Mail - Upper Yarra Star Mail - 4th November 2025

Ridgefield open day

Coldstream’s Ridgefield will be one of two gardens to open its gates to the community over the weekend of 8 and 9 November, providing an insight into acclaimed landscape designer Robert Boyle, who designed the property 25 years ago.

Now owners Joanne Painter and Chris Dodds, who purchased the threeacre property in 2023, see themselves as custodians of this spectacular garden. From the formal areas, to the orchard and now perfumery, Ridgefield has so much to offer a curious visitor, making for the perfect day out. And just around the corner in Gruyere, Bentwood will open for the same weekend, showcasing a couple’s labour of love and desire to replenish the soil for a climate resilient garden. These gardens will open with thanks to Open Gardens Victoria.

See page 18 for more

Crossing concern

By Oliver Winn

The horse rider was helping her equestrian group cross the busy four lane Warburton Highway when a car came careening past the banked up traffic, barely missing her.

This had only happened due to a faulty horse crossing signal at the intersection of Quayle Road and Wallace Road on Warburton Highway.

Now, Ms Newstead is fighting for change - before someone gets seriously hurt.

“The traffic was backed up, someone didn’t want to wait. They ended up going around the traffic, and they almost hit me, I felt it brush past my knees. I was that close,” Ms Newstead said.

Ms Newstead said horse riders have been forced to put their lives on the line to help the high number of horse riders cross the road as they travel to major equestrian facilities in Wandin North and Seville.

The crossing has been out of order since around February 2024 when state Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence first called on the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to fix the issue.

The DTP sent crews to repair the crossing in February 2024 and July 2025, but the signals stopped working soon after due to uncontrolled conditions affecting communication.

A DTP spokesperson said the DTP would continue to investigate solutions to repair the horse crossing at Wandin North.

“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant while travelling on our roads – whether you are driving, walking or riding, you should always obey road signage, watch for oncoming traffic and monitor your surroundings,” a DTP spokesperson said.

Ms Newstead demanded action from the DTP before someone gets hurt.

“We’ve had to say to them, ‘you have to take liability if somebody gets hit here.’”

Read more on page four

Ridgefield owner and custodian Joanne Painter stands under the rose arbour. (Stewart Chambers: 513567)

Andrea Newstead’s life flashed before her eyes in late October.

Shot roos left to die in pain

By Callum Ludwig

The inevitable suffering when kangaroo shooting goes wrong was plain to see when a kangaroo was found severely wounded on Wednesday 22 October.

Later euthanised by Vets for Compassion, it was the second kangaroo in as many months to suffer a serious gunshot wound in the Yarra Valley, following another incident in Dixons Creek at the start of September.

Vet and chief executive officer of Vets for Compassion Elaine Ong said the kangaroo had been spotted the day before but rescuers couldn’t find it again.

“The rescuers went back the next day and because there was so much publicity about it, fortunately, a member of the public called in and the rescuers managed to tranquillise him,” she said.

“It was fortunate that we could find him again because sometimes they go away and hide.

“We had an experienced vet there and we can tell it’s a gunshot wound, it’s not a car because there’s no other injuries, it was just the lower jaw and it was completely gone.”

The kangaroo was found on the evening of Wednesday 22 October, meaning it spent at least two days with the inflicted wound.

Dr Ong said if a shooter is shooting a kangaroo, for whatever reason they do it, she thinks they owe it to the animal to do it properly.

“To find it, if you’ve injured it, that’s at the very least you could do, I think we have to be humane with all animals,” she said.

“A kangaroo or any animal left like that cannot eat, cannot drink and if it’s still healthy otherwise, it’s going to suffer from pain and infection and die slowly.

“Whoever took the shot should really go out and go looking for him, really, to me that’s reasonable to say.”

The search for the kangaroo in Dixons Creek at the start of September went on for three days and it was found carrying a non-viable joey within its pouch.

Founder of the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance Alyssa Wormald said shockingly, cases like this poor kangaroo are not uncommon.

“Wounding is an unavoidable facet of shooting, and the National Code of Practice, so often touted by those who haven’t read it as the safeguard against cruelty, acknowledges this inevitably,” she said.

“Whilst the Code states that wounded animals should be found and euthanised, any wildlife rescuer will tell you it can take days to find wounded kangaroos.

“For shooters, time is money and they will not sacrifice days searching and waiting as volunteers will do out of love and concern.”

The incident occurred amid ongoing calls from local kangaroo advocates and Yarra Ranges Council to be exempt from the Victorian Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP), which was denied by the Victorian Government.

Under the KHP, authorised harvesters can

control kangaroos on private land and sell the carcasses within an annual quota set by the government. This is in addition to Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) permits which allow landholders to control a specified number of certain wildlife on their properties and sets the method of control, with carcasses unable to be sold.

The Victorian Government sped up the process of landowners receiving ATCW permits to kill kangaroos in response to drought conditions in parts of the state in June this year.

Ms Wormald said we know that commercial kangaroo shooting has significantly increased the number of wildlife rescuer call-outs to kangaroos with gunshot wounds.

“Wildlife Victoria statistics show a 55 per cent increase in these traumatic cases attended by their volunteers,” she said.

“However, the tragic reality is that the vast majority of wounded kangaroos will suffer and die slowly, unseen in the bush.”

Dog act: Thieves steal Launching Place dog letterbox

By Oliver Winn

A Launching Place man has offered a $500 reward for the return of his metal dog letterbox after it was stolen in the early morning on Sunday 26 October.

Dalry Road resident Tony said he went to do some mowing on Sunday when he realised his custom-made, one-metre tall dog letterbox was missing.

“I look down at the ground, and there’s just a steel tube that’s been cut with a saw or angle grinder, and the dog is gone,” Tony said.

Tony received the $2000 dog letterbox from his partner as a birthday present five years ago, with the dog representing the multiple canines he owns.

It left him feeling “really upset” as the gift was not only worth a lot of money, but it also

held sentimental value.

“Anyone who has had anything stolen from them, there’s a loss there. But this was unique, it was made for my birthday, and now my birthday present is gone.”

The dog was custom made with an old gas

bottle and other various bits of metal and it was welded to the ground.

“No one could have just picked it up, but we never thought someone would come along with an angle grinder or saw and cut it off.”

He believes the burglary was premeditated, as it would’ve required some tools to remove it from its location.

“I reckon they parked their ute next to it at some ungodly hour, angle ground it off, picked it up, chucked it in the ute and sped off,” Tony said.

“It was probably some young folks doing it for a bit of a laugh, thinking it would look good in their garden,” Tony said.

If Tony could speak to the dog snatching criminals, he would say “that was my birthday present, and now you’ve ripped me off”.

The kangaroo was found after a call from a member of the public. (Vets for Compassion)

The Healesville kangaroo was found with a gunshot wound to its lower jaw. (Vets for Compassion)

The metal dog was custom built as a birthday present for Tony, (Supplied)

The empty space where the letter box was located. (Supplied)

Balloon suit gets OK

By Callum Ludwig

A ballooning company has failed in its second attempt to strike out a claim put forward by two passengers who were seriously injured following a hot air balloon crash in the Yarra Valley.

Picture This Ballooning (Picture This) had a request to strike out proceedings in June this year rejected, and a review of that decision by County Court judge Julie Clayton supported that decision in October.

Elizabeth Wheeldon and Robert Fookes each brought separate proceedings against Picture This after the balloon they were riding in crashed between Glenburn and Yarra Glen on New Year’s Eve in 2021.

An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau completed in 2022 found that passengers on board the flight received an “incomplete” pre-flight safety briefing, likely resulting in the passengers adopting an incorrect deep squat brace position prior to the hard landing.

The finding also noted that the pilot was notified of the windy conditions and rejected a number of suitable landing fields to avoid issues with landowners or access issues to the site, rather than prioritising occupant safety.

The pilot had to manoeuvre the balloon to clear a fence before descending rapidly to avoid contact with nearby powerlines. The hard landing caused the basket onto its side and was dragged 30 to 40 metres, resulting in the two plaintiffs sustaining serious leg injuries, among the 16 passengers and pilot onboard.

The investigation found the maximum number of passengers the balloon operator allowed meant there was insufficient room for them to adopt the backwards-facing landing position specified in the operator’s procedures. In the wake of the incident, Picture This reduced the maximum number of passengers allowed on future flights.

Ms Wheeldon and Mr Fookes each sought damages, interest and costs in both proceedings as a result of their injuries.

Picture This sought for the proceedings to be dismissed and their costs paid by the plaintiffs in February this year, claiming that the plaintiffs relied on the federal Civil Aviation (Carriers’ Liability) Act 1959 (Cth) rather than the Victorian Civil Aviation (Carriers’ Liability) Act 1961 (Vic), which applied as the flight was an intrastate journey.

Both plaintiffs had filed a Writ and indorsement of claim, a statement at the beginning of a legal document, such as a writ, that outlines the nature of the claim, the cause of action, and the relief or remedy being sought by the plaintiff, on 10 November 2023, within the two-year limitation from the incident to start proceedings, with Statements of Claim filed later elaborating on the claim in further detail, as would be expected in a civil claim.

Judicial Registrar Belinda Bales found that central key facts were properly contained in the indorsements and there was no requirement to expressly invoke either State or Commonwealth Act.

“Therefore, s34 is, in my view, satisfied, and the plaintiffs’ claims for damages under this part were filed within two years and therefore the right to damages is not extinguished,” the deci-

sion reads.

“The plaintiffs are not, in my view, seeking to raise a cause of action not included in the plaintiffs’ original indorsements and I do not accept that the plaintiffs are seeking to introduce a new claim.”

In the latest proceeding, Picture This claimed that the plaintiffs’ indorsement did not disclose a cause of action as they failed to plead a number of facts, including that the flight took place wholly within the state of Victoria and whether the Commonwealth Act did not apply.

The plaintiffs claimed there was no error in referring to the Commonwealth Act because, pursuant to section 5 of the Victorian Act, section 28 of the Commonwealth Act applies and the indorsement did read that the flight took place between ‘Glenburn to Yarra Glen in the state of Victoria’ and the defendant knew Glenburn was in Victoria and could not sensibly have read it as being anywhere else.

Previous cases are cited in the decision as outlining that pleading the correct or even any legislation at all is required to bring a claim, and the indorsement only needs to be sufficient to invoke their rights under the Victorian Act and identify

the nature of the claim, the cause of the claim and the remedy sought.

Judge Clayton’s decision agreed that the plaintiffs had established they were passengers of the balloon by saying they were onboard the aircraft, and did not accept that they failed to plead the flight took place wholly in Victoria.

“By identifying that the travel was wholly within Victoria, there is no need for the plaintiffs to have pleaded that the Carriers’ Act or the Warsaw Convention did not apply. The Victorian Act must apply,” it reads.

“I am satisfied in this case that the plaintiffs have sufficiently identified the “nature of the claim” brought, namely a claim for bodily injury, caused by a balloon accident.

“Given that the entitlement of a passenger on an aircraft within Australia to any damages is entirely governed by the legislative provisions of either the Carriers’ Act or the Victorian Act, and that it is only enlivened if bodily injury is sustained during an accident, the plaintiffs have sufficiently identified the nature of the claim and the cause thereof.”

The case will continue with Judge Clayton to hear the parties on an appropriate form of order.

IN BRIEF

Truck collides with car at Woori Yallock Primary School

Two children were taken to hospital after a truck collided with a car in front of the Woori Yallock Primary School on 28 October.

Police, Ambulance Victoria and CFA units responded to the collision at 9am on HealesvilleKoo Wee Rup Road. An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said four patients were treated at the scene.

“Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedics and Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) Paramedics assessed and treated four patients on scene.

“All patients are believed to be in a stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson said two children were taken to hospital.

“Two primary school aged-children from the car were transported to hospital for assessment.

“The female driver and third child occupant in the car were uninjured.

The truck driver stopped at the scene and was uninjured.

Three CFA units from Seville and Hillcrest CFA were on the scene.

The Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol will investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police look for owner of telescope

The Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit are looking for the owner of a telescope. It was located in September 2025.

If you think the item may belong to you, please contact Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit on 9739 2401.

Proof of ownership will be required.

Reference No: PALM 202509-E-0522-0013.

Go to this link to see a picture of the item: shorturl.at/gW2ZU

Illegal e-bike riders investigated by police

Healesville Police are appealing for public information amid a growing trend of youths dangerously riding illegally modified e-bikes.

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.

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. Warburton Bike Park riders warned of snakes this season

Those who are planning to rip up the Warburton Bike Park trails are being asked to be wary of snakes this summer.

The Warburton Bike Park took to social media to spread awareness about the threat of snakes in the Yarra Ranges on 28 October.

If you see a snake on the trail, stand still and observe what the snake is doing.

Move away slowly in the opposite direction, or let it pass while you stay still.

Most importantly, never touch or provoke the snake — most bites happen when people try to handle them.

A pair of injured hot air balloon passengers will have their civil claim proceed despite two attempts from the company to strike out proceedings. (File: 407674)

Laneway dispute continues

By Oliver Winn

A longstanding dispute between a Warburton business owner and the Yarra Ranges Council over the cause of damage to a historical building continues after recent soil testing works.

Founding partner of Treehouse Nature and Healing Tate Jerrems said the Yarra Ranges Council’s cementing of the laneway next to his building in 2001 has compromised its structural integrity.

He said he was frustrated the council hasn’t taken responsibility for the damage, which has only been exacerbated due to a lack of transparency from the council surrounding the purpose of recent soil testing works which took place on 28 October.

An single page summary of an engineering report from the council claimed there was not enough evidence to suggest the raised level of the laneway had significantly affected the Victoria Heritage listed building.

But, the council didn’t provide the full report with the evidence justifying its claim to Mr Jerrems,

In order to prove the raised laneway has caused damage to the building, Mr Jerrems commissioned an independent engineering and architectural report to investigate the problem.

“Our engineering team come in and they’ve determined it’s bowing in and it’s still in movement so we’ve had to prop that so there’s actually water coming in all around the property,” Mr Jerrems said.

The report was conducted by architecture practice Wooster Architecture and Design and during investigations, an engineer from engineering company MTAconsult was present to aid observations.

“It is evident that the resurfaced laneway and inadequate stormwater management are causing significant and ongoing damage to the subject property,” the independent report’s summary stated.

The laneway next to 3377 Warburton Highway was closed in 2019 after a street sweeper struck part of the building, before it was reopened in June 2021 and then closed again in November 2024.

Attached to the agenda of the Council meeting in June 2021 was a report conducted by the civil engineering firm SMEC Australia, which recommended the full closure of the laneway - yet it was reopened anyway.

Mr Jerrems and co-founder of Treehouse Nature and Healing Dwayne McCumiskey have faced issues since their tenancy-to-ownership crossover from 2017-2019.

Mr Jerrems claims that when they bought the site after facing eviction as tenants, he discovered the internally boarded cavities and original windows in the basement had been covered with a false wall, power points and a long bench.

He said they removed the bench and false wall internally in the basement in March 2021, as well as removed the boarding, masonite and original cracked glass, and informed Council in April 2021 of the structural damages.

Lives on the line: Faulty horse crossing causes concern

By Oliver Winn

Local horse riders are risking their lives every day as a crucial horse crossing signal on the Warburton Highway is still out of order after nearly two years, prompting renewed demands for a fix.

The stakes were raised in late October after horse rider Andrea Newstead and her friend were inches away from an oncoming car which had ignored attempts to slow down traffic.

“The traffic was backed up, someone didn’t want to wait. They ended up going around the traffic, and they almost hit me, I felt it brush past my knees. I was that close,” Ms Newstead said.

But the crossing at the intersection of Warburton Highway, Quayle Road and Wallace Road has been out of order since around February 2024 when state Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence first called on the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to fix the issue.

“20 months ago I wrote to the Minister for Roads about the broken crossing signal… and de-

spite the government stating they had fixed it in February 2024, here we are yet again. It’s simply not good enough…” Ms Vallence said.

Ms Newstead said horse riders have been forced to put their lives on the line to help the high number of horse riders cross the road as they travel to major equestrian facilities in Wandin North and Seville.

“So as parents, we have to wave down traffic to stop them because the lights that are there… don’t work and haven’t worked for many years,” Ms Newstead said.

“We have to hail traffic, stop it, and get abused. We’ve had beer cans thrown at us, we get tooted, revved at.”

The DTP sent crews to repair the crossing in February 2024 and July 2025, but the signals stopped working soon after due to uncontrolled conditions affecting communication.

A DTP spokesperson said the DTP would continue to investigate solutions to repair the horse crossing at Wandin North

“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant while travelling on our roads – whether you are driving, walking or riding, you should always obey road signage, watch for oncoming traffic and monitor your surroundings,” a DTP spokesperson said.

Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi backed Ms Newstead and said he was committed to finding a solution.

“I have previously written to local council and

the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety to determine whether further safety measures could be implemented.

“The Victorian Department of Transport disappointingly advised “there are no current plans to implement changes at this location.”

The DTP didn’t address specific questions about temporary safety measures put forward by the Star Mail.

“This is a safety concern that impacts not only horse riders, but also pedestrians and drivers who need clear warning that someone is crossing the busy highway to ensure safety,” Mr Violi said.

Emails between Transport Victoria and Ms Newstead confirmed the DTP has made the matter a priority internally, though it couldn’t give a timeframe on when the fix would be delivered.

Ms Newstead demanded action from the DTP before someone gets hurt.

“We’ve had to say to them, ‘you have to take liability if somebody gets hit here.’”

“It just feels like it’s getting closer and closer.”

Co founder of Treehouse Nature and Healing, Tate Jerrems. (Oliver Winn: 514441)

An inside look at the attempts to support the building after damage over time. (514441)

The faulty crossing after the Warburton Highway, Quayle Road intersection hasn’t worked for over a year. (Unsplash)

Refunds for fine mistakes

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges residents who have racked up parking infringements in the region in the last 20 years may be entitled to a partial refund after a council review revealed a technical error.

At a council meeting on 16 January 2001, a recommendation was put to Council that the statutory penalty amount be increased from $20 to $40, which was passed.

The issue arose in 2004 as until then Victoria had a set penalty unit of $100, which was not indexed but since then the Victorian treasurer has indexed the penalty unit, which in 2025 is now $197.57.

Since 2004, Council has issued 37,814 affected infringements, with a total value of $2,619,380, and $1,119,932 has been made available for partial refunds.

The 2001 resolution at the council meeting remains valid, but all subsequent increases to the penalty amounts by annual indexation or otherwise were invalid because those amendments had not been supported by a Council resolution.

Yarra Ranges chief executive Tammi Tose said they sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

“This issue was identified through an internal audit and we will be contacting affected individuals directly where possible,” she said.

“We’re also inviting residents who believe they may have been impacted to apply for a refund. “Importantly, we are taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

The most common offence which the error applies to is parking for a period longer than indicated but also includes having parked failing to pay and obey instructions on sign, stopping contrary to a No Parking sign, stopping on a bicycle parking area, stopping on a motor bike parking area, parking contrary to requirements of parking area, parking not at an angle of 45 degrees, parking not at an angle of 90 degrees,

parking not completely within a parking bay, parking a long vehicle exceeding the minimum number of bays and parking a wide vehicle exceeding the minimum number of bays.

Mayor Jim Child reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “Good governance means owning our mistakes, acting transparently, and putting our community first – and that’s exactly what we’re doing here,” he said.

At the Tuesday 28 October council meeting, the council’s Director of Communities Leanne

Hurst said the intention is to notify recipients the council has on file for the past three years.

“We intend to write to as many people as possible that we have records on file for to notify them of the commencement of the refund scheme,” she said.

“There will be an online portal and the team have done a lot of work in trialling the process to make sure that as much of that information

to occur.

“We are requesting that people make an application because we don’t have access to their private information, we actually require them to provide that to us so that we can check against our records and as quickly as possible reimburse for those amounts that have been overcharged.”

Merri-bek City Council (formerly Moreland City Council) uncovered a similar issue earlier this year, which affected 11 parking offence types between 1 July, 2013 and 11 June, 2025.

Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan said for him, it’s about trust so to see the body of work that’s been done to find a mistake in something as far back as 2001 and correcting it is really important.

“In the eyes of the community, if they knew about this and they didn’t think that we were prepared to stand by the mistake that was made all those years ago and correct it in such a way that people need to have a refund for amounts of money that they were not required to pay for all the different infringements, I think that’s the proper and respectful way to go to the community,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to and hoping that many people come forward. I think it’s important for the mayor and councillors for the next year to get communication out in the community.

“Not just on the website, but that we do extra work on social media throughout the whole year, so that we can get that word out well and truly to the communities.”

Residents can apply for a refund via a secure online form on Council’s website from Wednesday 5 November. Refunds can be claimed over the next 12 months, and applicants will need to provide basic details about their infringement and payment.

For more information and to apply for a po-

Staff from Linea of the Yarra Valley and Noel Jones, alongside members of the Lilydale Township Action Group, who were frustrated by new parking fines in Lilydale in 2024, may be eligible for a refund. (File: 453683)

Road plan ‘appropriate’

By Oliver Winn

The Yarra Ranges Council determined its Road Management Plan (RMP) as being “appropriate and sustainable” after its review at the 28 October council meeting.

The Road Management Plan outlines how the council inspects, maintains and repairs the roads within the Yarra Ranges in accordance with safety and service standards under the Road Management Act of 2004.

Councillor Gareth Ward said the review reaffirmed the council’s commitment to maintaining one of the shire’s largest assets.

“This review confirms that our current inspection frequencies and response times remain appropriate and sustainable,” Cr Ward said.

The community gave feedback to the plan during a consultation period.

But only two of the eight community feedback submissions to the RMP were applicable, as the other six submissions surrounded issues with roads controlled by the State Government’s Department of Transport and Planning.

“Therefore, no changes have been made to the Road Management Plan 2025 following the review,” the plan stated.

The plan was last reviewed in 2021, which guides how the council manages over 1700 kilometres of roads throughout the Yarra Ranges.

Councillor Tim Heenan said roads were “very

the road was there responsibility - particularly in reference to driveways damaged by owners.

Yarra Ranges passes new community funding package

By Gabriella Vukman

The Yarra Ranges Council has announced $150,000 worth of new community funding in its 2025-26 budget.

Tuesday’s council meeting saw the motion passed unanimously with particular support from councillors Tim Heenan and Jeff Marriott.

The package introduced a new community grant-making model that aims to respond to local needs, facilitate inclusivity in neighbourhoods, and relieve pressure on existing programs.

The $150,000 allocation will be distributed across four key initiatives.

$20,000 will be committed to boosting the Monthly Grants Program to help meet the growing demand from community groups seeking small-scale funding for local projects.

$82,000 is scheduled to be used to pilot a new Community Pitch Program. Allowing community members to present and vote on local projects, the Community Pitch Program will run as a pilot and is intended to incentivise local innovation and participation. The initiative also includes $70,000 in funding for projects and $12,000 in officer support to coordinate the program.

The remaining $48,000 is allocated for Neighbourhood House funding, supporting 12 community-managed services that promote connection, inclusion and learning. The funding will provide an extra $4000 per centre to ease rising operating costs.

Cr Heenan said regarding the Neighbourhood House Funding, “What a fantastic good news item from everyone’s benefit.”

“An increase in the monthly grants budget by $20,000 means we can lift the ceiling to $1500, and that’s going to make a big difference,” he said.

“Having been in council for many years, I remember when each councillor had $20,000 to allocate back in 2012. They were small amounts, but they made a real impact. These new measures respond to what the community’s been asking for, - smaller, more accessible grants that help groups keep doing what they do best.”

Cr Heenan also welcomed the $82,000 allocation for the Community Pitch Project, and said “It is something I am really looking forward to seeing in the coming year.”

Cr Heenan also noted that while large capital projects often dominate the headlines, smaller grants are equally vital.

“We sometimes forget that little amounts of money are just as important. For many groups, a small grant is what keeps their activities going. This is going to be a fantastic news item for our community in the coming weeks,” he said.

Cr Marriott also expressed satisfaction with the new scheme.

Cr Tim Heenan said regarding the Neighbourhood House Funding, ‘What a fantastic good news item from everyone’s benefit.’ (Supplied)

“In a former life, I worked in a nonprofit organisation, and if the council had come through and announced this, we would have been wrapped,” Cr Marriott said.

“The increase helps meet rising demand, and the officer support of $12,000 for the pitch project could mean the difference between a project getting off the ground or being stagnant for a year.”

Cr Marriott also noted that local events like the Toy Library celebration in Olinda and the Grand Afternoon Tea in Provost and Olinda had already benefited from council grants.

“These are the kinds of activities that bring people together,” he said.

“This funding means even more of them can go ahead.”

In addition to the new grants, the Yarra Ranges Council introduced a revised Healthy Active Ageing program that will use existing funds to create active and social opportunities for older residents to stay healthy and connected.

As part of this program, the Senior Citizens Clubs will receive an imbursement of $45,000 with $5000 allocated to each club under a new three-year funding model.

The Council’s renewed focus on healthy and active ageing will also see a $32,000 injection into the Universities of the Third Age (U3A) organisation, $10,000 of which will boost the lifelong learning programs the organisation runs across the shire. A further $25,000 will be allocated to Strategic Healthy Ageing Grants, to fund intergenerational projects that promote activity and socialisation for the shire’s older residents.

While the risks outlined in the new community funding packet included program failure due to under-resourcing, perceived inequity or competition between townships or regions, and growing pressure on Monthly Grants, these areas were recommended to be managed through the delegation of adequate officer time, transparent communication and the monitoring and adjustment of funding where possible.

“Having this road management plan now means that I can try and make members of the community understand in greater detail what we’re trying to do,” he said.

Feedback submissions to the plan covered a range of themes, including footpaths, unsealed roads maintenance, road sealing, repair quality, and car park and crossover maintenance.

One submission gave feedback to the frequency of night inspections.

Every four years the council inspects the visibility of line markings, signage, faulty street lighting and other issues which could make it hard to see at night.

The submission was critical of the four year frequency, pointing to an instance on River Street in Healesville where road markings deteriorated and resulted in significant damage.

“How many lives could be lost between night inspections of warning signs and road markings, invisible in the dark,” the submission read.

“A much more realistic inspection time frame must be made, or this is just a tick the box exercise and achieves nothing.”

The council’s response to the submission dismissed the feedback as the four year frequency was consistent with the MAV Insurance Road Management Plan Template (2024), which sets out reasonable standards based on benchmarking across Victorian councils and legal advice.

Council approves refunds for pet infringement errors

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

During Tuesday’s meeting, 28 October, Yarra Ranges Council confirmed it will offer refunds for a small number animal-related infringements, after an internal audit identified it had failed to advertise the orders correctly.

It was discovered during the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan and People and Dogs in Parks Plan that three separate Council Orders had not been gazetted appropriately, nor was there evidence of the orders being advertised in local newspapers.

At the council meeting, Councillor Mitch Mazzarella put forward the motion to update the shire’s domestic animal rules to replace the old orders that hadn’t been officially published. Councillor Gareth Ward seconded the motion and the council voted to approve it unanimously.

“This is similar to what has been happening with parking fines through the audit,” Cr Mazzarella said.

“It’s been discovered a number of domestic animal orders were not gazetted properly, and as a result, they’ll be refunded in a similar way to the parking fines. These ones aren’t quite as old, going back to 2014, but supporting the motion ensures we get it right.”

Cr Ward said it was important the council had proactively identified the incorrect charges and was now taking steps to rectify them.

“It’s really good that we’ve actually identified these incorrect charges and now we’re taking the steps to rectify them and issue the refunds,” Cr Ward said.

According to a media release sent by the Yarra Ranges Council, the audit found some issues animal-related infringements from January 2014 to February 2023.

There were a total of 463 cat at large or not securely confined infringements and 13 breach council order dogs/cats public place infringements issued during these years, with a cost of $38,534 in refunds expected.

While parking infringements remain valid, some were incorrectly charged due to how fine increases were documented. Animal-related infringements issued since 2013 were not valid because of incorrect wording in public notices.

The council is now offering full refunds for affected animal infringements.

Residents can apply for a refund via a secure online form on the council’s website from Wednesday 5 November.

Applications can be made over the next 12 months, and applicants will need to provide basic details about their infringement and payment.

Yarra Ranges chief executive officer, Tammi Rose said the council apologised for any inconvenience caused.

“This issue was identified through an internal audit and we will be contacting affected individuals directly where possible,” Ms Rose said.

“We are also inviting residents who believe they may have been impacted to apply for a refund. Importantly, we are taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Mayor Jim Child reaffirmed the council’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Good governance means owning our mistakes, acting transparently, and putting our community first, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here,” Cr Child said.

Residents seeking more information or wishing to apply for a refund can visit yarraranges.vic.gov. au/InfringementRefundScheme, visit a Community Link, or call 1300 368 333.

dear” to his heart due to the flack council cops over roads. He pointed out how sometimes members of

the public confused what part of

Glenbrook Road in Warburton is one of many roads managed under the council’s Road Management Plan. (File: 400686)

Yarra Ranges Council will issue refunds for a small number of parking and animal fines after an internal review found technical errors. (On file: 379657)

Save the daydream for the couch.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Remembering Ben Austin

By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP

For his teammates and friends, Ben Austin, or better known as BA, was a true sportsman, not only in skill but as someone who always strove to do and be better as a person and player.

Ben Austin was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being struck in the neck by a ball at training at Ferntree Gully on Tuesday 28 October.

He was facing balls in the nets ahead of a T20 match when the injury occurred in front of his teammates.

His parents released a statement via Cricket Victoria on Thursday 30 October, sharing their devastation, but also thanks for the support received. They asked for privacy as they grieve.

“For Tracey and I, Ben was an adored son, deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends,” Ben’s dad, Jace Austin said.

“This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we find some comfort that he was doing something he did for so many summers – going down to the nets with mates to play cricket. He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life.

“We would also like to support his teammate who was bowling in the nets – this accident has impacted two young men and our thoughts are with he and his family as well.”

The 17-year-old was described by Ferntree Gully Cricket Club player Daniel Salan as a “beautiful, respectful and kind young man who was mature beyond his years”, and as “talented and passionate, with a bright future ahead of him” by VAFA Umpires Association President, Michael Evans.

Mr Austin said on Thursday that “He loved cricket and it was one of the joys of his life” but that love was also reciprocated by all who knew him.

“His love for his family, his friends and his sports were the core of who he was, someone that was always striving to be the best he could be,” Mr Salan said.

“He was a leader both on and off the field and someone that every person loved to be around.”

As someone who loved both codes of cricket and football, as an umpire, Ben was incredibly admired.

“This was Ben’s first year as a boundary umpire with the VAFA and he achieved so much in such a short time. Ben showed much promise, being selected to umpire the Premier Men’s Reserves Grand Final – a significant achievement in his first year with us,” Mr Evans said.

Ben’s boundary umpire coach Shaun Bourke echoed that sentiment.

“Ben was an outstanding young man. Despite living in Ferntree Gully, he umpired all across metro Melbourne and was always happy to help

us out, often doing a second game,” he said.

“Ben had all the ingredients to make it to the higher levels. He was coachable, athletic, passionate and a good teammate.”

Flowers, cards, lollies, a drink bottle and a cricket bat have been laid in tribute of the teenager at the club in the hours after his death.

The bat was inscribed with several messages including “rest easy Benny” and “forever 14 not out” - a reference to Phillip Hughes and “forever 63 not out” after the former Test star’s death.

The gathering of players, friends and community members at Wally Tew Reserve in the days after Ben’s death was evidence of the impact Ben had on so many lives in his years.

On Friday, Ben’s family returned to the club where his love for the sport began and the scene of the accident, laying his bat and gloves down for the last time.

“We just wanted to be where he last stood, and then the sun came through the clouds. It was

beautiful,” father Jace Austin said.

The grieving father remembered his son as a supporter of all sports and how he recently learnt of Ben’s passion for planes.

“To hear Benny’s voice again, I’d do anything. I’d give up everything. I’d swap places with him just to hear his voice again,” he said.

Sitting at times in mournful silence and at other times in reminiscent conversations at the cricket nets at the reserve throughout Thursday and Friday, those who knew Ben were wrapped in support by each other.

Mr Salan said it was a great honour to have been able to walk beside Ben on many occasions, from the Fifth XI to his First XI debut.

“The smile on his face when he received his First XI baggy blue will forever be etched into our memories, I have never seen someone so proud,” he said.

“He earnt that baggy blue through sheer hard work, dedication to bettering himself every day

and through being a respectful and team-orientated team mate.”

The campaign, Bats out for Ben, has seen the likes of the Barmy Army honour and pay tribute to Ben Austin, as well as around the country.

“The number 512 will forever be etched into our Ferntree Gully’s history and there is no more deserving young man to have his legacy shared around the world,” Mr Salan said.

The Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association cancelled all games for the weekend of 1 and 2 November out of respect. The neighbouring league, the Ringwood and District Cricket Association, held a minute of silence and wore black armbands for every match.

Silence falls on stadium as thousands mourn teen’s death

By William Ton, AAP

In one of the world’s biggest stadiums, tens of thousands of usually rowdy cricket fans fell silent once the face of a young teenager beamed onto the screens.

Australian cricketers stood alongside their Indian counterparts on Friday night, 31 October, with black bands around their arms on the MCG turf, and the stadium fell silent in memory of Ben Austin, whose life was tragically cut short.

The 17-year-old was struck by a ball while batting in the nets on Tuesday 28 October in Ferntree Gully before succumbing to his injuries two days later.

A cap bearing Ben’s number 512 sat on a podium at the centre of the ground as the crowd of 75,000 spectators paid their respects before the game began.

The same was done before the Sheffield Shield fixture between Victoria and Tasmania at Junction Oval on Friday afternoon, where players held a moment of silence in honour of the promising cricketer.

Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins described the tribute as bittersweet.

“It makes you so proud to realise how connected the cricket community is and how much we look after each other ... but it’s a shame that it’s these moments that remind you of that very fact,” he told reporters on Friday.

“Ben was the classic Aussie boy or girl who loved footy in the winter and cricket in the summer.

“He is how we would like all of our children to turn out, and was living the dream.”

Grieving supporters have filled a memorial for the much-loved teen has with flower bouquets, sweet treats and cricket bats.

Friend and teammate Liam Vertigan said Ferntree Gully Cricket Club was in a state of shock over the death of such an energetic young man who lived and breathed cricket.

“He was just well loved by us all, very, very polite, always with a smile on his face,” Mr Vertigan told AAP.

Ben’s family returned to the club where his love for the sport began and the scene of the accident, laying his bat and gloves down for the last time.

His emotional father Jace reminisced about how he introduced his son to the sport and how

Ben grew up as a sports enthusiast involved in multiple football and cricket clubs.

“This is a great game, cricket, it wasn’t the game’s fault. It was just a freak accident,” Mr Austin said.

“Please make sure you keep playing this great game. That’s what he would want.”

While the family was not at the T20 International match at the MCG on Friday, Mr Austin said his son would not have missed it.

“Benny will be there. He’ll be there ... The fact that we’re not there that wouldn’t bother him. He would’ve gone anyway,” he said.

Cricket Australia chief executive Mike Baird said the cricket world would come together to support the club and the Austin family.

Australian cricketing great Merv Hughes said the young athlete’s death had been felt far beyond his community.

“It doesn’t matter what level of cricket you play, there’s always a chance that something like this happens,” he told reporters on Thursday.

Daniel Salan said Ben Austin was a kind young man, always striving to be better. (Supplied)

Young players and friends of Ben Austin sit at the cricket nets in mourning. (Stewart Chambers: 514260)

Cricket bats, flowers and jerseys line the nets at Wally Tew Reserve in memory of Ben. (514260)

Mr Salan said it was an honour and privilege to walk alongside Ben Austin. (Supplied)

Australia and India players paid tribute to Ben Austin during their T20 clash at the MCG. (James Ross/ AAP PHOTOS)

Players from Victoria observe a minute silence during a short tribute in memory of Ben Austin. (AAP Image/Con Chronis)

Community house campaign

By Tanya Steele

Beloved Community House across Melbourne’s Outer East have recently joined many others across the state in campaigning for increased funding to continue their vital work.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria began calling on the State Government in early October to increase the annual funding by $11.7 million or risk the closure of their vital community hubs.

“Neighbourhood houses are under unprecedented pressure,” said Neighbourhood Houses CEO Keir Paterson.

“Rising costs, growing community demand, and eroded core funding are forcing houses across the state to cut hours, staff, and programs,” she said.

“Years of underfunding have pushed almost half into deficit, leaving them at risk of closure.”

Here in the Hills, the campaign has taken off with many houses across starting the postcard drive for the campaign, and the community are being encouraged to come in and fill out a postcard at their local community house.

With a plan to deliver postcards to local MPs by 14 December, Neighbourhood Houses is asking the State for an increase in funding of 25 per cent, to begin supporting houses which don’t currently receive funding and lastly to develop a fund to establish new houses in areas where there are currently none.

“Without urgent action, communities risk losing the safe, inclusive spaces thousands of Victorians rely on every week,” said Ms Paterson.

“Our data show that for every one dollar of ongoing neighbourhood house funding received from the state government, communities benefit to the tune of $21.94,” she said.

Local houses across the Dandenong Ranges and in the Foothills are on board with the drive, and Danielle Steele, House Manager at Selby Community House and Mandy Limb, Event Coordinator at Coonara Community House, said Neighbourhood Houses are the heart of our communities.

“Strong communities start in shared spaces and shared moments,” said Mandy.

“We provide connection, learning, and support for people of all ages and backgrounds, but with costs rising and funding staying flat, it’s getting harder to keep up with what our community need,” Danielle said.

“We’re calling on the State Government to recognise the essential role we play and increase funding in the 2026 Budget,” she said.

Supporting more than 185,000 Victorians with access to local services through the over 400 neighbourhood houses in the state, many sites are dealing with increased community need due to cost-of-living pressures, while having to deal with cost increases themselves.

Coonara Community House has been strongly campaigning for more funding so that they can provide the community with a wide range of valuable services, projects and programs.

Mandy said one great example is the Seniors of their ‘Coffee and Chat’ group who have all signed postcards.

“Their group is more than just coffee and cake, it’s an opportunity for a regular routine, meeting new people, reducing social isolation and loneliness and is a lifeline for some in the group,” she said.

“Coonara receive no funds to support this group but recognises the importance of keeping it going – this is just one example of many where support is needed.”

Victorian Neighbourhood Houses provide a range of programs and activities across age groups and social issues, and give community hubs to gather in times of emergency.

Danielle from Selby House said that Selby is the oldest community house still operating in Victoria, something they are incredibly proud of, and they see firsthand how vital the house is for families, young people, seniors, and everyone in between.

“Adequate funding isn’t just about keeping the lights on - it’s about keeping opportunities, support, and connection alive in small communities like ours,” she said.

“We currently operate with just three parttime staff delivering everything we do here and managing the house - we’re so stretched and need to work more hours to keep delivering at this level and continue helping our community.”

Neighbourhood Houses have released information for their campaign stating that the current level of funding is no longer adequate, and that in 2023 and 2024, nearly half of all Neigh-

bourhood Houses operated at a loss.

The Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP) was originally designed along an 80/20 split: 80 per cent of the funding was intended to cover the wages of the Manager, while 20 per cent was intended to provide operational funding.

Due to inadequate indexation over many years, the NHCP doesn’t meet the costs of employing a manager, with nothing left to keep the lights on and the doors open.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria has said that analysis shows that without additional funding, the sustainability of the sector will not be ensured, and is calling on the state government to keep funding in pace with population growth.

“We know that 94 per cent of neighbourhood house visitors experience improved physical wellbeing and 96 per cent report improved emotional wellbeing as a result of participating - we calculate the overall benefits to the Victoria community at $922 million per year,” said Ms Paterson. “We are saving the government money, now it’s time to save our sector and keep our doors open,” she said.

“We’re asking everyone who visits or uses Selby Community House - or anyone who understands the importance of our role in community - to fill out a postcard and share what this place means to them,” Danielle said.

“Drop by Coonara Community House and fill out a postcard and show your support,” said Mandy

“We’ll be hand-delivering all of these to our local MP before December 14 to show just how much community support there is for sustainable funding,” Danielle said.

Olinda, Selby and Coonara Community Houses have confirmed they are collection points and the community can also host their own postcard collection points, there is one available at 3MDR Radio Station for people to drop postcards at the Forest Park Homestead, Riley Road Upwey.

“We give everything we have to our community - imagine what we could achieve if we had the resources to match our passion,” said Danielle.

Jennifer and Brian from the ‘Wise Ones’ group at Selby House post their cards. (Steward Chambers).

People can fill out a card and support their local houses - Coonara House got a few volunteers on the case for Halloween last week. (Supplied).

Boots on the fire ground

FIRE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

By Gabriella Vukman

As summer approaches, the thud of heavy duty boots and the whir of high powered machinery echoes throughout Dixon’s Creek.

It’s the second week of the annual Seasonal Firefighter Training Camp, one of several running across the state to prepare over 500 seasonal firefighters for the months ahead.

As Victoria heads into another potentially dangerous bushfire season, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic)’s training is as rigorous as ever.

The two-week training scheme combines theory with intensive, hands-on drills. Participants are trained in everything from radio communication and fireline safety to equipment use, driving, and chainsaw operations.

Map reading and navigation as well as health and fitness awareness training, and aircraft safety are also a part of the training scheme.

Taking place at the Yarra Valley Estate over a period of two weeks, the training program is designed to fast-track learning, equipping new firefighters to join the ranks of the state’s firefighting force by the end of November.

Dan White, District Manager for the Metro District in the Portfield region, confirmed that the program is an essential part of Victoria’s fire readiness.

“Forest Fire Management Victoria is gearing up for the summer. Every year, we recruit seasonal firefighters to support our permanent staff to help protect communities and the environment during the fire season,” Mr White said.

One of the first lessons involves the fire table, a miniature landscape simulation that demonstrates how fire behaves when it encounters slopes, wind changes, and varying fuel loads.

Mr White said, “It’s a simple but powerful way for new firefighters to understand how fire moves uphill and how vegetation affects its intensity.”

After completing the camp, recruits will spend several weeks refining their skills, including chainsaw and four-wheel drive training, before being assigned to depots across Victoria.

By late November, they’ll be on the ground clearing access tracks, maintaining fuel breaks, and preparing recreation areas for the summer.

This year’s 2025 Yarra Valley camp is a partnership between Forest Fire Management Victoria, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, and traditional owner groups including the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people.

Mr White said, “We work closely with these or-

ganisations throughout the fire season,”

“It’s really exciting to have everyone training side-by-side, sharing skills and perspectives,” he said.

Recruitment for the new seasonal firefighters occurs every July, with FFMVic launching its statewide recruitment drive for seasonal firefighters.

The campaign attracts hundreds of applicants eager to play a role in protecting Victoria’s natural landscapes.

Tamara Beckett from FFMVic’s recruitment and training team, said the seasonal workforce is a crucial part of the organisation’s summer operations.

“Each year we recruit around 500 seasonal firefighters,” Ms Beckett said.

Surge in volunteers for CFA

Almost 500 Victorians have put their hands up to join CFA between 3 and 29 October on the back of the Get Fire Ready initiative.

The figure represents an 11 per cent increase on new applicants during the same period last year.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the lift in applications reflects the overall message of Get Fire Ready, which wraps up today (31 October).

“Get Fire Ready was all about informing Victorians about their local fire risk, encouraging people to prepare early and make informed decisions ahead of summer,” Jason said.

“To also see so many people wanting to take the next step and join their local brigade shows the strong sense of volunteerism that runs through this state.

“The more people who step up, the stronger CFA becomes, which can only benefit the communities we protect.”

Of the 499 new applicants, 61 per cent were men and 36 per cent were women, around 66

per cent of applicants want to serve as firefighters while 33 per cent preferred non-operational roles.

Younger Victorians led the way, with around 38 per cent aged between 18 and 34 and 27 per cent aged 17 or under.

Jason said it was encouraging to see people of all ages signing up, but particularly the number of younger Victorians showing an interest in joining.

“It’s great to see so many young people wanting to get involved,” he said.

“They bring new energy, skills and perspectives that help strengthen CFA for the future.”

More than 530 CFA brigades across Victoria hosted Get Fire Ready events throughout October.

To learn more about volunteering with CFA visit cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers

Residents in high-risk bushfire areas can still order a Get Fire Ready information pack by visiting cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready

The seasonal recruits work alongside FFMVic’s permanent staff and can be deployed anywhere in the state, depending on fire activity and conditions.

Ms Beckett said, “Our staff are well trained to assess each situation.”

“The strategy we use depends on the fire’s size, location, weather, and proximity to communities and assets,” she said.

While aerial firefighting tools like helicopters attract public attention, Tamara stressed that people on the ground remain the backbone of Victoria’s fire response.

“There’s no substitute for human intelligence,” she said. “Firefighters adapt in real time to what they see on the ground which is something the aircraft simply can’t do.”

Ms Beckett also emphasised the importance

of community responsibility.

“There’s only so much we as public land managers can do,” Ms Beckett said.

“Residents in bushfire-prone areas need to manage their properties and have a fire plan.”

As the new recruits prepare to deploy, both Mr White and Ms Beckett share a common message: fire preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.

“Our teams are trained, ready, and committed, but the best way to protect communities is for everyone to be prepared and that includes not only our firefighters, but also our residents in high-risk areas,” Mr White said.

With hundreds of new faces joining the firefighting effort this year, Victoria is once again reinforcing its first line of defence. The men and women on the ground.

One of the first lessons involves the fire table, a miniature landscape simulation that demonstrates how fire behaves when it encounters slopes, wind changes, and varying fuel loads. (Stewart Chambers: 513648)

The two-week training scheme took place in Dixon’s Creek and is a collaboration between Forest Fire Management Victoria, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, and traditional owner groups including the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people. (513648)

A shout out to the Star Mail before the paper goes up in flames. (513648)

New Firefighter recruit Will has a go with the hose. (513648)

Younger people made a significant contribution to new recruits this year. (File)

NEWS Groups share in grant fund

By Callum Ludwig Yarra

Ranges Council’s 2026 Annual Grants were approved at the Tuesday 28 October council meeting, set to fund arts, heritage, festivals, events and community development projects next year.

A total of $574,535.15 will be distributed to not-for-profit community groups from the pool of $150,000 allocated for festivals and events, $150,000 for arts and heritage and $275,000 for community development.

Lyster Ward councillor Peter McIlwain said in previous years, prior to becoming a councillor, he had been the recipient of several arts grants and is a strong believer in them.

“I made a sound installation down in Selby, it ended up now having been presented five times in different locations, one of which was the Yering Station, which won that year the Yering Sculpture Award, which at the time was a major art prize,” he said.

“We see this again and again and again throughout these kinds of projects, where the value coming back to Council is far exceeding what we spend…we’re getting return on investment, that’s easily four times what we’re putting in here, and probably greater in many respects.

“Particularly if you look at the kind of community outcomes that we get, some of which money can’t buy.”

A total of 100 grant applications were received, totalling over $935,000, and 75 of those were approved. The 75 approved applications requested just over $704,000 in total, so funding for some projects may be short of what was requested.

Here is a list of grants that will support projects for the Valley or the broader Yarra Ranges community:

• Roderick Price has received $10,000 for his Yarra Ranges Sound Ecology Project, a live electroacoustic project which will capture the soundscapes of 55 Yarra Ranges townships through hands-on audio workshops.

• $10,000 for gama-dji / emerge from sleeping, led by Dalys Mithen, Mandy Nicholson and Gulsen Ozer, a collaborative music project will create a series of short part songs (rounds) in Woi Wurrung and English and teach them to community choirs around the Yarra Ranges.

• $6000 has been provided to Each to support its Rural Rainbows social group for Yarra Ranges LGBTQIA+ young people and allies.

• $10,000 for phase one of Wandoon Estate Ab-

The Healesville Twilight Picnic has been supported by another Yarra Ranges Council grant for 2026. (File: 386996)

original Corporation’s Coranderrk Archival Preservation Project, seeking a professional archivist to help preserve the records in the former Superintendent’s Cottage.

• $10,000 for artist Clare James and the Healesville Living and Learning Centre to present a free 4-day ephemeral public art event called ‘THE PLACE FOR LOST FEELINGS’.

• $10,000 for BodyPlaceProject and Gretel Yalor to curate a three-day artist residency at Coranderrk, inviting 10 local artists (selected via open expression of interest) to camp at the confluence of the Birrarung and Coranderrk Creek.

• $5000 for Cloud Time by Healesville artists Mandy Pickett and Amanda Ruck, featuring paintings, projections, performance art and multimedia installations.

• $10,000 for Fleur Dean’s ‘BENEATH NOW’, a project in Healesville focused on framing the local stories that our lives are built on, told by our older generation who lived them.

• $5150 for the Melbourne Gun Club to put on an Opening Ceremony for the 2026 World Championships Fosse Universelle, the World Championships for Clay Target Shooting.

• $14,863 for the second edition of Healesville Zine and Comic Festival.

• $15,000 for another two-day Healesville Festival, featuring a variety of events and activities.

• $15,000 for the two-day Connecting Community Festival in Healesville, which will include the Writers & Rhythm concert, a Community Ball, an Outdoor Youth Concert and more.

• $6957 for Healesville Connect’s Twilight Picnic Encore with entertainment for all ages.

• $15,000 for the 2026 edition of Yarra Valley Open Studios, featuring artists from the Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra.

• $4197.15 for the Yarra Ranges Film Society’s 2026 Healesville Mini-Film Festival.

• $7400 to help HICCI in updating service brochures, reprinting the Emergency Contacts guide, continuing free weekly meals, delivering mandatory first aid training for volunteer drivers, and hosting a Volunteer Recognition Celebration.

• $5100 for the Healesville Community Emergency group to run year-round events to educate residents on preparing for natural disasters.

• $5000 for the Healesville Arthritis Self Help Peer Support Group (HASH) ‘Ageing like a Fine Wine’ seniors wellbeing program.

• $9975 for Eco Warriors Australia to invite five local primary schools to help make Binak Habitat Pods, temporary homes for wildlife, at Spadonis Reserve in Yering.

Walling Ward councillor Len Cox said the grants program enables people or groups who may not be able to afford to do something really useful in the community.

“It enables them, with some funding from Council, to achieve something which is a benefit to the rest of the community and if you ever look through this list we’ve got, there’s some great programs there that are going to be funded through this,” he said.

“The people and the groups that are doing these are doing something which they believe in, which they know something about, and which the Council wouldn’t do as well if it were left to the Council to do and in fact, they may not do it at all.

“I think this is one of the best programs Council runs, and I’m very, very proud to be able to support it.”

Here is a list of grants that will support projects for the Upper Yarra:

• $7000 has been provided to the Warburton Valley Market, providing live music and art experiences, creating a vibrant platform for local musicians and artists to perform, sell their work, and deliver hands-on workshops.

• $5000 has been allocated to the Warburton Primary School’s Night of Lights Lantern Festival and Bush Dance, a collaboration between Warburton and Millwarra Primary School where two inclusive events will be held.

• $15,000 has been provided to Cire Services,

to help fund a free two-day October event in Yarra Junction, which will bring together over 3000 people for art, cultural performances, workshops, and interactive experiences.

• $10,000 has been provided to Yarra Valley ECOSS to go towards its Crops for Community, which is a free, inclusive gardening and food relief program where volunteers of all abilities grow organic produce for local initiatives like Koha Cafe and Oonah Indigenous Tuckerbag.

• $7500 has been given to Upper Yarra Secondary College for its Indigenous@UYSC Art Project, which will fund the completion of a design that represents our schools Acknowledgement of Country.

• $5500 has been provided to the Seville Community House Wellness Ways—a term-based health program for adults in the Yarra Ranges.

• $5000 has been allocated to the Warburton Bowls Club’s 2026 Arts and Community Series—two evening events showcasing local artists, creators, and producers.

• $1600 has been provided to the Little Yarra CFA for its Ready Together – Little Yarra CFA Community Awareness Project, which will increase awareness and fire preparedness through events at Gladysdale Primary School, Powelltown Market, and Gladysdale Fire Station.

• $7000 has been allocated to Yarra Junction Community Group for its Good Neighbour Month—a celebration of kindness and connection across Yarra Junction and surrounds.

• $6740 has been allocated to Koha Community Cafe Inc to fund Monday Morsels, which offers nutritious breakfasts using surplus produce from Koha’s Free Food Pantry in an inclusive community setting.

• $6000 has been allocated to Benwerren’s School Holiday Program, which welcomes families with young children who have attended during times of crisis, offering craft and adventure for kids, pampering for mums, and shared family activities.

• $1500 has been allocated to Millgrove Residents Action Group’s Events and Information VMS Trailer, which will fund the purchase of a new Variable Messaging Sign (VMS) and trailer which will support timely information to the public about MRAG’s Millgrove community events.

All aboard Healesville’s spooky Halloween ghost train

Healesville Station turned into a Halloween spooktacular over 24 to 25 October for the Ghost Train at the Yarra Valley Railway. Guests enjoyed a fearsome show onboard the train courtesy of volunteers and upon arrival back at Healesville dared to walk the Haunted Alley. With some trips fully booked, the frightful show subjected train loads of passengers to a show set in a world eerily not so dissimilar to our own. A dangerous infectious disease had broken out in Healesville, with passengers fleeing via rail. But then a surprise twist befell them!

A volunteer cast of professional ‘scarers’, and several Yarra Valley Railway volunteers put on the show, with many hours put in behind the scenes for planning, rehearsals, and marketing.

Careful, you’ll get a fright. Yarra Valley Railway volunteers prepare for their big scary moment. (Supplied)The volunteer led and run Ghost Train event was a huge success.

The on-train theme was an infectious disease outbreak with a twist.

Think popping to the Yarra Valley for lunch

Imagine not having to worry about home maintenance and instead being able to get the most out of your retirement years doing the things you love – like popping to your favourite vineyard in the Yarra Valley for lunch.

Once complete, Summerset Chirnside Park will offer a wide range of living options from spacious villas and assisted living apartments through to modern residential aged care suites all within the same location, so that you can feel secure that if your needs change you won’t need to leave the village.* We call this our continuum of care.

Get in touch to find out more about the brand-new Summerset village coming soon to Chirnside Park.

Love the life you choose.

*Homes are secured by purchase of the lease to occupy and are subject to availability and eligibility criteria. Rental options are not available. Images and facilities are indicative.

Star News Group awarded

The Victorian Country Press Association’s night of nights was hosted last week, seeing for the first time in 30 years Victoria and New South Wales join forces in Yarrawonga to host the event.

It was a major gathering of the regional publishing sector and delivered an outstanding result for our group across multiple mastheads and categories.

The two day event of networking, a conference and the anticipated awards presentation evening saw the likes of Gold Walkley journalist Nick McKenzie, theatre owner and property developer David Marriner, The Age editor Patrick Elligett and journalist turned Professor Andrea Carson speak.

Mr McKenzie spoke about his early years reporting in Wagga Wagga for the ABC and how formative that experience was, both for his own development and for the community he served.

His remarks were a timely reminder of the essential role regional newspapers play in public interest journalism across Australia.

The Star Mail was nominated for its six-week campaign in the lead up to the Federal election which investigated the necessity of an operating CCTV network across the Yarra Ranges. It was titled Capturing the Yarra Ranges.

This had been an issue raised across various townships over several years after the Federal Government initially funded the installation of cameras but did not fund ongoing maintenance.

Until Star Mail’s investigation, the state and condition of the cameras and network were unclear, but it was soon revealed that the majority of the cameras were unusable.

The nomination for Best Editorial Campaign saw Star Mail walk away with a Highly Commended recognition from judge, Professor Kristy Hess. Her comments were that “The campaign was simple and targeted. The newspaper ran a series of articles calling for a working CCT network to improve public safety. It was clear and branded appropriately. The series engaged the community. Stories were well written, and the campaign branded effectively.”

Ms Hess said this year’s editorial campaign category was hard to judge.

“I have judged this category for the past two years and the quality of entries this year far exceeded expectations, making this a tough one to judge in 2025,” she said.

“There were some innovative ideas from a podcast series giving voice to the experiences of local war veterans, to a classic campaign to improve street safety.”

The winner of this category was a newly acquired associate newspaper for Star News Group, The Guardian in Swan Hill, who through a fundraising campaign was able to deliver a local MRI machine.

Despite not winning, the team at Star Mail who worked on the six week campaign, Mikayla van Loon, Callum Ludwig, Dongyun Kwon, Tanya Steele and Shamsiya Hussainpoor, were extremely proud to have received a nomination and highly commended for their efforts.

It was a big task as a small newsroom to investigate such a topic and was the culmination of lots of research, interviews, teamwork and discussion.

Thanks to all in the community who contributed, spoke to us, provided insight into the challenges facing each township and helped bring this campaign to life.

Star Mail photographer Stewart Chambers also nabbed a Commended recognition for his photograph of Bridget Murphy and her horse Macey, who were preparing for their Paralympics debut in Paris in the Best Sports Photo category.

“A wonderful photo, plenty of emotion captured and nicely cropped to give impact on the page,” Judge Nigel Hallett said.

One of the most significant achievements for the group at the awards came from the Portland Observer, where photographer Nicole Cleary won Best News Photo, Best Overall Photo, and then the

National CPA Best Photo Award, securing a rare triple title.

The Portland Observer was also Highly Commended in its Newspaper Excellence category, an incredible result for a masthead that was closed by its former owners in December and relaunched in January. Managing Editor Marlene Punton proudly accepted the awards, a powerful symbol of both revival and excellence.

The Pakenham Gazette’s Rob Carew features in the awards most years and this year won Best Agricultural Photo. Tara Murray, sports editor for

the Star Weekly based in Melbourne’s North West won Best Sports Story in the Wyndham Star Weekly.

“Congratulations to all involved. Your work continues to set the standard for regional Australian journalism and producers of regional and local news media,” Star News Group managing director Paul Thomas said.

“(These awards) reflect excellence in local storytelling, newsroom resilience and renewal, industry leading photojournalism, and the pride our teams take in serving their communities.”

Exciting exhibition at Mont De Lancey celebrates creativity

By Oliver Winn

The artistic endeavours of Wandin Yallock Primary School’s (WYPS) bright students was displayed at the Mont De Lancey homestead on 28 October.

Students made the trip down to the historic homestead to see the works included in this year’s exciting exhibition which will run for two weeks.

Led by visual arts teacher Courtney Sharp, she said the students look forward to the highly anticipated art showcase every year.

“The students know it’s coming, they look forward to it all year. They don’t know which pieces of work are in here…”

“For the whole school, it’s certainly a highlight.”

Ms Sharp said having students’ art showcased in a public exhibition made the moment feel extra special.

“I think it’s all about confidence and just having fun enjoying it.

“I always love seeing their faces as they walk in the door and see it for the first time.”

A range of artistic mediums and inspirations were on show, with each work individually crafted by a budding young artist at WYPS. Through printmaking, students recreated the earthy and ancient Terracotta Warriors by etching into foam and then taking repeated prints to transfer onto paper.

The school also took inspiration from Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artists, such as the Aboriginal artist and Anmatyerr woman Emily Kam Kngwarray.

Borrowing faithfully from Ms Kngwarray’s use of batik techniques, students poured cold wax onto paper and painted over once it had dried.

The works on show were made by students from grade prep to six.

Ms Sharp said the parents of students also found it exciting as it was often their first time seeing their children’s works.

“You’ll see the preps, they’ll grab their grade six buddies and they’ll be pointing to everything and then we’ll have families coming through who get to see their work for the first time.”

Ms Sharp said it was clear the students took inspiration from the beauty of the Yarra Ranges.

“We absolutely bring all our experiences into our art, and our local community really does play into it as well.”

WYPS has a “lovely connection” with the Mont

A range of different mediums were on display. (513820)

De Lancey homestead and Ms Sharp said its students acted as group leaders when other schools went on excursions.

“We sent down some of our school leaders and they act as group leaders. So our students are part of the excursions for other schools, so it’s a lovely leadership program.”

She said Wandin Yallock Primary School was a beautiful school which values its arts program.

‘I’m very lucky to be in a school that does value it that much.”

Stewart Chambers captured this moment between Bridget Murphy and her horse Macey which saw him nab a Commended. (418570)

Students from prep to grade six contributed their works to the exhibition. (Oliver Winn: 513820)

Gardens for sale in Monopoly

By Mikayla van Loon

Well, it’s official - the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are getting their very own Monopoly board, inspired by the vastness of the landscape and the many wonders and landmarks that make the region special.

Officially launching on Wednesday 5 November, Star Mail has been given exclusive access to announce two of the 22 locations that will feature on the board.

When it comes to the Dandenong Ranges, nature is a first port of call for visitors but it’s also why residents choose to live where they do.

So it’s no surprise that two iconic gardens have been selected for this special edition of Monopoly.

The first two properties to be announced are Brown 1: George Tindale Memorial Gardens and Brown 2: Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.

Winning Moves sales executive Michael Counsell said for him, the natural landscape is always one he’s excited to explore in a location specific game but the Yarra Ranges provided so much to choose from.

“I’m always a fan of a good river or waterfall or a bush track. We’re dealing with the Yarra Ranges here and I was gobsmacked with the amount of options we had, especially from a visual perspective of photography, to put into this game,” he said.

“The amount of natural landscape that we managed to fit into this one, for me, is pretty impressive.

“It is a Monopoly board game still, but to me, first impressions, it almost looks like a topographic map, because there’s just so many different natural landmarks in the game. So I’m pretty excited about that.”

While nature is a big feature, Michael said people should be rest assured that there’s much more to it than just that.

“We need to capture absolutely everything, from nature to family, attractions, tourism, even

education. We always want to make sure that we’re featuring the best schools, best universities in town as well,” he said.

“Those are all important walks of life. So realistically, for each of those sectors, we’ve probably only got two or three spots that they can actually look at.”

The process from conception to completion, Michael said, takes about 12 to 18 months, first selecting a region, then engaging with the community to understand what should be included in the game and then narrowing down the final list of suggestions.

Michael said every custom edition of Monopoly follows the same process but it’s the feedback in the early stages that shapes the game into what it is.

“The feedback that we get is unbelievably varied. So whenever we go to a new area, we never know what to expect. When we are picking an area, we try to find somewhere that has a little bit of everything, of what we think is important for a family edition of Monopoly,” he said.

“We don’t want all of these Monopoly editions, whether it’s Yarra Valley and Ranges or Melbourne CBD, to be the same. We want to

put up in lights the things that make your town unique.

“So I think we’ve done a really good job on this edition. And when you compare it to something like a Melbourne or a Geelong or a Ballarat Monopoly, they all look completely different, and to a local, it’s their town. They can see it in that snapshot.”

The Monopoly: Yarra Valley edition is launching at 10am on Wednesday 5 November at CherryHill Orchards in Coldstream, with the community invited to attend to see the rest of the board unveiled.

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The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens was one of the first two properties to be revealed. (Claire Takacs – Phillip Johnson Landscapes)

SCAN ME

Vietnam vets asked to share experience

Historian Anthony McAleer OAM has been documenting the history of the Shire of Lillydale and its Military Heritage for many years, and he’s now reached the fifth and final volume.

Documenting the timeframe between 1945 and 1995, Mr McAleer said there’s an important focus on one event in particular.

“A large part of that will be the war in Vietnam (1962 to 1975), both what happened to the men and women from that district who served overseas in that war and what happened on the homefront,” he said.

Research from multiple sources allowed Mr McAleer to put together a nominal roll of 130 Shire of Lillydale residents who served in Vietnam.

These men and women served across all divisions of the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force. Five of them died while on active service.

In a twist of fate, two men, one from Montrose, the other from Mount Evelyn, would serve at opposite ends of the war and end up being friends years later.

Doug Hill from Montrose was the first local soldier to serve in the Vietnam War. The Warrant Officer arrived in Vietnam in July 1964 as part of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam.

Before Mr Hill first went to Vietnam there had been 32 Australians sent over. He was drafted in the first increase to 100 soldiers, which for the next five to six years would be a steady flow of soldiers.

Mount Evelyn resident Amat Binnoore left for Vietnam in 1971 and was on the last plane home to Australia when the Australian Task Force was packed up in Nui Dat in 1972.

This makes Mr Hill the first local soldier to arrive in Vietnam and Mr Binnoore the last to leave. Being friends for quite some time, the pair, however, had never known this fact until Mr McAleer’s research.

People like Mr Hill and Mr Binnoore have sat down with Mr McAleer and told stories of their lives before, during and after the war, helping craft his next book.

“Unlike World War One and World War Two, records are scarce linking veterans to the place they were living when they joined the service,” Mr McAleer said.

“As a result, I was wanting to hear from Vietnam veterans who were either born or lived in the following towns before they served.”

These suburbs include Wonga Park, Lilydale, Coldstream, Yering, Gruyere, Wandin, Seville, Silvan, Monbulk, Olinda, Kalorama, Mt Dandenong,

Montrose, Kilsyth, Mooroolbark and Mt Evelyn.

Mr Hill’s stint in Vietnam from 1964 to 1965 was very much a learning and reconnaissance experience, returning to Queensland to teach fellow soldiers who would be heading into the jungles of Vietnam.

The Jungle Warfare Training Centre in Canungra asked Mr Hill to build a booby trap course to train men in how to spot these traps in the jungle. It was first meant to be for six months but turned into two years.

“I spent two years instructing these battalions prior to going over to Vietnam on what to expect and preparation because they were going into a war zone,” he said.

After his two years at Canungra, Mr Hill volunteered to be sent back as part of the training team.

And so, in 1968 Mr Hill returned to the active war zone. His first trip with the infantry training centre and his second with the first battalion, first regiment.

Working with the Vietnamese and Americans, Mr Hill said for what they were doing, it was impossible to carry rations, and so he lived on a Vietnamese diet.

“One night, it sticks in my mind, their helmets, they’d take the liner out, and that was a cooking pot and when they finished cooking, they cleaned it and wore it again,” he said.

In his diet, Mr Hill said there were dragonflies and snails, common delicacies when living off what could be sourced in the jungle.

Mr Hill’s unit was and is the most decorated in the Australian Army, with four Victoria Cross recipients. He himself has 13 medals, one of which is the American Bronze Star for saving an American Marine.

“It was one of the lieutenants, he’d only been in country for two weeks or three weeks. We were supposed to stay with the battalion headquarters, but we couldn’t and still make decisions on what the forward company was doing.

“This particular day, the forward section went to ground, and I didn’t notice, and the lieutenant and I went off. We took fire, and he got hit in the

Purchase a quilt, support someone in need of a hug

By Mikayla van Loon

Quilts for Orphans (QFO) are back at Mont De Lancey this week for the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

The Quilt Display and Craft Sale running until Sunday 9 November sees a huge display of handmade quilts, table runners, Christmas themed items and fabric, all at reasonable prices up for sale.

Every dollar spent, QFO president Libby Anderson said, supports the group, ensuring it can cover costs for another year.

“We usually raise between four and $5,000 and that would set us up quite nicely next year,” she said.

leg. And I said, ‘Can you stand up?’ He said, ‘I don’t know. I’ll try.’ I got him in the fireman’s lift with all our luggage. I tried later on, I couldn’t do it.”

They took more fire and had to hide, waiting for the forward section to return.

“15 years later, I got a letter from the Yanks saying that I’d earned (the Bronze Star), but the Australian Army wouldn’t acknowledge it. Roughly 20 to 21 years later, I finally got it.

“They sent an Admiral down from Canberra. An American Admiral came down and presented it at the American Embassy.”

For Mr Binnoore who arrived years after Mr Hill left, he said it was a “different type of conflict” with no frontline per se, just hidden warfare.

Mr Binnoore said you never knew if the man delivering bread rolls on push bike or a mum and child would pull out a semi-automatic machine gun as an active terrorist.

He was the load master of the 707, something he described as “one of the most unfortunate jobs I’ve probably ever had in my life”.

“When the 707 (plane) landed, bringing the new guys in. If it turned around and faced outward, you knew there were deceased being returned home,” Mr Binnoore said.

“My job was to go out with a driver, and we’d dress with no belt, no nothing on, and unfortunately, pick up the remains and bring them back and load them into the plane. They would be loaded in hull one, and nothing, no baggage, no nothing at all could touch the coffin.”

He was then based at the headquarters in Saigon, and spent his last five months as a transport sergeant driving for Major General Donald Dunstan, commander of the Australian Forces in Vietnam (COMAFV).

“The thing you never do is to take the same route every day because everybody knows. We were going this different way, and it’s funny in life when you sense something is not right. We go down further and there’s a riot,” Mr Binnoore said.

“We’ve never faced it before. You make a decision. And I immediately spun the vehicle around and went down a one way street to get out of it.”

For Mr Hill, he suffered from severe PTSD and only recently has he been able to open up and speak about his time in the war, with help from a psychologist.

Mr McAleer would also like to hear stories of women like the first Australian nurse to serve in Vietnam, Sister Julia Seymour of Wonga Park, who worked in a refugee camp in central Vietnam in 1966.

To share any information with Mr McAleer, contact him via email at antmca@bigpond.com

“The purchase of the wadding is the biggest cost. A lot of fabric is donated. So we have been buying backing fabrics, but they’ve not been on special, and we’re seeing a big difference in change.

“So we’re not buying backing fabrics, we’ll just use what fabric we’ve got and piece it together, but it’s the wadding and our fixed operating costs with insurance, and energy bills that are the most.

“And its 100 per cent volunteers, and all the money goes into the organisation.”

This year, QFO had great support from Lorne Quilters, who donated many quilts to be sold. With such an array of quilts, from hand embroidered to a traditional wagga quilt, there are so many to choose from, catering to every need and aesthetic.

The QFO fabric hug journey began in 2007 with a small group of ladies in Monbulk. The ‘mission’ was to provide children in 26 Children’s Homes in India with tangible ‘hugs’ in the form of quilts which would wrap them in love from across the other side of the world.

The original goal was to make 2000 quilts.

Since then, over 6500 QFO fabric hugs have been gifted locally to emergency relief, family, refugee and domestic violence organisations, aged care settings, children’s hospitals, and have recently supported projects in Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Having received several grants through the Yarra Ranges Council recently, QFO has been able to undertake some different projects too.

Last month, as part of the Over 50s festival, Ms Anderson said they did a sewing project called Heart to Heart, where they ran a workshop to create 104 fabric hearts for Life’s Little Treasures.

“So parents would wear them next to their skin to get the scent, and then they’re put into the crib with their baby,” she said.

The current projects are making single quilts for some local aged care homes and some 100 day quilts for Life’s Little Treasures.

Don’t miss the chance to see some extraordinary quilts on display and perhaps find one to take home from Mont De Lancey from 10am to 4pm Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 November.

For more information on Quilts For Orphans, visit: quiltsfororphans.org

Historian Anthony McAleer OAM (centre) is looking to interview Vietnam veterans like Amat Binnoore (left) and Doug Hill (right) for his next book. (Mikayla

van Loon: 514632)

Doug Hill was the first local to serve in Vietnam, while Amat Binnoore was the last to leave.

(Mikayla van Loon: 514632)

By Mikayla van Loon

Quilts for Orphans’ Libby, Deb and Sue hold up a selection of quilts for sale. (Mikayla van Loon: 514641)

Christmas themes table runners and other decorations are also for sale. (514641)

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Veteran support a priority

It is well known that the emotional, physical and mental wellbeing of Australian veterans continues to be affected long after their military service. While support measures have been introduced since the early 2000s, significant gaps in care remain today. Veterans often receive comprehensive support while actively serving; however, this level of care frequently diminishes once they transition back into civilian life, leaving many without the sustained assistance they need to manage post-service challenges.

In light of Remembrance Day, Badger Creek andDistrictMen’sShedoffersawelcomingspace for all men, including those who have served for our country. Simply put, it is a safe space that promotes men’s health and wellbeing.

Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed Secretary, Graeme Chester, said: “The most important tool in the shed is actually the kettle.”

He also emphasised the significance of the big round table in their tea room, where every morning members sit “shoulder to shoulder” over morning tea before beginning their day with tools in hand.

“Solving the world’s problems two cups at a time,” he said. “Here, casual chatter, laughter, and friendly banter are all part of the daily routine.”

Mateship is a core value at the shed, described as “unconditional support amidst the toughest conditions.” It is heartening to know that veterans can continue this soldier-to-soldier bond, now sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in safety and connection with other supportive men at the Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed.

Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed is a humble space located behind the Badger Creek CFA. Men attend regularly to learn new skills, share stories, and support one another. Volunteers take on a variety of projects, from metalwork and woodwork to photography, creating

Shed is a place to work with your hands but also talk with likeminded people. (Supplied)

a vibrant, engaging environment for all who attend. If you are a veteran, know a veteran, or know any man who could benefit from the support of

Badger Creek & District’s Men Shed

Veterans are welcome & encouraged to come by.

Open Mondays & Wednesdays 9:30am - 3:30pm For Woodwork & Metal Work.

Open Fridays: 10:30am - 12:30pm For Photography Club

“Mateship: It's an unmistakable and unyielding bond. It’s unconditional support amidst the toughest conditions.”

Contact: badger-creek@outlook.com

Address: 360 Badger Creek Road, Badger Creek

Remembrance Day

like minded people, come visit the Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed! You can contact Graeme Chester via email at badger-creek@outlook.com. The Men’s Shed is open on Mondays,

Wednesdays, and Fridays, where you can work on individual or community projects. The volunteers and local community look forward to welcoming you!

hold our annual commemoration event to pause and reflect on those who died in all wars, conflicts, and operations.

Commening at 10.45am, our service includes performances and speeches by locals including the Healesville High School Band, local bugle player John Stanhope OAM and John Harris to perform The Ode.

Badger Creek and District Men’s

The best of springtime

By Mikayla van Loon

The Yarra Valley in springtime comes alive and what better way to spend a weekend than exploring two incredibly different gardens.

The joint opening of Coldstream’s Ridgefield and Gruyere’s Bentwood will form part of Open Gardens Victoria’s 10th anniversary celebrations on 8 and 9 November.

Ridgefield was the brainchild of renowned Victorian landscape designer Robert Boyle, with assistance from an equally famous architect, John Pizzey, who took the land as it was in the late ‘90s and transformed it into a complementary house and garden.

Purchasing the property in 2023, owners Joanne Painter and Chris Dodds looked for years in the Yarra Valley before settling on Ridgefield as the place for them, seeing it as an opportunity to be custodians of “one of the finest private gardens in the Valley”.

Ms Painter said the garden is a true example of a mature Boyle landscape, with a combination of European plantings and natives, a formal garden and quadrants.

“It’s got the classic elements, the European elements of the formal fountain and the rose-clad colonnades, the rose arbours at each end, and the beautiful views,” she said.

“But then, around that is a really beautiful selection of gorgeous natives that are interspersed between these more formal European elements. So it’s quite a remarkable garden.”

The formal garden is also home to around 450 mature roses, which should be in bloom for the weekend.

Ms Painter said that because the garden is spread out over the acres, it feels like there are rooms, with a “little secluded birch walk that connects the different garden rooms”.

In the centre of the property is the pavilion, originally built as a performance venue, and closer to the main house is a Japanese garden.

The Eltham-style, mudbrick-inspired house, Ms Painter said, really makes the garden more spectacular.

“The beauty of Ridgefield is you don’t often get a spectacular garden and a gorgeous house,” she said.

“The house and the garden have both really settled into the site now. They’re both 25 years old, and both the house and the garden were designed to have a dialogue. All of the materials in the construction of the house and the garden are very complementary.

“You’ve got this beautiful maturity and this pattern that’s emerged between the house and the garden. It’s a very large house with a beautiful stone tower, but it sits beautifully in the garden, and you can see why a great garden design is lifted by a great house design and vice versa.”

Since coming on as stewards and custodians of Ridgefield, Ms Painter said they have, of course, retained the garden but opened views to the Valley and Dandenong Ranges, reestablished the orchard and kitchen garden, as well as added a perfumery.

“Every custodian of a garden has a responsibility to add and to enhance and to continue evolving the garden,” she said.

“For me, a garden shouldn’t just be pretty to look at. It needs to be functional. We are really big believers, particularly living in the Valley, as one of the agricultural food bowls of Australia, we want the garden to be both beautiful and productive.

“Our first priority was to reinstate the vegetables, so what we call the kitchen garden. We’ve expanded and really started to do a lot of work in the orchard and that’s around being as self-sufficient as we possibly can.”

Developing the Kolido Perfumery, which only

launched a bit over a week ago, Ms Painter said, was an extension of wanting to use what Ridgefield produced. Explore the boutique fragrance studio when visiting.

Five minutes away, Bentwood, a two-acre property owned by Open Gardens Victoria head of selectors Louise Brown and her partner Ben, is the perfect example of tending to and caring for a natural environment.

Originally purchased in 2000, the property was a neglected paddock filled with weeds, rubbish and rusted cars.

Describing it now as “eclectic”, Ms Brown said the garden represents what they like.

“We’ve had very little landscaping done. Most of it has been done by us over 20 years. So it was very much a blank canvas. There were probably only four or five trees when we first got here. But we loved the position. We loved the old house that was falling down,” she said.

With the help of their family, they cleared 22 trailer loads of debris and began the slow, steady process of turning the site into a thriving garden via soil improvement, tree planting, the creative use of salvaged materials, and a deep commitment to sustainable gardening.

“We started gardening in the drought of 2005, so we did some foundational planting. We always plant the garden around having low water,” Ms Brown said.

“We do have a dam, we do water the garden a little, but we try to work on the soil, mulching and getting the soil to a good state so that it holds the water.

“It’s been a very challenging year, really, for gardeners in the Yarra Valley, because we really haven’t had much rain, and we’ve lost things but generally things have been OK.”

Coming into the open weekend, Ms Brown said the irises have been blooming, but she expects the roses to be out in full and it will have “the lovely string green feel” to it.

As a true labour of love, Ms Brown said it feels like a privilege to be able to have this garden, to tend to it and be somewhere birds like to spend time.

“It allows us to be creative, and it’s an escape, it always makes us feel good about life, and we’re always very grateful for where we are.

“We love all the birds that are now in the garden. It’s become a bit of a bird sanctuary, and that brings us a lot of joy as well.”

The maturing orchard now blends seamlessly

into the garden, and a micro flower farm flourishes in the paddock, still in its early stages but already a source of cut flowers and joy.

Sweeping views across Christmas Hills and Yarra Glen form a stunning backdrop to the garden.

Visitors are encouraged to take their time, explore the hidden corners, and enjoy the beauty of this true labour of love, balancing practicality with charm.

Yarra Valley painter Beth Williams will exhibit her landscapes in the old mechanic’s shed, alongside works by Kalorama-based ceramicist Mel Eliades. Sculptor Pat Flanagan will also display his works throughout the garden.

Across the weekend at Ridgefield, enjoy a CFA sausage sizzle, homemade tea and cakes, and browse a curated range of perfumery products available for purchase.

Ridgefield is located at 58 Boundary Road, Coldstream. Bentwood is located at 37 - 39 Gruyere Road Gruyere. Both properties will be open from 10am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday. Tickets at the gate or via Trybooking. For Bentwood: trybooking.com/events/landing/1387143 and for Ridgefield: trybooking.com/events/landing/1417447

Joanne Painter in the formal garden. (Stewart Chambers: 513567)

Ms Painter picks a few oranges from the orchard. (513567)

Louise Brown in her garden escape. (Supplied)

Bentwood is a true labour of love from Louise Brown and her partner Ben. (Supplied)

Ridgefield’s house was designed by architect John Pizzey. (Supplied)

Ms Brown said she wanted to keep the garden eclectic. (Supplied)

Views to Mount Dandenong though the garden at Ridgefield. (513567)

SENIOR LIVING

Retirement living with heart

Where the Yarra Valley meets the Dandenong Ranges, Lilydale Valley Views offers more than a place to live, it’s a vibrant community where retirement is enjoyed to the fullest.

For over 15 years, the village has grown into a welcoming environment where residents feel at home. With 139 residences, including semi attached two and three bedroom units and cosy terraces, there is a style to suit every preference.

Whether it’s sweeping valley views or the ease of low maintenance living, each home is designed for comfort and connection.

Lifestyle is at the heart of Lilydale Valley Views. A heated indoor pool and spa provide year round relaxation, while Tai Chi, dancercise, and other group activities keep minds and bodies active. The village bus makes shopping stress free with convenient door to door service.

A strong sense of community sets the village apart.

The resident social committee organises a calendar filled with outings, celebrations, and casual get togethers, ensuring there are always opportunities to connect. Friendships form quickly and newcomers are warmly welcomed, making it easy to feel part of the community from day one.

The location adds to the appeal. Doctors, supermarkets, and the train station are all within walking distance, while the nearby Warburton Trail offers scenic walks and bike rides.

On site, a thriving veggie and flower garden brings people together in the simple pleasure of growing and sharing.

It is this blend of convenience, activity, and companionship that makes Lilydale Valley Views such a special place.

Here, retirement is not about slowing down, but about enjoying life surrounded by people who value the same.

beauty of the views, and the warmth of a truly connected community.

We invite you to experience it for yourself. Discover the comfort of terrace living, the

For more information, visit us at 471 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale, email manager@

lilydalevalleyviews.com.au, or call 03 9735 5944 to speak with our manager, Rosemary Seymour. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.

A better retirement lifestyle from $590k

Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy the Facilities

• Close to all amenities - health professionals, supermarkets, public transport

• Village volunteers can assist you around the house

• Monthly calendar of events

• 24 Hour Emergency Assistance

• Fully equipped gym

• Heated indoor pool

• Hairdresser, Massage & Podiatry services

• 4-rink Bowling Green

• Entertainment Lounge

• Library and Computer Room

Come see if Lilydale Valley Views is the place for you or your loved ones. (Supplied)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Spring has officially bloomed here in Melbourne

— and there’s no better time to give your hearing aids a little spring clean! Regular cleaning and maintenance help keep your devices working at their best, ensuring crystal-clear sound and long-lasting performance.

Here are our top tips for keeping your hearing aids clean and performing at their peak:

• Wipe down your hearing aids and/or earmould with a soft cloth, tissue, or designated hearing aid wipes or disinfecting spray.

• Locate the microphone and speaker ports (some devices have two microphones). The speaker port is usually covered by a white wax filter.

• Use a small brush to gently remove any loose wax or debris from the microphone and speaker ports.

• Clear out the ports carefully with a wax pick, but never insert anything deep into the microphone, as it may cause damage. Replace the wax filter if needed.

• Find and clean the vent — the small opening that allows airflow through your hearing aid — using a vent cleaner.

If you’d like help cleaning your hearing aids, need a replacement part, or would like to book an appointment, our friendly Hearsmart team is here to help.

Call HearSmart today on 1300 787 792 or visit our clinic in Lilydale — and step into the season with clear, confident hearing. Visit hearsmart.com.au

Spring often means cleaning so it’s time to do just that for your hearing aids. (Unsplash)

HearSmart can help with cleaning or follow the easy at home care guide.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Be supported and inspired

This November, the local community is coming together for an important evening dedicated to men’s wellbeing. The Men’s Health Forum will be held on Tuesday 11 November 2025, from 7pm to 9pm at the Heritage Complex, 1416 Healesville Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock. Doors open from 6.30pm, with everyone welcome to attend this free and informative event.

Designed to encourage open discussion and greater awareness around men’s health, the evening will feature a range of engaging guest speakers covering key topics that affect men of all ages. From heart health and exercise to mental wellbeing, attendees will gain valuable insights into how small lifestyle changes can lead to big improvements in long term health.

The program includes expert talks on heart health and exercise, helping men understand the importance of staying active and maintaining cardiovascular fitness.

There will also be an informative session on prostate cancer, addressing the risks, realities, and importance of early detection, a subject often overlooked but vital to men’s ongoing health.

Another highlight of the evening will be a discussion on hearing loss, exploring how common it is, what signs to watch for, and the difference

that timely intervention can make. Eye health will also be in focus, reminding attendees that regular checkups play a key role in maintaining vision and overall wellbeing.

Mental health is another vital part of the conversation, with a session titled From Strength to Strength: Men’s Mental Health Awareness. This discussion aims to break down the stigma often associated with mental health issues, encouraging men to seek support, stay connected, and recognise the importance of talking openly about their feelings.

There will also be pharmacy information available on the night, providing practical advice and guidance about medications, supplements, and preventative care.

This event isn’t just for men, families, friends, and partners are all encouraged to attend. Building awareness and support networks around men’s health benefits the whole community, creating stronger, healthier relationships and a greater understanding of the challenges many men face.

Registrations are required for catering purposes, and places are expected to fill quickly. To register, simply call Woori Community House on (03) 5964 6857, or visit the booking link online at

trybooking.com/1457103.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and take positive steps towards better health. Whether you’re attending for yourself, a friend, or

a loved one, the Men’s Health Forum promises an evening of valuable information, supportive discussion, and community connection, all aimed at helping men live healthier, happier lives.

Join Woori Community House for a Men’s Health Forum. (Stewart Chambers: 337348)

Cultures give rhythm

By Oliver Winn

A beautiful coalescence of culture and music took place at the Yarra Valley ECOSS farm for its fourth Rhythm of the Worlds event on 18 October.

Like a colourful firework display against greens of the Yarra Valley, the festival played venue to the infectious rhythms of cultures from all over the world.

ECOSS community engagement, market and events coordinator Leanne Hall said the day couldn’t have gone better.

“It just felt so colourful and vibrant and everything just ran really smoothly… It was a perfect, sunny, not too hot day, and everyone was just so happy.

“It was really beautiful,” Ms Hall said.

Rhythms of the World saw Indigenous Australian, African, Colombian, Korean, and Chilean cultural groups showcase their vibrant musical compositions.

With funding from the Yarra Ranges Council, Upper Yarra Community Enterprise and the State Government, ECOSS were able to run the family friendly event free of charge.

The event kicked off after a Welcome to Country by Stacie Piper, a prominent Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung woman.

Children felt the groove of Country with the Ganga Giri First Nations workshop, and a local West African performer Kofi Kunkpe showcased the infectious rhythms of African drumming.

“That really got people up dancing and got the energy up, and the energy just kind of stayed up there for the whole day.”

The soulful vocals of Chilean musician Pia Nesvara mesmerised the audience and Korean woman Saritah performed a killer set alongside her band.

“We finished off the night with an incredible eight-piece Colombian band, La Descarga, which was just so amazing.

“Everyone was dancing and they were all just so into it,” she said.

Ms Hall said she was inspired to host the event by the musical cultures she encountered during her travels around the world.

“It was kind of a dream, a vision that I created about bringing different cultures together through rhythm.”

“It allows me to connect and tap into different cultures because it is a universal language, so it breaks down the language barrier,” she said.

The festival’s diversity created an inclusive

environment, facilitating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to express themselves.

“I’ve had so many people [from different cultures] say to me that they feel very safe to come here.”

“We always seek to be inclusive,” she said.

Ms Hall said it couldn’t have been done

without the countless hours of preparation from the team of volunteers.

“We do have such a wonderful community here and such a great team of volunteers and we could not do it without them.”

“It’s almost like our gift to the community,” she said.

Writers and Rhythm merge for 33rd festival

By Gabriella Vukman

On Friday, 7 November, five musical guests will grace the halls of the Healesville Uniting Church at 7pm.

Friday’s shenanigans are a part of the Writers and Rhythm event series that seeks to facilitate community connection and provide a forum for local artists to showcase their material, sometimes for the first time ever.

With musical performances, delicate prose and a chef cooked supper, the upcoming Writers and Rhythm event caters to all kinds of accessibility needs.

The five musicians featured in 7 November’s Writers and Rhythm are Yarra Valley locals Carla McCormick, Robbie Greig, Laurie Webb, AJ Leonard and Jenny Rowlands.

Running since 1992, Writers and Rhythm began when a Healesville librarian wanted to create a forum for a group of local writers who met at the Healesville Library to showcase their work.

With singers soon being introduced to the mix, Writers and Rhythm was born.

From the first Writers and Rhythm event being held at the Gateway Festival in Healesville, the event has grown in popularity ever since and has showcased many artists from across the Yarra Valley.

Over the years, proceeds from Writers and Rhythm have gone towards community groups, including the Healesville Interchurch Community Care Incorporated (HICCI), and Healesville Fire Brigade to name a few.

This year, excess proceeds will go towards the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Run exclusively by volunteers, ranging from sound and lighting technicians, to graphic designers, chefs, and MCs, tickets to the upcoming

November at the Healesville Uniting Church. (Supplied)

Writers and Rhythm event cost $20 per head, and include a chef prepared supper.

Lucky door prizes include a free pass to the next Writers and Rhythm event.

Healesville local and Coordinator of Writers and Rhythm Catherine Nolan said, “My hopes for the Writers and Rhythm concert on Friday is to perform and be celebrated and to create a beautiful, welcoming space for people from all walks of life to feel welcomed.”

“We have all abilities, access and facilities and provide a delicious chef-prepared supper,” she said.

Catherine’s role as coordinator of Writers and Rhythm involves engaging the musicians and writers, booking the dates and liaising with venues.

“I also advertise the events and my husband

Time Warp

By Vicki Paris

The Yarra Ranges Film Society (YRFS) members and guests enjoyed dressing up for the Rocky Horror Picture Show, which was screened on Tuesday 21 October 21 at the Memo.

The movie was shown as part of the annual program of movies shown by the YRFS.

Healesville local band, The Wannabees, played hits from the movie and joined in the Rocky Horror fancy dress.

They provided the before screen entertainment, with the Time Warp being a favourite for dancing.

The band enjoyed putting the spooky song list together.

Their costumes were stunning and they put the crowd in the mood for the movie.

They regularly play at local community events. Call Ron on 0425 261 850 if you want to hire them for your community event

People from the crowd said the night was a great time.

“We felt like teenagers again, we had such a hoot,” one crowd member said.

Another said: “Dressing up transforms how you feel and look. It makes you feel and look younger and you have more fun.“

It was a wonderful way to celebrate two big birthdays - the Yarra Ranges Film Society celebrated its 40th birthday this year, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrated its 50 anniversary.

The YRFS is looking for new members to help decide its movie program and celebrate the love of independent, art house and world movies from the the vault.

The YRFS have 11 screenings a year (once a month) and have a full weekend film festival in Warburton in June, and a Healesville mini film festival in March.

To contact the YRFS and find out how to join, go to yarrarangesfilmsociety.org.au

designs the posters and operates the lights,” Catherine said.

A community-led and facilitated event, Writers and Rhythm is in its 33rd year.

Catherine said, “What I love about Writers and Rhythm is that it is centrally located, so it is very easy for people to access from public transport and is walking distance for many locals.”

“I love the attentive listening audience who are so very respectful to the performers and I love the delicious supper and hearing the beautiful music,” Catherine said.

“I love that the whole event is run by volunteers who are passionate about music, creativity and our community.”

Stressing the importance of providing a space for musicians and poets to perform, Catherine also emphasised the benefits of creating a warm and welcoming place for community to gather and share their passions.

Catherine said, “Writers and rhythm is incredibly important because there are very few venues for musicians and poets to perform these days. It is especially hard to find venues with attentive, respectful audiences and where the performers are paid well.”

Writers and Rhythm is important, as it represents a true community event where people who are passionate about supporting local musicians, come together, volunteering their skills, abilities and time, to create a warm welcoming space for both new and long time local residents to enjoy,” she said.

“It is always a great, very affordable night out in our own beautiful little town of Healesville.”

Writers and Rhythm will be held at the Healesville Uniting Church 286 Maroondah Highway Healesville.

Local band, The Wannabees, played music from the Rocky Horror Show to get people in the mood. (Supplied)

Many took the chance to dress up for the night.

Join five musicians and a series of poets for a night of Community sharing on Friday, 7

A didgeridoo performance was put on for the Ganga Giri First Nations workshop.

The crowd was bursting with dance. (Angela Rivas of Lunasol Photography)

Saritah and her band captivated the audience.

History of the rail station

Mt Evelyn Railway Station opened as the Olinda Vale Unattended Platform on 13 November 1901 at the highest point (225m above sea level) on the railway connecting Lilydale and Warburton.

The station was renamed Evelyn in 1907, and Mt Evelyn in 1919.

Assistant Station Masters were appointed until the Station Master’s residence was built in 1911, after which Mr O’Connor was the first Resident Stationmaster, appointed in 1913.

On 1 January 1942, J.A. Paterson commenced as the last Station Master.

Looking back

Paula Herlihy Mount Evelyn History Group President

During his time the station was seven times awarded first prize in the Metropolitan District for Management, Maintenance and Tree Planting in the Non-piped Water section of railway competitions.

The railway line closed in 1965.

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is now the major walking and biking trail in the Yarra Valley.

The alignment of the Rail Trail at Mt Evelyn is not the original track alignment, which is on the land now leased by Bowens.

The Stationmaster’s residence is now the Station House, home to the Mt Evelyn Community House.

The surviving parts of the platform are in two sections, as the centre part was demolished to make the current Station House car park.

The last two years have seen several works at the station site undertaken by Yarra Ranges Council, including the highly successful realignment and reconstruction of the platform area.

Care was taken to protect the roots of the trees remaining from the station gardens by excavating using water blasts.

A second project protected and showcased the last parts of the original platform, beneath the library and the St John buildings.

Historical significance is founded on the existence of tangible remains as described in the Burra Charter.

These lumps of reinforced concrete are the oldest station artefacts located at the site, and highly significant.

The third project, created from information provided by Mt Evelyn History Group, was the erection of an interactive sign at the site.

This sign includes audio of the farewell steam train run on 8 August 1965, from the DVD ‘Last Train to … Last Run of …’ , included with permission from Channel 5 Productions.

Plenty of entertaining acts coming up

Burrinja Theatre

Speak Percussion

Percussion, Conversation, Degustation is a captivating blend of improvisational music and cross-artistic performance, led by Dure Dara –Melbourne food along with industry legend, percussionist, and pioneering advocate for women’s equity Speak Percussion and special guest.

At Burrinja, the performance will also feature talented music students from Upwey High School.

Structured as a series of menus, featuring never-to-be-repeated courses of percussion, discussion and food, Dure and collaborators will encourage you to pause, listen, eat, reminisce, reflect, celebrate, critique, and daydream about the past, present and future of experimental music, the restaurant business and social inclusion.

Thursday 15 November at 6,30pm.

The Round

This Is Me – Casey Donovan

Australia’s powerhouse vocalist, Casey Donovan is set to embark on her biggest national tour yet with This Is Me.

From becoming the youngest winner of

Kemp’s

curtain call CARTOON

Australian Idol at just 16 to a household name, Casey’s powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances have made her a standout in music, theatre, and television.

Experience Casey’s most iconic performances from Australian Idol to hits from musicals like The Sapphires, We Will Rock You, Chicago and Julie and Sister Act, as well as original new material performed live for the first time.

• Season: Friday 20 February, 2026 at 7.30 pm. The Round

Arthur Hull’s Flop Musical theatre nerd, Arthur Hull sets out to prove that even the biggest misfires can be proud of at least one song… maybe.

Presenting the best songs from the worst musicals ever written, this show is a love letter to the roller coaster world of musicals and the people who make them.

• Season: Friday 31 November at 8pm.

The Round

50 years of hits – Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks

This show is opening in April will take place Thursday 9 April at 8pm.

Later on in April is The 70s 80s 90s Show, taking place Saturday 18 April at 7.30pm And the month after is Andrea Bocelli - Paul Tabone on 6 May.

Remember:

The 1812 Theatre – Rhinestone Rez & Miss Monica

• 13 November to 6 December.

• For bookings: 9758 3964.

Lilydale Athenaeum, Theatre – Sister Amnesia’s Country Western Nunsense Jamboree

• 20 November to 6 December.

• For bookings: 9735 1777.

Great film for the list

MA15+ 4/5

Bugonia is yet another gripping psychological thriller directed by Oscar-winning auteur Yorgos Lanthimos.

Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone), the CEO of a major pharmaceutical company, is abducted by conspiracy theorist Teddy (Jesse Plemons) and his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis), who believe she is an alien conspiring to destroy Earth.

Bugonia is an English-language remake of the 2003 South Korean film Save The Green Planet!, but also bears a strong similarity to the 1990 horror classic Misery, with its themes of coercion and confinement and its volatile, mentally-ill antagonist. Plemons alternates from a driven, supportive man to a violent, petty fool as Teddy, and the film’s nail-biting satire raises the uncomfortable annoyance of debating an unshakeably certain conspiracy nutter to an imprisoning extreme. Stone emanates authority even in her scared, weakened state, and it’s satisfying to watch Michelle eke power back by twisting her captors’ narrative back on them. Don, a sweet, earnest guy increasingly unsettled by Teddy’s cruelty, is an autistic character played by an autistic actor; as a fellow autistic person, I’m grateful that Don isn’t a hypercompetent robot like so many pop culture portrayals of autism.

Bugonia is a stressful, darkly funny slow-burn of power tipping back and forth between Teddy and Michelle. The opening establishes the film’s excellent editing, weaving together Michelle’s routine and Teddy’s plans by deftly cutting between and contrasting their daily lives. Jerskin Fendrix’s booming score may be slightly overblown, but it fits the intense emotions at play.

Unfortunately, I kinda hated the ending. It’s hard to say why without spoilers, but I will say there is a weird, possibly Heaven’s Gate-inspired twist, and the conclusion really shouldn’t validate the bad guys.

Despite a misjudged ending, Bugonia is an enthralling, superbly-written thriller with outstanding performances, and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Bugonia Starring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis

PUZZLES

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

Lawyer (8)

Swear (4)

Nailed (4)

Freedom from risk or danger (6)

Significant (10)

7 More exciting; more fragrant (7)

8 Swayed (8)

9 Sampler (4)

15 Developing backwards (10)

18 Strategic (8)

19 Calming drug (8)

21 Flat, frozen wastelands (7)

23 Steady (7)

24 Awkward (6)

27 Revise (4)

29 US space agency (1,1,1,1)

PRIVATE RURAL RETREAT ON 22 ACRES

PRIVATE RURAL RETREAT ON 22 ACRES –HOME, BUNGALOW AND SEPARATE COTTAGE

PRIVATELY set on nearly 22 picturesque acres in one of the area’s most sought-after locations, this exceptional property combines quality living, natural beauty, and outstanding versatility. Just 6km from the heart of Emerald, you’ll enjoy the convenience of town nearby while being surrounded by serene bushland, open pastures, and abundant local wildlife.

The character-filled main residence has been built and renovated to an exacting standard, showcasing high ceilings, ornate ceiling roses, beautiful timber floors and premium fixtures throughout plus there is a 6.6KW solar system.

Inside, you’ll find three spacious bedrooms, including a master suite with walk-in robe and 2 new luxurious bathrooms with heated flooring. The brand new kitchen is both a statement of style and sophistication with quality 2 pac cabinetry, a walk in pantry, falcon oven, integrated dishwasher and beautiful stone bench tops - perfect for entertaining or family living.

Two large living zones provide space and comfort for all seasons - the main lounge and dining area features a Coonara wood heater, while the separate rumpus room offers a charming open fireplace and French doors opening to the covered alfresco area.

There is also gas ducted heating for added convenience.

A separate studio/teenagers retreat or home office offers a versatile fourth bedroom option, ideal for guests or those working from home.

Outdoors, the property is equally impressive with a mix of cleared paddocks and natural bush providing privacy and rural charm.

A huge 28m x 8m shed with concrete floor and power is perfect for trades, storage, or hobby enthusiasts.

The land also includes a veggie patch, a spring fed dam, an original barn and plenty of privacy plus there is sealed road access.

Adding even more flexibility is a selfcontained two-bedroom cottage located just down the road - ideal for extended family, guests or possible extra income.

Offering privacy, lifestyle, and space in a truly beautiful setting, this unique property provides the perfect balance between rural living and modern convenience.

An outstanding lifestyle opportunity - an inspection will impress. ●

HILLS COMFORT ON OVER ¾ ACRE

PERFECTLY positioned just moments from Cockatoo township, schools, and public transport, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home on a useable 3,103sqm (approx.) blends relaxed family living with everyday convenience.

Step inside to a warm interior featuring timber floors and plenty of natural light. The spacious master bedroom sits at the front of the home with a walk-in robe, ensuite, and split system. A few steps down, the welcoming lounge showcases a brick-surround, central wood fire and split system for year-round comfort.

The kitchen and dining zone is beautifully appointed with stone benchtops, integrated wall oven, gas cooktop, dishwasher, and fridge recess, opening through sliding doors to a

paved entertaining area and leafy rear garden.

Two further bedrooms with built-in robes are serviced by a family bathroom with separate toilet, while the laundry provides outdoor access.

Outside, there’s plenty of space for kids and pets to play, along with a chook enclosure, wood storage shed, and a double garage — all within fully fenced grounds that capture the peaceful charm of Hills living.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

Address: 7 Nangana Street, COCKATOO Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $850,000 - $935,000 Inspect: By appointment

Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD, 5968 6222

CIRCA -1910 ‘JOALAH’, POSITIONED ON A NEAR ACRE OF FLATTISH, SUNNY LAND

IMAGINE having the luxury of choosing the best location, aspect, and useability of land to build your own home.

In the early 1900’s that was a reality in the Dandenong Ranges, this magnificent, sun kissed 3257m2 allotment is now flourishing with a diverse, healthy, colourful garden to explore and enjoy with an array of visiting birds and wildlife, not to mention the homes namesake, the lyrebird.

Upon inspection of the property, you soon relish in the quiet, private setting and are intrigued by the cottage that sits whimsically in it is surrounds. Think fairies, think pixies, think all things magical.

It really is a unique home, featuring 2 bedrooms, a snug for reading, lounge with fireplace, a gorgeous sunroom that brings the garden to your chairside. There is a timber kitchen, a dining area, separate laundry/mud room, and a bathroom with bath.

A favourite place to sit on a hot summer’s day will be on the shaded front deck whilst the water trickles through the ponds with a reticulated water system. Exhale – you are home.

The residence is extension ready, subject to council approval, if you need a little more space, an architect will delight in blending the old and the new to continue the legacy of this historical cottage in this remarkable setting.

You can learn more about the history of ‘Joalah’ with a brochure at the property.

Outdoors offers parking and shedding, it and can be easily puppy proofed with a gate added to the existing fence. The gardens are best discovered in your own time, and you will get to know the seasonal changes, colour bursts and how the gardens integrate perfectly for wellbeing, shading you, letting in the light, giving you what is needed.

The property is gated, gas ducted heating, wood fire, and reverse cycle split system. It has all mains connections and a generator port to the fuse box.

The location is central to both Kallista and Belgrave Townships, the latter has CBD rail connections, easily accessible is both the M1 and Eastlink. You will be spoilt for choice with cafes and restaurants nearby in Olinda and Sassafras and many walks through world renown National Parks.

The property has been meticulously presented for sale and your agent Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 a qualified horticulturalist and Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937 are excited to show you through this property.

‘Joalah’ is waiting for you, to call it ‘my home.’ ●

FamilyHome,Self-ContainedUnit,MedicalPermit.

Thispropertywillgivetheprospectivenewownersa varietyofoptions,torun abusiness fromhome,offerdualoccupancyformulti-generationallivingorincomestream,the mainresidenceensuresprivacyforthefamilyin acomfortable,welcominghome.A stylish interior,1940’scharacter,timberfloors,highceilings,ornatecornice,andceilingsblend perfectlywithtoday’srequirementsin amodernhome.

MickDolphin 0429684522

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

HEARTOFTHEDANDENONGRANGES

YOURLITTLESLICEOFPARADISE

Thehomeconsistsof4 bedrooms(or 3bedroomsand astudy/livingarea),large loungeroomwithopenplankitchenmealsareathatflowsontothelargeundercover entertainingarea.Thekitchenhasplentyofbenchandcupboardspace,witha NEW dishwasherandNEWoven.ThemasterbedroomislargewithanensuiteandWIR,the homehashad afreshpaintandnewcarpetsthroughout.Additionally,thereis amultipurposeroomthatcouldbeliving,workfromhomespacethatoffersgreatflexibility.

MickDolphin 0429684522

CaitiEllis 0493136937

Setona pristine,flatandsun-filled4716sq.mtrblockinthesought-afterDandenong Ranges,thiselegant five-bedroomperiodhomecapturestheessenceoftimelesscharm andmoderncomfort.Surroundedbyestablishedgardensandembracedbythenatural beautyofthehills,itoffersanidylliclifestyle withtheperfectbalanceofspace,privacy, andconvenience

JanBrewster 0409558805

PRIMEHILLSLOCATION

Character,Space& Potential Perfectlypositionedjusta shortunder20-minutewalkor2-minutedrivefromthevibrant Tecomatownship,thischarminghillspropertyoffers arareopportunityfor firsthome buyers,renovators,andanyoneseekingthepeacefulDandenongRangeslifestyle Setonover1600m²ofbluestoneterraced, featuresinclude:entertainingdeckwith outlook,woodfireheating,largelock-upshed,sealeddriveway.

AnthonyIorlano 0494142438

DavidStewart 0411655611

THE CHARM OF A MUDBRICK IN A FERNY OASIS

WELCOME to your own private sanctuary in the heart of nature.

Life is about to get better for the lucky new owner of this enchanting mudbrick retreat, nestled on approximately 1,600m² of lush, green land.

Surrounded by vibrant native gardens and serenaded by local birdlife, this property offers stunning mountain views, fresh country air, and the ultimate in outdoor living.

Rustic and full of charm, the home features three generously sized bedrooms, each with built-in robes.

The open plan kitchen, dining, and living area boasts beautiful timber benchtops and a freestanding mains gas oven perfect for those who love to cook and entertain.

With soaring ceilings and the natural thermal benefits of mudbrick construction, the home maintains a stable temperature yearround. In cooler months, gather around the charming wood heater, and in summer, stay cool with the efficient split system.

The family bathroom includes both a shower and a separate bath for everyday comfort and convenience.

Outdoors, you’ll find everything you need for easy country living: a single garage and carport, a covered entertaining area ideal for summer barbecues, and even a designated children’s play zone.

This unique and heartwarming home blends rustic character with functional comfort set in one of Warburton’s most picturesque pockets.

Come and experience the beauty, serenity, and soul of this special property. ●

TheUltimateCountryHideawayon172Acreswith aBonus! Arareandveryuniquelargeacreageproperty,offeringtheultimatebushgetawayinstunning surroundingsand acompleteoffgridlifestyle- sittingonapprox.172gloriousYarraValleyacres. Offering 3bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesplusanensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom. Thekitchenisveryimpressivewithqualityappliancesandfixturesthroughoutwithamplebenchand cupboardspaceplus aseparatemeals/diningarea.Outdoors, ahugelockupgarage,beautiful openrollinggrassedareasandacresandacresofbushtoexploreandenjoy.Boasting afantastic rurallifestyle,thispropertyboastsa veryuniquefinancialbonusofferinggenerousbiodiversitycredits offeringthenewowners asubstantialfinancialincomeandbonusfortheyearsahead. Atrulyunique andspecialpropertyoffering afantasticlargeacreagerurallifestyle.

LightandBrightin aHandylocation

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

DavidCarroll

FamilySpaceandConvenienceina GreatLocation

Situatedinanideallocationjustminutesstrolltolocalschools,transportandWesburn’sever popularfoodandcoffeeoutlets -it’sa greatplacetobe.Thelargefamilyhomeoffersgreatvalue in afantasticlocationandoffering 4bedroomswitha largeopenkitchenwithamplebenchand cupboardspaceanda separatemeals/diningareaplus alargefamilysizelounge/livingroom.A greatsizeblockofapprox.790sqmwithsecurefencingforthekidsandpets. Alargeextrahigh carportidealforlargecars,trailersorcaravans,plusa gardenshedanda greatsizebackyardwith distantmountainviews.A superbpropertyin afantastic,convenientlocation- just afewminutes walktotheWarburtontrailandWesburnparksmountainbiketrailhubandsportingcomplex.

{STCA}.Anideallocation,mainstreetfrontageanda superbeasylivingpositionwithjust ashort strolltoYarraJunctions’shoppinghub,localschoolsandtransport.A greatinvestmentfornowandin

DavidCarroll

DavidCarroll

SPACIOUS, CHARACTER-FILLED FAMILY HOME

A much-loved family home offered to the market for the first time in nearly 50 years, 10 Temple Road is bursting with warmth, character, and space for everyone. Representing the perfect opportunity for families looking to settle into a thriving, close knit community, this property is positioned just a short, flat walk to Belgrave South’s main shopping village, local primary school, and public transport and combines absolute convenience with classic family comfort.

Inside, the flexible floorplan offers three spacious bedrooms, including a generous master suite complete with full ensuite, walkin robe and tranquil garden views. A central home office zone adds versatility for those working or studying from home.

Entertaining is a dream here. Designed to host everything from big family birthdays to relaxed weekend BBQs, the home features expansive indoor and outdoor living zones. Outside, a huge timber deck and alfresco area are the centrepiece of this fully useable rear yard whilst inside, formal and informal living areas cater to all family needs, whether it’s cosy movie nights or relaxed catch ups with friends by the open fireplace.

The standout kitchen features a large island bench, walk-in butler’s pantry, excellent storage, and premium finishes.

A large, light filled sunroom adds yet another flexible living space – ideal as a playroom, craft area, or quiet reading corner.

An oversized laundry and conveniently located third toilet make entertaining and everyday life effortlessly practical.

For those who love the outdoors, the established garden is a true delight, with vibrant blooms, mature trees, raised veggie beds, and a secure chicken coop – offering a sustainable, family-friendly lifestyle.

Comfort is assured year-round with ducted heating, split-system air conditioning, and the ambient charm of an open fireplace.

If you’ve been searching for a spacious, move in ready home that offers charm and a premium location – this is it! 10 Temple Road is not just a house, but a cherished family haven in one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most sought after pockets. ●

Double header wins

By Garry Lewis

Warburton Bowls Club hosted a Double Header on the weekend and came away with two victories to lift the Burras confidence.

Warburton One played the newly demoted, Mooroolbark One, and after a quick start, managed to create a good lead at the break.

The away side fought back in the second half, but the Burras determination saw them hold on and record a 20-shot victory, 84 shots to 64.

The spirit across all rinks was a highlight.

All four rinks won, with Travis Appleton’s rink coming from a long way behind to nip victory in the last few ends with some great shots.

Rink scores were as follows: S. Lord 21/12; C. Lord 23/19; T. Appleton 17/15 and C. Neale 23/18.

They next play Lilydale Two away this Saturday.

Warburton Two played Mitcham Four and at the break were a long way down overall.

However, all rinks lifted in the second half to reduce Micham’s lead and give themselves a chance.

A final desperate effort across all rinks saw the Burras hit the lead and hold onto to a thrilling one-shot victory, 78 shots to 77.

Rink scores were as follows: P. Woods 21/21; D. Nisbet 17/16, G. Wynd 20/24 and P. Summers 20/16.

They next play Heathmont Five away.

Last Tuesday the Division Two Midweek side took on the daunting task of playing Ferntree Gully One away.

Though newly demoted from Division One, the home side was always going to be a hard nut to crack.

The match turned out to be an exciting see-sawing battle that came down to the wire.

Very little separated the sides all day, but Warburton fell just short in an encouraging performance, 52 shots to 56.

Rink scores were as follows: S. Freestone 12/20; R. McKail 18/14 and G. Walsh 22/22.

Due to the Melbourne Cup Day, their next game is on Wednesday 5 November against Upwey Tecoma One at home.

The Jack Attack Triples Competition will commence on Wednesday 5 November from 7pm.

All teams are asked to be at the club by 6.30pm for the first night.

There will be a Cup Day theme for the first night. The Warburton Bowls Club will be commencing Barefoot Bowls evenings from Friday 21 November from 6pm to 8pm.

The evenings are free, and participants may bring their own snacks or food.

The bar will be open for drinks.

All equipment and coaching will be provided.

All community members, including families and friends, are invited to come along and give bowls a try and enjoy the company of others.

Social Bowls continues each Monday from 12 midday.

For more information contact the club.

Horse talk dressage

By Anita Prowse

Adv JP

done everyone.

In other news, Upper Yarra Pony Club are pleased to announce this year’s Yarra Valley Horse Show will be donating one dollar from every class ticket sold to the Cancer Council, there is also a page to donate now up and running at the Cancer Council website.

The Burras managed a thrilling one point victory against Mitcham Four. (Supplied)

Warburton played well at the Double Header taking home two wins. (Supplied)

Last weekend saw the Horse In The Box Yarra Valley Dressage Club Competition. The winners were:

Grand Prix - Louisa Smith on HP Fresco. PSG - Keeley Sutton on Sandan Grove Edward. Int One - Caitlyn Porter on Paradise Valley Cocktail.

This

Yarra Valley Horse Show will be donating one dollar from every ticket to the Cancer Council. (Supplied)

Healesville sweeps the comp greens

By Ian Milgate

Healesville Bowls Club’s Tuesday’s First side played Yarra Glen at home on a beautiful spring day, but Yarra Glen seemed to have a little more spring in their step than we did.

Gary Broussard’s rink played well with Mick Featherstone being a stand out.

The other two rinks put up a reasonable effort considering we were trying out members in different positions that they don’t normally play in.

Having said that, a great effort by Yarra Glen who won the day by 17 shots, the scores being 46/63.

Colin Jarvis, Mick Featherstone, Robyn Turville, Gary Broussard - 20/14.

Gerda Otto, Steve Graham, Ian Milgate, John Fitzpatrick - 7/20.

Bob Brown, Rob Broadhurst, Rita Featherstone, Steve Bulled - 19/29.

Tuesday’s Second side played Croydon at Croydon.

With a lot of demolition work going on beside the players, it was a little distracting for the players but they managed to keep their heads down and play some great bowls.

Apart from one rink who were struggling we managed to win two rinks, but went down to Croydon in a very close match 50/55.

A great effort by everybody.

Next week Healesville play Heathmont at home.

Anne Knibbs, Tino Macari, Damian Key, Judy Veermann - 21/12.

Jude Wallace, Ken Gallacher, Glenda Graham, Len Cosson - 19/15.

Jim Viggers, Jill Cookney, Russell Smith, Barry Parker - 10/28.

The first week of the Community Bowls Challenge was played on a beautiful spring night with 16 local teams competing for the Charles Hort Memorial Trophy.

We had a couple of new teams compete this season, namely Leaky Legends (Reece Plumbing) and the Marshmallows (four great golfers from the RACV Country Club).

It was a great night with plenty of good bowls, good laughter as well as our great sausages and hamburgers cooked by Rita and Mick.

After the first night, the results are – Watts River Brewery 19, Mt. Lilydale Kids 19, Caddie Shackers 17, Jocks Concrete pumping 17, Pink Cantina 17, Advanced Agg Services 17, Caddie Shackers 17, Code Art and the Marshmallows on 16.

Good luck every one next week.

Saturday’s First team played at home against Yarra Glen.

Although it was going to be challenging, if we were on our game, it would be a very close encounter.

It was a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine. All four rinks started off with a determination to win on our home ground and by half time we were well and truly ahead of Yarra Glen by up to 40 shots.

After the tea break Yarra Glen slowly worked their way back into the game but it was too late with Healesville winning by 25 shots, 100/75.

A great effort by everyone.

Ian Milgate, Bob Brown, John Fitzpatrick, Gary Broussard - 20/29.

Barry Parker, Chris Hawting, Steve Bulled, Robert Ayres - 21/17.

Col Jarvis, Steve Graham, Rita Featherstone, Mark Ward - 30/15. Gerda Otto, Mick Featherstone, Robyn Turville, Adrian Beales - 29/14.

Saturday’s Second team also played at home against Monbulk who are sitting one behind us on the ladder.

This should also be a close game with the rivalry that we have had over the years.

John Howards rink came out firing and never looked like losing.

Russell Smith’s rink also held a handy lead most of the day, including Rob Broadhurst’s rink joining the party to finish up with a handy win over Monbulk by 18 shots 69/51.

A great effort by all players on the day.

John Allen, Mike Adams, Judy Veermann, Rob Broadhurst - 27/21.

Karl Tok, John McMillan, Glenda Graham, Russell Smith - 22/15.

Judy Wallace, Anne Knibbs, Kenny Gallacher, John Howard - 20/15.

Yarra Glen v Ringwood: Close on the rinks

By Rodney Bates

Yarra Glen Bowls Club Pennant Update 1 November 2025.

Midweek pennant kicked off with games against Healesville and Heathmont Division Two played away at Healesville, and a number of new and old faces in both teams made for an interesting day.

Having played each other in finals last season, a bit was on the line for both teams in this opening round.

Yarra Glen got away early across the main board, and managed to hold a lead through to the end of the game, with Yarra Glen winning 63-46 (17 points).

P. Leonard 14/20; A. James 29/19; P. Tirant 20/7. At home against Heathmont in Division Four, Yarra Glen managed a similar result to side one, winning two rinks and an overall winning score 63-54 (9 points).

G. McBride 23/15; T. Dickson 17/23; L. Baker

23/16.

With Melbourne Cup next Tuesday, midweek pennant will be played on Wednesday 5 November

Round Two of weekend pennant saw our Division One team heading to Ringwood.

With three very close rink results, Yarra Glen came away with the points 73-65 (8 points).

M. Gardner 17/20; M. O’Halloran 25/13; Beau Simmons 13/15; Ben Simmons 18/17.

Side Two in Division Three was back at Healesville, and a much stronger combination of Healesville were too good for Yarra Glen, the final score 75-100 (25 points). S. Smith 29/20; C. Boland 15/30; B. Grund 17/21; A. Thurkle 14/29.

To finish the round, Division Six played at home against Mooroolbark.

This team has really hit its straps in the past two weeks, and another strong showing today, winning all four rinks for a final score of 107-61 (46 points).

L. Baker 28/18; G. Baker 36/10; G. McBride 21/12; J. Leather 22/21.

Eagles soar over Berwick

By Elly Byrne

The much anticipated midweek pennant competition got underway last week but not with the results hoped for.

With the tough slow green at Eastern Golf being a big change from the green at Junction, the Eagles failed to adapt with Eastwood Golf taking full points for the round.

With 13 more rounds in the season to enjoy there’s lots of time to improve and enjoy the comp.

By contrast the weekends teams both had positive results.

Yarra Junction Two recorded a win away at Berwick,under cover, a new experience for all the team many of whom were first year players.

After taking a while to adjust to the different surface they went into the break one rink down, one ahead and two teams even.

A continued improvement after the break with two of the rinks winning by convincing margins saw the Eagles come out on top after a fun enjoyable day.

Yarra Junction One was also sprinkled with first year players played at home against Cockatoo and also provided them with a substitute player.

Rink scores were mixed with some closely fought ends all round and a six down on one end close to the end of play.

With an overall winning margin of 20 points, it was a great day’s play enjoyed at home.

We are fortunate to have so many beginning new players playing so well and enjoying pennant so far this year.

Returning players and transfers have also contributed to the strength of this year’s teams at the “happy club”.

The future looks good.

Melbourne Cup Day sees the annual Junction V Warburton Ashes clash being held at Warburton this year.

Play starts at 11am to decide bragging rights for the next twelve months.

The two clubs have a great relationship but Junction has high hopes this year after a closely contested clash last year.

RUSTIK continues to run from the club premises every Thursday and Friday night for dinner, with great feedback from those who have sampled the different menus options each week.

Also available for private functions, events, Christmas parties by arrangement.

Contact Jason 0411 263 721 for enquiries and bookings or follow RUSTIK on Facebook to stay up to date with menus etc.

Bowling options are also available.

The annual Community Lightning Cup will be run again starting 14 November for three weeks.

This is a great opportunity for local groups, clubs and businesses to get a team together for a short three-week social competition in a friendly environment.

Contact Ian 0419 685 425 or Jason 0411 263 721 to get your team entered.

Yarra Glen managed to beat Healesville’s Tuesday side by 17 shots. (Supplied)

Lyn Baker and Phil Ramage studying the head with Mooroolbark looking on intently. (Supplied)

There are lots of new faces at the Yarra Junction Bowling Club. (Supplied)

Wheatley aces player gong

By Callum Ludwig

A Yarra Glen Tennis Club player has been crowned the top player in her grade at the 2025 Tennis Victoria Player Awards.

Tahlia Wheatley took home Pennant Player of the Year for the Women’s Grade 4 competition at the awards night held at Kooyong Lawns Tennis Club on Sunday 26 October.

Ms Wheatley said she was super proud to receive the award, if a little shocked at first.

“Our Grade 4 ladies went really well, we went all the way to the final, but unfortunately just fell short, by I think eight games it was,” she said.

“We had an amazing run at the start, but yeah, just got done in the end, which was a bit unfortunate, but I felt that we were really positive throughout the whole season.

“Everyone was really keen to play, which was really good, and we had the support of the Yarra Glen Tennis Club on the day, which made it a lot easier and took all the stress off on the day.”

The Yarra Glen Tennis Club are no stranger to Tennis Victoria awards, winning the Community Engagement Award for the whole club and seeing committee member and coach Jarron Morris win his second Pennant Player of the Year for his grade in a row in 2024.

Ms Wheatley said she had a very consistent season, training every week, putting in the work and wanting to be better.

“I really loved doubles, I had a really great doubles partner in Emily, and just had a really consistent season,” she said.

“I just tried my best, not putting that expectation on myself to win every game, but making sure I was in the right mindset for the whole season and training as much as I can.

“I guess it paid off with the award so I just feel really, really lucky and grateful.”

Ms Wheatley has been playing tennis for nearly 10 years, starting when she was eight years old and beginning competition at the age of 10 or 11. Her strength is her work at the net

and her volleys, perfect for playing doubles.

Ms Wheatley said she started out at Bundoora Tennis Club before moving to Yarra Glen five or six years ago in order to play women’s pennant.

“I have loved it so far, just the community that they’ve got there, Jarron’s done amazing work to build that reputation and everyone’s just so lovely and supportive over there…when I

first came over, I was super nervous and wasn’t too sure about it, but everyone was just so welcoming and inviting,” she said.

“I know when the men’s made the finals last year, and they won it, we all got behind them and you can just really tell the support, the connection and the friendship that you can make over the six years I’ve been there.

“For anyone who wants to join, definitely do

it, it doesn’t matter what standard you are at, everyone is welcome.”

The awards are held each year to celebrate the outstanding players of Victorian tennis from Tennis Victoria Pennant to the international stage.

Tennis Victoria chief executive Kim Kachel said to all the finalists and winners, congratulations on an outstanding year.

“Your achievements inspire the next generation of players and coaches, and we’re proud to celebrate your success through these awards,” she said.

To our coaches, volunteers, officials, administrators, and everyone who dedicates their time and passion to the sport, thank you. Your commitment and contribution form the foundation upon which Victorian tennis continues to thrive.

“Looking ahead, we remain focused on growing the game, supporting our clubs and communities, and creating opportunities for every Victorian to experience the joy of tennis.”

Held by the Victorian Turf Club, the first Melbourne Cup was run in which year?

2. The highest Melbourne Cup Day attendance of

3. And which horse won in that year?

4. This year the annual Melbourne Cup Trophy Tour commenced with a visit to which city?

The winning strapper is presented with what trophy?

What is the type and colour of the traditional buttonhole flower worn on Cup Day?

Bart Cummings holds the record for winning the Melbourne Cup how many times?

The silk colours of which famous Cupwinner featured the stars of the Southern Cross?

Sheila Laxon, joint trainer of 2024 winner Knight’s Choice also prepared which other Melbourne Cup winner?

10. Which owner was represented by six runners in the 2013 Cup?

11. Which Melbourne Cupwinning horse originally raced in New Zealand under the name Flash Guy?

12. The 2024 Cup winner Knight’s Choice was bred near which NSW country town?

13. In 1965 famous British supermodel Jean Shrimpton sparked controversy by wearing what at Flemington?

14. Which Melbourne Cup winner was trained in Germany?

15. Which famous Cup winner carried 66kg to victory?

16. Runners in the 2025 Melbourne Cup will compete for how much prize money?

17. What percentage of the prize money does the winning jockey receive?

18. A popular cocktail served at Flemington on Cup day is called what?

19. Which country did 2006 Cup winner Delta Blues represent?

20. Which champion Australian jockey of the modern era fell off at his first ride in the Melbourne Cup?

21. How many female jockeys have ridden in the Cup?

22. What has been the most successful barrier in Melbourne Cup history?

23. And who is the only horse to have won the Melbourne Cup from barrier 18?

24. Who was the last grey horse to win the Melbourne Cup?

25. The race is now run on the first Tuesday in November, but originally it was run on which day of the week?

26. Which horse was the first and only to win the ‘Spring Grand Slam’, winning the Caufield Cup, Cox Plate, and Melbourne Cup in the same year?

27. And which country did that horse come from?

28. Queen Elizabeth II’s only attempt at capturing Australia’s crown for stayers was with which horse?

29. Who was the last favourite to win the Cup?

30. Winning connections of the first Melbourne Cup received what?

Tahlia Wheatley took out the Pennant Player of the Year for Women’s Grade 4. (Supplied)

The Yarra Glen Women’s Grade 4 side made the finals but just fell short. (Supplied)

1.

Age no issue for Critchett

By Gabriella Vukman

Age is no obstacle for 57-year-old Triathlon champion and Yarra Glen local Jeremy Critchett.

Coming second in the world in the latest triathlon World Championships in Wollongong on 19 October, Mr Critchett has kicked the concept of age to the curb.

Mr Critchett’s new, shiny silver medal will accompany the two golds he won in the 2018 ITU age group world championships in the Gold Coast, along with another gold medal he won in the 2024 Cross triathlon world championships in Townsville, on his shelf at home.

“The thing I love about triathlon racing is that it’s just such a vibrant, exciting environment for racers themselves,” Mr Critchett said.

“Because I ride, swim and run, I see all kinds of athletes, some who are just runners or swimmers or riders, and so it’s really nice to connect with so many different groups. It feels like a community.

“You would think that with time constraints, it is easy to get isolated, but with triathlon, wherever you’re going, whether you’re running or riding or swimming, there’s lots of people generally around you doing a similar thing, so it really brings people together.”

There is much data research and planning that goes into a triathlon race. Mr Critchett described his mental state and preparation in the lead-up to the recent race.

“I always know where I am in terms of my fitness and I understand the training data but one of my weaknesses is that I am always really stressed before a race. I reckon I didn’t sleep much for three days before the race,” he said.

“I went through a lot of data research to try and understand who my competitors were in the weeks beforehand.

“I was a bit worried about some of the international competitors, but it wasn’t one of those who beat me at the end of the day.”

While adding silver to his collection of gold was not wholly in Mr Critchett’s forecast, he confirmed that he is happy with the result.

“There is lots that can happen during a race,” Mr Critchett said.

“You could get a flat tyre and it’s really difficult to know how you will go on the day but I try and put myself in a position where there is a chance that I could win.

“I didn’t know the other bloke was in front of me, so I reduced my pace and in the end, that is what got me. But I still feel a strong sense of achievement.”

Triathlons have been a part of Mr Crichett’s life since he was in his mid-20s.

Mr Crichett said, “I actually left work as an engineer when I was 26 to start my journey into full-time training to see if I could compete at an elite level and I basically spent about four years full-time training, mainly competing in Victoria.”

“I got to an elite level in Victoria and trained with some Olympians, and it became like work as I was training five, six hours a day with five hours of massage and four hours of pilates per week, plus lots of stretching,” he said.

“It’s a different lifestyle and it seemed like I would just continue to get faster, but all the focus and sponsorship was centred on the juniors so I went back to engineering and I continued to train on and off.”

Despite a lack of sponsorship opportunities for athletes over the age of 23, Mr Crichett competed competitively at an elite level again at age 45 and continues to do so.

“It’s keeping me fit as I get older, and it’s important for me to do what I can,” he said.

“There’s not a lot of sponsorship at my level. If you’re a junior and you’re coming up, there’s a lot more opportunities. I can get some sponsorship in the form of subsidised physio and things like that, and I did get more when I was racing fulltime.”

Working full-time as a qualified engineer, though taking time away from training, has equipped Mr Crichett with useful skills in minimising drag and perfecting aerodynamics.

Mr Critchett said, “I’ve really used my profession to support recovery, and it has given me insights into how I can better train myself because the triathlon is a very complicated format of racing with the three disciplines.”

“I studied aerodynamics and I worked in a wind tunnel, so I understand more about drag and aerodynamics than most people, including a lot of the businesses, so I can see where a lot of the products that are on sale are actually not utilising the best strategies,” he said.

“I’ve done a lot of work on my bike to try and improve flexibility and speed and I try to hold a

more aerodynamic position and put my water bottles in places that reduce drag. it’s quite interesting how I can utilise my engineering background.”

Mr Crichett’s love for triathlon racing is also driven by his fascination with exercise physiology. His training regime and diet reflect this.

“I have a blood disorder, so I can’t eat meat and I have to make sure I get enough protein so I am supplementing with a fair bit of protein powder and then I am eating the standard stuff that people vegetarians eat, like tofu and lentils,” Mr Critchett said.

Each week, Mr Critchett balances training with full-time work, completing nine training sessions, comprising three runs, three rides and three swims.

Mr Critchett said, “I’ve been plagued this year with getting ill a couple of times and I’ve got problems with vertigo, so there have been times where I’ve struggled to train, which has made it really difficult.”

“You can’t train hard if your body’s not able to absorb it so you have just got to listen to yourself, and appropriately load your body so that it can still recover properly,” he said.

Rather than his age, Mr Critchett finds the sheer commitment required by the sport the most challenging.

Mr Critchett said, “It can become so consuming and you really have to commit.”

“I also guess in terms of ageing and having longevity, I need to make sure that I can keep my body in a reasonable state well into the next couple of decades.”

Mr Critchett’s next big race is the New Zealand

2027 world championships.

“I will just move into the next age category where I will be the youngest, so it’s a really good opportunity to target that race,” he said.

“I’m not going to race unless I commit sufficiently. I have to be at least as good as I am now because it’s too big a commitment to not put myself in a good position.

“I need to talk to my physio, my coach and my

partner and I need to look at my commitments with work and try and work out how I can put a plan together to get through that period again because it’s quite difficult to just keep it all going endlessly.”

Overall, Mr Critchett’s rigorous dedication, commitment and podium achievements showcase that age truly is no obstacle so long as willpower is involved.

57-year-old Jeremy Critchett came second in the world in the 19 October World Championship Triathlon. (Supplied)

Mr Critchett trained nine times per week in preparation for the race. (Supplied)

His shiny new silver medal will accompany three other world championship golds that adorn his shelf. (Supplied)

Cricketers mourn young Ben Austin

By David Marshall

This weekend’s cricket was played under the heaviest of hearts.

The tragic passing of Ben Austin, a young cricketer from Ferntree Gully Cricket Club following a training incident, has sent shockwaves through the entire cricket community.

Ben’s loss is felt deeply by everyone who loves this game.

Before Saturday’s matches, all teams across our competition wore black armbands and observed minutes of silence to honour Ben’s memory.

Our First XI and their opponents Seville stood together in tribute, united in grief and respect.

The image of both teams standing shoulder to shoulder, serves as a powerful reminder that cricket is more than just a game – it’s a community, a family.

To Ben’s family, friends, and everyone at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club – our thoughts and deepest condolences are with you.

Rest in peace, Ben.

Wandin First XI:

In sombre circumstances, Wandin First XI delivered a strong performance to defeat Seville by six wickets at home, moving to the top of the ladder in what was an emotionally charged afternoon.

After both teams paid their respects to Ben Austin with a moving minute’s silence, Seville won the toss and elected to bat first.

What followed was a dream start for Wandin as Dan Trembath struck with his very first delivery in the second over, removing the opener with the score on just one.

It was the perfect beginning to set the tone for another disciplined bowling performance.

Two more wickets fell by the time Seville reached 64, but a steadying innings threatened to take the game away from Wandin.

Enter Hamish Lamont, who made the vital breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Jarred Carroll for 60, leaving Seville at 4/138.

From there, Wandin’s bowling unit showed the discipline that has become their trademark this season.

Dan Trembath (1/23), Jamie Oakley (1/11), and Cal Gordon (1/40) all chipped in with crucial wickets, but it was Lamont and Taylan Hall who made fast work of the tail.

Lamont finished with excellent figures of 3/22, while Hall claimed 3/29 as Seville were restricted to 9/180.

Chasing 181, Wandin’s opening pair of Bryce

Wandin and Seville mourn the passing of Ben Austin before heading into a sombre match.

(Supplied)

Edwards and Jamie Atkinson provided a solid foundation with a 54-run partnership before Atkinson departed for 18.

Eden Van Beek joined Edwards at the crease, and this partnership proved match-defining.

The pair put on approximately 80 runs, completely shifting momentum in Wandin’s favour.

Van Beek’s crucial 42 had Wandin sitting pretty at 135 before his dismissal.

Edwards continued his outstanding form, anchoring the innings with a classy 69 before falling at 150.

By then, the job was virtually done. Peter Vaughan (20*) guided Wandin home with a couple of overs to spare, sealing a six-wicket victory.

The win sees Wandin First XI sit proudly on top of the ladder – a position earned through disciplined bowling, quality batting, and the resilience to perform under the most difficult circumstances.

Wandin Second XI:

Wandin Second XI secured a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Warranwood in their oneday clash away at Warranwood chasing 180 for victory.

Wandin’s batsmen showed composure and determination to reach the target with three overs to spare.

Warranwood won the toss and elected to bat first.

The home side got off to a solid start before Jarrod Dobson struck with the first breakthrough, having Steven Pitt caught and bowled with the score on 35.

Dobson was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a masterful spell to finish with 3/25, consistently troubling the Warranwood batsmen with accurate line and length.

Opening bowler Mark Kogelman set the tone

early with a miserly seven-over spell conceding just 13 runs, building pressure that allowed the wicket-takers to strike at the other end.

Matthew O’Dwyer was the second victim, falling LBW to Dobson at 67, before Dobson claimed his third when Ben Padgham took a sharp catch to have Warranwood 3/88.

Warranwood’s middle order tried to accelerate, with Jon Charles becoming Padgham’s wicket, bowled with the score on 114.

David Thorne and Matt Polido then chipped in with crucial wickets, before Archie Brown cleaned up the tail with 1/15 from his economical spell.

Warranwood closed their innings on 7/179, setting Wandin a gettable but challenging target.

Wandin’s chase didn’t start smoothly, losing David Thorne (20) with the score on 41.

However, this brought together the match-winning partnership between fill-in captain Rick Painter and Matthew Owens.

The pair put on a commanding 107-run stand for the second wicket, transforming the game in Wandin’s favor.

Owens played the aggressor with a classy 46, while Painter anchored the innings brilliantly, accumulating steadily and punishing any loose deliveries.

When Owens fell at 148, caught by Sam Lynch off Trent Greenwood’s bowling, the game was virtually won.

The captain reached a well-deserved 62 before being run out at 175, but by then Wandin were within sight of victory.

Jarrod Dobson (22*) and Brett Warren (4*) guided the team home in the 33rd over to secure a convincing six-wicket win.

A complete team performance with disciplined bowling and composed batting sees Wandin Second XI continue their strong season form.

Two victories from two matches played – but this weekend was about so much more than cricket results.

The strength and unity shown by our entire competition in honouring Ben Austin’s memory demonstrates the true character of our cricket community.

Our First XI now lead the competition, while the Second XI continue their strong form with convincing performances in all facets of the game.

With our Third XI and women’s teams having the long weekend off, they’ll return refreshed and ready to continue their seasons.

To the Austin family and Ferntree Gully Cricket Club – you remain in our thoughts.

Lusatia remains determined amid defeat

By Leah Parker

After a tragic week for the cricket community following the untimely passing of young cricketer Ben from the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, only the senior men’s teams took to the field this week.

The club came together to support one another, honouring Ben’s memory with a moment of silence before play commenced.

The Lusatia Park First XI faced off against Eastfield at home.

Batting first, 200 plus would have been a defendable score but the First XI were bowled out for 144, Adam Dunn was the top contributor with his best innings so far this season with 48, but an unfortunate run out brought upon his dismissal while Tim Diggins made 37.

Eastfield chased down the target, securing victory in the 29th over.

Eastfield approached the chase confidently, taking advantage of some loose deliveries early on.

Lusatia Park bowlers fought hard to make inroads, picking up a couple of wickets courtesy of Adam and Angus Gelly to keep the contest alive. However, Eastfield batsmen maintained composure and steadily accumulated runs.

While the result didn’t go our way, the team showed glimpses of promise and determination.

The First XI will be eager to regroup and work on building stronger partnerships ahead of their next game against Kilsyth.

The Second XI travelled to Benson Park to take on Eastfield.

After Eastfield won the toss and sent us in to bat, the openers didn’t trouble Eastfield too much with both the Deans going early. In came young Flynn Pritchard and Matt McConnell to settle the innings, putting on a 60-run partnership.

Following on from his good knock in the T20 on Tuesday, Andy Vandervlugt came to the crease for a quick-fire 51 off 41 deliveries.

In the end, Eastfield bowled us out for 189.

The Lusatia Park bowlers struck early, with Jacob Frankovic removing the opener to set the tone.

Captain Steve Morgan led from the front, delivering a standout spell of 5/18 from his eight overs.

The bowling unit maintained relentless pressure, eventually dismissing Eastfield for 146 and

Thirds secured a memorable win

Healesville stumped by Warrandyte

By Chris Handasyde

First XI Healesvill(e 9/193) defeated by Warrandyte (7/200):

Taking on the top of the ladder Warrandyte at Queens Park, Warrandyte batted first and got off to a flyer at 0/116 off six overs.

Momentum changed when Ayrton Dehmel was hit in the jaw by a bouncer and had to retire on 69 from 54 balls.

Healesville fought back and restricted Warrandyte to 7/200 from their 40 overs.

Josh Handasyde 3/31 and Tarkyn Nicolandos 2/36 were our multiple wicket takers.

It wasn’t an ideal start to the run chase at 3/33 but Nic Zinghini 33 and Ash Hamer 66* got the innings back on track.

With 10 overs remaining we had required 56 runs with five wickets in hand.

Unfortunately we lost wickets too quickly and although Ash Hamer was in fine form, we fell short by seven runs.

Second XI Healesville (6/218) defeated by Lilydale (3/219):

This week the Twos took on Lilydale.

Winning the toss and batting, Denzel Parsons (31) got us off to a quick start but losing a few quick wickets found us 3/61.

Some big hitting from Michael Davern (76), some lovely batting from Ben Wallace (58) and a partnership of 128 and our innings finished 6/218.

Sam Drummond (2/36) started us off well again this week, unfortunately with a couple chances going down and Lilydale returning serve with some big hitting of their own.

Raff Morcrombe (1/28) got our next wicket late in the day but Lilydale passed our score three wickets down in the 38th over.

Third XI Healesville (3/178) defeated Chirnside Park (8/163):

claiming the points.

The Third XI also travelled this week to take on Warranwood.

With a mixture of youth and experience, the challenge was on for the Thirds.

The team was sent in to bat by the opposition, with Paul Broussard and Caitlyn Parker leading the team.

Runs were hard to come by; however, they persevered, putting on an opening partnership of 128 before Caitlyn was dismissed by a direct hit run out on 36.

Dan Madsen joined Paul at the crease to complete the innings with a handy 22 not out.

Paul ended up batting the entire innings and was bowled on the final delivery, setting Warranwood a target of 181.

Sharing the load among the bowling attack, Lusatia Park utilised 10 bowlers during Warranwood’s chase.

Matching his efforts with the bat, Paul Broussard bowled superbly to claim three wickets, two of which came from sharp stumpings by Bill Ahmad.

The bowlers maintained pressure throughout, but Warranwood managed to surpass our total with just two balls remaining.

The Third XI showed great composure under pressure and will be keen to carry this momentum into their next game.

All teams will be back on the park next week, including our Fourth XI side in the shortened competition.

Healesville travelled to Chirnside hoping for a strong performance in club legend Alan Pearce’s 200th game. Tyler Braden (56*) and Mark Powell (63*) responded, both scoring magnificent half centuries in the Bloods 3/178. Cooper Bell (2/17) and Grant Braden (3/24) then did the damage with the ball, securing a memorable win.

U12 Thirds - Healesville (68) defeated by Kilsyth (3/92):

Healesville’s Third U12s side lost in an even contest on Friday night against Kilsyth. Sent into bat, and missing four players, Healesville managed a competitive 68 runs with top scorers Reggie Morcombe (15 n.o.) and Alby Gotch (11).

Healesville had Kilsyth in trouble with quick wickets to Rory Jackson-Ward (2/10) and Arlo Turner (1/11), including a great catch by Angus Holmes.

Some near misses followed, and Kilsyth managed to get over the line.

Positive signs for Healesville despite the loss.

U14 Thirds - Healesville (1/157) defeated Mooroolbark (5/107):

Healesville batted first with plenty of run being scored.

Most batters retired with Daniel Shaw 26*, Mika Kerst 28*, Sam Hyndman 22*, Louis Keath 19*, Harry Thomas 17* and Ryder Hudson 16* building our score to 1/157 from 25 overs. The total was too high but a great knock from Darcy Tilney 40* helped Mooroolbark reach 5/107.

U16 Seconds - Healesville (8/133) defeated by Templeton (7/135):

Raff Morcombe 26*, Darcy English 42*, Aeden Senti 30 and 3/20.

Lusatia Park Cricket Club mourns the passing of Ben from Ferntree Gully Cricket Club. (Supplied)

Healesville

against Chirnside for Alan Pearce’s 200th game. (File)