Sky sign rejected for visual bulk, clutter
Get moving and give back this Christmas PAGE 4
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Rising to say no to violence
From lighting up Parliament House in Canberra to hundreds turning out to walk around Lillydale Lake, the Yarra Ranges community has risen to say no to gendered violence in their communities.
The launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence occurred on Tuesday 25 November, seeing the influence of an Inner Wheel Club of Wandin member reach the country’s Parliament.
Closer to home, the Walk Against Family Violence returned for a third year, with some of the region’s services banding together to help put an end to violence. See the full coverage on pages 10 and 11
Funding demands
By Mikayla van Loon
A two-month statewide campaign to secure crucial funding for Victoria’s 400 Neighbourhood Houses culminated last week, with hundreds of heartfelt postcards delivered to local Members of Parliament.
Led by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHVic), the ‘gentle petition’ demands an $11.7 million annual funding increase to avert the po-
tential closure of up to 200 essential community hubs.
Local houses, including Japara, Lilydale, Mt Evelyn, and Seville, participated, collecting signatures and powerful testimonials. Japara’s Mark Doubleday noted his house alone gathered 268 postcards, many expressing the profound value of the houses in providing everything from digital literacy and food relief to vital social connection.
Mt Evelyn coordinator Anna Griffith said houses are places people visit on their “best day, but they also come on their worst day,” highlighting their role in mental health and combating isolation. Local MPs David Hodgett and Bridget Vallence supported the push, underscoring the intangible benefits of inclusion and connection, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
Furthermore, NHVic data provides a strong fi-
nancial argument, showing every dollar of ongoing funding returns $21.94 in verified community value.
However, high inflation and rising costs mean the current funding model is insufficient. The campaign officially ends mid-December, pressing the government to include the necessary investment in the upcoming budget.
Read the full story on page 6
Fvree’s Lisa and Women’s Health East’s Avega joined the Walk Against Family Violence in Lilydale on Thursday 27 November. (Stewart Chambers: 520464)
Save the daydream for the couch.
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
Posties bite back against dog attacks
By Mikayla van Loon
Dog owners across the outer east are being urged this holiday season to secure their pets as postie safety concerns continue to rise.
Mooroolbark remains the highest-ranked suburb in Victoria for dog-related postie attacks, followed by Sunshine West and Essendon Fields.
Despite Victoria ranking fourth and far below New South Wales’ total number of incidents at 342, the 179 across the state remain a great concern for Australia Post.
More than 1190 dog-related incidents have occurred nationwide in the past six months, with growing fears these numbers will rise as deliveries surge during the busy sales and Christmas season.
This equates to 46 posties a week falling victim to dog-related attacks, averaging nine incidents per day.
Injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, scratches, and bites. In other instances, Australia Post General Manager Safety, Russell Munro said posties have been knocked off their bikes.
“We’ve had posties ending up in hospital recently, one of our posties was attacked by a dog, knocked to the ground. She received serious bite wounds to her legs, arms and chest,” he said.
“Many of our team members also suffer longterm psychological impacts. Posties need safe access to the property without being attacked,
chased, or harassed by your dog.”
Senior delivery officer Wayne Cleary said he had to have surgery after a dog bit down on his hand.
“I came upon this house, and I knew there was a dog there at this particular time. The lady was coming towards the door, so I held out my hand so I could deliver it to her, and then the dog got up and grabbed my hand,” he said.
“It wasn’t actually biting at the time, but then the lady freaked out…That’s when the dog bit down and pierced the webbing of my hand.”
One in three incidents occurs on customer property at the front door or when the postie is approaching or leaving to deliver a parcel.
A further 62 per cent occur on the street, with more than 80 per cent of those involving dogs escaping a property or roaming freely without an owner present.
A third of street incidents involved a postie being chased by a dog, highlighting the real and immediate danger faced by frontline team members.
In June, Australia Post rolled out citronella spray for all posties to carry as “a last line of defence”.
The deterrent has been effective in 90 per cent of cases, causing dogs to retreat and giving posties crucial time to get to safety, but Mr Munro said “it’s not a magic fix”.
Mr Munro said simple actions from dog own-
General
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ers can make a critical difference during the busiest delivery period of the year.
“Our Posties want to be able to deliver for our customers without fear of being attacked or chased by a dog. Regardless of breed or temperament, we urge all owners to keep their dogs safely contained when expecting deliveries,” he said.
“While the rollout of citronella spray has helped in many situations, we’re still seeing far too many cases of aggressive dog behaviour, and unfortunately, we can’t prevent all incidents from occurring.
“We’ve seen the number of cases increase over the past six months, which shows there’s still more work to be done to keep our Posties safe.”
Mr Munro said that if you’re expecting a parcel delivery for a certain day and time, ensure your dog is secured in another room or behind a gate.
He encouraged people to use the Australia Post app, as it makes it easy for people to stay up-to-date with expected delivery times and now displays a reminder about securing dogs.
Australia Post reports all dog-related incidents to local councils to ensure proper enforcement is undertaken and the risk is mitigated.
Deliveries will cease to a property or street if a postie is threatened or injured by an aggressive dog.
Prevention in the first instance is key. Australia Post advises dog owners to follow the three PAWS for delivery steps: Sit, Stay, Secure.
Truckie allegedly five times the limit
A cement truck driver is facing serious consequences after allegedly recording a breath alcohol concentration more than five times the legal limit following an incident on Monday morning, 24 November.
Police were called to Kingswood Drive, Chirnside Park, at approximately 10.40am after reports that a cement truck had struck a parked car.
Upon arrival, officers observed the 37-year-old male driver, who was reportedly stumbling and had fallen over after alighting from his vehicle. A subsequent search of the man’s lunch box revealed a halfempty bottle of Johnny Walker Red Label whisky.
The driver underwent a roadside breath test, allegedly returning a staggering breath alcohol concentration of 0.264, more than five times the prescribed legal limit.
As a result of the alleged reading, the man’s driver’s licence was immediately suspended. He is expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court soon, where he faces the prospect of a substantial licence disqualification. Lilydale Police are urging anyone who witnessed the cement truck driving prior to the incident, or who has relevant dashcam or CCTV footage, to come forward.
“This type of behaviour has no place on our roads,” said a police spokesperson.
Witnesses or those with footage are asked to contact Sergeant Konomas at the Lilydale Police Station on 9739 2300.
Overnight crime spree
Detectives from the Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) have launched an appeal for public assistance following a string of residential burglaries and vehicle crimes that occurred in the Kilsyth and Montrose areas last Saturday morning.
The crimes were committed during a narrow window, specifically between 2am and 6.30am on Saturday 22 November.
Investigators are focusing their attention on several key streets and surrounding areas, urging residents to review any surveillance footage they may possess. The targeted vicinity includes Montrose Road, Liverpool Road, Alpine Way, Sheffield Road and Cloverlea Drive.
A spokesperson for the CIU confirmed they are requesting that residents check both CCTV and dashcam footage for any suspicious persons or vehicles operating during the specified early morning hours.If you have CCTV footage, dashcam footage, or saw any suspicious individuals or vehicles in the Kilsyth/Montrose area, please contact: Lilydale Police Station on 9739 2300 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Places of last resort
Yarra Ranges Council have confirmed 19 recommended places of last resort for the 25-26 fire season.
The urban locations include:
• Lilydale Recreational Reserve area on Main Street (Maroondah Highway) opposite Hutchinson Street in Lilydale 3140
• Lilydale Lake Park (Between Car Park, Playground and Rotunda), on Swansea Road in Lilydale 3140
• Mount Evelyn Yarra Hills Secondary School Oval, bounded by Old Hereford Road, Mikado Road and Burdap Drive (Reserve access Road) in Mount Evelyn 3796
• Wandin North Reserve Oval on the Corner of Clegg Road and Warburton Highway in Wandin North 3139
• Coldstream Halley Supple Reserve Oval, Bounded by South Gateway and North Gateway Coldstream 3770
• Seville Recreational Reserve on the first oval on 20-28 Monbulk-Seville Road, in Seville 3139
Australia Post is encouraging safe and secure restraints of dogs as postie delivery season ramps up. (Supplied)
Illuminated sign rejected
An electronic promotional billboard for Chirnside Park was rejected by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal earlier this month due to its visual impact.
The application from Adspace Outdoor was initially refused by Yarra Ranges Council and upheld by Tribunal member Sarah McDonald on 13 November.
The major promotional sky sign would have been situated on East Ridge Drive. It was proposed to be a single-sided LED illuminated panel of 12 metres wide and three metres high, sitting atop a nearly nine-metre-tall pole.
Yarra Ranges Council refused the permit on grounds of “excessive visual clutter, visual
bulk, and a proliferation of signage”.
Seeking a review, the applicant argued the proposal was an “appropriate outcome” for the commercial zoning and activity centre location; would “improve the overall presentation of, and make a positive contribution to” the site; and would not dominate the skyline.
The precinct is littered with a range of signs, including a business identification pylon sign for the Chirnside Lifestyle Centre, pylon signs for McDonald’s, KFC and Taco Bell, a business identification sign for Dan Murphy’s and further identification signs within building facades.
Ms McDonald found, after visiting the site and hearing evidence at the hearing, that she could not approve the permit.
“I find that the visual impact of the sign when viewed from Maroondah Highway will contribute to excessive visual clutter and visual disorder,” her report reads.
“For this reason, I find that the proposed sign is unacceptable and that no permit should be granted.”
Ms McDonald disagreed that the electronic sign would complement or enhance the character of the area, but rather that it had “an inappropriate relationship to its setting”.
“The sign sits in a landscaped area forward of a building that is set back about 50 metres from the Maroondah Highway. While the building is a commercial building accommodating a number of premises, such as a restaurant and cafe, it is within a distinctive land-
scaped garden setting.
“Due to its location, size, and height, the proposed sign will dominate the landscape setting, including blocking views of two palm trees that are distinctive features of the landscaped garden viewed from Maroondah Highway.
“It will also draw attention away from the discrete business identification signs, which are about four metres to the north-west of the proposed sign, for the commercial premises within the building.”
The visual impact, Ms McDonald said, would only be “further accentuated at night” because of the illumination.
She said the sign was “not compatible” with the “immediate setting” and would be “an unacceptable planning outcome”.
An illuminated sky sign proposed for East Ridge Drive in Chirnside Park was rejected because of clutter and visual bulk.
(Stewart Chambers: 520893)
VCAT member Sarah McDonald said the sign would dominate the landscape setting and block views of two palm trees. (520893)
The Lifestyle Centre has multiple signs lining Maroondah Highway. (520893)
By Mikayla van Loon
Advocacy priorities set
By Callum Ludwig
Yarra Ranges Council has updated its advocacy priorities at the Tuesday 25 November council meeting.
The council updates its advocacy agenda each year, identifying key items they wish to raise with state and federal governments going forward.
O’Shannassy Ward councillor Jim Child said he thinks the proof is in the pudding.
“We’ve been down this path in regards to advocacy priorities in the past and we have been successful in the past, I think we just have to look at the advocacy priorities set for the previous year and the outcomes there,” he said.
“They’re well and truly written in the report in regards to the wins that we had out of the last federal election, but going into the future we’ve got a state election next year.
“I think we’re well and truly acquainted with these priorities and I think in today’s financial climate in regards to state and federal government, we’ve actually got to get out there, we’ve got to do the hard yards and that’s what we will be doing.”
Yarra Ranges Council’s priorities for the next two years consist of: strengthening youth services, funding for 10 safer crossings, ‘funding fairness’ for communities, sustainable transport, developing a ‘Greenprint’, funding to design and build a modern aquatic and leisure centre, affordable housing and funding for the Birrarung/Yarra River crossing on the Yarra Valley Trail project.
Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said they’ve learnt and have a wonderful team who continually remind them that a focused effort and being in unison about the things that matter most for our community now are important.
“In fact, critical if we’re actually going to get money in an environment where both state and federal government are giving us less and less money by every week, not just every year, but every week,” she said.
“I did, however, want to point out that and maybe it’s to reassure many in our community
who will look at this and go ‘Where is the thing that is most important for me that’s not on this list’, that there is a huge amount of other advocacy that we do.
“This is our core list, looking for substantial amounts of money that we need to make a difference on some really critical projects but it doesn’t mean all of those other things we aren’t still advocating for and writing to ministers and looking for results for our community.”
Some of the key asks from the Yarra Ranges priorities include:
Expanding the Mental Health & Wellbeing Local, particularly to the Upper Yarra and Yarra Valley.
Upgrading dangerous crossings in Kallista, Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Olinda, Sassafras, Seville East, Wandin North, Yarra Glen and Yarra Junction.
Restoring funding programs such as Roads for Community and the Growing Suburbs Fund while considering removals or exemptions from the Emergency Services Volunteers Levy and Windfall Gains Tax.
Review and upgrade bus services, continue upgrades of Belgrave Station and duplicate the Lilydale Line between Lilydale and Mooroolbark.
Provide $1.5 million over four years to develop and deliver ‘a strategic model to map, prioritise and reconnect fragmented habitats, restore ecological corridors and strengthen resilience’.
$1 million for a business case and then $20 million each over time from the state and federal governments for an indoor aquatic and leisure centre in the urban region.
Ask the Victorian Government to implement a new state planning provision mandating affordable housing when land is rezoned for residential
use or when large-scale housing developments are approved.
$11 million to fund and deliver the Birrarung/ Yarra River crossing of the Yarra Valley Trail project.
Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan said everyone is plainly aware these days that local government cannot do it alone.
“It’s all very well to say that you know we have a certain amount of time, that we have a particular amount of money to run a program and has always been the case for local government, particularly here at Yarra Ranges, the years I’ve been,” he said.
“It’s gone along fine for many years and we lose that seed funding or we have a change of government or we have a change of minister or someone you know has another thought bubble and we haven’t got that funding and we’re left holding the baby.
“We have so many needs and you’ll see by the advocacy list, as Cr McAllister mentioned, it’s quite long, in depth and all of these things are important and critical to Yarra Ranges.”
Some recent successes from the council’s advocacy program have included a $5.76 million allocation from the federal Thriving Suburbs Program to rebuild the pavilion at the Don Road Reserve in Healesville and an additional $3 million for the Warburton Bike Park to complete the southern network as an election commitment from the Albanese Government.
Cr Heenan said he sincerely hopes the Yarra Ranges gets a decent lot of the pie in order for their projects, programs and services to go ahead.
“State and federal governments need to understand that we can’t just stand there like a young child begging for lollies when we need tens of millions if not hundreds of millions of dollars in the future in order to maintain all of what we have here in Yarra Ranges,” he said.
“We have a very, very big shire, the fifth largest in the state of Victoria, which means that we should be looked at much more favourably by both sides of politics.”
Funding to replace the Kilsyth Centenary Pool with a modern facility is a key advocacy item for Yarra Ranges Council. (File)
Fight on for funding
By Mikayla van Loon
A push to keep the doors open at neighbourhood houses across the state has reached its final days, seeing hundreds of postcards posted locally to form a gentle petition for more funding.
The two-month campaign, led by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, was calling on the State Government to increase annual funding by $11.7 million or risk the closure of 200 houses.
Throughout the network of 400 neighbourhood houses in Victoria, community members were encouraged to sign a postcard and write a message about the importance of their house.
Japara Neighbourhood House in Kilsyth, and Lilydale, Mt Evelyn and Seville Community Houses all joined the campaign, dropping off the collected postcards to local MPs on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November.
“In two weeks, Japara has collected 268 funding campaign postcards, the majority with incredible comments expressing how much their local neighbourhood house means to them in practical and meaningful ways,” Japara chairperson and executive director Mark Doubleday said.
Just some of the messages included:
“Many times I received support when needed, I have made great friendships and I also volunteer at my neighbourhood house. Neighbourhood houses are urgently needed.”
“It’s close to where I live, which enables me to participate with other locals in activities that keep me healthy. It’s a lovely space to stay connected.”
“To connect with community it’s great for mental health in this tough climate.”
“As a migrant to Australia, I truly value community activities. They make my life feel grounded, supported and joyful. Thank you.”
Mr Doubleday said neighbourhood houses provide a range of programs and services addressing everything from digital literacy to supporting disengaged youth, food security and emergency management and resilience.
Mt Evelyn Community House program coordinator Anna Griffith said the houses keep communities connected and are a place where they can drop in to feel less isolated.
“People come on their best day, but they also come on their worst day,” she said.
“Day to day, having those small groups that get to meet and get to share their life together, is so special,” Seville Community House manager Stacie Adams said.
But more than that, neighbourhood houses are proven to turn every dollar raised into measurable and positive community benefits.
“For Japara in 2024 locally, for every $1 raised as income, we have turned that into $4.60 of verified community value or a total of $3.5 million across our services and programs,” Mr Double-
day said.
“Every neighbourhood house would have similar community benefit numbers and community value.”
Neighbourhood Houses Victoria’s data shows just that, with every $1 of ongoing funding returning $21.94 in community value.
“It’s a ‘safe bet’ for the government to increase funding to neighbourhood houses; the funds are turned into value-added services backed by a huge voluntary commitment from boards of management to volunteers in services,” Mr Doubleday said.
“To keep providing this value, we need more support to keep our doors open.”
Unfortunately, with inflation increases and the cost of bills, Ms Adams said the 80/20 funding model, with 80 per cent of the funding intended to cover manager wages and 20 per cent to provide operational funding, no longer suffices.
The Yarra Ranges is home to 12 neighbourhood houses, and Councillor Len Cox said community houses are “one of the most important centres for the community” and “it just does so much good for so many people and and we do need it badly”.
In the Croydon electoral district, there are six houses. Data collected from a 2024 survey of nearly 29,000 respondents showed that in the Croydon district, 54,588 visits occurred at a neighbourhood house, 6335 sessions held, 33,336 kilograms of food relief given, and $17 million of community value provided.
Croydon MP David Hodgett said at the handover of postcards on 27 November that he has seen firsthand the benefits that neighbourhood houses deliver to a local community.
“It’s not just a programme of activities and events and classes. You talk to people about their experience in neighbourhood houses, and it’s the inclusion, it’s the connectedness, it’s the wellbeing, mental health, that are intangible things (for why) people congregate and come here,” he said.
“Like everything else, it costs to run them. Costs are going up. Budgets don’t keep up with
Victoria part of the trend
By Mikayla van Loon
The selection of a female to lead the Victorian Liberal Party into 2026, an election, and hopefullybeyond,hasbeenwelcomedasapositive step by the leading advocacy body Women for Election (WFE).
WFE chief executive officer Licia Heath said Jess Wilson’s appointment as party leader was both positive “for the party and also for political representation more broadly”.
“Plus, the fact that she’s under 40 is also a great demonstration of the capability of, and need for, younger politicians in Australia,” she said.
Ms Heath did note, however, that while having two female leaders was something new for Victoria, other states and territories reached the milestone much faster.
Five years ago, Queensland’s Labor and Liberal parties were led by Anastasia Palaszczuk and Deb Frecklington, respectively, during the state election.
In 2021, New South Wales followed suit, with Gladys Berejiklian and Jodi McKay as party leaders.
Last year, both major parties in the Northern Territory were also led by women, being Lia Finocchiaro for the Country Liberal Party and Eva Lawler for the Territory Labor Party.
“The more women we see in politics, and withinleadershippositionswithinpolitics,the more it’s normalised. I can’t wait for the day when our federal leaders are all women,” Ms Heath said.
those costs, and we’ve got a campaign here to try and get a fair increase in funding.”
Mr Hodgett congratulated Japara and the broader neighbourhood house network for their approach to this campaign.
“It’s a non-offensive campaign…I think a postcard campaign is terrific. And as Mark was saying, there’s potential across Victoria for 40,000 plus postcards to the minister,” he said.
“That’s a nice, firm, but gentle way of getting the message through to the Minister to say, we need assistance and greater funding.”
In the Evelyn district in 2024, across Lilydale, Mt Evelyn and Seville, there were 8500 visits to one of the three houses, 1741 sessions held, 600 kilograms of food relief provided and $1.1 million in community value.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence said you can’t put a dollar value on community houses because of the invaluable range of services they provide.
“We know that community houses provide programmes and services and support to our youngest people, babies through to our most experienced members of our community,” she said on Friday 28 November.
“It offers a safe place for people to come and connect, to make new connections, to get the support that they need. They might be isolated, and there’s a programme that suits their needs.”
Ms Vallence said the pandemic really highlighted the prevalence of community houses and their need to ensure people remained connected.
“The Covid pandemic years really highlighted to us the immense value of community houses, because that was when people were in a period of stress, with concerns about the health pandemic, in lockdowns, and community houses demonstrated how nimble they were to keep people connected by going online.
“It really demonstrated that social connection is at the heart of community houses, and that is exactly what they are so good at.”
The campaign officially ends in mid-December, with all postcards to be delivered to Minister Ros Spence, giving the government and local MPs time to put forward a budget bid.
As more women join and are more present in the Australian political landscape, Ms Heath said “acceptance of female party leaders has improved and become normalised”.
But she did say that more women from diverse backgrounds and communities were needed in all levels of government to have a truly representative system.
“That greater representation of women is still needed, particularly for women from politically under-represented communities such as First Nations communities and women from diverse multicultural backgrounds,” she said.
And despite the progress Australia has made both nationally and internationally as a leading example of empowering women to join the political sphere, Ms Heath said the country still falls short in some aspects.
“There’s no question that women are still judged more harshly than their male counterpartsinpolitics(andinallotherrolesaswell),” she said.
“Butthehighervisibilityofpolitics,andthe presence of media commentary, means that women still receive ridiculous commentary relating to their appearance or their family life.”
Ms Heath does believe “the public are getting better at calling this out” when they see or hear it but one of the major reasons women don’t run for election is because of online harassment and safety.
As both an advocacy platform and a training ground for women to pursue politics at all levels, Ms Heath said a far too common issue raised by the Women for Election community is online abuse.
“Whilst the office of the E-safety commissioner is doing extensive work on curtailing online harassment, we want to see harsher penalties and greater consequences for perpetrators of online trolling, so that women feel empowered to run for public office and serve their communities,” she said.
A little under a year away from a state election, Ms Heath encouraged women to join a WFE event across Victoria in early 2026.
The events are designed to “inspire and equip”womentoruninthestateelection,and look ahead to federal and local government elections. “I’d encourage readers to visit our webpage and register for the events or share with a woman you would like to see run in the future. “Our events are open to all women, whether they want to be a future candidate, or perhaps just want to understand more about Australia’ political process.”
To find out more, visit: wfe.org.au/events/
Japara chairperson Mark Doubleday, Croydon MP David Hodgett, Jenny, Cr Len Cox and Robyn at the handover of 268 signed postcards. (Stewart Chambers: 517368)
Croydon MP David Hodgett and Cr Len Cox signing a postcard themselves. (517368)
Seville house manager Stacie Adams, Mt Evelyn house program coordinator Anna Griffith, Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence and Lilydale house manager Suyin Chan handing over the postcards on 28 November. (Mikayla van Loon: 521024)
Using pilates for a cause
By Mikayla Van Loon
After driving past a couple living in their car all throughout winter, pilates instructor Vicky Kamakaris decided she could use her platform for good.
Having trained and taught Stable One chief executive officer Katherine Kirkwood pilates for nine years, Ms Kamakaris said after a brief conversation three weeks ago, an event was in motion.
“It was just in my heart. And earlier in the year, I’d run a mat Pilates for Parkinson’s and people said, ‘Whatever you run, we will come to’,” she said.
“So I just thought, I need to use this for the good. And I just wanted to raise $1000.”
Within one class, Ms Kirkwood and Ms Kamakaris had most of the details decided, and The Hundred for the Homeless came to life, scheduled for Saturday 13 December from 10am to 12pm at the Lilydale Baptist Church.
For Stable One, which launched an end-ofyear $20,000 fundraising campaign at the start of November, Ms Kirkwood said the pilates event would make a huge difference to both the finances but also exposure.
“What I’m most excited about, apart from the financial impact, and that’s really good, but also raising the profile, not just of Stable One, but of the need in our community,” Ms Kirkwood said.
“Very few people know that there’s no crisis combination in the Yarra Valley. So it’s a huge problem. It’s quite hidden out here because there’s a lot of space for people to go and camp in the bush or what have you.
“The more we can do to raise awareness for our Yarra Valley Winter Shelter, we are definitely looking for more volunteers. We have some wonderful volunteers, but the average age of our volunteers is 70-plus, so we need some young blood. We need to keep the programme sustainable. So this is really great to raise awareness among a dif-
ferent cohort.”
A volunteer at Stable One is also a client of Ms Kamakaris, and she very generously spoke at the end of one of the classes, highlighting the ease with which people these days might experience homelessness.
“What came out of that for us was that it’s not just ‘other people’. It can be you. It can be me,” Ms Kamakaris said.
“Raising awareness that it’s not just someone who’s drug or alcohol addicted, it could be just that things just start to go wrong, especially with the spiralling economy.”
The importance, Ms Kirkwood said, of places like the Winter Shelter is early intervention for people who have never experienced homelessness before, and don’t know where to turn.
“We had a guy last year, who did not fit the mould of and the stereotype of a homeless person. I say that in inverted commas, because we like to say people, a person experiencing homelessness.
“With the winter shelter, what that did for him was it stopped the spiral, because he had just suddenly found himself homeless. He’d never been homeless before. He was in his late 50s, and suddenly, he was on the street. He had no other option, and he spent two nights on the street, terrified, in shock.”
Through the support of the Winter Shelter, he was able to find accommodation.
Understanding that “we can’t help everyone, we can’t solve homelessness”, Ms Kirkwood said every dollar raised just ensures that immediate
help is available to people.
Tickets to The Hundred for the Homeless are $30, with morning tea supplied and all proceeds going to Stable One’s Make Room this Christmas appeal.
Hear from Ms Kirkwood on the day and join in the fun of a mat pilates session. For those who are unable to take part in pilates, you are welcome to attend and watch or just arrive for morning tea. It’s BYO mat, although the floor is carpeted, should you not have one available.
Lilydale Baptist Church is located on the corner of Hull and Swansea Roads in Lilydale.
To register for the event, go to: trybooking. com/events/landing/1500513
To donate directly to Stable One’s appeal, visit: stableone.org/donate/
Stable One chief executive officer Katherine Kirkwood and pilates instructor Vicky Kamakaris. (Stewart Chambers: 519017)
Warmth from Australia
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Based in the Dandenong Ranges, the Australian Crafters’ Aid Network (ACAN) is a group of knitters who collect and distribute hand-crafted items to bring warmth and comfort to children affected by the war in Ukraine.
ACAN, which works in partnership with Good Neighbours Australia (GNA), an organisation that ships a container of aid to Ukraine every year, has been sending ACAN’S hand-knitted clothing, toys, and personal cards to children facing the unfortunate fate of war.
Tecoma resident and one of ACAN’s five moderators, Jennifer O’Brien said the organisation began in 2019, when they initially sent garments to Syrian refugees.
“We met online through Ravelry, the worldwide knitters’ website, and decided to form a group of Australian charity knitters,” O’Brien said.
“Over time, we found a sustainable partnership with Good Neighbours Australia, who send containers to Ukraine where the goods are distributed to orphanages and families who are struggling, and just two weeks ago, we shipped off our 12 months’ worth of donations to Sydney, and they’ll be sent from there to Ukraine.”
This year, ACAN’s 2025 campaign shipped 741 sets of clothing, a significant increase from 412 sets in 2024.
Each set typically includes a jumper, hat, mittens, socks, toy, and a handmade card.
“Initially it was adults, mostly women, knitting and crocheting and sewing garments, and we would pack them into sets, each for a particular age group, but some of us were making our own cards, and we thought it would be lovely to have school children involved,” O’Brien said.
“We have visited local schools and Girl Guide meetings, giving the children a short talk about the plight of the people in Ukraine and the impact of the war. We then invited them to make cards, and some of the older children even used Google Translate to write their messages in Ukrainian.
The messages on the back of each card are often in English, Ukrainian, or both.”
“It is deeply rewarding, because when we receive photos from Ukraine of a child holding the set they received, we can see exactly who made the garments, cards, and toys, and the experience creates a powerful sense of connection and achievement for everyone involved.”
At Mater Christi College in Belgrave, students have enthusiastically embraced the project supporting children in Ukraine.
The college’s social justice coordinator, Con Sarris, said a central part of the ethos of the college, inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan, is to recognise and respond to areas of need in social justice.
“Jenny O’Brien from ACAN approached me last year to see if any of our students would like to
participate in the project,” Sarris said.
“She presented to our Year 11/12 Catholic Action Program, and our students immediately embraced the idea, creating cards with Australian imagery to accompany the knitted outfits sent overseas. The cards were designed as heartfelt gestures of love and solidarity for the children.”
Students also attempted to knit teddy bears, and when this proved challenging, O’Brien provided a template to create stuffed felt bears.
Sarris said workshops were then run with Year 9 students as part of their Service in Action program.
“The students thoroughly enjoyed the process and produced an impressive number of bears and cards,” he said.
He said projects like this give students a deeper understanding of the impact of their efforts.
“When students are engaged in a project with tangible outcomes, guided by the passion and commitment of someone like Ms O’Brien, they truly connect with the purpose of their actions and understand the significance of doing good works,” Sarris said.
O’Brien said the community-building aspect of ACAN is especially important for elderly knit-
Joyous Christmas catch-up for Probus club
By Mikayla van Loon
It was a joyous celebration as the Lilydale Probus Club came together for its end-of-year Christmas lunch on Thursday 27 November.
The gathering of 60 members at the Chirnside Park Country Club was a fabulous turn-out for the 80-member strong club.
Unfortunately, Probus Clubs across the Yarra Ranges are becoming few and far between, with many either already folded or about to.
One of the activities organisers, Margaret Monk, said with people not retiring until much later and with so many other clubs and activities around, it can be challenging to find members.
“Finding new members takes work but finding new members who are prepared to take on official positions to keep a club running is very difficult to source,” she said.
Throughout the year, Probus Clubs organise get togethers, walks, lunches and weekends away trying to give every member an option to join in.
“On a regular basis we have activities and it might be just something like going for a walk and then to a cafe,” secretary Bill Sutherland told Star Mail in October 2024.
“It’s a connection that a person can have with a community without it being intense. It can be social, fun, whatever they want to make it.”
As a non-fundraising organisation, Probus is designed purely as a social club to give retirees a sense of belonging and connection when they disconnect from working life.
For more information about the Probus Club of Lilydale, visit lilydaleprobus.club or contact probuslilydale@outlook.com
ters, who might otherwise experience isolation.
“We support local knitting groups, many of whom are elderly and sometimes housebound,” O’Brien said.
“A grant from a Croydon-Mooroolbark Lions’ Club has enabled us to provide knitters with pure wool yarn, which is essential in the European winter because wool retains warmth even when wet, is fire retardant, and far warmer than acrylic yarn.”
“When someone creates a jumper, hat, mittens, toy, or socks and sees them become part of a set for a child, they feel connected to something larger than themselves.”
“This provides a genuine sense of community and inspires more people to continue contributing.”
ACAN’s operations are based in the Dandenong Ranges, where members meet regularly at Belgrave Library for knitting and packing sessions.
Beyond the work for Ukraine, the organisation also maintains a permanent campaign sending handmade clothing and baby blankets for newborns and mothers in the remote Papua New Guinea highlands, via the Melbourne-based humanitarian organisation, the Highlands Foundation.
O’Brien said the group hopes to continue growing.
“We’ve just shipped the 2025 donations, and people are already knitting for the 2026 shipment. We want to attract more knitters, crocheters, and volunteers to join us, either in person at our local groups or by sending their creations from anywhere in Australia. It’s a slow, continued growth, and the rewards are enormous - for both the children who receive the items and the people who make them,” she said.
Interested? Find more information on their Facebook page under the name Australian Crafters Aid Network (www.facebook.com/p/Australian-Crafters-Aid-Network-100083418618005/) or contact the Belgrave Library.
Lilydale Probus Club president Karen Kearney, and activities organisers Margaret Monk and Rhonda Stone at the end-of-year Christmas lunch. (Stewart Chambers: 520618)
Jim donning his Christmas hat. (520618)
The joyous occasion saw many laughs and smiles, as members, like Linda, got together. (520618)
Pauline and Stuart Brown dined with their friends. (520618)
The lunch was hosted at Chirnside Park Country Club. (520618)
Mater Christi College students crafted bears and cards for Ukrainian children (L-R): Charlotte, Audrey, and Marissa. (Supplied)
Four local knitters with a visiting Tasmanian ACAN member at Earthly Pleasures in Belgrave: Glenis, Helen, Joyce, Jen, and Geraldine. Knitted toys ready for distribution. A set of knitted items for Ukrainian children.
91-year-old Emmy from Belgrave South with some of her knitted clothing.
A Ukrainian child is holding a set of handmade clothing and a card created by a Mater Christi student, as part of last year’s ACAN distribution to Ukraine.
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM
Unite and grow together
Access Health and Community (AccessHC) is proud to support this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign from 25 November to 10 December. The 16 Days of Activism is a global movement that raises awareness and inspires action to end gender-based violence and inequality.
This important campaign encourages everyone to call out harmful gender stereotypes and helps build a safer, more equal society for all. In Australia, statistics remind us why this work matters, with one in four women and one in 14 men experiencing violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15. Too often, violence begins with disrespect.
AccessHC has created an initiative called United We Grow. Like growing a tree, meaningful change takes time, trust and the right environment. Together, people can nurture conversations that promote respect among friends, families and communities – creating safe, supportive spaces where everyone can thrive.
“We invite all members of the community to visit one of our Unite trees during the campaign and attach a leaf sharing what respect, unity or kindness means to them,” AccessHC senior health promotion officer Megan McInerney said.
“Blank leaves and leaves with prompts will be available alongside the trees. For our younger community members, these reflections may be in the form of a picture.”
For those unable to visit the trees onsite but still wanting to participate, an online link has been created for the community to share their thoughts. The link is available on the website accesshc.org.au, search for ‘16 Days of Activism’.
The Unite Trees, crafted in partnership with Mt Evelyn Men’s Shed, will be on display from 20 November through to 15 December at The Belgrave Hub, Lilydale Library and Mt Evelyn Community House.
“As the campaign unfolds, we would love these trees to evolve and blossom into interactive displays of community storytelling and connection,” Ms McInerney said.
United We Grow is proudly supported by a Yarra Ranges Council grant.
Join AccessHC this 16 Days of Activism. United, we are stronger!
For further information, visit accesshc.org.au or contact healthpromotion@accesshc.org.au
Inspiro is delivered by Access Health and Community.
The power of sharing
By Oliver Winn
Thanks to the courage of an Inner Wheel Club of Wandin member, the Parliament House in Canberra was illuminated in orange on 25 November to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
When Maree Budweg wrote a letter sharing her experience with abuse as a child, she had no idea of the impact it’d have on hundreds of other women in the Inner Wheel community.
She sent the letter to International Inner Wheel president Kay Morland in October and it’d eventually be shared by the International Inner Wheel Committee during the global UN Womenled campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
“Whilst I was sitting up in bed with a cuppa, reading a hard copy of the International Inner Wheel newsletter, November 30, 2007, little did I know how this article I was reading back then… would change my direction in life,” Ms Budweg said in a speech on 18 October.
The newsletter covered a program led by an Italian Inner Wheel club called Unspoken Words, which centred around the secretive shame and burden carried by women who’ve suffered abuse as a child.
“My reaction was, ‘Oh my god.’ My eyes filled with tears. This is me,” she said.
Ms Budweg’s act, along with the advocacy of the Inner Wheel Club of Wandin, led to Parliament House in Canberra being illuminated in orange to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November.
The club’s advocacy continues as Australia participates in the global UN Women-led campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
On 2 December, the Inner Wheel Club of Wandin will hold a lunch to spread awareness about gendered violence and raise funds for Benwerren, a retreat for women in Yarra Junction. Contact iiw.au.wandin@gmail.com for more information.
The newsletter was a catalyst for Ms Budweg, and she shared her unspoken words with others, beginning a healing process she’d denied herself out of the shame associated with her past trauma.
Inner Wheel Club of Wandin president Jill Lloyd said the International Inner Wheel Committee thought Ms Budweg’s letter was of high significance and should be shared with the broader Inner Wheel community.
“I was very proud of Maree for speaking up because it wasn’t her intention. She sent a little letter to our international president, who lives in Berwick, and she picked it up.
“The impact of that led on to it being shared with the International Inner Wheel Committee, who were coordinating it. They decided they needed to release the story internationally, and that’s pretty significant,” Ms Lloyd said.
The 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence campaign is a reminder of a terrible reality lived by far too many women in Australia and around the world.
Parliament House in Canberra lit up on 25 November. (Supplied)
The statistics themselves couldn’t be more upfront in showing this: In Australia, one in four women (2.3 million) have experienced at least one incident of violence by an intimate partner, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Personal Safety survey.
On average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner, and men are more commonly the perpetrators of physical violence, sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Federal member for Casey Aaron Violi, who helped push for the Inner Wheel Club of Wandin’s request to have Parliament House glow orange, spoke in Parliament on the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and called on men to call out inappropriate behaviour.
“The reason I’m standing here to speak is that it is not just the women of this parliament and the women of Australia who have a role to play. The leaders of the country, the men in this place and the men in communities have a role to play.
“We need to call out any inappropriate behaviour made by our friends, our colleagues and our workmates. We need to make sure that all men understand that violence is not acceptable in any circumstance,” Mr Violi said.
Ms Lloyd said it was essential for men to speak up against others who show disrespectful behaviour against women.
“If they don’t speak up when they see their footy mates or whoever they are, speaking disrespectfully to women, it will always continue.”
Meanwhile, Ms Lloyd noted how it’s crucial for women to share their experiences with one another and rely on the support available to them.
“Women do carry that shame for years and I think it’s really important that we share our stories and encourage others.
“It’s ok to go and seek help for it - a burden shared is a burden halved.”
Mum’s rock for activism
By Tanya Steele
Mums of the Hills Inc (MOTHS) turned up the volume on gender equality at the Director’s Cut Premiere of their MOTHer ROCKers Documentary on Sunday 30 November.
The MOTHs community gathered in Belgrave to share moments and reflections on the formation of an all Mum-rock band that came together to rock out at the Sooki Lounge earlier that year for the Parents Battle of the Bands.
“I can see a lot of familiar friends and family in the audience who understand just how much this band has really meant to us,” said MOTHs founder Belinda Young on the day.
The Cameo in Belgrave hosted the film screening event with MOTHS as part of the global movement for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Giving thanks to a Yarra Ranges Council Grant and the screening opened with a joint statement on the prevention of family violence, with Mums of the Hills partnering with Single Mums of the Hills and Mountain Men.
The trio of community groups released the statement earlier this year and has partnered with local sporting clubs in the hills to tackle the big issue.
“Partner violence is not just a private issue. It’s a community crisis — and our area is not immune,” the statement reads on the Mums of the Hills website.
“Partner violence is when one partner physically, emotionally, psychologically, mentally and/or financially abuses the other. It can happen in any type of relationship — married, de facto, dating, separated or divorced.”
Turning to stereotypes, Ms Young said before the screening that the problem with family violence and partner violence is that it’s hushhush.
“You see something that just isn’t right, but you turn a blind eye because you don’t want to intrude – but we need to call it out as a community, as a village together,” she said.
“We need to say that it’s not okay, we need to break down the gender stereotypes.”
Ms Young said that MOTHs is also excited to announce that they raised $1254 at the Parents
Battle of the Bands (PBOB) event on July 31.
PBOB is an Australian Registered Charity that uses the power of music to build community, strengthen social connections, and support well-being. As part of its mission, PBOB redistributes event proceeds to the music and performing arts programs of public primary schools.
“The funds raised by MOTHs will be directed in this way, supporting our local schools and their creative program,’ she said.
The documentary was filmed by Dr Robyn Mansfield and edited by Damien Rundell and captures the story behind local mums picking up instruments and claiming back some of the space that had been taken up by motherhood.
Ms Mansfield said at the premiere that being part of the band compelled her to tell the stories of the Mother ROCKers.
“This was not just a rock band; this was so much more, not only for them, but for their families,” she said.
“We’re proving that mums can be the band,” said Ms Young.
“We can use a chainsaw, we can play cricket, we can play football, we can be anything we want to be,” she said.
“By breaking down those stereotypes, we hope to help our sons, our daughters, realise our worth in the community, and therefore change the culture for generations to come.”
Some of the MOTHer ROCKers dressed to impress at the Sunday film premiere. (Tanya Steele)
The director’s cut documentary was filmed by Dr Robyn Mansfield and edited by Damien Rundell, pictured here with Janna Taylor at the premiere.
Lilydale Library’s Children’s Librarian Sharon said the United We Grow initiative has been well received by adults and children alike. (Stewart Chambers: 518248)
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM
Strong crowd turns out to show support
By Callum Ludwig
Supporters gathered at Lillydale Lake on Thursday 27 November for the third annual Walk Against Family Violence.
Aligned with the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and run by the Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS), a great turnout gathered for the walk just as the rain cleared and the sun started shining.
Aunty Julie Coombes started the day’s proceedings with a Welcome to Country and also said honoured to be there as a First Nations woman and as a family violence advocate.
“We stand as one in solidarity with victim-survivors, this walk is not only about raising awareness, it is about building a community that is safe for all, where everyone is treated equally and with respect,” she said.
“Violence can be prevented if we choose to change the culture, educate mindsets and shift the attitudes and behaviours that allow it to continue, we need advocacy for stronger laws which can help ensure the person choosing violence is held accountable to the survivors, to the community and to themselves, and this includes programs to affect permanent positive changes.
“Today is a time to put our thinking caps on and look into the gaps we have in our systems and how what we can do for better outcomes, the Walk Against Family Violence is a significant event for us all as we continue striving for a Victoria and Australia free from family violence.”
A smoking ceremony was next, started by Chris Hume, who invited elders to smoke themselves before all attendees took the time to waft
themselves with smoke.
Mr Hume said as a young man himself, he had been both a victim and a perpetrator of family violence.
“It all came around from disconnecting myself from culture, disconnecting myself from community… I was looking for connection and belonging and I found it with drugs and alcohol, and unfortunately that was no way to fix the issues that was going on within my body, my soul and my head,” he said.
“The connection that brought me back to who I am today has been a good 10, 15 years now, where I’ve actually brought myself back to the point where I’m able to be a role model in community, I understand the way we speak to people, the way we speak to our family, the way we speak to our children, the way we speak to our loved ones, can be hard sometimes because we got these emotions going on in our head and sometimes we speak those words that we don’t mean to speak.
“We need to fix ourselves as Aboriginal men to be strong role models for our young children, when we’ve got strong men in community, we have strong families, once we’ve got strong families in community, we will have a strong community.”
MC for the event Steve led the walk around the lake, with periodic stops to discuss the issue of gender-based and family violence and to invite speakers from local groups and organisations.
Steve said this year’s campaign is focused on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse, which is digital violence against women and girls, including anything from a post on Facebook to using AI technology to degrade women.
Council join thousands
Yarra Ranges Council staff have joined the community and government representatives in the 2025 Walk Against Family Violence.
The council is also participating in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, sharing messaging in the community asking people to call out sexist behaviours and attitudes, and help to end gender-based violence.
OnFriday28November,councilstafftook part in the march in Melbourne, alongside people from the community, services and government agencies, united under the message that violence against women is never acceptable.
YarraRangesCouncilMayor,RichardHiggins, said that there were few issues more importantthanendingviolenceagainstwomen.
“Every week, a woman in Australia is killed by a current or former partner. Every week, a person with their own story, their own hopes and dreams, goals and experiences, is taken away by someone who should care about their wellbeing,” Cr Higgins said.
“We can all say that we wouldn’t hurt someone we love, but simply not being part of the problem isn’t enough. We all need to be better at calling out sexist behaviour, at pulling up our mates, or people we see disrespecting women. Because we know that all violence starts with disrespect, and stepping in could help put someone on a better course, save someone’s life.
“I’m proud of the Council staff that joined in the Walk Against Family Violence, and that we as an organisation stand against violence against women. We need everyone to stand up for this issue, and I’m proud that we have passionate advocates at Council.
“Through the 16 Days of Activism, we’ve been gathering donations of items from staff to pass on to family violence relief services and families doing it tough.
“We’re sharing the 16 Days of Activism message, and hosting staff events to discuss them in detail.
“When I was a school kid, I thought violence was just an act in the school ground when it became fisticuffs, when it ended up being violent physically, but it can be any controlling behaviour,” he said.
“I’m a father and I know what it is to control your children and to do it right and to do it wrong, to get it right, I’ve got a loving wife and I’m blessed to have a beautiful wife that I have not always treated well, so I’ve been a perpetrator of it and I’ve also seen growing up how it’s been showcased to me and I’ve exampled that.
“I’ve had to learn to name violence more than just being a physical act, I’ve had to learn that anyone who suffers intimidation in my presence is an act of violence… and digital violence is also one that is very real for many, many people.”
Alongside community members were representatives from St John’s Ambulance, Ngwala Willumbong, BWAHS, Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency, Anglicare, Women’s Health East, Eastern Health, Eastern Community Legal Centre, Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, Yarra Valley Water, Migrant Information Centre, FVREE and Access Health and Community were among the attendees.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence runs annually from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day. 2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a resolution adopted by the United Nations at the end of the Fourth World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995, a progressive plan to support the rights of women and girls which was signed by 189 countries.
“I hope that people in the community can take a moment to discuss with their friends, their families and their children, why it’s important to respect women – and in particular what actions we can take, rather than just being aware of the issue.”
Through its monthly grants program, a number of community projects have been funded through the 16 Days of Activism, including:
The Walk Against Family Violence at Lillydale Lake on 27 November, hosted by Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service. This event was run in partnership with a number of community groups, emergency, government and family violence response agencies.
A movie screening hosted by Mums of the Hills Inc, about an all-mum Yarra Ranges rock band, challenging gender stereotypes and empowering women through music and connection.
A project by Access Health and Community,partneringwiththeMountEvelynMen’s Shed to create Unite Trees – focal points for conversation in Lilydale, Mount Evelyn and Belgrave through November and December.
The 16 Days of Activism runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until Human Rights Day on 10 December.
We will display banner pole messages at key locations in the Yarra Ranges with the 16 Days of Activism message and a link to more information.
To find out more, visit yarraranges.vic.gov. au/16days
Chris Hume starts the smoking ceremony. (Callum Ludwig: 520858)
Elders smoke themselves. (Callum Ludwig: 520858)
Many banners were out and proudly held. (Callum Ludwig: 520858) Walkers on the move. (Callum Ludwig: 520858)
Yarra Ranges Council staff participated in the 2025 Walk Against Family Violence in Melbourne. (Supplied)
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
All female dental clinic
Valley Dental Family Clinic is an all female clinic based in Lilydale.
The clinic is owned by Dr Rupali Prabhu and Dr Sonali Prabhu.
Rupali graduated from dental school in 1999. She has worked in private and public community clinics both in, and around Melbourne. She has also lived out of the city, spending a period of time in Benalla in rural Victoria.
Rupali is passionate about providing high quality dental care and takes pleasure in sharing a story and a laugh with her patients. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and always strives to provide dental treatment in a relaxing and comfortable environment.
Rupali believes her practice and approach to dentistry creates an experience that will change your notion of what a trip to the dentist is. Outside of work she loves to spend time with family and her young children, sharing her passion for reading and travelling with them at every opportunity.
Sonali graduated from dental school in 2003. She has worked as a dentist in both community and private practices. She has also worked various roles within the dental industry. Sonali believes that your mouth is the gateway to better wellbeing, and that a great healthy smile will leave a great lasting impression on people.
Sonali loves interacting with patients and ensuring they are comfortable and at-ease. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry. She particularly loves working with older clients. In her spare time, she loves cooking delicious Indian dishes and enjoying time with her family and friends.
The third dentist joined the Valley Dental team two years ago and has been an integral part of the team ever since. With over 10 years of experience, Merhaz believes that world-class dentistry should be delivered to each and every patient. Mehraz has a keen interest in aesthetic dentistry and is studying a certificate of Cosmetic Dentistry to introduce lip and cheek fillers to the clinic for our Valley Dental patients.
Rupali said being an all-female team patients were treated with care and compassion.
“Staff
dentist,“ she said.
veneers.
Come see the team at Yarra Valley Dental. (Supplied)
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Don’t neglect your hearing
With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to relax, binge our favourite TV shows and catch up with family and friends. The holiday season can also present challenges for people struggling with hearing loss and hearing devices.
Tips for preparing for the holiday season if you have hearing aids:
If you notice your hearing aids are not working to their full potential, you might need to contact your audiologist for support prior to the holiday season.
Audiological services are limited over the holidays, so plan ahead as fully working aids will make you feel more confident to enjoy time with your loved ones.
As well as continuing your daily cleaning routine, get checked for earwax. If your earmold is a good fit and has recently started to produce feedback, it could be an early sign of earwax buildup. You can book to get your earwax removed at Hearsmart before the holiday season starts.
Five tips for the holiday season:
1. Stock up on batteries before the holiday season
2. Always carry spare hearing aid batteries
3. Continue with your daily cleaning routine
4. Make sure to pack your charger and cable if you have rechargeable hearing devices
5. Check that your phone is updated and paired to the hearing devices.
If you or your loved one is struggling with hearing loss, contact your local independent Hearsmart Hearing Solutions today to schedule a hearing test and evaluation.
Don’t let this holiday season pass you by! Hearsmart Hearing Solutions
321 Main Street, Lilydale, 3140 – Call Shipra and her team on 1300 787 792 If
Conveniently located in Lilydale & Mount Evelyn main streets and family-friendly, our clinics offer expert care from trusted GPs and specialists, all under one roof.
Summer’s here — protect your skin! Quick, expert skin checks close to home. Book online or Call Lilydale Doctors Look Good, Feel Great: Our clinic also offers a range of cosmetic treatments, including anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. Whether you’re looking to refresh your appearance or reduce the signs of aging, our experienced cosmetic doctors are here to help you feel confident in your skin.
Specialist Care Close to Home
We’re proud to offer access to a wide range of visiting specialists, making it easier than ever to get the care you need:
Celebrating volunteers
By Gabriella Vukman
Friday 5 December marks International Volunteer Day, a celebration and recognition of the integral work and efforts of volunteers across the globe.
3.3 million Victorians volunteer in their community, contributing over 732 million voluntary hours collectively per year.
When it comes to building a sense of community through volunteerism, the Yarra Ranges is no exception.
From emergency services and township groups to environmental and food aid organisations, the Yarra Ranges is home to a broad volunteering base on which its function depends.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) is one such example of the indispensable roles of volunteers across the Yarra Ranges.
Captain of the Wesburn/Millgrove CFA Sascha Grant has been volunteering for the CFA for over twenty years alongside working a full-time job.
“I have been a trainer, an assessor and a CFA peer support programme leader for members that need some support to deal with trauma from things they have witnessed. We support their families as well,” Sascha said.
Volunteering a minimum of six hours per week as captain, Sascha’s role includes administrative duties within the brigade itself, such as completing paperwork, conducting maintenance at the station, attending regular training and meetings with the brigade management team, and is always on call should an emergency occur.
“I have got a very flexible work relationship with my full-time employer, so not only can I go out after hours, but I can also get out the door during the day,” Sascha said.
“We have had more than 80 calls this year alone and I have attended the majority of those calls.”
“We have members with varying availability so we have some who can only get to a handful of jobs and others who attend almost all of them,” Sascha said.
Committing a minimum of five to six hours of volunteering per week, Sascha said his connection to the community is what he loves most about volunteering at the CFA.
“I have lived in the Yarra Valley since 2018 and I have gotten to know the local community,” Sascha said.
“Having the community grow to respect us and the work that we do also sort of puts them in charge. It lets them take a little bit of ownership of their own community and their neighbours and friends,” he said.
“It is also amazing to see the development of that sense of ownership and community within the Brigade as well. The personal growth and comradeship that we get out of coming together as a brigade is really important.”
The Wesburn/Millgrove CFA are beginning a recruitment campaign and are looking for feedback on how to engage community members.
Sascha said, “We need more firefighters. A lot of our members work outside of the local area, so it makes daytime response a bit challenging at times.”
“Because this is a volunteer organisation, there is no expectation that people will be available all of the time, so if we have a lot of members, we can spread the load around and make sure that when the truck goes out the door, there are enough people on it,” he said.
“Having a positive outcome is also so important. As a firefighter, we turn up to people when they are having a bad day and it is our responsibility to look after them and turn their day around where possible.”
The CFA recruits anyone aged sixteen and above, but reserves fire truck driving and the attendance of more serious incidents for those aged 18 and over.
With approximately 30,000 volunteer firefighters, the CFA is the largest volunteer firefighting force in the world.
“The costs would be too prohibitive for a paid model,” Sascha said.
While Forest Fire Management Victoria and Melbourne Water look after Crown Land and water catchments, the CFA is left to pick up the pieces for private property.
“If the CFA wasn’t here, there would be very little in the way of available firefighting forces,” Sascha said.
The Wesburn-Millgrove CFA will be holding Santa photos on both Sunday 14 and Saturday 20 December between 10am and 2pm, and encourages locals to go down and have a chat.
Sascha said, “If members of the public are curious about the fire station I will be there on those days and while they get their photos with Santa,
they can ask me or other members any questions about volunteering and fire safety.”
Beyond fire response, local attractions also depend on volunteers to function.
Healesville Sanctuary is home to over 300 volunteers, and relies on them for a variety of items, including their deliverance of positive customer experiences.
Volunteer Coordinator at Healesville Sanctuary Cheyne Willson said, “We have paid staff and volunteers working side by side to give the visitors the best possible experience here at the Sanctuary. They are also there to give our staff a bit of a hand across the board.”
“We have volunteers here who have been with us for 65 years, and that sort of knowledge and experience is so vital,” Cheyne said.
“If we find someone who is at the end of their employment time but they are willing to put something more in, that is a perfect opportunity for us to hold on to their experience.”
With a range of volunteering roles and opportunities from visitor hosts who welcome and direct visitors, to a horticulture and even an archives team, the sanctuary’s volunteer program began in the early 2000s and was titled ‘Friends of the Zoo.’
Now the program is a career pathway for keen conservationists, vets and zoologists, as well as a haven for those who simply love wildlife.
Cheyne said, “We have got a couple of new roles that are starting. One is a bushland assistant role, which is tying in with horticulture, trying to bridge the gap between people getting into the industry and volunteering.”
“Participants need roughly 110 volunteering hours to get through to the next step, so we are trying to give something back to them now after having all these people come and help us with the gardens,” Cheyne said.
“We have also got a life sciences assistant role, which is another bridge between volunteering and employment as a zookeeper.”
The Sanctuary onboards between 300 and 325 volunteers and all volunteers require a working with children’s check.
Cheyne noted the key roles volunteers play in keeping the sanctuary running.
“I don’t think we could have a full load of paid staff to be able to deliver everything that we have on offer here,” Cheyne said.
“I came into this role having already been a manager of volunteers in the past and I have found the cohort that I am managing at the moment to be so passionate and they really empower themselves to give the most here. It really took me by surprise when I started,” he said.
“This is the absolute, hands-down, best volunteer cohort that I have ever worked with. Their culture is so positive and I don’t think we could ever let that go.”
Retiree and volunteer at Healesville Sanctuary Jill has been committing her time to the Sanctuary for almost a decade.
“I saw an article in the Sunday Age about volunteering at the Sanctuary, and I love animals and talking to people so I decided to take it up,” Jill said.
“I particularly love passing on my passion and trying to get people engaged with the plight of animals and transfer that conservation message.”
Jill loves engaging with visitors and getting them interested and excited about animals and conservation the most.
For Jill, every day as a volunteer is different.
“When I am the volunteer team leader, I work out the programme for everyone who has put their name down for a shift.”
“The volunteers can do a lot around the sanctuary so we will have at least two in the land of parrots, someone going through the lyrebird aviary…and if it is a busy day, we will have people at the information booth to help people find their way and telling them what is on.”
Jill’s favourite volunteer job is being a tour guide.
Over in the hills, the Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery (SDCN) works to grow and protect native species of plants for the Yarra Ranges.
Volunteer at the SDCN Pam Bradley said, “Every seed sown and every plant raised goes toward protecting local wildlife habitat and strengthening our environment.”
“Volunteering at the SDCN is a hands-on way to connect with nature and learn about the plants that belong in our beautiful Dandenong Ranges,” Pam said.
“There is something very satisfying about nurturing a tiny seed and watching it grow into a plant that will restore bushland in our local area and volunteers love knowing that their work directly helps schools, community groups and bushland reserves across the hills.”
The SDCN welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds and has a variety of jobs and volunteer roles available to people of all levels of fitness, and planting abilities.
These roles range from sowing and potting to labelling, and watering, or just chatting and helping out.
Pam said, “Volunteering at the nursery is relaxing, meaningful and fun all at once.”
You walk away knowing that you’ve helped the environment, supported your community and had a good time doing it.”
While food relief and conservation are what first comes to mind when thinking about volunteering, the Yarra Ranges art and music scene also depends heavily on volunteer efforts.
Former Hills local and volunteer at 3MDR radio station Teagan said, “I chose to volunteer at 3MDR because I grew up in the hills.”
Having moved to the city to find work in the music industry, Teagan found herself returning to the Hills for work experience.
“Since I moved to the city, I have noticed that everyone there tends to just look out for themselves, which can be a good thing, but I always felt a bit weird trying to find places I wanted to work there,” Teagan said.
“I went back to where I came from thinking that I would find people that were a little bit more like-minded and I did.”
“I forgot how strong the community is up in the Hills and how much everyone looks out for one another. Even the sponsors at the radio station genuinely care about who they are working with and they want to be working with good people, and I think it is a very good foundation to have for any kind of organisation,” she said.
While Teagan’s stint with the station was initially to organise her appearance as a musician on one of their live broadcasts, this arrangement evolved to a long-term volunteer role.
From voicing ads, editing audio and managing live broadcasts, to making playlists and packing merchandise, Teagan is well and truly entrenched in the station’s operations.
According to Teagan, when it comes to volunteering, community is everything.
“Community is something that we take for granted and it is something I definitely took for granted when I was growing up in the Hills,” Teagan said.
“Seeing the people that founded 3MDR, they founded it because they wanted to connect with their community,” she said.
“The people here at 3MDR are really genuine and passionate about the station.”
3MDR was formed after the Ash Wednesday fires that swept through the Hills. The purpose of the station was originally to provide an information resource for people to find where to get food, water along with keeping up to date on extreme weather updates.
For Teagan, volunteering is also about connecting with your roots.
“It is important to volunteer because it reminds you of where everyone has come from and why they are so passionate, and that not every effort you put in should be for the sake of building something for yourself,” Teagan said.
“You should be connecting with people as much as you can.”
“Having the support of your community is something people take for granted, and we should give back more.”
While volunteering is about giving back to the community, it can also be about career building at the same time.
“A lot of people my age are really struggling to get jobs at the moment because you need experience,” Teagan said.
“The first thing I tell them is to volunteer first, because it hits two birds with one stone,” she said.
“You get to help out people from your local community, and you get enough experience for your career down the line.”
Wildlife rejuvenation, and conservation are also causes for much volunteering in the Yarra Ranges.
Zoologist and CEO of the Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter Dr Emma Cash works a full-time job to support her volunteer efforts.
Founded eighteen years ago in Montrose, the Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter cares for and rehabilitates Australian native wildlife.
Emma said, “We have animals that come in as orphans, but also victims of road incidents, shootings and dog attacks - you name it, we get it.”
“We spend a lot of time caring for these animals and getting them back out into the wild, which is where they belong.”
“Our main shelter is now in Mount Evelyn, but we still have one of our satellite shelters in Montrose and other areas,” she said.
Emma funds the Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter out of her own pocket. This contribution equates to approximately $52,000 per year.
“When we get animals in, if there is a joey in the pouch, that is about a $3000 raise,” Emma said.
Despite the financial and time constraints, the Yarra Ranges continues to foster a sense of community care.
With a recent study by Volunteering Victoria finding that 15.5 per cent of the Yarra Ranges population reported doing some form of voluntary work in 2021, this figure is estimated to have grown post-pandemic.
Retiree and volunteer at the Healesville Sanctuary Jill gives Star Mail a thumbs up next to Volunteer Coordinator Cheyne Willson. (Gabriella Vukman: 521355)
FERNWOOD FITNESS CHIRNSIDE PARK
Fernwood’s big milestone
2025 has been a transformative year for Fernwood Fitness Chirnside Park, marking one of the most exciting chapters in the club’s history. After months of planning, refining, and building, the club has officially unveiled a refreshed and modernised space designed to inspire women of all ages and fitness levels.
The renovations have not only elevated the look and feel of the club but have also expanded its offering to deliver a wider range of training opportunities to the local community.
The most anticipated additions include the brand-new FIIT30 space, a purpose-built area dedicated to Fernwood’s signature smallgroup training program. With sessions that are fast, functional, and designed for maximum impact, FIIT30 has become a standout option for busy women wanting real results in minimal time.
Equally exciting is the introduction of the Reformer Pilates studio. The new space has quickly become one of the most loved areas of the club. Members are enjoying improved strength, mobility, and technique through classes that cater to every level - from those stepping onto a Reformer for the first time, to seasoned Pilates enthusiasts seeking variety, progression, and a more challenging experience.
These renovations have breathed new life into the club, creating a welcoming, energising, and community-focused environment where local women feel supported in achieving their health, fitness, and wellbeing goals. Members have embraced the new facilities with enthusiasm, and the club continues to see strong growth as women seek out safe, inclusive spaces to move, connect, and thrive.
Adding to a standout year, Fernwood Chirnside Park proudly celebrated a major achievement on the national stage. In October, long-time team member Maree Knight was awarded Group Fitness Instructor of the Year at the 2025 Fernwood National Conference on the Gold Coast. This prestigious rec-
missing ad: 12823298
ognition celebrates not only her talent and dedication but also the vibrant, supportive community that exists within the club’s walls.
With a renewed space, expanded programs, and national recognition behind them, Fernwood Chirnside Park is entering the new
year stronger than ever - ready to support even more local women on their journey to shine!
Chirnside Park’s Fernwood Fitness are celebrating a successful year in 2025. (File)
Energy affordability
All Australians deserve affordable power bills and responsible emissions reduction.
Under Labor, they are getting neither.
Power bills are up nearly 40 per cent, families are struggling to make ends meet and we’ve seen a record number of small businesses close.
In fact, the average family is being asked to find an extra $1300 per year to cover their energy bills.
Small businesses were promised an 18 per cent reduction on their bill by 2025, but now face increases of as much as 80 per cent. It’s a far cry from the $275 reduction Australians were promised by this government.
These aren’t just figures – this is real cost of living pressure that locals are feeling and are contacting my office about each week. We believe there is a better way.
Our plan is built on two core principles: affordable energy and lower emissions.
Because despite Labor spending more than $75 billion, Australia has disappointingly made little progress towards their own 2030 targets of 43 per cent emissions reduction.
Independent analysis suggests meeting the
From my From my desk
Federal Member for Casey
government’s current targets would require as much as $530 billion in spending in the next decade.
That is spending of around $50,000 per Australian household.
Last month, I visited a local supermarket that has seen energy prices skyrocket, alongside Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley MP. This is a business that provides local jobs, stocks local products and supports small businesses.
But without affordable and reliable energy, that is not possible.
It is easy to see the ripple effect high energy
costs will continue to have on individuals, families, jobs, businesses and communities if we leave this unaddressed.
That’s why our plan centres around affordability, because a strong economy begins with affordable power.
It will deliver steady emissions reduction at a pace our country can sustain.
We will adopt a balanced energy mix, harnessing all available energy technologies, including renewables in the right places, to make energy affordable.
We are committed to reducing emissions responsibly - without cutting jobs or raising household bills as is currently happening under Labor.
And we remain committed to the Paris Agreement and to responding to climate change in a way that is both affordable and responsible, doing our fair share in line with the real performance of comparable countries.
Australians want two things from their energy system: power they can afford and emissions reduction that is responsible and achievable.
That’s exactly what the Liberals will deliver.
Home Alone: But
KarralykaTheatre
The Australian INXS Tribute Show featuring Dellacoma Rio.
Fronted by the incredible Dellacoma Rio, whose uncanny portrayal of Micheal Hutchence has captivated audiences worldwide, this authentic six-piece band takes you on a journey through all the classic INXS’s hits that made them a household name for decades.
Touring across the globe, the Australian INXS Tribute Show has travelled to Dublin, India, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Singapore, Japan, China, Bora Bora, New Caledonia, Taipei, and South Korea, as well as every state and territory of our great southern land.
This home-grown theatre experience delivers a breathtaking “Australian Made” rock show!
• Season: 15 February at 7.30pm.
TheRound
Home alone – The Australian Musical Parody
An original Australian Production Bigger than your Nan’s meat pies.
Home Alone: The Australian Musical Parody is hilarious, packed full of “what did they just say?” moments and bursting with very Aussie twists.
This completely original adaptation of the movie we love turns into a household favourite into an undeniable theatre hit for audiences everywhere. With laugh-out-loud moments, over-the-top characters, and brand-new original songs, this
production brings the chaos, charm, and heart of Home Alone to the stage like never before.
It’s clever, cheeky, and guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained - even dad.
Don’t miss this outrageous Christmas comedy that will have you singing all-new festive tunes, laughing at every turn, and quoting lines long after the curtain falls.
Just be warned – these songs are so catchy they might even annoy your workmates.
• Season: Thursday 18 December at 6.30 pm.
• Friday 19 December at 6.30 pm.
• Saturday 20 December at 1pm and 5pm.
EastMeetsWest East Meets West is a Christmas Celebration with multicultural dace and music performed by the fantastic arts tea.
This performance seamlessly combines the elegance of classical Eastern folk dance and ballet with iconic Christmas melodies from the West.
Ballet group Fanghua will perform three ex-
Top rating
Train Dreams
Starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones M 5/5
A sad but beautiful life unfolding onscreen, Train Dreams is a sumptuouslyshot, superbly-acted film directed by Clint Bentley and based on the 2011 novella by Denis Johnson.
Train Dreams portrays the long life of Robert Grainer (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railwayman in early twentieth-century Idaho. When his wife Gladys (Felicity Jones) and young daughter Katie go missing after a forest fire, Robert remains evervigilant for their return.
Edgerton carries himself with melancholic dignity in an Oscar-worthy performance as Robert, a quiet, gentle man who finds solace in hard work.
The grief from Robert’s lost family, and the regret from a racist killing he witnessed and could do nothing to prevent, weigh heavily on Edgerton’s features.
The film’s pacing is episodic, slow and rich, immersing us in Robert’s life: you feel a catch in your throat whenever Robert joyfully returns to his family, your heart sinks when he has to leave again, and aches for him as he deals with his loss.
As Robert finds fulfilling connection with the people passing through his life, death never far from his thoughts, Train Dreams actually reminds me of Swedish director Ingmar Bergman’s 1957 classic The Seventh Seal.
The painterly cinematography is full of fire-lit orange and stark alpine forests, the dialogue is profound but always feels natural, and the simple string score is a perfectly understated accompaniment.
Will Patton narrates Train Dreams, and unlike the narration in The Devil All The Time and The Life of Chuck, Patton’s narration adds texture and clarity instead of over explaining everything.
Train Dreams is available for streaming on Netflix, but it’s shameful that this feast of acting, writing and film making craft didn’t get an Australian cinema release.
- Seth Lukas Hynes
Australian version
traordinary Eastern dances as part of their mission as cultural ambassadors.
Based in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, their name Fanghua translates to “Youthful Vibrancy”.
They are known for their high standards, passion, and talent.
The performance will also include Melbourneborn pianist and composer Warren Wills.
An internationally acclaimed musician and educationalist who was primarily based in London for over 35 years.
Warren is a multi-award-winning composer with credits including the Royal Shakespeare Company and collaborations with figures like woody Allen and Margaret Atwood.
A key focus of his work is socially exclusive theatre and using music as a tool to bridge political and cultural borders across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
He will be accompanying the outstanding young Chinese flautist Steph Chen.
You will also see performances from several other remarkable Eastern and Western dance and arts groups.
Arts from various cultures will take this stage, providing the audience with a colourful experience of multiculturalism.
Featuring some of Melbourne’s best artistic teams, this concert promises to take you on an unforgettable creative experience.
• Season: Sunday 21 December at 2pm for four hours (including interval)
• Venue: The Round – Studio.
GemcoTheatre
Gemco Christmas Party – Sunday 7 December. Join the company for a relaxed and festive end-of-of-year celebration at The Gem Community Arts Centre.
We’ll be firing up a free sausage sizzle, enjoying good company and celebrating everything the company has achieved to together throughout 2025.
Free sausage sizzle, BYO alcoholic drinks. Soft drinks provided.
Family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere. This is a great chance to meet the many wonderful people who contribute to GEMCO in ways you might not always see - whether it’s through productions, front-of-house, technical work, youth programs, governance events, hospitality, venue care, or external collaboration like Puffing Billy Railway.
GEMCCO is made up of many moving parts, and this gathering is an opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate the bigger picture the company is part of.
To help with catering, please RSVP so the company can make sure there’s plenty to go around.
19 Kilvington Dr Emerald.
Phone 9478 230 147.
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. We invite you to experience it for yourself. Discover the comfort of terrace living, the beauty of the views, and the warmth of a truly connected community.
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)
Lilydale Valley Views has built a strong sense of community over 15 years.
SENIOR LIVING
Proud to share the dignity
Christmas is a time for giving, but for many Australians, it’s also a time when the efforts of volunteers make a real difference for those facing hardship. At Tudor Village, residents have been working tirelessly all year to support Share the Dignity, a charity that provides essential personal care items to women experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
Founded in 2015, Share the Dignity aims to restore dignity and comfort to women in need during some of their most difficult times. Bernice, Dorothy, and Fran from Tudor Village have been the driving force behind the local efforts, filling their living rooms and garages with bags of donated items such as sanitary products, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
So, how does it all come together? Bernice shared how Tudor Village got involved in supporting the cause:
“I first got involved through my neighbours Jenny and Lorraine, who were already volunteering with Share the Dignity. From there, more and more residents at Tudor Village joined in, and the effort has just grown. We do all sorts of things: sourcing used handbags from op shops, buying new personal care items, packing the bags, and delivering them to Bunnings Lilydale, who then take care of getting them to the central sorting point.
“The handbags we collect must be in good condition with a zip, and we enjoy visiting the op shops to find more. We also receive generous donations from our fellow residents here at Tudor Village. This year, we packed 228 bags, which were just delivered to Bunnings Lilydale, along with 228 handwritten personal messages to go inside each one. From there, Bunnings helps get the bags to a central sorting warehouse, where they’re checked and then sent to various charities to be distributed to women in need.”
It’s the quiet efforts of these volunteers that help make life a little brighter for disadvantaged women this Christmas.
• Share the Dignity was founded in 2015 by Rochelle Courtenay, a woman who, after facing many personal challenges, made it her mission to help others. Today, the charity has grown into a national movement with over 6000 volunteers across Australia. To learn more about how you can donate or support this worthy cause, visit: sharethedignity.org.au
Tudor Village residents are actively involved in many local and national charities and give generously of their time and resources.
Many thousands of dollars have been raised over the years for various charities and special interest groups, like the Tudor Village Men’s Shed and the Tudor Village Craft Group also donate goods and services to numerous chosen causes.
Tudor Village is a supportive and welcoming retirement village nestled in the heart of Lilydale and at the gateway to the Yarra Valley.
Home to more than 400 residents, Tudor Village provides a socially connected, active and friendly community where residents enjoy a full program of events and activities, special interest groups and social gatherings.
For more information, visit: tudorvillage.com. au
Tudor Village is home to over 400 residents.
There are so many activities and groups for everyone’s interests.
The main community centre is a meeting point for residents.
Dorothy, Fran and Bernice drop off the Tudor Village donated bags, gratefully accepted by Courtney at Bunnings Lilydale. (Supplied)
Share the Dignity has been supporting women through Christmas for a decade.
Spring demand is high!
SECURE YOUR TUDOR VILLAGE HOME NOW!
PROPERTIES AT TUDOR VILLAGE ARE SELLING QUICKLY, SO IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING RETIREMENT LIVING, NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT.
Sales Manager Kate Abdulovski offers expert guidance and a warm, supportive approach. With deep insight into village life, she helps future residents understand how they can enjoy a connected, secure, and fulfilling lifestyle.
“I understand that moving into retirement living can feel like a big step,” Kate says.
“I love learning about each person and helping them see how life here can offer connection, convenience, and real peace of mind.”
Kate’s dedication and care continue to earn praise from residents and visitors alike. For her, Tudor Village is more than just a workplace — it’s her dream job.
Bright Living Starts Here.
159 ST AMBROSE GROVE, LILYDALE
$560,000 - $590,000
Make your next chapter bright at Tudor Village. This two bedroom home sits close to the community centre and gives you a calm, welcoming base. Light fills the open living and dining space. The updated kitchen feels fresh and easy to use. The main bedroom stays peaceful and the second room suits work or guests. A private courtyard offers quiet outdoor time. Reverse cycle heating and cooling support comfort across the year. A separate laundry, separate toilet and remote garage add practical value.
Experience the Difference!
50 SALISBURY BEND, LILYDALE
$560,000 - $610,000
This renovated villa delivers comfort and ease in a quiet corner of the village. New floorboards link the living and kitchen areas while fresh paint and a modern bathroom lift the feel of the home. Split system heating and cooling keep the space steady across the year. The main bedroom looks to a private courtyard through a bay window. The second bedroom or study sits in bright light. A low-maintenance courtyard and quick access to Maroondah Highway and the Yarra Valley add strong appeal.
NEWS Carols back
It’s nearly Christmas time again, and Lilydale Township Action Group are excited to announce that they will be holding Carols in the Park on Saturday 13 December from 5.30 – 8pm at Melba Park in Market Street, Lilydale. They would like to invite you and your family to come along to this joyous event. The music for the Christmas Carols will be provided by the band Party Pack, and the audience will be encouraged to join in and sing along with Jess and the band. Lyrics will be provided. Entry is free!
Free sausages (including regular and vegetarian options) will be available. LTAG will also have some free soft drinks, water and other snacks. Alternatively, you might like to bring your own salads, sandwiches and picnic fare from home instead.
Santa will be visiting and handing out some special treats for children towards the end of the evening.
Parking will be available in the surrounding streets. Check parking times carefully, as the
council parking inspectors do work on the weekends.
Please bring along your favourite picnic rug or chairs and join in the fun. It’s going to be a great afternoon. They look forward to seeing you there!
Rare thunderstorm passes through Ranges
By Oliver Winn
A rare “elevated supercell thunderstorm” passed through the Yarra Valley and lit up the skies at 10pm on 24 November.
Members of the public watched on in awe at the lightning and snapped some magnificent, almost otherworldly, photographs.
Pictures of spiralling storm clouds and jagged lightning were shared across social media.
Stuart Coombs, who worked as a Bureau of Meteorology forecaster for 25 years, took to Facebook to explain the rare phenomenon.
“Last night’s thunderstorm was what meteorologists refer to as an elevated supercell thunderstorm. These storms draw on air from well above the surface to fuel the updraft that sustains the storm and are not directly connected to the air near the surface at all,” Mr Coombs said.
As rain falls in a storm, it normally “chokes off” the rising up draft and kills the storm, Mr Coombs explained.
But these elevated supercell thunderstorms are often long lived as its rotating up draft causes any precipitation to be flung out it.
“Elevated supercell storms aren’t as dangerous as surface based ones because the moisture available above the surface is less than that lower down and thus the fuel to accelerate the updraft and hold growing hail aloft as well as intensify the spin of the
is less.
“In summary then, if you have to have a supercell thunderstorm - elevated ones are best from a safety and property damage point of view. And they are often spectacular from the perspective of lightning generation - given the high cloud base shows off the display - especially at night,” Mr Coombs said.
storm
Mr Coombs said he observed 20 lightning strikes per mintue.
A VicEmergency warning went out at 10.20pm for the storm.
Greg Carrick shared his pictures of the storm from Yarra Valley FM studios in Healesville. (Greg Carrick)
Melba Park in Lilydale will once again be infused with Christmas spirit, as Carols in the Park returns. (Stewart Chambers: 234335)
A BOTANICAL WONDERLAND
A BOTANICAL WONDERLAND SURROUNDING A TRULY UNIQUE HOME
THIS remarkable residence stands in a league of its own — a home shaped by years of meticulous craftsmanship, artistic vision, and unwavering dedication. Every handmade detail tells a story, creating a living masterpiece that simply cannot be replicated.
Cradled within magnificent, storybook gardens, the residence feels like a portal into another era — an era where beauty was intentional, craftsmanship was celebrated, and character mattered.
Everywhere you look, the romance of the past reveals itself: corbels and arches, tessellated tiles, sash windows, cast iron features, leadlight, soaring ceilings, guttered cornices, carefully selected timbers, and bluestone touches that ground the home in timeless elegance.
At its heart lies a breathtaking circular conservatory crafted from bluestone and glass — a showpiece that anchors the entire property. Whether you’re entertaining friends or sinking into a slow afternoon with a favourite book, it’s a space that invites you to pause, breathe, and take in the lush garden views.
Two private wings extend from this central hub: the main suite with a walk-in robe, ensuite, and its own secluded deck; and the guest suite with built-in robes and ensuite. A cast iron spiral staircase leads to the level below, revealing a rumpus room, a curved cellar/workshop, and internal access to the garage.
The remainder of the home radiates charm from the moment you step onto the shady front verandah. Inside, a welcoming foyer leads to a refined formal lounge with an open fireplace, a dedicated office fitted with beautiful Jarrah cabinetry, and a grand formal dining room designed for memorable celebrations. The adjoining kitchen/meals area features granite benchtops, a stainless steel 900mm freestanding stove, and a servery perfect for hosting. A third bedroom with built-in robes, an oversized laundry, and a separate bathroom complete this thoughtful layout. Comfort is assured throughout with gas ducted heating, hydronic gas heating, and the practicality of a ducted vacuum system.
Every corner of this home holds a surprise — hidden nooks, whimsical spaces, and enchanting pockets both inside and out. Children will feel like they’ve stepped into the ultimate adventure… the kind of place where hide-and-seek becomes legendary. And adults will rediscover the joy of wandering, exploring, and slowing down.
Set on nearly 1.5 acres, the gardens are nothing short of breathtaking. Towering oldgrowth trees draped in orchids, sweeping lawns, stone and brick pathways, ponds and pockets of botanical wonder form one of the most remarkable private garden collections you’ll ever encounter — a true Emerald Botanic Garden in miniature. A second garage, garden shed, storeroom, and studio/workshop provide endless space for hobbies, tinkering, or artistic pursuits. 5kW solar further enhances the
home’s efficiency. And despite its sense of seclusion, this extraordinary property is just a short stroll from Emerald’s vibrant township — cafes, shops, transport, and the iconic Puffing Billy Railway.
This is not simply a home; it’s a legacy of craftsmanship, creativity, and love. You truly have to experience it in person to appreciate the artistry that has shaped every inch of it. 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. ●
SPACIOUS REAR UNIT ON 499M²
TUCKED peacefully at the rear of the block, this impressive 20sq home on a generous 499m² allotment delivers exceptional space, privacy, and versatility-perfect for families, downsizers seeking room to move, or savvy investors.
Step inside and discover three well-sized bedrooms, including a privately positioned master suite complete with walk-in robe and ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms feature built-in robes for effortless storage.
Designed for modern living, the home boasts a light-filled open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, complemented by a second large living zone-ideal as a family room, kids’ retreat, or entertainment space.
The stylish kitchen is well-equipped with stainless steel appliances, a large island bench, and ample cabinetry.
Outdoors, the expansive, fully fenced backyard is a standout feature, offering plenty of room for children, pets, or future landscaping dreams. A double garage, garden shed, ducted heating, and split-system cooling add comfort and practicality year-round.
Situated in a sought-after pocket of Boronia, this property provides easy access to local shops, schools, transport, parks, and all essential amenities.
A rare opportunity for space, comfort, and convenience-your family will love calling this home.
SPACIOUS AND SOLID FOUR BEDROOM HOME
PERFECTLY positioned on 909sqm in a quiet, family-friendly pocket, this inviting fourbedroom, two-bathroom home delivers space, practicality, and sun-filled living just meters from Gembrook’s main street, schools, cafes, and parks. Add to this a huge 7x14m shed and double garage with workshop and this one has it all!
The undercover entry leads into a thoughtfully zoned floorplan, beginning with the privately placed, generous master bedroom complete with a walk-in robe and ensuite. A separate study or fourth bedroom offers valuable flexibility for remote work, guests, or a nursery.
Two generous living areas ensure plenty of room for everyone to spread out. The main lounge flows into the bright open-plan kitchen and dining area, where a large island bench, Caesarstone benchtops, 900mm gas cooktop, and extensive storage make everyday living a breeze. Oversized windows draw in abundant natural light and frame the home’s leafy surrounds.
Down the hallway are two additional bedrooms with built-in robes, along with excellent storage, an updated central bathroom with a separate toilet, and a practical laundry with direct access to the undercover rear verandah. Gas ducted heating and a split system keep the home comfortable year-round.
Outdoors, the fully fenced rear yard is ideal for children and pets, while the double garage with workshop and an impressive 7m x 14m shed with a concrete floor create outstanding space for trades, tinkering, hobbies, boat/car storage, or future projects.
A bright, easy-going home with everything Gembrook has to offer right at your fingertips— move in and enjoy the lifestyle.
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.●
ExpansiveCountryEstateon30Acres(approx)
Designedforlargefamilies,multi-generationalliving,orguestaccommodation,thisexpansive 9-bedroom,3-bathroombrickresidenceoffersremarkablespaceona totallyprivate30acres. Withalmostnoneighbours,hugeclearedpaddocks, ayear-roundcreek &a forestwalkto adam &waterfall.Initialcouncilsupportallowsforreplacingtheexistingcottageoradding asecond dwellingalongButterfieldRoad,enhancingdual-accommodationpotential. Asweepingcircular drivewayleadstoa drive-throughcarport& massivegaragewithtoilet,plusextraclearedland. Inside,2 mirrored,fullyair-conditionedwingsinclude2 kitchens,2 laundries,multiplelivingzoneswith fireplaces &generousbedroomaccommodation.Outdoorsfeaturesaningroundheatedpool, ingroundtrampoline,poweredsheds,dams& wide-openlandidealforhorsesorhobbyfarming.
&Beautiful ViewsonOver3 Acres Setonjustover3 acreswith2 streetfrontages, acirculardriveway& viewsfromeverywindow,this exceptionalpropertyblendsspace,flexibility& tranquillity.Themainhomefeatures3 bedrooms (masterwithensuite &walk-inrobe)a brightopen-plankitchenwithstonebenchtops &900mm gasstove &split-levellivingwitha loungewarmedby awoodfire &splitsystem.Stepontothe expansivedecktoenjoydistanthillviews, aspabath &overheadheaters —perfectforyear-round entertaining.A separatestudiowithbathroom,Juliettebalcony& workshopbelowaddsdual-living orguestpotential.Additionalhighlightsinclude a4-carpoweredgarage,extensiveveggiegarden,2 fencedpaddocks,anorchardof27fruittrees &an8.5KVAdieselgeneratorwithautomaticcut-in.
A 3 B 2 C
AOne-of-a-KindOff-GridHaveninGembrook! Seton5 privateacreswithtwospring-fedcreeks,thisremarkablefour-bedroomhomeisanoff-grid retreatlikenoother.A horseshoedrivewayleadsto awideverandahembracingsweepingviews. Inside,soaringceilings,exposedbeamsandtimberfloorsframetheopen-planloungeanddining withwoodfire,ceilingfanandbararea.Thekitchenblendsrusticcharmwithfunction,offering mahoganyandblackwoodbenches,walk-inpantry,hiddenfridge,dishwasher,gas/electriccooking andanIrishStanleyslowcombustionstove.Themasterincludes awalk-throughrobeandensuitestylebathroom,whileupstairstwofurtherbedroomsandduallivingzonescapturetreetopviews. Sustainabilityshineswitha 48vsolarsystem,generatorbackupandmultipleheating/coolingoptions. Withunder-housestorage,a 6m x6mcarportandtotalprivacy,thisisnotjusta home—it’sa lifestyle.
SamanthaScott M 0438680032 4
Lifestyle,Space& Flexibilityon6.4Acres. PerfectlypositionedinBelgraveSouth,thisrecentlyrenovated6.4-acrepropertyofferscomfort, privacy& lifestyleappealjustminutesfromshops& witheasyaccesstoWellingtonRoad.A wide entryleadsinto awelcomingfoyer,flowingtoa formallounge &diningroom,withzonedreversecycleductedheating &coolingensuringyear-roundcomfort.Theopen-plankitchen/diningfeatures stonebenchtops,gascooktop,dishwasher,walk-inpantry,while asecondlight-filledlivingarea openstoa largeentertainingdeck.Themastersuiteenjoys awalk-throughrobe& ensuite,joinedby 2furtherbedrooms, acentralbathroom,study/fourthbedroom &laundrywithwalk-instorage.A selfcontained1-bedroomunit,excellentguestorfamilyaccommodation.Outside,establishedgardens, abundantwildlife,3-cargarage,carport &plentifulparkingcompletethispeaceful,privateretreat.
A FAMILY SANCTUARY ON A FANTASTIC 2897M2 BLOCK
PERFECTLY positioned in one of Belgrave Heights’ most family-friendly pockets, 8 Glen Road delivers the rare combination of space, seclusion and total convenience. Set on an expansive 2,897m² (approx.) block, this beautifully updated home offers everything a growing family could wish for-modern comfort, generous living zones and plenty of room to roam.
Boasting three well-proportioned bedrooms, an updated bathroom, and a contemporary kitchen complete with a large island bench, walk-in pantry and sleek stone benchtops, the home is ready to move in and enjoy. The openplan design creates an effortless flow between the lounge, dining and kitchen areas, cleverly maximizing space while inviting natural light to filter through.
Step outside to the impressive undercover entertaining area-spacious enough for a full dining setting and an outdoor couch area, making it the perfect spot for family gatherings, summer barbecues or your next friendly table tennis competition. At the front, a charming verandah provides the ideal place to unwind and watch the world go by, whilst the expansive rear yard offers endless possibilities for kids, pets or future additions (STCA).
Comfort is assured year round with ducted heating, a split system plus a cosy wood fire in the lounge: or simply slide open the door and let the afternoon breeze sweep through on warm days.
Convenience completes the picture-within an easy walk to Belgrave Heights Christian School, moments by car from Belgrave South shops, and with a bus stop at the end of the road, this location is unbeatable for family living.
A true hills haven with all the modern touches-your forever family home awaits. ●
HOME FOCUS
A TRADITIONAL GEORGIAN STYLE FARMHOUSE RETREAT AMID 20 ACRES OF TIMELESS BEAUTY
TUCKED away in complete privacy, Kookaburra Farm is a masterfully renovated traditional Georgian farmhouse-style estate set on more than twenty acres of landscaped gardens, park-like paddocks and tranquil spring-fed dams. Every room captures a view of beauty — sweeping lawns, flowering gardens, fruit trees in abundance and the soft undulations of the surrounding countryside.
Behind its double leadlight entry doors, the home opens to a wide hallway graced with ceiling friezes and a graceful staircase. Throughout, polished hardwood floors and French doors connect each downstairs room to sunlit verandahs and the gardens beyond. The heart of the home is the French farmhouse kitchen, a space of rustic charm and modern functionality with its oak worktops, exposed ceiling beams and double ceramic sink, and a four-oven (electric) Aga
There is also a butler’s pantry with brick floors and a 2nd oven (90cm electric) and gas cooktop. The adjoining dining area flows effortlessly to a large, double-glazed conservatory, where light pours in through walls of glass and French doors opening to the surrounding lawns and flower beds.
The living areas offer both warmth and sophistication — a wood-panelled lounge with Jetmaster open fireplace, generous entertaining spaces, and seamless connection between indoors and out. Accommodation includes 4 or 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with two luxurious master suites, each with its own spacious ensuite. Upstairs, a private retreat unfolds with a sitting room, walk-in robes and an exquisite master bedroom framed by windows on three sides, offering serene views over the estate. Zoned Daikin heating and refrigerated cooling throughout the house provide comfort for all the seasons.
The gardens surrounding the home are a celebration of country elegance, with a profusion of roses and lavender, grand deciduous trees including claret ash, oaks, golden elms and silver birches, and flourishing orchards of oranges, apples, pears, plums and cherries. A charming vegetable garden enclosed by post and rail fencing is entered through a lynch gate, bordered by roses and lavender, and complemented by a potting shed and greenhouse. Water is abundant, with an electric pump at the dam supplying taps throughout the garden and troughs across the paddocks.
Beyond the garden gates, the property extends over twenty acres of gently undulating land divided into six well-fenced paddocks with walking trails and picnic spots beside fern gullies. The infrastructure is exceptional, with a large barn housing 3 stables, a feed room, sink and wood-burning heater, as well as a separate office or games area with its own wood fire and an upstairs studio. Additional shedding provides 2 further stables, a workshop with fitted benches, a tack room with wood heater, and ample space for farm vehicles. There is a two-car garage, a turning circle, a four-bay machinery, and hay shed, a woodshed, and a large chicken run. For equestrian pursuits, the property includes a double horse shelter, a 55foot round yard, a full-size menage measuring 60 by 20 metres, and small cattle yards currently used for alpacas.
Sustainability and practicality are thoughtfully integrated, with 60,000 litres of water storage and a 9 KW solar system. Every aspect of Kookaburra Farm reflects care, craftsmanship and a deep respect for the landscape. From dawn mist rising over
the paddocks to twilight light filtering through silver birches, this is a property of rare beauty and enduring grace — a sanctuary where traditional country charm meets the very best of Australian rural living. Locally you will find Monbulk around 15
minutes’ drive, supermarkets, shops and several cafes. Train connections to the CBD in Belgrave and the CBD just over one hour away. Mick Dolphin lives nearby and is pleased to chat to you about transitioning to Kookaburra Farm, he is contactable on 0429 684 522.
RARE17.5ACREOASISWITHENDLESSPOSSIBILITIES
OpportunitieslikethisarealmostunheardofinEmerald.Setonanexpansive17.5acres, thisremarkableparceloflandofferstheperfectblendofnaturalbeauty,privacy,and potential—makingitidealforthoseseekingspace,lifestyle,orfuturepossibilities.Theland ishalfclearedwitha gentleslope,offeringpotentialsitesforyourdreambuild(SubjectTo CouncilApproval)
CaitiEllis 0493136937
CHARACTERFILLED
MickDolphin 0429684522
BELGRAVE 84STATIONROAD
FAMILYLIVINGIN APRIMEBELGRAVELOCATION
$1,100,000$1,200,000
Thischarming5-bedroomcharacterhomeisperfectlypositionedwithinwalkingdistance toBelgraveCentral.Enjoyyear-roundcomfortwithGDHandrefrigeratedcooling,plus versatilelivingspacesthroughout.Outsidefeaturesa fullyfencedbackyard,semirecessedswimmingpool,doublegarageandtwocarportsofferingexceptionalspacefor families,hobbiesandsecureparking.A standoutopportunitycombinglocation,lifestyle andconvenience
JanBrewster 0409558805
StunningSunrisesonHalfanAcre
Beenlookingfor agreatshed?Well,hereitis!This1/2anacreofgentlyslopinglandoffers peaceandserenityforyourdreamhome(subjecttocouncilapproval).Alreadyonsiteis adriveway,largeshed,levelareatobuildandtheservicesareinthestreetreadytogo. Theshedisfantasticandoffers astudio/office,a toilet,andlargegarageareaplusonthe mezzanine acoupleofrooms, atoiletandpotentialbathroom/ensuite,alsoa built-inbar, offeringyouflexibilitydependingonyourneeds.
VIEWSTOWARBURTONRANGES
$1,000,000-$1,100,000
ThePerfectHillsHideawaywith aFlexibleFloorplan
5 A 3 B 2 C
Superprivateandimmaculatelypresented,thispropertyoffersyouquintessentialhills living.Upstairsoffers 3spaciousbedroomsincluding amasterwithensuiteandwalkin robe,whilstthesecondlargebedroomhasitsownexternalaccess.Thetwolivingrooms areservicedbythecentralkitchenthatincludesa dishwasher.Bothoffermagnificent viewsacrosstotheWarburtonRanges,whichcanalsobeenjoyedfromthereardeck, whereyouwillspendallyoursummerevenings,witbuiltinmini-barandspaciouslayout.
MickDolphin 0429684522
CaitiEllis 0493136937
RUSTIC COUNTRY LIVING ON OVER AN ACRE
DISCOVER true country living with room to breathe and space to enjoy. Privately tucked away at the end of a no-through road, this rustic home sits on a beautiful, flat 4,600sqm (approx.) block surrounded by established fruit trees, a holding paddock, sheds, and plenty of open space for all your vehicles, hobbies, and toys. The home itself is cozy and full of charm, featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and an open plan kitchen and lounge, it provides comfortable living with loads of potential.
Crackling new woodfire to keep you warm. Sunroom and access onto the rear deck — positioned to soak up the morning sun and enjoy your cuppa while overlooking the mature gardens. Extras include solar panels with a 5KW system, round about driveway and carport.
With an unbeatable sense of privacy, space, and opportunity, this property will appeal to a wide range of buyers, all this and only a few minutes drive to the township. The lifestyle and potential here are truly endless. ●
RusticCountryLivingonOveranAcre
Discovertruecountrylivingwithroomtobreatheandspacetoenjoy.Privatelytuckedawayat theendof ano-throughroad,thisrustichomesitsona beautiful,flat4,600sqm(approx.)block surroundedbyestablishedfruittrees, aholdingpaddock,sheds,andplentyofopenspaceforall yourvehicles,hobbies,andtoys.Thehomeitselfiscozyandfullofcharm,featuring 3bedrooms, 1bathroom,andanopenplankitchenandlounge,itprovidescomfortablelivingwithloadsof potential.Cracklingnewwoodfiretokeepyouwarm.Sunroomandaccessontothereardeck— positionedtosoakupthemorningsunandenjoyyourcuppawhileoverlookingthegardens.Extras includesolarpanelswith a5KWsystem,roundaboutdrivewayandcarport.Withanunbeatable senseofprivacy,space,andopportunity,thelifestyleandpotentialherearetrulyendless.
RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068
wholefamilywilllovethewideopenspacetoexploreandenjoy.Escapethecitylifeandcomeand enjoytherelaxedpeacefulcountrylifestyle!A gloriouslocationwithstunningsceneryandsurrounds, arareandhardtofindsmallacreageallotment.
Greatviewsarejustthestartofthisfantasticproperty.Positionedtopleaseandwithplentytooffer, thesuperbfamilyhomeoffers 3bedroomsincludinganensuiteinthemainbedroom.Enjoythe beautifulvalleyviewsfromthefamily/loungeroom,plusa separatemeals/diningorlivingroom.The openplankitchenhasamplebenchandcupboardspace.Ventureoutsideandenjoytheoutdoors with acoveredentertainingareabigenoughtocaterforthelargestoffamilygatheringsand summertimecatchups.Beautifulestablishedgardenswith ahugearrayoffloweringtreesandshrubs, lovinglycaredforfordecades.Plentyofcarspacewitha largedoublecarportanda separatelock upgarageandworkshoparea. Agreatcornerblockpositionwithhandydualaccessidealfortrailers andboatsorcaravans.A greatpropertyverywelllookedafterandin afantasticlocation.
TheCharmof aMudbrickina FernyOasis
Nestledonapproximately1,600m²oflush,greenlandandsurroundedbyvibrantnativegardens andserenadedbylocalbirdlife,thispropertyoffersstunningmountainviews,freshcountryair,and theultimateinoutdoorliving.Rusticandfullofcharm,thehomefeaturesthreegenerouslysized bedrooms,eachwithbuilt-inrobes.Theopenplankitchen,dining,andlivingareaboastsbeautiful timberbenchtopsand afreestandingmainsgasoven.Withsoaringceilingsandthenaturalthermal benefitsofmudbrickconstruction,thehomemaintainsa stabletemperatureyear-round.Outdoors; asinglegarageandcarport, acoveredentertainingareaidealforsummerbarbecues,andevena designatedchildren’splayzone.Thisuniqueandheartwarminghomeblendsrusticcharacterwith functionalcomfortsetinoneofWarburton’smostpicturesquepockets.
15IndigoStreet,Wesburn
$699,000 -$765,000
DavidCarroll
any row, column or box.
1 Intelligent (5)
University teacher (9)
Cold-blooded creature (7)
Loss of muscular ability (9)
Finished brutally (5,2,4)
Generosity (11)
View (3)
Villain (5) 22 Stepped down from the throne (9)
Precisely (7)
Alms (7)
Insipid (9)
Strictness (5)
Distasteful (9)
Point above focus of an earthquake (9)
15 Distressing (9)
17 Dissect (7)
18 Directories (7)
21 Bottles, windows, etc. (5)
23 Furniture item (5)
24 Laundry appliance (5)
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or
Smith snares 5/16 in T-20
By Les Hutchings
Last Tuesday, Kilsyth’s First XI played Norwood in the Wild Card Knock-Out Round of the RDCA T20 Tournament at Mullum Mullum Reserve. Norwood won the toss and elected to bat. The first wicket fell on 16, bowled by Andy Solomons in the third over. Then Lloyd Jordan and Bailey O’Riley shared a second wicket partnership of 54, which ended when O’Riley was bowled by Dylan Smith for 34 off 27 balls (three fours) in Smith’s first over. Smith then took another wicket in the same over, caught by Sagar Ahir and Norwood were suddenly 3/71 after 11 overs. It became 4/82 when Dylan Smith captured another wicket (also bowled) in his next over. Spinner Pasan Ganegoda achieved a brilliant run out off his own bowling in the following over, with the score now 5/84 after 14 overs. Then Dylan Smith dismissed opening batsman Lloyd Jordan for 36 off 36 balls (two fours), well caught by Chris Pahi at deep midwicket, and Norwood had slumped to 6/84. After 16.1 overs, it became 7/94 when Smith captured his fifth wicket in his fourth and final over. From there, Luke Raggett and Ben Harwood took the score to 117 when Raggett, attempting a second run, was run out off the last ball of the innings by Pasan Ganegoda. Luke Raggett made 17 off 17 balls (one four), and Ben Harwood was eight not out off 11 balls. Dylan Smith took the bowling
honours for Kilsyth, capturing 5/16 off his four overs. The other wicket taker was Andy Solomons with 1/16 off three overs, In reply, Kilsyth found run scoring difficult early with a lot of sand being recently laid on the outfield. After two overs, the Redbacks were 1/1 when ’keeper Matthew Sansom effected a stumping off the bowling of Bailey O’Riley. The second wicket fell on 13, bowled by Nathan Lester in the fifth over, and the third wicket on 15, bowled by Andrew Kelly in the sixth over. When opener Jack Childs was run out for 11 by Sam Storey, Kilsyth were 4/30 after seven overs. The Redbacks then lost regular wickets: 5/40, 6/63 and 7/68 after 14 overs with two LBWs to opening bowler Andrew Kelly, and a caught and bowled to James Menzies. Pasan Ganegoda was one of the batsmen adjudged LBW after scoring 17 off 24 balls (one four). In the end, Kilsyth were dismissed for 95 off 19 overs. Will Beard was the last batsman out for 17 off 15 balls (two fours), caught behind by Matthew Sansom off the bowling of Luke Raggett, who took the last three wickets. Norwood’s wicket takers were Luke Raggett, 3/13 off three overs, Andrew Kelly 3/27 off four overs, James Menzies 1/7 off two overs, Bailey O’Riley 1/9 off four overs (one maiden), and Nathan Lester 1/12 off two overs. Thus, Kilsyth bowed out of the T20 competition after losing this knock-out round.
Soggy Saturday stops play for cricket teams
After intense rains during the early morning of Saturday, only a select few got to grace the field to play some cricket in the afternoon. Soggy outfields and slippery pitches left some with no option but to become spectators for the afternoon. For the crew at Mt Evelyn, it was just the First XI that would feature.
The Community Bank – Mt Evelyn First XI would engage in probably their most important match-up of the season. They would travel to Warranwood in a clash that will have huge ramifications on the relegation battle. With three teams going back to the Stuart Newey Plate at the end of the season, the fight is on. For the winner, they will also stay in touch with finals contention.
Both teams entered the clash with just one win on the board and were looking for a change in fortunes after cruelly falling short in the last matches. Warranwood captain Jake Gilbert would swiftly send Mt Evelyn into bat upon winning the toss, as conditions suggested there would be assistance through the air for the paceman. Perhaps Gilbert knew what he was capable of under the conditions, as he would be the main beneficiary of the decision to bowl.
The last time Mt Evelyn ventured to Quambee Reserve was for the Newey Plate Preliminary Final clash of the 2023/24 season. That day, the Mounters would lose a wicket on the first ball of the match, before being humbled when bowled out for a dismal 54. When Adam Smith fell on the second ball of the match, and Luke Jones and Alex Brisbane-Flynn followed soon after, all off the bowling of Gilbert, there were some nightmares being relived when the score was quickly reduced to 3/9 within the first half hour of play. With the inform pairing of Jake Blackwell and Daniel Giblin at the crease, there was still room for optimism under dark skies. The pair had all but done the first part of the salvage effort, almost navigating the team to drinks before Giblin would be caught in a gully, putting further strain on the visitors’ batting line-up as the score slipped to 4/21.
It was almost last-chance saloon for the Mounters as captain Campbell Mole joined Blackwell at the wicket. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the pair set about carefully injecting their team into the contest. Over the next hour, they would keep things simple; leave the ball well outside off stump, play within ‘the V’ and capitalise on anything loose should it come their way. When the bails were tipped for the tea adjournment, there would’ve been some air of confidence in the Mt Evelyn camp as a 53-run partnership between Mole and Blackwell had at least silenced the fielding team and given them some hold in the contest, even though there was still much to be done.
As it turned out, the tea interval came at the
wrong time for the visitors, and the steely concentration deserted them. Blackwell would fall in the first over back after the break to a wild shot to spinner Rob Sayers, and when Mole fell less than two overs later to the same bowler, the score had slipped to 7/75. To make matters worse, Mawson would give Gilbert his fifth wicket the next over, and what looked promising just a handful of overs earlier soon looked cataclysmic. Four wickets lost in the space of 18 balls with just one solitary run added to the score. Disaster would explain the least of the situation.
Determined not to see their team swept away in humiliating circumstances, the tail trio of Cal Dooley, Caleb Hrabe and Bohdie Jones were left with the task of adding any morsel of score to the board, absorbing some time at the crease before trying to rescue the game with the ball. The trio would battle manfully over the space of the next 20 overs and would get the score beyond three figures, and into a position where a score of 150 was attainable. Unfortunately, the innings would close in fitting fashion as Jones would fall to a calamitous run out to close out the innings for 125. Nowhere near enough, but
with wickets before the close of play, perhaps they could put some wobbles in a Shark’s batting line-up that has struggled so far this season. It wasn’t to be. Despite some tidy bowling from recruit Malinga De Silva in his debut match for Mt Evelyn, the Mounters needed some strike power at the other end, and the pacemen couldn’t deliver with the ball, what they could with the bat. The Warranwood openers would reach safety without any concerns to see out the day at 0/36. Barring a miracle turnaround, the First XI have some serious work to do to turn this season around.
Jake Blackwell, first with Giblin and then with Campbell Mole, would keep the Mounters’ hopes alive. (Supplied)
Daniel Giblin helped salvage the run-rate but was caught bringing the score to 4/21.
Kilsyth’s Dylan Smith took 5/16 off four overs in the T20 knock-out match against Norwood. (Supplied)
Women’s opening of 155
By Les Hutchings
Last Saturday, three of Kilsyth Cricket Club’s men’s senior teams commenced two-day matches, while the Third XI, the U14s and U16s were washed out, and the Fifth XI won on forfeit. The Women’s First XI won a one-day match on Sunday after an unbroken opening partnership of 155 in 22 overs between Ashleigh Katoa and Serena Gibbs. Another highlight was Men’s First XI opening bowler, Isuru Umesh, capturing 5/44 against Heatherdale after bowling 16.5 overs straight. It was his second five-wicket haul in consecutive matches. The Fourth XI’s Brodie Goodwin also got amongst the wickets, taking 5/47. Additionally, the Club celebrated two milestones with the First XI’s Will Beard playing his 50th senior game, and Anthony Cook playing his 150th senior game in the Fourth XI’s match.
The First XI commenced an away match against Heatherdale in the Wilkins Cup competition. It was an historic day, being the first time the two Men’s First XIs had ever played against each other. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat in overcast conditions with a slow outfield, due to overnight and morning rain. However, after four balls, Kilsyth were 1/0 when Heatherdale’s opening bowler Harry Box broke through, shattering the stumps. Then, three more wickets fell at 2/8, 3/14 and 4/28. Drinks were taken after 14 overs with the score on 4/40. After drinks, the wickets kept tumbling: 5/50, 6/52, 7/60, 8/69, 9/71, and then on the last ball before the scheduled tea break, all out for 80 off 29 overs of pace bowling. Opener Jack Childs was the only batsman to reach double figures with 27 off 55 balls (two fours). Bryce Cosham took the bowling honours for Heatherdale with 5/22 off six overs, and was well supported by Alex Bell, 2/16 off eight overs (two maidens), Ben Joseph 1/6 off six overs (one maiden), Harry Box 1/13 off five overs (one maiden), and Jack Peters 1/23 off four overs. After the tea break, Heatherdale lost their first wicket in the seventh over with the score on eight, caught behind by ’keeper Will Beard off the bowling of Isuru Umesh. It was 2/31 after 10.2 overs when Umesh bowled opener Matthew Stewart for 22 off 29 balls (two fours). By that stage, Kilsyth had dropped three catches, including Stewart twice. Then a procession of wickets: 3/35, 4/35, 5/36, 6/39 and 7/48 after 22 overs. Kilsyth had bounced back into the game with both opening bowlers, Isuru Umesh and Nuwan Sampath, taking four wickets and three wickets, respectively. When drinks were taken after 26 overs, it was 8/66 and Andy Solomons had just taken a wicket (clean bowled) in his first over. When Solomons took another wicket in his second over (also bowled), the score was 9/72 with Heatherdale still eight runs behind with only one wicket in hand. Ben Cosham was doing the scoring for Heatherdale and when the scores levelled on 80, last man in Alex Bell was dropped in the slips off the bowling of Isuru Umesh, which would have tied the first innings scores. Bell then managed to survive the last four balls of the over. In the next over, a bye gave Heatherdale the lead by one run. Then in the following over Ben Cosham opened his shoulders, hitting a four and a six before being caught behind off Umesh for a match-winning 33 off 42 balls (three fours and one six). In the end, Heatherdale were all out 91 off 32.5 overs, leaving Kilsyth to ponder over the six chances that were put down in the field. For Kilsyth, Isuru Umesh finished with 5/44 off 16.5 overs (five maidens), Nuwan Sampath 3/34 off 12 overs (four maidens), and Andy Solomons 2/11 off four overs (one maiden).
At 6.10pm Kilsyth commenced their second innings with 18 overs still to be bowled. When stumps were drawn at 7.04pm, the Redbacks were 3/20 off 13 overs. Pace bowler Harry Box had taken 2/13 off seven overs (three maidens), and spinner Mitchell Barr had bowled a wicket maiden. The Second XI played at home against second-placed Lilydale on Alan Smith Oval at Pinks Reserve. Lilydale won the toss and elected to bowl. After a promising opening partnership of 28 in 10.1 overs between Sanjeev Rana and Rhys Kearney, Rana was dismissed for 19 off 27 balls (three fours). The second wicket to fall was an unfortunate run out, and the Redbacks were now 2/36 in the 16th over. When Mark Unternahrer was caught and bowled by Ben Spencer for 19 off 47 balls (three fours), Kilsyth were 3/70 after 31.3 overs. Then, with the score on 102 in the 48th over, Tim Asbury was caught by Connor Smith, bowled by Elijah Prentice for 11 off 50 balls (one four and one six). From there, Kilsyth lost regular wickets, including three wickets in the 58th over that was bowled by Rhys Allen. At that point, Kilsyth de-
clared on 9/123. Rhys Kearney was the top scorer for Kilsyth with a determined 47 off 175 balls (four fours). Lilydale’s wicket takers were Rhys Allen, 3/24 off 10.5 overs (two maidens), Elijah Prentice 2/13 off six overs (three maidens), Karan Singh 2/24 off 14 overs (five maidens), and Luke Spencer 1/22 off 12 overs (three maidens). At stumps on Day One, Lilydale were 2/60 off 22 overs with Braeden Anthony 30* (six fours), and Kalen Tahirovski 11* (one four). Kilsyth’s Tim Asbury had taken 1/13 off four overs (one maiden), and Justin Smith 1/14 off five overs.
Due to the state of the ground, there was no play on the first day of the Third XI’s match against the undefeated, top of the ladder Warrandyte at Stintons Reserve, Park Orchards. Thus, the match becomes a one-dayer next week.
The Fourth XI played a split-innings two-day match against Coldstream Second XI on Roy Baldwin Oval at Pinks Reserve. Kilsyth won the toss, elected to bat and produced a similar score to the Second XI. The Redbacks lost two quick wickets to be 2/8 after 1.5 overs. Both wickets fell to Daniel Fritsch (LBW and bowled). Then Shaun Goodwin and Geoff Kennedy took the score to 45 when Goodwin was bowled by Ian Thompson in the eighth over for a rapid 24 off 20 balls (six fours). It was soon 4/46 when Connor Ewan picked up another wicket (clean bowled). From there, a 59-run partnership between Geoff Kennedy and Joshua Bock consolidated the innings but unfortunately ended when Bock was run out for 26 off 72 balls (five fours), after a throw from Leam Doughty to Steven Radmanic. At that point, the score was 5/105 after 30.1 overs, but then Kilsyth lost a clump of wickets: 6/113, 7/113, 8/116, and 9/116 before finishing on 9/127 after the first split of 36 overs, with Michael Panozzo on 13* (three fours). Geoff Kennedy was the best of Kilsyth’s batsmen with 45 off 80 balls (six fours). Coldstream’s wicket takers were Scott Adams, 4/21 off six overs (one maiden), Daniel Fritsch 2/38 off six overs, Connor Ewan 1/5 off six overs (one maiden), and Captain Ian Thompson 1/21 off six overs (two maidens). In reply, Coldstream had a day out with the bat, compiling 7/291 off 36 overs. This included a mammoth second wicket partnership of 235 between Leam Doughty and Ian Thompson. Doughty scored a brilliant 173 off 95 balls, including 17 fours and 12 sixes, whilst Thompson hit 62 off 76 balls (seven fours). Despite the onslaught, Kilsyth’s Brodie Goodwin did well to capture 5/47 off eight overs. Jordan Relf was the other wicket taker with 2/61.
The Fifth XI won their match against Wantirna South Fourth XI, who unfortunately had to forfeit the game.
On Sunday, the Women’s First XI played St Andrews on Alan Smith Oval, Pinks Reserve. After losing the previous two games, Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat. The start of the match was delayed for half an hour due to the rain and commenced at 1.30pm with the 36 overs per side game reduced to 32 overs each. At 1.55pm the match was again stopped due to rain and at that stage Kilsyth were 0/34 off 6.2 overs. When play resumed at 2.23 pm, the game had been further reduced to 28 overs per team. The century opening partnership between the new opening pair of Captain Ashleigh Katoa and Serena Gibbs came up in the 15th over. The game was again stopped at 3.26pm after 21.2 overs due to the rain, and afternoon tea was taken with Kilsyth on 0/152. The umpire made the decision to complete the 22nd over after tea and then end Kilsyth’s innings due to the loss of time and the possibility of further
rain. Thus, Kilsyth finished on 0/155cc after 22 overs with Ashleigh Katoa 74 not out off 68 balls (10 fours), and Serena Gibbs 66 not out off 61 balls (nine fours). Their magnificent unbroken opening partnership was the second highest in Club history for the Women’s first wicket. In reply, St Andrews were all out for 53 in 21.5 overs with opener Andrea Cummings top scoring with 17 off 39 balls. For Kilsyth, Lecia Baldry took 3/7 off 3.5 overs (two maidens), including two wickets with consecutive balls, Stephanie Gibbs 2/1 off three overs (two maidens), Sarah Gibbs 1/8 off three overs, and Nisansala Hettiarachchi 1/1 off two overs (one maiden). There were also three run outs achieved by Lecia Baldry to ’keeper Ashleigh Katoa, Monique Maassen to bowler Lecia Baldry, and a direct hit by Hoang “Shorty” Huynh. Rhiley Unternahrer took a stunning, diving catch in the gully, Lecia Baldry a nice catch at point, and Serena Gibbs took a good catch behind the stumps after taking over as wicket keeper from Ashleigh
Katoa, who bowled two overs 0/3.
Isuru Umesh captured 5/44 off 16.5 overs for the First XI against Heatherdale. (Supplied)
Brodie Goodwin took 5/47 off eight overs in the Fourth XI match against Coldstream. (Supplied)
Ashleigh Katoa (left) and Serena Gibbs shared an unbroken opening partnership of 155 for Kilsyth Women’s First XI against St Andrews. Ashleigh scored 74 not out off 68 balls, and Serena 66 not out off 61 balls. (Supplied)
