Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 2nd December 2025
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 - 12
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)
Appeal rejected
By Oliver Winn
The Supreme Court of Victoria has rejected the appeal of 25-year-old Anmoldeep Singh after he was sentenced for causing a fatal car crash in Wandin North two years ago.
20 November 2025, judges concluded Mr Singh’s four grounds of appeal weren’t successful, leaving Mr Singh to face the original sentence of three years and nine months in prison.
In February 2023, the Uber driver and student was transporting two Uber passengers Jessica
Henning and Justin King to a wedding only a short distance away when he struck Jorja O’Connor’s car, causing it to hit an embankment.
Ms O’Connor was with her grandfather Lewis Carnegie and her great uncle Peter Carnegie when the car was struck, killing the grandfather Lewis and seriously injuring the great uncle Peter.
Mr Singh failed to stop at the intersection and was travelling at a speed of between 42-44km/h when he struck Ms O’Connor’s car.
Mr Singh appealed on grounds of imprison-
ment exacerbating a mental health condition, his relative youth, the intersection’s design being the cause of the crash and the sentence being too excessive for his personal circumstances.
But, judges rejected all four grounds of appeal.
The judge rejected the evidence provided claiming Singh had suffered nine separate psychological disorders, as it was “expressed in quite adversarial, and subjective, terms”.
The claim that the judge’s original sentencing didn’t take Singh’s age into account also failed -
it was found the judge actually had taken his age into account.
With the a bunch of road signs, advance warnings and markings preceding the intersection, the judge concluded Mr Singh was to blame for his failure to stop.
Since the purpose of the sentence was to reduce further incidents of dangerous driving, the judge concluded the sentence wasn’t excessive, thus this appeal also failed.
Turn to page five to read more
Save the daydream for the couch.
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
House saved in fire
By Callum Ludwig
Quick action from an occupant and a well-set-up smoke alarm system helped stem the damage of a building fire in Healesville.
After an electrical fire broke out in a bedroom, the occupant quickly called Triple Zero and shut the bedroom door, starving the blaze of oxygen that could have seen it grow.
Healesville Fire Brigade Captain Brian Earl said the Healesville and Badger Creek brigades were paged to smoke issuing from a house.
“The tenant was home at the time and called Triple Zero when they saw it and the information we received was a fire within a bedroom and house starting to fill with smoke,” he said.
“On first arrival we found that the house was full of smoke, the owners were standing at the driveway to meet the brigade and had a quick
conversation with them… we wrapped it up relatively quickly so there wasn’t terribly much involved in it in that sense.
“But it was really good work by the occupant there in terms of having good working and interconnected smoke alarms and a really quick response to calling Triple Zero and closing the bedroom door behind them as they left, that really did contain that fire to that bedroom, which was a good little win in among a horrible situation.”
In a Facebook post, the brigade noted this serves as a warning to be wary of faulty electrical wiring, connections or appliances.
Mr Earl said quick reactions make a big difference in the event of a fire.
“Quick action to call Triple Zero means the quicker we can get there and good, clear information around the address and what the fire is, makes it nice and easy for us to get the right gear
to the fire as quickly and smoothly as possible,” he said.
“The actions of the owner in terms of seeing it straight away, closing the bedroom door and calling Triple Zero had a significant impact in terms of containing that fire to that bedroom before it was allowed to breathe and establish through the rest of the house.
“We tend to get to this time of year and focus heavily on bushfire but everyone’s still living in their houses, we’re still using equipment, gear, and everything inside of houses so the potential exposure to house fires is just as relevant now.”
Residents are urged to ensure they turn off any power points, heaters and appliances that are not in use.
For more home fire safety information, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fires-in-the-home/ home-fire-safety-checklist.
Knuckle duster attack
A man has attacked a person in Warburton with what’s believed to be knuckle dusters on 16 November.
Police are investigating the incident which occurred on Warburton Highway around 3.30pm.
The male has allegedly struck the victim in the back of the head with what were believed to be knuckle dusters before fleeing the scene behind a strip of shops.
The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident.
The offender is described as a male, 30-40 years of age, Caucasian, around 180cm tall with a medium build and dark blonde hair.
He was wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, grey hoodie, jeans and work boots.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic. com.au
Reference: #250477567.
Wetlands progress
Yarra Valley Water’s efforts to create new wetland habitat for the critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater and lowland Leadbeater’s Possum are progressing.
The Upper Yarra Sewage Treatment Plant habitat restoration will create over 35 hectares of new wetland at their Upper Yarra Sewage Treatment Plant site in Dalry Road, Launching Place. Earthworks will continue and a predator proof fence will be installed next year.
Yarra Valley Water expect to start planting native vegetation in September 2026.
Locals should expect more vehicles, trucks and machinery travelling to the site on Dalry Road.
Additional dust and noise may arise due to earth moving works.
But water and sewerage services will not be affected.
More information can be found at: shorturl. at/DHCsr.
Yellingbo delays
Road users travelling through Yellingbo should expect 15 minute delays as road works take place at the intersection of Beenak Rd, Smith St and Old Beenak Rd, Yellingbo. Works take place from 1 December to 12 December.
Yarra Ranges Council advises care will be taken to ensure works are completed during this period, circumstances beyond our control may require the program to be altered.
One lane will be closed where applicable while emergency access will be available.
Due to the construction activity, there is no access along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail between Dee Road to the west in Millgrove and Sussex Street to the east in Warburton from 24 November.
Between 20 December and 11 January, Council will reopen across along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail as no work is planned over the Christmas – New Year period. Access around the bridge is via the existing bypass track. From 12 January until late March they will close the trail again between Dee Road and Sussex Street to finish repairing the bridge. Access remains for emergency services throughout.
East of Sussex Street, access along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail will remain unaffected.
The fire was able to be contained to the bedroom. (Supplied)
Quick action from the occupant was key to preventing the fire from worsening. (Supplied)
The blaze is believed to have been an electrical fire. (Supplied)
Advocacy priorities updated
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 ad-
vocacy 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.”
Know your places of last resort in a bushfire emergency
By Gabriella Vukman
When it comes to being prepared for bushfire season, knowing your places of last resort is vital. While getting out early is encouraged first and foremost, there are places available for Yarra Ranges residents to seek refuge in the case of a bushfire emergency.
On Tuesday 25. November’s Yarra Ranges Council Meeting, the motion to confirm 19 recommended places of last resort for the 25-26 fire season was carried unanimously.
Councillor Jim Child confirmed that if people choose not to leave early and end up at one of the designated places of last resort, they will be “on their own.”
The places of last resort are a mixture of public and private property and are listed as follows; Belgrave Recreation Reserve Oval, on Reserve Road Belgrave 3160 Belgrave Belgrave Alexanders Carpark, on Terrys Ave, Belgrave 3160 Coldstream Halley Supple Reserve Oval, Bounded by South Gateway and North Gateway Coldstream 3770
Dixons Creek Dixons Recreation Reserve Oval, on Melba Highway (between Pinnacle Lane and Lorimers Lane) Dixons Creek 3775
Healesville Queens Park Bounded by Don Rd, Maroondah Hwy & Badger Creek Rd (entry off Don Road) Healesville 3777
Healesville RACV Country Club Underground Car Park, on Healesville-Kinglake Road (near corner Chum Creek Road) Healesville 3777
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
Monbulk Recreational Reserve Oval on Moores Road (near McAllister Road) in Monbulk 3793
Mount Evelyn Yarra Hills Secondary School Oval, bounded by Old Hereford Road, Mikado Road and Burdap Drive (Reserve access Road) in Mount Evelyn 3796
Seville Recreational Reserve on the first oval on 20-28 Monbulk-Seville Road, in Seville 3139
Upwey Recreation Reserve Oval, on Alexander Ave (opposite Austral Ave) entry also via Chosen Ave in Upwey 3158
Upwey Dandenong Ranges Community Cul-
tural Centre ‘Burrinja’ (Rear Car Park) Corner Glenfern Road and Matson Drive in Upwey 3158 Wandin North Reserve Oval on the Corner of Clegg Road and Warburton Highway in Wandin North 3139
Woori Yallock Recreation Reserve Oval on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road opposite Nester Road in Woori Yallock 3139
Yarra Valley Racing Centre carpark area) on Armstrong Grove in Yarra Glen 3775 Yarra Junction Recreation Reserve Oval on Park Road off Warburton Highway in Yarra Junction 3797
Millgrove Recreation Reserve on Moore Crescent in Millgrove 3799
Warburton Recreation Reserve Oval at 3455 Warburton Highway in Warburton 3799
There are three Community Fire Refuge (CFR) locations within the Yarra Ranges municipality which will remain designated during the 2025/26 fire danger period.
The three CFR locations within the Yarra Ranges are; The Millwarra Primary School. East Warburton Campus on Woods Point Rd East Warburton, The Ferny Creek Primary School on School Rd in Ferny Creek, and the Wesburn/ Millgrove CFA Fire Station on the Warburton Highway in Millgrove.
Funding to replace the Kilsyth Centenary Pool with a modern facility is a key advocacy item for Yarra Ranges Council. (File)
Millgrove Recreation Reserve is among the list of 19 places of last resport. (File: 331874)
Fatal crash appeal rejected
By Oliver Winn
A man who was sentenced after he caused a car crash that killed one person and seriously injured another in Wandin North has had his appeal rejected.
On 20 November in the Supreme Court of Victoria judges determined 25-year-old Anmoldeep Singh’s grounds of appeal weren’t successful and the student would have to serve the original sentence of three years and nine months in prison.
In February 2023, the Uber driver and student was transporting two Uber passengers Jessica Henning and Justin King to a wedding only a short distance away when he struck Jorja O’Connor’s car, causing it to rotate, roll and then hit an embankment.
Singh failed to stop at the intersection and was travelling at a speed of between 42-44km/h when he struck Ms O’Connor’s car.
Ms O’Connor was with her grandfather Lewis Carnegie and her great uncle Peter Carnegie when the car was struck.
Peter Carnegie suffered lacerations to his head and neck and suffered multiple fractures, while Lewis Carnegie tragically passed away from his injuries three hours later at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Singh supported his appeal on grounds of imprisonment exacerbating a mental health condition and his relative youth.
But, the judge rejected the evidence provided claiming Singh had suffered nine separate psychological disorders, as it was “expressed in quite adversarial, and subjective, terms”.
The claim that the judge’s original sentencing didn’t take Singh’s age into account also failedit was found the judge actually had taken his age into account.
Other grounds of appeal were that the design of the intersection was to blame for his failure to stop and the sentence being excessive given his personal circumstances.
But these grounds weren’t successful.
In the original hearing, Judge Hogan said she didn’t think she’d seen an intersection with “so many advance warnings and markings”.
At 160m from the intersection at the time of the incident, was a sign warning motorists of the presence of pedestrians, cyclists and horses.
At 134m are signs on both sides informing drivers of upcoming rumble strips, with those strips starting at 111m from the intersection. Prepare to stop signs can be found 85m from
Call to check road safety
By Oliver Winn
The crash which caused the death of a 25-yearold man in Yellingbo has prompted calls to investigate the safety of Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road.
It came after an investigation into the death of Stefan Barthelot was delivered by the Coroners Court on 18 November.
After analysing the circumstances of Mr Barthelot’s death, which occurred on 29 September 2024, Coroner Simon McGregor concluded road conditions were likely the reason for Mr Barthelot losing control of his vehicle.
Mr McGregor’s report recommended the Department of Transport and Planning to consider whether repairs and improvements need to be made to the road surface, if safety/ warning signage should be erected at the location, and if the speed limit should be reduced.
Mr Barthelot was heading southbound on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road in Yellingbo when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed to the northbound lanes and hit a concrete power pole.
Despite paramedics arriving on scene within roughly five minutes of the crash, he was unable to be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at 6.30pm.
Mr Barthelot was in good health with no known mental health conditions and no sub-
stantial history of driving offences.
The motor mechanic would often drive on “mountain runs” with no planned route.
Coronial Investigator Leading Senior Constable Curran inspected the vehicle and found unroadworthy modifications to the car’s air intake system.
Mr Curran also determined the tyres’ tread to be past their wear indicators, attributing this as a factor which led to the crash.
But a report from principal forensics engineer Dr Shane Richardson rebuked Mr Curran’s claim about the tyre tread as no evidence was provided to show the tyres were worn past its indicators.
Dr Richardson is the managing director and owner of Delta V Experts, a business specialising in accident reconstruction.
He concluded the friction of the road was likely below the VicRoads skid resistance levels and that the road surface, speed limit and lack of signage were key contributing factors to the cause of the collision.
Dr Richardson supplied a statement from a local who lives at the crash site.
“Since living here, I have never been so terrified of roads in all my life, given the poor condition and ridiculous speed limits imposed on narrow roads with tight bends and multiple driveway entries,” they said.
the intersection, with more rumble strips 42m away and then a visible stop sign 6.7m from the solid line intersection.
Singh had been living and studying in Melbourne since 2018 when he moved at the age of 19 and had been an Uber driver since June 2021.
He had multiple references from employers, friends and members of the Melbourne Sikh community who indicated his good character and the remorse and guilt he had felt following the incident.
As a result of his sentencing, Singh is likely to
have his visa cancelled and will be unable to continue to pursue his studies in Australia. His mother, who had travelled from India to support her son, was allowed to see him before he was taken away.
This context formed the basis of the argument the sentence was “manifestly excessive” given Singh’s personal circumstances.
But since the purpose of the sentence was to reduce further incidents of dangerous driving, the judge concluded the sentence wasn’t excessive.
The findings determined there was insufficient evidence that the tyres were past their wear indicators. (File)
The decision was made on 20 November in the Supreme Court of Victoria. (File)
CFA trains for fire rehab
By Oliver Winn
Yellingbo CFA and Seville CFA held a joint training session on Wednesday 19 November, highlighting an unexpected, yet incredibly crucial, aspect of firefighting - rehabilitation.
When the public thinks of fighting fires, it’s safe to assume that most picture people in baggy yellow overalls with pointed hard hats on their heads fighting ferocious fires.
But fighting fires is an incredibly demanding task as the body engages in intense physical activity while under heavy heat stress.
Yellingbo CFA’s specialised rehabilitation unit plays an important role in the network of Yarra Valley CFA brigades, and it’s through training sessions like these where it can share its valuable knowledge.
Yellingbo CFA captain Jeremy Hardy said the training was a valuable opportunity for other CFA members who haven’t experienced rehab before.
“It was good for some of the Seville fire brigade members that perhaps haven’t experienced that, for them to come through the rehab afterwards as well.”
The two brigades practiced using breathing apparatus (BA) before using Yellingbo CFA’s rehab unit - a vehicle or equipment that helps firefighters recover from fighting fires.
Specialised camping chairs are fitted with water-filled arm rests that firefighters put their arms in to help them cool down.
Mr Hardy described the chairs to work like a “car radiator” by cooling the internal blood flow of the firefighters, bringing down body temperature.
“They normally would sit there for 20 minutes. Beforehand and afterwards, we take some
medical stats, which includes their heart rate, their oxygen saturation, we take all that.
The rehab unit will also typically measure carbon monoxide levels and heart rates too, ensuring firefighters recover properly.
While cooling down firefighters are also given lollies for a quick boost to blood-sugar levels and
a packet of chips to help increase sodium levels.
Seville CFA thanked Yellingbo CFA in a Facebook post after the training.
“These collaborations are great opportunities for our members to get to know the people, appliances and turn out areas of our neighbouring brigades before we hit the fire ground together. A
lot of effort goes in to running these nights and our members got a lot out of it,” the post read.
In November 2023, Yellingbo CFA received a $163,000 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grant to fit out a new rehab vehicle.
Dangerous horse crossing finally fixed in Wandin North
By
Horse riders in Wandin North can rest easy after a notorious faulty horse crossing on Warburton Highway has finally been repaired by the State Government.
The fix came after nearly two years of near misses and steadfast advocacy from local horse riders and politicians.
State Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence was critical of the State Government for its inaction after she initially called for a fix in February 2024.
“The broken horse crossing signal at the intersection of Warburton Highway, Quayle Road and Wallace Road was extremely dangerous for drivers, horse riders and pedestrians.
“For over 20 months I’ve raised this safety hazard with the government, and now I will monitor it closely to ensure the crossing signal has been fixed properly this time,” she said.
The horse crossing, located at the intersection of Warburton Highway, Quayle Road and Wallace Road, had caused a number of close calls as riders attempted to cross the busy road.
The stakes were raised in late October after horse rider Andrea Newstead and her friend were inches away from an oncoming car which had ignored attempts to slow down traffic.
“The traffic was backed up, someone didn’t want to wait. They ended up going around the traffic, and they almost hit me, I felt it brush past my knees. I was that close,” Ms Newstead said.
Ms Newstead and other horse riders were forced to put their lives on the line to help the high number of horse riders cross the road as they
travelled to major equestrian facilities in Wandin North and Seville.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) sent crews to repair the crossing in February 2024 and July 2025, but the signals stopped working soon after due to uncontrolled conditions affecting communication.
The horse crossing was broken due to a complex technology fault, which made it difficult for the DTP to give a timeframe for a fix.
Despite this, the DTP didn’t implement any temporary safety measures such as extra signage to warn oncoming traffic.
“We’ve repaired the horse crossing at Wandin North, with new signage and upgraded technology to ensure safer warning to oncoming drivers,” a DTP spokesperson said.
The collaborative training session was a great opportunity for both brigades to share skills and build relationships. (Supplied)
Members undergoing medical tests. (Supplied)
Members of Seville CFA got to experience Yellingbo’s rehab unit. (Supplied)
The faulty crossing was finally fixed after many near misses with oncoming cars. Wandin end looking up to Quayle Road, Wallace Road intersection. (Stewart Chambers: 520610)
The crossing requires riders to press the button to activate lights. (520610)
Oliver Winn
New vehicle for SES crew
By Callum Ludwig
The Healesville SES Unit is set to receive a boost thanks to the latest round of grants through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
A grant of $167,567 has been provided to the unit to go towards a new light rescue vehicle, bolstering their fleet and helping to meet the increasing demand for emergency response.
Unit controller Karen Picone said receiving the grant is absolutely amazing.
At the moment, we only have a Medium Rigid Vehicle, which doesn’t go up a lot of our roads when they’re dirt or steep, so this vehicle will be able to get into areas that we struggle to get into at the moment,” she said.
“We have been lucky enough that the state SES has loaned us two rescue four-wheel drives so we do have the capability, but this is our long-term fix because they want those back.
“We’ve been lucky over the last 12 months of having the two four-wheel-drive rescue vehicles, our turn-out times are amazing, we have eight minutes to be out for a road rescue and we’re making under that so that’s an amazing effort by everyone involved.”
Over $30 million in VESEP grants have been awarded to Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Life Saving Victoria Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue and other emergency service organisations in the latest round. Almost $20 million has been awarded to buy and purpose-fit 40 vehicles, more than $5 million provided to update 15 facilities and more than $1 million to purchase operational equipment across the state.
Ms Picone said they take great pride in their prompt turn-out times.
“A medium vehicle is great because it’s bigger, so in a highway situation it gives us more protection as well as it holds a lot more equipment, so that is its great advantage,” she said.
“But at the moment it’s quite slow because it’s new and it’s still running in, so we would
anticipate that the light rescue would go ahead and start organising a rescue and the medium rigid would come up behind.
“If we needed, we could have a vehicle on both sides of an incident as well, which sometimes is helpful.”
Units, brigades and other emergency organisations can apply for a grant of up to $250,000 – a $100,000 increase from the previous maximum – with the Victorian Government contributing $2 for every $1 raised by the local volunteer group.
Ms Picone said having fresh and available equipment is very important to the unit.
H EALESVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET INC.
“As an SES unit, we have to supply a lot of our equipment ourselves; that’s why fundraising is so important for us, we get one vehicle per unit that is state-owned and the rest are supplied between the unit and grants if we’re successful with them,” she said.
“That’s why this is such an amazing thing to get because it means that we are not having to raise the whole amount of money, we’re only paying a third of the cost of it.
“$83,000 from a small unit like Healesville is still a lot of money to raise but it’s going to make a difference to us and to how we are able to assist the community.”
The controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund helps fund the VESEP program, and the boost it will provide to funding is forecast to see VESEP doubled over the next four years, up to $62 million.
“These grants are incredibly popular every year, and we’ll keep backing in our volunteers, helping them focus on what they do best – protecting lives and property,” Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward.
“With more funding on offer than ever before – almost double – we’re showing our determination to support our hardworking emergency services volunteers.”
SANTA COMING THIS SUNDAY 10.30 AM - 12.00 PM
8.00am - 1.30pm
River Street Car Park 1st Sunday of the Month
Coronation Park 3rd Sunday of the Month
Stallholder Enquiries Welcome
Large variety of Stalls including:
• Home made: cakes, candles, clothing, craft, jams, soaps
An example of an SES Light Rescue Vehicle, which the Healesville unit is set to purchase. (Supplied)
Posties put the bite on attacking dogs
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
Posties are continuing to experience lacerations and bites despite ongoing messaging about dogrelated incidents.
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 owners 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.
Victoria joins an encouraging women in power trend
By Mikayla van Loon
The selection of a female to lead the Victorian Liberal Party into 2026, an election, and hopefully beyond, has been welcomed as a positive 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 within leadership positions within politics, the more it’s normalised. I can’t wait for the day when our federal leaders are all women,” Ms Heath said.
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 counterparts in politics (and in all other roles as well),” she said.
“But the higher visibility of politics, and the 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.
“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.
“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” women to run in the state election, 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/
Australia Post is encouraging safe and secure restraints of dogs as postie delivery season ramps up. (Supplied)
(Supplied)
Rare storm cell hits
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.
“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.
“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 storm 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
and
Awards for trade training
Local apprentices and trainees had their hard work recognised at Aaron Violi MP’s Casey Apprentice and Trainee Awards.
Ten local apprentices and trainees across a variety of fields were recognised at the ceremony at Chirnside Park Country Club on Thursday 20 November alongside employers, family and friends.
Mr Violi said it was special to see so many local business owners nominate their apprentices and trainees to be recognised.
“It is so important our young people know that university is not the only pathway to success. My Casey Apprentice and Trainee Awards are about recognising the hard work of apprentices and trainees and encouraging our next generation of local trades,” Mr Violi said.
“It was fantastic to have employers attend
Greg Carrick shared his pictures of the storm from Yarra Valley FM studios in Healesville. (Greg Carrick)
Mr Coombs said he observed 20 lightning strikes per mintue. (Greg Carrick)
A VicEmergency warning went out at 10.20pm for the storm. (Greg Carrick)
There were finalists
winners right across the suburbs, Yarra Valley and Dandenongs. (Supplied)
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM
Sharing her story helps with healing
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 would 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 would eventually be shared by the International Inner Wheel Committee during the global UN Women-led 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 Gender-Based Violence campaign is a reminder of a terrible reality lived by far too many women in Australia and around the world.
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’
Unite and grow together this 16 Days of Activism
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’.
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.”
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.
Parliament House in Canberra lit up on 25 November. (Supplied)
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)
(518248)
Sun shines on supporters
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.
“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 rep-
resentatives 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.
Lisa from Fvree and Avega from Women’s Health East joined the walk on Thursday 27 November. (Stewart Chambers: 520464)
Walkers on the move. (Callum Ludwig: 520858)
Chris Hume starts the smoking ceremony. (Callum Ludwig: 520858)
Steve led the group in talking posts around the Lake. (520464)
Many banners were out and proudly held. (Callum Ludwig: 520858)
Banners were compelling. (520464)
Elders smoke themselves. (Callum Ludwig: 520858)
The crowd showed the number of people willing and wanting to stand up against violence. (520464)
Supporters were out in droves. (Callum Ludwig: 520858)
Rachel for the Migrant Information Centre, Eastern Melbourne spoke at one of the stops. (520464)
Jenny, Trev (front), Zoe and Allira from Oonah. (520464)
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM
Mum’s rock it 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 hush-hush.
“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
utes 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.”
Walking from awareness to action with YR council staff
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.
On Friday 28 November, council staff took 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.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Richard Higgins, said that there were few issues more important than ending violence against women.
“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.
“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, partnering with the Mount Evelyn Men’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
that uses the power of music to build community, strengthen social connections, and support well-being. As part of its mission, PBOB redistrib-
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. (Tanya Steele).
Yarra Ranges Council staff participated in the 2025 Walk Against Family Violence in Melbourne. (Supplied)
Care beyond pilates mat
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 different 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/
Healesville’s Sandra Thom-Jones wins the Scarlett Stiletto
By Callum Ludwig
Healesville author Sandra Thom-Jones has found herself in the spotlight again at the Sisters in Crime’s 32nd Scarlet Stiletto Awards.
Having already had a category win and third overall placing at the same awards in 2023, Ms Thom-Jones went one better and claimed first prize this year.
Ms Thom-Jones said she was absolutely delighted and shocked.
“I totally didn’t expect it… there were 31 shortlisted writers, so I knew I was shortlisted and I was sitting there as they announced all the category prizes,” she said.
“You clap for everyone and then they were going through, and ‘the third prize goes to… second prize goes to… ‘ and then they got to the first prize and I was sat there thinking ‘That’s my name’.
“I didn’t think I’d ever win first prize, because that’s just the pinnacle, it was pretty amazing.”
In 2023, won the Sun Bookshop and Fremantle Press, which is overall third place in the competition, for her story ‘The Safehouse’.
Winning the first prize this year for her short story ‘Der Hölle Rache’, Ms Thom-Jones said it was inspired by a story on social media she followed about a really terrible case of animal cruelty.
“I was feeling really emotional about it, but really powerless and obviously, in fiction, you can do anything,” she said.
“So I was sitting there imagining what it would be like in a world where there was no rules, and I had no morals, and I could actually do something to avenge these animals who were so badly treated and that was my inspiration for the story.
“It’s a story about someone who takes the power back and tries to change the world so that people don’t think it’s okay to hurt animals.”
that’s really important to me to see autistic people represented in fiction.”
The Scarlet Stiletto Awards is a national competition for Australian women writers with crime and mystery short stories featuring a strong female protagonist, with 231 entries submitted this year.
Ms Thom-Jones said she’s not the judge, so can’t say for sure, but thinks the characterisation, plot and level of detail in the story might have made it stand out.
“I managed to find an ex-police officer who was willing to have a look at my police procedural aspects and make sure they were right,” she said.
“I talked to my dad, who knows a lot about guns as he’s a gun collector, I know nothing about guns, I find guns quite terrifying but I talked to my dad about bullets and guns and reloading bullets.
“I paid a lot of attention to making sure that I had every tiny little detail of the story right, so I think that was important.”
Ms Thom-Jones receives $2000 and the coveted ‘Scarlett Stiletto’ trophy, which is in the shape and colour of the footwear of its name.
Ms Thom-Jones said she’s always writing short stories but she’s currently also working on a novel which she’s really excited about.
“I’m hoping I can find a publisher for it, because I think it’s a fun novel, I won’t give too much away, but my two main characters in my novel are an autistic person and a cat, and I think it’s kind of quirky,” she said.
Ms Thom-Jones said for anyone who might read the story to expect that the story is going to bring you in and it’s going to surprise you by the fact that you’re actually going to feel a fair bit of empathy with the villain.
“Expect not to see it as quite so black and white about who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy in this story, and maybe you’ll be on the side of the villain a little bit,” she said.
As an autistic person herself, Ms Thom-Jones aims to represent autistic people in fiction often, having won the Liz Navratil Award in 2023 for the Best Disabled Protagonist for the character ‘Professor Alex Macario’ in her story ‘The Motif in the Motives’.
“Hopefully, just to enjoy the story as well, there’s a little bit of fun in there as well as the moral behind it… personally, all of my stories start from observing something and thinking, you know, how would I react in that situation or what would my character do in that situation, “Typically I’m inspired by something I see or something I read about, and all of my stories tend to include an autistic character in some way, whether that’s as the main character or one of the minor characters, because as an autistic writer,
“I really want to encourage anyone who is autistic or neurodivergent in any way to follow their passion for writing, many of us are really creative and imaginative and I think this is an example of where our slightly different ways of thinking can actually really resonate with other people.
“Sometimes we’re told that we can’t write, we can’t be creative, but we really can, we can really enjoy it and other people can really enjoy reading what we write so I really encourage all those autistic people out there to pick up your pens or your keyboards and keep writing.”
Stable One chief executive officer Katherine Kirkwood and pilates instructor Vicky Kamakaris. (Stewart Chambers: 519017)
L-R: Sandra Thom-Jones and Jeff Thom-Jones at the awards. (Supplied)
Heaps of hampers packed
By Gabriella Vukman
It is a yearly tradition that the students of St. Brigid’s Primary School march down to the Healesville Uniting Church to help pack 150 Christmas hampers for those in need. This year was no exception.
On Friday 28. November, dozens of year six hands got to work assembling hampers under the careful supervision and guidance from the volunteers of Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc (HICCI).
Executive Officer at HICCI Alison Gommers said, “It is an annual tradition for the grade sixes of St. Brigid’s to come down and pack the 150 hampers.”
“It is all about giving back to the community and it promotes HICCI as well, so it is a really lovely thing,” she said.
Featuring ham, a Christmas cake and pudding, the hampers also included custard, and bon bons, among other items.
The hamper items have been donated by a range of churches and the local community, with the Healesville Lions Club donating the Christmas cakes.
Alison anticipates many new hamper registrants this year, due to rising cost of living pressures.
“We recognise that more people are struggling that may not have struggled before with the increase in costs,” Alison said.
“For them to receive a hamper they just need to call us up at HICCI and register or come in in the morning between 9:30 and 2:00pm from 1. December.”
“We also have a toy shop that is available for children up to the age of 16.”
To collect items from the toy shop, families can visit HICCI between 9:30 and 2pm.
“The Lilydale Valley Views Retirement Village came this week with two carloads of toys and over 500 dollars worth of vouchers,” Alison said.
“The Yarra Ranges Council has also donated 50 family vouchers for the local Healesville outdoor pool,” she said.
Alison noted that the volunteers at HICCI look forward to the annual arrival of the St. Brigid’s year sixes.
“It’s great to have them help us and we keep an eye on them because sometimes they get a bit excited and run around with the items,” Alison said.
“We set everything up and make sure that every hamper is getting the right items.”
Year Six Student and Ministry leader at St. Brigid’s Flynn said, “Today we are here packing hampers for those who are in need of some help over the Christmas month. “
“Putting together the hampers gets us involved with the community, helping others, and teaches us some good valuable life lessons like how to care for others,” Flynn said.
Year Six Student at St. Brigid’s Harriet also attended Friday’s annual hamper packing session.
“I really enjoy the hamper packing. They get really heavy at the end though,” Harriet said. “I find it fun and I like that we are helping the community, which is really important,” she said. “Sometimes we forget because you can’t always see that people might need some help.”
Ardi honoured with Tricia O’Reilly Memorial Scholarship
By Gabriella Vukman
A mixture of smiles and tears engulfed Healesville Primary School on Friday 28 November when grade six student Ardi Campbell was awarded the school’s Tricia O’Reilly Memorial Scholarship.
Under the gaze of family, friends and previous award recipients, Ardi stepped up to the front of Healesville Primary School’s assembly hall to graciously receive his award.
The Tricia O’Reilly Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually and was established in 2001 in honour of former Healesville Primary School student Tricia, who died aged 12.
As a legacy, the late Senior Sergeant Tony Van Gorp of Healesville Police set up the Award and Scholarship to be presented to a grade six student from Healesville Primary School who is going on to Healesville High School.
Each year, the award recognises a Year 6 student who emulates the qualities Tricia showed. These qualities include: being academically accomplished and interested in being involved in all aspects of school activity, being well organised and conscientious in always doing their best.
The award recipients are also acknowledged each year for being sporty, cheerful, fun-loving and respectful.
Ardi’s Classroom Teacher Ali Mende said, “Ardi is just an easy-going, fun-loving kid.”
“He is friends with everyone and he loves being at school. He also makes the most of every opportunity that he has,” she said.
“He is happy to be himself and doesn’t worry about what other people think of him and he is still very popular regardless of that.”
Ms Mende was very proud of Ardi for receiving the award.
“He is just such a beautiful kid in general,” Ms Mende said.
“When you think about Tricia and the type of person Ardi is, I don’t think the award could
have gone to anyone else,” she said.
“I think the award is a beautiful way to honour Tricia and the type of student she was and have that connection with the high school. It fosters a sense of community in Healesville and it is something for all of our kids to aspire to achieve.”
Ardi was filled with much emotion when he received the award.
“It is a very good honour to receive this award,” Ardi said.
“The award means that you are very caring, sporty, and nice,” he said.
Ardi was grateful his parents attended the award ceremony.
“I love my dad and my mum,” he said.
As part of the award, Ardi had his name on a shield at Healesville Primary School and on one at Healesville High School, next to the names of past award recipients.
Ardi also received a plaque of his own to take home.
When asked what advice he would give to future year sixes, Ardi said, “Have fun and enjoy school when you can because it will be over really quickly.”
“You should really make the most of every moment,” he said.
Ardi plans on taking this mindset with him when he goes to Healesville High School.
Year six students Flynn and Harriet were all smiles during Friday’s hamper-packing shenanigans. (Gabriella Vukman: 520983)
Ardi’s friends cheered for, and congratulated him on receiving the award. (Gabriella Vukman : 521401)
Ardi and his family were very proud to have received the Tricia O’Reilly Award. (Gabriella Vukman: 521401)
SENIORS LIVING
Retirement life 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 op-
portunities 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.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
An 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 Valley Dental patients.
Rupali said being an all-female team, patients were treated with care and compassion.
“Staff are very approachable and compassionate making everyone feel at ease coming to the dentist,“ she said.
The clinic offers a wide range of dental services, including general dentistry, fillings,
crowns, bridges and veneers. Take advantage of current specials, including a check-up, clean and two x-rays for $195, and in-chair whitening $450. For an appointment phone 9737 6453
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:
Come
Staying connected matters
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:
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.
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.
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
Hearsmart has provided a few easy tips to stay connected this holiday season. (Supplied)
Always time to volunteer
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
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.
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
“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)
Valley volunteers honoured
On Saturday 8 November, volunteers of the Yarra Ranges had their dedication to the local community recognised at the 2025 Casey Volunteer and Community Awards.
Among the 70 individuals who had their community service acknowledged, six were from the Healesville region.
These recipients included: Kathleen Riley from the Badger Creek Hall, Secretary of the Badger Creek Hall Kathleen Cameron, Member of the Coldstream Fire Brigade Robert Bethell, President of the Healesville Soccer Club Suzanne Tyzack, Member of the Healesville Lions Club Elaine Dossor, and Robyn Davey from the Yarra Glen and Healesville Combined Churches Op Shop.
Community Group recipients included: She Won’t be Right Mate, which is based in Yarra Glen, Southern Cross Kids’ Camps Yarra Ranges, and The Philanthropic Collective.
Secretary of the Badger Creek Hall Kathleen Cameron has served at the hall for 20 years with her primary role involving taking bookings and showing people around the hall.
“Any community space is an asset and the Badger Creek Hall is 100 years old now,” Ms Cameron said.
“It was built by local people in a day and a half with no government funding,” she said.
“The whole ethos of the hall is to be available for the community and its residents.”
The hall is not supported by the Yarra Ranges Council, however does receive some funding from the Department of Energy, the Environment and Climate Action.
“The hall is only modest and we can only do a little at a time,” Ms Cameron said.
Ms Cameron is the carer of a handicapped adult and cannot work a full-time job.
“I can’t work full time so it is nice to contribute to the community and feel appreciated,” Ms Cameron said.
“It was delightful to receive the award and also humbling to be amongst so many amazing volunteer people. They are all doing such a wonderful job.”
Treasurer of the Badger Creek Hall Kathleen Riley has also been volunteering at the hall for 20 years.
“I volunteer to help ensure the historic Badger Creek Hall remains a feature of our local area and a community gathering point,” Ms Riley said.
“It has been an important location in my own life, being the host of Healesville Spinners and Weavers of which I am a long time member,” she said.
“I like being able to give back to the community and help to preserve the history of my hometown.”
Ms Riley’s role as Treasurer involves managing the Hall’s finances, participation in planning community events, and helping organise the upkeep and development of the hall to keep it functional and a relevant feature for the Badger Creek Community.
“I was honoured to be recognised for my work,” Ms Riley said.
“I am appreciative of those that took the time to nominate me.”
Member of the Coldstream Fire Brigade Robert Bethell had no idea that he would receive anything at all at the Casey Volunteer and Community Awards.
“It was a bit of a surprise when they called my name out,” Mr Bethell said.
“Volunteering is an Australian custom that seems to be dying,” he said.
“We are increasingly finding ourselves short of leadership and numbers in the area of volunteering.”
Mr. Bethell has volunteered at the Coldstream CFA for over 60 years.
Growing up on a farm in Lilydale, Mr Bethell joined the CFA after fires threatened the local area.
“I wanted to help out, so I guess it all started there,” Mr Bethell said.
“We volunteered and built our own fire station. The Coldstream fire station. We had to, as a volunteer group, buy a block of land and build the station” he said.
“The CFA supplied uniforms and trucks, but the rest of the system is voluntary.”
Mr Bethell would like to see more volunteers join the CFA.
“I would be happy if we could get a few more volunteers in the brigade,” Mr Bethell said.
“There should be far more volunteering in general.”
President of the Healesville Soccer Club Suzanne Tyzack’s role involves a little bit of everything.
From communications with members, managing club rooms, liaising with the league and running the canteen, to organising events, connecting with the council about facility upgrades, Ms Tyzack has her finger in every pie.
“This is my sixth year. I got involved when my son wanted to start playing when he was six, - he is now almost 13,” Ms Tyzack said.
“I love being part of creating a strong local community club where kids can have fun playing sports and families have a place to connect.”
Ms Tyzack has a background in hospitality and
finds that her work at the club is an extension of her much loved work experience.
“I like serving and making people happy and if kids are happy, then generally the parents are too,” Ms Tyzack said.
When it comes to volunteering and its role in the community, Ms Tyzack emphasised its importance.
“Without volunteers, there would be no grassroots sports clubs. My son plays multiple sports at different clubs and I see so many people that do so much but also many families who are busy with work and have multiple kids doing a dozen different things and other life stuff going on, that makes it hard for them to also volunteer,” Ms Tyzack said.
“If you have the time and the skills to help a local sporting club, it is a no brainer and it is very rewarding.”
“Even if it is just a small contribution, everything helps. People are often scared to commit as they don’t know what will be expected of them but if more people put their hand up, the less the burden falls on just a few people,” she said.
Upon receiving her award, Ms Tyzack confirmed she was very appreciative about being nominated, albeit she felt a little uncomfortable talking about it.
“We really do have a lot of people at Healesville Soccer Club that put in an enormous amount of time and effort to keep the club thriving.”
“Often they don’t get noticed because the things they are doing behind the scenes just happen and the club runs well because of it,” she said.
“This award is recognition of all our volunteers’ work, our committee, coaches, parent helpers etc.”
Ms Tyzack noted she was also inspired hearing about what the other volunteer award recipients are doing in the community.
“There are a lot of good people out there,” Ms Tyzack said.
Having just turned 90, Healesville resident Elaine Dossor has been actively involved in community fundraising through the Healesville Lions Club for over 57 years.
Unable to join the club with her husband in 1968 due to it being a men’s only club, Ms Dossor took the only role then open to women and became an associate Lady of Lions. In this role she participated in fundraising volunteer work on behalf of the community.
When the Healesville Lions Club opened membership to women in 2000, Ms Dossor was one of the club’s first female members and has since been the club’s treasurer for 17 years.
Upon receiving the award, Ms Dossor said, “What is all the fuss about? Volunteering is just
what you do.”
“It is not about one person. It takes a team and it takes a community. - That is what the Lions Club has always been,” she said.
Instrumental in establishing the Lions Den Opportunity Shop, Ms Dossor now manages a small band of volunteers over a six-day week and is personally there most days, either at the shop or in the back room sorting, pricing, and labelling donated items, and keeping the books.
Ms Dossor said, “I am simply carrying on the work of those who came before me, though I am proud that many of the charity programs we started so long ago are still helping people today.”
The Healesville Lions Club submitted Ms Dossor’s nomination said, “To put Elaine’s contribution in statistical terms, she has devoted over 50,000 hours of unpaid voluntary work to Healesville and surrounding districts, helping to raise over $2million for a wide range of community recipients.”
“The beneficiaries of these efforts are local schools, sporting clubs, community groups and charities covering an area as widespread as Woori Yallock, Dixons Creek and Toolangi, as well as broader Lions Club initiatives such as disaster relief, cancer research and third world eye health programmes.”
Volunteer at the Yarra Glen and Healesville Combined Churches Op Shop Robyn Davey’s favourite thing about volunteering is sewing the contagious seeds of goodwill in the community.
Ms Davey said, “You really do get back what you put in and I have always believed that if you do something voluntarily, not expecting anything in return, people will see the good that you do, and they will pass it on.”
“I have seen this with some of the other customers who have now become volunteers. They came in and enjoyed being there so much that they have now themselves become volunteers,” Ms Davey said.
When her daughter told her that she had to attend the award night, Ms Davey was not initially too keen on going, but ended up enjoying the experience.
“Hearing other people’s stories was amazing. There were a few who I thought really deserved award more than I did,” Ms Davey said.
“I think it is good to realise that there are so many different areas and types of volunteering and these areas take all different kinds of people.”
“Events like this really make you feel a part of this big volunteer community,” she said.
With International Volunteer Day coming up on 5 December, it is a good time to reflect on all of the hard work that goes into keeping the
Yarra Ranges community afloat.
Elaine Dossor was very humble in accepting her award.
President of the Healesville Soccer Club Susan Tyzack said, “We really do have a lot of people at Healesville Soccer Club that put in an enormous amount of time and effort to keep the club thriving.”
“This award is recognition of all our volunteers’ work, our committee, coaches, parent helpers etc.” (Supplied)
Kathleen Riley was happy to receive an award alongside Kathleen Cameron, both of which were recognised for 20 years of volunteering at the Badger Creek Hall. (Supplied)
By Gabriella Vukman
Final push to save houses
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 Doubleday 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 program of activities and events and classes. You talk to people about their expe-
rience 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 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.
Japara chairperson Mark Doubleday, Croydon MP David Hodgett, Jenny, Cr Len Cox and Robyn at the handover of 268 signed postcards. (Stewart Chambers: 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)
Croydon MP David Hodgett and Cr Len Cox signing a postcard themselves. (517368)
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.
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.
any row, column or box.
1 Intelligent (5)
University teacher (9)
Cold-blooded creature (7)
Favours (7)
Loss of muscular ability (9)
Reap (5)
Finished brutally (5,2,4)
Generosity (11)
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
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. ●
MAJESTIC HALF ACRE BLOCK WITH VIEWS
Time for a home loan health check!
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.
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. ●
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 55-foot 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. ●
A mixed bag of results for the Warburton Bowls Club during the past week with only the Midweek side enjoying victory.
The weekend Warburton One side hosted a strong Monbulk One side determined to hold them off.
However, the Hawks were too good overall to bring the Burras down in a disappointing loss for the home side, 57 shots to 76.
Rink scores were:
S. Lord 16/ 13; T. Appleton 14/ 21; C. Lord 17/ 20 and C. Neale 10/ 22.
The Burras top side face another challenge against Heathmont Two away this weekend, hoping to return to form.
Warburton Two’s game against Eastwood Golf One away was disappointingly cancelled due to the wet weather conditions, resulting in nine points each for both sides.
They play Vermont South Three at home this weekend.
Warburton’s Midweek side hosted Healesville One, needing a win to get their season back on track.
It was a tight struggle early in two rinks, while Greg Walsh’s rink powered away.
In the end, all three rinks maintained their composure to record a comfortable victory, 68 shots to 41.
Rink scores were:
A. Dostie 23/ 15, R. McKail 20/ 18 and G. Walsh 25/ 8.
The Burras play Yarra Glen One at home this week, eager to stay on the winner’s list.
Fortunately, the wet weather cleared for the Jack Attack Triples Competition last Wednesday.
Aidan McNiff from the La La’s Team, won the prize for the first person to hit the jack.
Well done to one of the new teams, Lawn Rangers, for winning their first game.
Results were Pensioners d Stirling Effort; Wessie Wonders d Bowled and the Beautiful; Lawn Rangers d Sheep Assist; Can’t Remember d Bowl Movement; Bowls to the Wall d Bowl Controllers; La La’s d Thomos; Gunners d Hit the Jack and Giddy Gout d T.B.C.
Midweek side recorded a comfortable victory against
The free Warburton Bowls Club Barefoot Bowls evenings continued last Friday with another good crowd in attendance, despite the drizzling conditions.
Thank you to all the club members who attended to assist throughout the evening.
It will continue this Friday from 6-9pm.
All equipment, music and coaching are provided.
The survey only takes five minutes to complete. (File)
Respond to cricket survey
Yarra Junction Cricket Club have asked for people to complete the Sports for All Game Changers survey, which aims to help clubs take action to improve gender equity in sport.
It helps identify strengths and potential areas for improvement to increase participation, opportunities, visibility, and access for women and girls, transgender, and gender diverse people.
The survey only takes five minutes to complete and can be accessed at the link: shorturl.at/ONJvB.
It forms part of the broader Gender Inclusive Toolkit initiative, an initiative between local sporting clubs in the Yarra Ranges area, Inspiro Health and the Yarra Ranges Council.
While positive changes to improve gender equity and inclusion are occurring, women and girls, transgender and gender diverse people continue to face barriers in accessing and participating in
sport and active recreation, and continue to experience cultures and practices that limit their involvement, influence and empowerment.
These experiences can take the form of entrenched stereotypes that show sport as an activity for men, lack of visible female role models, lack of gender balance in leadership positions, structural barriers such as lack of appropriate infrastructure, inequality in programming and policies, or a lack of varied options for participation.
Alongside the survey, the Sport for All Gender Inclusive Toolkit includes the self-assessment audit tool and action plan template.
The Sport for All Gender Inclusive Toolkit and project is funded by a Victorian Government Change our Game Grant.
The project also includes the Maroondah City Council, Manningham City Council and Whitehorse City Council.
Coldstream’s bat day out
By Les Hutchings
Kilsyth’s Fourth XI played a split-innings twoday 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.
(Supplied)
All community members, including families and friends, are invited to come along and give bowls a try and enjoy the company of others.
A barbecue sausage sizzle and a raffle are also held during the evening with the bar open for drinks.
Social Bowls continues each Monday from 12 midday.
For more information contact the club.
Next weekend the HRCAV’s TTT Showing will be held at Shirley Heights EC for the first time. (File)
Horse Talk
By Anita Prowse
Not the greatest weather for being out and about competing, but that didn’t seem to stop anyone.
A great turnout of riders for Shirley Heights EC Round Three Show jumping Series. Winners from Saturday were:
Open 80 - Sienna Lambert on Peewee Blitz.
Open 90 - Tinky Quickensted on Hot N Handsome.
Open 100 - Amelia Terrill on Redcliffs Guns and Roses.
Open 1.10 - Marion Shears on Wilark Kannangaroo.
Open 1.20 - David Lever on Nicolai.
Open 1.30 - Jena Bloomfield on Essoess.
Sunday Open 85 - Ava Kennedy on Vintage Prediction.
Open 95 - Pat Holian on Clasique Andor
Open 1.05 - Amelia Terrill on Redcliff Guns and Roses.
Open 1.15 - Tanner Robinson on Arion Carasun.
Well done riders, sponsors and committee. Next weekend we have HRCAV’s TTT Showing held at Shirley Heights EC for the first time and we hope everyone gets down to support our local riders and teams.
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.
Warburton’s
Healesville.
Kilsyth’s Brodie Goodwin took 5/47 off eight overs in the Fourth XI match against Coldstream. (Supplied)
Anthony Cook played his 150th senior game for Kilsyth CC in the round seven Fourth XI match against Coldstream. (Supplied)
Healesville wins two at home
By Ian Milgate
Tuesdays First Side played away against Warburton.
We knew it was going to be a tough game as the Warby/Healesville rivalry is a do or die match, but with great banter as the two clubs have a special bond.
Having said that, they were far too good for us today beating us by 27 shots, 41/68.
We will have to put our best foot forward when they come to Healesville later in the season.
Bob Brown, Ian Milgate, Rita Featherstone, Steve Bulled - 18/20.
Russell Smith, Anne Knibbs, Mick Featherstone, Gary Broussard - 15/23.
Gerda Otto, Steve Graham, Rob Broadhurst, Robyn Turville - 8/25.
Tuesdays Second Side played Monbulk at home.
Monbulk were second on the ladder so we knew it could be a tough match even on our own turf.
Healesville jumped out of the starting blocks with all rinks showing their strength and by half time Healesville had a commanding lead. After the break Healesville kept up the pressure and Monbulk had no answers, finally going down by 41 shots, 83/42.
Every one played a great game which now puts Healesville above Monbulk in second place.
Tino Macari, Mark Cookney, Colin Jarvis, Bernard Godde - 25/16.
Karl Tok, Glenda Graham, Mike Adams, Len Cosson - 21/14.
Jim Viggers, Jill Cookney, John McMillan, Damian Key- 37/12.
Saturdays First Side played at home against Mooroolbark.
To hold our third position we needed to get a win.
Mooroolbark are a strong club and they would also be hoping to get a win to move themselves up the ladder.
Mark Wards rink started off strong and never looked like loosing which in the end helped us get an overall win.
We finished 2 rinks up and two rinks down with an overall win of 19 shots, 93/74.
Ian Milgate, Anne Knibbs, Rita Featherstone, Gary Broussard - 17/26.
Gerda Otto, Mick Featherstone, Robyn Turville, Adrian Beales - 26/17.
Col Jarvis, Rob Broadhurst, Steve Graham, Mark Ward - 34/13.
Russell Smith, Bob Brown, Steve Bulled, Robert Ayres - 16/18. Saturdays 2nd Side played Ringwood at home and to stay in the upper part of the ladder, we needed to win.
This game was going to be tough and right
Beloved Lyndon bowls on
In tragic news, our member Lyndon Jenkins passed away peacefully in his sleep this week.
Lyn was a kind and gentle man and great fun to bowl with.
He played his last Pennant game for the Eagles last season and will be missed by all who knew him.
Our sincere condolences go to Lyn’s family and friends.
Rest in peace Lyn.
Another week has flown by and we are already one third of the way through the Pennant season.
In Weekend Pennant, the Division Six side sits in second position, having lost just one game, and the Division Six side is riding high in top position having also lost just one game so far.
Our Midweek Pennant side is not so well situated.
We have had some tough early games on very heavy greens away and are currently holding up the ladder, but with home games still to come there are opportunities to im-
prove on that position.
This week’s midweek game against Mooroolbark was a tough game on a soggy green.
Mooroolbark took the lead early; all rinks rallied in the later part of the game but fell short of any rink wins.
Round Six against Heathmont at Heathmont looms.
Weekend Division Six against Mitcham at Mitcham produced great results with the Eagles pulling away from the start and ahead by 31 points at the break.
The trend continued till games end.
With three rinks having finished their 21 ends and won, the pressure was on the fourth rink going into the very last end at 15 all to gain total points for the game.
Mitcham had the shots till the very last bowl of the day when a precision shot from the Eagles skip (AH) stole the rink game. 16/15.
An overall win the Eagles 121/46. Weekend Division Eight led from the start and had yet another great overall win (83/36) on all three rinks on a slightly different matting surface, giving yet another different bowling
from the start it was a neck and neck battle.
Ringwood weren’t going to lie down, but to the credit of our Healesville bowlers, we kept a few shots ahead of Ringwood leading up to the half time break.
After the break it was still anybody’s game and with only two ends to go the result could have gone either way.
Ringwood got one shot ahead with one to go.
Mark Cookney put a great bowl down to give us shot, then they replied and it came down to
Bernard Godde, (who use to play for Ringwood) with his last shot and he put it on the jack to even the match 52/52.
Fabulous game by all players, keep up the good work.
Karl Tok, John McMillan, Barry Parker, John Howard - 17/17. Jim Viggers, Jill Cookney, Glenda Graham, Mike Adams - 21/17. Jude Wallace, John Allen, Mark Cookney, Bernard Godde - 14/18.
Close battles across the greens
By Rodney Bates
In midweek pennant, Side One played away at Mooroolbark.
With early season ladder positions very close from third to seventh, a win would be an important boost for either side.
Mooroolbark managed to keep ahead and we went down 50-62 (two points).
P. Leonard 11/23; A. James 17/23; L. Thurkle 22/16.
Side Two hosted Lilydale, and with two rinks getting over the line, came away with the win 5746.
A. Skillern 26/13; T. Dickson 10/20; L. Baker 21/13.
On Saturday, Side One headed to Kingsbury, being another club we have had many a close battle within recent times.
In a close game with many swings and roundabouts throughout the day, Kingsbury maintained a small lead to see Yarra Glen go down 81-
88 (four points).
Beau Simmons 23/21; M. Creighton 22/16; Ben Simmons 13/20; M. Gardner 23/31.
Side Two travelled to Upwey-Tecoma, who had recently come down from Division Two. They were on top of the ladder prior to this round and again showed their strength with Yarra Glen only able to win one rink.
As a side note, Upwey-Tecoma were great hosts, and played the game in great spirit, good etiquette and provided a substantial afternoon tea as well.
Final score 70-94 (2 points). R. Thurkle 17/23; B. Chandler 14/30; B. Grund 21/18; A. Thurkle 18/23.
Side Three had a challenging game at home against Chirnside Park.
Chirnside Park played the more consistent bowls through the day, and we eventually went down 56-72 (two points).
T. Dickson 10/16; D. Skillern 13/18; L. Baker 11/27; A. Skillern 22/11.
Healesville lost in its rival matchup against Warburton. (File)
A precision shot on the fourth rink against Mitcham saw the Eagles steal the game. (File)
By Elly Byrne
Yarra Glen’s Fred Hird, Barb Vaughan and Bruce Youl on the mats. (Supplied)
Wickets fall at Healesville
By Chris Handasyde
First XI Healesville v Seville 193 (day one of twoday game).
Off the back of a good win against South Warrandyte catapulting the team into the top four, Healesville travelled to Seville in a third vs fourth battle.
With rainy conditions lurking, Edwards won the toss and elected to bowl.
Tarkyn Nicolandos would make the initial breakthrough before striking twice and then a third time to take Seville from 0/31 to reduce them to 3/51.
A partnership would build between opener Birmingham and Williams before Josh Handasyde would remove the pair in successive overs and Edwards would take his first of the match.
An arm wrestle would ensue with Handasyde and Tarkyn bowling tight with Seville refusing to take a risk at 6/145 off 55.
The runs would tick at one to two per over and it was Tarkyn who would break the deadlock and duly remove the final four batsmen thus giving himself a seven wicket haul.
Due reward for outstanding application to bowling on and around off stump all day, extracting the edges from the batsmen.
He would finish 7/42 off 19.5 overs, Josh 2/59 off 21 and Darren 1/28 off 13 the other notable contributors.
Seville would finish on 193, leaving Healesville an awkward yet chaseable score next week to cement their place in the top four.
Second XI Healesville 3/52 v Lusatia Park 157 (day one of two-day game).
On a wet Saturday the Seconds took on Lusatia Park.
Some good bowling to start us off with Liam English taking 3/47 off 18 and Jack Drummond taking 3/20 off 10.
Coming back up from the threes this game Tyler Braden took 2/25 off 11 and Ryder Hudson with 2/17 off 11, we dismissed Lusatia Park for 157 with 18 overs still to bat.
In reply we are 3/57 with Ben Wallace at the crease continuing his fine form on 20 and Liam English with him on seven.
Fourth XI Healesville 5/50 defeated Wantirna 49.
Fourths played against Wantirna at Don Road. Losing the toss we had to field first.
The team got straight into it and bowled and fielded exceptionally. Pick of the bowlers Tom Dalley with 5/17 off
Father, son combine for Oscar’s maiden senior wicket
By Kieran Cantwell
Second XI:
With the wet and wild weather seeing our Firsts and Thirds abandon their matches, as well as the U14s and Women’s teams; it was great to get a full day’s play in for our Second XI.
Playing Healesville at Queens Park, we batted first, hoping to take advantage of the conditions and make it hard for them to bowl with a wet ball.
The ball held up well however, a testament to the ground being in good nick.
Opener and “Mr Consistent” Michael Dwyer was up to his usual tricks, with a bit of luck thrown in.
The entire team batted around him; facing many balls, but not scoring many runs and falling cheaply, while he made a hard earned 51 off 160 balls.
He was eventually dismissed as the ninth wicket at 9-115.
The last wicket partnership was a valuable one; youngster Alexander Mason played a fantastic role, seeing out 28 balls against some fierce bowling, while number 11 Jackson Wright freed the arms and played some big shots, bringing the total to 157 with his 37 off 46. With the ball it was a great start, both Jai Gupta and Luke Thomas struck early, and then Jai struck again with an unplayable ball skittling Healesville’s opener.
At the conclusion of play, Healesville are 3-52.
Fourth XI: Wickhams Road Reserve held up brilliantly in the poor weather, and our Fourth XI were also able to get on to play a full day’s cricket. Taking on Warrandyte for a second week in a row and bowling first our Fourth XI were up against it again; Paul Broussard able to take the first two, with good catches to Mason McNeill and Dale Fisher. Ella Amore chimed in also with two quick ones of her own, and young Oscar Broussard took his first senior wicket, with the catch taken by his dad Paul.
Many sides had to abandon match due to the wet weather. (File)
Warrandyte ended with 141 runs from their 36 overs. Our batting innings started positively, with Joel Pritchard and Paul Broussard getting off to a 39-run start.
Losing Joel and Paul relatively quickly, Lee Philpot set to scoring some runs, but he was playing a solo hand, with many ducks falling around
him. Lee ended with 34 runs, and our innings ended at 97, falling short once again. U/12 and Mini-Bash Friday nights’ games also beat the rain, with our U12s taking on Montrose at Wickhams and our Mini-Bash side taking on Hoddles Creek at Hoddles.
Our U12s scored 3-112 with many retirees, Joel Pritchard scoring 25 off his 15 including a big six. The youngsters won the match in a tight finish with some tight bowling. Our Mini Bash team gained valuable experience in their match, with Toby getting a good run out, and Luca scoring some great runs in front of the wicket.
four overs including a double hat trick and Danny Hyndman 3/0 off three overs to have Wantirna bowled out for 49.
We chased the runs down reasonably comfortably to win by five wickets Louis Keath top scoring with 14.
Healesville’s Fourth side beat Wantirna by five wickets. (File)
