Yarra Ranges draft budget open for
Big winner
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The little creatures and mundane things in everyday life that are often overlooked have taken centre stage in award-winning photography by a Ferntree Gully teenager, Liam.
The 15-year-old’s photography journey initially began using an iPad, he has now upgraded to a waterproof digital camera, and recently hit a major milestone by winning first and third prizes in photography competitions.
His proud mother, Mel, said his love of photography began early.
“He was in kindergarten when the preschool teachers handed him his first SLR camera, and he’s loved photography since,” she said.
Liam’s unique vision sees the art in everything, whether it’s a coke can, an insect, or something people wouldn’t normally give the time of day.
The teen’s insect-themed photo exhibition is on public display until June at The Lightbox Gallery – Horologist Lane, Ferntree Gully Village.
Read the full story and see his work on page 16
Alpacas attacked
By Callum Ludwig
A Belgrave South neighbourhood is concerned after the brutal deaths of a family’s much-loved alpacas.
Davida Jelenik lost three alpacas in two days on her Wellington Road property and believes wild dogs, which may be genetically dingoes, came from Cardinia Reservoir and attacked them.
Ms Jelenik said the first incident occurred at 7.30am on Wednesday 18 March, when one alpaca, Jinx, was found dead and another, Holly, severely wounded.
Holly was later put down after the vet arrived. Their third alpaca was killed the following night.
The attacks left Ms Jelenik’s family, particularly her children, deeply distressed.
Having lived on the property for 13 years without incident, Ms Jelenik said the experience was shocking.
She was told by a feral dog controller that wild dogs had been a known issue in the Cardinia Reservoir area for years, but access restrictions had limited control efforts.
She believes the animals may now be spreading further afield.
Melbourne Water, which manages the reservoir, said its primary role is protecting drinking water quality and that wildlife management is a shared responsibility.
Monitoring is ongoing in partnership with other agencies.
Wild dog management remains complex, as many are genetically dingoes, which have protected status, though lethal control is still permitted in some areas.
Authorities encourage landholders to report
incidents and seek advice on mitigation strategies.
Neighbouring alpaca owner Lynda Holdsworthy said local hobby farmers are now taking extra precautions, bringing animals closer to homes overnight despite the added workload.
Another neighbour reported sightings of dingoes nearby, raising further concern.
Residents are being urged to improve fencing and shelter, while avoiding interaction with wildlife to reduce the risk of further attacks.
Read the full story on page 10
Liam won third place for this image, which is currently exhibited at the Lightbox Gallery in Ferntree Gully. (Supplied)
Public transport is key advocacy priority
The Yarra Ranges Council announced it will ramp up advocacy to the State Government for better public transport.
The Yarra Ranges has some of the highest car dependence in metropolitan Melbourne, and its public transport options infrequent and unreliable, leaving residents challenged as they try to get from A to B.
More than 90 per cent of residents commute to work by car and only 41 per cent of our households are within walking distance of public transport.
Yarra Ranges mayor Richard Higgins said this distance makes it harder for people to access the community.
“For many people, this makes it harder to get to work, school and limits access to health services, particularly for young people, older residents and those on lower incomes,” he said.
“It also adds pressure to our roads, increases emissions and can leave people feeling isolated. For some people, particularly older adults and people with disabilities, lack of good public transport can mean they cannot access their communities.
“These challenges are set to grow as areas including Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Chirnside
Park continue to develop, with more than 20,000 new residents expected by 2041. Without improvements to public transport, congestion and accessibility issues will worsen.”
Cr Higgins said that in regions of the Yarra Ranges, such as the Dandenongs and the Upper Yarra area, bus services don’t connect well, are infrequent and miss crucial areas.
“Better bus services would also support tourists and visitors to our area to access our major attractions without travelling by car,” Cr Higgins
said.
“While public transport planning and funding sit with the Victorian Government, Yarra Ranges Council plays an important role in advocating for better outcomes on behalf of the community.
“Council is calling on the Victorian Government to prioritise funding and review key transport projects that improve connectivity, safety and service reliability across the region.”
These projects include improvements to bus services, including better connections to trains and between key townships, increasing service frequency and hours, and expanding on-demand services.
“We’re also advocating for the duplication of the Lilydale rail line and for major upgrades to the Belgrave Station. Together, these projects will help create a more connected and sustainable transport network for Yarra Ranges,” Cr Higgins said.
“As we approach the Victorian State Election, Council is outlining its key advocacy priorities on behalf of the Yarra Ranges community.”
Visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Advocacy to learn more about the issues Councilis advocating for, why they matter, and how you can add your voice.
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Maxi Foods closed over hygiene issues
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Knox City Council has issued an order under Section 19(3) of the Food Act 1984 preventing Maxi Foods, at 2/1202 Burwood Highway, Upper Ferntree Gully, from preparing or selling food.
In a notice, Bruce Dobson of Knox City Council said he was satisfied, based on a report from an authorised officer, that the premises were in an unclean and unsanitary state, with evidence including vermin excrement, contaminated food, and other disrepair. The food was deemed unsuitable for sale.
A council spokesperson said it is working with the supermarket to rectify the food safety compliance issues.
“Council plays an important role in food safety management, working to ensure the safety of people purchasing and consuming food from businesses in Knox,” the spokesperson said.
The business is prohibited from operating as a food premises until all issues outlined in the Section 19 order are addressed to the council’s satisfaction.
A copy of the order must remain visible to the public until it is revoked. Those affected have 21 days to appeal the order to the Magistrates’ Court. For more information, visit Knox City Council’s Food Complaints page.
Belgrave Train Station is the closest route into the city for many in the Hills. (File)
The 683 bus runs through the Upper Yarra. (File)
Maxi Foods in Upper Ferntree Gully has been closed over hygiene issues. (Unsplash)
Renovator fined $70k
The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) has successfully prosecuted an Officer man over what it describes as an illegal and dangerous renovation that left a single mum financially and emotionally devastated.
Mionnet, a 33-year-old sole trader under the business name, ‘Constructed Building Group’ , responded to the mother of three’s Facebook post about work required on a carport and pergola at her Belgrave home.
What was supposed to be a joyous chapter of buying her first home and improving it for her family, turned into years of distress and heartache.
Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard Mionnet quoted $35,000 for the job, and told the homeownerabuildingpermitwasnotrequired.
He asked for a 50 per cent deposit – well in excess of the maximum five per cent – continually asked for progress payments and added extra charges that were not included in the original quote.
In total, the homeowner handed over $43,000, given to her by her deceased father, before paying over $13,600 for an independent inspection report which revealed the incomplete work was defective.
Yarra Ranges Council also inspected the site and confirmed the decking was dangerous and should not be used.
The homeowner asked for a refund and attempted mediation but never heard from Mionnet again.
She later took Mionnet to VCAT and he was ordered to pay $55,000 in damages but it has never been paid.
The incident cost the homeowner not only financially but also cost her peace, confidence, embarrassment and ongoing emotional distress for her and her family as outlined in her victim statement.
“I’ve lost my sense of trust — in tradespeople, in the system and in my own judgement,” she wrote in her statement.
“I find myself questioning everyone’s intentions, and I feel guarded and fearful of being taken advantage of again.”
Magistrate Hugh Radford said Mionnet’s offending was very serious and required a substantial penalty as a punishment and deterrent.
The 33-year-old from Officer was convicted and fined $70,000 after being found guilty of four charges relating to unregistered building and plumbing work at the home.
The offences included carrying out building and plumbing work without the required accreditation, and carrying out building work without a permit and without the required domestic building insurance (DBI).
BPC Commissioner and chief executive Anna Cronin said the outcome should serve as a warning who illegally build putting consumers at risks.
It also warns consumers to always use a registered builder and a licensed or registered plumber.
The Builders and Plumbing Commission is Victoria’s new regulator established just July last year to crackdown on unregistered builders.
Dubbed as a “powerful watchdog” by the state government, it brings regulation, insurance and dispute resolutions in a “single front door approach.”
The new regulator brings together the functions of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA),
Building
Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) and the domestic building insurance arm of the Victorian Managed Insurance Au-
thority (VMIA).
The body also overlooks the Buyer Protections Bill power to allow the regulator to act against a builder after the homeowner has moved in, which is when problems are most often discovered.
Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) is also expanded so a claim can be made against all builders when non-compliant, defective work is identified and the builder refuses to fix it.
Previously claims could only be made when the builder become insolvent, died or disappeared.
Builders and plumber’s verifications can be checked at bpc.vic.gov.au/check
If you know of an unregistered builder or plumber, you can report them to us via this online tip off form:
Report Unregistered Building and Unlicensed Plumbing Work. https://forms.office.com/pages/ responsepage.aspx?id=Xd5xCExGNU2o1Z1G0pskuC8oxsDss9JPg8xXTV67egZUNjBBNkgyV1IxQUFDTTUwWEpISzU0Tkk4Uy4u&route=shorturl
Charges following assault in Scoresby
Knox Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two males in relation to an assault on Sunday, 22 March.
A truck was parked near a fast-food restaurant at a service station on the Eastlink Freeway about 12pm. Two males, a 30-year-old and 32-year-old from Hoppers Crossing, got out of the truck and one of them went to collect food. It is alleged a red Subaru sedan pulled up alongside the van, two male occupants got out and started a verbal altercation with the truck driver who was subsequently assaulted.
There were no serious injuries. The two offenders fled in the Subaru southbound on the Eastlink. Two men were arrested in Heathmont yesterday. A 20-year-old Heathmont man and an 18-year-old Carrum Downs man have been charged with common law assault and possess drug of dependence. They were bailed to appear in Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 16 June.
Victoria Police prioritise safety this Easter
Easter is meant to be a time of safety, rest, connection, and care - yet for many Victorian families, family violence escalates behind closed doors.
New Crime Statistics Agency data shows assaults and breaches of intervention orders are the most common offences during Easter. Last year, 1471 family violence incidents were recorded statewide between Good Friday and Easter Monday, including 368 on Easter Sunday alone, with 171 breaches of orders and 90 assaults.
Children are often present in homes where violence occurs, experiencing lasting impacts even when not directly harmed. Technology is increasingly used to harass and control victims remotely, extending harm beyond physical proximity.
Easter remains one of the highest-risk holidays after Christmas and New Year’s, with stress, financial pressure, and increased family contact contributing to risk.
Violence is always a choice and stems from power and control.
Victoria Police is prioritising family violence this Easter with proactive patrols, compliance checks, intervention order enforcement, and visible presence statewide.
On average, police arrest 92 perpetrators daily – one every 16 minutes.
Specialist services work alongside police to support victims and children through safety planning, accommodation, and counselling.
If you or someone you know is affected, believe them and encourage help.
Safe Steps is available 24/7 on 1800 015 188, and Triple Zero (000) should be called if in i mmediate danger. Those using violence can contact the Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491.
For more information, visit police.vic.gov. au/family-violence.
Boronia police seek bike owner
A bike was handed in to Boronia Police on 13 March 2026 after being found near Boronia Road and Woodvale Road, Boronia.
Anyone who owns the bike or knows its owner is asked to contact Boronia Police, quoting reference 202603-E-1195.
The work on the Belgrave home’s carport and pergola was found to be dangerous by building inspectors. (Supplied)
A builder was fined over illegal and dangerous renovations of a Belgrave home’s carport and pergola.(Supplied)
Tree policy changes postponed by Yarra Ranges Council
By Tanya Steele
An updated policy for tree works and removal has been slowed for approval by a majority vote by councillors in the Yarra Ranges
A last-minute notice of motion has seen changes to the Yarra Ranges Councils’ Tree Policy delayed until June 9 this year to allow “further consideration” on the matter.
Mayor Richard Higgins said at the meeting on Tuesday 24 March, that it was quite evident there were a number of questions that were still outstanding and that there was a bit of concern about things missing within the policy.
“That’s the reason behind the deferral,” he said.
The tree policy details how the council deals with tree inspections and works across the Yarra Ranges and how trees are dealt with both reactively and proactively.
It takes into account other council policies and strategies for the for the Yarra Ranges particular environment, such as the tree canopy strategy.
Last updated in 2017, the current tree policy was up for the community to weigh in on for an engagement between 15 January and 8 February this year.
Councillors were not permitted to comment
on the document that evening, but several changes had been drafted into the newer document.
Updated changes to the legislature had been made and a lot of operational detail was streamlined and stated to have moved into the Council’s Tree Management Plan and Tree Risk Assessment Framework.
As these are internal operational documents, they were not included in the council’s engagement draft policy.
Tree risk classification was stated to be
based on information provided by the International Society of Arboriculture through a link and more detail said to be within the council’s tree risk framework.
A bigger change involved the approach to customer complaints and escalations.
The updated draft for 2024 to 2028 would see the tree policy follow the same approach as the Council’s four-tiered customer complaints policy in aid of creating a fairer and more just process for residents.
Applying to trees on council land, this fresh tree policy draft will also remove the old decision removal process.
In the supporting documents for the new draft, the old process was acknowledged to have been successful at times in providing decisions on tree retention/removal that fell outside the normal arboricultural assessment framework.
“It does, however, mean that the process may not be equitable for all residents,” read the document.
In the engagement information on the Yarra Ranges website, it was explained that the proposed process will result in more consistent, equitable and timely decisions for residents about trees on Council land.
Coming out against the motion to delay the update, Cr Fiona McAllister, Cr Peter McIlwain
and Cr Jim Child OAM said they were prepared to vote on the policy that evening.
“I know a huge body of work has gone into this... and there have been several conversations with us as a councillor group... it’s not great governance for us to be doing this at the last minute,” said Cr McAllister.
“We were briefed very well,” said Cr Child.
Cr Len Cox said he would support the motion, with the rest of the council also supporting. “I don’t think we’re quite ready to vote on it tonight. I think we need a little bit more work on it, and council motions are important,” he said.
Come June, the policy change for tree management will again be up for endorsement.
“I think we need to see a broader understanding,” said Cr Tim Heenan.
Ranges draft Budget is now open for feedback
By Callum Ludwig
Yarra Ranges Council’s draft 2026-27 Budget is open for feedback for the next month after being put forward at the Tuesday 24 March council meeting.
The budget is headed by another rate rise of 2.75 per cent and almost $50 million in spending on roads, footpaths, drains, trails, recreational facilities and the natural environment of the Yarra Ranges.
Yarra Ranges Mayor and Chirnside Ward councillor Richard Higgins said it is a challenging economic environment at the moment and they’ve been forced to be responsible financially and to maintain long-term sustainability.
“The budget has been developed carefully to balance intermediate financial pressures and with the need to plan for future demands and services and infrastructure that our community do demand,” he said.
“This budget demonstrates that services and assets in the community are very valued and throughout the Council Plan 25-29, we heard very loud and clear about the services and the needs in our community and what they wanted to do.
“These include drainage... improvements in maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure, progressing multi-year capital projects and delivering essential community programs and
support.”
Other key spending in the budget includes $6 million for sustainability projects and responding to climate change, including emergency management, as well as $17 million for programs and activities that “support the community through all stages of life.”
Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister said it’s a pretty difficult task to manage a budget with so many moving parts and so many uncertainties.
“Financially we look at our debt levels, we look at our future financial position, it’s not okay to make short-term decisions like not putting rates up when it actually has a generational impact on those that come after us,” she said.
“We are operating within the rate cap in spite of costs increasing way beyond, at a much greater speed, than what the rate cap set by the state government would suggest, with many pressures emerging all the time, including probably the impact of fuel prices which will continue to play out for us as a council.”
The council estimates it will bring in $266.3 million in the next financial year, spending $260.4 million to come to a $5.9 million surplus. The Council estimates a cash balance of $38.2 million by the end of June 2027.
Lyster Ward councillor Peter McIlwain said shortfalls in funding for councils is a great concern of his over time.
“Just at the time when climate change is really kicking in and biting at our heels, we are facing ongoing shortages with respect to our funds from grants, from our federal funding… we must devote as much resources as we can to winning this argument that the Council is not just a service wing,” he said.
“We’re not just a garbage service, we’re not just a service for registering dogs or doing drainage, we’re actually a third tier of government.
“If we look at, for example, OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) comparators, we’re the lowest level of local government funding in the OECD, the closest comparator to Australia is Canada which is funded about three to four times what we’re funded in Australia.”
$46.7 million will be spent on the Capital Works Program, which will be funded through:
$21.4 million from Council operations (rates funded).
$10 million sourced from borrowings.
$200,000 from contributions from various sporting clubs.
$15.1 million from external grants.
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child said there are three pillars of this draft; service continuity, infrastructure investment and policy compliance.
“The draft budget guarantees the ongoing delivery of the essential council services that our
residents rely on daily, and that’s probably the most important thing for us to do,” he said.
“The draft budget allocates significant resources to both the development of new assets and the critical maintenance of existing infrastructure, ensuring our municipality remains safe and modern, and that’s paramount.
“The draft budget fully adheres to the Local Government Act, our community engagement policy and maintaining the highest standards of transparency and governance, and that’s what makes a good council, and that’s what we are.”
An opportunity for ratepayers to present submissions to Councillors will take place during a special meeting on 13 May 2026 before the final budget is considered in June.
Walling Ward councillor Len Cox OAM said the council and the staff have put in a lot of work over weeks and months for this budget.
“I think it’s a pretty good budget, actually, but we’re very, very keen to write in here what the public also thinks,” he said.
“This is where the true democracy of local government comes in, that we’re certainly happy to get feedback from any or all of our public as to what they think of this budget we’ve drawn up.”
To read it yourself and provide feedback on the draft budget before 26 April, visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/draft-council-budget-2026-27. Read more in the Star Mail’s breakdown of the budget in the Tuesday 7 April edition.
The new draft for the Tree policy will be looked at again come June. (File 543542).
Three councillors voted against the motion to delay. (Yarra Ranges Council).
Half of the Council’s plan objectives are on track
By Callum Ludwig
The first progress report for the Yarra Ranges Council Plan has come in, with half of the 16 objectives on target for the four-year plan.
Six further objectives require monitoring while two have been delayed.
Deputy Mayor and Chandler Ward councillor Gareth Ward said at the Tuesday 24 March council meeting that it’s really great to see that this plan is tracking well.
“It’s one of our most important documents, if not the most important document, over our four-year term,” he said.
“Considering that this Council plan was adopted not all that long ago, after a real investment of time and energy from Councillors and officers, we’re here already with the first progress report showing that the large majority of the initiatives are on track.
“I think that’s a really great foundation for the rest of the plan.”
Both of the delayed objectives fall under the category of Protected and Enhanced Natural Environment.
The council set out to develop a placebased action plan that informs energy and resilient buildings and improvement works but this was delayed due to resourcing constraints, though progress has still been made to finalise the action plan and develop or strengthen related plans.
Yarra Ranges Council also aimed to undertake a gap analysis of climate adaptation and net zero initiatives, which included developing an Energy Transition Plan and the continued rollout of ‘The Adaptation Game’ (TAG). Resourcing constraints were also the reason for this being delayed, but the Council
is reviewing the Liveable Climate Plan and the Draft Energy Transition Plan and confirming resourcing to try and get it back on track.
“Of the two items showing as delayed, officers have flagged that they’re addressing the resourcing pressures and developing recovery plans, and I’m comfortable that Council will keep us kept across the progress on those as we move throughout the year,” Cr Ward said.
“It’s also good to see that we now have baseline indicators introduced for the first time in this report, and that gives us something really concrete to measure against going forward.”
All of the Council’s Healthy Connected
Communities objectives are on track, which included preparing three twon centre plans, preparing budget submissions and advocacy plans, delivering and enhancing community pavilions in Seville and Healesville and planning for an urban aquatic and leisure facility.
Of the other environmental initiatives, the Council is on track in using nature-based solutions to increase resilience of the natural landscape and will continue to monitor progress on increasing and protecting biodiversity links and tree canopy connections.
All of the Council’s Quality Infrastructure and Liveable Places projects are on track bar a
goal to diversify housing options, which being monitored. This means the Ridges and Rivers plan, storm and floodwater risk management and improved road safety and maintenance goals are progressing well.
All of the Council’s Prosperous Community and Vibrant Economy objectives are continuing to be monitored, which are enhancing local amenity and walkability, strengthening tourism destination management, establishing an Agri-Food Futures Centre of Excellence and Innovation and developing a new Green Wedge Management Plan.
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Continued rollout of Yarra Ranges Council’s ‘The Adaptation Game’ is part of one delayed objective. (File)
Left in lurch by pet rego
By Gabriella Vukman
Locals are voicing their concerns over the Council’s updated pet registration charges.
Rate increases and the absence of a pension rate on the council pet registration bills are among key concerns.
Healesville local Sandra Thom-Jones noticed the pensioner’s rate option was missing from her son’s pet registration renewal notice.
“My son is on a disability pension and he has a dog and a cat,” Ms Thom-Jones said.
“I help him with his banking, so I was looking at his paperwork and I noticed that the amount seemed quite high compared to previous years,” she said.
Upon looking up the amounts on the Council’s website, Ms Thom-Jones found that her son had been charged the full rate.
Ms Thom-Jones said she rang them and explained the situation.
“They said my son needed to take his pension concession card into a council building and show them, before they charge him the pension concession rate,” she said.
“The council said they are updating everyone’s pension cards to check that they are still valid.
“I thought it was weird because in previous years, they have just billed him the concession rate.”
According to Ms Thom-Jones, the absence of the information telling residents to update their pension card status from the pet registration renewal notices had prompted many dismayed
residents to contact the council.
“I think it’s actually quite deceptive to not have the information on the renewal notices, and have no accompanying correspondence or documentation,” Ms Thom-Jones said.
“People who receive these notices will look at the amount and pay it, and the reason we have discounted rates for people on pensions is that we know that they can’t afford the full rate.
“It’s not just my son receiving this notice; it is a large number of people, and many of those people are on pensions and will just pay it if they don’t have someone advocating for them.”
Ms Thom-Jones’s son was charged $64 for his dog, which should have cost him $23, and $60 for his cat, which should have been $20.
“It is really important that people know not to pay the full rate if they have a pension,” Ms Thom-Jones said.
“These people love their pets and try and do the right thing and pay.”
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Beyond the absence of information surrounding pensioners’ rates in the issued pet registration notices, the fees themselves have caused a ruckus in the community.
Lilydale local John Annison was shocked to find that the registration for a neutered cat had risen by 20 per cent since last year.
“I went to pay the bill, and it was $60 per cat, and when I looked at my bank statements, I found last year’s payment was only $50,” he said.
“If they keep hiking the rates like that, in about three years it will cost $100 per cat.
“It is just outrageous that people have to pay this, especially when we are all struggling with the cost of living.”
Mr Annison has owned his two cats for twelve years and relies on them for companionship.
“Our cats are good company, and we have always had them,” Mr Annison said.
“We can afford to pay the fees, but I am worried about people who can’t.
“There are a lot of people living on their own, who like to come home to their pet, or who rely on animals for companionship.”
Mr Annison voiced concerns about people abandoning their pets.
“If the rates keep going up, people will think ‘oh my pet is getting too expensive,’ and by the time they pay pet bills and feed the thing, and everything else, they might end up getting rid of the thing, because it is all too expensive,” Mr Annison said.
“Inflation has taken off, but it is nowhere near 20 per cent,” he said.
“I think the Council’s increase in rates is simply boosting inflation.”
In 2019, it cost $26 to register a neutered cat, and in 2023 it cost $33.50.
Director of Communities at the Yarra Ranges Council Leanne Hurst said council fees and charges, including pet registration fees, are subject to an annual review.
“Pet registrations fees help offset the cost of
providing vital animal management services to the community, such as collecting and returning lost animals and managing nuisance issues,” she said.
“The fee review process includes assessing inflation indexation and considering the rising costs of delivering animal management services.”
According to Ms Hurst, this year, the Council also needed to factor in scheduled increases to the State Government’s mandatory levy, which doubled from around $4.51 to around $9 per animal.
Ms Hurst said this is a mandatory fee that councils must pay to the State Government for each cat and dog registration they collect.
“We also monitor fees at comparable Victorian councils during reviews to ensure we remain broadly aligned and continue delivering appropriate, cost-effective services,” she said.
“We are conscious of cost of living pressures and do not take any decision to increase fees lightly and we are committed to keeping fees fair and consistent with comparable councils, while continuing to support responsive services across the municipality.”
Ms Hurst confirmed that the Council undertakes annual reviews of their fees and charges prior to making any changes and takes multiple factors into consideration, including the ongoing cost of delivering the service, any changes to relevant legislative or State Government fees, and benchmarking with neighbouring and similar local government areas.
Regarding the absence of the option of a pensioner’s fee from the pet registration renewal forms issued by the council, Ms Hurst said this was an unfortunate error and they sincerely apologise to affected residents.”
“We reassure pet owners with a Pension Concession that they remain entitled to the discounted rate and we are taking steps to rectify the mistake,” Ms Hurst said.
“The error affected around 50 per cent of residents with a pension concession card and was the result of a system changeover, which was not detected in our testing.”
Ms Hurst confirmed the Council is contacting affected residents to outline the steps being taken to resolve the issue
. This includes reissuing corrected notices, offering additional time to make payment where needed, and processing refunds for residents who have already paid their registration in full without the discount being applied.
Ms Hurst said affected residents who notice that their pension discount has not been applied are asked to disregard the notice and refrain from making payment at this time.
“A corrected registration notice will be issued within the coming weeks, and due dates will be extended so residents impacted by this error will not be disadvantaged further,” she said.
Locals upset over absence of disability pension option in pet registration notices. (File)
New waste, higher rates
By Gabriella Vukman
The Yarra Ranges Council’s new waste management plan will see an $8 increase in waste service charges for residential properties, and an $11 increase for non-residential properties.
These additional costs are based on the inclusion of illegal dumping, litter collection, and closed landfill management as well as waste service education, litter management at events and festivals, and community waste management activities, into the Council’s waste management budget.
Before the introduction of the new plan, the waste service charge included only a portion of illegal dumping costs, including those linked to hard waste collections.
Tuesday’s Council meeting on 24 March saw the motion to support the adoption of the new plan passed unanimously.
Changes in state government regulations were a partial reason for the changes in the new plan.
Operating on a full-cost-recovery model in line with the Victorian Government’s 2026 Guidelines, the waste service rates of the new plan will not be higher than the costs incurred by the council for providing the service.
In Tuesday’s meeting, Councillor Jim Child noted: “The Council does not intend to profit from the new waste model, rather break even.”
“This policy is a transparent framework designed to align with the administrative good practice guidelines of 20226, while ensuring that our community receives high-quality waste management,” Councillor Child said.
According to the new plan, any surplus in funding will be filtered into the Council’s Waste Reserve fund.
Councillor Child said in Tuesday’s meeting, “The Waste Reserve’s purpose is to manage the natural variation in costs and budget, like landfill levies and fluctuation in recycling commodity prices.”
“This model ensures that any surplus gener-
ated in a high efficiency year is reinvested into future waste services,” Councillor Child said.
The new plan also sets the default bin allocation to 80 litres, which is the lowest cost service, and envelopes the previously stand-alone tip pass policy through incorporating the requirements into a new community waste voucher program.
Acting Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures at the Yarra Ranges Council Nathan Islip told Stat Mail, “Waste collection is one of our most fundamental services in local government, and one we take extremely seriously. “
“We work constructively and collaboratively with the State Government to deliver this service, which includes making submissions on how we believe it should be delivered, representing the
views of our community,” he told Star Mail.
“A recent example of this was our advocacy to the State Government against the implementation of glass recycling bins, in favour of expanding the Container Deposit Scheme to reduce contamination and provide community members with the opportunity to collect container refunds.”
In the face of the current fuel crisis, the Yarra Ranges Council confirmed their waste management contractor has not experienced reduced allocation of fuel.
According to Mr Islip, the Council is acutely aware of the global fuel crisis, and have been working through the impact on our operations.
Mr Islip confirmed the Waste Service Charge is calculated separately to rates, and varies by
household based on the waste service packages residential and non-residential ratepayers opt into.
Mr Islip told Star Mail, “We carefully forecast and calculate our Waste Charge for the year, with the goal of fully covering the cost of the service, and running our service as cost-efficiently as possible.”
“The charge is influenced by external factors, such as the Victorian Government’s landfill levy. We do not anticipate a surplus from the proposed Waste Service Charge in this year’s budget,” he said.
Scheduled for final adoption in June 2026, the Council’s draft waste policy and annual budget have been released to the community for consultation.
Read the agenda for the new Waste Management Plan on the Yarra Ranges Council’s website. (File: 379657).
YRC says it’s comfortable about its corruption risk
By Callum Ludwig
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is taking proactive action to halt corruption before it occurs, getting out to local councils to discuss best practice.
Yarra Ranges Council were one of a number of councils invited to a forum in May in Mansfield Shire to “learn how to identify, prevent and manage integrity risks.”
Yarra Ranges Council’s Acting Director Corporate Services Jarrod Reid said while they encourage these conversations across the local government sector, Yarra Ranges Council will not be sending staff to this event.
“Yarra Ranges Council has a well-established Fraud Control Policy that outlines our approach to preventing, detecting and managing fraud and corruption involving Councillors, employees, volunteers and contractors,” he said.
“This policy reflects our strong stance on integrity and our ongoing commitment to maintaining community confidence in our systems and processes.
“We are aware of the upcoming Fraud Forum and recognise the value of sector-wide collaboration, particularly for smaller councils that may benefit from shared experiences and good practice.”
The upcoming forum is focused on helping these councils to understand and collaborate on managing conflicts of interest, misuse of information and resources, improper influence and vulnerabilities in procurement.
IBAC Deputy Commissioner Colleen Bell, who will be speaking at the forum, said integrity in government, including local government, is on the forefront of people’s minds now more than ever before.
“I think it’s really important to start with preventing public sector corruption and misconduct, and that comes from awareness and education and of course it’s important, I think, for rural and regional councils to work together,” she said.
“We found in the most recent parliamentary inquiry, which really did shine a light on the fact that there are systemic barriers for rural and regional councils in terms of numbers of staff and limited resources so it’s about pulling together and implementing best practice fraud and corruption controls as a collective.
“As far as IBAC’s goal, at the end of the day, it’s to have a public sector and police trusted by the community to act with integrity.”
Deputy ombudsman Kerryn Ellis from the office of the Victorian Ombudsman, chief municipal inspector Michael Stefanovic and manager of
investigations David Walker from the Local Government Inspectorate will be the other speakers at the event.
Ms Bell said the forum is about ensuring councils lead with and understand the importance of a culture of integrity and getting new councillors and staff on board about “speak up culture.”
“We have to start with looking at an understanding what corruption risk looks like for local government, we’ve got new staff members and a lot of new councillors so it’s about identifying what the risks look like and we can do that through looking at our data,” she said.
“One of the main key risks that we find in local government in the regional areas is conflicts of interest and not so much having a conflict of interest but it’s about failing to declare and manage a conflict of interest.
A better retirement lifestyle
“One of the important practices in place would be about having a firm policy in place, a conflict of interest register, declaration forms, personal interest disclosures, it’s about being able to have really firm and robust systems in place, which then is a first line of defence to combating corruption.”
When IBAC asked local councillors for their “Perceptions of corruption 2025” survey, 57 per cent of respondents believed their organisation was moderately or highly vulnerable to corruption.
Ms Bell said it’s incredibly important to have proactive measures in place and they see a great value in the work that they do.
“We have done 23 engagement events over the past 18 months with local government stakeholders, and about nine in the last 12 months… that includes presentations to individual councils as part of their mandatory councillor induction programs, but also participating in events such as this forum and other roundtables for local government staff and events hosted by peak bodies as well.
“In the last financial year, 2024/25, we delivered 161 corruption and misconduct prevention initiatives, including events like this one, but also putting out reports, resources, campaigns, and speaking at local events and internal events as well as forums.
“I think it’s also important to recognise the great work and commitment from within the local government sector to implement integrity practices and to seek advice, proactively seek advice and engage with IBAC, whether that be during sessions, webinars, or reaching out to us individually as a council so I’d really like to applaud those who have been so engaged.”
9735
Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy the Facilities
Close to all amenities - health professionals, Supermarkets, public transport
Village volunteers can assists you around the house
Village bus for shopping excursions
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
Yarra Ranges Council will not be sending staff to an upcoming corruption risk forum that they were encouraged to attend. (File)
Alpacas torn apart by dogs
By Callum Ludwig
A neighbourhood is concerned following the brutal deaths of a family’s much-loved alpacas in Belgrave South.
Davida Jelenik lost three alpacas in two days on her Wellington Road property and believes wild dogs, which may be genetically dingoes, came from Cardinia Reservoir and attacked them.
Ms Jelenik said it was 7.30am on Wednesday 18 March when her partner raced in saying that one alpaca, Jinx, was dead and another, Holly, was severely wounded.
“Jinx’s rear end had been completely eaten out and taken over by a swarm of wasps while half of Holly’s rear end had been chewed down to the bone, but she was alive though couldn’t walk, was sitting down and was distressed,” he said.
“We called the vet but it was after hours so we had to wait until they were open so that was probably about an hour away before the vet could finally get there to assess the alive one and to say she needs to be put down.
“I had to take my kids to school who were very distressed and I actually ended up picking them up early that day because the school rang and they were not focusing, and they were still distressed.”
Their third and final alpaca was killed the following night.
Ms Jelenik said they’ve lived in the property for 13 years, 12 of which they’ve had alpacas and they had never had any incident with them.
“Prior to last Wednesday our lives were completely oblivious to any of this and so interestingly, you get given a whole lot of phone numbers to ring and people to talk to that I would never normally come into contact with,” she said.
“One of which was the feral dog controller… he said he’s known about the problem for years, he said that they are breeding and he knows exactly where they are within the Cardinia Reservoir but he has been blocked by Melbourne Water from having access to their den or wherever it is that they breed.
“I think they’ve either gotten to proportions that are now out of control or some works are happening there that have made them go further afield.”
Cardinia Reservoir is managed by Melbourne Water and has been the subject of ongoing tree removal efforts recently to deal with an infestation of giant pine scale. Cardinia Reservoir Park and access roads will be closed from 7 April until late June 2026 for further tree removal before another three-year closure begins in 2027 for a major dam upgrade. There are no known reports of dingoes or wild dogs on the Parks Victoria-managed land in those areas, which consist of the Cardinia Reservoir Park and Aura Vale Park.
A Melbourne Water spokesperson said they understand this is a distressing situation.
“Melbourne Water’s primary role in water supply catchments is the protection of drinking water quality,” they said.
“In Victoria, the management of wildlife and pest animals on public and private land is a joint responsibility. As the land manager at Cardinia Reservoir we continuously monitor the site using techniques such as CCTV, sand pads and faecal counts.
“Melbourne Water works closely with other agencies for our monitoring programs.”
Wild dog management has been a hot topic in recent years after Australian research found that a large proportion of wild dogs are genetically dingoes, which have protected status. This has prompted an ongoing rethink of management practices, though an unprotection order was extended until 2028 to allow for lethal control of dingoes on private land and the boundaries of public land in most parts of the state.
“We recognise the impact of livestock predation on communities and encourage landholders to report any incidents to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s (DEECA) Vertebrate Species Management Program team,” a DEECA spokesperson said.
“Impacted landholders are encouraged to report predation incidents to the Vertebrate Species Management Program (VSMP) so we confirm wherever possible, the nature of the attack and provide advice on where dingoes are accessing paddocks and appropriate mitigation strategies.”
The Outer East falls within the Gembrook, Noojee and Erica Dingo Predation Management Zone.
Owner of Auravale Alpacas Lynda Holdsworthy, who is a neighbour of the Jelenik family, said the community is made up of small hobby farm-
ers so these animals are their pets not even just livestock.
“We’re in the middle of our breeding season at the moment, so we have a lot of young ones on the farm and often when you have young ones you do separate your herd out so that the mothers and the young ones because of their nutrition demands,” she said.
“But separating them obviously makes them a lot more vulnerable, they’re not in as big a pack, they might be only 20 instead of 50 in a group, so I’m having to bring all of my alpacas into a small paddock right next to the house overnight, which is chicken-wired.
“Not that that’s going to necessarily prevent a dog from getting in, but it does make it much harder and it’s right outside my bedroom, so it’s at least easier for me to know if something’s going wrong with them or something is attacking them.”
This practice also means Ms Holdsworthy and her partner have to clean that small paddock every day and ensure they are home every night just to try and prevent predation.
Another neighbour, Jean Rode, said her sister, who lives in a separate building on her property, saw two dingoes on their property.
“There’s some wild dog groups on Facebook mostly for the Yarra Valley up around Gembrook and Yellingbo where they do have quite a lot of
trouble with them with their stock and sheep and I’ve also heard of horses being attacked,” she said.
“That does concern us because whilst we don’t have any horses at our property at the moment, we will do soon so it does make you think twice.
“We’re new to this house, we’ve only been there six months, but my understanding is no one in the area had really seen them before, they were all quite surprised.”
Ms Rode believes the dingoes on her property came up from the creek at the rear of their land but doesn’t want to get carried away with concerns, as she loves the native animals that visit their property and hopes they do not become an ongoing problem.
Through the VSMP, resources can be allocated to meet the needs of an area and targeted coordinated programs on both public and private land have proven to be an effective method for the management of vertebrate species and pests in Victoria and nationally.
Community members are also encouraged to implement secure shelter and fencing to help reduce potential predation opportunities while trying not engage with dingoes as feeding or regular interactions with native wildlife can lead to problematic behaviours, and potentially increased conflict with humans.
The wounded alpaca, Holly, had to be put down after a vet assessed her injuries. (Supplied)
Two dingoes were spotted on a neighbour’s property just days before the attack. (Supplied)
NEWS Inaugural heritage policy
By Mikayla van Loon
The first-ever heritage policy and strategy for the Yarra Ranges has been drafted after two decades of advocacy from community groups.
Cited as “a strategic roadmap for how (the) council will understand, protect and celebrate the region’s diverse heritage” , the drafted strategy and policy puts focus not only on places, but also on people, environments, collections of art and significant attractions.
Yarra Ranges councillors voted unanimously in support of releasing the documents for community consultation on Tuesday 24 March.
The moment was strongly supported by the Yarra Ranges Heritage Network, a collective of 16 groups, mostly volunteers, from the region, who champion heritage and its protection.
Chair Maria McCarthy spoke on behalf of the network, emphasising the importance of these documents to guide the future preservation of these sites and artefacts.
“Heritage is much more than buildings. It is a collective memory of our communities, our homes, our halls, our farms, our businesses, our landscapes that reflect the lives of the people who built and shaped this region,” she said.
“These places contribute greatly to the character of our towns and create a strong sense of identity and belonging.”
Ms McCarthy said having a strategy ensures that as communities “grow and evolve” , it “respects and protects the heritage that makes our communities unique”.
It was also an important acknowledgement, Ms McCarthy said, of the work and many hours volunteers spend collating and telling stories, as well as safeguarding them for future generations.
Using the example of Herman’s Trough in Menzies Creek, an artefact that was removed by the council because its heritage status was unknown, Ms McCarthy said the policy would en-
sure a similar scenario did not occur again.
“Situations like this highlight why clear heritage strategy and policy are so important. With the guidance and triggers that this strategy will introduce, community heritage will be better recognised and protected in the future, saving the council costly mistakes.
“This will also help avoid unnecessary distress and frustration for the many volunteers who work tirelessly to care for and protect the history of our local areas.”
The 10-year strategy shifts the response and management of heritage from ad hoc to a structured framework.
Working with the Heritage Network and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, alongside council teams and other groups, the policy and strategy documents aim to draw on “First Peoples, European and other diverse cultural knowledge systems… (to) promote a holistic and inclusive approach to heritage”.
The Yarra Ranges is home to 443 local heritage places and precincts cited in the Heritage Overlay, 26 places are on the Victorian Heritage Register, and Coranderrk Aboriginal Station is on the National Heritage Register.
The Yarra Ranges Regional Museum has a
permanent collection of over 14,000 items, and history groups hold a collection of over 100,000 items. RSLs, sporting clubs and other organisations also house memorabilia and historic items of significance.
Councillor Fiona McAllister pushed the motion through and said that while it took her some time to understand the need for direct policy and a strategy, it became clear as she read the documents.
“Whilst I am a huge believer in capturing the stories and the meaning of place, I didn’t completely understand the need for a heritage strategy initially, but I do now,” she said.
With significant places like Coranderrk and Powelltown, the largest timber mill in the state in 1912, and people like Dame Nellie Melba, as well as migrant journeys, agriculture, viticulture, tourism, artists, and gardens, Cr McAllister said there was much to celebrate.
“Our incredible history needs to be protected, and shared, and celebrated. Labelled, signposted in so many ways,” she said.
The motion was seconded by Cr Tim Heenan. Both the strategy and policy will be released for community consultation for six weeks.
Coranderrk Aboriginal Station is a place of national significance. (Stewart Chambers: 517185)
Herman’s Trough, located in Menzies Creek was removed in August 2025 due to its the heritage status not being known. (Sherbrooke Historical Society)
Fix, don’t toss with the helping hands of Knox Repair Cafe
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Non-profit organisation, Knox Repair Cafe is backing a hands-on movement to help more people repair old household items instead of tossing them out and is among the grassroots organisationssupportedthroughtheWD-40Repair Challenge 2026, which officially launched on 1 March and runs until 18 April.
The challenge, now in its fourth year is inviting Australians to showcase repairs of all sizes, from simple household fixes to larger restorations, as part of a growing movement to extend the life of everyday items.
WD-40 Company’s marketing manager, Rosemary Murphy said the initiative was created in response to a surge in interest in repair culture.
“By giving new life to belongings, people can reduce waste, save money and develop valuable, practical skills along the way,” Ms Murphy said.
“Ultimately the Challenge is about raising awareness around the environmental and economic benefits of repair while encouraging more people to give it a go.”
She said the program has evolved since its founding, it not only celebrates repairs but also supports community organisations that are already driving change on the ground.
Alongside Knox Repair Cafe, the 2026 challenge also supports The Australian Men’s Shed Association, which recognises the role of volun-
teer-led groups in building practical skills and community connection.
Knox Repair Cafe’s founding director Dr Mark Glazebrook said attitudes towards repair is shifting, particularly as families face cost-ofliving pressures.
“Over the past 12 months we’ve seen a noticeable increase in families seeking help with repairs, driven in part by cost-of-living pressures and the growing difficulty in finding dedicated repair services,” Dr Glazebrook said. “There is also a strong environmental awareness among many visitors. Parents often bring their children
along so they can see firsthand that items can be fixed rather than discarded.”
Dr Glazebrook said while repairing was once a routine part of daily life, many of those skills had been lost in a more disposable era - but were now being rediscovered.
“What we’re seeing now is a renewed curiosity to learn those skills and we’ve seen how hands-on repair helps rebuild that practical confidence,” he said.
He said education is central to the cafe’s work, it helps people realise that many of their items are easier to fix than expected.
“We often see people, particularly young visitors, who assume something is broken, when in reality it’s a simple fix, such as a chain slipping off a bike,” Dr Glazebrook said. “Once they understand how it works, that complexity disappears - our goal is to make repair feel accessible, so anyone can have the confidence to try it.”
Beyond the practical benefits, he said repair cafes also play an important social role.
“Repair cafes are about much more than fixing items, we place as much importance on social connection as we do on environmental outcomes,” Dr Glazebrook said. “For many visitors, it’s a welcoming space to meet others, share skills, feel supported and feel part of a community.”
Dr Glazebrook recalls one moment that captured the deeper impact of repair work.
“I remember a widow who brought in an old radio that hadn’t worked in decades. When
we managed to get it going again, she became emotional - it instantly brought back memories of her late husband and for her it was suddenly like her husband had come back into the room,” he said. “Moments like that remind us that repair isn’t just about objects, it’s about the stories and connections attached to them.”
Ms Murphy said initiatives like the Repair Challenge help amplify those stories nationally while simultaneously encouraging more people to get involved.
“By celebrating everyday repairs and sharing real stories, it encourages more Australians to see repair as accessible and achievable, whether it’s a simple fix at home or a larger restoration,” she said.
Dr Glazebrook said the message to those unsure about fixing a broken item is simple.
“I’d encourage people to pause before throwing something away and ask whether it could be fixed,” he said.
Kick off for Wardrobe on Main
By Tanya Steele
A local charity has expanded its efforts across Monbulk this week, celebrating with a special grand opening for its second op shop location.
Tuesday 24 March saw the community, volunteers, local government officials and representatives for local politicians gather to celebrate the opening of Wardrobe on Main for the Open Door Community Care Network in Monbulk.
“Thank you for being here to celebrate this milestone with us, “said Manager Lucky Setunga.
Celebrating a long-haul effort by its committee and volunteers, guests were invited to wander through the newly opened store, along with the community, eager to pop in as well.
Now split across two locations, the new one on 92 Main Road and the original just across the road at 61–63 Main Road, both retail spaces are operated by volunteers.
Bianca, a newer volunteer with Open Door, said when she joined, she heard the charity was on the lookout for volunteers.
“I put my hand up and took the opportunity,” she said.
Bringing the kids along to help out as well, Bianca said she enjoys working across both the op-shop and other events the network gets up to and has been having fun meeting the different customers flowing into the new location.
“We’ve had a few younger people coming through now, so that’s lovely to see too,” she said.
From the Yarra Ranges Council, both Mayor Richard Higgins and Deputy Mayor and local Chandler ward Councillor Gareth Ward came along to admire the new premises.
Along with representatives from Monbulk State MP Daniela de Martino and Federal member for Aaron Violi, the councillors applauded the opening along with the community, committee and dedicated volunteers, having a small morning tea after a spot of shopping.
Mayor Higgins said the op shop is a really great venture.
“This is a really great venture that helps out our local communities, and for everybody involved on the board, congratulations - It’s a beautiful-looking shop,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Ward said Monbulkl is really lucky to have such a caring organisation that looks after community members.
“The fact that you’ve opened two shops now is just incredibly impressive, and what you’re doing as a result in the community should really be applauded. So well done, and keep up the good work - It’s really fantastic,” he said.
Open Door Community Care is a local organisation that has grown from a small volunteer network into a stalwart community support.
The group began in 1995 in response to increases in social and financial pressures affecting families across the hills. The original Mon-
bulk Care Network, over time, evolved into Open Door Community Care.
The Wardrobe on Main location will offer locals and travellers in the area a chance to browse the op shop’s diverse selection, which has just a little bit of everything for thifting fun.
The new Wardrobe on Main op shop also lists some of its items online through its social media on Facebook, placing holds for 48 hours.
New volunteers are always welcome to join the team, and anyone interested can pop into the op-shop and chat to staff.
Across the road, the Treasure Trove location takes care of books, games, toys, homewares and bric-a-brac of all kinds, and the network also operates a food pantry on the corner of David Hill and Moxhams Rd, in the cream building beside the church and food assistance is available for people living in the local area. (3793), as well as a plant nursery in the laneway near the op shop.
Cutting the ribbon, chairperson of the Open Door Community and team leader, Judy Thornburn (left) with Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Richard Higgins. (Tanya Steele: 534248).
The gathered community celebrates as the store is officially opened. (Tanya Steele: 543248).
Manager Lucky Setunga and team leader Sue Ham, celebrate. (Tanya Steele: 543248).
Dedicated volunteers Howard (behind the counter) Jackie. (Tanya Steele: 543248).
Michael repairs a customer’s lamp stand at the Knox Repair Cafe. (Supplied)
L-R: Paul, Tim and Michael tackling repairs at the Knox Repair Cafe. (Supplied)
RABBIT ACTION IN THE HILLS Tackling feral rabbits issue
The Feral Rabbit Group Emerald was fortunate to receive a Partnership Against Pests Grant from the Department of Agriculture, and over the past 12 months, they have been focused on building awareness across Emerald and the wider Dandenong Ranges communities about feral rabbit management, with a particular focus on small hobby farms and agricultural land.
What has become very clear through this work is that the answer to feral rabbit management is community collective action.
Rabbits do not understand fences, title boundaries or who owns what land. If one property owner or stakeholder is actively managing rabbits but surrounding properties are not, the problem continues. The way they reduce rabbit numbers across the region is by multiple community stakeholders working together and using multiple management methods at the same time.
Over the past year, Feral Rabbit Group have run two Department of Agriculture talks in August and September 2025, with more than 70 attendees across the sessions. They also hosted a Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) Bootcamp in October with 18 attendees, followed by workshops in ACUP Chemical Users Training, fencing, fumigation, and drop-in sessions at the Hills Hub in February and March. The group has also connected with councils, Landcare groups and community advocates who all want to see a reduction in the impact of feral rabbits.
A key message they continue to share is that there is no single solution. Effective rabbit management requires a combination of methods, including trapping, baiting, ripping, fumigation, fencing, ferreting and, in some situations, shooting. Each property is different, but longterm success comes when people understand the range of options available and apply them as
part of a broader plan.
The group has already seen the results that practical action can bring. On one property alone, more than 70 rabbits were removed in a few months through trapping using possum traps. This not only reduced rabbit numbers but also helped protect native wildlife and reduce pressure on the land. The next step on that same property is fumigation, followed by burrow destruction and fencing, showing how rabbit control works best when multiple methods are used in stages.
The scale of the issue is significant. Two rabbits can produce up to 84 rabbits in one year,
which is why early action and ongoing management are so important. Rabbit numbers can grow quickly, causing damage to agricultural land, gardens, revegetation areas and habitat for native species.
This is why ongoing community education and shared action matter. When landholders, government stakeholders, residents, landcare and local groups work together, the impact can be much greater than isolated efforts on individual properties.
As Feral Rabbit Community Co-ordinator Yvette Hayes says, “We have seen great success with the grant. We are now hoping to continue
the work through further grants, but we need your help. Please join on our website and our Facebook group to learn more about how you can manage feral rabbits and be part of a community approach to reducing numbers across the region.”
Keep an eye out for our Feral Rabbit Management Plan, which will be published on the Website and on the Facebook page – Feral Rabbit Group - Emerald
• Website: feralrabbitgroup.com.au/
• Facebook page: facebook.com/ groups/399943664924713/
Smoking to determine rabbit burrows. (Supplied)
Feral rabbit fencing.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Go wild and visit the zoo
On a stunning 12 ha property with sweeping views to Mt Buller and beyond is a very special place where Dr Doolittle dreams of talking to the animals regularly come true.
A fabulous day out for the whole family, and one of the best kept secrets of Victoria’s High Country, the Mansfield Zoo is home to all kinds of Australian and exotic animals.
Once inside the gates, discover a surprising and magical place where kids can interact with and hand feed a large variety of animals like the kangaroos and deer and guinea pigs that roam freely.
The zoo is also home to a colony of Meerkats as well as Marmosets and Capuchin monkeys, llamas and alpacas, wombats, a variety of birds including red tail black cockatoos and peacocks, water buffalo and antelope.
There are also three magnificent African lions,
including two, rare white lions (of only 100 in the world!), and visitors of all ages can experience the thrill of being up close to these majestic creatures on a daily feeding tour of these as well as other animals at the zoo. Don’t forget to watch out for Zambezi, our Zebra, coming soon to Mansfield Zoo.
It’s an ideal place for large family gatherings with lovely, undercover places to picnic and barbecue. And for a truly unique family experience, there are gorgeous campsites to spend the whole night under the stars and literally wake up to the sounds of the jungle.
Mansfield Zoo’s Bronwyn and Dave and their dedicated team welcome visitors every day from 10am to 6pm, except for Christmas Day. It’s a perfect way to introduce children to the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom in a safe, relaxed and picturesque environment.
Don’t miss the cuteness and personality of Meerkats during your visit.
Pay a visit to Mansfield Zoo this holiday period. (Supplied)
Come and meet the meerkats at Mansfield Zoo.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Fun to be had at Blue Lotus
As autumn settles across the Yarra Valley, the breathtaking Blue Lotus Water Garden bursts into life with a spectacular seasonal display and an exciting program of school holiday activities designed for the whole family. With thousands of vibrant blooms creating a kaleidoscope of colour, this much-loved destination offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and outdoor fun just a short drive from Melbourne.
During the April school holidays, the gardens transform into a lively hub of entertainment where children can explore, play, and immerse themselves in nature. Wide open spaces invite kids to run freely in the fresh country air, while winding paths lead families through stunning floral displays and tranquil water features. It is
an experience that feels both relaxing and full of discovery.
One of the standout features of the Blue Lotus Water Garden is its incredible value for families. Children under 16 receive free garden entry throughout the season, making it an affordable day out, with only selected events such as the Easter Egg Hunts and Dinosaur Shows requiring a small additional ticket. It is a thoughtful approach that ensures families can enjoy the gardens without stretching the budget.
There is no shortage of entertainment across the holiday period. From meeting the Easter Bunny and joining in the ever-popular Easter egg hunts, to stepping back in time during the thrill-
ing Dinosaur Weekends, there is something to capture every child’s imagination. Fairy Weeks add a touch of magic to the gardens, while live magic shows and face painting bring extra excitement to selected days, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere that runs throughout the break.
Beyond the activities, the garden itself is designed with families in mind. Dozens of picnic shelters and free BBQ facilities make it easy to settle in for a relaxed lunch, while expansive grassy areas provide plenty of room for games and downtime. For those who prefer to travel light, the onsite cafe and ice cream kiosk offer a wide range of meals, snacks, drinks, and sweet treats to suit all tastes.
Special seasonal pricing also adds to the appeal. During Fairy Weeks, families can take advantage of discounted Autumn Saver tickets, making it even easier to plan a memorable outing. With a variety of ticket options available for different events, visitors are encouraged to book online in advance, particularly for weekends and public holidays when sessions can sell out.
Open daily throughout the season, with extended hours on weekends and over Easter, the Blue Lotus Water Garden offers a flexible and rewarding escape for families seeking something a little different these school holidays. Whether you are there for the flowers, the festivities, or simply the chance to unwind outdoors, it is a destination that promises colour, joy, and lasting memories.
Become entranced by the fairy and bubbles at Blue Lotus Water Garden. (Supplied)
Have a roaring good time at the dinosaur show.
Finding beauty in his art
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Insects and mundane things in everyday life that most people would brush off without a second glance are becoming the focus of award-winning photography for one Ferntree Gully teenager, whose passion is starting to turn heads.
15-year-old Liam has recently marked a major milestone in what has been a lifelong creative journey, by winning first and third prizes in photography competitions.
His immensely proud mother, Mel, said his love of photography began early.
“He was in kindergarten when the preschool teachers handed him his first SLR camera, and he’s loved photography since,” she said.
While he initially used an iPad to capture images, Liam has since upgraded to a water-proof digital camera, which he rarely goes anywhere without one of the two devices.
“He can’t go anywhere without both devices… everything that he sees is inspirational to him,” Mel said.
“Whether it’s a coke can, an animal, or something people wouldn’t normally give the time of day to - he sees the art aspect of it.”
That perspective is especially evident in his nature photography, where insects and small creatures take centre stage.
“A lot of insects people don’t give the time of day to, he sees a beauty in those creatures that people would often just brush off,” she said.
Liam’s unique eye has not gone unnoticed.
In the space of a week, he won first prize in an open nature photography competition and placed third at the Pakenham Agricultural Show – where he competed in the large print open section (all ages, adults too)
“It was his first time entering the show, we didn’t think there’d be any chance of winning,” Mel said.
“To come third in an open section - we were truly blown away.”
The recognition has had a strong impact on Liam’s confidence.
“It makes him really happy to think that people love his work,” she said.
“He loves the feedback and gets a lot of inner confidence knowing his images are so powerful.”
His unique insect-themed photo exhibition is on public display now, until June at ‘The Lightbox Gallery – ‘Horologist Lane’ , Ferntree Gully Village, Ferntree Gully.
The exhibition features five large-scale images, including close-up shots of insects and a snail, illuminated both day and night.
“It’s amazing to see them at that scale, and the impact they have under the light,” Mel said.
“It’s really the highlight of the year for all of us.”
Despite the growing recognition, Liam keeps a simple approach to his work.
He said he is inspired to photograph “just anything” and takes photos “for the fun of it”
Mel said that passion is what makes his work so special.
“It just comes naturally to him - it’s his gift,” she said.
Looking ahead, Liam hopes to continue sharing his work more widely, with plans to display pieces in local businesses and potentially sell prints in the future.
His ultimate goal is to get his photos published in books and sold commercially. He also hopes his journey will encourage other young creatives.
Mel said her advice to other parents was to support their children’s passions and seek out opportunities in the community.
“Encourage all they can, enter competitions, get their work out there and see where it goes,” she said.
Liam’s mother said, through his lens, he has not only captured images, but reshaped how people see the small, often overlooked parts of the natural world.
Liam, camera, capture. (Liam)
Image currently exhibited at the Lightbox Gallery, Ferntree Gully. (Supplied)
Golden hour captured in Warrnambool beach, March 2026. (Supplied)
Abstract image of the top of a soda can with some bubbles. (Supplied)
Abstract experimental image underwater effect. (Supplied)
Warrnambool beach, March 2026. (Supplied)
Liam created coloured lines by moving the camera and adjusting settings. (Supplied)
Abstract image of straw blown bubbles created by experimenting with dish soap and oil in water. (Supplied)
Abstract image of a butter knife and edge of margarine tub. (Supplied)
‘A snail slowly but surely gliding along mosscoated bark in the dark of night’ won first place winner in a nature photography competition and is currently featured in the Lightbox Gallery. (Supplied)
This was captured using a waterproof camera as water splashed in a pool with a hose. (Supplied)
Liam photographs his A1-sized images in the lightbox gallery. (Supplied)
The final pic shows a sunset in Warrnambool at twilight, March 2026. (Supplied)
‘Dam, What a Beauty’ - Liam’s entry in the Loddon Photo Comp 2024, where he received an encouragement award as runner-up, also exhibited at The Hut Gallery’s Young at Art exhibition, Ferntree Gully, 2023. (Supplied)
Owners
“We
is
to the
big or small, and extensive service options are available for all kinds of cars and 4WDs.
Licensed Vehicle Testers for
and VACC-approved repairers, New
Motors also has two courtesy cars that can be reserved free of charge when booking a service.
Founded in the ‘90s, Shane has been with New Belgrave since 1998 and enjoys working on older vehicles.
Sharing his passion, Cindy said many mechanics shy away from older cars.
“We love them!” she said.
Cindy started with New Belgrave in 2007, doing the books on the weekends and the pair bought the business in 2010, relocating from Belgrave to Ferntree Gully in 2018.
“Nearly all of our amazing customers still travel down the hill to see us for their servicing and repairs, and we are so very grateful for this support,” Cindy said.
Thoughtful touches like iconic lolly bags for the ride home and key rings with bottle openers highlight the team’s commitment to customer
satisfaction.
The team will keep you updated via phone calls and texts, and there’s a comfy couch, coffee machine and free wifi.
Trading hours are 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday, with an RDO every second Monday.
Pop in today and meet the crew at 19 Kevin Avenue, Ferntree Gully.
Book now and get a free quote on 03 9125 6362.
Max, Louis, Cindy and Shane at the wheel alignment area. (Stewart Chambers: 432497)
New Belgrave Motors’ Louis, Max, Cindy and Shane provide customers with care and passion when servicing vehicles. (432497)
VicRoads (RWCs)
Belgrave
‘Beyond Yellingbo’ a winner
A local initiative to save the Helmeted Honeyeater has won a national award, recognising decades of critical conservation work.
One of Australia’s oldest national wildlife conservation organisations, the Australian Wildlife Society (AWS), recently awarded Beyond Yelling its 2025 Community Wildlife Conservation Award, the first time this recognition has gone to a Victorian project.
Beyond Yellingbo emerged in 2017 as a collaborative response to the need for an extended habitat for the Helmeted Honeyeater.
Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater invited the neighbours - Johns Hill Landcare Group, Monbulk Landcare and Macclesfield Landcare - to join an initiative focusing on strengthening habitat connectivity on private land to support wildlife.
At its heart, it is a community story. Volunteers, landholders, scientists and agency partners have worked side by side for years, quietly and without fanfare, to restore habitat one paddock, one creek line and one planting day at a time.
Recognition through the AWS Community Wildlife Conservation Award affirms that this steady, collaborative work matters.
Current Convenor of the Beyond Yellingbo group, Alan Clayton, and former President of Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, said the award acknowledges nearly four decades of community determination.
“The Helmeted Honeyeater recovery began as a rescue effort. Beyond Yellingbo represents the
next evolution - from saving a species to securing a landscape. This award recognises what can happen when community, agencies and scientists work together with patience and persistence.”
Beyond Yellingbo was born, oddly, out of success.
In 1989, there were just 50 Helmeted Honeyeaters left in the wild. Victoria’s critically endangered avian emblem teetered on the brink of extinction.
Through the collaboration of Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, Parks Victoria and Zoos Victoria’s captive breeding program, numbers slowly climbed.
Today, there are approximately 200 birds in the wild. They are still vulnerable but quadruple the 1989 population.
That success created a new challenge. The birds had begun to outgrow their last refuge - Yellingbo Landscape Conservation Area.
This was also where the last of the known Lowland Leadbeater’s Possums, another critically endangered species, were found.
Recovery required more than protection of a reserve; it required expansion.
More habitat. More connectivity. More landholders involved in stewardship.
With philanthropic and agency support, the Beyond Yellingbo project has engaged the owners of more than 120 private properties and coordinated habitat restoration and extension across over 300 hectares of priority habitat.
Iconic owls a delight in cooler months of Yarra Ranges
By Tanya Steele
The Yarra Ranges are a stronghold for some amazing birdlife, including many different types of owl, and the colder months can be a great time to listen to and maybe even spot local owls.
As the chill settles into the evening air, the region’s nocturnal birds begin to make themselves known, and their solemn soundtrack takes shape, echoing across the night.
From the Australian Boobook to the Powerful Owl, the largest in Australia, Life Sciences Manager from Healesville Sanctuary, Falk Wicker, said this time of year is particularly interesting for owl enthusiasts.
“The Yarra Ranges is a really important part of their distribution, although they do move around a little bit,” he said, talking about the Powerful Owl in particular.
Young owls that have recently left the nest are on the move, learning the landscape and gradually searching for territories of their own.
“They’re old enough to move around,” said Mr Wicker.
Adult birds, too, can be more flexible outside the breeding season, sometimes turning up in unexpected places.
Both iconic apex night hunters and a quiet icon of the Yarra Ranges, the Powerful Owl is endemic to Australia and found mainly in the southeast.
The amazing birds have a wingspan pushing well over a metre and a diet that is often almost entirely possums, usually ringtail.
Powerful Owl are both elusive and surprisingly close to home for many visitors and residents across the region.
The calls in the night most often heard in the Yarra Ranges can be credited to the common owl species, the Australian Boobook, whose classic “boo-book” call carries clearly through the night air.
Not random, owl calls can be heard for many reasons andthe males can be heard calling to defend territory and attract mates.
“Boobook comes in different subspecies as well, so they’re not always looking the same in different parts of Australia,” said Mr Wicker.
Local owls depend on one thing the modern landscape often lacks: old trees with natural hollows.
Essential nesting sites, finding a suitable hollow, can be one of the biggest challenges facing owl populations.
Another less visible threat comes from rodent poisons and secondary poisoning occurs when owls eat rats or mice that have consumed anticoagulant rodenticides.
The rodents become easy prey as the poison affects their nervous systems, but the toxin then accumulates in the owl.
Wildlife carers say one of the simplest ways
residents can help owls is to carefully choose rodent control products and avoid second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGAR) where possible.
“Rodenticides eventually kill the owls,” said Mr Wicker.
Young owls learning to navigate the world can also sometimes end up in awkward places, including on the ground.
In bushland, this may be part of their learning process, but in suburban areas, it can put them at risk from dogs, cars and people.
If an owl appears injured or unable to move away, people are encouraged to contact the wildlife team at Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre for advice or head to contact their local wildlife rescuer.
Drivers in known owl areas are also urged to slow down at night, particularly during the later months of the year when young birds are dispersing.
Local environmental groups occasionally run guided night walks for all types of nighttime fau-
na, offering a chance to hear and sometimes see the region’s owl species in the wild.
Getting too close may halt breeding, so people should never get too close or stand under a roosting owl, stick to the tracks and observe the animal quietly.
For those who prefer a guaranteed sighting, visitors can learn more about owls up close at Healesville Sanctuary’s “Spirits of the Sky” presentation, where Barking Owls are part of the daily program.
“We have two Barking Owls here at the Sanctuary,” said Mr Wicker.
If people are outside at night and hear the owls calling, they can record the sound using the iNaturalist phone app, and this becomes a scientific record which helps further research.
Birds like the Powerful Owl, rarely seen, and the regular hooting of the Boobook owl add anotherlayerofwondertolivingintheYarraRanges.
So next time you hear a call in the night, pause and listen. The forest might be talking back.
Local owls can be being rehabilitated at the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre at Healesville Sanctuary.
Healesville Sanctuary is home to a few Barking Owls. (Zoos Victoria)
Helmeted Honeyeater. (Supplied)
Finding a balance helps
By Maria Millers
Amanda Gorman – The Hill We Climb:
For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
As we enter the last week before Easter, known by Christians as Holy Week, many are unsettled and concerned about the seemingly escalating Middle East conflict and its inevitable effects on us.
It’s also the traditional time for many to make most of the long Easter break before the cold weather settles in.
However, there’ll be those this year thinking twice about a long weekend escape with the rising prices of both fuel and airline tickets undoubtedly playing a big part in their decisions.
It’s natural to feel disturbed by what’s happening in the Middle East right now and those who have been closely following the unfolding events feel for those affected.
But can we really feel what it’s really like to have your home and neighbourhoods destroyed, family or friends killed or injured and find yourself homeless with only the clothes you’re wearing?
As American Palestinian poet Naomi Shihab Nye points out:
Before you know what kindness really is you must lose things, feel the future dissolve in a moment like salt in a weakened broth. What you held in your hand, what you counted and carefully saved, all this must go so you know how desolate the landscape can be between the regions of kindness.
But humans are remarkably adaptive. History shows that even in prolonged, frightening situa-
WOORILLA WORDS
tions, most people don’t stay in a constant state of panic—they find ways to function, connect, and even rebuild.
In Milk and Honey, Rupi Kaur reminds us of human resilience: what is stronger than the human heart which shatters over and over and still lives
That is of course not saying that we should feel no empathy for the suffering we see daily with an estimated eight million displaced across the Middle East, the many killed and the destruction to rubble of whole towns.
And as citizens we have a right to question any involvements our government undertakes and voice our concerns.
With so many left homeless there will again be a new wave of refugees as Warsan Shire so starkly captures displacement in her poem, Home: No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark…
And as hard as it has been for many Australians lately with high inflation, rising interest rates and cost of living pressures we cannot compare it
to the suffering in places affected by the war.
Yet you can care deeply about the world without carrying the full emotional weight of it every moment.
Staying informed and staying well are both important—and they need to be balanced As Mary Oliver reminds us in her calming and reflective poem The Summer Day that gently pulls your focus away from global stress and back to your own life and choices.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life
You will not be able to end the conflicts in the Middle East but you may be able to give a hand to an overwhelmed with work neighbour or relative.
But the war is still impacting on our daily lives and distance does not protect us.
We are a society whose economy depends so heavily on the energy and by products from oil.
From the petrol that fills our cars to the fertilizers our farmers rely on to grow our food to the numerous applications of plastic.
And not just plumbers or similar trades but vital in areas such as medicine.
Without it, IV fluids, blood storage, and countless medical devices wouldn’t be possible.
Plastics are used in critical equipment that keeps people alive: and without plastics many modern treatments simply wouldn’t exist.
Think ventilators, blood bags, dialysis machines, heart valves and stents.
Anywhere you turn there is a dependence on oil in one way or another.
Our weaning from this dependence may take a long time to achieve.
Those disturbed and affected by the news should acknowledge what’s happening but take care to avoid sensational content and choose long form factual reporting over social media out
of context snippets.
Doom scrolling only increases anxiety but delivers no answers.
Poetry can be a really powerful way to steady yourself when the world feels overwhelming—it doesn’t deny the tension, but it helps you hold it differently.
It’s often read in times of crisis because it emphasizes inner control, even when external events are harsh.
That has over time been the function of Poet Laureates who have served during periods of war, crisis, or national upheaval—and their role often becomes especially meaningful in those moments.
Lord Alfred Ternnyson captured both heroism and tragedy of the Crimean War shaping public memory of a disastrous military event.
More recently Carol Ann Duffy was Laureate during the Iraq War, bringing modern conflict and marginalized voices to the public and similarly American Laureate, Billy Collins memorialized the victims of September 11 attacks in his poem The Names.
Though promised for 2026 regrettably we still have no Poet Laureate to guide us through difficult times.
However you end up spending the Easter break hopefully it leaves you grounded and calm. The news shouts from the edges of the room, but the kettle still hums, and light falls the same across the table. Somewhere, the world is breaking— but here, your breath arrives and leaves without asking permission.
Step outside.
The sky has not changed its mind about you.
Ground-breaking women honoured as more SRL TBMs arrive
Eight giant tunnel boring machines for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) have been officially named after influential and innovative women, including one from the Hills.
The machines have arrived on site to ramp up major construction ramps on the SRL, with tunnelling set to begin later this year.
More than 3000 Victorians are now working on this project.
Following a tradition dating back to the 1500s, tunnel boring machines are named after women. The eight machines are:
• TBM Belinda – named after steam train driver and medical student Belinda McKenzie, the first woman to drive Melbourne’s historic Puffing Billy.
• TBM Aayushi – named after heath advocate and medical student Aayushi Khillan, founder of social enterprise Body Buddies which uses soft toys to teach children about health.
• TBM Alice - named after music producer and musician Alice Ivy, who has been nominated for numerous ARIA awards and has played more than 400 shows across the world.
• TBM Bich Cam – named after Bich Cam Nguyen, founder and CEO of the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association and 2021 Senior Australian of the Year.
• TBM Elizabeth – named after Elizabeth Chong, celebrity chef, teacher and author who pioneered the popularisation of traditional Chinese cuisine in Australia.
• TBM Hacia – named after construction industry trailblazer Hacia Atherton, founder of Empowered Women in Trades that seeks to create a more inclusive future of women in construction.
• TBM Issy – named after the world’s first female TBM pilot Isolde Piet, who will lead the SRL southern tunnelling crews, including the world’s first all-women TBM crew.
• TBM Muriel – named after Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, Bunurong Elder Aunty Muriel Bamblett, advocate for Aboriginal children and families and Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency CEO. The names were selected by students from Clayton North, Clayton South, Essex Heights, Huntingdale, Kerrimuir, Le Page and Roberts McCubbin primary schools along the SRL corridor.
When the line opens in 2035, today’s primary school students will be among the first to use it to reach university, TAFE and work.
A university student from Bayswater will travel to Monash University in just 37 minutes –saving 15 minutes on public transport.
A TAFE student from Carrum studying at Box Hill Institute will save 17 minutes catching public transport.
TBM Belinda has been named after the first woman to drive Melbourne’s historic Puffing Billy. (File)
Fuel dealing
In the past few weeks the cost of fuel has jumped significantly. While the events in the Middle East are out of our control, where our State Government can assist is by requiring petrol stations to advertise their capped price for the following day, so people can plan where they will purchase their fuel and know how much it will cost them.
To see the capped price at the petrol stations in your area, download the Service Victoria app and click on ‘Servo Saver’ . From 4pm until 6am the next day, Servo Saver will show you two prices: the current price of fuel and tomorrow’s price cap. It’s one way we can help you find the best deal on fuel.
There has been a significant development in relation to the proposed expansion of Boral’s Montrose Quarry - the Minister for Planning has required a full Environmental Effects Statement (EES) as part of the assessment process.
This is an important outcome. Many residents across Montrose and surrounding areas have raised serious concerns about the proposal, particularly its proximity to homes and primary schools, the removal of native vegetation, and the noise and amenity impacts. An EES will ensure these issues are subject to rigorous, independent scrutiny and that the voices of the local community are formally heard.
Recent weeks have marked proud milestones for several of our local CFA brigades, with a number celebrating 100 years of dedicated and courageous service to our community.
Last month, I was honoured to attend the celebrations of the Upper Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade. This weekend just passed, Selby Fire Brigade and Belgrave Heights and South Fire Brigade also marked their centenaries, and I was delighted to join them both in commemorating and celebrating these milestones.
I extend my sincere thanks to all current and former members, their families, and the wider communities who support their brigades.
In further good news, I am pleased to report positive progress for several of our local sporting clubs and facilities.
Reliable and safe infrastructure is important for participation in sport and strengthening com-
State of State Affairs
Daniela De Martino
munity connection, and I was proud to officially open three projects made possible through Victorian Government and local Council investments.
Ferntree Gully Blues Cricket Club and Ferntree Gully Eagles Football and Netball Club are enjoying the newly upgraded Wally Tew Reserve pavilion.
With new, fit-for-purpose amenities for women and girls and improved accessibility, this redevelopment will serve local players, volunteers, families and the broader community well into the future.
Friday Night Football is back now that Monbulk Rangers Soccer Club has received a muchneeded lighting upgrade! These lights are supporting training, competition and growing participation across all ages.
At Mountain Road Recreation Reserve in Cockatoo, new lighting has also been delivered, improving evening access and safety for players, volunteers and spectators alike.
These investments make a real difference for volunteers and families, and I thank the local councils, clubs and community advocates who worked hard to see these projects completed.
As always, it’s great to get out and about with my mobile office. I recently visited the Monbulk Produce Market and the Upwey Community Market, where I heard directly from locals about issues that matter to them. These markets support small producers and businesses whilst providing welcoming spaces for people to connect, catch up and share local news - thanks to the volunteers and organisers who make these markets happen! If you come past and see my mobile office tent, please say hello and let me know what is important to you.
Does what it says on the tin
They Will Kill You Starring Zazie Beetz, Myha’la and Patricia Arquette MA15+
4.5/5
Directed by Kirill Sokolov, They Will Kill You is a bloody good action-horror film that you could describe as a reverse-slasher movie of sorts.
After a lengthy prison sentence, Asia Reaves (Zazie Beetz) accepts a maid job at the prestigious Virgil hotel in New York to rescue her estranged sister Maria (Myha’la) from its Satanic owners. Beetz proves a poignant but feisty lead and an action powerhouse as Asia. The creative, bloodsoaked action scenes are cleanly-shot (ironically) and easy to follow, with plenty of wide shots and long cuts to show off the choreography. With its high-rise setting and brutal combat, They Will Kill You often feels like a supernatural Blaxploi-
tation version of The Raid: Redemption, but the highlight action scene involving a burning axe in a dark room could be a tribute to Bong Joon-ho’s 2014 film Snowpiercer. A short, grisly-sweet, incredibly fun horror-action movie, They Will Kill You is playing at most Victorian cinemas.
- Seth Lukas Hynes
A future that can be now
The Dream Hotel, by Moroccan-American author Laila Lalami, was long-listed for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction.
Set in a near-future America, it is a finalist to the 2026 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel.
The story follows Sara Hussein, a museum archivist who is returning from London to her family in California.
Arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport, Sara is intercepted by the Risk Assessment Administration because its AI algorithm has determined she is at imminent risk of committing a crime.
Here, readers are reminded of the Precrime Division in Philip K Dick’s 1956 sci-fi novelette “The Minority Report”
However, compared to Dick’s “precogs” , the AI algorithm in Lalami’s dystopian story is much scarier because it takes a “holistic” approach and observes more than 200 types of data connected to each individual. That data is then calculated into a “risk score” – if one’s score reaches above a certain threshold, then many of their privileges can be taken away, including their freedom.
In Sara’s case, using data collected from her dreams, the AI algorithm determines she will harm her husband. As a result, she is detained for observation for 21 days – or so she is told.
To say the least, Sara’s stay at the “dream hotel” is both horrendous and terrifying.
As weeks become months, every tiny infraction is deemed a reason to extend her detention period. Worse, the “retainees” are constantly monitored through cameras and other devices, including and especially their “Dreamsavers” , a widely used skull implant that is supposed to ensure better sleep.
The product’s fine print allows its manufacturer to share the user’s dreams with the government – and people are fine with this,
CARTOON
PASSION FOR PROSE
WITH CHRISTINE SUN
because data mining of the kind by big tech companies not only enables law enforcement agencies to identify and detain potential murderers and other violent criminals but also helps prevent suicides.
Indeed, in that near-future America: “Entire generations have never known life without surveillance. Watched from the womb to the grave, they take corporate ownership of their personal data to be a fact of life, as natural as leaves growing on trees.”
“That they have committed no crime is beside the point.” Who cares if the government surveillance is pervasive? It is OK for a minority to suffer some inconvenience, as long as the majority can live in safety and peace…right?
To this reviewer, what makes The Dream Hotel such a compelling read is its plausibility – that “near future” can be NOW, with our world being increasingly algorithmic, with advanced technologies constantly used to monitor our behaviours and influence our views, and, in some cases, with state-sanctioned abuse of power allowed and even encouraged in order to serve specific political agendas.
To say the least – and half-jokingly – Sara’s plight is a reminder that we should all read the data privacy statements, user agreements and T and Cs of our tech products carefully. Highly recommended.
Bits of burlesque and blues: Theatre wrap-up
The Round Euphoric
Looking for a night out that’s a little different? Don’t miss Euphoric, a modern day variety show like no other.
This unique show brings together burlesque, comedy, cabaret, dance and more in the fastpaced, high-energy night.
It’s bold, cheeky, and guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
And don’t forget… dress to impress. We’ll be awarding a Best Dressed prize, so bring on the sequins, feathers, boas and your favourite.
The more extra, the better. Come to laugh, cheer, and be blown away.
• Season: Sunday 3 May at 7.30pm.
Burrinja Theatre
One Mississippi World Tour 2026.
Three-time nominated Grammy-nominated blues legend Eric Bibb returns to Australia with his first full-band tour since early 2023, celebrat-
ing his groundbreaking new album One Mississippi (out January 2026).
Expect the complete live experience: Bibb’s unmistakable voice and storytelling, backed by a powerhouse trio featuring Staffen Astner on guitar, Ray Charles Glen Scott (musical director and bass) and former “forever drummer” for Nina Simone, Paul Robinson. Together, they bring One Mississippi to life in all it’s soulful, socially conscious and musically adventurous glory adventurous glory.
The aet blends new material, including the
infectious first dingle This One Don’t, with beloved songs from bob’s rich catalogue and a few surprises cavesson.
• Season: Tuesday 21 April at 7.30pm for Australian audiences.
Eltham Little Theatre
A tomb with a View
Set in a sinister old library as one likely to come across, presided over by a portrait of a grim faced, mad eyed old man.
There, a dusty lawyer reads a will (involving some millions of pounds) to an equally sinister family.
One member of which has Werewolf tendencies, another wanders around in a toga of Julius Caesar and a third ember is a gentle old lady who plants more than seeds in her flower beds. By the third act, there are more corpses than live members left in the show with no two dying alike.
And what about the sympathetic nurse and
the author of romantic novels? Are they all more than they seem to be?
All is revealed as the plot twists and turns to its surprising conclusion.
• Season: 1-16 May.
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
The Female of the Species
A Reminder
Margot Mason is a feminist writer suffer from writer’s block. Molly Rivers, her former student, arrives unexpectedly at her country home with a gun, blaming Margo for warping her mother’s mind with her best-selling book. Chaos ensues leading to a comic but tense encounter Margot’s daughter, her son-on-law, her publisher and a taxi driver also arrive to comment on Margot’s feminist failings and the expectations placed on female public figures.
The plot is loosely based on an incident that happened to Germaine Greer.
• Season: 10 May.
A GRAND STORYBOOK ESTATE ON OVER ONE ACRE
A GRAND STORYBOOK ESTATE ON OVER 1 ACRE
WITH PLENTY OF SHEDDING AND VIEWS
COMMANDING attention from the moment you arrive, this beautiful storybook residence offers a rare blend of grandeur, warmth and lifestyle on one of the most desirable flat acre blocks you’ll find in the hills.
Standing proudly on over an acre of sunsoaked land with wonderful views, the home is surrounded by space, light and room to pursue all of your interests. A circular driveway leads you to this striking residence, where vaulted timber ceilings and expansive windows create a spectacular sense of space while allowing natural light to stream through every corner of the home.
Thoughtfully designed for both family living and entertaining, the expansive floorplan offers three separate living zones, providing flexibility for family gatherings, relaxing or working from home. The luxurious master retreat is a haven of its own, with generous proportions and space to lounge and unwind in total privacy.
The home offers 5 spacious bedrooms, all fitted with built-in robes, master with walk in robe & separate store cupboard plus there are 3 bathrooms. A huge laundry with its own dedicated drying room also offers the versatility to convert into an additional study or creative workspace should you desire.
At the heart of the home, the beautifully renovated kitchen is a true showstopper. Featuring premium Ilve appliances, elegant porcelain benchtops, an integrated fridge and freezer, dishwasher and abundant preparation space, it’s perfectly designed for both everyday living and impressive entertaining. Comfort and practicality are assured with extensive features including a cosy wood heater, ducted heating, refrigerated cooling, and direct internal access to a double remote garage. For tradespeople, hobbyists or car enthusiasts, the property also boasts a double garage plus separate workshop complete with hoist.
Outdoors, the property truly shines. The low maintenance, incredibly flat acre block is a rare find in the hills – a pristine blank canvas for gardens, outdoor entertaining, or the lifestyle retreat you’ve always imagined. Tradies and those needing extra space will appreciate the circular driveway, generous parking and ample room for additional storage for large vehicles, boats or caravans!
Perfectly positioned just minutes from Emerald Village, local schools and public transport, this address offers the best of both worlds – a peaceful semi-rural sanctuary with everyday convenience close at hand.
A grand family home, a lifestyle property, and a rare opportunity in one exceptional package.
Call us and inspect today. ●
STUNNING 10ACRE LIFESTYLE PROPERTY
SET within a tightly held pocket of Macclesfield, this exceptional lifestyle property spans approximately 10 picturesque acres, offering the perfect blend of space, comfort and breathtaking surrounds. Elevated to capture sweeping views across rolling countryside, it provides a peaceful and private retreat.
The home features a thoughtfully designed floorplan, with a light-filled central living area that flows seamlessly into a well-appointed kitchen complete with excellent storage, freestanding oven and dishwasher. Three generous bedrooms are positioned off a separate family room, serviced by a central bathroom.
Outdoor living is a standout, with an expansive deck perfect for entertaining while taking in the stunning outlook. A substantial 12.3m x 9.4m shed offers the ultimate entertaining space, complete with wood fire, ceiling fans, polished concrete floors and double doors that open to the view. Additional shedding and ample off-street parking provide excellent storage for vehicles, equipment and tools.
The land is well-suited to a variety of lifestyle pursuits, featuring secure electric fencing, established shade trees and two dams, making it ideal for your choice of livestock. A rare opportunity to secure a scenic acreage lifestyle just moments from Macclesfield Pony Club and a network of riding and walking trails—delivering space, serenity and versatility in equal measure. ●
PICTUREPERFECT CHARACTER HOME
IMMACULATELY presented, this charming brick residence is privately set amongst beautifully established gardens that deliver colour and interest throughout every season.
From the moment you arrive, the home’s warmth and timeless character welcome you to this wonderful low maintenance lifestyle.
Framed by inviting verandahs that create wonderful outdoor living spaces - perfect for relaxing with a morning coffee or entertaining family and friends while enjoying the peaceful garden surround. Inside, the home continues to impress with 9-foot ceilings, polished timber floorboards, double-hung windows and gas ducted heating.
At the heart of the home sits a spacious timber kitchen, thoughtfully designed with an island bench, excellent bench space and storage, a dishwasher, wall oven and gas cooktop - perfectly positioned to service the 2 separate living zones with ease.
The generous master retreat is privately positioned and includes a dressing room and ensuite, creating a peaceful sanctuary within the home.
Two additional bedrooms each feature triple built-in robes and are serviced by a central bathroom and separate toilet.
The lush surrounds attract abundant birdlife and provide a peaceful setting that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The fully fenced rear yard offers a safe and secure space for children and pets, while the covered outdoor entertaining area is ideal for family gatherings or relaxed afternoons.
In addition there is a circular driveway, double garage with remote door, concrete floor and power, along with a high carport perfectly suited for storing a caravan, boat or additional vehicles.
A beautifully maintained home offering charm, comfort and a peaceful garden lifestyle. Call us & inspect today. ●
67BEACONSFIELDEMERALDROAD
5 A 2 B 4 D
JUSTINBARROT 0438683781
BARRYPLANTEMERALD 59684522
AtBarryPlantEmeraldwebelieveyour investmentdeservesmorethanmanagement, itdeservesexpertcareandattention.
LedbySeniorPropertyManager,KrystelleRush ourlocalteamoffersunrivalledknowledgeof theEmeraldandDandenongRangesmarket, ensuringyourpropertyisalwaysintrustedhands.
KRYSTELLERUSH 0359684522
Fromrenterselectionandmaintenancetorent reviewsandcompliance,wetakecareofevery detail,includingfreeappraisals,ensuringyour peaceofmindandgreatreturns.
•Personalisedservice
•Provenresults
•Localexpertise
BARRYPLANTEMERALD
EASY FAMILY LIVING WITH PLENTY OF ROOM
SET on 1052sqm in beautiful Gembrook, this double-storey brick home delivers flexibility, comfort and family-friendly living with plenty of room to spread out both inside and out.
Welcomed by a circular driveway, the home is thoughtfully designed across two levels. Upstairs, the kitchen and dining area forms the hub of everyday living, complete with a wall oven, gas stovetop, dishwasher and excellent storage. The dining space extends out to the balcony, offering a lovely spot to step outside and enjoy the surrounds. The adjoining lounge is filled with natural light from large windows and offers split system heating and cooling, along with sliding doors opening to the undercover entertaining area. Also on the upper level, the master bedroom is privately positioned and includes a walk-in robe and ensuite.
Downstairs, three carpeted bedrooms, serviced by a central bathroom with separate toilet, while a second living area with split system and access to the undercover double tandem carport adds extra versatility for families, guests or growing teenagers.
Outside, a decked entertaining area, garden shed and 5000-litre water tank complete this appealing Gembrook package.
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. ●
AProvenHillsBNBinPrimeGembrookLocation!
SetintheDandenongRangesjustoveranhourfromMelbourne’sCBD,theestablished&well-loved GembrookCottagespresentacharmingaccommodationbusinessopportunityintheheartof Gembrook.WithineasywalkingdistanceofPuffingBilly,Gembrook–EmeraldWalkingTrail,cafés, restaurants&thelocalbar,thelocationattractsvisitorsseekingarelaxingHillsescape.Theproperty comprisesthreebeautifullystyledcottages,eachfeaturingfour-posterbeds,leatherlounges, kitchenettes,Wi-Fi&woodheaters.BluebellCottageofferscalmingbluetones&aprivatedeckwith spa.HaremCottagefeaturesearthyinteriors&sunkenovalspaindoors,whileKookaburraCottage showcasessoftpastelhues&tranquilatmosphere.Withaloyalrepeatclientele&strongreputation, thebusinessenjoysconsistentdemand,supportedbynearbyparks,wildlife&walkingtrails.
ArchitecturalElegancewithPanoramicViews! Perchedon2,671sqminpeacefulAvonsleigh,momentsfromEmerald’stownship,schools&shops, thisstriking4-bedroom,2-bathroomhomeblendsarchitecturalflairwitheverydaycomfort&breath takingtreetop&valleyviews.Awideverandahwrapsaroundthehome,leadinginsidetosoaring ceilings,timberfloors&astunningcentralatriumthatfillsthespacewithnaturallightbyday&frames thestarsbynight.Thestylishkitchenfeaturesstonebenchtops,integratedappliances&aserene outlook—perfectforrelaxedliving&entertaining.Themastersuiteenjoysverandahaccess,walk-in robe&ensuite,while3furtherbedroomsareservicedbyafamilybathroom.Freshlypainted&fitted withgasductedheating&evaporativecooling,thehomealsoincludesanundercoverentertaining area,doublegarage,carport&leafygardens—atrueHillssanctuary.
M
EasyLivingintheHeartofEmerald. Perfectlypositionedonalow-maintenance246sqm,thiswell-designeddouble-storeyhome offersmoderncomfort&everydayconveniencejustashortstrollfromEmerald’sschools,kinder, supermarket&vibrantmainstreet.Filledwithnaturallight,theopen-plankitchen,living&diningarea formstheheartofthehome.Thekitchenfeaturesstonebenchtops,breakfastbar,gasstovetop, dishwasher&excellentstorage,whiletheadjoininglounge&diningareaincludesasplitsystem, gasductedheating&ceilingfanforyear-roundcomfort.Slidingdoorsopentothereargarden. Themasterbedroomwithwalk-inrobe&ensuiteisprivatelypositionedatthefront.Upstairsoffers twofurtherbedroomswithbuilt-inrobes,acentralbathroom&secondlivingarea.Outside,thefully fencedyardincludesagardenshed,watertank&5kWsolarsystem. 3/35KingsRoadEmerald
$850,000-$935,000
189SwalesRoadMacclesfield$1,750,000-$1,900,000
seriouspotential.Awindingcreek,3dams&avaluable2-megalitrewaterlicenceprovidearocksolidfoundationforlifestyleliving,livestockorfuturevision.Elevatedpointsacrossthelandcapture sweeping360-degreeviews,creatingthosepostcardmomentswherethecountrysiderollsawayin everydirection.Atthecentresitsaneat&original2-bedroomhome,comfortablenow&readyfor renovation,extensionorreinventionovertime.Practicalinfrastructureincludesamachineryshed, garage&establishedcattlerace&yards,makingthepropertyimmediatelyusableforfarmingor hobbystock.Withsunnypaddocks,naturalwatersources&multipleaccesspoints,everythingisin placeforeasyruralliving.
91MainStreetGembrook
THE ULTIMATE UPWEY FAMILY RETREAT WITH ROOM FOR EVERYONE
SET on a rare, flat and sun-drenched block in a highly sought-after Upwey location, this spacious and versatile family home offers exceptional flexibility for growing or multigenerational families.
Boasting five bedrooms and three bathrooms, the thoughtfully designed floorplan caters to a range of living arrangements. Downstairs features a generous main bedroom complete with ensuite and walk-in robe, alongside a large study that can easily function as a sixth bedroom. An additional well-sized room on this level adds even more versatility for guests, work-from-home needs or a second living space.
At the heart of the home, the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area seamlessly connects to the outdoor entertaining zone via expansive bifold doors, creating a perfect indoor-outdoor flow for hosting family and friends. The sunny backyard offers plenty of space for kids and pets, along with a substantial garden shed equipped with threephase power-ideal for tradies, hobbyists or extra storage.
Upstairs is perfectly designed for the rest of the family, featuring three large bedrooms and a huge rumpus room-an ideal retreat for kids or teenagers. The upstairs balcony provides a fantastic chill-out space, overlooking the backyard and adding another layer of relaxed family living.
Comfort is assured year-round with a cosy wood fire, ducted heating and split system cooling throughout the home. With ample parking via a circular driveway and positioned within walking distance to everything Upwey and Tecoma have to offer, this is an opportunity not to be missed. ●
PUZZLES
No. 283
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 State of bliss (5,4)
6 Impartial (4)
10 Append (3)
11 Decked out in decorative coverings, as a horse (11)
12 Casanova (8)
13 Marketplace (6)
14 Visage (4)
15 Secure (7)
20 Eurasian country (7)
21 Sport (4)
25 Incarnation (6)
26 Altered (8)
28 Unkempt (11)
29 Business abbreviation (3)
30 Merit (4)
31 Invaluable (9)
DOWN
1 Categorise (8)
2 Heavy artillery (8)
3 Tractable (6)
4 Contrive in emergency (9)
5 Corn spikes (4)
7 Yearly (6)
8 Horsemen (6)
9 Chagrined (7)
16 The masses, according to the Greeks (3,6)
17 Bigger (7)
18 Definite (8)
19 Leads an orchestra (8)
22 It might provide light at a vigil (6)
23 Former Roman consul, Julius – (6)
24 Provoke (6)
27 Sub (4)
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
Are you a persuasive communicator with a passion for sales? Are you looking for a flexible, casual, or part-time role that allows you to showcase your skills and earn some extra income? Look no further! Network
General Notices
NOTICE OF HEARING OF SUBMISSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday 13 May 2026
Please note: A previous advertisement listed the special committee date as Wednesday, 6 May. This was incorrect, and we apologise for the error. Notice is hereby given that a Special Committee of Council be established for the purpose of hearing public submissions relating to the Draft Budget FY2026-2027.
The Special Committee Meeting to hear public submissions will be held on Wednesday 13 May 2026, commencing at 4.30 pm in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Anderson Street, Lilydale and via videoconference.
Members of the community that wish to attend and observe the meeting are required to register via Council’s website.
Tammi Rose
Chief Executive Officer
12856236-RV14-26
CLASSIFIEDS EARLY DEADLINES EASTER
Thursday, 2nd April at 4pm
Classifieds, a leading online and print classified advertising platform serving multiple mastheads across Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and NT, is seeking enthusiastic
Telephone Sales Representatives to join our dynamic team.
About Network Classifieds
Based in Pakenham Network Classifieds is at the forefront of connecting buyers and sellers across multiple regions in Australia. With a strong online and print presence, we help communities find the perfect deals, services, and opportunities. As a Telephone Sales Representative, you'll play a crucial role in driving our sales efforts and expanding our network.
What You'll Do
•Engage with potential customers over the phone to promote our advertising solutions.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
•Understand customer needs and provide tailored advertising solutions.
•Meet and exceed sales targets and performance goals.
• Collaborate with a motivated and supportive team.
Requirements
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence in making outbound sales calls.
• Motivated, goal-oriented, and results-driven.
•Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•Previous sales or customer service experience is a plus, but not required.
How to Apply
If you're ready to take on this exciting role with the flexibility you desire, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant skills and why you're interested in joining Network Classifieds as a Telephone Sales Representative to Sue Hall, Classified Advertising Manager, at sales@networkclassifieds.com.au.
Join us in helping our diverse communities connect, buy, and sell through effective advertising solutions. Be a part of the Network Classifieds team and make a difference in the world of classifieds!
EDITOR
Location: Mildura, Victoria
Position: Full-time
Lead two important regional news brands and help shape trusted local journalism across print, digital and social.
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and energetic Editor to lead the editorial direction of the Sunraysia Daily and Broken Hill Times, based from our Mildura office.
This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing the Sunraysia Daily’s three-times-a-week printed edition, the Broken Hill Times, daily online publishing, and support for content across the company’s social channels.
You will lead the reporting team in Mildura and work closely with the small team in Broken Hill, while being supported by the Group Editor and our production hub team.
This is a strong role for someone who understands the importance of local journalism, can drive quality and consistency across platforms, and is committed to building audience and community impact.
About the role
In this role, you will:
•edit and oversee the Sunraysia Daily print editions published three times a week
•oversee editorial output for Broken Hill Times
•manage daily digital publishing across both brands
•assist with editorial content for the company’s social media channels
•lead, mentor and manage the team of reporters in Mildura and the small team in Broken Hill
•help drive strong news judgment, story generation, planning and follow-through
•work with the Group Editor and production hub team to ensure deadlines are met and quality standards maintained
•help grow audience engagement across print, online and social platforms
•maintain high standards of accuracy, fairness, balance and community relevance
•connect with the community, attend events and meet with key members of the community
About you
To succeed in this role, you will ideally have:
•experience in editing, newsroom leadership or senior reporting
•strong news sense and a passion for regional and community journalism
•excellent writing, editing and headline skills
•the ability to manage competing deadlines across print and digital
•strong people leadership skills and a collaborative approach
•confidence working across websites, digital publishing systems and social platforms
•an understanding of how to build audience through digital content and social distribution
•a commitment to accuracy, ethics and high editorial standards
•a great sense of community
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone who can:
•lead from the front
•support and develop reporters
•produce strong, relevant and engaging local content
•balance the demands of print, digital and social
•work positively with editorial, production and management teams across the group
Why join us
This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in two important regional news mastheads and make a genuine difference in the communities they serve.
You will join a business that values trusted local journalism and supports its editors with experienced group leadership and central production resources, while still giving you the chance to have real editorial impact at the local level.
To apply
Please submit your application, including a cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role to paul.thomas@starnewsgroup.com.au
Sanders wins in Portugal
By Oliver Winn
Three Bridges’ motocross legend Daniel “Chucky” Sanders bounced back from his Dakarending crash earlier this year to win the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal.
He crossed the line on 23 March winning the overall rally in spectacular fashion, only two months after suffering collarbone, sternum and leg injuries.
From the outset, Sanders showed his competitiveness, dominating the prologue in Grândola and beating runner up Tosha Schareina by one10th of a second on his KTM.
Chucky then powered through rain and river crossings in Stage One, extending his lead to two minutes, continuing the excellent form.
“Because I caught the boys in front and was then opening, I even had to park the bike to walk across one water crossing to make sure it wouldn’t be too deep to flood my bike. This cost me a a good chunk of time here,” Sanders said in a Facebook post.
Stage Two saw Sanders have a dip in the rankings, finishing in fourth after he was forced to take it slow in the slippery conditions.
Sanders said navigating while riding in the mud proved to be tricky.
“Today I opened and it was a balance of not letting the bike slip in the mud and still navigating. We lost some time in the morning because I was being too conservative, but hammered hard on the way home.”
But, Sanders said finishing in fourth had its advantages.
“Tomorrow I start in 4th which will leave lots of tracks to follow and also I can assess how slippery it is based on their marks,” Sanders said.
Sanders ramped up the pace in Stage Three, following the tracks laid out by the riders ahead of him. He ended the stage in first place once again, increasing his overall lead to three minutes.
Come Stage Four, and Sanders dropped to second position after another day of rain and mud.
He said two costly mistakes were the cause for falling to second place.
“I made two navigation mistakes which cost a decent chunk of time,” Sanders said.
But, Sanders showed off his skills in Stage Five where he clinched the win for the Portugal Rally, concluding a “crazy” six days of racing in the rain.
It’s nice to be back on the bike,” Sanders said.
Sanders finished with a time of 11:03’ 53” , prevailing over Honda’s Tosha Schareina by 1’ 56”
The victory put Sanders into third position in the overall World Rally-Raid Championship,
“Today I crossed the line to not only win the stage, but also to win the overall Rally. What a crazy six days of racing it has been in the rain and coming back from my collarbone and leg injury.
marking his 29th career W2RC stage win and back-to-back triumphs in Portugal.
He said the victory proved crucial in recovering the lost time from the Dakar disaster earlier this year.
“Delivering this result here at Rally-Raid Portugal was important, not just for my confidence, but for the whole team.
“Although I was able to complete the Dakar, we lost a fair few points, so to get things back on track here, gives us a big boost as we fight for back-to-back championships, which is the ultimate goal this season.”
The FIM World Rally-Raid Championship continues with the Desafio Ruta 40 in Argentina from 24-29 May.
Sanders bounced back from his collarbone and sternum injuries. Sanders’ win puts him into third place overall in the W2RC rankings.
Daniel Sanders of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is seen at the finish line of BP Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal 2026 in Algarve, Portugal. (Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool)
They are successful in local business... but what do our Tip-Stars know about Footy? Follow them every week and give them the feedback they deserve...
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