Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 12th May 2026

Healthy mums and bubs

Lilydale mum Celeste knows the importance of having community services wrap around you as a new mum, receiving both the financial and mental relief that came when she was referred to Inspiro’s Healthy Mums, Healthy Babies program.

Gaining support, guidance and essential items to make the transition into motherhood that little bit easier, Celeste said it alleviated so much stress for her and her partner.

Having been through the challenges herself, Celeste encouraged mums to seek help and to “connect with your community” , so the struggle can be shared.

To read more, turn to page 9

The Yarra Ranges region is reeling from a state budget that local representatives claim has “dumped” critical infrastructure, with the Evelyn district and the Maroondah Hospital redevelopment noticeably absent from new capital funding. Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence criticised the 2026-27 Victorian Budget, labelling it a “massive kick in the guts.” Despite a state-wide road maintenance pool of $1.04 billion, Ms Vallence noted that not a single cent was allocated to fix danger-

ous roads in her electorate, including the longstalled Maroondah Highway and Killara Road intersection.

Concerns are most acute regarding the $1 billion Maroondah Hospital redevelopment. Despite being a headline 2022 election promise, the project, rebranded as the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, received no dedicated construction funding in this year’s budget papers.

While the Victorian Health Building Author-

ity maintains that planning is “well underway,” the lack of a clear timeline has led Ms Vallence to claim the project has been “scrapped.”

The budget comes as Treasurer Jaclyn Symes navigates a financial tightrope, with state debt forecast to hit $175.6 billion next year and approach $200 billion by 2030. Despite a modest $1 billion operating surplus, interest repayments are projected to reach $32 million a day.

Cost-of-living measures were key announce-

ments in this budget, including half-price public transport for the remainder of 2026 and a 20 per cent reduction in vehicle registration. But Ms Vallence argues these measures are offset by Victoria’s tax burden. The Victorian Government forecasts that taxation revenue will be $43.2 billion in 2026-27, then grow by an average of 5.1 per cent a year over the forward estimates.

To read more, turn to pages 4-6

Lilydale mum Celeste and her four-month-old son Teo. (Stewart Chambers: 551856)

Tanya Horticulture

IN BRIEF

Croydon Hills man jailed

Firework fiasco

Sparks shot across the sky in Coldstream on the evening of Monday 4 May, as a fireworks display malfunctioned.

At approximately 8.04pm, a vehicle linked to the display caught fire during a wedding celebration.

The car was positioned about 100 metres away from guests, and flames were initially contained to the vehicle.

The incident began shortly after guests noticed a firework was seen igniting near the car, followed by small flames.

Within moments, the situation escalated as the fire intensified and began to spread through the vehicle, which contained additional fireworks.

Emergency services arrived within approximately 10 minutes, having just completed a training exercise nearby.

According to attending crews, four fire trucks from the Yarra Glen and Coldstream brigades responded to the scene and quickly brought the blaze under control.

By the time the explosions intensified, all guest attendees had been moved to a safe distance inside the venue, while the pyrotechnician worked with the local CFAs to slow the blaze.

A spokesperson for the CFA told Star Mail “Crews discovered a single car fully involved in fire.”

“The incident was deemed under control at 8.17pm and safe at 8.30pm,” they said.

No one was injured during the event and the fire remained isolated to the vehicle, which was

ultimately destroyed.

Authorities indicated the situation was contained swiftly, with no wider damage to the venue or surrounding structures.

Dangerous Yering corner strikes again

By Gabriella Vukman

On Thursday 7 May, emergency services were called to a serious two-vehicle collision on Melba Highway near Chateau Yering.

The incident occurred shortly before 3.30pm, and prompted a large emergency response including rescue crews, paramedics and helicopters.

Witnesses noted vehicles were stuck in a traffic jam as a result of the scene, for long periods of time.

Volunteers from the Lilydale SES Unit were mobilised in under 90 seconds after reports of the crash were received.

Upon arrival, crews from the Coldstream CFA Fire Brigade confirmed that one person was trapped inside an overturned vehicle.

SES rescue operators, assisted by CFA firefighters, worked to safely extricate the patient shortly after paramedics from Ambulance Victoria arrived on scene.

The injured driver was later transferred to a helicopter emergency medical service and transported to hospital for treatment.

Authorities have used the incident as a reminder for motorists to drive according to road conditions, particularly during periods of wet weather following extended dry conditions, when roads can become especially hazardous.

In a statement following the incident, Lilydale SES Unit volunteers confirmed they had

responded to reports of a vehicle crash near Yering and located one patient who was mechanically trapped and required extrication before being handed into the care of paramedics.

The crash has renewed concerns about safety along the Melba Highway corridor near Chateau Yering, an area long regarded by locals and emergency responders as a frequent accident hotspot.

The incident comes after a woman died in hospital following a collision at the same location in 2025.

In response to ongoing safety concerns, authorities previously announced speed limit reductions along sections of Melba Highway

Maroondah Highway and Yarra Glen while investigations and roadworks were undertaken.

Under those changes, speed limits near the Chateau Yering bend were reduced to 60 kilometres per hour, with further reductions to 40 kilometres per hour in active work zones.

Lilydale SES Unit Controller Shaun Caulfield told Star Mail late last year, following a series of crashes attended by SES crews, that many incidents on the bend involved vehicles travelling from Yarra Glen towards Lilydale.

“Generally, without speaking about those specific accidents, the main cause there is people just going too fast into that corner,” he told Star Mail.

Police have urged motorists to remain patient and cautious while travelling through the area.

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A Croydon Hills man has been sentenced to 10 years and eight months’ jail over his role in a plot to import 98kg of methamphetamine into Australia.

The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and Australian Border Force (ABF), started an investigation in October, 2023, following a referral from the Dubai Police Anti-Narcotics Unit about a shipping container carrying wheat threshers with methamphetamine stashed inside their drive shafts.

The consignment was intercepted by ABF officers when a ship arrived in Melbourne in late November, 2023, with the illicit drugs concealed inside. The drugs were removed from the wheat threshers by law enforcement and substituted with an inert substance.

JOCTF investigators delivered the substituted consignment to an address in Oakleigh South, where the farming equipment was unloaded on the side of a road, and then moved to a semi-rural property in Dewhurst.

Police arrested a Tullamarine man, now aged 32, on 20 December 2023, and the Croydon Hills man, now aged 36, the following day as part of the investigation.

The court heard the Croydon Hills man had directed the movement of the wheat thresher machines after they arrived onshore and coordinated the extraction of the substituted drugs. He was sentenced to 10 years and eight months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of six years and eight months, after pleading guilty to attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs.

His Tullamarine co-offender was earlier sentenced to seven years and nine months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of four years and six months, after pleading guilty to attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs.

Preventing thieves

Yarra Ranges Eyewatch have notified outer east tradies how they can prevent thefts from their utes and trailers.

Tradies should always secure their utes and trailers and pack away any tools.

If it’s quick to get to, it’s quick to take.

Tradies are also reminded to park off street if they can, while locking up properly and keeping tools out of sight can make a real difference.

If anyone has had anything stolen, report it online at police.vic.gov.au/palolr.

To report information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.

If the crime is happening right now, always call Triple Zero (000).

Identity required

Police are seeking the identity of a man, pictured wearing a pink cap, a blue Champion t-shirt and cream pants, to assist in their enquiries after the theft of spray paint from Lilydale on 7 March. CCTV images captured the man carrying a basket in the store and outside.

Anyone with information should contact Lilydale Police Station on 9739 2300 or make a report via Crime Stoppers. Reference 260100571

between

The vehicle was found fully flipped along Maroondah Highway. (Devon Walker)

Victoria Police were the leading agency for the incident. (Devon Walker)

The explosion was a colourful spectacle for those watching on. (Anon supplied)

Budget lacking for region

By Mikayla van Loon, Corey Everett, with AAP

The Yarra Ranges region was left relatively untouched in the State Government’s release of the 2026-27 budget, drawing criticism from Liberal MP Bridget Vallence, who said her electorate of

Evelyn had been “ignored”.

“This Budget is a massive kick in the guts for our local community,” she said.

“There’s not a single cent allocated to the Evelyn electorate to upgrade schools, support our

emergency services, or to fix dangerous roads.

“The government has spruiked school upgrades in Labor electorates but has proven our postcodes do not matter, because there is no funding for any school in the Evelyn electorate in this budget.”

She made mention of Birmingham Primary in Mount Evelyn, Wandin North Primary and Seville Primary as “not having sufficient school buildings and shelters-in-place”.

Ms Vallence drew attention to the lack of action on the upgrade to the Maroondah Highway and Killara Road intersection, which received Commonwealth funding seven years ago.

As detailed before the budget, the state government committed $1.04 billion to repairing and maintaining Victorian roads, including fixing potholes, resurfacing streets, and cleaning up illegal graffiti and rubbish dumping.

While two road projects in the Dandenong Ranges were named specifically, none were cited for the urban or valley areas of the Yarra Ranges.

lic transport only worked if “there was sufficient services to meet additional demand”.

“Our community relies heavily on buses, but there have been no additional or more frequent bus services. Students continue to struggle to get onto overcrowded buses to get to Lilydale and Mooroolbark schools,” she said.

Yarra Ranges Council had also stated earlier this year that it would advocate for improved public transport, primarily bus services, across the region.

Despite the state government announcing almost $100 million and a suite of bus route improvements across the north, south, east and west, none reached the Yarra Ranges.

Yarra Ranges Council was contacted for comment.

Crime has been a major issue for the state in recent years. The budget allocates $44 million for 50 new PSOs, $62 million to recruit up to 200 reservists for administrative duties, $138 million for equipment and frontline resources, and $33 million for the Violence Reduction Unit to deliver crime intervention programs.

A suite of cost-of-living measures in this budget were framed by the state government as responding to “Donald Trump’s war driving up costs,” including an investment of $758.6 million to reduce vehicle registration by 20 per cent, $5 million to enforce new fuel reporting requirements, and $59.4 million to support cost-ofliving programs such as Affordable School Uniforms, School Breakfast Clubs and an expansion of Glasses for Kids.

Ms Vallence acknowledged that “Victorians are doing it really tough as the cost of fuel, energy and groceries rise” but she claimed these cost-of-living measures would make no difference when “slugged with higher taxes to pay for it”.

“Victorians already pay the highest taxes in the country, and this Budget reveals that they will be forced to pay even more,” she said.

“The Labor Government plans to take more than $50 billion in tax from Victorians, with taxation increasing by over five per cent annually.”

Free public transport was also extended until the end of May and was reduced by half for the remainder of the year.

“Families are under pressure and I’m determined to do everything in my power to help them right now,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

“Half-price public transport, 20 per cent off rego – this is help that families deserve right now.”

Ms Vallence said encouraging the use of pub-

Victoria Police’s Chief Commissioner Mike Bush announced reforms in October last year to slim down the executive team and trial the release of sworn officers from police station reception counter duties, by reducing staffed hours in police stations.

“Right now, police spend more than 4000 hours per day – or 1.4 million hours per year –staffing reception counters in police stations. This is poor use of their invaluable skills and it’s not what they want to be doing,” he said in October.

“We must get more police – your police – out of their stations and onto the streets where they can respond to and deter crimes.”

The opposition announced its own suite of measures aimed at reducing crime, including the recruitment of 3000 police officers and reopening police stations.

Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny told reporters in early April that the Liberals’ plan “is a bit of a stunt”.

“The chief commissioner is working to ensure that police are out on the streets where they need to be, and they are also working on significant recruitment drives, on double the intake at the academy, and they are seeing significant increases in recruitment applications,” she said.

The Victorian government had already invested $4.5 billion in Victoria Police, including funding for 3600 new police officers.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence said her district was ‘ignored’ in the 2026-27 budget. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele)Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said the government had kept its commitment on no new taxes. (Joel Carrett/AAP)

Debt tipped to touch $200b

By Callum Godde, AAP

Debt is forecast to nudge $200 billion by the end of the decade in one state as a long-time Labor government walks a financial tightrope.

HandingdownhersecondbudgetonTuesday 5 May ahead of the November state election, Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes narrowly avoided posting a $200 billion net debt projection.

Net debt is instead expected to hit $175.6 billion by the end of next financial year and top $199.3 billion by mid-2030.

By that point, annual interest repayments to service Victoria’s growing debt pile and cash deficits are forecast to rise to $11.8 billion, equating to more than $32 million a day.

The state’s operating surplus for next financial year has been shaved from $1.9 billion to $1 billion.

Treasury expects to post operating surpluses totalling $6.8 billion over the next four years and net debt as a share of the state economy to marginally fall from a high of 24.9 per cent in 2026/27.

There were no other major cost-of-living relief measures left to announce after Premier Jacinta Allan splashed billions of dollars in the lead up budget day, including on free and half-price public transport and discounted car registration.

Ms Symes described it as a restrained and responsible Labor budget to make life “easier, safer and more affordable for every Victorian”

She pointed to Victoria joining Western Australia and South Australia as the only jurisdictions in the country with an operating surplus.

“This budget confirms Victoria’s first operating surplus in seven years, the only surplus on the eastern seaboard,” Ms Symes said in her address to parliament.

Nonetheless, the budget papers show Victoria is forecast to record more than $30 billion in cash deficits over the next four years.

A leading economist warned budget-watchers not to confuse the operating surplus, which includesfederalgovernmentgrantsandexcludes all spending on capital infrastructure projects, as

a cash surplus.

“The bottom line is that until you start running cash surpluses, you can’t begin to repay debt - indeed you can’t stop adding to debt,” independent economist Saul Eslake told AAP.

Three credit rating agencies class Victoria’s economic outlook as stable but several have flagged the recent flurry of spending measures could weaken fiscal metrics, if not offset.

Revenue from stamp duty is forecast to fall by almost $900 million next financial year due to a declining property sales stemming from higher

interest rates, Ms Symes said.

Despite the Allan government committing to cut more than 1000 public service jobs, treasury estimates employee expenses will rise to $45.5 billion by 2029/30.

Ms Symes pushed back on the suggestion Victoria’s public sector wages bill remained out of control, declaring growth was in line with population.

“We back our teachers, our nurses, our police - we want more of these people employed,” she said.

Victoria’s health system will account for a quarter of budget spending next financial year, the biggest total expense. Infrastructure spending is slated to continue to dive from its dizzying heights during the Covid pandemic, falling from $24.2 billion in 2023/24 to $15.3 billion in 2029/30. There remains no completion date for a long-awaited rail line to Melbourne airport, while the contentious Suburban Rail Loop remains on track to cost between $30 billion to $34.5 billion and be completed by late 2035.

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Treasurer Jaclyn Symes delivers the State Budget 2026/27 speech at the State Parliament, Tuesday, 5 May, 2026. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Healthcare, a broken promise?

By Gabriella Vukman

Healthcare investment across the Yarra Ranges and Melbourne’s outer east has again become a political flashpoint, with renewed scrutiny over the long-promised redevelopment of Maroondah Hospital after the project failed to receive a dedicated capital works allocation in this year’s Victorian Budget.

Despite repeated election commitments dating back to 2018, the major rebuild, later rebranded by the State Government as the proposed Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, remains in the planning phase.

The Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully garnered a mention, however, with $44.8 million cited to “open the new and redeveloped Angliss Hospital later this year” . The hospital previously received $112 million for redevelopment, with budget papers indicating an estimated expenditure of $13 million in the 2026-27 year.

As of now, no clear construction timelines have been announced, and no new construction funding has been specifically identified in the 2026-27 budget papers for Maroondah Hospital.

The omission has sparked criticism from opposition and independent MPs, particularly as Victoria moves closer to another state election.

Years in the making, the redevelopment was promised by the Labor Government ahead of the 2018 Victorian election, where Labor pledged $62.4 million for a new emergency department at Maroondah Hospital.

These works included a dedicated children’s emergency department.

In the 2021-22 Budget, the Government allocated part of a broader $102.4 million package for paediatric emergency departments at some of Victoria’s busiest hospitals, with Maroondah included among the sites earmarked for upgrades.

Later in September 2022, former Premier Daniel Andrews announced a much larger commitment between $850 million and $1.05 billion to completely redevelop the Maroondah Hospital.

The project was pitched as a transformational rebuild for Melbourne’s outer east, including over 200 new inpatient beds, a new emergency department, a dedicated children’s emergency department, new operating theatres, a day procedure unit, and a mental health hub.

Construction was originally slated to begin in 2025, with the completed hospital expected to open in 2029.

The redevelopment was also accompanied by a proposal to rename the hospital the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital following the monarch’s death, a move that triggered strong backlash from Aboriginal organisations, community groups and some residents who argued the Woi Wurrung name ‘Maroondah’ should remain.

Nearly four years after the billion-dollar promise was announced, the latest state budget contains no explicit capital funding allocation for construction of the redevelopment.

The only mention of the project appears within broader existing project expenditure figures tied to the Hospital Infrastructure Delivery Fund.

Opposition MPs say that is not enough.

North Eastern Metropolitan MP Nick McGowan described the lack of funding as “heartbreaking.”

In a social media post, Mr McGowan said, “Today’s silence represents a betrayal of trust.”

“Not a cent of funding to construct a toilet, much less an entire hospital which locals were

told would start being built last year,” the post read.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence said the Government had repeatedly overpromised and underdelivered on health infrastructure in the outer east.

Ms Vallence told Star Mail, “A significant concern is that this budget scraps the Maroondah Hospital rebuild.”

“There is no mention of the promised rebuild and no funding allocated,” she said.

“Labor promises big before an election but fails to deliver time and again, leaving our community and the Maroondah Hospital health workforce to pay the price.”

With a growing population of 160,000, in the Yarra Ranges Shire alone, for many residents living in the rural outer east, the Maroondah Hospital is their only option for addressing serious emergency healthcare needs.

According to the Victorian Health Building Authority, the developments to the Maroondah Hospital will be funded out of the allocated resources from previous years.

In a separate statement, Ms Vallence said it was “astonishing” the redevelopment appeared to have been “dumped” from the budget altogether.

“It is disgraceful. Labor totally misled eastern suburban families by promising a new hospital they will not deliver,” she said.

The State Government has strongly rejected claims the project has been abandoned.

Star Mail approached the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) for input on the hospital agenda, asking what the timeline was for the promised upgrades, and what the latest correspondence regarding the upgrades had been with the State Government.

The VHBA responded: “While local MPs attempt to score cheap political points and spread misinformation, we’re getting on with delivering the QEII Hospital.”

“Delivering a project of this scale requires significant planning - this work is well underway,” a spokesperson said.

RBA raises interest rates for third straight meeting

By Jacob Shteyman, AAP

The Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates for a third straight meeting amid fears the Middle East oil crisis could make inflation worse before it gets better.

The central bank’s monetary policy board voted in a split 8-1 decision to raise the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent, as it wrapped up a two-day meeting on Tuesday 5 May.

For an average borrower with a $600,000 mortgage, the three consecutive hikes since February will cumulatively add more than $270 a month in interest repayments.

The move was tipped by the majority of economists and financial markets, which had priced in the chance of a hike at about three quarters.

Inflation was well above target before the Middle East conflict effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, sending global energy markets into chaos.

Surging fuel prices have only amplified the central bank’s inflation headache.

But some analysts cautioned the decision was no slam dunk.

The RBA also has to take into account the risks to employment as part of its dual mandate and the Middle East conflict is likely to hit economic activity.

Even as the RBA board was considering its decision overnight, tensions in the vital shipping lane continued to escalate.

Cargo ships and oil infrastructure were reportedly damaged as hostilities briefly resumed in the vital shipping lane, driving up oil prices and ex-

“While we’re upgrading and building hospitals across Victoria, Jess Wilson’s Liberals have an $11.5 billion budget blackhole which means one thing: cuts. Because the only thing the Liberals have done for hospitals in generations is close and sell them.”

According to the government, substantial planning and due diligence has been completed over the past 12 months including; structural integrity assessments, plant and services condition reviews, clinical planning, property and traffic impact assessments, along with a redevelopment constraint analysis.

The Victorian Health Building Authority, which oversees major hospital infrastructure projects across the state, has also continued to list the Maroondah redevelopment among existing health infrastructure projects.

Despite this information, key questions remain unanswered, including when and how the construction funding will be allocated and whether the original 2029 completion timeline remains achievable.

Star Mail also reached out to the Department of Health, but they did not supply a comment.

The uncertainty surrounding Maroondah Hospital comes amid broader concerns about Healthcare demand throughout the Yarra Ranges and Melbourne’s outer east.

Population growth, increased emergency department demand, and the topic of ambulance response times have all intensified pressure on local health services in recent years.

The State Government’s latest budget includes $50.7 million aimed at boosting Ambulance Victoria operations including; $28.6 million to continue boosting ambulance capacity, $9.7 million to improve Triple Zero triage systems, $10 million to continue emergency department offload pilots, and $2 million for clinical triage support services.

The above mentioned pilot programs are designed to improve ambulance transfer times by allowing multiple ambulances to offload patients simultaneously during peak emergency periods.

Questions remain over whether Maroondah

Hospital will receive additional emergency department infrastructure as part of the Ambulance Victoria funding initiative.

In response to questions about emergency care in the Yarra Ranges, Eastern Health confirmed that Healesville Hospital does not provide emergency department services.

A spokesperson from Eastern Health told Star Mail, “Ambulance access is less critical in this location.”

Eastern Health did not provide further comment regarding broader budget allocations.

While political debate has focused heavily on Maroondah Hospital, the broader Victorian healthcare sector has cautiously welcomed the government’s overall 2026 $32 billion healthcare investment package.

The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) described the budget as a “positive step” toward future-proofing healthcare, particularly through investments in virtual care, preventative health programs and hospital maintenance.

Chief Executive at the VHA Leigh Clarke said the budget supported innovation and care closer to home.

“These investments will enable the system to deliver the essential care and services Victorians require now and into the future” Ms Clarke said.

However, the organisation also warned the budget missed opportunities around mental health, digital infrastructure and long-term funding certainty.

Importantly, the VHA noted the need for coordinated, system-wide infrastructure, strategically aligned with population growth and community demand.

This warning may have some weight for residents of the Yarra Ranges who continue to wait for clarity on whether Maroondah Hospital’s long-promised redevelopment will move beyond the planning stage.

With another state election approaching, healthcare infrastructure is once again emerging as a defining issue for communities throughout the Yarra Ranges and across Victoria.

acerbating fears that inflation could be higher for even longer.

Headline inflation surged to 4.6 per cent in the year to March, although many analysts believe the worst is yet to come as fuel prices

Yarra Ranges residents are left waiting for confirmation on Maroondah Hospital upgrades. (Stewart Chambers : 274922).

Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has announced a rate hike. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP)

A mother’s mission

By Mikayla van Loon

Rita Brown’s daughter was 15 years old when she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), something that changed both their lives and sent them on a learning path.

It was this diagnosis and subsequent navigation of the healthcare system that ignited Ms Brown’s advocacy and lived experience work in the BPD space.

It also landed the Bayswater North resident an Order of Australia Medal, which was presented to her at Government House on Tuesday 5 May, alongside several other Australia Day Honours recipients.

“I feel really deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Order. I just feel that I’ve been doing what lots of people do in this space,” she said.

“It feels a bit overwhelming to be singled out, and I think also to be acknowledged that what you’ve done has made a difference.”

Ms Brown said in the lead up to her daughter’s diagnosis, “her behaviours just weren’t making sense to me”

This led them on a somewhat frustrating learning curve to find answers and engage with the right services.

“I experienced how the system let us down, both me and my daughter, and I felt in that process, there were some learnings that I thought were really important for other people to know.”

It became her mission as an inaugural board member and current chair and president of the Australian BPD Foundation, as well as associate director of lived experience at Eastern Health’s Spectrum, to create change, spark conversations and encourage deeper understanding of BPD.

“I’d really like to see a change that people living with a personality disorder are really acknowledged and recognised for the intense distress they’re feeling, and the understanding shift to why they’re actually responding to distressing situations in this way.

“Too often, you hear really negative comments: ‘You’re too sensitive’ , ‘you’re being ma-

nipulative’

“But when you try to boil it down to what the person is feeling, which may or may not make sense to me as an outsider, I really think it helps to draw the narrative around to something that’s much more compassionate.”

A common misconception of personality disorders, Ms Brown said, was that people were simply “too emotional”

“It’s more about having a really sensitive emotional system where that person feels deeply and it actually takes longer for them to calm down. It’s recognising this as an emotional pain rather than a character flaw.”

While everyone’s experience was different, Ms Brown said most people go through a roller coaster of emotions, particularly sadness, guilt, anxiety and despair.

“They often describe fears of being left alone or abandoned and having to cope with unbearable pain alone.

“They often find relationships very challenging. Often struggle to maintain friendships due to interpersonal conflicts or idolise or devalue another person, and this can be really challenging when one person loves you one moment and the next hates you.

“There’s a deep sense of shame and self hatred and feelings of unworthiness, and fluctuating sense of self, or they often feel empty, or experience feelings of detachment from their emotions, body or surroundings.”

That continual change of emotion, Ms Brown said, can sometimes be so deeply felt that suicide ideation was not uncommon because it becomes a “coping mechanism”

Unfortunately, Ms Brown said the healthcare system’s structure meant a first point of engagement for someone experiencing suicidal thoughts was typically an emergency department but they are “more attuned to physical conditions rather than mental health conditions”

“Currently, there is nowhere else for people experiencing suicidal distress to really go and get support when doctors etc are closed, so they

tend to utilise emergency departments, and often experience the revolving door.”

Another important advocacy point having experienced firsthand the challenges families face when a loved one was accessing care was exclusion from the care plan.

“It’s just been a gradual journey of learning, assimilating and having a real belief that health systems tend to work better if the person with the condition, and whoever is supporting them and the clinicians are all on the same page and working together, rather than having artificial silos.

“It’s not uncommon in the mental health space for people who have a complex mental health concern to not want family to be involved.

“There’s often fractures in family, and it made my life as a carer, and I’d like to think as a loving mum, really challenging when you’re not allowed to get any information, to speak to the doctors.”

If there was anything Ms Brown wanted people to know and understand about BPD it was that people living with personality disorder were really misunderstood.

They are usually extremely empathetic, passionate and creative people with so much to offer.

Ms Brown said BPD was a treatable mental health condition. She said, however, it could be challenging to access this help through the public system, with the private system easier to navigate but people had to have the resources and ability to fund this.

She wanted people know there was “hope with accessing appropriate treatment and support”

Rita Brown received her Order of Australia Medal from the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC on Tuesday 5 May. (Supplied)

Governor Margaret Gardner presenting Rita Brown with OAM.

The ceremony takes place at Victoria’s Government House. (Supplied)

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Merger marks one-year

It was a year ago that one of the Yarra Ranges’ leading community health services, Inspiro, merged with Access Health and Community (AccessHC).

May marks the first anniversary of the merger and with it, the growth of essential health and wellbeing services for the region.

AccessHC chief executive officer Anna Robinson said the merger allowed the organisation to expand quality services for the district and provide closer-to-home care.

“Since merging, we have grown to provide more health and community services for Yarra Ranges communities, while continuing to provide the Inspiro services that the community knows and loves,” she said.

“A merger is no easy undertaking – particularly in such a rapidly changing sector – and, while there’s still more work to be done, we are proud to be delivering these vital services for the community.”

Two additions in particular were the expansion of child and family services and the opening of the Lilydale Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in December last year.

“We have significantly grown our child and family services, improving access for local families, who previously had to travel, pay for private services or miss out on care,” Ms Robinson said.

“Paediatric speech pathology and occupation-

‘I

al therapy are now available to school-age children, which recognises the complexity of this life stage. In the last 12 months, we have almost dou-

bled the amount of speech pathology on offer.”

In its first three months, the Lilydale UCC saw over 2000 people in need of urgent care and de-

cried because of the generosity’

By Mikayla van Loon

For first time mum Celeste and her now fourmonth-old boy, Teo, having access to one of Inspiro’s newest program offerings, Healthy Mums, Healthy Babies, made a huge difference during and after her pregnancy.

After connecting with Eastern Health’s Specialist Maternity Services (SMS), the Lilydale mum was referred to Inspiro for extra support, both financially and for her mental wellbeing.

Celeste and her partner were going through significant financial difficulties at the time and were under a lot of stress.

“(My partner) was going through mental health struggles, and I was supporting him, and the family, and obviously having a baby, and shifting the way you work, not being able to work, all the changes, it’s a lot of change and transition,” Celeste said.

“They were able to make us feel more prepared and ease that anxiety and that stress, because (Teo) was due Christmas day, so it was a combination of that time of year as well.”

Initially, just seeking financial help to purchase a car seat, Celeste said what they received instead was completely beyond what she expected and made a world of difference.

The service included a mixture of phone call check-ins and house visits during and after her

pregnancy.

Each time health professionals Gabby or Anna visited, they’d “really go above and beyond” , bringing food, nappies or a carload of baby items, things Celeste hadn’t even thought of, mostly donated through St Kilda Mums.

Having an emergency caesarean, Celeste said in the weeks after Teo was born, they even offered to walk the dog, fold washing or take her shopping.

“I cried a few times because I didn’t expect the generosity. We’ve had a lot of different services supporting us with different things, and I honestly feel like their service provided us the most helpful support.

“Financially, it just really saved us, because you need a lot of stuff for a baby. Both Gabby and Anna, in particular, I think, between them they have at least eight kids or something, so they were very validating as well.”

Knowing she was always meant to be a mum, Celeste said she loves being Teo’s mum, but it was everything else that came with pregnancy, birth and the adjustment to motherhood that was the most challenging.

“I feel like being the mum is the easy part. It’s everything else that’s the hard part.

“It’s a big adjustment and transition, trying to figure out how to go about living life and what we’re going to do with certain areas of our life.

Obviously, you lose a lot of your time as a mum, but that’s never been the hard part.”

Being on the receiving end of community support and donations of essential baby items, Celeste said, once she was done with Teo’s newborn essentials, she was going to donate those back to a service like St Kilda Mums and encouraged others to do the same. She also wanted to encourage mums to seek help and support from their community or family because “if one thing can help you along the way, it’s worth it”

“I think a lot of mums struggle and suffer in silence and expect to just have it all put together. But I think if you just say, ‘Hey, I’m not coping so well’ or ‘I’m not doing so good’ , you actually can seek the help you need and make it easier for everyone. You don’t have to sit there and struggle or be a martyr. I’ve noticed a lot of new mums have this lost energy about them. It’s like they’re trying to grapple with all the newness, and they’re struggling internally, but think they have to figure it out for themselves.”

Learning from her own experience, Celeste said, “connect with your community”

Healthy Mums, Healthy Babies is a State Government program, facilitated in the Yarra Ranges by Inspiro and Eastern Health, to provide region-wide support for women who need additional help during pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth.

Urgent care hits 3000 presentations

By Mikayla van Loon

Having just ticked over 3000 visits to Lilydale’s urgent care clinic in as little as five months, the figures attest to the use and benefit of having this middle-ground health service in the region.

Urgent care manager Katelyn said from day one, when there was a line of people waiting to access the 17 Clarke Street clinic, it filled a gap in healthcare access for the Yarra Ranges.

“It’s become evident that it’s a program and a service that’s really needed in the Yarra Valley because of how busy it’s been since day one,” she said.

From minor burns and breaks to soft tissue injuries and dog bites, as well as flus and Covid, the small team of doctors and nurses has seen lots and at all hours of their general 8am to 10pm day.

Katelyn said, aside from treating injury and illness, the key benefits of the clinic have gone beyond physical care and become a place in between when people don’t know where to go or what to do.

“When you’re injured, or you’re really unwell, the whole system can be really confusing, particularly because there are lots of layers, and it’s really hard to know the right place to go,” she said.

“Being able to have an open door where you’re

met with really lovely and engaging staff who at least can help you navigate that, whether we were able to treat you in-house, which is our aim, but even for the times where we have to send patients down to the hospital or to their GP, we’re able to help patients navigate that.”

This was especially true for parents with young children, who might need after-hours care or reassurance, or people who can’t get in to see their normal doctor.

Urgent care clinics were designed to treat non-life-threatening conditions to keep hospitals clear for emergency cases.

Katelyn said, “We’ve certainly been able to help a lot of people stay out of ED” by treating as many people as possible at the clinic, as well as using their relationship with Eastern Health to ensure people who do need emergency care can access it.

“There will be times when we might have to send people on who really do just need the hospital, but even in those cases, we’re still able to help them initially and then get them ED.

“So it’s never a waste to turn up to our clinic, because we’re able to help you navigate what the right place for you is. We obviously aim as much as we can to service people in-house.

“We’re helping the community understand that urgent care is not an emergency department,

mand continues to grow month-by-month.

The clinic bulk-bills and is open seven days a week for extended hours, without the requirement of a referral or appointment.

The Federal Government’s data indicated that around 32 per cent of presentations in 2023-24 to Maroondah Hospital’s Emergency Department were for semi-urgent or non-urgent conditions.

Urgent Care Clinics were designed to treat injuries and illnesses on the severe end of the scale, but that did not require hospitalisation.

“Lilydale Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) has filled a gap in local services. We treat a high number of injuries, which tells us that this type of service is vital in the outer east region,” Ms Robinson said.

“The clinic is helping people in the Yarra Ranges get the care they need, when and where they need it, and is reducing pressure on emergency departments.”

Inspiro still operates its Belgrave and Lilydale locations, providing essential health services to the community.

For more information on local community health services, call (03) 9738 8801 or visit inspiro. org.au

For information about the Lilydale Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, visit accesshc.org.au/urgent-care-lilydale/ or health.gov.au/urgent-care

and there will be times when people do need emergency, but we’re still able to help them get there.”

Coming into winter and the peak of the infectious disease season, Katelyn said the clinic was preparing for a rise in presentations.

This includes increasing stock levels for testing equipment, setting up an isolation room to help separate infectious diseases from the general waiting room and having everything on hand to treat conditions like asthma and acute exacerbations of colds and flus.

Each morning and afternoon shift has one doctor, one nurse and a customer service officer onsite.

While a small team, Katelyn said they all feel positive about what the service has been able to achieve so far and were encouraged by the community’s feedback.

“Being able to treat people quickly in-house on the day, get to a resolution on the day, and then being able to discharge them home, usually in pretty good spirits, or after a very positive experience, it’s really rewarding.

“It’s really exciting to be part of a service that’s really impacting the community in a good way.”

Only being five months into providing this service, Katelyn said there were, of course, some

teething issues and “we’re still improving every day”

“We’re still growing. We’re still working out how many staff we need and what facilities we need.”

Looking to grow both in staff and services, Katelyn said it was expected that by the end of the year, the clinic would be able to provide radiology and ultrasound onsite.

Being connected to a community health organisation, Katelyn said, also came with benefits, enabling urgent care clinic staff to refer people on, should they need further care or assistance.

People are invited to call the clinic on 9738 8888 before attending or pop in without an appointment or referral.

More information can be found at: accesshc. org.au/urgent-care-lilydale/ including a live tracker of wait times in the clinic.

Lilydale’s Urgent Care Clinic team Casey, Carla, Katelyn, Reece and Alex have been supporting the community since December 2025. (Stewart Chambers: 551806)

Lilydale mum Celeste and her son Teo. (Stewart Chambers: 551856)

Celeste and her partner received financial and mental health support through Inspiro’s Healthy Mums, Healthy Babies program. (551856)

Urgent care manager Katelyn said the clinic has been so well-received by the community. (Stewart Chambers: 551806)

You can shape young lives.

Working in early childhood education can shape the lives of young Victorians. And with scholarships and study support, it could shape your life too.

Snow coats the region

A generous coating of snow powdered mountain peaks of the Yarra Ranges and Dandenong Ranges, marking the first significant snowfall of 2026. It turned the landscape into a winter wonderland.

Ten centimetres of snow fell on the night of 6 May, reaching as low as 500 metres.

Snowfall was seen in Reefton and even Olinda on Mount Dandenong.

SkyHigh and the Mount Dandenong Primary School also reported snowfall.

Locals took to Facebook to share photos they’d captured of the snowfall.

But, the snowfall made driving conditions dangerous on Mount Donna Buang.

Buang Road was closed in both directions between Acheron

and

Donna

Way, Warburton

Donna Buang Summit Road due to snowfall.

The Warburton Bike Park also closed its upper mountain trails due to the snow.

It was a cold and chilly morning, with Warburton reaching one degrees. (Ann Whitlock)

People woke to sleet on their decks and verandahs. (Ann Whitlock)

Tyre tracks along Mt Donna Buang Rd. (Mountain Tucker)

The entrance to the Mt Donna Buang summit looked like a winter wonderland. (Mountain Tucker)

Light powdery snow sprinkled the lower levels of the mountain. (Mountain Tucker)

10 centimetres of snow fell overnight on 6 May. (Mountain Tucker)

It marked the first significant snowfall of 2026. (Mountain Tucker)

Warburton resident Ann Whitlock captured snow falling on Mt Victoria. (Ann Whitelock)

Snowfall reached as low as 500 metres. (Ann Whitelock)

Dutch celebration success

By Armin Ritcher

When the Yarra Valley Italian Cultural Group released an award winning book Dreams From A Suitcase in 2009 it planted a seed in the mind of Maria McCarthy, a past mayor of the Shire Of Yarra Ranges. Maria has held various positions in the YVICG, and more recently also being president of the Lilydale Historical Society. To be able to tell the stories of Italian migrants coming to the Yarra Valley opened up the possibility of extending that project to another group of migrants who settled in large numbers, being the Dutch.

Within the last year Maria got in contact with Helen Darvell, who in turn brought in Anne and Gerry van Horick. With a large Dutch population having settled around Monbulk, contact was made with the Monbulk Historical Society, in particular past president Jill A’Vard who had long been planning to tell the story of Monbulk’s Dutch history. This created the nucleus of an energetic committee, along with Mary Gibson, Karin Seamer and more recently Michael Gijsberts, Rita and David Sandfort.

Plans were formulated to gather information about the families, create storyboards for about 30 families from around the Monbulk district and have a big celebration close to the Netherlands Koningsdag (King’s Day - 27 April) with music and food. The Dutch embassy was very supportive and provided a $10,000 grant towards the costs, along with local businesses also contributing.

Sunday 3 May was booked in for the event, titled From The Lowlands To The Ranges, to be held at the Monbulk Hub (Living and Learning Centre). Despite inclement weather, the people came in their hundreds and packed the venue, with long queues at the food stalls outside. Cos-

tumes for the day for the organising committee were provided by Tesselaar’s.

The event was launched with speeches from Janna McCurdy, representing the Dutch Heritage Centre, Yarra Ranges mayor Richard Higgins, Monbulk MP Daniela de Martino and Casey MP Aaron Violi.

The display will be at the Monbulk Hub until the end of June. Jill A’Vard is now working on gathering stories from more of Monbulk’s Dutch community to compile into a book to be launched later this year.

The organising committee in costumes supplied by Tesselaar’s. (Armin Ritcher)

The crowd gathered, filling the Monbulk Hub room to the brim on Sunday 3 May. Maria McCarthy with Yarra Ranges mayor Richard Higgins.

Maria McCarthy with Member for Monbulk Daniele Di Martino.

$10k to support carers

In a significant boost to its mission, Caladenia Dementia Care was named as one of the four community grant winners of 2025 by the Mable Foundation.

The $10,000 grant will be used to fund the organisation’s Men Who Care project, a peerled support group for male carers with a partner living with dementia.

Caladenia, a well-established not-for-profit organisation, has been supporting those living with dementia and their carers for over four decades.

Caladenia’s executive manager Daniel Durik expressed his gratitude for the Mable Foundation’s support, stating that the grant will help address the serious impacts of isolation, reluctance, and indecision that many male carers face later in life.

“With Mable Foundation’s support, we are creating a welcoming space where male carers can connect with others who understand their experience, share practical knowledge, and build confidence in their caring role,” Mr Durik said.

“Through peer-led support groups, social lunches, guest speakers, and accessible resources, the project is helping reduce isolation and strengthen the wellbeing of carers who give so much every day.”

Mr Druik said the grant would allow Caladenia to pilot a model that supports and recognises the “unique experiences of male carers”

The Mable Community Grants initiative, established in 2019, has distributed over $255,000 through 23 grants, including these latest winners. With a total submission count

of 308, the process of selecting the recipients was a challenging one.

Mable CEO and co-founder Tony Charara highlighted the importance of these grants in providing vital support to organisations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of older people and those with disabilities.

“These grants provide vital support to organisations that are truly making a tangible difference in the lives of older people and people with disability, breaking down barriers and fostering a greater sense of belonging and freedom across Australia,” Mr Charara said.

For more information about Caladenia Dementia Care and the Men Who Care project, please visit caladenia.com.au. Additional details about the Mable Community Grants program can be found at mablefoundation.org.au.

Preparations underway for major FOFA fundraiser

Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Make A Difference lunch, the annual fundraising event hosted by Feed One Feed All (FOFA), to be held on Sunday 31 May at Cathies Lane Receptions in Wantirna.

Feed One Feed All (FOFA) is a 100 per cent volunteer-driven not-for-profit organisation based in Scoresby. The organisation rescues surplus food destined for landfill, and supplemented with purchased ingredients, transforms it into nutritious, high-quality meals for members of the local community experiencing food insecurity.

FOFA currently supports 28 partner agencies across the local government areas of Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges. These agencies collect meals on a weekly basis for distribution to individuals and families facing a range of challenges, including mental and physical illnesses, homelessness, family and domestic violence, and ongoing financial hardship.

Founder and President, Lillie Giang, said the organisation remains committed to responding to community needs wherever they arise.

“Since January, FOFA has extended its support

to communities in Yarck, Yea and Longwood,” Ms Giang said.

“When we received the call for assistance, we responded without hesitation. We are proud to provide meals to those working tirelessly to combat bushfires and support recovery efforts, as well as to families who have been significantly impacted.”

Quiz night for a good cause

Get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and friendly competition while supporting a powerful local cause. Holy Fools, the Yarra Ranges’ 100 per cent volunteer-run charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and housing stress, is hosting their annual Street Smarts Trivia and Games Night.

This event will be held on Saturday 6 June, at St Patrick’s Community Centre, 40 Jones Street, Lilydale, with doors opening from 6pm. Whether you’re coming with friends, family, colleagues, or community groups, there’s something for everyone – tables of 10, family deals, and individual spots are all available.

Guests can look forward to multiple rounds of trivia, games, prizes, and raffles, all while directly supporting Holy Fools’ vital programs, including Felix House, the organisation’s drop-in centre in Lilydale, and the weekly Street Angels community lunch.

“Street Smarts is one of our favourite nights of the year,” Holy Fools founder and chief executive officer Neal Taylor said.

“It’s a chance for the community to come together, have a brilliant time, and directly support locals who are doing it really tough. Every dollar raised stays right here in the Yarra Ranges.”

Holy Fools has supported hundreds of people across the Yarra Ranges since 2009, providing showers, laundry, meals, clothing, referrals, and a safe, welcoming space to those experiencing homelessness or housing stress. The organisation operates entirely on volunteer power and community generosity.

The event is proudly supported by a generous group of local sponsors, including Bendigo Bank Mt Evelyn, Aaron Violi MP, Glitz Gymnastics, and Jellis Craig Real Estate Mooroolbark. Holy Fools thanks each of them for their commitment to the local community.

Tickets are available now at bit.ly/4eNB5gn. If you are interested in sponsoring the event or donating a raffle prize, please get in touch on 1300 133 889 or visit holyfools.org.au

The Make A Difference lunch promises an engaging and memorable afternoon, featuring entertainment by Josh Williams, Aubrey Junkeer and Anna Cimino, along with a dance performance from Lily Ong and Friends.

Guests will enjoy mocktails and canapes on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course meal, with complimentary soft drinks, tea and coffee available throughout the afternoon.

The event will also feature a range of fundraising activities, including a mega raffle, silent and live auctions, and a lucky dip, with all proceeds supporting FOFA’s mission to alleviate food insecurity within the community.

Tickets are $110, which includes a $35 donation to FOFA; a receipt for taxation purposes will be emailed. To purchase tickets, please visit: events.humanitix.com/mad2026

For enquiries, text or WhatsApp Veronica on 0488 773 133 or text or WhatsApp Lynn 0434 111 823.

For those unable to attend, but would like to make a donation to FOFA, please visit fofa.org. au/donate

The Stable One Winter Shelter network is seeking dedicated volunteers to support its life-saving programs this winter. Founded in 2017 by Jenny Willetts OAM, the network provides crisis accommodation and essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Yarra Ranges.

Attending one of the upcoming group orientation sessions is a crucial first step. The sessions are scheduled for Saturday 16 May, from 9am to 12 noon, and Tuesday 19 May, from 7pm to 9.30pm. Both sessions will be held at the Lilydale Baptist Church, located at the corner of Swansea Road and Hull Road, with entry off Hull Road. Refreshments will be provided.

During the week of 25 May, volunteers will receive additional venue-specific orientation to prepare them for their roles. This is a crucial opportunity to learn more about the program and how you can make a difference. The need for volunteers is significant, as the Stable One network works tirelessly to address the lack of crisis accommodation in the region throughout the winter months. Join them in making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

Contact info@stableone.org or visit: stableone.org/yarra-valley-winter-shelter/

Caladenia Dementia Care’s Men Who Care project was a recipient of the Mable community grant program. (Supplied)

Natasha, Rhonda, Lay Hong and Ashley pause from kitchen duties to prepare silent auction, raffle and lucky dip prizes for the upcoming event. (Supplied)

Holy Fools founder and chief executive officer Neal Taylor. (Dongyun Kwon: 475780)

Fashionistas take a break

By Claudia Mather

This year’s Met Gala theme aimed to bring art to life, bodies became the canvas, and Hill’s local fashionistas, Michelle Trebilco, also known as Veteran Vamp, and Cat Herine, had a lot to say about it.

Both Michelle and Cat pride themselves on living a thriftilicious lifestyle. Bringing donated items back to life and expressing their truest selves through the outfits they create.

With her orange felt fox purse in hand, Michelle said, “to me, the Met Gala is about drama, over-the-top-ness - although I don’t think that’s a real word,” she giggled, “and creativity.”

The Met Gala is an annual fashion charity event that is held in New York at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the first Monday in May.

The event’s purpose was created primarily to celebrate the opening of the institute’s annual exhibition and has become one of the most prestigious and exclusive events.

Vogue’s ex editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, has been the host since 1955 and has shaped it into an exclusive pop-culture extravaganza.

This year’s theme was Costume Art, and the dress code for guests was Fashion is Art. Inviting guests to ‘express their own relationship to fashion as an embodied art form and celebrate the countless depictions of the dressed body throughout history’

The outfit that was most inspiring and best aligned to the theme for Michelle was Emma

“Her dress looked like paint, dripping down and pooling at the bottom,” she smiled, “and the fringing hanging down on the bottom of her sleeves also looked like dripping paint. Fabulous!”

It was co-created, over 40 hours of painting, with Anna Deller-Yee and Mugler’s creative director, Castro Freitas. The dress took approximately four days to dry.

Another combined favourite of Michelle and Cat’s was Iris van Herpen’s bubble dress, which was worn by Olympic Gold medallist, Eileen Gu.

Cat explained it was her favourite, “for being completely out there and creative, and I do love that designer. She’s done some really cool things.”

“For me, it was art, art on her body,” she said.

The ‘bubble dress’ is an admiration-at-first-sight piece for not only the local fashionistas but the online world, too. Made from up to 15,000 glass globes, it was accompanied on the red carpet by real bubbles.

Through shared observation and excited smiles, both Michelle and Cat fangirled over English singer-songwriter Sam Smith’s outfit.

“It was their Billy Porter moment, that’s what I call it!” Michelle smiled.

“They were the living embodiment of art, which is what they were all meant to be.” Cat nodded in agreement.

A recurring issue that has been highlighted online in recent years is that many of the avant-garde pieces don’t align with the theme. Cat and Michelle both agreed.

“There were a lot of dresses I would wear, but not many embraced the theme,” Michelle said with a shake of her head.

Though they admired many pieces worn by the A-listers, they said some designers just missed the point. The theme was about actualising art, giving it a vessel to be seen on, not “just a lot of pretty frocks!”

“You should be wowed, the Met Gala is about the wow,” Cat said. She explained that the first impression of an outfit at the Met Gala should not only capture the theme but also evoke some

sort of emotional response.

“Katy Perry, for example, she had a fencing mask on, that’s what it looked like,” Michelle shook her head. “She had a very ‘meh’ white dress, it’s like she thought ‘oh what’s the theme again? I’d better add this mask!’ , it just didn’t go with the dress at all.”

While beautiful, many outfits were not immediately understandable. A lot of designers made the creative decision to recreate a famous piece of art and incorporate it into a piece of clothing.

For Michelle and Cat, this meant going back to reference check outfits to clarify what the pieces were meant to be, “Some others I revisited after I knew what they were representing,” Michelle said.

“To me, if I’m not blown away by it at my first look, then it’s not doing it!” Cat exclaimed.

With an imaginative and thoughtful smile, Michelle noted that if she had the power to pick the theme for the Met Gala, it would be space-inspired.

“I don’t think that’s been done before, and maybe even sci-fi would be great” Romantasy is another theme idea that Cat suggested. Saying that it would encourage designers to think outside the box and create a live fantasy world through fashion.

One thing is for sure: if either Michelle or Cat had a hand in next

would

Chamberlain’s hand-painted custom Mugler dress.

year’s Met Gala, fully thrifted outfits

play the lead role in what they wore to walk down that red carpet.

Locals Michelle Trebilco and Cat Herine take fashion thrifting seriously and revealed all their thoughts on the more extreme end of fashion at the Met Gala. (Stewart Chambers: 551555)

Michelle Trebilco, also known as Veteran Vamp, dons her orange felt fox purse. (551555)

Cat loved Eileen Gu’s bubble dress the best at this year’s Met Gala. (551555)

Emma Chamberlain in her hand-painted custom Mugler dress for the 2026 Met Gala. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Eileen Gu’s bubble dress for the Met Gala was made from 15,000 glass globes. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

A night of fun and tears

By Claudia Mather

It’s not often you can say you saw a play that had you cry-laughing with tears in your eyes while simultaneously urging you to reconsider all your beliefs.

Every single scene makes you think ‘oh that’s a good point’ even while squirming in your seat, cringing, and also thinking, ‘I would hate to find myself in this situation!’

Joanna Murray-Smith’s writing holds this exact effect in her hilarious play The Female of the Species. It was first performed in 2006 and has since grown to be known in Australia as a witty, satirical story following the complexities of feminism and intellectual combat.

The Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre created a chockfull evening for audiences from the moment you stepped into the old, history-filled building.

As we were seated, eyes were drawn to the lively set. Bright colours, an extensive collection of books lining the shelves, and an array of colourful, quirky artwork were all clues pointing towards whose house we were peeking into.

The play opens, “Oh f–k off”, Margot Mason (Angela Glennie), a vivacious feminist writer who is struggling to write her next book, sits in her luscious Daylesford home.

The audience was laughing from the getgo! Ms Glennie magnificently filled the space on stage with Margot Mason’s vast body language and overdramatic, sharp tone. No one was getting past this woman - so she thought.

Amid her writer’s block, as casual as ever, enters Molly Rivers (Alexandra Carter), an enthusiastic, slightly unhinged ex-student. Molly decides to hold Margot at gunpoint, intending to kill her, blaming her for distorting her mother’s mind and supposedly ruining her life.

As we slowly meet the rest of the cast, we see Margot’s feminism being confronted by the contrasting personalities. It’s apparent that director Fiona Carter spent time with each actor to bring out the varying points of feminism that each character held.

Through blunt sarcasm and hysteria, we see all characters at some point wanting to pull the trigger on Margot, too. Her wonky path of feministic view is what created the tangled web of miscommunication.

At times, the dialogue was hard to digest. It was never boring or uninteresting, though the topics being discussed - generational differences in feminism and the responsibility of intellectual beliefs - held a heaviness to them that was not easy to chew at a fast pace.

Audience appreciation, at times, heavily depended on the level of education you had in feminist history. Not being brushed up on those facts meant some lines that older audience members found hilarious went straight over others’ heads.

All this to say, what was important to understand could be understood. Ms Carter and the brilliantly talented cast created a wonderful production through jest and wit that left audiences with a collision of emotions.

Are we amusing ourselves to death?

By Maria Millers

The further a society drifts from truth, the more it will hate those who speak it. - George Orwell. Winter crept in prematurely last week, sending us indoors and to face an avalanche of news stories both local and from overseas.

From the death of Kumanjaya Little Baby whose body was found on the outskirts of Alice Springs, and the emotionally charged mourning ceremonies and vigils that followed, to the ongoing daily wave of crime with attacks on bars and other businesses.

Then there was the Reserve Bank’s decision on interest rates and speculations about the coming Budget and the constant commentary about the Farrer by-election and its consequences while the Middle East conflict remained bubbling in the background,

And last Thursday the arrival of the so called Isis Brides and their children played out on our screens.

In the past we would have waited to learn about all these events from our newspapers, either picked up from our front lawn or from the newsagent.

Then watch the nightly news programs together, which would provide more information, analysis and context.

This week the death of Ted Turner, CNN founder, media mogul and father of the 24 news cycle reminds us how different accessing news has now become.

Today the amount of news generated is impossible to follow closely in a time poor society. Or be able to distinguish between analysis, opinion, or propaganda, often with downright misinformation and no attempt at contextualizing an event.

Human brains are naturally drawn to drama, conflict, celebrity stories, outrage, humour and fear. We now have a myriad of sources available at a click, updated constantly and in a format that does not require much concentrated effort to consume.

Emotionally charged so called Breaking News is usually low in importance, delivered to us constantly via our phones and other devices.

Media organizations compete for clicks, views, and advertising revenue, so sensational content performs better than careful analysis.

A heated argument on TV may attract more viewers than a detailed explanation of economic policy. So the Reserve Bank raises interest rates but where is the calm explanation behind the decision?

So what we are constantly seeing is celebrity and sports scandals and exaggerated political conflicts dominating the headlines.

Politicians of all persuasions reflect an established party line even if it no longer reflects re-

ality, but merely exploits vulnerabilities to serve their interests.

Just think of the level of debate around immigration, magnified by those claiming that diversity undermines national culture and social cohesion. Or that certain kinds of migrants from certain countries should not be allowed and that language proficiency and commitment to Australian values must be a pre-requisite for entry.

Where is the rational analysis of these claims and where should it take place?

With humanities courses degraded in schools and universities, most people generally are not equipped to cope with the onslaught of various forms of media on offer: television, social media, news outlets, streaming platforms, advertising, and online influencers.

These sometimes prioritise distraction and entertainment over truthful, informative reporting.

On platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X, algorithms are designed to keep users engaged as long as possible with content that is provocative, simplistic, divisive or shocking

Accurate information is usually slower, more nuanced, and less emotionally stimulating.

In this atmosphere the public ceases to be able to recognize a hero from the anti-hero, and in what direction their leaders are taking them. The world as a whole also becomes an ever more abnormal, irrational place.

There is disquiet about the future of democracy, most see it as failing at the institutional level only, but it happens within the individual as well

The average voter hardly knows what is going on beyond official proclamations of politicians and what they learn in the mass media.

Social media is not a substitute for these flawed sources because it’s full of conspiracy theories and unsubstantiated opinion.

Democracy will not come

Today, this year

Nor ever

Through compromise and fear

- Langston Hughes from Democracy.

This poem argues that democracy requires active struggle, not passive hope.

When attention is fragmented, people may consume large amounts of content without gaining deep understanding.

Most media companies depend on advertisers. Because of this, content is designed to maximize audience size and keep the sponsors happy. This dictates what shows are offered with a reliance on the sensational.

Think of the ratings the reality show Married at First Sight achieved, a show which could be seen as giving positive exposure to some but could also be accused of dangerously exploiting the vulnerabilities of others.

Everything now is a form of entertainment:

food, exercise, spirituality, news—you name it.

And it’s all smoke and mirrors.

The Roman poet Juvenal criticized political leaders for keeping citizens distracted with entertainment and material comfort instead of civic responsibility. The phrase “bread and circuses” is still used today to describe media distraction and mass entertainment.

...already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything — now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses.

A famous line from T S Eliot’s Four Quartets : Distracted from distraction by distraction, feels so strikingly current in the age of constant media.

Aldous Huxley was worried that we are so controlled through pleasure, entertainment distraction and consumption comfort that we avoid speaking up about the wrongs we see around us.

Great is truth, but still greater, from a practical point of view, is silence about truth.

And how many times have you heard someone saying there is no point in becoming involved as there is nothing we can do to bring about effective change

Distraction leads to indifference and can sever connection with others and their situation and problems not only do people become indifferent to the suffering in Gaza or Iran or Alice Springs for example, they also become indifferent to never having been consulted about government policy and actions in the first place. In fact it doesn’t even bother them that governments don’t do it.

When you’re incessantly encouraged to not notice or think critically about what your government is doing at home or elsewhere, you lose all inclination to do so. The most widespread belief is that as long as you turn up on Election Day for your democracy sausage you are a good citizen.

Distraction becomes a form of pacification. People learn not to want the responsibilities of freedom, the responsibility that democracy demands of its citizens.

In the early days of factory work, workers stood on assembly lines for hours at a time, focus-

ing on repetitive tasks and moving at a merciless pace. As physically strenuous as the work could be, it was even more punishing mentally. This left them exhausted and passive.

Today the same effect happens with social media, our brains drained by volumes of distractions and unable to make room for much else.

Accurate information is usually slower, more nuanced, and less emotionally stimulating. And who has the time or energy to become informed?

And when attention is fragmented, people may consume large amounts of content without gaining deep understanding. Moreover people sometimes choose distraction or denial over uncomfortable truth.

So what is the best way tackle this growing problem?

Obviously spending less time online doom scrolling and more time reclaiming the in person social life we are losing. And actually connecting with people.

As well, allowing yourself to sit with your own thoughts, doing things that once were normal, is an act of defiance now,

Critical thinking is one of the strongest protections against distraction based content.

A good first step is to improve media literacy in schools and universities by teaching how to distinguish reporting from commentary and opinion, how to check primary sources and identifying emotionally exploitive content.

One of the biggest democratic problems is that national outrage media has replaced local reporting.

When people lose coverage of local councils, courts and corruption investigations they become more politically polarized and less informed about what directly affects them.

One cannot underestimate the importance of ‘the local rag’ in keeping communities informed and that is why it is so lamentable to see so many local regional papers no longer published.

A society can lose its connection to truth not only through censorship and force, but also through endless distraction, entertainment, noise, and emotional manipulation.

As American sociologist, Neil Postman, wrote ‘We are amusing ourselves to death’ and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti reminds us that The World Is a Beautiful Place but to achieve happiness we must be prepared to do the hard yards as well.

The world is a beautiful place to be born into if you don’t mind happiness not always being so very much fun

The current landscape rewards speed, outrage, tribal identity, and attention capture. Democracies work better when information systems reward credibility, accountability, and shared reality.

Regan Wood, Russell Waters, Angela Glennie, Alexandra Carter for The Female of the Species. (Steve Tanner)

Melba’s WW1 efforts

By Joy Gothe

When the guns of August 1914 thundered across Europe, the world’s reigning Queen of Opera found herself far from the glittering stages of Paris and London.

Dame Nellie Melba was at home in Australia, resting at her beloved Coombe Cottage.

The news that her “Beloved Belgians” were under attack struck her with absolute horror.

Prevented by the chaos of war from returning to Europe, the diva refused to sit idle, declaring that she would do something right there in Australia to aid the war effort.

Throwing herself into the cause with a fierce energy, she tried her hand at local relief, becoming joint president of the newly formed Lilydale Red Cross.

Their very first gathering was a traditional

knitting circle with a spectacular mismatch of talents.

Melba, who could barely hold a knitting needle, lasted exactly one day in the circle.

Realising the socks that she made would never have fitted any human being, she quickly decided that she could never knit a single sock for the soldiers, and chose to do what she did best, instead she would sing the money right out of people’s pockets.

Thus began a legendary crusade of patriotic fundraising concerts.

Melba soon earned a cheeky new title.

During a 1915 interview in America, the laughing soprano confessed that the public had stopped calling her the “Queen of Song” and had crowned her the “Queen of Pickpockets” instead.

It was a well-deserved title.

Healesville mini film festival

On March 29, the Healesville Memorial Hall hosted the twelfth annual Healesville Mini Film Festival.

The Yarra Ranges Film Society has organised a triple-feature of films every year since 2014, and this year’s Mini Film Festival had a very large, enthusiastic turn-out and the theme of great British cinema.

Directed by Lisa Mulcahy and based on the 1864 novel Uncle Silas by Sheridan Le Fanu, Lies We Tell sees orphaned heiress Maud Ruthyn (Agnes O’Casey) grapple with her cruel, domineering uncle Silas (David Wilmot) and his family.

Lies We Tell features sumptuous cinematography, an elegant score, witty dialogue laced with venom, and a low-key but gut-wrenching atmosphere of genteel passive-aggression boiling over into violence.

Wilmot juggles a nurturing front and cruel narcissism with ease as Silas. O’Casey is captivating as Maud, who is stiff and unlikeable at first, but you quickly sympathise with her as Silas insidiously exerts his authority, his family invades her life and her fine manor becomes a prison, tightening the patriarchal straitjacket already imposed upon her as a woman in the nineteenth century.

At a tight, lean hour-and-a-half, Lies We Tell is an enthralling historical psychological thriller (and miles better than Emerald Fennell’s own Gothic literature adaptation Wuthering Heights), and the audience gave it 4 stars out of 5.

The Old Oak, directed by veteran British filmmaker Ken Loach, follows TJ Ballantyne (David Turner) as his pub becomes the focal point of tensions between a Durham County village and an influx of Syrian refugees. The Old Oak is an immersive, comfortable tapestry of small-town charity, legacy, the prejudice that drives us apart and the struggles that unite us.

Ebla Mari delivers an achingly moving performance of compassion and dignified pain as Yara, a young Syrian woman Ballantyne befriends, and Ballantyne has a satisfying little arc of gaining a backbone and launching a charity program by tapping into his past as a mining union member.

Ballantyne’s racist pub regulars are a source of both conflict and dry humour as they fester in

their bitter bigotry and loopy rationalisations for it. The Old Oak scored even higher than Lies We Tell, reaching 4.8 stars out of 5.

In And Mrs, a lighthearted comedy with a macabre premise, Gemma (Aisling Bea) resolves to use a forgotten legal precedent to marry her recently-deceased boyfriend Nathan (Colin Hanks; Tom Hanks’s son). And Mrs is a cute caper movie that fully commits to its bonkers premise, and has many funny and moving moments. Bea, who is primarily a comedian, equips herself well to a somewhat dramatic role as Gemma, but the endearingly crazy highlight of And Mrs is Billie Lourd (Carrie Fisher’s daughter) as Nathan’s sister Audrey, a crazy girl who would die for those she loves.

There just isn’t enough insight into Gemma and Nathan’s relationship, and they have too little chemistry in the flashbacks, to fully invest yourself in Gemma’s mission to posthumously marry him. The audience gave And Mrs 3.75 stars out of 5.

I would have preferred a less Anglocentric, more diverse selection of films from the United Kingdom. And Mrs and The Old Oak are English productions – Britain isn’t just England, but also Scotland and Wales – and while Lies We Tell was the best film of the day, including an Irish film is a little problematic, given that Ireland has been fully independent from the UK since 1949. Many Irishmen would be justifiably offended if you called them British.

Setting aside my minor program misgivings, this year’s Healesville Mini Film Festival offered a very enjoyable and well-received trio of films.

-

Seth Lukas Hynes

Melba was a ruthless, brilliant auctioneer.

In Sydney, she auctioned her very last farthing for a staggering £100.

In Geelong, her concerts raised double that of other major cities through the sales of Belgian flags and massive bales of wool.

The financial results from her efforts were extraordinary.

Concerts held in Sydney, Melbourne, and Geelong raised thousands of pounds each, supporting the Red Cross and various international relief funds.

Subsequent tours in North America and Europe extended her reach even further, with estimates suggesting her total wartime fundraising was over £100,000, a remarkable sum of money for the period.

Melba’s wartime service earned her prestigious honours, including Dame Commander

(DBE) and later Dame Grand Cross (GBE) of the British Empire, awarded not for her musical achievements but for her humanitarian work. After the war, Dame Nellie Melba continued performing and supporting music in Australia and overseas.

Eventually, changing social conditions and her advancing age gradually brought her career to a close.

Her legacy endures not only as a world-renowned soprano but also as a dedicated patriot and philanthropist whose wartime efforts had a lasting impact.

Proving that when her world was in crisis, her greatest masterpiece wasn’t performed on a stage, but forged in the fires of wartime charity.

If you are interested in discovering more stories about the history of Lilydale visit our Website at: lilydalehistorical.com.au.

A great introduction

Doctor Who: Dracula!, by English author Paul Magrs, is the eighth and last title included in the Doctor Who Puffin Crossovers series.

The story features the First Doctor and his companions Susan, Barbara and Ian, who are inadvertently transported by the TARDIS to the seaside town of Whitby.

As readers would know, in Bram Stoker’s renowned 1897 novel Dracula, Whitby, in North Yorkshire, England, is the town terrorised by Count Dracula after his ship runs aground on the shore below the East Cliff on the 8th of August.

In his novel, Stoker did not specify in which year the vampire descended on Whitby.

But the author is known to have holidayed in that town in 1890, where he found the name “Dracula” in a book while visiting the local library. It turns out that the Doctor and his companions have arrived in Whitby in 1901, ten years after a certain monster descended on the town and caused despicable madness and mayhem. Now the locals are getting worried because gruesome murders are once again occurring – and all the victims have puncture wounds on their necks.

As one of the townsfolk speculates, could it be someone deliberately copying a popular

PASSION FOR PROSE

theatre production based on Stoker’s novel that is currently performing at the local opera house? “Either that, or these performances are summoning evil back to our shores!”

Treating the two stars from the theatre production as suspects, the Doctor teams up with the “dapper and elegant” Professor Abraham Van Helsing to investigate the mysteries.

“Of course! Van Helsing! The vampirehunter in the novel,” Ian thinks at one stage. “So, he was real!” Thus ensues a thrilling adventure full of twists and turns, with fiction and “facts” overlapping each other in typical fast-paced and happily chaotic Doctor Who fashion.

Theatre round up

The 1812 Theatre

The Ladykillers

The Ladykillers is a black comedy that follows the hilarious capers of a group of small-time crooks taking on more than they can handle in the form of sweet elderly landlady, Mrs Wilberforce.

This group of seedy misfits are planning a security van robbery and rent a room from Mrs Wilberforce in her rickety Victorian house next to Kings Cross station from which to base theiroperation.

To conceal their purpose, they pose as an string quartet, though they cannot play a note andareinfactmimingarecordingofBoccherini’s Minuet.

Thegangpullofftherobberybutnoneofthem could have predicted that their greatest obstacle to escaping with the loot would be their tiny hostess.

Season: 21May–13June.

Karralyka

An Afternoon with Silvie

Spend some time with the inimitable Silvie Paladino,assheperformsherfavouritesongs.

Silvie is one of Australia’s most versatile and talented performers. She is a popular concert performer and recording artist and has starred in musicals such as Mumma Mia, Cats and Les MiserablesinAustraliaandLondon’sWestEnd.

SheisalsowellknowntoAustralianaudiences asaregularonCarolsbyCandlelight.

Season: Tuesday23Juneat1.30pm.

The Round Phantom–ATributetoMichaelCrawford.

Experience the magic of Michael Crawford, Andrew Lloyd Weber and the West End’s most iconic performances all in spectacular celebration.

Keith McNamara presents Phantom – a breathtaking tribute to the power, passion, and unmistakable brilliance of Michael Crawford’s greatestperformances.Hearhisplatinumrecords andstagemusicalsonstage.

A lifelong labour of love, Keith McNamarafirst foundhisvoicesingingalongtoCrawford’siconic recordings - and went to build a jaw-dropping career of his own, performing over 20 stage musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Les MiserablesandMissSaigon.

Season: Sunday14Juneat1.30pm.

The Magic Pudding: The Opera – Victorian Opera VictorianOperabringsadoredadaptationofNorman Lindsay’s classic The Magic Pudding live on stage. Filled with equal measures of catchy musicaltunes,deliciouslyplayfulcostumesandhearty helping of the theatrical craft, this dinky-delight brings Lindsay’s larrikin spirit to joyous life! Perfectforpudding-loversofallages.

Season: Friday15May –Saturday16May.

BRAND NEW ARCHITECTURAL LIVING

BRAND NEW ARCHITECTURAL LIVING IN THE HEART OF UPWEY

WELCOME to 15 Belbrook Road, Upwey a striking, never lived in residence that delivers cutting edge design, refined finishes and effortless family functionality in one of the Hills’ most desirable pockets.

Designed with modern living at its core, this brand new four bedroom, three bathroom home showcases clean architectural lines, soaring ceilings and an abundance of natural light throughout. The sleek façade makes a bold first impression, while inside, warm timber floors and soft neutral tones create a calming, contemporary aesthetic.

At the heart of the home, the open plan living and dining domain flows seamlessly to the expansive outdoor entertaining deck perfectly positioned for weekend gatherings, summer barbeques and relaxed evenings surrounded by nature.

The kitchen is a true statement space, featuring quality Bosch appliances, stone benchtops, dishwasher, generous storage and a sophisticated modern finish that will impress even the most discerning buyer.

Multiple living zones provide flexibility for growing families, work from home professionals or multi-generational living. Whether it’s a formal lounge, upstairs retreat or secondary sitting area, the thoughtful floorplan ensures space and

separation when needed.

Accommodation is equally impressive. Four generous bedrooms and a study are complemented by three beautifully appointed bathrooms, with the choice of two luxurious master suites one upstairs and one downstairs both complete with designer ensuites and walk in robe space. Every bathroom reflects the same modern Scandinavian inspired aesthetic seen throughout the home clean lines, quality fixtures and timeless finishes.

Outdoors, the entertaining area extends your living space and enhances the lifestyle appeal this property delivers. Surrounded by established greenery and positioned for privacy, it offers the perfect balance of indooroutdoor living that the Dandenong Ranges are renowned for.

Additional features include Midea ducted heating and cooling, 2 air conditioning split systems downstairs and ceiling fans in every bedroom as well as the main living area and double glazed windows all throughout.

Located just moments from Upwey Village, cafes, schools, train station and walking trails, this home offers the rare combination of brand new luxury and genuine Hills convenience.

A turn-key opportunity with nothing to do but move in and enjoy 15 Belbrook Road is modern family living, redefined. ●

PRESENTATION, PRICE AND POSITIONING IN VIBRANT SOUTHBANK

POSITIONED on the 21st floor boasting spectacular bay views, this modern 2 bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment delivers an airy and open plan living space in the stylish Epic building.

Entering through a tiled entrance, discover a stone-finished kitchen flaunting a glass splashback, quality stainless-steel appliances including a 4-burner gas cooktop. Spacious open-plan living and dining connects with a sheltered full-length balcony showcasing captivating views over Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra River, and the towering skylines of Southbank, the CBD, and the Docklands. The main bedroom with full ensuite & study nook is filled with natural light is generously proportioned, both are serviced by mirrored built-in robes and a powder room including serviceable laundry, toilet and shower all in one.

As you exit the lobby/concierge, Melbourne Square Woolworths, Nido childcare, Boyd Community Hub, Crown, Queens Bridge Road trams to the city, the lively arts precinct, South Melbourne Primary School, and the dining choice lining the Yarra River are a short stroll away.

Comprehensive features include secure car parking, ducted heating and cooling, double glazing, slimline Venetian blinds, and recessed down-lighting. Graced with an impressive 8-star energy-efficiency rating, Epic comes complete with intercom security, 24/7 concierge, high-speed lifts, and access to a heated indoor pool, a fully fitted gym and a tennis court. Inspect to be impressed! Outgoings:

Council Rates: $380.27 per quarter approx.

• Water Rates: $170 per quarter approx.

• Owners Corporation Fees: $1,138.94 per quarter approx.

• Potential Rental Income: $700 per week approx.

* Photo identification will be required upon entering the property. Please contact Mike Rosario on 0400972032, for your personal tour of this apartment over the weekends. ●

TRANQUIL HILLS LIVING JUST MOMENTS FROM TOWN

TUCKED away in a serene, leafy setting, this charming home offers a warm and inviting lifestyle with a perfect blend of character, comfort, and practicality. Surrounded by established gardens, the property delivers a true sense of privacy and tranquillity from the moment you arrive, while still being conveniently located close to local shops, cafes, and amenities.

The home’s welcoming façade is complemented by a generous covered verandah, ideal for relaxing while enjoying the peaceful outlook. Inside, the residence features three well proportioned bedrooms, including a spacious main, all filled with natural light and complemented by soft, neutral tones.

The cosy lounge is rich in character, highlighted by beautiful timber detailing and a classic fireplace with gas insert that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for those cooler Hills evenings. Large windows frame the surrounding greenery, bringing the outdoors in and enhancing the home’s relaxed feel.

Flowing through, the kitchen and dining area showcase charming timber cabinetry, ample storage, and a practical layout, offering a comfortable space for everyday living. The updated bathroom adds a modern touch, featuring quality finishes, a sleek walk-in shower, and a fresh, contemporary design.

Step outside to the covered rear deck looking out to the lush surrounds. The gardens further enhance the home’s appeal, creating a peaceful sanctuary to unwind in.

Additional features include a separate laundry, second toilet, excellent storage options, and ample car accommodation with a garage, carport, and additional shed space which is a huge bonus in the area.

Set on a generous dual allotment in a tranquil yet convenient location, this property presents an exceptional opportunity for first home buyers, downsizers, or those seeking a relaxed Hills lifestyle. ●

ENDLESS SPACE AND COUNTRY LIVING ON OVER 27 ACRES

SET across more than 27 natural bush acres in sought-after Pakenham Upper, this wellestablished lifestyle property offers space, privacy and the freedom of true country living, all centred around a comfortable four-bedroom brick home designed for family life.

Inside, the carpeted lounge provides a welcoming place to relax, enhanced by large windows that draw in plenty of natural light and showcase the surrounding landscape. A heat transfer woodfire brings warmth and atmosphere through the cooler months, while a split system maintains comfort year-round.

The generous kitchen and dining area forms the heart of the home, offering a gas stovetop, extensive bench space and excellent storage, making it ideal for everyday cooking and family gatherings.

The master bedroom includes built-in robes, a second bedroom also offers built-in robes, with both rooms conveniently serviced by the central family bathroom. A practical laundry with a separate toilet adds everyday convenience.

Upstairs, two additional bedrooms with built-in robes are serviced by a shared bathroom and accompanied by a lounge area that opens to a small verandah, creating a quiet retreat with views across the property. Outdoors, an enclosed undercover entertaining area provides a versatile space for gatherings in any season. Window shutters add privacy and practicality, while infrastructure includes a 6m x 10m shed with power, a hot house for garden enthusiasts and approximately 55,000 litres of water storage across several tanks. A 4kW solar system helps support energy efficiency, while a three-car carport provides ample vehicle accommodation.

The land itself offers plenty of opportunity, complete with a dam and expansive open areas ideal for enjoying the outdoors, hobby farming or simply soaking in the peaceful rural surroundings.

With substantial acreage, practical shedding and a comfortable family home, this property presents a fantastic opportunity to embrace the space and lifestyle Pakenham Upper is known for.

This property has it all so don’t miss outPlease 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. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

AnAcreageEstateofElegance,BeautyandEndlessPossibility! Beyondasealed,tree-lineddriveway,thisbreathtakingcountryestateunfoldsacross39.5lush north-facingacreswithsweepingmountainviews,rollingpastures&absoluteprivacy.Immaculately designed,thisstunningfive-bedroomcharacterresidencecombinestimelesselegancewithrefined moderncomfort.Agrandchandelier-litentrysetsthetone,leadingtoexpansivelivingzones,a chef’skitchenwithbutler’spantry,luxuriousmasterwing&aspectacularenclosedalfrescowith soaringceilings,travertinefloors,swimspa&panoramicoutlooks.Ornatefeatures,Blackbuttfloors, doubleglazing,zonedheating&cooling.Aseparatestudiowithensuite,over584sqmofhigh-bay sheddingwith3-phasepower,100,000Loftankwater,12kWsolar,10kWbatterystorage&5-megalitre creeklicence.

SpaciousFamilyLivinginaPeacefulGembrookSetting–WalktoTownon 1,117sqm

PositionedinGembrookwithinwalkingdistancetothemainstreet,schools&publictransport,this 4-bedroomhomeoffersmultiplelivingzones&relaxedfamilyliving.Floatingfloorsflowthroughthe mainareas,themasterincludesawalk-inrobe&ensuite.Asecondbedroomnearbyisidealas anursery,guestroomorhomeoffice.Theopenplankitchen/living/diningareaformstheheartof thehome,featuringagasstovetop,walloven,dishwasher,islandbench,walk-inpantry&internal garageaccess.Theloungeincludesasplitsystem,withgasductedheating&evaporativecooling throughout.Slidingdoorsopentotheundercoverentertainingareaoverlookingthefullyfenced backyard.2furtherbedrooms,rumpusroom,gardenshed&doublegaragecompletethehome.

1LaddSquareEmerald$1,100,000-$1,210,000

SpaciousHillsLivingwithDualAccessandFlexibleFamilyLayout. Seton6,236sqminasought-afterEmeraldpocketwithdualaccess&leafyviews,thisspacious double-storeyhomeoffersflexibilityforfamiliesofallstages.Twomastersuitesmakeitidealformultigenerationallivingorguests.Downstairsfeaturesaprivatezonewithamastersuite(ensuite,walk-in robe,splitsystem),plustwobedroomswithbuilt-inrobesservicedbyacentralbathroom.Upstairshas beenfullyrenovated,withlight-filledlivingcentredaroundastrikingdouble-sidedwoodfireshared withthemainmasterretreat,completewithwalk-inrobe&luxeensuitewithfreestandingbath& oversizedshower.Theopen-plankitchen&diningincludestimberbenchtops,farmhousesink,double ovens&alargeisland.Slidingdoorsopentoanundercoverentertainingarea.Freshpaint,new carpets&ampleparkingcompletethisprivate,lifestyle-focusedproperty.

AaronDay M 0407365994

BrennanMileto M 0422996451

seriouspotential.Awindingcreek,3dams&avaluable2-megalitrewaterlicenceprovidearocksolidfoundationforlifestyleliving,livestockorfuturevision.Elevatedpointsacrossthelandcapture sweeping360-degreeviews,creatingthosepostcardmomentswherethecountrysiderollsawayin

39TaylorRoadCockatoo

WHERE MODERN COMFORT MEETS COUNTRY FREEDOM ON 58 ACRES (APPROX.)

PRIVATELY set across an impressive 58 acres (approx.), this beautifully balanced lifestyle property delivers the best of both worlds. Refined modern living wrapped in timeless country character, with space to breathe, explore and truly unwind.

The home itself is warm, inviting and thoughtfully designed, framed by an expansive under-roofline verandah that almost wraps the entire residence. It’s here you’ll find yourself starting the day with a quiet coffee as the sun rises over the landscape, or unwinding in the evening as golden light spills across the grounds, your own ever-changing backdrop.

Inside, the heart of the home is a stylish and functional kitchen with a walk-through pantry, complete with a stone island benchtop and striking mirrored splashback, seamlessly connecting to generous open-plan living and dining zones. Natural light pours in, while bamboo timber floors and soft neutral tones create a welcoming, homely feel throughout, enhanced by the comfort and ambience of a wood heater, perfect for cosy winter nights.

Designed for families and entertainers alike, the home offers well-zoned accommodation with four bedrooms, including a master complete with ensuite and walk-in robe. Multiple living areas provide flexibility for growing families, including a versatile rumpus room that could easily serve as a fifth bedroom if desired.

Step outside and the lifestyle truly opens up. The land offers a beautiful balance of open, usable space alongside pockets of established trees and natural bushland, creating privacy, serenity and a true sense of escape. Whether it’s room for recreation, animals or simply enjoying the outdoors, the setting invites you to make the most of it.

No wonder the current owners fondly refer to it as their “playground.”

For those needing space for work, hobbies or storage, the property is exceptionally wellequipped with extensive shedding, including a large shed complete with lock up bays, additional shedding for storage or workspace, woodshed, as well as stables, offering further versatility for animals or rural pursuits. A highclearance carport provides the perfect solution for caravan, truck or machinery storage.

This is a property that offers more than just a home, it’s a lifestyle of space, freedom and connection to nature, without compromising on comfort or quality.

If you’ve been searching for something with soul, scale and versatility… this is it. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Graceful bird (4)

3 South Asian republic (10)

10 High-protein food pulses (7)

11 Largest of the Ryukyu islands, south of Japan (7)

12 Rump (8)

13 Of the nose (5)

14 Summit (4)

15 An automatic weapon (7,3)

18 Actually, truthfully (10)

20 Devoted followers (4)

21 Step-by-step guide (3,2)

23 Relating to cultivated land (8)

26 Of that (7)

27 Continuing (7)

28 Black and white (10)

29 Just (4)

DOWN

1 Senior barrister (coll) (4)

2 Said or done so often as to become tiresome (2,7)

4 Partner; colleague (9)

5 Shine (5)

6 City in southern France (7)

7 Tests (5)

8 Front-page stories (9)

9 Perfect condition (4)

14 Indifferent (9)

16 Mirthful (9)

17 Subtle change by degrees (9)

19 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)

22 Revolver (5)

23 Horrible (5)

24 Carpets (4)

25 Unsightly (4)

may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Hoop-for-hoop play

By John Thomson

On Monday 4 May, the Lilydale division one team hosted Mornington CC. This week’s team comprised Craig McCracken, John Thomson and Mick Crawley.

With rain forecast, but nothing showing on the radar, it looked like it was going to be a fine but blustery day.

Craig McCracken and John Thomson paired up in the doubles. Lilydale hit off first but overshot the first hoop. Mornington had set up better and ran the first hoop; from then on, it was pretty much one-way traffic with Mornington controlling the game with some very nice clearing shots and running some nice long hoops. Mornington 7 hoops to Lilydale 1 hoop.

Mick Crawley played in the first singles game. Unfortunately for Mick, he was taking on a player who was in red-hot form in the doubles and it looked like he was carrying it into this game as well. Mick battled hard and ran a couple of very nice hoops but the Mornington player just did not give him a look at enough hoops. Mornington 7 hoops Lilydale 3 hoops.

Craig McCracken played in the next singles game. Craig ran the first hoop and then Mornington was able to run the next and then ran a couple in succession. Craig tried to get back into the game but the Mornington player was able to hang onto their lead, winning 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops. At lunch and with only two games to play, Mornington had won the day. The scores so far Mornington 3 games 21 hoops to Lilydale 0 games 7 hoops. The question is, can Lilydale win these last two games to lessen the pain of defeat?

Craig McCracken played in the penultimate game. Craig started brilliantly and had his opponent under all sorts of pressure from the start. Because of this pressure, the Mornington player started to make some fundamental mistakes, which gave Craig more opportunities to run the hoops and go on to have a good win. Lilydale 7 hoops to Mornington 2 hoops. This game showed that if you put enough scoreboard pressure on your opponent, especially early in the game, even

the very good players make mistakes. John Thomson played in the last game. Mornington won the first two hoops, then John won the next two and so on it went. At the twelfth hoop, the scores were six hoops each, with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner. Mornington was first to the hoop and set up her first ball in a nice spot, Lilydale was set up a bit further back, the Mornington player took her shot at the hoop and missed which left the door open for John to have a shot and he was able to run the hoop to win a very hard-fought game, 7 hoops to Mornington 6 hoops.

The final scores for the day, Mornington 3 games 29 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 21 hoops.

This week, Lilydale’s division two level play team travelled to the Kew CC. Lilydale’s team was Kerri McCracken, Murray McLean and Mark Edgell.

Mark Edgell and Murray McLean paired up in the doubles. Lilydale were playing well and the scores were close, but late in the game, Kew managed to run a couple of hoops in succession and go on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

Kerri McCkracken played in the first singles game. Once again, the scores were close most of the way as both players tried to get the upper hand, but in the end, it was the Kew player who came away with another narrow win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

Murray McLean played in the next singles game. The Kew player got off to a rapid start, Murray was working his way back into the game late but unfortunately, the margin was just a bit too much with Kew winning 7 games to Lilydale 4 games.

At the break, Kew had already won the day with 3 games 21 hoops to Lilydale 0 games 14 hoops and two singles games to play.

Kerri McCracken played in the first singles game after the break. This game went basically hoop-for-hoop, with both players playing a very defensive game, trying to protect the hoop at all costs. The scores were six hoops each after 12 hoops, with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner. This hoop was just like the previous 12 with neither player wanting to give it

up without a fight, but in the end, it was Kerri who took her opportunity and ran the hoop to have a very hard-fought win 7 hoops to Kew 6 hoops.

Mark Edgell played in the last game. This was also a very close game with both players taking their opportunities to run their hoops when the chance arose. After the twelfth hoop, the scores were six hoops each, with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner. Kew was first to the hoop and set up very well. Mark tried to clear his opponent’s ball but just missed and Kew went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

The final scores for the match were Kew 4 games 34 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 27 hoops.

The final score in this match really doesn’t reflect how close these games really were.

On Thursday, the Lilydale handicap team, comprising Kerri McCracken, Mick Crawley, Mark Edgell and Scott Bradbury, travelled down the Peninsula to the Mornington CC.

The conditions were very wintry with a cold, blustery wind and plenty of rain early, which partly cleared as the day went on.

In the first singles, Scott Bradbury played. Scott was starting with a one-hoop advantage. The game was relatively close, with the Morning-

ton player able to use her home ground advantage to run a couple of consecutive hoops to go on and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

Mick Crawley and Mark Edgell played in the first doubles game. Mornington were starting with a one-hoop advantage. The Lilydale pair combined well but Mornington were also playing well. The game was very close all the way, with the final score being Lilydale 7 hoops to Mornington 6 hoops.

Mark Edgell played in the next singles game. Neither player had any advantage. The Mornington player ran the first couple of hoops, then Mark started to get his game going, and the game was close for the rest of the game, but unfortunately, Mark just could not make up for those early hoops. Mornington 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

Kerri McCracken and Scott Bradbury played in the next doubles game. Neither team had any advantage in this game. Both teams got off to a fairly good start, with both teams taking their chances to run the hoops, but a couple of errors by the Lilydale team gave Mornington a break and they went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops.

At lunch, the scores were Mornington 3 games 27 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 22 hoops.

Kerri McCracken played in the first game after lunch. Kerri was starting with a one-hoop disadvantage. Kerri ran the first hoop to make up her disadvantage and from then on, it was a level play game with both players playing a very defensive game. Kerri eventually got on top and won a very close game 7 hoops to Mornington 6 hoops.

The last game was a doubles with Mick Crawley and Scott Bradbury pairing up. Lilydale were starting with a one-hoop disadvantage. Mornington ran the first hoop, Lilydale the second, and that was basically the pattern of the game, with Lilydale just not able to make up the one hoop disadvantage that they started with. Mornington 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops.

The final scores for the match were Mornington 4 games 40 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 35 hoops. Lilydale now sits third on the ladder. After a loss on such a cold, wet and wintry day, the drive back to Lilydale probably seemed extra long.

Mark Edgell and Mick Crawley paired up in the first doubles match against Mornington. (Stewart Chambers: 432615)

Lilydale Croquet player Mark Edgell about to run a hoop. (Supplied)

Gritty win for Lilydale Masters

By Callum Ludwig

The Lilydale Eagles Masters made it three wins from three against Maroondah United, while the Seniors couldn’t maintain the momentum from a strong win last week against Khangthak Warriors.

In the cold and wet on Friday night, the Masters got off to a flying start when Rodger Taylor found himself with a bit of time and space inside the box, and he was able to toepoke home a tidy finish in only the fourth minute.

The Eagles stayed on top, buoyed on by some vocal spectators, and doubled their lead only a few minutes later when a ball across the box found Tom Gilman, who volleyed home to make it 2-0.

Gilman found himself in the thick of the action again for the wrong reasons later in the half when an accidental slip in the greasy conditions resulted in a horror challenge and a yellow card.

Struck down by injuries in previous weeks, the Eagles were left with no subs and players playing with knocks and other ailments.

While not an injury, Mark ‘The General’ Carrington was temporarily forced from the field when his boots blew out, requiring a quick change to a backup pair in the car.

There was a hairy moment when a backpass resulted in an indirect free kick to Maroondah United in the box. A line of Eagles planted themselves across the goalmouth, and the incoming shot rattled off the bar and was eventually scrambled clear.

Their resistance would be broken before halftime however when tricky winger Chris Kim found himself in on goal and he was able to fire a powerful shot past Dan Nicholls in goal, who courageously played after being discharged from hospital earlier in the day.

At halftime, the message was staying resolute despite tired legs.

Disaster struck in the second half when goalscorer Rodger Taylor joined the growing Crippled Calf Club when he suffered an injury, the third calf injury in two weeks. Truly unforeseen circumstances for a team full of 40+ year old men

trying to run around after a ball.

Fellow CCC member Allen Dickson, attending the match as the marshall, bravely took the field in goals to ensure the Eagles weren’t down to 10 men for the rest of the match.

Chances dried up for the Eagles, but came in abundance for Maroondah, who pushed for an equaliser.

Allen Dickson was forced into a big save to maintain the Eagles’ advantage and Maroondah kept trying to get shots off as the minutes trickled down.

But it was the Eagles who would be victorious, resulting in another spirited belting of the team song.

The Masters have a week off before they play Bayswater away from home.

Away from home, the Eagles Seniors took on an organised Khangthak outfit.

Things started poorly when, in the 11th minute, Thawn Sektak gave the home side the lead.

10 minutes later and Muanpi Gualnam doubled their lead with a dipping shot that caught out Eagles keeper Callum Ludwig.

The Eagles got back into the game after this and saw a spectacular volleyed effort from Mark Vanderkolk go just wide.

Not long after and a ball into the box caused a scramble, with a desperate goal line block and clearance the only thing stopping Lilydale from halving the deficit.

Tough round for the Mustangs

By Geoff ‘Joffa’ Newstead

After a confidence-boosting win in the previous round, the Mooroolbark Mustangs were brought back to earth on Saturday. The Senior Women travelled to Balwyn to take on the ladder leaders, so they were expecting a tough game. It was a fairly even first term with a 7-point lead to the home side but from then on, the Mustang girls struggled to match their opponents, eventually going down by 33 points. Bella McMaster continued her great form and was voted best for the Mustangs, and she was ably assisted by Ruby Haberfield and Ami Lech. Next week, the girls take on The Basin, where they can hopefully get back on the winners’ list.

Final Score: Mooroolbark 4 – 2 – 26 lost to Balwyn 9 – 5 – 59

Goals: Smith-Anderson, McMaster, Delaney, Forrest 1 each

Best Players: McMaster, R.Haberfield, Lech, Steele, Carter, Gange

The Eagles saw a penalty shout waved away despite claims that winger Tarin Cooper got a shove in the back and the Warriors quickly countered.

Khangthak thought they had a claim for Fiifi Kwansah-Aidoo to be sent off when he challenged the attacker who was bearing down on goal, but the defender got a nick on the ball. The Eagles won a free kick for a foul deep in defence with both teams still protesting their case, including Marcus Salvitti who received his third yellow card of the season for his chatter.

At halftime, the Eagles regrouped and identified a greater need to win aerial duels and press with purpose to avoid being stretched by their opposition.

Things started steadily for the Eagles after the break, though keeper Ludwig was called into action to make a one-on-one save.

In the 63rd minute, the Warriors took a shot from the edge of the box that was tipped onto the bar by Ludwig but Lawm Phai Pi was on hand to tap home the rebound without any Eagles defenders in sight.

Goalscorer Muanpi Gualnam picked up a yellow card for a cynical foul in the 79th minute before the Gualnam of the Sangpu variety scored Khangthak’s fourth in the 79th minute.

Two more yellow cards would be dished out in quick succession to Thang Gualnam and Sian Law Hatzaw before the Eagles would pick one up themselves, with Dylan Donovan receiving a caution and giving away a penalty in the 85th minute for a lunging tackle where his opponent nicked the ball first.

After a brief delay over a disagreement with the placement of the ball, the Khangthak penalty taker stepped up and saw his effort saved by Ludwig, diving to his right.

Unfortunately, the relief was short-lived when only minutes later, Ludwig was disappointed to be beaten by curling effort from Sangpu Gualnam to make it 5-0.

The Seniors have a cup game against Waverley City next week, but might struggle to field a side with expected availabilities.

Back at The Heights, the Reserves took on fellow cellar dwellers Beaconsfield and were hoping to record their first win for the season. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan as the Beaky boys jumped out of the blocks, going into the half-time break with a commanding 11-goal lead. The boys never stopped trying but were no match for their opponents, with the final margin being 100 points. Tommy Batten battled all game in the ruck and was unanimously voted the Mustangs’ best. Jordy Roth again showed his class while Ronan Collins dropped back from the Seniors and got plenty of the ball.

Final Score: Mooroolbark 1 – 3 – 9 lost to Beaconsfield 16 – 13 – 109

Goals: Woolhouse 1

Best Players: T. Batten, Roth, Collins, Chilver, George, Logg

When the Seniors ran out, the club’s sponsors were enjoying lunch and refreshments. The many Mooroolbark sponsors are greatly appreciated by the club and their contributions go a long way to ensuring this great club continues to thrive. With the Beaconsfield team yet to record a win this season, the Mustangs were confident of recording their first home-ground win for the season. Once again, things didn’t go to plan. The first quarter was relatively even, but a 4-goal to nil second term saw Beaky with a 29-point lead at the main break. The Mustang boys fought back in the second half but it wasn’t enough to secure victory, the final margin being 18 points. With Lachie Monteath being recalled to Essendon VFL, the Mustangs had to throw regular defender, Rhys Crossley, into the ruck, and he didn’t disappoint, using his bulk and strength to win numerous ruck contests. Skipper Kane Noonan again gathered many possessions while Lachie Bates put in his best game for the club so far. They also welcomed Alex Young for his debut game and he showed that he will be a real asset to the team. Jye Peacock continued his great form, and Jett Hartman returned after playing for St Kilda VFL the previous week.

Final Score: Mooroolbark 7 – 12 – 54 lost to Beaconsfield 10 – 12 – 72

Goals: Beasley 2, Ryan 2, Young, Wright, Batten 1 each

Best Players: Crossley, Peacock, Noonan, Keeling, Bates, Hartman

Netball results: Gold 27 lost to Mitcham 39

Green 39 won Kilsyth 30 Black 21 won Boronia 17

Tom Gilman volleys home. (Callum Ludwig)

The Masters defend an indirect free kick. (Callum Ludwig)

L-R: Mark Vanderkolk, Bailey Hone and Marcus Salvitti watch on at the Masters game. (Callum Ludwig)

Sean O’Connor hoofs it clear. (Byron Loveless)

Callum Ludwig saves a penalty. (Byron Loveless)

Defender Rhys Crossley was thrown into the ruck against Beaconsfield. (Supplied)

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1. What emoji do you use the most? Heart

2. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring?

Fire starter (flint), A large knife (machete), A metal pot to boil water

3. What is the most interesting place you have ever visited?

Broome, “Coconut Well” just north of Broome and “Anastasia’s Bath” just south of Broome on the same day of a 10m king tide

4. What was your first car? Did you name it?

HQ Holden Sedan. Much loved but never named

5. Where would you like to retire?

As I have lived in the Dandenong Ranges all my life. Why would I want to live anywhere else in retirement

6. What is the most unusual food you have ever tried, did you like it?

Venison Jerky. And I wasn’t all that keen.

7. If you had any super power for a week, what would it be, and how would you use it?

The power to fly. And just enjoy the view.

8. What movie title matches your job role A cross between “Fawlty Towers” and “Are You Being Served?”.

9. Which historical figure would you most like to date, and why?

Cleopatra, I think we would have a fun night

10. What is the craziest thing you believed as a child? I remember being terrified of the black grates at the bottom of the local swimming pool; I was convinced that monsters were in them.

11. If you could have a conversation with your pet, what would you talk about?

I only have tropical fish now. And scientists say they only have a short memory span. Yet they are always excited to see me, and each appears to have their own personality. I would like to chat to them about that.

NAME: Ken Hunt

Tuesday 26th May 2026, 11am to 3pm