Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 16th June 2026

Tough defeats for Eagles

The Lilydale Eagles made a return to the pitch after a King’s Birthday weekend break, but unlike the Socceroos, the results weren’t fruitful for the Masters or Seniors.

It was a disappointing weekend for the Lilydale Eagles, suffering heavy defeats in both fixtures.

In the Masters clash, Knox dominated out wide, exposing Lilydale’s defence to secure a clinical 4-1 victory. Allen Dickson scored Lilydale’s lone consolation goal following a goalkeeper error.

Meanwhile, the Seniors fared even worse against Hornbill. Despite starting with a two-man advantage, Lilydale missed a penalty and crumbled defensively.

Ramtha Ceu Pa Chung netted a hat-trick for Hornbill, handing the Eagles a bruising 7-1 defeat.

TURN TO PAGE 28 FOR THE FULL REPORT

Soccer made a return to the pitch after the King’s Birthday weekend. (Callum Ludwig: 559465)

A living memorial

By Mikayla van Loon

Montrose’s tree-planting tradition dates back to 1909, serving as a way to beautify the township and unite the community.

On Arbor Day, 26 July 1918, five Red Flowering Gums were planted as an “Honour Row” to remember five local students lost in World War I. In 1920, five more gums were planted for five additional fallen soldiers.

While original records omitted the specific

location, local historian Eddie Tichelaar and several long-time residents of Montrose used historical photos and a process of elimination to deduce the site.

Honour rows typically lined township approach roads, and old photos of Mt Dandenong Road showed young trees protected by timber guards. Over time, all but one surviving specimen disappeared.

When a planned intersection upgrade threat-

ened this final tree, Mr Tichelaar sought help to preserve its history. Horticulturalists confirmed that transplanting gums is rarely successful, leaving grafting as the only viable option.

In February 2024, Humphris Nursery took cuttings from the tree just a month before the original specimen was removed for the roadworks.

The preservation effort succeeded, yielding two surviving grafted Red Flowering Gums, which were delivered to the Yarra Ranges Council

depot in January 2026.

On Arbor Day, 26 July 2026, at 2pm, one of these grafted gums will be planted in the Montrose Town Square.

Ironically, it will stand between the historical Yeaman family cottage and the Sister Edith Yeaman Memorial garden. The planting serves as a lasting tribute to the pioneers and locals of Montrose.

MPs debate new laws

By Gabriella Vukman

Local MPs have weighed in on Victoria’s new campaign finance laws after a High Court decision struck down the state’s previous electoral donations scheme, leaving Victoria without donation caps, foreign donation bans, or disclosure requirements just months before the 2026 state election.

The new laws were passed in parliament on the morning of Friday 5 June just before the King’s Birthday long weekend.

The new legislation, titled the ‘Electoral Further Amendment Bill 2026’ , introduces a $7500 donation cap over a four-year electoral cycle, with an interim cap of $5300 applying before the November election.

Also banning foreign donations, the reforms prohibit anonymous donations above $1250, require donations above the threshold to be disclosed within seven days, and give the Victorian Electoral Commission stronger enforcement powers.

Introduced after the High Court found Victoria’s previous donations framework unconstitutional, the new legislation was a result of the long-term fight for fairer campaign finance laws led by independent candidates Paul Hopper and Melissa Lowe.

Having run in the 2022 Victorian election, Mr Hopper and Ms Lowe successfully argued in the High Court that Victoria’s political donations framework placed an unjustified burden on political competition by favouring established parties over independents and emerging candidates.

Central to the High Court’s ruling was the treatment of nominated entities linked to Labor, Liberal and National parties, which allowed them access to legacy funds that were unavailable to independents and smaller parties.

Under the new laws, nominated entities associated with the major parties are now subject to donation caps, and certain unspent funds transferred before the High Court ruling must be returned.

All parties are required to return funds received from nominated entities that exceeded the former cap of $5030 during the period from 1 July 2023, and 14 April 2026 under the new legislation.

Nominated entities include the Labor Party’s Labor Services and Holdings Trust, and the Liberal Party’s multi-million dollar Cormack Foundation.

While local MPs argue the new legislation restores transparency and integrity to the political system, critics say the reforms continue to favour major parties and could face fresh legal challenges.

State Labor Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino said restoring safeguards around political donations was an urgent priority for the Government.

“It was incredibly important to the Premier, and all of my Government colleagues, including myself, that transparency was restored in our donation laws.

“Our concern about dark money and foreign influence was the reason these laws were brought in as quickly as possible, and I am very pleased that they have been passed,” she said.

“The long sitting into the early hours of Friday morning was well worth it to ensure integrity and transparency were restored to our political donation laws. Victorians should have the right to know who is donating significant sums to political parties and independent candidates.”

“Our democracy needs to be protected. It’s important that we defend our system from being subject to the kind of influence that foreign and big money can have.”

Ms De Martino said the $7500 cap for established parties is the right balance.

“These laws also recognise that new candidates and parties need to get a foothold, which is why they will be able to receive double the standard cap to established parties,” Ms De Martino

said.

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish said the Opposition supported banning foreign donations but remained concerned about other aspects of the legislation.

Ms McLeish argued the legislation places a greater burden on taxpayers and questioned whether the reforms will survive legal scrutiny in the future.

“The taxpayer is now going to pay more of the campaign funding, so everybody’s taxes are going to pay towards political campaigns, rather than have people raising money independently,” she said.

“We are not even convinced that what the Government has proposed is going to meet the High Court standards this time around.”

“Some of the minor parties and independents are already talking about challenging the new legislation.”

Ms McLeish voiced concerns over donation caps and administrative funding arrangements, particularly where, under the legislation, Labor can enjoy the advantages of union-linked funding.

“The unlimited donations for unions are a problem,” she said.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, whose party was among those supporting the legislation, said the previous system disadvantaged minor parties and new political contestants.

“Those laws were struck out because they were unfair, they were deemed unconstitutional, and they significantly impacted minor parties like mine.”

Ms Purcell said the legislation was an urgent response to a regulatory vacuum.

“We’ve got an election in November. It wasn’t just that we had bad laws; we had no laws after the High Court decision, and that meant that we were exposed to foreign donors and foreign interference through those donors.”

Ms Purcell also pointed to provisions allowing new candidates and parties to receive donations of up to $15,000 per donor.

“Importantly, we’ve also added in a clause for new entrants where they can actually take higher donations as opposed to us, so any new political parties starting out in Victoria before the election actually have doubled the cap.”

In response to criticisms of the ‘rushed’ nature of the legislation’s formation, Purcell said the reforms were never intended to be the final word on Victoria’s campaign finance laws, describing the legislation as an urgent response to the gap left by the High Court ruling.

“One non-negotiable that the government has committed to is to have another review of the legislation after the election and do a more fulsome update of the Act again,” she said.

Ms Purcell said she would like to see the do-

nation cap and provisions for new entrants reviewed after the November election to assess whether they are working as intended.

“I think after we have a test case of one election with the existing cap, it would be good to revisit it and see how it works in practice.”

According to Ms Purcell, the Animal Justice Party will be open to further discussion around the treatment of affiliation fees and administrative funding.

While Ms Purcell acknowledged some concerns about administrative funding, she rejected claims that the legislation created a separate set of rules for Labor.

“I think it’s fine for the opposition to criticise the fact that Labor could get increased admin funding through their access to Union contributions, but acting as if this is creating one law for the Labor Party and one law for everyone else is just fundamentally untrue,” she said.

President of the Victorian Animal Justice Party, Bruce Poon, confirmed that the minor party had not received any donations or campaign funding that it would need to return retrospectively under the new legislation.

State Director for Victoria’s Family First Party Jane Foreman was far less supportive of the new laws, arguing the legislation still disadvantages smaller parties.

“The new laws don’t apply equally to all parties, once again benefiting parties with established nominated entities that can funnel money to parties and discriminating against parties and candidates who may not achieve four per cent of the vote in a particular seat,” she said.

Criticising the treatment of the allowance of Labor’s access to union-linked funding, Ms Foreman said, “The union movement is a huge and unregulated contributor both directly and indirectly to the Labor Party – and these laws do nothing to address this.”

Ms Foreman confirmed the Victorian Family First Party would not be required to return any money under the retrospective provisions.

Arguing that the new legislation makes campaigning more difficult for smaller parties, Ms Foreman said the increased public funding has worsened existing inequities.

“There are serious structural inequities only made worse through the increased public funding provided in this legislation,” Ms Foreman said.

As the current debate between parties highlights the sharp divide over Victoria’s new campaign finance regulations, opposers and supporters alike can look forward to a review period for the new legislation after the upcoming state election.

For now, the nation will watch on to see how Victoria’s new legislation will impact the

and whether it will withstand

state election

the High Court’s standards in the meantime.

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish said the Opposition supported parts of the legislation but not others. (Supplied)

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell backed Labor’s move but could understand concerns. (Supplied)

Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino said this legislation was an urgent priority. (Supplied)

Crime surge link to stations rejected

Victoria Police has firmly rejected any link between a recent surge in crime and the reduction of police station reception hours, arguing that keeping highly trained officers behind desks “detracts” from community safety.

The defence comes after reporting from the Herald Sun on Monday 8 June that drew a connection between police stations being closed to the public after dark and the number of residential burglaries.

These claims are amid rising political tension and sharp criticism from the police union over acute staffing shortages.

Victoria Police data cited that overall crime in Victoria has jumped 20.5 per cent over the past two calendar years.

In Local Government Areas (LGAs) hit by counter reductions in November 2023, crime rose even faster, increasing by 22.4 per cent.

Hours were recently reduced across three major police stations in the eastern suburbs, including Mooroolbark, Croydon and Belgrave.

“To be clear – Belgrave, Croydon and Mooroolbark police stations have not closed, and police continue to work and deploy from these stations 24-hours a day, seven days a week,” a spokesperson said.

Despite the numbers, Victoria Police stated they see no correlation whatsoever between fewer reception hours and rising offences.

Issuing a media statement on Tuesday 9 June, Victoria Police said, “Staffing a reception counter is never going to prevent a home burglary or result in the intruder being caught.”

Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the operational focus had to be “more street than station”, particularly in metropolitan areas where youth gangs, knife crime and licensed venues were more prevalent.

Police management argues that closing front counters overnight frees up personnel for highimpact frontline duties.

They pointed to Operation Trinity, an initiative targeting burglars across Melbourne every night since early 2023, which yielded over 1400 arrests last year, many within the exact communities where counter hours were cut.

Chief Commissioner Bush echoed this strategy, stating that skilled officers have become “burdened by bureaucracy.”

“Victorians want crime to reduce, and so does everyone at Victoria Police,” he said.

“For this to occur, our highly trained officers must be within the community, preventing crime and quickly arresting dangerous offenders, not stuck behind reception counters when no one is visiting or calling.”

Local adjustments highlight the shift. In Melbourne’s outer east, front desk hours were recently reduced at Croydon, Belgrave, and Mooroolbark stations, restricting public counter access to specific weekdays between 10.30am

and 5.30pm.

While neighbouring Ringwood and Lilydale stations maintain 24/7 counter services, local crime in the Yarra Ranges service area still grew by 8.5 per cent over the past year.

To offset the counter closures, Victoria Police has launched a campaign to recruit 200 former officers as unsworn “reservists” to handle administrative tasks like answering phones, signing statutory declarations, and taking crime reports.

Acting Superintendent Lee Coulthard-Clarke told Star Mail in May there had been an “extraordinary response.” Over 600 former members have now expressed interest.

However, the Police Association Victoria (TPAV) paints a starkly different picture of the workforce reality.

TPAV’s website’s count of current police officers totals 15,555, with a required number of 17,020 - a gap of just under 1500 members.

“The reduction in police numbers in Victoria is undeniable. So, too is the reduction in service delivery, the closures of our police stations, and the impact on frontline services,” TPAV Secretary Wayne Gatt told Star Mail in April.

He warned that hundreds of officers are leaving or off work sick due to immense strain, adding that even with increased academy graduates, “Victoria Police predicts it will take five years to return to its operating strength.”

The staffing vacuum has turned policing into a key battleground for the upcoming state election.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has centred her campaign on a $565 million plan to recruit 3000 additional officers over four years, pledging to reopen 40 police stations.

The coalition’s strategy relies on a controversial Western Australian model, offering $5000 relocation incentives to lure experienced officers from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.

Victoria Police is counteracting with its own recruitment push, noting a 56 per cent surge in applications last year after streamlining its entry exams and securing a new wage agreement.

For now, authorities maintain that physical stations remain fully operational for dispatch, instructing the public to use the Police Assistance Line (131 444) for non-urgent reports and to always dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

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IN BRIEF

Club vandalism

Mooroolbark Soccer Club is seeking information regarding three individuals captured on CCTV in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 9 June, who entered Esther Park and proceeded to deface club property.

“These acts of vandalism not only damage our facilities but also disrespect the countless volunteers who dedicate their time to maintaining and improving our club for the benefit of the entire community,” the club posted to social media.

If you have any information that may assist in identifying them, please contact the club privately via Facebook Messenger or email president@ thebarkers.com.au

All information will be treated confidentially.

CCTV footage and images have been provided to the relevant authorities.

Croydon operation results

Local Area Commander Inspector Sam Knight provided an update on a recent operation targeting areas around Croydon.

Croydon police have recently conducted Operation Whitehawk in the Croydon response zone, including Croydon Main Street, transport hubs and surrounds over the past two months.

The operation involved a highly visible police presence in the area to detect, disrupt and deter offending and anti-social behaviour.

The result after two months has seen a drop in antisocial behaviour and street offences. Croydon police conducted over 80 patrol shifts, speaking to over 20 people and made 14 arrests for various offences.

The operation has been a success and has seen our members enjoy fantastic engagement with our local community and stakeholders. Hells Angels members targeted Across Australia and New Zealand, police have arrested 40 people and laid 145 charges as part of a national day of action targeting the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG).

The day of action took place across both countries on Wednesday, 10 June and focused on weakening the operational structure of the Hells Angels OMCG.

Victoria’s targeted enforcement, led by detectives from Taskforce Echo with assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, North West Metro Regional Crime Squad and Eastern Region Crime Squad, saw 98 unlawful association notices issued, targeting members 12 members of the Hells Angels OMCG Darkside Chapter, 76 unlawful association notices served on Hells Angels OMCG members and their associates (cross applications must be served on the 12, making up the total of 76), six firearm prohibition orders executed (FPO), compliance searches in Mickleham, Thomastown, Pakenham, Botanic Ridge and Mooroolbark, and the arrest of a 39-year-old Powelltown man for contravening an FPO. The man is expected to be charged on summons with possessing a firearm related item in contravention of FPO. Three men were also charged with significant drug and firearm offences, including a 21-year-old Pascoe Vale man, a 23-year-old Cranbourne man and a 21-year-old Coolaroo man, who will appear in court at a later date.

Mooroolbark Police Station was one of three in the eastern suburbs to have reception hours reduced. (Stewart Chambers: 559000)

Millgrove toilet block saved

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

During a council meeting on Tuesday, 9 June, Yarra Ranges Council approved the demolition of 10 ageing buildings and structures across the region, including disused tennis pavilions and public toilet blocks.

The original list of 11 sites spanned Montrose, Wandin East, Silvan, Launching Place, Millgrove, Woori Yallock, Selby, Healesville, Upwey and Lilydale, with each facility categorised as high, medium or low priority.

High priority sites included four tennis facilities: the Keith Hume Fraser Reserve Tennis Pavilion in Montrose, the Wandin East Recreation Reserve Tennis Pavilion, the Silvan Recreation Reserve Tennis Umpire Pavilion and the Wickhams Road Recreation Reserve Tennis Pavilion in Launching Place.

A further seven sites were listed across medium and low priority categories, most of them public toilet blocks.

These included facilities at Doongala in Montrose, Woori Yallock Recreation Reserve, Selby Park, Queens Park Oval in Healesville, Upwey Recreation Reserve and Lilydale Recreation Reserve, along with the Millgrove Dee Road toilet block.

However, the Millgrove site became a focal point of discussion after concerns were raised during the meeting about the impact of removing the facility.

A submission was made to the council meeting by Maureen Halit on behalf of the Millgrove Residents Action Group, who raised concerns about the proposed removal of the toilet block in Millgrove.

Ms Halit said the loss of the facility would significantly impact the local area, given limited access to alternative toilets and increased use of nearby walking trails and the river precinct.

“We need toilets,” Ms Halit said.

She also raised concerns about hygiene and accessibility, saying existing nearby toilets were not always open or consistently available to the public.

Ms Halit described the proposal as a “shock” to the community, and said locals had limited time to respond to the item before it was considered at council.

Councillors acknowledged the submission and discussed broader visitation trends in the Upper Yarra region, including increased use of walking trails, river areas and surrounding parklands, particularly during peak periods.

During debate on the motion, Cr Child moved an amendment to remove the Millgrove Dee Road toilet block from the demolition program, deleting reference to any future endorsement for demolition.

The amendment was supported and carried unanimously - meaning the Millgrove site was removed from the list.

Following the change, the council formally endorsed the remaining 10 buildings and structures for demolition.

The approved list includes a mix of ageing tennis infrastructure and underused public toilet facilities across the municipality.

The decision means several older assets across the Yarra Ranges will now be removed as part of the broader program, while the Mill-

grove Dee Road toilet block will remain in place following community concerns raised at the meeting.

Millgrove Dee Road toilet block, which was initially listed for demolition before being removed from Yarra Ranges Council’s final decision. (Stewart Chambers: 559023)

Keith Hume Fraser Reserve tennis pavilion (Montrose). (559023)

Keith Hume Fraser Reserve tennis pavilion (Montrose) is set to demolish. (559023)

Surplus for next budget

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council has passed its annual budget at the Tuesday 9 June council meeting, taking into account 31 community submissions made after the draft budget was approved in March.

With a focus on maintaining and renewing existing assets and infrastructure, this year’s budget will net a surplus of $5.9 million from the total revenue of $266.3 million.

Yarra Ranges Council mayor Richard Higgins said what they have heard over the last couple of years is about the council not necessarily spending on big, flashy, sparkly things.

“The reality is everything’s costing more to do and we’ve just got to spend the money a lot wiser on maintenance, maintaining our assets, keeping the things that matter to the community,” he said.

“Things like drains that are a big problem, particularly for the Hills and for the urban areas but everywhere there’s somewhere that’s a problem with drains especially with the climate as it is, we’re getting a little bit more rain more frequently, which is causing a few problems.

“We’ve had to shave a lot of money off the budget this year, which we’ve managed to do through Vince (Director of Corporate Services Vincenzo Lombardi) doing the hard yards with staff… we had 6 million dollars shaved off, which has been really as responsible as we possibly can without cutting any services at this stage.”

Key expenditures in the 2026-27 Budget include:

■$25 million for maintenance of roads, footpaths, drains and trails.

■$23 million to improve and maintain parks, trees, sporting facilities, bushlands and reserves.

■$6 million to ensure a sustainable future and respond to climate change, including emergency management.

■$17 million for programs and activities that support the community through all stages of life.

Mr Lombardi said the council has to at the whole asset portfolio based on how the assets are being used and what requires more maintenance versus what requires less.

“It is quite a challenging one because we’d like to have a budget allocation to look at all 55 townships equally, but unfortunately, we can’t do that,” he said.

“We have seen the erosion of grants from state and federal government, and it does add to the challenge when councils are looking at an annual budget process to allocate that maintenance spend across assets.

“We just haven’t got the money to do some of the bigger projects and the Yarra Trail across Yarra Glen would have to be there, we just don’t have the money to be able to put a bridge there, but it’s a cornerstone for the trail so we’re advocating for all those things and we’ll just keep building on

the ones that we do, tick them off as best we can.”

A total of $194,207,227 will be raised from ratepayers, including $156,497,169 from rates and $37,710,058 from waste service charges. Yarra Ranges Council adopted the full 2.75 per cent rate increase allowed by this year’s rate cap, while waste services charges have also increased due to increased costs from the EPA’s landfill levy and disposal costs.

Melba Ward councillor Mitch Mazzarella said during the meeting that he stands by his belief that council should make every effort not to raise rates where they can.

“We can’t treat ratepayers like an endless ATM, data provided to councillors for the average resident in Mooroolbark, they can expect to pay an additional 91 dollars this year and Coldstream residents hit the top of the list with 187 dollars,”

he said.

“This has been a budget constructed input from all of us and I believe the majority consensus has supported a 2.75 increase, with this in mind I will support the budget so as to not hold up the day-to-day business and services of council.”

Yarra Ranges Council also continues to advocate to the Victorian Government to not be responsible for collecting the Emergency Services Volunteer Levy (EVSF) and to not rollout a mandatory glass bin.

Cr Higgins said Council would continue to advocate strongly on key issues impacting the community, such as the ESVF.

“Council will continue to advocate on a range of important issues, including calling on the State Government to take responsibility for collecting the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund, rather

than it being included on Council rate notices,” he said.

“We’re also continuing to say ‘no’ to the introduction of a separate kerbside glass bin, which is not included in this year’s budget, and instead support an expanded Container Deposit Scheme that delivers better outcomes for our community.”

“Our role is to make the Yarra Ranges an even better place to live, work and visit. We’ll continue to do what we can locally, while advocating to other levels of government for the changes our community wants and needs, particularly ahead of this year’s State Election.”

To read the 2026-27 Budget and associated documents in full, visit yarraranges.vic.gov. au/Our-Council/Corporate-documents/Policies-strategies/Council-Plan-and-Budget.

Six key priorities identified by ERG Councils ahead of election

‘Building a better future for Melbourne’s east’ is at the heart of the Eastern Region Group of Councils’ priorities for the upcoming state election.

The ERG – representing Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges Councils – has brought together community leaders to outline six priority areas for funding and support at the November State election.

ERG Chair and Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Linda Hancock, said the region’s councils were united in calling for a genuine partnership with the State to deliver for the region’s 800,000 people – a number expected to grow to over one million in coming years.

“Our region is one of Melbourne’s most significant – we represent 14 per cent of Melbourne’s population and a third of its area, yet we continue to face persistent underfunding and cost-shifting from State and Federal Governments,” Cr Hancock said.

“We are not asking for anything unreasonable. We are asking for a State Government that listens, collaborates, and invests in the infrastructure, services and longer-term planning our communities need and deserve.”

The ERG’s six priority areas and ‘asks’ for the State Government are:

1. Financially sustainable councils

Years of rate capping, cost-shifting and underfunding have placed councils under growing

financial strain that threatens the delivery of essential community services.

The ERG calls for the State Government to:

- Reinstate 50/50 funding for shared state/local services such as libraries and school crossing supervisors

- Exempt councils from the Windfall Gains

Tax

- Enable developer contributions and value capture to be invested locally, where the funds are raised

- Support increased Federal Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue

2. Transparent and trusted decision-making for liveable neighbourhoods

The State Government has mandated over 200,000 additional homes to be built across the region by 2050 – a 71 per cent increase in housing stock. While the ERG supports responsible housing growth, it is calling for:

- Community involvement in planning decisions, and greater local input to the reformed Victorian planning system

- A new local liveability fund for community infrastructure to keep pace with housing growth

- Co-funded Regional Open Space Connectivity and Greening Strategy to protect tree canopy and biodiversity

3. Safer communities

Residents report feeling unsafe. As key part-

Yarra Ranges Council, as part of the Eastern Region Group of Councils, has helped identify six key priorities for the state election. (Stewart Chambers: 379657)

ners in community safety, ERG Councils call for the State Government to:

- Focus crime prevention resources on areas of greatest need, including public transport interchanges

- Fund community safety and crime prevention pilot programs and grants

- Deliver cyber scam awareness programs for older adults through councils and not-for-profits

4. Climate resilience

Flash flooding, landslip, heat stress and bushfire are growing risks across the region. The ERG calls for:

- A 10-year $1 billion partnership to improve regional flood infrastructure planning, prioritisation and delivery

- Funding to extend the Adaptive Communi-

ty Assets project to council buildings, drainage and natural assets

- A tri-level governance model to end the fragmented approach to climate policy, funding and resourcing

5. Transform movement in the east

With high car dependence, and buses the only option for too many residents, the ERG calls for:

- A regional Integrated Transport Plan to address gaps and link major transport nodes

- A dedicated active transport funding stream to connect bike paths and trails

- A rapid bus pilot along the Suburban Rail Loop route

- A co-funded program to seal 300 kilometres of unsealed roads to support agribusiness

6. Growing our local economy

- The ERG calls for the State Government to promote employment in the creative industries in the east, leverage the region’s arts and cultural assets and strengthen pathways for local artists and creative workers.

Cr Hancock said the ERG was committed to working constructively with all parties and candidates ahead of the election.

“We are advocating for the future of our whole region – all parties, all candidates – and we are calling for action, funding and future thinking. Our communities deserve nothing less,” she said.

The 2026/27 Yarra Ranges Council Budget has been approved. (File)

Fundraising ongoing

By Gabriella Vukman

As locals are reminded of the 9 June storm events of 2021 that rocked the Yarra Ranges, Yering District Archers are taking the opportunity to rebuild what was damaged exactly five years ago.

After a freak weather event during the June 9 storms destroyed their shooting shelter, Yering District Archers have been working to restore their club’s facilities, and are now almost at the finish line.

Coaching and barbecue coordinator at the club Ray Hudson said the club is raising money for a new shelter through a GoFundMe initiative, as well as through their bimonthly ‘come and try’ classes.

“The GoFundMe page is just to ask for a little bit of community help to get us over the line,” she said.

“We have the bulk of the funds, so now we are on the last legs.”

The club is aiming to raise $20,000 for their new shelter, with a rise in material and labour costs rendering the shelter significantly more expensive than originally planned.

Currently, the Club’s come and try sessions are held on the first and third Saturday mornings of each month, and are open to all members of the community to attend.

Sessions start at 10am and are run by qualified coaches.

According to Ms Hudson, the club is intending to build a sturdier shelter than last time.

“Our previous shelter was wooden, so we are looking at a metal structure this time around,” she said.

Vice president at Yering District Archers, Jarrad Alston said the absence of a shelter has had an emotional impact on the club.

“The loss of the old shooting shelter was heartbreaking for many of us. It was a valued part of our club and held many memories for our members,” he said.

So far, the club has raised just over $60,000 since 2019. Still need 20,000 to build the shelter.

“It has been a lot of hard work from our volunteers over the years,” Mr Alston said.

“We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who has volunteered, donated, promoted, and supported our fundraising efforts thus far.”

In terms of fundraising efforts, Mr Alston said the response from the community has been “incredible.”

“While we still have a way to go to reach our goal, we remain committed to putting in the hard work needed to raise the remaining funds and deliver a new shelter that our members can be proud of for years to come.”

To support Yering District Archers in building their new shelter, head to the club’s GoFundMe page at gofund.me/5b80dbf7e

Hard rubbish and bundle review needs feedback

Yarra Ranges Council is reviewing its hard rubbish and bundled branch collection service, and wants to hear from you.

The review is part of the council’s commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring the service continues to meet community needs.

Mayor Richard Higgins encouraged the community to share their feedback in a short survey, which opened on 2 June.

“We know our community is passionate about the hard rubbish and bundled branches collection. We’ve heard your feedback over the years; many are happy with the collection just as it is, some would prefer the collection to shift to a different time of year, and others would prefer a bookable (on-call) service.

“We’re asking residents to complete a survey to help us better understand how they manage hard rubbish and bundled branches, any challenges they might face with the current collections, and how we can improve the service in the future”, Cr Higgins said.

Feedback from the community, together with service costs, environmental impacts and contractor availability, will help inform the council’s decision on the service going forward.

Any change to the hard rubbish and bundled branches collection would start in 2028 when Council enters a new contract for the service.

Find out more and share your feedback at: shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov. au/hardrubbish

The survey closes on 5 July 2026.

The Yering District Archers Club’s shelter was destroyed by storms in 2021. (Jarrad Alston).

Yarra Ranges Council is reviewing its hard rubbish and bundled branch collections. (Stewart Chambers: 319962)

Flynn’s kicking goals again

By Callum Ludwig

The story of Seville’s Flynn Kroeger is one of hard work, determination and kindness.

Through his new venture, After The Bounce, Flynn has started to share his story in the local community and now it is spreading beyond.

Flynn grew up in Seville, played his junior football at Wandin and was drafted to the Geelong Cats with pick 48 in the 2021 AFL draft. A couple of years plagued by injuries meant Flynn didn’t get a chance at AFL level, but it is what has happened since that has inspired him to share his story and warn others.

In 2023, just after finishing at the Geelong Cats, Flynn crashed his motorbike at home and was not wearing a helmet. The outcome was a traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting in five months in hospital and a rehab facility. After finally returning home, he still had to learn to walk, talk and eat food again.

But now, Flynn is kicking goals, both literally and figuratively, as he shares his story to students, followed by a footy clinic to work on their skills.

Flynn said he’s been loving it.

“I like working again, trying to be as normal as I can be and being an adult… it just puts a smile on my face,” he said

“(Never giving up) is going to stay in my system for a long time.

“It’s lucky I kept my kicking skills.”

While speaking about his life before and after the crash, Flynn focuses on spreading a few key messages.

“Wear your helmet, no one is bulletproof, I get stressed now if I see a kid riding a bike with no helmet, “ he said.

“Never give up, even when it feels hard, stay

positive and find the fun in what you do. I’ve always done that.

“Keep your family close, be part of the

community, they will help you when times get tough.

“Appreciate your family and friends and

be kind to others, you don’t know what they might be dealing with, even if they look totally fine.”

Flynn has presented to a few local schools already, including Boronia Heights Primary School, Lilydale Primary School, Seville Primary School, Wandin North Primary School, Don Valley Primary School and Upper Yarra Secondary College. His goal is to spread his key messages and to make others aware.

“The biggest thing for Flynn is asking the kids to listen so they don’t make the same mistake,” Flynn’s dad Oli said.

It’s not just returning to work that Flynn has achieved. He works hard every day on his rehabilitation with the help of his family, friends and support workers. This is where his determination, resilience and positive attitude help him to continue with his progress. He has his sights set on driving once again. It’s important for others to know that even though Flynn works extremely hard, he is also very lucky.

Flynn is a much-loved assistant coach of the Wandin senior women’s football team, where he spreads his positivity amongst the team. He is also now back playing sports he loves, pickleball, basketball – wearing a helmet, having golf lessons and working on his running.

One of Flynn’s support workers, Kate said it’s not just the kids Flynn teaches.

“He teaches everyone around him to be thankful and to be happy for what you’ve got, because Flynn has been through absolute hell and he’s still smiling,” she said.

“A lot of schools’ curriculum at the time will be talking about resilience, community involvement, being kind to others and that just seems to fit perfectly with the key messages that Flynn came up with.”

Double the success for Lilydale Heights College

Lilydale Heights College has won two sustainability awards at the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards held in Melbourne on Thursday 11 June.

The College was announced as the winner of boththeStudentActionTeamoftheYear(Secondary) and the CDS (Container Deposit Scheme) Vic Excellence Award (Secondary) categories.

The Student Action Team award recognises students driving impactful sustainability projects, with the Lilydale Heights student team praised for its diverse initiatives, strong partnerships and commitment to caring for Country.

Through student leadership, hands-on learning and practical action, the school has embedded sustainability into everyday school life – empowering students to take responsibility for their environment while building skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

By combining curriculum integration with partnerships beyond the school gate, the program delivers measurable environmental outcomes while strengthening community connections.

Lilydale Heights College was also commended for its outstanding use of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme. The CDS Vic Excellence Award recognises leadership and innovation in reducing waste through container collection.

The College received the award for its customised bins, creative communication strategies and data-driven improvements to recycling behaviour.

Lilydale Heights College joined Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) as a donation partner in 2025 after identifying a gap in how containers from the school canteen were managed.

To address this, the Sustainability Club designed an innovative CDS system aligned with the school’s sustainability goals.

They purchased blue wheelie bins – matching the CDS Vic colour – and modified them to encourage correct use. Judges highlighted the College’s student-led approach to sustainability, commending the effective use of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme and the strong integration of environmental action, education and community engagement.

Sustainability Victoria CEO Matt Genever congratulated the school.

“Lilydale Heights College demonstrates how schools can lead local change and inspire young people to become confident, informed environmental leaders,” Mr Genever said.

Sustainability Victoria marked 17 years host-

L-R: Oli and Flynn Kroeger. (Callum Ludwig: 559366)

hosted by TV personality Dirt Girl. Twenty-nine schools were vying for an award,

Lilydale Heights College students Ella, Clover, Anastasia, James, and Gracie receive the CDS excellence award from VicReturn CEO Matt Davis (right) and host Dirt Girl (left). (Supplied)

YOU CAN TEACH IN REGIONAL VICTORIA

The future is calling, and we need your help to educate the next generation. With secondary teaching scholarships, employment-based degrees, and a range of supports to help get you into the classroom, there’s never been a better time to become a teacher in Victoria.

Stepping into the dark

By Mikayla van Loon

Creativity has always run through Sarah C Clarey’s veins, but the Lilydale-based photographer took a leap to launch her first exhibition this June.

Her Nocturne in Black, Gold and Navy exhibition opened on 7 June, with the official launch event on Sunday 14 June at the Round Bird Artspace in Lilydale.

“I’ve only really come to art relatively recently. I’ve been doing photography for like years and years, but I only really started putting them on canvas really recently,” she said.

The night photographer is drawn to low-light settings, whether a sunset or car lights speeding by, from urban backdrops in Lilydale and Mooroolbark, to natural surroundings of the Bend of Islands and the Yarra Valley.

“I like to go back to the same locations at different times of day. Sometimes I’ll photograph at dawn, but it tends to be always low-light conditions,” Sarah said.

Combining her photography with mixed media, Sarah has explored mosaic and paint, as well as using her skills from 16 years of owning and running a letterpress business.

Still learning and experimenting with textures and techniques, Sarah said two of her favourite works so far were a collaboration with Elliot M Bain, a friend and artist in his own right.

At first glance, the images are hard to make out, but a closer look shows the outline of a hand bathed in jewellery.

“They’re really dark self-portraits of me taken in the garden at night time, the moon over my shoulder. It was really hard to take the photo because there was no light, really,” she said.

“There’s jewellery on my hand, that I was wearing at the time, but I managed to get these dark self-portraits.

“When I printed them onto canvas, they didn’t show up properly; they were too dark. So, these were kind of accidents. I ended up asking Elliot if he wanted to work on them with me. He came

over and ended up applying a bleach treatment onto them, like an intervention type of thing, which lightened them up.”

Sarah then used a painting technique she learned in letterpress to create texture over the top of the images.

“When I was running my business, I designed a range of cards, they’re foil-stamped with a series of different designs on them, but I refinished them recently with acrylic paints and some metallic aerosols.

“The paint swooshes that are on them, I used

a plastic palette knife to create the swoosh of the paint, it’s just a very simple swoosh, and it’s the same stroke that I’ve used on these canvases and on the collaborative diptych pieces.”

Sarah said “my art has a simplicity to it” and the majority, aside from just a couple, “have a navy, deep blue tonality to them”

Photography feels like a calling to Sarah, to capture what she sees.

The artwork titled In The Hills at Dusk With Navy Sky, Sarah said she captured on a day she was extremely tired and was driving home, but as

the sun was setting she had to stop.

“It was like 7 o’clock, and I had to get home… but I saw the sun going down, and the clouds in the sky, mainly over the dark hills, and I thought I could just keep going, but then I thought, no, I have to get the photo.

“I think that’s only something that a photographer would stop and pull the car over to grab the shots.”

Nocturne in Black, Gold and Navy is showing until 7 July at Round Bird Artspace, located at 170 Main Street, Lilydale.

Renfair still magic lingers across the Yarra Ranges

By Tanya Steele

As winter sets in, no one would guess that a few short weeks ago, Yarra Glen was flooded with thousands of people dressed as anything from goblins to mermaids across two days on 16 and 17 May.

Put together by a leatherworker by trade, Melbourne’s inaugural renfair came into being through the work of a Mooroolbark local known as Konga, who said he had never run an event of this scale before.

“Now I can say, I am just a little bit proud of it,” he said.

“There was no judgment, just joy.”

From inception to the final weekend, the event came together across two years and once the idea was spoken out loud, it spread like wildfire.

Using his makers network after years of attending medieval reenactment and role playing events, Konga said that the concept spread quickly around Melbourne and even interstate, andeveryonehespoketowantedtogetonboard.

“When the time came, then we put tickets on sale, and they sold out in 24 hours,” he said.

Floored by the response, Konga said he didn’t expect that level of interest, but immediately, the venue became one of the hardest things to pull together.

After getting in touch with the local racecourse in Yarra Glen, Konga said the minute he walked into the location, he said he knew it would work.

“I could see how it would unfold,” he said.

The racecourse offered space for jousting, dancing, food trucks and the goblin market and paved walking paths winding through it all for accessibility. Konga said he tried to lower the barriers for people to attend.

“We could organise shuttle buses to the Lilydale Station as well,” he said.

The renfair offered the people of Melbourne a chance to dress up and cut loose, which they did, much to the amazement of Yarra Valley locals. Traffic stretched along the highway and up to the small town of Yarra Glen on the first

Saturday morning with lines of cars and people half dressed in armour, cloaks, elf ears and more gathering to enter the venue.

Chief Executive Officer of Tourism East, Louise Scott, said the renfair’s sell-out success demonstrated the power of events to bring people together and drive visitation to the region and congratulated Konga and his team of organisers and volunteers on their efforts.

“Events like this are an important part of the visitor economy, creating reasons for people to travel, stay longer and explore local businesses,” she said.

“The renfair not only delivered a memorable experience for attendees, but it also generated valuable economic benefits for the Yarra Valley and surrounding communities.”

Immersed in the world’s medieval reenactment and live action roleplay (or LARP as it is known) scene for over 20 years, Konga said the idea for the renfair came after he realised the two words hadn’t really crossed over that much in Australia. Medieval reenactment is usually

more historically accurate, while LARP operates in more fantastical settings but with specific rules depending on the place it is written to.

“I wanted to create something for people to look forward to,” he said.

Playing the Celtic harp, entertaining crowds with both fantasy-themed and original tunes, self-described fantasy, sci-fi nerd and Tecoma musician Elizabeth Sutherland said the weekend was fantastic, and the whole vibe was positive.

“It was lovely to see the inclusive nature of the event where everyone was warmly welcomed and thought of,” she said.

Ms Sutherland said that having her friend Cathy act as her fairy roadie on Sunday was a big highlight, along with having a harlequin jester dance along as she played to the crowds.

“There were many thousands of happy faces passing by as I played,” she said.

Kylie Haberl, a drama teacher at the Ranges Academy Performing Arts (RAPA), attended with her family and said it was a truly extraordi-

nary escape, describing it as a tonic to her neurodivergent family, who face daily challenges with significant invisible disabilities.

The family came resplendent as original characters in handmade costumes, and Ms Haberl said they still had moments of overwhelm as they navigated the large crowds and had to take some time to recover afterwards.

“Everyone was kind, inclusive, supportive, and joyously celebrating everyone around them,” she said.

“I didn’t realise how much of life is actually competitive, wearing the best clothes, getting the best spot to sit in a grandstand, securing the best car park, snatching the best item at a market before anyone else can get it.”

Bringing together common themes across medieval and LARP genres with no strict guidelines on the fantasy dress code, the renfair offered the people of Melbourne a chance to cosplay, as it’s known and become someone else for a day.

Around 98 per cent of the attendees dressed up across the two days, with dancing groups, reenactment groups, musicians, role players, medieval vendors, jousting, mermaids and more entertaining the crowds.

With the goal to create a space where people could literally step out of this world and into another one, Konga said that he felt it resonated.

“People want to get out of the mundane, go into this fantasy world,” he said.

Konga said he also wanted to show people some of the different special interest groups and hobbies that are out there across Melbourne, Victoria and beyond.

With plans for another renfair already in the works, with another day added or even some interstate events, the event borrowed ideas from many realms, and Konga said he placed the Melbourne Renfair in his own fictional universe Valendor.

“If I’m proud of anything, it’s being able to create a space that people felt comfortable being free, being comfortable in their own skin to have fun and be free, and as an adult, that’s a hard thing to do,” he said.

Artist Sarah C Clarey with her work titled Golden Lights In Noir. (Stewart Chambers: 558041)

The event drew thousands from across Melbourne and Australia. (April Stevens: 559540)

Living memorial finds new life

By Mikayla van

A flowering gum, with a story of its own, will be given a new life in little over a month as a tribute to the people of Montrose, both past and present.

Planting trees throughout Montrose was somewhat of a tradition in the small township, with records showing that Arbor Day, now National Tree Day, was celebrated as far back as 1909.

The act of planting trees was a way of beautifying but also a way of bringing the community together.

So when five Montrose State School students never returned home from World War I, five Red Flowering Gums (Eucalyptus ficifolia) were planted in an Honour Row on Arbor Day, 26 July 1918.

At 2pm, “a living memorial” was carefully planted into the winter soil, “by families, loved ones and friends standing side by side, carefully placing each tree into the ground”

“It was an act of grief, pride and remembrance,” Montrose historian Eddie Tichelaar said.

Those trees were a promise to always remember Capt Harold Hughes, Pte Norman Hooke, Pte Leslie Tegart, Pte Charles Dorrington and Corp Fred Davies.

“The Honour Row was never intended to be a single moment in time. As the war continued and losses grew, the memorial was designed to expand with it,” Mr Tichelaar said.

Arbor Day, 1920, at 4pm a further five flowering gums were planted, remembering the lives of five more students who gave their lives in the Great War.

The trees were dedicated to Sapper Fred Jeeves, Pte Gordon Ewart, Lt Alf Eades, Corp Robert Black and Pte Frank Fester.

And while newspapers of the day confirmed the plantings, the specific location was never identified.

Mr Tichelaar said, however, what was clearly stated in the Ringwood and Croydon Chronicle newspaper was that once the trees were planted, everyone returned to the school grounds, indicating the trees were planted either on Leith Road, Swansea Road or Mt Dandenong Road.

Montrose Historical Society member and long-time resident of the town Jeanette Dodson recalled as a young girl, who attended the State School, that Leith Road stopped at Trevallyn Close and the remaining section was just a track.

“(Leith Road) was just a walking track that became a horse track that became a buggy track, and later on, over time, became a vehicle track,” Mr Tichelaar said.

Ms Dodson and Jack Balcombe, 98, who has lived in Montrose all his life, had “absolutely no recollection of flowering gum trees outside the school boundary along Leith Road”

Swansea Road was primarily used as a transport route for timber milling, ruling out this location.

Through a process of elimination and understanding that “honour rows based on patterns across Victoria were mostly planted on ‘Approach roads to the township as a mark of respect to lives lost’” , Mr Tichelaar said, the logical location was the Main Road, leading to the general store and the roundabout.

Historical photos showed that Arbor Day trees were protected by timber guards.

Photos of the town throughout the period following the tree plantings clearly show small trees with timber guards surrounding them, all along Mt Dandenong Road.

One photo in particular, outside the Yeaman family cottage, that now sits in the Montrose

Town Square, clearly shows a tree with a timber guard.

“Over time, most of the trees disappeared, leaving only one surviving specimen,” Mr Tichelaar said.

Fast forward to the announcement of an intersection upgrade for Montrose, Mr Tichelaar said he was worried this final Red Flowing Gum tree would be removed, and with it, its history.

Speaking to local horticulturalists Carl Heinze from Candlebark Nursery in Mooroolbark and Shelley Graham from Karwarra Nursery in Kalorama, they confirmed that transplanting gums was highly unsuccessful, and grafting would be the only possible solution.

On Wednesday 21 February 2024, a representative from Humphris Nursery visited the Mt Dandenong Road tree to take several cuttings.

The following month the final link to the honour row trees was removed for the intersection upgrade.

But as Mr Tichelaar said, “the story did not end there” with two surviving Red Flowering Gums delivered to the Yarra Ranges Council depot Monday 12 January 2026 to be cared for until planting could occur.

With the council’s permission and backing, a grafted Red Flowing Gum will be planted in the Montrose Town Square on Arbor Day, 26 July 2026 at 2pm, between the historical cottage and Sister Edith Yeaman Memorial garden.

“The irony and beauty of this journey is that the original flowering gum tree was planted on the very nature strip outside the site where the Montrose Historical Cottage once stood — the same cottage where Sister Edith Yeaman once resided,” Mr Tichelaar said.

“It’s dedicated to honour the pioneers and the locals of Montrose, back in the day, and we’re carrying that forward.”

A group photo taken outside the Yeaman family cottage on Mt Dandenong Road, showing an Arbor Day tree protected by a timber guard. (Supplied)

The final remaining Red Flowering Gum on Mt Dandenong Road prior to removal. (Sigrid Petersen)

The original roundabout in Montrose, showing the general store on the corner. (Supplied) The Red Flowering Gum in flower. (Supplied)

The two surviving grafted trees awaiting their planting day. (Eddie Tichelaar)

Mrs Langley planting the first tree on Arbor Day 1909. (Supplied)

The entrance to Montrose then and now. (Stewart Chambers: 558043)

Loon

Dot passes peacefully

By Mikayla van Loon

Believed to have been the last remaining World War II veteran to have enlisted from the Yarra Valley district, Dorothy Mavis Mitchell, nee Skate, died aged 100 in May.

Born on 16 July 1925 in the Murray River township of Koondrook, Dot was the eldest of Bill and May Skate’s eight children.

Her early years were spent on a farm, milking cows and feeding pigs, while helping look after her younger siblings. She also worked as a telephonist.

In 1943, the Skate family packed up their life in northern Victoria, heading for an entirely different landscape of the Yarra Valley.

In an article celebrating her 100th birthday at Lilydale’s Bolton Clarke nursing home, where she was living, Dot said her family thought of their new home as “the big smoke”.

“I think we were all very shocked when Dad said we were coming down here to live, because we couldn’t imagine it and no one had seen anything closer than Bendigo,” she said.

“It was all dirt roads and farmland back then – lots of sheep!”

Calling Coldstream home for just a single year, at age 19, Dot enlisted in the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS).

She completed her training like most WRANS servicewomen at HMAS Cerberus naval base in Victoria, where she qualified as an assistant cook.

First posted to Cerberus, she was then sent north to HMAS Magnetic in Townsville, Queensland. Dot spent two years in service, discharged in 1946 with a rank of Able Seaman and a last posting at HMAS Lonsdale.

In Dot’s biography, posted to the Virtual War Memorial Australia, it states that she was “proud of her war service” and “enjoyed meeting others and forming friendships”.

“She recommends that current serving members ‘always try to achieve their ambitions’,” it read.

Returning home to her family and life in Coldstream, Dot’s engagement to Douglas Mitchell soon followed, announced in the newspaper of the day in 1947, with their marriage registered in 1948.

They welcomed two children, both born at the Dame Nellie Melba Bush Nursing Hospital in Lilydale, which would become Dot’s home decades later.

“When we first moved down it was still being built,” she told Bolton Clarke.

“It was a really nice hospital, I remember coming to it and there was a lovely big veranda along the front and from my room now I can see where the driveway entrance was.

“Back then, the nurses offered me a room but said if I didn’t want a room I could stay out on the veranda because it was all covered –you wouldn’t read about that now!”

In a full circle moment, Dot celebrated her 100th birthday in 2025, in the very same building where she gave birth, a day she insisted was “just one more day” in her life.

Dot died peacefully on 23 May and was described as a “beloved wife, mother, motherin-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. A friend to all those who knew her. A life well lived.”

Historian Anthony McAleer said that from all his research into the service men and women who enlisted from the district, he was not aware of any remaining veterans who served in World War II, most likely making Dot the last connection to the region’s World War II history.

“I know of no other World War Two veteran to have enlisted from this district to still be alive,” he said.

The Skate family were well known in Coldstream and the Valley, with Dot’s sister, Val Sheehan, better known as Mrs Coldstream, integral to piecing together the history of Coldstream, Gruyere, Yering and Killara, as well as a life member of the Lilydale and District Historical Society.

Her brother Les Skate followed in their father’s footsteps as a shearer for 25 years and later, as a self-taught builder, who established Skate Constructions, which built many of the Yarra Valley’s wineries.

Both of Dot’s siblings have memorials dedicated to them in Coldstream. Dot was a big supporter of her siblings, helping launch Val’s fourth book instalment of ‘As It Happened’, which was completed posthumously following her death in 2015.

“They didn’t call her Mrs Coldstream for nothing,” Dot told Star Mail in 2018, adding that she hadn’t realised for a long time just what a hard job her sister had undertaken and how consuming it was, particularly when Val was working during much of that time as well.

Dot too will be remembered for her service to the community both near and far, during her two years with the Navy.

Her biography stated that in her spare time, Dot played basketball and badminton. She liked to knit and sew and enjoyed reading and listening to the radio.

A better retirement lifestyle

Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy the Facilities

Close to all amenities - health professionals,

Supermarkets, public transport

Village volunteers can assists you around the house

Village bus for shopping excursions

Monthly calendar of events

24 Hour Emergency Assistance

Fully equipped gym

Heated indoor pool

Hairdresser, Massage & Podiatry services

4-rink Bowling Green

Entertainment Lounge

Library and Computer Room

Dorothy Mavis Skate enlisted in the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) in April 1944. (Supplied)

Dot Mitchell (right) with her sister’s son William at the launch of the final instalment of As It Happened at the Lilydale Historical Society in 2018. (File: 179457)

Comic con for the hills

By Tanya Steele

Nerds and geeks across the region may rejoice as planning for a Yarra Ranges-style Comic Con event has begun in the Hills.

The Yarra Ranges Council youth team and Defrosted events crew have big plans after securing a State government grant at the end of May.

The team is in full swing, preparing their very own Yarra Ranges Youth Comic-Con, which will be the first of its kind in the outer east.

Short for comic book convention, a Comic-Con is a fan convention that celebrates comic books, pop culture, movies, television shows, video games, and anime.

Celebrating all geek culture, the events are hugely popular across Australia and worldwide.

Nardu, one of the Defrosted Events youth members who wrote the grant, said they are currently in the planning stages.

“We are looking at venues,” she said.

Armed with funding of up to $2,000, the Yarra Ranges Hills Comic Con grant was one among many given to several groups across Victoria by the State government to deliver events that showcase the achievements, talents and contributions of young people aged 12-25.

The Defrosted Events crew will host the event in September this year, and the free Comic-Con will have all sorts of interactive elements, from open mic to trivia.

The Yarra Ranges group are excited to brainstorm and plan, and Nardu said her personal interests are centred around anime and reading.

“I like fan fiction too,” she said.

Nardu, at 23 years old, has been a part of the group for nearly two years, balancing university study with her time volunteering and said the group has been a lot of fun and she and the others have formed a close-knit group.

“We meet fortnightly,” she said.

Defrosted Events is a group of young people aged 14 to 25 who support and celebrate music, art and cultural events across the Yarra Ranges.

The group have been busy, hosting regular free events, like Live at the Library, a series of monthly free performances celebrating local musical talent and the Renfaire with the Big Dreams market in Belgrave in September last year.

Yarra Ranges Youth Development Officer Sophie Farinacci said the upcoming convention will provide an important space for belonging and will engage young people through activities.

“It will be led by young people for young people,” she said.

Hills Comic Con will also involve a partnership between the Defrosted Events crew and a local market to invite businesses, performers, and artists to provide stalls, music, and activities for the day.

The youth team are now busy taking on the challenge to design and deliver their very own Comic Con, learning new skills on the way.

“They can showcase their talents and interests while they build partnerships with local organisations and initiatives,” said Ms Farinacci. They are currently preparing a youth music line-up for the Belgrave Lantern Festival.

Anyone interested in collaborating or volunteering should head to the youth development section on the Yarra Ranges website.

New solo exhibition launching

Mont De Lancey invites you to Creating Connection, a solo exhibition by its artist in residence,

Join them for the Grand Opening on Saturday 20 June at 10am, with drinks and nibbles provided as we celebrate the opening of this special exhibition.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 20 June to Sunday 5 July. Donna will be in the gallery throughout the exhibition, welcoming visitors and sharing the inspiration behind her work. Come along to experience a collection celebrating connection, belonging and friendship through art.

A hills-style comic con is on the way thanks to the volunteer youth team at Defrosted Events. (Unsplash).

Donna Legg.

Artist Donna Legg and Mont De Lancey president Jill Sebire are preparing for the Creating Connection launch on 20 June. (Stewart Chambers: 468222)

Baulking at the state budget...

How much is $200 billion? Well, it’s the equivalent of replacing every school in Victoria – not once, but twice; or rebuilding the Maroondah hospital more than 100 times. But no, $200 billion, is the size of the Victorian debt. It’s the money you; your children and grandchildren will have to repay in extra taxes for decades to come – $1m in interest adding to that obscene sum of money every hour, every day.

This year, as I listened closely as the Treasurer deliver her second Budget speech, I hoped to hear a bold vision to repair the damage done to Victoria’s economy and a serious plan to get the state moving again.

Instead, we were told “global pressures” were to blame for Victoria’s debt blowing out from $20 billion in 2014 to almost $200 billion by the end of the decade — despite other states avoiding the same financial disaster.

And that was really it. No major reform. No economic vision. No serious plan for recovery. Just excuses, spin and more debt.

By almost every measure, Victoria is now the worst-performing state in the country. Debt is soaring to record levels, services are struggling, roads are crumbling and confidence in the future is fading. Teachers had to march in the streets, Parks Victoria staff are refusing to clean the toilets at Redwood and Maroondah Dam, one in three

The state state of

affairs

Cindy McLeish MP Member for Eildon

ambulances don’t get to critically ill patients in time, elective surgery waiting lists keep growing and families are paying the price.

Next year, Victoria will spend more on interest repayments alone than it will on Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and all kindergarten services combined — and still have money left over. That should alarm every Victorian.

To me, this Budget felt like it came from a government that has run out of energy and ideas. But I haven’t given up on Victoria, and I don’t believe Victorians have either.

I strongly believe this state can once again become the best place in the country to raise a family, start a business and build a future. But turning Victoria around will take honesty, discipline and hard work.

That starts with telling Victorians the truth about the challenges we face. For too long, governments have hidden behind half-truths and unrealistic promises. People deserve honesty about what can be achieved and what it will take to fix the mess.

As the alternative government, it is our responsibility to provide a credible and properly costed plan for Victoria’s future. That is why we have developed a Ten-Year Economic Plan focused on restoring confidence, reducing debt and rebuilding the economy.

Our plan is about putting people before politics, delivery before headlines and responsibility before convenience. It is about reducing waste, lowering the tax burden where possible and making sure essential services are properly funded and prioritised.

None of this will be easy and none of it will happen overnight. But if Victoria is serious about paying down debt and restoring services, things must change.

This is the approach I will take as part of a future government — disciplined spending, responsible decision-making and a clear focus on rebuilding Victoria for the next generation.

I encourage Victorians to look at our plan. It is a genuine roadmap to restore confidence in this state and create a stronger future.

Unmissable shows coming up near you

Eltham Little Theatre

Honk Jr.

A lovable, quacking retelling of the classic story of The Ugly Duckling. Honk Jr explores family, belonging, and showing that being authentically you is eggcellent. Ugly may not look quite like the other ducklings, but they have their talents, despite the rest of the farm animals thinking otherwise. Feeling down, Ugly waddles off on a journey of self-discovery, meeting a flock of friends and outsmarting a fowl foe as they try to find a pond to call home

Season: Saturday 27 June – Sunday 12 July. The 1812 Theatre Rumpelstiltskin – A Magical Pantomime

Looking for the perfect outing for children or grandchildren and the young art heart? Step into a world of laughter, magic and mayhem as The 1812 Theatre brings Chris Hodson’s Rumpel-

stiltskin to life in a bright, cheeky, family-friendly pantomime.

A fairy tale with a twist.

This delightful retelling of the classical fairy tale has everything you love about panto.

A boastful father who talks his way into trouble.

A greedy king desperate to get rich.

A helpless daughter caught in the middle, ASneakyRumpelstiltskinwithaplanofhisown.

Alien thriller lean on quality

By Seth Lukas Hynes

Disclosure Day

Starring Josh O’Connor, Emily Blunt and Colin Firth

M

3.5/5

In Disclosure Day, a sci-fi thriller directed by Steven Spielberg, cybersecurity expert Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) flees the draconian Wardex corporation with worldshaking archives of alien contact, and TV meteorologist Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) starts speaking in tongues during a broadcast.

Disclosure Day is well-shot and features a powerful score from John Williams, in his thirteenth collaboration with Spielberg. Colin Firth is the stand-out performer as Scanlon, the leader of Wardex, playing him with tightly-controlled menace and a fascinating balance of zealotry and weariness. Disclosure Day has some exciting set-pieces and stunts, and the animal motif infuses the extraterrestrial themes with a comforting fairytale note.

Disclosure Day shows the immense technical craft you expect from Spielberg and has some thrilling scenes and a great villain, and yet so many little annoyances kept me from fully engaging with it.

Disclosure Day has awkward humour and heavy-handed, sometimes painfully self-aware dialogue, but offers only shallow insight into how the existence of aliens might impact faith. The secrets Daniel stole drive him and his girlfriend Jane (Eve Hewson) forward, but the alien subject matter is almost incidental for much of the narrative (so is the World War 3 backdrop). Disclosure Day’s first half feels rather aimless, and Margaret’s burgeoning psychic abilities are an extremely inorganic way to bring the characters together. The plot-device of an alien tool that creates telepathic connections yields some gripping scenes of Scanlon intimidating and manipulating Jane from afar, but it’s also a blatant ‘make the characters do what I want’ button for screenwriter David Koepp.

I’m as surprised as you that I didn’t like Disclosure Day, a well-produced high-concept Spielberg flick about aliens (I was obsessed with aliens when I was little), but it’s a contrived misfire from one of our greatest living directors.

And a brave hero (plus three very determined blind mice) ready to save the day.

Expect big laughs, colourful characters, and plenty of audience fun as this whimsical story spins out on stage.

Season: 29 June – 5 July. Venue: Bakery@1812. Gemco Theatre

Open Stage Night

Welcome one and all to Gemco’s ongoing Open Stage Night. Hosted by Carol, the popular open stage has been running for many decades. Held in the cosy hall, you are welcome to perform anything you like or just come for the lovely entertainment.

Enjoy music, poetry, singing, monologue, or anything you wish to show.

Running the first Saturday of every month, now starting at 7pm.

Season starts 4 July from 7pm – 10.30pm.

The Round Water Mirror

Water Mirror is a breathing fusion of Taiko percussion, dance, acrobatics and cutting-edge projection and lighting design. This exhilarating production invites audiences of all ages to embark on a captivating journey that transcends traditional performance.

The Powerful rhythms of Taiko, led by a group of extraordinary percussionists, resonate throughout the theatre, captivating audiences with Danza del Arte’s athletic acrobatic dancers. The interplay between musicians and performers is sublime, finely crafted.

Set against a stunning backdrop, Water Mirror creates an immersive experience that engages the senses. With acclaimed reviews, award nominations, and standing ovations, this show is a standout choice for anyone seeking a remarkable and unforgettable performance.

Season: Wednesday 24 June at 7.30pm.

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 Meagre (6)

4 Egyptian god of the afterlife (6)

10 Principal singer, – donna (5)

11 Pink, wriggly creature that lives in soil (9)

12 Unduly prominent (9)

13 Lord (5)

14 Made (6)

15 Comely (4)

19 Casserole (4)

20 Lengthy recitation (6)

24 Propelled (5)

25 Hosiery (9)

27 Elusively (9)

28 Take place (5)

29 Creations (6)

30 Losses (6)

or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

DOWN

1 Assumed (8)

2 Aircraft pilots (8)

3 Ordinance (7)

5 See 6-down

6, 5-down Oxford student (6,7)

7 Seethe (6)

8 Prefix meaning half (4)

9 Store (7)

16 US dictionary maker (7)

17 Wooden panelling on the lower part of a wall (8)

18 Ugly buildings (8)

19 From Stockholm, say (7)

21 Irritating (7)

22 Word modifier (6)

23 Empty talk (coll) (3,3)

26 Black quartz (4)

3

AMAZE ANGLE APING ARENA ARIAS AROMA BACON BASTE BEGUN DEEDS DEFER DOZEN DRESS EDGES EERIE EXERT FROND GIRTH GRAPE HATES HYENA INANE LEAPS LINEN MENUS OARED OLIVE OUGHT PENCE REEFS REUSE ROADS SALAD SARIS SINEW SIZER SLEDS SPENT SUEDE TANGS TEENS TENSE TRADE

TSARS USUAL WAVES ZONED

6 LETTERS ARBOUR GOATEE HURTLE LEASES

7 LETTERS ALARMED CONSULS

PRIVACY ASSURED, TIMELESS CHARMER

PRIVACY ASSURED WITH THIS TIMELESS CHARMER

PRIVATELY perched atop a hill on over 3 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and forest, this unique character home offers a rare blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience. Originally transported from Beaumaris in the mid-1980s, the fully restored weatherboard residence is rich in history, featuring decorative ceilings, stained glass, original Baltic pine floorboards, picture rails and double hung windows— all lovingly preserved to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Now enhanced with two brand-new bathrooms, new blinds and updated in a modern palette, the home effortlessly blends period elegance with fresh, functional living. The generous layout includes four bedrooms, a study, a fully equipped kitchen, a welcoming family room, and an informal dining space, ideal for family gatherings and that showcase leafy garden outlooks.

Peace and privacy are paramount here and

throughout the residence expansive windows capture breathtaking views, made even more spectacular by the rich autumn colours that frame the property. Comfort is ensured yearround with split-system heating and cooling, plus a cosy wood heater.

Step outside to a truly enviable outdoor sanctuary — a lazy afternoon G&T on the wide verandah overlooking a cascading water feature, while manicured lawns and landscaped gardens surround the solar-heated saltwater pool and covered entertainment area, perfect for a summer teenage hangout or BBQ.

Additional features include extensive shedding and a basketball pad, all within a serene, tree-lined setting.

This is the tranquil tree change you’ve been dreaming of, just minutes from Beaconhills College and Pakenham Township where you have rail connections to the CBD. ●

PEACEFUL HILLS LIVING WITH A FAMILY APPEAL

TUCKED away in a tranquil leafy setting, 38 Deans Road, Upwey offers the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility and relaxed Hills living. Surrounded by nature and positioned on a beautifully tiered allotment, this inviting residence delivers an idyllic lifestyle for families, first home buyers or those simply seeking space to unwind.

Inside you will find the home welcomes you with warm timber floors, light-filled interiors and a practical floorplan designed for everyday living. The generous lounge provides a comfortable central living zone complete with a toasty fireplace, flowing through to the renovated kitchen complete with high quality appliances (Bertazonni oven- Heritage Series), ample storage and an adjoining meals area complete with orginial Louis Poulsen PH5 pendant lighting perfect for casual family dining.

Accommodation comprises three wellproportioned bedrooms, the inviting main bedroom finished with class and original Flowerpot VP7 lighting by Verner Panton. All bedrooms serviced by a stylishly renovated bathroom, while the versatile sunroom/study offers the ideal space for working from home, a kids’ play area, reading room or creative studio.

Stepping outside, the home truly comes to life with a fantastic entertaining deck capturing the peaceful treed outlook the perfect place to host family and friends or simply relax amongst the serenity. The beautifully tiered backyard creates a wonderful sense of privacy and includes tranquil seating areas that make the most of the natural surrounds. This property is also solidly build and with concrete stumps underneath.

Adding even more flexibility, the separate studio at the rear provides endless possibilities for a home office, art studio, gym, workshop or additional retreat space.

Further features include switch board upgrade, split system heating and cooling plus central (ducted heating), a single garage, excellent natural light throughout and a location that embraces the very best of the Dandenong Ranges lifestyle while remaining conveniently close to Upwey Village, schools, cafes, public transport and walking trails.

A peaceful family haven with flexible spaces and timeless appeal this is one you’ll instantly feel at home in. ●

RELAXED COUNTRY LIFESTYLE WITH VIEWS

COME and enjoy the glorious surrounds and fantastic Yarra Valley views at this beautiful property, situated on just over 10 picturesque acres with a mixture of undulating pasture and scattered bush it’s the ideal spot come and live the relaxed country life.

The home is superb and just a few years old offers the growing family a fantastic semi rural lifestyle with self sustainable off grid living with alternative solar power. Beautifully presented and offering 3 bedrooms with a luxurious main bathroom and ensuite in the main bedroom, the kitchen is stunning, light and bright with quality appliances and fixtures throughout with ample bench and cupboard space.

Welcome the outdoors in with the main living/lounge areas perfectly situated to sit back, relax and enjoy the ever changing Yarra Valley vista. Immerse yourself in the outdoors with established gardens and loads of space for the kids and pets to explore and enjoy, a fantastic small acreage property in a beautiful location with acres of space to create your own hobby farm. ●

ACharmingCountryRetreatwithSpectacularViewsandYearRoundComfort

Thoughtfullyupdatedwhileretainingitscottagecharm,thehomefeaturesstunningVictorian hardwoodfloors,abundantnaturallight,andacosywoodfirethatcreatestheperfectplace torelax.Theinvitingkitchenispracticalandeasytouse,complementedbygenerousstorage throughoutthehomeandtheconvenienceofaseparatetoilet.Thebespokebathroomshowcases beautifulcraftsmanship,withcustombenchtopsandshelvinghandcraftedfromoriginalhardwood salvagedduringrenovations.Outside,thepropertytrulycomestolife.Thepaveddriveway,solar panels,andwatertanksfurtherenhancethehome’sfunctionalityandsustainability.Natureloverswill delightintheabundantbirdlifeandwildlifethatregularlyvisittheproperty.Thisdelightfulproperty offersalifestylewherecomfort,beauty,andnatureexistinharmony.

AffordableLivingwithComfort,ConvenienceandViews

Featuringthreegenerouslysizedbedrooms,allwithbuilt-inrobes,thehomeisneat,wellpresented, andreadyforitsnextowner.Aspaciouslivingareaprovidesplentyofroomtorelax,whilethelight filledsunroomoverlooksthereardeck.Aroomykitchenoffersamplebenchspaceandstorage, whilecosycarpetsthroughoutaddwarmthandcomfort.Outside,thefullyfencedfrontgarden providesasafehavenforchildrenandpets,whiletheprivaterearcourtyardanddeckareaare idealforentertainingorunwinding.Additionalfeaturesincludearearcarportforconvenientoffstreetparkinganddistantmountainviewsfromthebackoftheproperty.Ideallylocatedwithin walkingdistanceofYarraJunction’sshops,cafes,andessentialamenities,aswellasthelocalhigh schoolandpublictransport,thispropertyoffersconvenienceandlifestyleinequalmeasure.

FamilyLivinginaConvenientLocation

Thisneat,wellpresentedhomesitsinapicturesqueandcolourfulsettingandisreadyandwaitingto moveinto.Offering3bedroomsplusaspaciouslounge/livingareait’stheidealspottositback,relax andadmirethesceneryandsurrounds,thekitchenareaoffersamplebenchandcupboardspace plusaseparatemeals/diningarea.Headoutsideandyou’respoiltforspacewithloadsofpotential sittingonapprox.1571sqmoflandthereisplentyofscopetoaddyourpersonaltouches.Plentyof thegroundworkhasbeendone,thispropertyisreadyandwaitingforit’snewownerstotakeittothe nextstage.Agreatpropertyofferinggreatvalueinapicturesqueandconvenientlocationsituated justashortstrolltoYarraJunctionsshoppinghub,localschoolsandtransport.

PrivateFamilyRetreat–SpaciousHomeon2.5AcreswithIndoorPool Setonapproximately2.5acresofbeautifullyestablishedgrounds,thisprivatefamilysanctuaryoffers abalanceofpeacefulseclusionandeverydayconvenience.Designedforrelaxedfamilyliving,the spaciousresidenceoffersmultiplelivingzones,generousaccommodation,andtheuniqueluxuryof anindoorswimmingpoolforyear-roundenjoyment.Attheheartofthehome,thecharmingcountrystylekitchenexudeswarmth.Thehomeoffersexceptionallivingspace,includingasubstantial loungeandanadditionallivingarea.Accommodationcomprisesthreegenerouslysizedbedrooms, allfittedwithbuilt-inrobes,whiletheprivatelypositionedmainbedroomfeaturesaspaciousensuite. Astandoutfeatureofthepropertyisthelower-levelindoorswimmingpool,completewithdedicated showerandtoiletfacilities,providingaprivateretreatforrecreationandrelaxationineveryseason.

DUAL LIVING LIFESTYLE WITH VIEWS

SET at the end of a no-through road just minutes from Gembrook township, this exceptional property delivers not one—but two beautifully appointed homes, each capturing sweeping views across rolling hills and lush pasture. Whether you’re seeking multi-generational living, a smart investment, or a lifestyle upgrade, this is a truly standout offering.

The Main Residence – Spacious, Stylish & Designed for Living

A warm and inviting ranch-style home, thoughtfully designed for both comfort and functionality:

• Flexible 4 bedroom layout, including a luxurious main suite with walk-through robe and full ensuite

Additional bedrooms have built-in robes, serviced by a contemporary bathroom featuring a bath, shower, vanity, and the latest on-trend finishes

• Versatile rumpus room — ideal as a home office, games room, or creative studio with its own access

The heart of the home: a stunning openplan kitchen and dining zone with a massive island bench, abundant storage, and quality appliances including a Euromaid oven and cooktop

• Generous separate lounge with a cosy fireplace—perfect for family gatherings Year-round comfort with gas ducted heating, refrigerated cooling, and a feature fireplace The Cottage – Light-Filled & Full of Charm Perfect for extended family or guests

• Welcoming front verandah to soak in the picturesque surrounds Bright open-plan living, dining, and kitchen with island bench, wall oven, hotplates, and dishwasher

• Three spacious bedrooms, all with built-in robes

• Large bathroom, separate toilet, and dedicated laundry

Comfortable living with gas heating and split system cooling

• Property Highlights

• Expansive 3,990m² (approx.) usable allotment

• Double garage, carport, and substantial farm shedding Impressive 14.1kW solar system with 20kW battery storage

• Above-ground pool for relaxed summer living Endless Possibilities Await

Ideal for multi-generational families, two buyers investing in a property together

– a home for each, this unique property blends space, privacy, and versatility with breathtaking natural beauty.

Only minutes from the cute quiet village of Gembrook, with its shops, cafes and Primary School at the end of the Puffing Billy Railway Line. All this approximately an hour from Melbourne with Pakenham approximately 20 minutes drive away.

Inspect today and experience the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of! ●

Offeringexceptionalversatility&value,thisuniquepropertyfeaturestwoseparate dwellingsononetitle.Them inresidenceisbright&welcomingshowc singtimberfloors, light-filledinterior,sp ciousliving re , modernkitchen,GDH,front&re rdecks,plus privatecourtyard.Theunitfeatures2bedrooms,acombinedbathroom&laundry,and afrontverandah.Bothpropertiescurrentlyrentedfor$1000pwcombined,orexcellent accommodationforextendedfamily,multi-generationalliving,guestsorAirbnb(STCA).

MickDolphin 0429684522

ErinDavies 0494175410

FABULOUSSOUGHT-AFTERLOCATION

Thisinvitinghomeoffe sanexceptionaloppo tunityandpotentialfo fi sthomebuye s tosecureapropertyinasought-afterareajustmomentsfromBelgrave.Positioned onagene ous1300sqmusableblockwithaci cula d iveway,thislightfilledhome offe sfloo boa dsth oughoutthegene ousloungea ea,sepa atedining oomandan enclosed ea deck.Outsideyouhaveafullyenclosedya dandampleoff-st eetpa king withadoublega ageaddingfu the p acticality,cate ingfo multiplevehicles.

JanBrewster 0409558805

BREATHTAKINGVIEWSONNEARLY1ACRE

Setattheendofano-throughroadjustminutesfromGembrooktownship,thisproperty deliverstwobeautifullyappointedhomes,eachcapturingsweepingviewsacrossrolling hills&lushpasture.Perfectformulti-generationallivingorasmartinvestment.Justsome ofthecombinedfeaturesincludesversatilelayouts,rumpusroom-idealasahomeoffice, gamesroom,orcreativestudiowithitsownaccess,dbl.garage,carport&substantial farmshedding,14.1kWsolarsystemwith20kWbatterystorage&anabove-groundpool.

MickDolphin 0429684522

ErinDavies 0494175410

SOLDFOR$35,000ABOVETOPENDOFLISTINGPRICE! 64Buyersthrough4openhomes! 9Offersreceived! Result-$35,000achievedabovetopendoflistedrange! Westillhavebuyerswaitingthatmissedoutonthisproperty. Giveusacallforachatoranoobligationappraisal. Couldyoursbethenexttoachievetheseexceptionalresults?

CaitiEllis 0493136937

MickDolphin 0429684522

FAMILY SPACE, STUNNING GARDENS AND APPEAL

NESTLED amongst beautifully established gardens on an impressive 1,902m² (approx.) allotment, just under half an acre, this spacious family home offers an exceptional lifestyle opportunity with multiple living zones, generous accommodation and an idyllic outdoor setting rarely found in today’s market.

Thoughtfully designed for comfortable family living, the home features a spacious family room, separate lounge and dedicated dining area, creating flexibility for both everyday living and entertaining. Warm neutral tones, feature brickwork, large windows and a cosy wood fire combine to create a welcoming atmosphere throughout.

The well appointed kitchen sits at the heart of the home, complete with excellent storage, a walk-in pantry and an adjoining meals area. From here, step out to the covered deck, paved entertaining area and multiple covered pergolas, providing the perfect spaces for hosting family gatherings or simply enjoying the peaceful garden surrounds.

Accommodation includes three generous bedrooms plus a versatile office/fourth bedroom. The privately positioned main bedroom enjoys a walk-in robe and ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms are serviced by a family bathroom and separate powder room. What truly sets this property apart is the magnificent outdoor environment. The expansive grounds showcase lush lawns, mature shade trees, established garden beds, exotic plantings and a park like setting that creates a sense of tranquillity and privacy. Whether it’s children playing on the sprawling lawn, entertaining friends amongst the gardens or simply relaxing and enjoying the changing seasons, this remarkable outdoor space offers endless possibilities.

Additional features include a double garage, carport, wood shed, excellent storage throughout, double glazed windows, split system heating and cooling and evaporative cooler, an estimated internal area of approximately 230sqm, plus the added benefit of a solar and battery system. Designed to help improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on the grid and keep running costs down, this valuable addition offers everyday practicality and long term appeal for modern family living.

Positioned within easy reach of Monbulk’s shops, schools, cafes and local amenities, this outstanding property combines spacious family living with the beauty and serenity of a stunning garden estate.

COMFORTABLE FAMILY LIVING ON HALF AN ACRE

SET on a generous 2,021sqm within walking distance to town, local schools and public transport, this well-presented three-bedroom brick home with double lock up garage & sealed drive, offers comfort, practicality and a relaxed lifestyle in a highly convenient location.

An undercover entry welcomes you inside to a light-filled lounge where large windows offering elevated views invite in an abundance of natural light, complemented by timber flooring, a split system and gas ducted heating throughout for year-round comfort.

The kitchen and dining area is wellequipped for everyday living, featuring a gas stovetop, integrated oven, dishwasher, fridge recess, skylight, excellent bench space and plenty of storage.

Privately positioned down the hallway, the master bedroom includes a walk-in robe, split system and ensuite, while the two additional bedrooms are both fitted with split systems, one also offering built-in robes. A central family bathroom with separate toilet and practical laundry complete the interior.

Outside, the fully fenced ¼ acre+ backyard provides a secure space for kids and pets to enjoy, while a double garage and plenty of off-street parking add further everyday convenience. All set on a sunny block close to everything the township has to offer.

This property has it all so don’t miss out - CALL TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE INSPECTION

TODAY! Call Samantha Scott 0438 680 032. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

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.

AProvenHillsBNBinPrimeGembrookLocation! SetintheDandenongRangesjustoveranhourfromMelbourne’sCBD,theestablished&well-loved GembrookCottagespresentacharmingaccommodationbusinessopportunityintheheartof Gembrook.WithineasywalkingdistanceofPuffingBilly,Gembrook–EmeraldWalkingTrail,cafés, restaurants&thelocalbar,thelocationattractsvisitorsseekingarelaxingHillsescape.Theproperty comprisesthreebeautifullystyledcottages,eachfeaturingfour-posterbeds,leatherlounges, kitchenettes,Wi-Fi&woodheaters.BluebellCottageofferscalmingbluetones&aprivatedeckwith spa.HaremCottagefeaturesearthyinteriors&sunkenovalspaindoors,whileKookaburraCottage showcasessoftpastelhues&tranquilatmosphere.Withaloyalrepeatclientele&strongreputation, thebusinessenjoysconsistentdemand,supportedbynearbyparks,wildlife&walkingtrails.

thoughtfulmodernupdates.Afrontverandah&deckoverlookestablishedgardens,whileinside,the light-filledloungefeaturesJarrahflooring,awoodfire&largepicturewindow.Thekitchen&dining areaincludesanislandbench,walk-inpantry,dishwasher,skylight&directaccesstotheundercover entertainingarea.Asecondlivingroomwithitsownwoodfire,splitsystem&gardenoutlookprovides valuableextraspace.Themasterbedroomenjoysawalk-inrobe&renovatedensuite,whiletwo additionalbedroomswithbuilt-inrobesareservicedbyarenovatedfamilybathroom.Completewith extensivehallwaystorage,fullyfencedbackyard,vegetablegardens,singlegaragewithworkshop, separatestudio/homeoffice,woodshed&gardenshed. 1SymonsRoadAvonsleigh $900,000-$990,000

Outer East girls undefeated

By Callum Ludwig

The Outer East’s U16 Girls interleague side made history over the long weekend.

Competing in the 2026 Vic Metro interleague carnival, the U16 Girls went undefeated for the first time in their three matches.

Midfield coach Josh Plunkett said it’s special for the community.

“Two years ago, the girls didn’t win the game and they were getting beaten by about 100 points without kicking a goal,” he said.

“Last year we won two out of our three games, we lost to Mornington, who are a really strong side, who we thought were going to be a big challenge for us this year as well.

“Our girls on the weekend played like they’d been together forever, like they are a natural

team…not that they’ve only played three games with the way they were moving and controlling the football, it was like a team that had played together for a long period of time.”

Healesville’s Molly Stolarczyk was best on ground as the girls kept the South East Junior Football League scoreless in their opening game, 0.0, 0 to 13.14, 92.

Grace Rankin from Wesburn led the charge in another thumping win, this time over Mornington Peninsula with a 11.13, 79 to 2.2, 14 scoreline.

Up against the Frankston District Junior Football League, the girls put them to the sword with a 10.12, 72 to 1.1, 7 win. Ruby Collins from Healesville was best on ground.

Plunkett said he has either coached with or against most of the girls in his five years with the Wesburn Junior Football Club and they are

something to be proud of.

“The purpose of the interleague program is to get recognition for our girls for the next step, they’re representing the standard of football within our league and our area, but they’re also exhibiting their skills for selection to trial for Eastern Ranges, which is the talent pathway to the AFL and AFLW,” he said.

“What I would say is, especially to all our girls that came through this year, is they’re all so talented and to keep pursuing the highest level of football they can and to keep enjoying it.

“I think that the level of skill and development that’s coming out of the Outer East currently puts us in really good stead to see more girls from our area on the big stage.”

In 2024, former Monbulk junior Georgia Knight (Collingwood) and Olinda-Ferny Creek

Monbulk, Mt Evelyn impress again

By Armin Richter

Football-PremierDivision

Seniors: Wandin 16.9.105 def Upwey-Tecoma 11.14.80; Mt. Evelyn 19.12.126 def Warburton-Millgrove 6.7.43; Monbulk 12.10.82 def Healesville 3.8.26; Officer 15.12.102 def Woori Yallock 5.18.48; Olinda-Ferny Creek 10.15.75 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 6.8.44

Reserves: Upwey-Tecoma 10.8.68 def Wandin 8.6.54; Mt. Evelyn 14.16.100 def Warburton-Millgrove 1.0.6; Monbulk 5.9.39 def Healesville 1.3.9; Officer 13.8.86 def Woori Yallock 7.8.50; Olinda-Ferny Creek 9.8.62 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 4.6.30

Under 18 (combined): Upwey-Tecoma 14.9.93 def Seville 9.6.60; Olinda-Ferny Creek 6.9.45 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 6.2.38; Mt. Evelyn 15.13.103 def Warburton-Millgrove 1.3.9; Wandin 15.11.101 def Yarra Glen 1.8.14; Officer 12.14.86 def Woori Yallock 3.8.26; Healesville 14.11.95 def Monbulk 9.0.54; Pakenham 10.7.67 def Alexandra 6.11.47

Women (Div 1): Olinda-Ferny Creek 7.4.46 def Pakenham 1.2.8, Healesville 18.7.115 def Bel-

grave 2.3.15; Warburton-Wesburn 3.4.22 def Mt. Evelyn 3.2.20; Upwey-Tecoma bye Veterans (Over 35 - round 6): Gembrook-Cockatoo 5.7.37 def Monbulk 4.11.35; Upwey-Tecoma 8.9.57 def Wandin 6.6.42; Olinda-Ferny Creek 10.12.72 def Officer 2.4.16; Yarra Glen 7.3.45 def Belgrave 5.7.37; Mt. Evelyn bye Division1

Seniors: Pakenham 13.7.85 def Alexandra 10.13.73; Emerald 20.21.141 def Yarra Junction 1.6.12; Seville 28.22.190 def Powelltown 2.3.15; Yarra Glen 16.11.107 def Belgrave 6.14.50; Yea bye

Reserves: Pakenham 14.8.92 def Alexandra 3.4.22; Emerald 29.14.188 def Yarra Junction 1.1.7; Seville 19.13.127 def Powelltown 4.6.30; Belgrave 16.24.120 def Yarra Glen 1.0.6; Yea bye

Women (Div 2): Yea 13.16.94 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 0.1.1; Wandin 14.9.93 def Emerald 2.2.14; Seville 18.13.121 def Thornton-Eildon 0.0.0; Officer 3.4.22 def Woori Yallock 2.3.15

Netball-PremierDivision

A Grade: Mt. Evelyn 65 def Warburton-Millgrove 24; Wandin 61 def Upwey-Tecoma 11; Monbulk 60 def Healesville 47; Woori Yallock 54 def ROC 52; Olinda-Ferny Creek 57 def Gem-

brook-Cockatoo 23

B Grade: Mt. Evelyn 67 def Warburton-Millgrove 22; Wandin 71 def Upwey-Tecoma 23; Monbulk 67 def Healesville 28; Woori Yallock 65 def ROC 54; Gembrook-Cockatoo 56 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 43

C Grade: Mt. Evelyn 41 def Warburton-Millgrove 20; Monbulk 53 def Healesville 18; ROC 41 def Woori Yallock 34; Olinda-Ferny Creek 33 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 32; Wandin bye

D Grade: Mt. Evelyn 31 def Warburton-Millgrove 14; Monbulk 39 def Healesville 16; Woori Yallock 36 def ROC 26; Olinda-Ferny Creek 25 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 20; Wandin bye

Under 17: Mt. Evelyn 65 def Warburton-Millgrove 10; ROC White 30 def Wandin 18; Monbulk Maroon 39 def Monbulk Gold 22; Woori Yallock 42 def ROC Blue 33; Gembrook-Cockatoo 32 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 11

Under15: Wandin Blue 24 def ROC White 12; Pakenham Maroon 27 def Wandin Red 14; Monbulk Gold 57 def Monbulk Maroon 25; ROC Blue 43 def Woori Yallock 13; Pakenham Gold bye Division1

A Grade: Pakenham 64 def Alexandra 25;

talent Grace Belloni (Essendon) were drafted to the AFLW.

Mr Plunkett said having role models from the Outer East in the space is really important, especially those who have gone to a higher level and seen that the dream is possible.

“It’s massive to see girls go to that next level but also to be respected in the Outer East for our level of football, and have the girls know that they’re in the right place for development is really important for parents and the girls alike,” he said.

“What I would encourage is if the girls don’t get the invite to Eastern Ranges there are a lot more pathways.

“You can trial with a VFLW team and you can go on to play at higher levels of AFLW by playing within the community clubs as well.”

BGrade

51 def Yarra

elltown 12;

75 def Alexandra

33;

Glen 48 def

33;

def

bye CGrade: Pakenham 46 def Alexandra 18; Emerald 46 def Yarra Junction 14; Seville 78 def Powelltown 13; Yarra Glen 36 def Belgrave 30; Yea bye D Grade: Emerald 24 drew Yarra

59 def

33;

35

6,

def

def

38 def

The side put together three comprehensive victories over the long weekend. (Supplied)

The Outer East U16 girls went undefeated in a recent interleague carnival. (Supplied)

Interleague sides are a great opportunity for talented young players to show their skills before teams are picked for talent pathways like the Eastern Ranges. (Supplied)

Emerald 51 def Yarra Junction 30; Seville 108 def Powelltown 33; Yarra Glen 61 def Belgrave 36; Yea bye

: Pakenham

20; Emerald

Junction

Seville 90

Pow-

Yarra

Belgrave

Yea

Junction 24; Seville

Powelltown

Yarra Glen

Belgrave

Pakenham + Yea bye Under17: Emerald 48

Yarra Junction 4, Seville Blue 55

Seville White 12; Pakenham Gold

def Alexandra 7; Pakenham Maroon bye

Will Henderson swoops down on his Healesville opponent. (Anthea Heagney)

Disappointment for Eagles

It was a disappointing pair of results for the Lilydale Eagles as the Masters took on Knox and the Seniors hosted Hornbill.

Knox took the early ascendancy in the Masters fixture looking to take the Eagles on out wide a whip crosses into the box, resulting in the first effort on goal in the eighth minute that was easily claimed by keeper Daniel Nicholls.

Lilydale’s first sight of goal came from a speculative effort following a free kick near the halfway line but Daniel Dickson couldn’t emulate his free kick feats against Berwick.

Knox won a free kick in a dangerous area after a foul from Daniel Dickson on the right hand side. The ball in was headed clear but swung back into the box for another attempt on goal that was blazed over.

The next big chance also fell Knox’s way when they again found space down the right and fired off a shot, hard at low at Nicholls. He parried it straight up into the air and a Knox played attempted a spectacular scissor kick but failed to connect with the ball and the Eagles cleared. Serves him right too, as no one over the age of 35 or 40 should even be considering anything so acrobatic.

Lilydale’s best chance of the half would fall to Ben Mills after a deflected cross fell to him in the six-yard box and he tried to swing his left boot at it but only managed to get a toe on it and put it into the goalkeeper’s grateful arms.

Daniel Dickson had the next chance on the left for Lilydale but flashed it over the bar.

Byron Loveless would step up to take a free kick on the edge of the box after Rodger Taylor was caught with a high boot. Loveless took a curving run and up and aimed to place the ball in the bottom left corner but was denied by a good diving save from the goalkeeper.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, it would be Knox to break the deadlock in the 39th minute.A long hopeful ball was met on the half volley and was lashed across the face of the goal by Luke Huon and into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

At halftime, Lilydale identified the need to be a bit more composed on the ball and tight in defence.

The first shot of the second half would come

courtesy of a speculative effort that went well wide from Knox.

The Eagles would have a great chance immediately after when Lachlan Dickson played a nice ball through the lines into Daniel Dickson, who duly slipped Loveless clean through on goal but his shot went flying over.

Unfortunately, Knox would be more clinical with their next chance when Dongbin Jin was through on goal and he coolly slid his shot into the bottom left corner.

It would be Huon again for Knox in the 68th minute, finding himself with space to take a touch from a cross in and volley home off the crossbar.

The Eagles would get one back when the goalkeeper made a catastrophic error with the ball at his feet, giving it up to Colin Dickson who squared it for Allen Dickson to tap home.

Knox would restore their lead when Jin received the ball on the right wing and fired a shot at the near post which caught out Nicholls, who got his left hand up but couldn’t keep it out.

Barring a long-range effort from Colin Dickson that didn’t trouble the keeper, that would be all she wrote, with the game ending 4-1.

The Masters are third on goal difference, tied on points with Berwick and Bayswater, and take on Blackburn at home next week.

In the Seniors, Lilydale started out with a twoman advantage as Hornbill awaited more players

to arrive.

They would muster up the first chance after winning the ball back on the edge of the box, with Tarin Cooper laying it off for Lucas Cordedda but his shot was deflected safely to the goalkeeper.

After a Lilydale corner, the ball fell to Fiifi Kwansah-Aidoo but he could only lash his shot wide.

Hornbill would regain some numbers and had their first attempt but it was blasted over.

Lilydale thought they might have taken the lead when the goalkeeper didn’t come to claim Connor Hartman’s clipped ball over the top. Lucas Cordedda beat him to it but the goalkeeper got a touch and the defender got back to clear away from the goal. Jake ‘Digga’ Dioguardi played it back to Kwansah-Aidoo from the edge but his shot was high and wide.

From the resulting goalkick, Kaiden Smith would misjudge the floating ball and Jack Cr snuck in behind and scored to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Shortly after, Digga would win a penalty after being bundled over. Lucas Cordedda would step up again to take it and would go to the right-hand side again, but the diving goalkeeper make a good save to keep it out.

Another big chance would go begging when Digga’s ball into the box was flicked up by Cordedda and Smith would charge on to it with a towering header that he could only put wide.

They would be made to pay when a nicely worked move saw Hornbill in on goal. Cung Za Thang took it past the sprawling Daniel Dickson in goal before tapping home with ease.

It would be 3-0 when Daniel Dickson parried a shot from the edge and Caleb Knox failed to clear it. Hornbill were composed and found Ramtha Ceu Pa Chung on the right wing who struck his shot home into the bottom corner.

It would be 4-0 before halftime after a ball was slid across the box with no one to meet it, but was chased down and played back to Chung whose scuffed shot bounced agonisingly past Dickson who was recovering from an effort to stop the initial cross.

Lilydale had the first chance after the break when Digga chased down a ball in behind and played it to Hartman on the edge whose shot needed saving but was comfortably handled by the new keeper who swapped in at halftime. Hornbill got back on top and won a corner which was played low into the box, catching the Eagles napping and calling Dickson into action with a fine double save before a final shot was smashed over the bar.

Hornbill would smash a volley wide minutes later and then Lilydale got on the counter attack. Tarin Cooper received the ball after a cross and found Smith in the box who had charged forward but his shot was partially deflected, taking off any power that might have seen it beat the goalkeeper. Lilydale’s Sean O’Connor tried a shot from distance but stuck it to the left of the goal.

Unfortunately, Hornbill would score after a cross from the left ebay everyone and was knocked home at the back post by Chung for his hat trick.

Lilydale got one back after Digga won the ball up the pitch, and after a scramble, Tarin Cooper would fire a shot that ricocheted in off the goalkeeper’s foot.

Hornbill weren’t done there, however, and Jack Cr lashed home a second with his left foot on the edge of the box before Tluang Thang made it 7-1 with a tidy finish into the bottom corner to end the scoring.

The Eagles Seniors play Berwick at home next week.

Kaiden Smith carries the ball out. (Callum Ludwig: 559465)

A Knox player goes for an acrobatic attempt. (Callum Ludwig: 559465)

By Callum Ludwig

Q&A

1. What emoji do you use the most?

Laughing Emoji

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

Swag, Satellite phone, Matches

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

Healesville Toyota – Highly recommend it for everyone to visit.

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

1989 Magna in Sky Blue

5. Where would you like to retire? Farm

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

I would have to say a snail – not much

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

Time travel – Know the Tattslotto numbers before the draw.

8. What movie title matches your job role?

Gone in 60 Seconds – Day disappears before I know it.

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

Cleopatra would be interesting

10. What is the craziest thing you believed as a child?

Eating carrots would help me see better at night.

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

Ask why they bark at the TV

They are successful in local business... but what do our Tip-Stars know about Footy? Follow them every week and give them the feedback they deserve...

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