people like me, what they’ve gone through, and how they’ve built a life here in Australia,” Divesh said.

The book aims to inspire future migrants, whether they’re students or are thinking of moving to Australia. Divesh wants to support life for people coming here.

“I think of us, rather than trying to be who’s better or who’s right, I think if you all looked at the good parts of each other, I think it will help everyone grow,” he said.

“It’s actually very surprising to someone like me when you hear about the protests that are happening.

“You take a step back and you try to think about how you actually define migrants or what you’ve done wrong when you are Australian by choice.”

Divesh said he thinks there is a bit of an education piece missing, and people coming to Australia are searching for understanding, connection and a sense of place.

“We also miss that human connection, and we are here to make friends, not take jobs,” he said. Divesh said the night wasn’t just about giving a talk.

“It was about growth, courage, and honouring an idea that matters deeply to me,” he said.

Daughters Kate and Sarah Fitzherbert were grateful for the impact Jane could have on upcoming artists. (Oliver Winn: 508942)

Divesh Sareen spoke at Swinburne on 2 October. (Catherine Sareen).

Back to Korea with thanks

By Dongyun Kwon

I can’t believe I’ve reached this point. But time flew once again, and it’s time for me to bid farewell to the Yarra Valley and Australia.

The past three years in Australia have been flying really quickly, and the last two years in the Yarra Valley have been going even quicker.

When I first arrived in Australia, my brother accompanied me to help carry my luggage.

My brother and I travelled around Melbourne and some other places together.

While we were walking around the CBD, we passed by ABC Melbourne, and I said to my brother, “This is the Australian national public broadcaster, and isn’t it great if I could work here one day?”

It was July 2022, and about four months later, I was there, interning for the News Breakfast Team for three weeks.

In 2023, after I graduated from Monash University, I began a new journey by taking a Mountain Views’ reporter role at Star Mail.

I was still living on campus in Clayton, and I didn’t have a car at the time.

I took public transport to commute, taking two hours to get here in the morning and another 2.5 hours to get back home.

I did that for three months until I moved to Lilydale, but I couldn’t complain about anything because I was blown away by the landscape on my way to work every single day (even until today).

When I first joined, I didn’t know anything about the Yarra Valley community. I didn’t know what the CFA, SES, Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, Australian rules football were.

A lot of the time, I didn’t get the Australian slang and accent, so I had to listen to the interview recordings over and over again.

But luckily, I was surrounded by a lovely team and people in the community.

My team at Star Mail committed to helping me. They taught literally everything that I wasn’t sure about, read my sentences and articles to check if they are understandable.

On top of that, the community members of the Yarra Valley also welcomed their new local journalist with open arms on every occasion and forgave me many times for some errors in my stories that originated from my lack of English and knowledge of Australian culture.

Every day, new challenges popped up in front of me, but it wasn’t difficult for me because I knew I had these amazing people on my side.

Rather, I really enjoyed overcoming them.

If I were just by myself, I could never have done anything.

Some locals have told me that they thanked me for my work, but I am the one who should thank you all.

You’ve always welcomed me and given me love, which made me feel a sense of belonging in the place where I had no connections.

It kept me motivated to work for the community.

Thanks to you all, I could write different types of stories through which I learnt the Australian federal, state and local political system, Australian sports, and so forth.

I even could grab a chance to achieve my lifetime bucket list of running a radio show.

There are countless things I have experienced and learnt in the Yarra Valley.

So I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to you through this last article.

Thank you so much for everything that you have given to me.

I will keep those memories in my heart forever.

As a community journalist, I made up my own rules and prioritised certain things, and I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce those to you.

The first rule was to write articles simply and easily so that everyone, no matter what their education level, age, or cultural background they have, could clearly understand my articles and know what’s going on in their community.

The second rule was to encourage younger generations to have a dream and keep them motivated along the way.

When I was 12, I grabbed an opportunity to fly over to Beijing, China, to attend a computer game exhibition.

I was one of the children who represented the South Korean team at a game competition (It was not a proper competition but more like a cultural exchange).

A few days later, after I came back home, one of my friend’s mum found me in a newspaper.

A side shot of me was used as the main photo of an article.

I laminated it and still keep it in my room in Korea, and I still remember vividly how excited I was. I wanted to give similar memories to local children. That’s why I was really keen to do stories about local schools or young talents.

I think the memory of being in a newspaper will lead them back onto the right track whenever they face any challenges or hardships on the way to achieving their dream.

The last rule was to focus on community feeling stories.

In the Yarra Valley, we’ve got lots of communi-

ty-minded people and events.

There are lots of fun activities, festivals, events and volunteering groups.

I’ve always prioritised those stories over any other stories.

Looking back on the past two years, I come up with only good memories.

However, sadly, it’s time for me to move on.

My dream has always been to become an international figure since I was a little kid.

But at the same time, my ultimate goal has always been to go back to Korea to serve my country with all the experience and knowledge I get from overseas.

It’s been a wonderful journey here in the Yarra

Valley and Australia, but I’ve been feeling that I’m in a comfort zone now.

I want to push myself hard one more time to get out of this comfort zone to improve myself.

I will stay in Korea, spending time with my family and friends there for one or two years, and will go to America to get a master’s degree.

I’d like to study marketing next, and I cannot wait to open the next chapter of my life.

It’ll be full of different challenges, and I’m ready to face them.

I will keep you updated on how I go, so please stay tuned to read my next adventure.

Please continue to love our papers and the Star Mail team.

The Star Mail crew had a special farewell lunch at Terminus Hotel on Tuesday 7 October. (Stewart Chambers: 508505)

I received the Pride of Workmanship Award from the Rotary Club of Healesville on Monday 29 September. (Michael Hardinge)

I went on a tour of the Star News Group’s headquarters office in Pakenham on Wednesday 8 October. (Supplied)

A BUTLER DID IT!

Hills Act returns to the stage

By Dongyun Kwon

The Hills Act Theatre Company crew have been busy lately rehearsing for their second production.

The Yarra Ranges-based theatre company was founded in September last year to provide play opportunities to younger people in the region.

After presenting Breathless, a story about four veterans that explores the unchanging, cyclical horror of war around Anzac Day, the company is preparing to introduce a different genre of play A Butler Did It to the local community.

Hills Act Theatre Company founder and director of the next production Phillip Stephenson said he chose the comedy play because it is something completely different from Breathless.

“A Butler Did It is basically a murder mystery comedy that features the Butler family, who come to their aunt’s funeral,” he said.

“However, things begin to get very complicated.

“It’s a very funny play and the cast are doing very well.”

12 actors and actresses are cast for this play, and half of them performed in the previous play.

Healesville Lions Club has been a big supporter of the local theatre company since its inception.

It bought $1000 worth of tickets for two plays as a way of sponsorship.

Healesville Lions Club secretary Gary Butler said the Lions Club of Healesville wanted to support young talents to develop their skills after leaving school.

“Healesville High School has musicals once a year and they just do a fantastic job,” he said.

“But the problem is when they leave high school, there’s no place to go. We’ve only got the Athenaeum Theatre in Lilydale and The Basin Theatre in Ferntree Gully.

“You hear all bad things about young people but we’ve got so many great young mature people, and we really need to support them because it’s good for the youth and the community of

Healesville.”

Josh Young is one of the treasures in the Hills Act Theatre Company.

He joined the company from the very first production, and he is now cast as Jasper King Junior in A Butler Did It.

As a person who would like to pursue acting as a professional career, Mr Young said Hills Act Theatre Company has been helping him a lot to get more experience.

“Breathless was different from what I was used to. I was in high school productions at Upper Yarra Secondary College, and there were a lot more light-hearted and goofy and more comedies,” he said.

“But coming out here and doing Breathless, it was different. It was serious. As someone who loves learning about the wars in history, it was just like, ‘This is a play I want to do, no matter what Phil says, I’ll be a part of it.’

“(Hills Act Theatre Company) helps me be in that constant routine, (for example), tonight between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, I know that time is dedicated to rehearsals and helping out.”

Mr Stephenson hailed Mr Young as a “natural actor” with great talent, and said he founded the local theatre company for hidden talents like Mr Young.

“Josh is one of those who has a natural ability to act. He’s able to take on any role, and I would like to see him succeed in the theatre business in any way,” he said.

“One of the reasons that we thought about starting this is to get them some experience so that when they write their CVs or go to an audition, they have that experience behind them.

“I know that if Josh continues, he’ll probably get somewhere great because he’s a natural actor.”

For the upcoming production, Hills Act Theatre Company is preparing a special activity to engage more with the audience.

The audience will receive a slip of paper with questions before they go into the theatre.

“Once they’ve seen the play, they can answer

the questions, and there will be quite substantial prizes,” Mr Stephenson said.

A Butler Did It will be put on twice at 7.30pm on Saturday 15 November and at 2pm on Sunday 16 November at The Memo, Healesville.

Tickets are purchasable at The Memo or the following website: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Explore-Yarra-Ranges/Events/A-Butler-Did-It

Hills Act Theatre Company is also planning to host a talent show, and Mr Young is the main organiser of this event.

Through Hills Act Theatre Company, Mr Young could develop not only his acting skills but also leadership skills by organising this event, which is something new to him.

“I’m doing a talent show for the people of Healesville and the surrounding areas. I want them to come down and try out,” Mr Young said.

“This talent show is about singing, dancing, playing an instrument or anything. The most important thing about it is that we don’t vote, but it’s the audience who vote on the actual day.

“It was a bit daunting at first (to organise this talent show), but you’ve just got to take one step at a time. First thing was organising the poster, and then it’s going to be advertising and getting everything out.”

The Hills Act Theatre Company is planning to hold the talent show at the end of January or the beginning of February next year.

(L-R) Healesville Lions Club’s Gary Butler, Hills Act Theatre Company’s Chris Stephenson, Phillip Stephenson and Josh Young. (Dongyun Kwon: 509281)

Hills Act Theatre Company’s first production Breathless cast. (Dongyun Kwon: 476662)

Hills Act Theatre Company successfully wrapped up its first production on 3 May. (Dongyun Kwon: 476662)

Hills Act Theatre Company was founded by Phillip Stephenson to provide play opportunities to younger people in Yarra Ranges. (Dongyun Kwon: 476662)

Take a moment on your walk

By Joy Gothe

When you wander through Melba Park again, you will notice a quiet path cutting through from Market Street to Chapel Street threading its way under the trees — Perrin Walk.

It’s a lovely name, but behind it lies the story of one of Lilydale’s earliest families and their lasting mark on the town.

Many years ago, Clarke Street ran along the western edge of Melba Park.

On the other side were the Lilydale Market and the council depot.

In the 1970s, the road was closed off, joining the two reserves into one open space.

Later the new footpath was officially named Perrin Walk in December 1998, in honour of the Perrin family who once helped build the town’s foundations.

The story begins with Henry Perrin, born in England in 1825.

For twenty years, Henry worked as a ship’s pilot for the East India Company.

Seeking a new start, he and his wife Cecelia eventually came to Australia, settling in Lilydale around 1860 with their two sons and a daughter.

Henry started as a travelling draper, walking across Victoria selling goods.

But it was Lilydale that captured his heart.

Tron: Ares is risible

M 2.75/5

The third film in the Tron franchise, Tron: Ares is an unfulfilling sci-fi action movie that feels more like a low-rent Terminator film than a Tron sequel. Ares (Jared Leto), an elite defence AI from the Grid cyberspace realm, is dispatched to the real world to find an invaluable program. Most of the characters are one-dimensional and Leto as Ares is stiff and uninteresting, but Greta Lee stands out as Eve Kim, a clever, resourceful woman who Ares breaks his directive to protect. The contrived plot is driven by the bluntest of Macguffins – a “Permanence Code” that allows programs to exist indefinitely outside the Grid (which was under Eve’s nose all along, but not in a clever way) – and the flashy action scenes carry little sense of threat, especially since the villain can recreate Ares and other programs whenever needed. The plot even squanders a goldmine of tension: programs in the real world disintegrates after 29 minutes, and applying this terminal limit to Eve, who is reconstituted from the Grid, would have infused some muchneeded urgency. The original Tron from 1982

pioneered CGI in feature films, and the 2010 sequel Tron: Legacy rendered the Grid using more advanced versions of the tools Tron spearheaded. Ares brings Tron’s iconic hardlight and circuitry-inspired visuals into the real world for the first time, with the highlight being a fast-paced light-cycle chase through the city. Even so, the visuals are less pretty than in Tron: Legacy, Jeff Bridges fleeting fanservice return as Flynn is less special this time, and Nine Inch Nails droning, brooding score is more abrasive than Daft Punk’s score for Legacy.

Bright, loud and shallow, Tron: Ares brings the blue screen of death to the Tron franchise and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas-Hynes

The Burrow of grief, hope

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 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

PASSION FOR PROSE

by herself due to her recently broken wrist. With five members of the family crammed 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.

There he built the town’s first house and opened its first Post Office from the front room of his home.

His salary was ten pounds a year, and in those days there was no mail delivery.

The Cobb and Co coaches brought the mail to Lilydale, and residents came to the Perrins’ home to collect it.

Cecelia, a gifted musician, opened a small school and gave music lessons, adding a cultural note to the growing community.

Henry later retired from postal work but stayed deeply involved in local life, running the news agency, serving as a councillor, and helping to build the Baptist Tabernacle in Castella Street.

His son, Frederick Walter Perrin took over as postmaster in about 1880.

Henry passed away in 1886 and was buried in the Lilydale Cemetery, but his influence lived on through his family.

So next time you stroll along Perrin Walk, pause for a moment.

It’s more than just a path through the park, it’s a tribute to Henry and Cecelia Perrin, whose dedication and community spirit helped shape Lilydale into the town we know today.

If you are interested in discovering more stories about the history of Lilydale visit our Website at lilydalehistorical.com.au or think about becoming a volunteer.

Arts across the Yarra Ranges

Karralyka

The Troubadours – Sounds of the Seventies You’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening sharing the stories and songs of the most beloved musical storytellers of all time.

Across two acts, our talented troubadours bring to life the iconic music of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan., James Taylor, Neil young, Cat Stevens, Carole King, Van Morrison, Simon and Garfunkel, Con McLean and many more. Their songs defined a generation. Their stories changed the world. Their music will live forever.

• Season: Friday 31 October at 7.30pm.

Burrinja Theatre

Doompa Dee Doo

Presented by St Bernadette’s Primary School

A 60 Minutes Exclusive

What if one f the most loved stories written, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, was not entirely true? What if the secrets of the story have remained hidden for many years? The hard-hitting investigative journalism of 60 Minutes is here to uncover the truth.

Join the students of St Bernadette’s The Basin as we present Doompa Dee Doo. A 60 Minutes Exclusive. A full feature-length episode of 60 Minutes, the real story behind The Oompa Loompas and Willy Wonka is revealed through song and dance.

Featuring the tunes and scenes you know and love with a vitalising injection of hit music from the past, our students take to the stage and shine as we journey through a story of intrigue and betrayal to find out what really happened all those years ago.

• Season: Thursday 16 October at 5pm and 7pm.

J’adore Calisthenics 2026 Annual Concert

A time to celebrate

J’adore Calisthenics perform their routines for the final time, celebrating the fantastic year that was.

J’adore invites family, friends. Supporters and visitors to join for the day.

• Season Sunday 26 October. Time 11.30am –5pm.

The Round 2026 Midweek Matinee Season!

The carefully selected season of shows are sure to delight, evoking nostalgia for years gone by and the golden age of entertainment. In 2026, you will also be treated to elegant ballet and, of course, a Christmas sing-along. A delightful morning tea, served from 10am or afternoon tea post a 2pm performance, in our beautiful and light-filed foyer. Ample free parking and a highly accessible building will ensure you feel at home.

Season 2026 Lineup

Affinity Quartet

• Take Four: Chamber Music for Everyone

• Season: February 25

Frankly Sinatra

• Season: March 11

Spirit of the ANZACS

• Season: April 22.

• BernadetteRobinson:TheySingatCarnegieHall

• Season: June 10

The Broadway We Love:

Promacs 40th Birthday Celebration

• Season: July 15

The Australian Ballet School

• Season: August 5

• Temori: Moment by Moment

• Season: August 26

The Australian Barbra Streisand Show

• Season: October 14

Pot-Pourri

• Season: November 18

Gina Hogan – The Christmas Belle Season: December 9

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

Tron: Ares

Starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee and Evan Peters

A PRIVATE GARDEN PARADISE

A PRIVATE GARDEN PARADISE –STYLISH LIVING WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS

TRULY an opportunity not to be missed, this standout residence is one of the area’s most beautifully maintained and presented homes. Privately nestled among lush, mature gardens, this charming brick home offers a serene, storybook setting that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

From the moment you meander down the sealed driveway, past remote gates and into your own hidden retreat, you’ll be delighted at every turn. Designed with love and care, gardeners and nature lovers will be inspired by the thoughtfully cultivated grounds, complete with winding brick paths, shady hammocks, and tranquil spaces to sit and soak it all in.

Inside, the home exudes effortless style and quality. Hardwood timber floors add warmth and character throughout, while the casual dining space flows into the formal living area, featuring a stunning gas log fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the north-facing aspect and sweeping mountain views.

Creature comforts abound, with reverse cycle heating and cooling, electric blinds ensuring year-round comfort. At the heart of the home is a custom-designed kitchen, complete with butler’s pantry, ample storage, feature lighting, and those ever-present garden views—a true delight for any home chef.

The home offers four bedrooms, each with serene outlooks over the garden. Two include built-in robes, while the master suite features a walk-in robe and a tastefully updated ensuite. The main bathroom is a showstopper, with luxurious details including a freestanding soak tub, heated floors, and its own private patio for ultimate relaxation.

Step outside and explore your own private oasis—wisteria-covered gazebo, peaceful entertaining zones, and hidden corners perfect for a morning coffee or evening wine. Practicality meets sustainability with a double garage, electric vehicle charger, and solar panels including a 10kw battery.

This home is more than just a place to live—it’s a sanctuary. If you’ve been dreaming of a beautiful, character-filled home with style, substance, and soul, this one is not to be missed. ●

FAMILY SPACE WITH COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

WIRE INDUSTRIES

“GIRRAWEEN” – A BREATHTAKING TREE-CHANGE LIFESTYLE AWAITS

SET against the stunning backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with filtered mountain views and colourful flowering gardens, “Girraween” is a property that defines versatile lifestyle living.

Set on a spacious 5324m2 block, tucked into one of the most picturesque pockets of the hills, this beautifully updated family home plus self-contained studio offers a rare opportunity - whether you’re seeking multigenerational living, guest accommodation, or a creative retreat.

The main home is thoughtfully designed with generous proportions and modern updates throughout, perfectly catering to relaxed family living. The heart of the home is the updated open-plan kitchen, seamlessly connecting to three distinct living zones, each offering its own charm and functionality: A sunken lounge with vaulted ceilings plus access to the expansive deck , the light-filled sunroom, perfect as a home office or reading nook and the bonus of a rumpus room / 4th bedroom, ideal as a play area, hobby space or teen retreat.

The main bedroom, complete with resort style updated ensuite, is privately positioned at the rear of the home to take full advantage of the tranquil outlook - a true sanctuary at the end of each day, whilst the other bedrooms are privately located together off the hallway. Adding exceptional value and versatility is the separate 1-bedroom studio, complete with: Original polished floorboards

Spacious living/dining area

Large picture windows framing garden views

• Full bathroom and private entry

• Private decking

For parking, you will find both a double carport plus a single carport with the addition of extra space for trailers, trucks and caravans

off the circular driveway. Whether you’re accommodating extended family, hosting guests, or running a creative business, this self-contained space offers endless potential.

For those who have eco /green features on their must have list, there are two air source heat pumps that supply hot water to the property along with a 6.2kw solar system. For temperature control, there are multiple split systems throughout plus the charm of a beautiful wood fire making this home efficient and functional all year round.

Set on a stunning, usable block surrounded by lush gardens and spectacular outlooks, “Girraween” is more than a home - it’s a lifestyle. A rare chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the hills, just moments from local villages, walking trails, cafes, and schools. ●

Gareth Taylor is a dedicated Real Estate Agent with a strong connection to the Yarra Valley and Healesville region. A resident of Healesville for a number of years Gareth brings a passion for wanting to work and serve the community. He also carries a deep appreciation of the local lifestyle and property market to every client relationship

Get to know Gareth and see how he can help –ring or email to arrange an obligation free appraisal

SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING WITH A COZY FEEL

THIS well presented family home perfectly balances generous space with the warmth and charm of a true country home.

From the feature solid timber kitchen to the expansive outdoor entertaining area, every detail has been thoughtfully designed for comfortable, practical family living.

The heart of the home is the impressive kitchen, boasting ample cabinetry, shelving, and a large feature timber island bench—ideal for gatherings and meal prep alike. A large gas cooktop and dishwasher make cooking a breeze, while the adjacent everyday dining space and casual lounge offer a relaxed, openplan atmosphere. Enjoy year-round comfort with a split system and a cozy wood fire, all complemented by gorgeous hardwood timber floorboards throughout.

The family-friendly layout includes four well-sized bedrooms, all with built-in robes, positioned off a separate formal living area, which also features a split system for additional climate control. The master suite truly feels like a retreat, offering a walk-in robe, spa ensuite with a timber vanity, and sliding door access to the rear decking—perfect for morning coffees or evening wind-downs.

The central family bathroom includes a shower, bath, and vanity, with a separate toilet for added convenience. Storage will never be an issue, with ample built-in solutions throughout the home. Rustic established gardens are certainly a nice addition.

This is a home that offers everything a growing family needs and a welcoming, country-inspired atmosphere.

Step outside to an expansive undercover entertaining area—ideal for weekend BBQs and outdoor dining. A double garage completes the package, offering even more storage or workshop

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 154 Bailey Road, MOUNT EVELYN Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $890,000 - $970,000 Inspect: By appointment

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

potential. Fully fenced backyard for the dogs or children and with direct access to the Warburton trail this is a absolute bonus for all

the family to indulge in. Short walk to the local pony club really does feel like you are in the country.. ●

CHARMING HOME WITH SCENIC VIEWS

POSITIONED on an elevated setting to capture sweeping views and bathed in natural light, this beautifully presented home offers warmth, charm, and instant appeal. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel right at home.

At the heart of the home, the wellappointed kitchen features timber benchtops, free standing oven, great storage, dishwasher, breakfast bar and adjoining meals area. Step down into the lovely lounge area that boasts are charming wood fire for those cooler evenings. Double French doors open out to an inviting deck, ideal for weekend brunches or relaxed BBQs.

The home offers two great sized bedrooms that are serviced by the bathroom and laundry that have been tastefully updated with modern finishes for ultimate comfort and convenience.

Move-in ready with nothing left to do, the interiors are enhanced by stunning spotted gum flooring and garden vista views throughout. Enjoy year-round comfort with ducted heating and a reverse cycle air conditioner.

For the toys and tools, the property includes a double carport, garage and a workshop space. The balance of the 1,038m2 allotment offers a blank canvas for you to make your own. Located in ever-popular Emerald, you’ll love being part of this vibrant and welcoming community. ●

A PEACEFUL FAMILY RETREAT ON ALMOST HALF AN ACRE

TUCKED away in the peaceful surrounds of Belgrave South, yet only minutes from the conveniences of Rowville and Belgrave township, 47 Courtneys Road, Belgrave South offers the perfect balance of privacy, space and lifestyle. Set on a 1990m² block with a leafy outlook, this beautifully maintained family home is a true rare find, ideal for those seeking more of a country lifestyle but with connection to multiple city arterials.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the home’s warm and inviting character. The spacious, open-plan layout delivers seamless flow and functionality, perfect for growing families or those who love to entertain. The home comprises four generous bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite with its own ensuite and generously sized sitting area, offering a peaceful retreat for parents.

A home office/5th bedroom provides the ideal environment for remote work or a homebased business, while three light-filled living areas span the length of the house, ensuring every family member has space to relax, connect, or unwind.

Polished hardwood floors and large sunlit windows with exterior shutters create a warm and welcoming ambiance throughout, while year-round comfort is assured with multiple split systems plus a separate gas heater.

Cooking enthusiasts will fall in love with the oversized timber kitchen, boasting ample bench space, excellent storage, and a breakfast bar perfect for casual meals or morning coffee.

Step outside to discover one of the true highlights of this home - an expansive entertaining deck highlighted by sandstone tiles, ideal for outdoor living, weekend BBQs, or hosting events against the backdrop of serene farmland beyond.

A double garage, large under-house storage and workshop and a sealed driveway complete the picture and are all surrounded by tranquil, low-maintenance grounds. Calm and peaceful, this setting must be experienced to be truly appreciated.

Whether you’re after a private sanctuary to escape the daily grind or a spacious property to raise a family, this is the lifestyle opportunity you’ve been searching for. ●

FANTASTIC ACREAGE VIEWS AND CHARMING HOME

THIS superb acreage lifestyle awaits you at this stunning property.

Set on approx. 19 sensational acres with a mix of cleared undulating pasture and scattered bush, it’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery and get away from it all! The charming home sits proudly in a commanding position, enjoying the fantastic valley views all year round.

Boasting 4 great size bedrooms spread over 2 levels plus a large office/study and the ideal work from home set up.

Multiple living/lounge and family rooms gives the growing family ample space to spread out.

The kitchen is impressive with quality appliances and plenty of bench and cupboard space plus a separate meals/dining area.

Step outside and soak up the outdoors with covered decking and an alfresco/ BBQ areait’s just the spot to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful and colourful Yarra Valley views.

A large high clearance carport and large barn offer plenty of car, truck and caravan accommodation.

The whole family will love the acres and acres of space with something for everyone.

A fantastic property in a glorious and private location, with fantastic views and scenery - it’s a great place to call home. ●

SuperbPresentationandIdeallyLocated

Comfortandconvenienceandpositionedjustminutesstrolltheeverpopularcafe’sandeateries inWesburn’smainstreet.Thisneathomeisbeautifullypresentedandboasts 2bedroomswithan openplankitchen/mealsandloungeroomandwithfreshpaintandfurnishingsthroughoutitoffers comfortableandeasycareliving.Outsideoffers alargelockupgarageandcarportwitheasy accesstothefrontandrearyards,landscapedareaswithamplespaceforthekidsandpetsto enjoy. Asuperbpropertywithnothingtodobutsitbackrelaxandenjoythepicturesquesurrounds andjustminuteswalktopublictransport,schoolsandtheboomingWesburnsportingcomplexit’sa greatplacetobe,fantasticvalueina greatlocation.

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Ideallylocatedwithlocalschools,shopsandtransportnearbythissuperneathomeissuperbly presentedinsideandoutandwillsuitifyou’rewantingtodownsizeorfirsthomebuyerswithanthe easycarelifestyle.Offering 2bedrooms,largeopenfamily/livingareaand agoodsizekitchen/meals area,thereisnothingtodobutjustmoveinandenjoy.Outsideoffers apavedarearearyard, securelyfencedgarden,shedandcarportplustheaddedbonusofsolarpoweraswell,situatedat theendofthecourtandsetinpicturesquesemiruralsurroundingsit’stheperfectplacetoliveand enjoytherelaxedlifestyle.

DavidCarroll

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Thisexceptionalhomeofferstheidealsmallcountrytownlifestyleandshowcasingaflexibleand thoughtfulfloorplantosuitthegrowingfamily.Boasting3 bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesplusan ensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom,spaciouslivingareaswith aseparateopenplan lounge/living/familyroom.Thekitchenisveryimpressivewithqualityappliances,benchtopsand amplebenchandcupboardspace,a modernwelldesignedhomeofferingfamilycomfortand space.Headoutsideandenjoythecoveredentertainingareawiththewarmereveningahead it’stheidealspottorelaxandunwind.Situatedonaneasycarelowmaintenanceblockwith landscapedgardensand alockupgaragewithsecurelyfencedrearyard,locatedjusta shortstroll tolocalschools,transportandYarraJunctionsshoppingprecinctit’stheidealplacetocallhome.

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RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

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

ACROSS

1 Wild dog (5)

4 Not at all sleepy (4-5)

9 Bituminous road layer (7)

10 Appointment to a job (7)

11 Doppelganger (4-5)

12 Offshoot (5)

13 Harden (3)

14 Having the power to make laws (11)

16 Reminding one of something (11)

19 Fuel (3)

20 Tests (5)

22 Relating to the lungs (9)

25 Set apart (7)

26 Breastbone (7)

27 Inelegant (9)

28 Saloon car (5)

1 Speak with elongated vowel sounds (5)

2 'Not to worry' (2,7)

3 Former US president (5)

4 Soaking (7)

5 Lower (7)

6 Helper (9)

7 Fact of being elsewhere (5)

8 Designer of goods and structures (9)

13 Tending to plants (9)

14 Visible features of an area (9)

15 Firmly fixed (9)

17 Highest (7)

18 Enrols in the armed forces (7)

21 Fragrance (5)

23 Auspices (5)

24 Arab state (5)

DIOCESE EMPEROR IDIOTIC MOURNER MOUSING STUDIOS 8 LETTERS ANTEATER FERMENTS FERRETED RAGGEDER 10 LETTERS SKYROCKETS TURBULENCE

Bell blitzes windy course for the win

By Ron Hottes

The V.V.Vs:

Well, loyal readers, I promised last week that I would have plenty to report about the antics of those energetic, enthusiastic V.V.V ladies.

For the second week in a row, the supremely talented Ms Eldridge has blown away the rest of the field.

Playing the front nine, the other girls were no match for Tricia’s impressive 20 points, which included no wipes.

Great shooting, Sister Patricia.

Michelle Jordan, with 18 very impressive points also, claimed runner up honours.

There were no NTPs recorded, but I am reliably informed there were a couple of tee shots that went close.

Hopefully, loyal readers, you will wait patiently, like myself, to see if someone can break the stranglehold that the legendary Ms Eldridge has over the V.V.V results at the moment.

Wednesday 8 October - Stableford:

Under cloudy skies, with a flukey wind complicating matters, and with mild temperatures, you always knew that one of our regular midweek members would master those conditions and shoot a superb score.

And, of course, Belly was just the man to do that.

Yes, my old mate, Peter Bell posted a super impressive 39 points in those aforementioned tough conditions.

I believe that Peter completed his winning round without a scratch - also impressive in that tough landscape.

The daily runner up voucher was claimed

by another old mate, Darryl Ward, with his 37 points.

A welcome return to form, Dazza.

The rundown reached a lowly 32.

There were four out of five NTP winners, they being Tim Jones (third), Steuart Hawke (ninth), Dazza Ward (12th) and to Ross Machar (15th).

Saturday 11 October - Stableford:

On a cool day, with the weather encouraging good scoring, the most encouraged member was Ken White, who recorded a fine 41 points.

This landed Kenny the B Grade top prize.

Our daily runner up was Peter Bell, also with a superb 41 point round.

Clearly, these two boys are on way too generous handicaps at the moment.

The A Grade voucher was won by none other, than our hard working club president. Yes,

Nursey posted a strong 35 point score.

The ball rundown only stretched to 34.

And, only three NTPs were claimed, they being Le Pinkster (third), Paul Kennedy (ninth) and to Dale Sund (15th).

TWILIGHT:

Yes, its back: our iconic and easily, most popular comp.

And, our first winner for the 2025-26 season, is also the iconic Steuart Hawke, who recorded a fine 22 points.

The first runner up is “Bomber” Campbell, just one point behind, on 21 points.

Unfortunately, no NTP winners were listed for this day.

More club news, re: changes to this season’s Twilight comp. will be included in my future columns.

Horse Talk

By Anita Prowse

There is a very special event coming up this weekend at Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre: The Gembrook Riders Club.

The Gembrook Riders Club are running a fundraiser for the CFA to obtain more training opportunities in large animal rescues on 17 October.

In an area so densely populated with horses and other larger animals, training tools and education are extremely important.

Organiser Sue Van Sprang has been instrumental over the years in raising funds and awareness to all aspects of large animal rescue.

Please come along and give a donation and have a great day out, entries are now closed but you can be added to the wait list at the Event Secretary.

Training mannequins are close to $20,000 to purchase and are vital to gain the skills needed for rescue of large animals, so please dig deep and give what you can, you never know when you will be needing this expertise.

Meredith

The popular Twilight Comp is back with Steuart Hawke taking the win. (File)

The fundraiser will help CFA brigades obtain more training mannequins for large animal rescue. (Supplied)

Healesville girls hold firm

By Callum Ludwig

Healesville Soccer Club’s prowess in finding, developing and supporting talented young footballers was recently on show at the 2025 Christian Football Federation National Titles, held at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East between Sunday 28 and Wednesday 1 September.

The club’s Under 17 Girls received a special invitation to the tournament given their dominance in the Victorian Churches Football Association (VCFA) competition.

Co-captain Ava Holman said competing in the tournament was a lot of fun, it was a great experience to be able to have and they will all remember it for a lifetime.

“It was a mix of exciting and challenging to be playing against players across the country and New Zealand, many of us had played were already friends with the Victorian squad and had played against them throughout the season so it was fun to be able to pley them in the tournament,” she said.

“It was challenging being an unknown team, throughout the tournament we kept hearing ‘Who’s this red team’, ‘Sorry, how do we pronounce your team name’ and ‘Where are you from’ but we used this to our advantage,”

“We went into the tournament with the mindset that we had nothing to lose, no one is expecting anything from us so let’s show them what we are capable of.”

The two Healesville teams had finished first and second in the VCFA, but took on teams formed of the best players in each state’s competition, including the VCFA itself.

Holman said the Healesville girls knew they had better team chemistry over their opponents, as most of their players had played together for a few years.

“The other state teams had only been training together for a few weeks but we had been all playing and training together all season and we definitely were able to use that to our advantage in our games,” she said.

“While the rest of the teams had all their whole state squad supporting them, we only had our parents and coaches but it made us all fired up to be able to show them that we had earned our place to be there, even if we were the underdogs.”

Healesville’s players had previously been selected to represent the VCFA before, but being invited to play solely representing the club was a first.

Healesville Soccer Club’s Vice President Leesa Riley said this was a really exciting opportunity and one that Healesville has not experienced before.

“We have had individuals chosen for Victorian teams in the past but because of Healesville’s great success in the girls competition we were invited to attend, last year our two girls teams came first and second in the Under 16s girls competition showing the strength, skill and calibre of talent we have at Healesville,” she said.

“Healesville were well matched in the competition and all teams were extremely tight across the two days of heats, it came down to the very last game between Queensland and New Zealand and one goal to not make the semi finals,”

“We were third on the ladder midway through day two so it shows how strong the team were, the highlight was definitely winning against Queensland in the third heat, the girls came out on day two with a newfound belief in themselves and played flawlessly together.”

Healesville fielded an astonishing 18 junior teams this year, five of which were all female. Three Healesville teams placed runners up in their competitions and the Under 16 Girls also took out the Clubs Cup.

Holman said a highlight of the titles was definitely being able to sing the Healesville song after beating Queensland.

“None of us could believe that we, Healesville, a small country town, had beaten the state of Queensland, we all sung the song loud and proud,” she said.

“Another highlight from the tournament was hearing from one of my senior teammates say that we had inspired her two young sons to play in the tournament, they came and watched us for one game and we were able to spark enough interest in them that they now want to play in the

tournament one day, that felt pretty special.”

The girls turned out in style, with speciallymade kits for the tournament that Holman said they felt were ‘pretty eye-catching’.

Holman said she doesn’t think it’s possible to express how much she loves playing for Healesville.

“It is such a community, a family, I have always played at Healesville and one thing I really admire is how much the club values our female players, there is such a strong pathway and support for us that a player of any age whether it be eight or 38,” she said.

“Overall, it was a really great experience and to be able to say that us Healesville girls had played in a nationals tournament feels so cool and special and not to mention a huge thank you to everyone who made it possible,”

“From our parents driving us to the games to the never-ending support and commitment from our coaches, and last but not least to Healesville Soccer Club for giving us the opportunity to to really get Healesville’s name out there.”

The club and Ms Riley particularly would like to thank community sponsors and many club volunteers including the coach Glen for the opportunity to compete in the tournament.

Ms Riley said the highlight was also seeing the girls grow in confidence on and off the field and bond together as a team and meet new friends from across the states and New Zealand.

“Having four girls selected in the All Star Team and for our goalie Teah to win Golden Glove shows how strong we were as a team and as a club building incredible female players,”

“I am so proud that the girls took on the challenge and all not only participated but dedicated themselves to training after the official season had ended and giving it their all,”

“It means a lot to us to have a safe and inviting place for girls to come and play with their friends, build their skills and excel, at an age where they traditionally drop out of sport we are creating a thriving club for them to stay.”

Healesville also had Coach Lindsey and striker John-James O’Connell selected for the Senior Mens side representing the VCFA, Pip competing in the Under 17 Boys side and Max and Harry filling in for New Zealand’s Under 15 Boys side.

The Healesville Under 17 Girls received a special invitation to compete against representative teams from around the country. (Supplied)

Co-captain Ava Holman said they had better ‘team chemistry’ on their side.

Five wicket haul for Ryder

By Chris Handasyde

First XI Healesville 5/169 defeated by Seville Burras 5/175.

Facing off against Seville, Healesville bowled first with Mitch Tampaline taking the first wicket in the seventh over.

Tight bowling kept the runs down until Darcy English got the next breakthrough to leave Seville 2/57 at drinks.

Seville would finish up 5/175 with a mixture of tight bowling and good batting but overall a chase-able score.

The innings started poorly with Healesville reduced to 4/40 at one stage before the injury restricted Nick Zinghini and Luke Chandler got to work.

Nick pushed the singles before Luke was caught for 30.

Darcy English then joined Zinghini.

With 48 required off the last four hope was low, until Zing started raining sixes to breathe life into the game.

He got it down to 16 off 10 but inevitably Healesville fell six runs short with Darcy 26* and Nick 73* in a highlight knock for himself.

Second XI Healesville 5/220 defeated Lusatia Park 148.

This weekend the Twos took on Lusatia Park.

Losing the toss and being sent into bat Denzel Parsons (65) paved a perfect start to set a beautiful platform for us to 1/72 at the drinks break.

Followed by some big hitting from Grant Braden (43) out innings finished 5/220.

Lusatia Park got a bit of a run going on off the pace bowlers so we took the pace off the ball swapping to a spin attack with young Ryder Hudson on debut, bowling an excellent line and length took himself to 5/37 off his eight overs.

He bowled in partnership with Michael Davern, who got 1/30 off his eight, and brought the run rate right back down.

Making another change to our bowling attack, Denzel Parsons took a coupe quick wickets 2/15 and Sam Keath coming back on to get another wicket finishing 2/25.

Healesville dismissed Lusatia Park for 148.

Third XI Healesville 103 defeated by Wantirna 0/104.

Healesville played their first home game of the year at the beloved swamp, hosting Wantirna’s First XI.

A solid start from the evergreen Ben Mackey (25) and Max Ferris, whose innings of nine belied its substance, failed to be a catalyst for the Bloods as only a stubborn 34 ball knock from Taylor Caldicott, good counter attacking contributions from Dammaz (20) and Cooper Bell (17) helped drag Healesville to an under par 103.

Despite consistent and accurate bowling from Dammaz, Bell and Summer Caldicott, who all created multiple chances with little luck, Wantirna were able to reach the total without the loss of a wicket.

Whilst the result was ultimately not what was desired the positive contributions from the young Bloods continues to be a highlight this

season.

Fourth XI Healesville 6/173 defeated by Wantirna 9/175.

Healesville batted first and Raff Morcombe 50*, Lee Caldicott 50* and Louis Keath 30 set a target of 173 from our 36 overs.

Wantirna had some good partnerships but Healesville would also pick up wickets so the

game was in the balance. It was a game down to the last over where Wantirna needed four runs and Healesville needed one wicket for victory. Unfortunately for Healesville’s Adam Keath who bowled the last over, the batter took the aggressive route and hit a six off the first ball to end the game.

Second four win sweep for Seville Cricket Club seniors

By Mitch Wynd

For the second week running, all four Seville senior sides took home victories for a Saturday clean sweep.

First XI v Healesville at Queens Park:

Seville won the toss and chose to bat first.

A classic clash of Yarra Valley clubs went down to the wire as Seville won a final-over thriller against Healesville at Queens Park.

Seville won the toss and batted first, and although several promising partnerships got started, the home side were always able to make a breakthrough and slow the momentum.

A sixth-wicket partnership of 55 between Jon Williams (35*) and Kane Jones (30*) got Seville to 5/175 - not a bad score but not a comfortable one either.

The second innings started well with early wickets, and Healesville were in trouble at 4/31 inside the 12th over.

Number four batsman Nickolas Zinghini was the major hope for Healesville, and he found middle order support from Luke Chandler and Darcy English to take the game deep.

Some late big hitting meant it all came down to the final over with Healesville requiring 13 for victory.

Jack Woodford was given the responsibility of closing out the game with the ball, and he did so superbly with only six runs conceded.

Close games are always important to win early in the season, especially with two-day games coming up.

The First XI’s first pressure test of the season has been successfully passed.

Seville 5/175 (40) - Healesville 5/169 (40).

Seville won by six runs.

Second XI v North Ringwood at Seville North Oval North:

Ringwood won the toss and chose to bat first.

A strong performance with both bat and ball saw the Second XI complete a comfortable victory at home against North Ringwood.

The visitors won the toss and chose to bat, and posted 6/160 from their full 40 overs.

After starring with the bat in the Third XI the previous week, Marcus Smith did his damage with the ball this time, taking 3/22 from his eight overs.

Trevor Williams (2/28) and Jordan Foster (1/26) also were among the wicket-takers.

40 overs were available for the chase, but in the end Seville only needed 25 overs to get the job done as they quickly and clinically reached the total.

Co captain Leigh Aitkins (77) and opening partner Liam McGookin (46) took care of most of the runs themselves, leading the way for Caleb Frankovic (19*) and Jake Troyahn (5*) to finish the chase.

North Ringwood 6/160 - Seville 2/161 (25.3).

Seville won by eight wickets.

Third XI v Chirnside Park at Seville South Oval:

Seville won the toss and chose to bowl first.

The Third XI faced Chirnside Park at home, and after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, made a steady start with wickets to both Jack Darwall and Jamie Hamilton in their opening spells.

Chirnside Park recovered from their early stumble to 2/65 before the next four wickets all

fell to spinner Mitchell Wynd, who finished with 4/23 from his seven overs.

Some disastrous run-outs also kept the wickets ticking over for the home side.

At the drinks break, Seville were well in control with the visitors at 4/82 - however after the break the boundaries began to flow off the bat of Namerian and Bennett.

Chirnside Park recovered to a very competitive total of 191 - certainly not an easy chase.

A steady opening partnership between Riley Hamilton and Manoj Beri laid the foundation, before captain Jamie Hamilton walked out at number three to kickstart the run rate along with Beri.

The pair put on a century partnership at a rap-

id pace, and both retired after reaching their individual half-centuries.

However, the job was not done yet, and the middle order would need to step up and complete the chase.

15-year-old Archie Graham was the one to take charge and steer the ship home with a mature 39* off just 37 balls with four boundaries and a six.

Chirnside Park 9/191 (36) - Seville 3/194 (34).

Seville won by seven wickets.

Fourth XI v Chirnside Park at Lilydale Heights College:

Seville won the toss and chose to bat first. Before a ball was even bowled, it was already a special day for the Fourth XI with four father-sons playing together in the same side.

Greg and Josh Oliver, Nathan and Bailey O’Keefe, Matt and Darcy Tilney, and Scott and Max Darwall all took the field at Lilydale Heights College in what would have been a very proud moment for their families. Seville won the toss and batted, and leading the way with runs were captain Andrew “Bart” Cummins (50*), Matt Tilney (50*), and Darcy Tilney (50*) who all scored half centuries and powered the team to 4/194 from their 40 overs.

With the ball, it was the youth who did all the damage - Darcy Tilney (3/23), Josh Oliver (2/22) and Bailey O’Keefe (2/26) taking multiple wickets, while Max Darwall bowled six very tight overs and was unlucky not to get a wicket of his own. The first innings total proved to be too much for Chirnside Park, the Fourth XI taking a 54 run win and going 2-0 - along with all the other senior sides.

Ryder Hudson showed promise on his debut, taking five wickets against Lusatia Park. (Supplied)

Four father son partnerships dominated the field for Seville CC’s Fourth XI. (Supplied)

SPORT

Wandin wins dramatic chase

By David Marshall

What an exhilarating start to the 2025/26 season for Wandin Cricket Club.

The depth and quality throughout our club shone brightly this weekend.

Our First XI pulled off a thrilling victory chasing down a big total at home, while our Second XI dominated with a complete all-round performance.

Both our women’s teams showed tremendous heart in competitive contests.

Our First XI pushed St Andrews all the way in a tight finish, while our Second XI gained valuable experience and showed enormous promise in their development journey.

Wandin First XI:

Playing Montrose at home, we lost the toss and were asked to bowl first.

On a lightning quick ground, Montrose got off to a quick start until Cal Gordon got the first breakthrough at 79.

Cal finished with figures of 2/49.

Runs were still flowing until Jarrod Dobson got the quick breakthrough to have them 2/115.

Rory Vallence then came on to bowl and again proved the future of the club is bright, with brilliant off-spin bowling finishing his eight overs on 2/39.

While it wasn’t a bowler’s day, we were set a target of 250 runs to win.

While that total might have been daunting, we know our ground well and the chase would be tight.

We got to 34 before we lost two quick wickets, but Jamie Atkinson and Taylan Hall put together a crucial 106 run partnership to keep us in touch.

Taz was the next to be dismissed, scoring 50 and getting us to 144.

Jamie Atkinson made 69 before losing his wicket with the score on 171.

We were still in striking distance.

Leigh Thomas joined Peter Vaughan, and what a final run chase it was.

With patience and then incredible acceleration, these two brought the Ones home for a strong win against a strong side, passing their score with a couple of overs to go.

Pete made 46 not out and Leigh 35 not out for a magnificent win.

Women’s First XI:

Playing St Andrews at home, Wandin batted first with our opening pair of Charlotte Edwards and Audrey Lyons getting us off to a great start.

Losing Charlotte as the first wicket with the score on 45 set us a great base to build on.

The crucial partnership of the innings was Audrey and Olivia Edwards. Olivia scored a magnificent 43 before losing her wicket, but together with Audrey they put on a 76 run partner-

ship to get us to 137.

With other contributions, we ended up with a total score of 6/170.

Defending 170, it was a tight race for a while.

St Andrews were batting well and, with the exception of a run out, wickets were hard to come by.

That’s when Em Curwood stepped up to the plate and took two crucial wickets to keep us in the hunt – glad to have Em back this season.

St Andrews buckled down and were hunting down our total.

And that’s when Audrey, after her magnificent batting, decided to show us what she can do with the ball, taking three quick wickets to really bring us back in contention.

Tight bowling from our other bowlers in the middle session really put the heat on.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough and St Andrews were able to get past our total with a couple of overs to spare.

Another fighting effort though.

Wandin Second XI:

Wandin’s Second XI played against Lilydale at Gateway Reserve.

Having lost the toss and bowling first, opening bowlers Kogelman and Padgman had Lilydale at 3/15 after the first eight overs, with Kogelman taking 2/2 off five overs.

With the introduction of J Oakley, the wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

J Oakley finished with 5/29 off his seven overs, the pick of the bowlers, bowling Lilydale out for 89 in the 24th over.

Wandin’s turn to bat – the game was over before it even really got going.

Wandin reached the total at 2/91 in the 13th over.

E Alderman made 21, B Warren 18, and J Oakley 30 not out. Looking forward to our next game.

Women’s Second XI:

Playing away, we lost the toss and were put into bat.

We were on the back foot early, but Belinda Cuddon and Allanah Peet were able to put together a good partnership, getting our score to 43 before Bee was out for 20.

We kept pushing the score forward with Allanah Peet making 16, Rikki Murphy in only her second game making 15, and Captain Kirwan Peluso 14 not out for a total of 84.

It wasn’t quite enough, with Knox Boronia passing our score only one down and with a couple of overs to spare.

Kerry Peet was the pick of the bowlers with two overs for only six runs.

And whilst we lost this game, everyone had a great time and with heaps of development potential, this side has a promising future this season.

Every single player contributed to making Round 1 memorable.

Lusatia’s Third XI bats well to claim ﬁrst win of the season

By Kieran Cantwell

First XI:

Heading to Templeton this week, our First XI batted first.

Opening pair and brothers Lochie and Corey Winter-Annette got us off to a great start with a 75 run partnership, including 55 off 48 balls from Lochie with eight fours and two sixes.

Lochie and Corey were dismissed within quick succession, clearly not wanting to be apart from each other for too long.

Good contributions in the middle order from Tim Diggins and Lucas Parker, and some quick runs at the death saw the total reach 9-189 from the 40 overs.

Templeton started their innings very strongly, an opening stand of 116 made it a difficult task to win from there.

The team fought hard however and were right in the hunt until the end, Matt Robinson showed he’s pretty good in the field even without the gloves, taking three catches.

Despite the fightback and with the game going down the wire, Templeton were able to make the runs in the 38th over.

First Women’s XI:

Hiking out to Canterbury this week our Women’s XI were looking for redemption from a tough loss last week.

Batting first again, Steph McConnell continued her good form with 18, while Nikki Philpot goes from strength to strength; her hard work is paying off, this week upping her high score to 12.

Caitlyn Parker made up for her duck last week with a quickfire 42 off 40, and Bocky chimed in for 18 at the end to post a total of 7-122.

A good start was made with the ball by Stacey Mercuri taking and early wicket and bowling economically; with figures of 1-13 off her six overs. With wickets from Caitlyn, Mac, and Bocky we were in the hunt with the score at 4-71 but Canterbury was able to steady and made the runs in the 31st over.

Second XI: Round 2 saw the Second XI taking on Healesville at home.

Our captain won the toss and much to the annoyance of his players, chose to bowl.

Bowling was tight but early wickets were hard to come by.

Matt McConnell getting our only one before drinks.

Stephen Morgan was delivering his usual hand grenades, frustrating the batters brilliantly, and finally managed a wicket with a stumping on the second last ball of his eight over spell.

Paul Broussard came on at a tricky time and managed two wickets as well.

Healesville scored 5-220 from their 40 overs.

Our batting started off shakily with Dean

Worrley losing his wicket early, but inventive batting from Matt McConnell (41) and the usual reliance of Michael Dwyer (27) saw us 1-80 shortly before drinks.

When Matt was dismissed, it started a bit of a collapse and before long we were 5-94. Despite a little wag in the tail, we only managed 148, all out in the 34th over, Healesville coming away winners.

Third XI: Back at Wickhams Road for our Threes again this week, facing Croydon North.

Batting first, Ben Hubbard opened and batted with poise despite losing his opening partner early, putting away the bad balls, Marty White chipped in with 19, and at 2-60, the innings was evenly poised.

Enter the evergreen Lee Philpot, who along with Ben, put on an unbeaten 200 run partnership, Ben ended the innings on 94* off 87 balls and Lee a commanding 120* off 99, combined they hit 34 boundaries.

Our innings finished at 2-265 from 36 overs. With such a large total to chase, Croydon North were never really in the game, and it didn’t help their cause that Dan Madsen cleaned up their opener with the first ball of the innings. Contributions were even from all the bowlers, special mention to 13-year-old Jacob Ahmad, who was unlucky not to snare a wicket, ending with 0-17 off six with three maidens. Skipper Stuart Parker cleaning up with 3-6, ending the Croydon North innings, who ended up being dismissed for 91, a mammoth 174 run win for our Third XI’s first win for the season.

Audrey Lyons put in a crucial innings with the bat and then took three wickets later on. (Supplied)

Lusatia Park Cricket Club Round 2.

Ben Hubbard and Lee Philpot managed a triumphant 200 run partnership in the Threes. (Supplied)