Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 16th June 2026

Brave mum on the world stage

mother of two will compete against the world’s best after qualifying for the HYROX World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden on 19 June.

A former Upwey High School student, Ms McDonald once competed for Victoria in cross country, athletics and triathlon before moving into marathons and ultramarathons.

In 2020 she discovered she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, and in 2024 earlystage breast cancer was detected through screening, leading to surgery and recovery.

Six months after surgery she returned to training at Fit For Life gym in Upper Ferntree Gully and later qualified for the world stage after winning her age group in Brisbane.

“If you’ve got a goal, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve it,” she said.

To read the full story, turn to page 8

A lasting legacy

A lifetime of dedication by one woman is set to be the centrepoint of upcoming celebration of the 80th anniversary for Monbulk’s RSL, as they make plans to honour her life in the form of a statue.

Jeannie Gunn is remembered by the members of the RSL as ‘the greatest lady who ever entered Monbulk’ and during her life was a huge supportive force to soldiers and their families throughout the township during and after both world wars.

“You’ve got this woman who, for 50 years, dedicated herself to the ex-service people of

Monbulk, and certainly to this club; she gave a lot of assistance and support,” historian Anthony McAleer said.

“So this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Monbulk RSL, and as an 80th anniversary project, we want to organise a statue of Mrs Gunn. We want it as a memorial and a tribute, we want it as a public work of art, and we want it as a tourist attraction,” he said.

While most people know Mrs Aeneas Gunn OBE as the author of We of the Never Never, a

book inspired by her time in the Northern Territory, Mr McAleer said she truly dedicated so much of her life to the people of Monbulk.

“It’s at the point now where this generation is probably the last that knows the story of Mrs Gunn, there’s a lot of people that aren’t aware of what she did for this township and we want generations now and to come to know all about what Mrs Gunn did,” he said.

Monbulk RSL would like to establish a subcommittee to help manage project and see a

statue of Jeannie Gunn come to fruition. The first meeting of the new sub-committee will take place on Saturday 20 June at 11am at the Monbulk RSL clubrooms in Main Street.

“We would love representation of the various groups in Monbulk, but if anyone is interested in being involved, who has some skills in that, we would encourage them to come along,” said Mr McAleer.

Read more on page 11

Katie McDonald was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. (Supplied)

MPs weigh in on finance 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 do-

nation 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

Police reject counter-hours criticism

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 high-impact 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

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 donation 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.

PresidentoftheVictorianAnimalJusticeParty, 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.

Family First state director 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 state election and whether it will withstand the High Court’s standards in the meantime.

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.

With new campaign finance laws in place for Victoria, parties rally to make sense of the new adjustments. (File: 370652).

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

IN BRIEF

Call for revegetation

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Concerned residents and environmental groups have raised alarm over alleged vegetation clearing in a protected Green Wedge area in Narre Warren East, amid claims the works were carried out without a planning permit.

A committee member from Save the Dandenongs League said the land is subject to multiple planning controls, including a significant landscape overlay and an environmental significance overlay, and is located within a green wedge zone.

The committee member said native trees and shrubs removed from the property and adjoining roadside included Melaleuca, Stringy Bark Eucalypts and Blackwood Wattles, which previously provided habitat and food sources for sugar gliders, possums, birds and insects.

They said the vegetation formed part of an environmental corridor between Lysterfield Park and Cardinia Reservoir, and said the property and roadside were a key section of that corridor.

The committee member said earth moving machinery was used to clear the vegetation, which they said had disturbed soil surfaces and drainage lines, resulting in erosion.

They also said the group strongly advocates for the land to be replanted with the original native trees, shrubs and ground plants as a matter of urgency.

In response, Yarra Ranges Council’s director of planning and sustainable futures, Kath McClusky, said the council understands and shares community concerns about vegetation loss on

the land.

“Illegal vegetation clearance is taken seriously, and the council has a range of enforcement options available where breaches of state planning laws are identified,“ Ms McClusky said.

She said serious offences can be prosecuted under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 through the Magistrates’ Court.

Ms McClusky said the council may also apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for enforcement orders, including orders to revegetate the land.

She said in some cases both court prosecution and tribunal action may be pursued concurrently, depending on the severity of the breach.

For less serious offences, Ms McClusky said infringement notices may be issued for noncompliance.

“This matter remains under investigation, and we are carefully considering the appropriate enforcement option. We have taken initial steps, requiring all works on site to cease,“ she said.

“As this is an active investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

Drivers thanked after safe King’s Birthday long weekend

Police on patrol from the outer east over the long weekend have posted across social media to send thanks to locals and visitors to the area on Friday 12 June.

No lives were lost or serious road accidents were reported as the weather turned wintery over the four day holiday period.

“Thankyou,” read the post.

“Police members on patrol across the King’s Birthday weekend within the Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges Police service areas, would like to thank our residents and their visitors for taking extra care whilst driving on our roads throughout this long weekend.”

“Your efforts, together with a highly visible police presence, resulted in no fatal or serious injury collisions being recorded across the four days of Victoria’s road safety Operation Regal.” Theft and assault in Wantirna Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a theft and assault in Wantirna on 3 March 2026.

It is believed offenders attended a Boronia Road service station about 8.30am and stole several items including the shop attendants personal phone.

In the process of the shop attendant trying to get their phone back they have been physically assaulted.

The victim suffered a broken nose, swelling to the head and cut and grazes on his arms and his back.

Investigators have released an image of a person who may be able to assist with enquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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-yearold 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.

Two snapshots following the alleged clearing. (File)

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

Yarra Ranges Council pass 2026/27 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 in-

clude:

$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.

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

Silvan Tennis Club pavilion will be demolished. (559023)

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) is set to demolish. (559023)

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

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

Lockwood stood down again

By Tanya Steele

For a second time, Knox City Councillor Peter Lockwood has been found guilty of misconduct in the chambers and was again suspended from his duties for one month.

Delivering both a spoken and written formal apology that was mandated word-for-word, Cr Lockwood acknowledged that his conduct was disrespectful and demeaning at the last council meeting on 9 June.

Taking place last year during the Mayor and Deputy Mayor elections on 20 November, Cr Lockwood allegedly levelled several insults and swore at Cr Susan Pearce and Cr Robert Williams.

The election meeting had several breaks in a prolonged mayoral voting process that lasted 11 rounds and the Cr Pearce and Cr Williams began the application for an internal arbitration on 9 February this year.

Arbiter Louise Hill found it was more likely than not that Cr Lockwood swore at the two councillors and described Cr Pearce in a derogatory manner.

The finding was supported in part by a text message sent by Cr Lockwood after the meeting apologising for swearing.

It was ruled that Cr Lockwood breached sections of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct requiring councillors to treat others with dignity and respect and to refrain from abusive behaviour.

Cr Williams and Cr Pearce also called out Cr Lockwood’s manner, allegedly intimidating and pressuring, making them feel unsafe, However the allegations that his conduct affected the health and safety of others or brought discredit upon the council were not upheld.

The arbitration decision was handed down on 1 June 2026 and formally tabled at the 9 June council meeting.

FTG octogenarian Jillian has a close call for winter

By Tanya Steele

A local Ferntree Gully resident wants to remind people to stay fire safe in their kitchens after a recent close call of her own and has sent thanks to local firefighters and emergency responders who helped her on the day.

Octogenarian Jillian said she felt she aged overnight after her unit slowly filled with gas after she left her gas stove on overnight by mistake on the evening of 2 June.

“It’s a wake up call,“ she said.

Jillian said she went through her normal evening routine before heading to bed for the night and as she has no sense of smell, did not realise she had left the gas on the stove on.

“I couldn’t smell it,“ she said.

“I didn’t think in my mind that I was in danger.“

The following morning she said felt a little strange in her head, but thought it might be something related to her regular condition, never realising she was feeling altered by the gas that filled the room overnight and which was still on in the kitchen.

sessed in hospital but was home and fine now,

A spokesperson from CFA said they responded to the incident about 11.05am on Burwood Highway in Ferntree Gully on June 3.

“Crews discovered the gas stove had been left on at a property,“ they said.

Firefighters checked the scene to ensure it was safe and Jillian said they were fantastic and very glad they were there.

“I said to them at the time, stop fussing over me, I’m all right,“ she said.

She said it later dawned on her that she wasn’t and her moment of distraction as she cooked her dinner may have had big consequences.

Gas cookers also need ventilation and regular servicing, along with rangehoods and exhaust fans kept clean and to installation codes to prevent carbon monoxide issues.

A week later Jillian is back to her usual routine but said she might not be doing much cooking for a little while., but she is back to cracking a few jokes.

“I feel much better now,“ she said.

Ferntree Gully CFA Captain Seamus Smith said it was a timely reminder as winter settles in and risks for heating and gas-related incidents go up.

“Please remember to check your smoke alarms as well,“ he said.

“She said: ‘Get out’ and I said: ‘You get out’ , ” said Jillian.

“The chaps that came were fantastic, they put some oxygen on my face and said I needed to go to the hospital, I must have looked a little green,“ she said.

Jillian she said spent some time being as-

Jillian’s carer came to visit later a little later that morning and smelt the gas straight away, quickly getting her client to move out of the unit while she called emergency services.

While a a gas flame like that on a stove is burning, the oxygen in a closed off room can slowly be consumed and replaced with carbon dioxide. As the carbon dioxide builds up in the air, the fuel is prevented from burning fully, and it begins to release carbon monoxide. Breathing in this carbon monoxide is dangerous and can cause sickness and or even death.

Even small amounts of the gas can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, and weakness, while larger amounts can lead to feeling faint, dizzy, losing consciousness, long-term brain injury or even death.

CFA and FRV are urging Victorians across the state to test smoke alarms monthly, install smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway, and interconnect smoke alarms where possible.

Residents should replace smoke alarms every 10 years, keep clothing, bedding and curtains at least one metre from heaters and never leave candles, cooking or heaters unattended.

Jillian said she was glad to be still around.

“When you are in the kitchen, check your stove,“ she said.

Councillor Peter Lockwood will begin a month-long suspension. (File: 471256).

Jillian said she is feeling much better but wants everyone to be safe after her own close call. (Unsplash).

Forest litter concerns raised

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A Kallista resident has raised concerns about increasing litter at the Grants Picnic Ground in Sherbrooke after spotting rubbish scattered along pathways leading into the forest.

Kath, who regularly visits and drives past the popular picnic destination, said she was disappointed to see discarded cups, cup lids, plastic bags and other rubbish left behind in the area.

“I thought it should be brought to somebody’s attention because it’s all going to be in the forest eventually,” she said.

Kath said the rubbish appeared to be concentrated along the path leading from the mobile coffee van into the surrounding bushland.

“There’s no excuse for leaving the rubbish,” she said.

The concerns come as the Grants cafe remains closed after the previous tenant vacated in June 2025.

Visitors currently have access to food and coffee through a mobile trader operating six days a week while Parks Victoria seeks a new long-term operator.

The Kallista resident said the litter was particularly disappointing given the natural beauty of the area and the wildlife that call the Dandenong Ranges home.

“It’s a lovely, pristine area, why would we want to spoil it?” she said.

“Seeing rubbish left behind in such a tranquil setting is upsetting.”

After first reporting the issue, Kath returned to Grants Picnic Ground expecting to find the rubbish still scattered around the site, instead, she came across a man and woman collecting litter by hand.

“I thought, ‘gee, it’s all been cleaned up. This is good,’” she said.

“But that’s not the case, because they were picking it up.”

Kath said other visitors should not be left cleaning up after people who fail to dispose of their rubbish responsibly.

“People shouldn’t have to pick other people’s

rubbish up,” she said.

During her visits, Kath also noticed bird seed left at the site and large numbers of cockatoos gathering around it.

She said it was a major concern that some visitors may still be feeding birds despite previous efforts to discourage the practice.

“There was also a package of bird feed left there,” Kath said.

“I don’t know who’s doing it, but the cockatoos were all over it.”

While Kath acknowledged bins do not always prevent littering, she suggested additional bins near the entrance could help reduce rubbish being left behind.

“Parks Victoria is exploring alternative options for the Grants Picnic Ground cafe space,” a Parks Victoria spokesperson said.

“We work hard to keep our parks clean and encourage visitors to take their rubbish with them when they leave.”

Bird seed was found at Grants Picnic Ground, attracting cockatoos to the area.

Rubbish problem emerges at Sherbrooke’s Grants Picnic Ground.

Litter left behind at Grants Picnic Ground.

A couple was seen collecting rubbish at Grants Picnic Ground. (Supplied)

Belgrave and Tecoma resilience group forms

Holding its first ever meeting last week, a new group has begun with the aim to strengthen resilience for the community across Belgrave and Tecoma.

The new community led initiative has been launched in Belgrave and Tecoma following the success of The Adaptation Game (TAG) community event held at Burrinja Cultural Centre on 3 May.

BTTG President, Dr Emma Blomkamp said the group would focus on community-led solutions and collaboration with existing organisations rather than duplicating work already underway.

“Our priority is to enable connections -when we know our neighbours, understand what resources we can access, and have opportunities to work together, communities become stronger, healthier and more resilient,” she said.

The group is named Community Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CRaCA) and has been established as a sub- group of the Belgrave and Tecoma Township Group (BTTG) to help local residents strengthen community connections, buildresilienceandprepareforfuturechallenges.

At its inaugural meeting on 4 June, CRaCA identified two immediate priorities: strengthening neighbourhood networks; and developing a better understanding of the skills, resources and community assets that already exist across Belgrave and Tecoma.

Dr Blomkamp said the group’s focus would be on bringing people together and building on the many strengths already present in the community.

“Our recent workshops demonstrated that there is untapped energy and resources in our

The group is hoping to use community strengths and network across Belgrave and Tecoma, tapping into the potential across the community. (BTTG).

community,” she said. “Local residents and businesses want to build stronger connections to adapt to the changes and challenges we are facing. We know Belgrave and Tecoma are rich in skills, experience and community spirit and CRaCA will help connect people, strengthen neighbourhood relationships, and make it easier for locals to support one another during everyday challenges as well as times of crisis.”

Early initiatives being explored include neighbourhood networks, local skills and resource mapping, community asset inventories and partnerships with schools, community organisations and local agencies.

The Belgrave and Tecoma Township Group welcomes involvement from residents, community organisations and local businesses interested in contributing to the work of CRaCA.

For more information about CRaCA or the Belgrave and Tecoma Township Group community can contact: Belgrave and Tecoma Township Group vi email at bttginc@gmail.com

Hard rubbish and branch bundles feedback sought

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.

Tree policy now updated

By Tanya Steele

The tree policy for Yarra Ranges residents has been officially updated at the last council meeting on 9 June, and the process for complaints along with it.

Aligning itself with principles across the council’s tree canopy strategy, nature and liveable climate plans, the new 2026 tree policy endorsed by councillors last week has had some changes made to the way complaints and reviews are managed.

Bringing the complaints process into line with council’s customer complaint policy, residents must now settle issues or disputes over trees by going through a four level complaint system.

Previously, the residents unhappy with a decision to retain a tree could could bring the matter through the Tree Management Team hierarchy, potentially involving senior managers and councillors.

The policy also includes new sections and guidance on roots, infrastructure and cultural significance and was out for community consultation on the Shaping Yarra Ranges website from 15 January to 8 February this year. The policy was delayed for approval earlier in March when it was slowed from a majority vote by councillors.

On 9 June, Councillors Gareth Ward and Tim Heenan spoke in support of the motion before it was put to a vote.

“The substantive change in this version aligns with the decision review process with our customer complaints policy,” said Cr Ward.

“When a resident queries a tree decision, they should encounter the same escalation pathway, the same accountability structure, and the same external review options they would find with any other council matter,” he said.

“The community response during the consultation period was broadly supportive, and operational queries raised through submissions were addressed through the arrangements platform, so I’m happy to support tonight’s motion.”

With around 1,250 ha of Council controlled parks and reserves, 1,757 kilometres of road corridors, and 600 km of roadsides on main roads, the policy said in a report on Australian local government tree canopy cover, Yarra Ranges was said to have the highest number of trees in Victoria and the second highest in Australia.

Less operational than the 2017 document, the

new policy references Council’s separate Tree Risk Assessment Framework and other operational documents in how they will manage trees on council-owned land and roadsides.

The updated policy aims to balance the need to protect and retain trees alongside managing the risks they can pose to people and property.

Cr Tim Heenan spoke about the level of supreme responsibility the council has regarding tree management, the large number of trees they deal with, and the high quality and experience the tree management staff bring to the table.

“Over many, many years on council, we’ve had major issues with trees, either ones that we want to retain or ones that we believe should not be retained,” he said.

“What we have in front of us here tonight, I believe, after everything that we’ve gone through, is a fair assessment of what we need to do for the future.”

The motion, moved by Cr Gareth Ward and

The new tree policy dictates the process for how council will manage trees across the region. (File: 559654).

Residents can read the endorsed policy on the Yarra Ranges website. (File: 559654).

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

Mum on world stage after cancer battle

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Many locals know Katie McDonald as the mum in activewear at school and kinder drop-offs, or training around Upper Ferntree Gully.

In just a matter of days, however, the 37-yearold mother of two will line up against some of the world’s best fitness athletes after qualifying to represent Australia at the HYROX World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden, on 19 June.

For Ms McDonald, the journey to the international stage is one shaped by resilience, determination and recovery.

A former student of Upwey High School, Ms McDonald represented Victoria in cross country, athletics and triathlon during her school years before going on to compete in marathons and ultramarathons.

Today, she balances family life, elite-level training and part-time work as a remote technical reviewer for cardiac devices.

Just two years ago, competing at a world championship seemed unimaginable.

In 2020, Ms McDonald discovered she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer - following regular screening and monitoring, breast cancer was detected at a very early stage in 2024.

She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction before focusing on her recovery.

“At that point, when I was diagnosed, I wasn’t even running again after having kids, so I certainly didn’t think I’d be back exercising, let alone competing at a world championship event,” Ms McDonald said.

“The surgery and everything I went through was quite major, and it involved a series of medical procedures across the full year of 2024.”

“I had gone from being relatively fit to not being able to exercise at all, so I couldn’t even imagine competing in a HYROX event, let alone qualifying to compete at such a high level.”

Six months after surgery, Ms McDonald returned to exercise and began training regularly at Fit For Life gym in Upper Ferntree Gully, where she first rebuilt her fitness while bringing her young children along.

Determined to challenge herself, she set her eyes on HYROX and competed in her first event in December 2025.

Her progress was rapid.

Earlier this year, she competed at the HYROX Asia Pacific Regional Championships in Brisbane, winning the Women’s 35-39 age group and

securing a place at the World Championships.

The moment she realised she had qualified remains a special memory.

“It was completely surreal,” Ms McDonald said.

“I’d been talking with my husband and the owners of the Fit For Life gym the night before about what would happen if I qualified. I actually said I didn’t think I’d go because travelling seemed like too much of an ordeal, but they encouraged me to take the opportunity.”

“When I did win, it was just so exciting because I never thought I’d win. I really had to dig deep to qualify, and I was really proud of myself.”

While the physical recovery from surgery was significant, Ms McDonald said balancing family life, work and training has been one of the biggest challenges.

“The hardest part of it all is working out the logistics with the family,” Ms McDonald said.

“I literally have a spreadsheet to work out when I can fit training in.”

“Because we’re so time-poor, it’s actually made me more consistent. If I don’t go when I say I’m going to go, then I’ll miss out and it won’t

happen.”

Behind the achievement is a strong support network, with Ms McDonald thanking her husband, family, friends and gym community for helping her along the way.

She said her experience with cancer had also changed her perspective on health and fitness.

“It has made me more grateful for health and fitness,” Ms McDonald said.

“It opens your eyes up to family and loved ones and just general mortality.”

“It makes you more present and grateful for what you do have, and to make the most of any opportunity you have at the time because you might not always get it.”

As she prepares to compete in Stockholm, Ms McDonald hopes her story encourages others facing setbacks or health challenges to pursue their goals.

“If you’ve got a goal, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve it,” she said.

“If you set a goal and stick to your plans, then you’ll achieve what you want to. Most parents I see at kinder and school wouldn’t even know that I do this sport or that I’m competing at this level.”

“It’s been my own internal goal and I’ve just been ticking away quietly, and this is the outcome.”

“If you set your mind to something, and especially if you have support around you, then you can get to places you never imagined.”

She also hopes her experience highlights the importance of early detection and regular screening.

Because her cancer was identified through ongoing screening, Ms McDonald was able to undergo surgery before the disease progressed further.

“If you have the opportunity to have a screening test, it’s incredibly valuable when it comes to treatment outcomes,” she said.

“My breast cancer was picked up so early that I didn’t have to go through chemotherapy or radiation.

“If you have the opportunity to be screened, actually stick to it, because it’s so important.”

When she steps onto the start line in Stockholm, Ms McDonald expects a mix of nerves and excitement.

“I’ll know I’ve put in all the hard work in the lead-up and have had the support of my family and friends back home,” she said.

“I’ll be hoping to make everyone proud.”

For Ms McDonald, the trip represents far more than a sporting achievement.

Tecoma Primary wins team of the year

TecomaPrimarySchoolhasbeenannounced as the winner of the Student Action Team of the Year at the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards held in Melbourne on Thursday 11 June.

Twenty-nine schools were vying for an award with 11 schools taking home the top prizes and this year’s winners were announced at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the MCG and hosted by TV personality Dirt Girl.

Recognising excellence in student-led sustainability with Tecoma Primary School was praised for its Yarning Circle, Indigenous garden, community partnerships and initiatives integrating cultural, environmental and educational outcomes. Judges described the program as powerful and holistic at the special ceremony.

“This is inspiring sustainability leadership shaped by young people,” the judges said.

Sustainability Victoria CEO Matt Genever congratulated the school. “Tecoma Primary School is empowering students to lead meaningful change,” Mr Genever said.

Guided by three teachers, the Student Sustainability Action Team sets the school’s annual priorities and leads projects that are building a culture of environmental responsibility across the campus.

Through hands-on, student-led action, the team has delivered projects that link learning with real environmental outcomes.

Tecoma Primary students collaborated with community groups to create culturally significant learning spaces, improve waste systems, restore local habitat and design on-site biodiversity features – strengthening connections to Country, caring for the environment and extending sustainability beyond the school gate.

ResourceSmart Schools is a free Victorian Government program delivering sustainability education to help Victorian schools minimise waste, save energy and water, promote biodiversity and act on climate change and Sustainability Victoria has now marked 17 years hosting the ResourceSmart Schools Awards with the theme, ‘Our sustainable community’

Since 2008, ResourceSmart Schools has reached over 1,600 Victorian schools. Together they have planted more than 5.1 million trees, saved over $68 million through energy, waste and water savings, diverted 170,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill and avoided over 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards were made possible with the generous support of sponsors like CDS Vic, Bank First, Department of Education, RMIT and Premier Waste.

For information about this year’s winners, please visit www.sustainability.vic.gov. au/2026-rssa-winners

HYROX Asia Pacific Regional Championships in Brisbane, April 2026. (Supplied)

Finn (5) and Indie (4) pictured after their mum’s first HYROX event in Melbourne last December. (Supplied)

Katie McDonald during training. (Supplied)

Katie McDonald was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.(Supplied)

McDonald training for the HYROX competition. (Supplied)

Tecoma Primary School students attending the ResourceSmart Schools Awards last week. Left to right: Deb, Marlie, Kieran and Zailee. (Supplied).

Police and firies dunked

By Tanya Steele

Big Freeze fundraising continued early into the week as Yarra Ranges Police and fire brigades got soaked to the bone for charity.

Selling beanies on the day, with every little bit going towards the cause, the gathering saw a few gasps and squeals as one by one, emergency responders were doused in icy cold water at the Belgrave Police Station.

Yarra Ranges Police officers were joined by local CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria on Tuesday 9 June and Senior Sergeant and Station Commander at Belgrave Police Station, Cassandra Forbes said a couple of retired police officers also popped into the station for the fundraiser.

“They had the pleasure of dunking us newbies,” she said.

Since 2014, FightMND has contributed to motor neuron disease research raising funds for clinical trials, drug development grants, research, advocacy and education.

This year the events across Australia were tinged with sadness after news spread of the passing of FightMND’s co-founder, the late Neale Daniher AO, who was honoured by a State Funeral on 10 June.

In lieu of flowers, and at the request of the Daniher family, donations may be made to FightMND.

To donate, visit fightMND’s website.

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

Retired member Senior Sergeant Mark Knight from Lilydale Police Station dropped by to dunk Sgt Schroder the officer in charge at Monbulk Station. (Supplied).

Belgrave CFA volunteer Amber gets ready. (Supplied).

The forces gather to get dunked! (Supplied),.

Living memorial’s new life

By Mikayla van Loon

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.”

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

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

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

The Red Flowering Gum in flower. (Supplied)

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

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

Project to honour Jeannie

By Mikayla van Loon

A life of dedication shown to the town of Monbulk by one woman will help celebrate the 80th anniversary of the town’s RSL.

Former Monbulk RSL president Dooley O’Donohue remembered Jeannie Gunn as ‘the greatest lady who ever entered Monbulk’

She spent decades supporting and tending to soldiers and their families throughout the township during and after both world wars.

Because of this connection, Monbulk RSL wants to undertake a project to honour the life of Mrs Gunn and commission a statue to be placed in the grounds of the sub-branch.

“You’ve got this woman who, for 50 years, dedicated herself to the ex-service people of Monbulk, and certainly to this club; she gave a lot of assistance and support,” historian Anthony McAleer said.

“So this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Monbulk RSL, and as an 80th anniversary project, we want to organise a statue of Mrs Gunn. We want it as a memorial and a tribute, we want it as a public work of art, and we want it as a tourist attraction.

“It’s at the point now where this generation is probably the last that knows the story of Mrs Gunn, there’s a lot of people that aren’t aware of what she did for this township and we want generations now and to come to know all about what Mrs Gunn did.”

Born in 1870, she became a qualified teacher in her twenties, where she taught and ran a private school.

As a young woman, attending a friend’s New Year’s Eve party, she met her soon-to-be husband, Aeneas Gunn, whom she would marry in 1901.

He was a cattleman and scientist who spent much of his time exploring the Northern Territory. Mrs Gunn joined her husband and ventured to the Roper River in the Northern Territory, where Aeneas had taken up the position of manager of the Elsey Station.

They lived in the north for 12 months before Aeneas contracted malaria. He died suddenly and was buried in his final resting place.

Returning to Melbourne to live in Hawthorn, Mr McAleer said Mrs Gunn “missed her time in the Northern Territory” , particularly the bush.

“Her one solace came from travelling with her father to a small bush block he had purchased in the Dandenong Ranges at Monbulk,” Mr McAleer said.

“When she came up here, she would also ride around the district. She would meet the other pioneers. Monbulk was what they called a close settlement. It was little blocks where they grew small fruits and had orchards and such.

“So, a lot of these pioneer families were trying to scratch out a living, so she used to ride around and visit them, and got very friendly with them. The kids, she would sit there and help them with their studies and things like that.”

When World War I came along, the people she had befriended were preparing to send their sons and husbands off to faraway places.

“She wanted to support them, so she would write to them. She was constantly knitting socks, sending parcels over to them. Her sister got a job working in London. She used to organise for her sister, anytime Monbulk fellows went on leave, that they’d all be looked after.

“She had a photograph of every single one of

them on her mantelpiece. There were 77 soldiers that she had on the mantelpiece.”

These soldiers would lovingly become known to Mrs Gunn as “my boys” , with Mr McAleer saying she “spiritually adopted them”

When her boys returned home from war, Mrs Gunn’s work didn’t stop; instead, she turned her attention to helping resettle them or visiting them in the hospital.

“My great uncle was a Boer War and Gallipoli veteran, and he ended up, I think it was Caulfield Repatriation Hospital, where he ended up dying. She went and visited him before he died. She visited quite a lot in hospitals,” Col Dennison said.

“She was like a maternal grandmother,” Wendy Dennison added.

Mr McAleer said she spent countless hours filling in applications for pensions or soldier settlement blocks, as well as hosting a ball to raise funds for soldiers suffering from tuberculosis.

When World War II broke out, Mrs Gunn was quick to act once again to provide support.

In 1946, the Monbulk RSL opened, providing a space for veterans to gather, talk and heal. Mrs Gunn decided to collect books to create a library at the sub-branch, eventually donating around 2000 books.

While most people know Mrs Aeneas Gunn OBE as the author of We of the Never Never, a book inspired by her time in the Northern Territory, Mr McAleer said she truly dedicated so much of her life to the people of Monbulk.

Monbulk RSL would like to establish a sub-committee to help manage the 80th anniversary project and see a statue of Jeannie Gunn come to fruition.

The first meeting of the new sub-committee will take place on Saturday 20 June at 11am at the Monbulk RSL clubrooms in Main Street.

“We would love representation of the various groups in Monbulk, but if anyone is interested in being involved, who has some skills in that, we would encourage them to come along and be involved.”

Monbulk RSL treasurer Paul Bennett, John president Surridge, Monbulk CWA’s Wendy Dennison, Col Dennison and historian Anthony McAleer in the library Mrs Jeannie Gunn donated. (Stewart Chambers: 558898)

Renfair’s magic lingers

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, and everyone he spoke to wanted to get on board.

“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 renfaire 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 extraordinary 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.

Excitement builds over Comic Con mooted 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 ComicCon 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 she is excited to see what its final form will be and her personal interests are centred around anime and reading.

“I like fan fiction too,” she said.

“We still need to decide a number of things, such as activations and venue, but after the success of Renfair in the Hills, I know this event will be just as amazing, if not better, so I’m really looking forward to seeing everything

come together.”

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., meeting fortnightly.

“For me, youth volunteering started as a way to challenge myself and build my experience, but it’s become so much more than that,” she said.

“It’s allowed me to be out in the community, meet incredible people and develop skills that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise, especially since I’d be a bit of a homebody if left to my own devices.”

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.

Nardu said in her time so far with Defrosted, she has had the chance to contribute to everything from ideating to budgeting to stakeholder engagement.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our ideas develop into real events that bring people together,” she said.

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 already busy planning, 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 the youth music line-up for the upcoming Belgrave Lantern Festival.

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

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

First time festival organiser, Konga, a leatherworker from Mooroolbark. (Supplied)

Selby resident and drama school teacher Kylie (right) with her children Annabelle (middle) and Sophie as a Satyr (left) . (Supplied)

Tecoma musician, Elizabeth Sutherland loved the event. (Supplied)

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

From working with prison inmates to locals in the community, Hita Mistry has dedicated 25 years to helping people resolve complex mental health challenges. As she manages a psychology clinic from Emerald, she is just as inspired and rewarded in the job today as she was as a student. Star News journalist COREY EVERITT reports.

A passion for people

Hita Mistry runs Emerald Psychology Practice across three clinics, employing and training more than 30 staff.

Running these clinics means she practises about two and a half days a week, but her passion for psychology has never dissipated.

“A lot of my friends just laugh and call psychology my fourth baby because, to this day, every new client that walks in the door is a unique person and I get excited about solving the puzzle of what’s going on and how we’re gonna improve their quality of life,“ she said.

Originally from England, Hita has lived in Australia for about 23 years. It was about 14 years ago that she moved to Emerald and began her private practice.

Before that, she completed an undergraduate degree in psychology and criminology, then a master’s degree in forensic psychology.

“I just became fascinated by humans.

“I know that sounds really random, but I was completely fascinated by mental health, humans and psychology. It just gripped me.“

There are many branches of psychology one can join. Hita chose the one that intersects with the legal system.

“Then I went off to jail, which was great news for my mother, who had no idea that my years of hard work were gonna land me in the slammer anyway,“ she joked.

As a forensic psychologist, she was tasked with treating and diagnosing offenders to inform their overall rehabilitation.

Though dealing with individuals who had committed criminal acts, the role could be a key part in humanising someone who was otherwise totally institutionalised.

While it was its own world, the work would inform her specialisation today in complex trauma.

“I’d like to sit with those people and actually understand what put them on the pathway to offending or what maintained their offending behaviour.

“I would say probably a solid 80 per cent had the worst forms of trauma in their history.

“You can kind of go, ’I see why you’ve ended up here. I don’t agree with what you have done, but I can see why you’ve ended up here’

“Though I wasn’t always doing trauma-specific work because it’s quite hard to do that in jail, I became really passionate about it. I wanted to learn more, I wanted to understand trauma.“

Hita left forensics after starting her family in Emerald.

Starting her own practice, she wanted to continue focusing on trauma. Presentations naturally

Director and Principal Clinical & Forensic Psychologist of Emerald Psychology Practice, Hita Mistry. (550758)

There’s some excellent people that are doing some amazing work in mental health at the moment and people are really passionate.“

took a direction along these lines, with emergency responders and other people often exposed to high-stress situations being referred to her.

Now her practice has grown to three clinics across Emerald and Rowville, with a team of multidisciplinary professionals.

Now, 25 years into the field, Hita says there are still struggles with the structural support for mental health, but she is motivated by the many people who take on mental health challenges throughout the community every day.

“There’s some excellent people that are doing some amazing work in mental health at the mo-

ment and people are really passionate.

“It’s fortunately one of those fields that not many people are drawn to for reasons other than intense motivation, as the trade-off that you get for this kind of profession is the good feeling you get when you see people heal and recover.“

In the last four years, Hita has joined the Rotary Club of Emerald & District. There, she has held a critical role in supporting Rotary’s leading work in mental health awareness.

Last month, Rotary held a forum in Pakenham that brought together experts in the field to discuss the many struggles of mental health in the com-

munity and new innovations in treatment. Emerald Psychology Practice also has a school programtoassistandconnectwithstudentsatfour schools across Emerald, Gembrook and Monbulk. This is part of a goal not only to give back to the community but also to normalise seeking support for mental health.

“It’s to reduce the stigma around mental health, to feel more present in the community for anyone who wants to reach out. If anyone is struggling, we’re not gonna feel like an alien service that is unfamiliar.“

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 partners 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-forprofits.

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 Community Assets project to council buildings, drainage and natural assets.

• A tri-level governance model to end the frag-

mented 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.

Yarra Ranges is all in for reconciliation

A sold-out crowd heard powerful truth-telling, personal reflections and spellbinding performance at the Yarra Ranges Council 2026 Reconciliation Week event.

More than 150 students from local schools, including Worawa Aboriginal College, Badger Creek Primary School, Healesville High School, Upper Yarra Secondary College and Cire Community School joined community members at The Memo Healesville for this year’s event, which featured a performance from First Nations rapper, dancer and artist, Baker Boy.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins said the event was a space for listening, learning, reflection and celebration.

“Every year, we at Council are proud to host an event for National Reconciliation Week, continuing the work we’ve been doing for many years to move towards Reconciliation and support First Nations people,” he said.

“We were the first level of government to make a formal apology to the Stolen Generation, and

OPINION

we have a passionate team of experts who have developed strong, respectful and productive relationships with local First Nations groups for more than 20 years.

“This event is a chance for community members to hear more about First Nations history, cultures, stories, and the important steps we need to take next. “

Attendees heard from Darug man and professional Yidaki/Didgeridoo player Kiernan Ironfield, a panel discussion on treaty and truth telling, a comedy set from Sean Choolburra and a personal reflection from Council CEO Tammi Rose, which was followed by a performance from Baker Boy that had the audience on their feet and singing.

Cr Higgins said this year’s theme, All In, is a call to action. A call for every Australian to actively commit to reconciliation.

“It’s a reminder that progress isn’t something that happens in the background, or something we can leave to others,” he said.

“Listening matters, being open to learning matters, and that’s how we make a start.

“There was powerful truth-telling, deep listening and moments that stopped us all in our tracks. We walked away reminded that Reconciliation isn’t a word, it’s something we share, something we feel, and something we have a collective responsibility to achieve.”

Audience members commented that the day was “an unforgettable experience,” and a day “filled with learning, celebration, culture and connection.”

To find out more about Reconciliation and the council’s work in this space, visit yarraranges.vic. gov.au/reconciliation.

Baker Boy performing at The Memo. (File: 556198)

The raw power of poetry

By Maria Millers

“It’s truly exciting news that Australia is about to appoint its first poet laureate in 200 years. At last, the Albanese government is giving poetry proper recognition as an art form that speaks to and for a country’s people, not something that exists only in schoolrooms, fusty old books or funky bars” - Jane Sullivan, The Sydney Morning Herald, 2023

Alas, this exciting news of 2023 has been put on the back burner. And anyway, probably for most Australians, it would be far down on their list of priorities. What they would ask is what has poetry got to do with cost of living pressures, housing unavailability, climate anxiety, technological disruption and many other concerns of modern living?

And yet in past times of disruption, uncertainty and hardship, whether caused by war, political upheaval, economic hardship or national tragedy, poetry has often flourished.

Today, there is confusion about what kind of country Australians believe themselves to be, and what kind of country they are actually becoming. There is, however, little leadership in fostering a debate around this topic.

Modern life increasingly rewards speed, distraction, and simplified narratives. Poetry asks readers to slow down, notice details and tolerate complexity.

And poetry often succeeds where reports, speeches, policy papers, and news articles struggle. It distils political, social, and moral issues into images, stories, rhythms, and emotions that people can carry with them long after the details are forgotten.

Poets from oppressed or disadvantaged communities often articulate experiences that dominant institutions overlook. It’s this ability to transform public issues into human experience that’s one reason why poetry has remained politically and socially influential from the time of Homer to contemporary poets writing about climate change, migration, war, and inequality Poetry, of course, does not solve inequality directly, but it can challenge assumptions, build empathy, and expand public understanding of whose stories matter and can express those feelings that many people may share but find hard to express.

A Poet Laureate can bring a different kind of leadership: a cultural and moral one, other than a political one.

US Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman’s poem The Hill We Climb, delivered at the presidential inauguration in 2021, emphasised democratic renewal and collective responsibility during a time of intense political division: We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover. And every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful, will emerge battered and beautiful. When day comes, we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid.

The new dawn blooms as we free it.

WOORILLA WORDS

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to be it.

Poets can also be critical and highlight injustices, inequality, moral failings, and invite people to reflect.

UK Poet Laureate 2009-2019, Carol Ann Duffy wrote poems responding to contemporary events, helping readers reflect on social and political changes, promoting unity while acknowledging difference

Imagine living in a strange, dark city for 20 years.

There are some dismal dwellings on the east side and one of them is yours. On the landing, you hear your foreign accent echo down the stairs. You think in a language of your own and talk in theirs.

Then you are writing home. The voice in your head

Recites the letter in a local dialect; behind that Is the sound of your mother singing to you, All that time ago, and now you do not know Why your eyes are watering and what’s the word for this.

-ExcerptfromForeign

Many laureates seek common ground while acknowledging diverse experiences. Rather than issuing directives, they invite reflection and dialogue.

Current UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage promoted poetry projects that encouraged participation and reflection during the Covid-19 pandemic era. He believed that a laureate must be prepared to go into schools, prisons, communities, hospices, theatres, festivals and nightclubs and address social change.

Give SimonArmitage

Of all the public places, dear to make a scene, I’ve chosen here.

Of all the doorways in the world to choose to sleep, I’ve chosen yours.

I’m on the street, under the stars.

For coppers I can dance or sing.

For silver-swallow swords, eat fire.

For gold-escape from locks and chains.

It’s not as if I’m holding out for frankincense or myrrh, just change.

You give me tea. That’s big of you.

I’m on my knees. I beg of you.

This is a remarkably simple poem, spoken by a homeless person sleeping in a doorway and asking for some compassion from a stranger.

The longest serving Poet Laureate was Lord Alfred Tennyson (1850-1892), best remembered for The Charge of the Light Brigade, written shortly after reports reached Britain of the disastrous cavalry charge at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War.

The charge resulted from confused orders and led hundreds of British cavalrymen into devastating Russian fire. It was recited publicly, memorised by schoolchildren, and helped sustain morale during a difficult war. The poem simultaneously recognises bravery, but also military incompetence.

Most recall the lines.

Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die.

By the 20th century, poets such as Wilfred Owen felt freer to challenge patriotic narratives directly.

Poems such as Dulce et Decorum Est changed public perceptions of war. Owen did not debate military strategy; he showed readers the suffering of a single soldier during World War I.

If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood

Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud

Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,— My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori.

Writing today, Mohammed Mousa, in They ask me who I am describes Gaza as the ‘largest open-air prison’ but this does not prevent him from holding on to hope: nothing I want more than a homeland, unrestricted birthplace, no fences of tyranny, no walls of oppression, no checkpoints to undress my fears, with clouds heavy enough to carry my soul.

Australian Indigenous poets have often used poetry as both art and advocacy, transforming social and political issues into powerful personal testimony. Their work frequently addresses dispossession, racism, cultural survival, identity, incarceration, environmental stewardship, and reconciliation.

Australian Indigenous poets such as Oodgeroo Noonuccal had transformed political arguments about Aboriginal rights into direct, personal, memorable language. Even today, her voice continues to inspire new generations to honour their roots and stand tall in the face of adversity: poets like Ali Cobby Eckermann, Ellen Van Neeren, Tony Birch, Emily Araluen follow in her footsteps. We are as strangers here now, but the white tribe are the strangers.

We belong here, we are of the old ways. We are the corroboree and the bora ground, We are the old ceremonies, the laws of the elders.

We are the wonder tales of Dream Time, the tribal legends told.

-ExcerptfromWeareGoing

Today, poetry has a new way of reaching people. Poetry no longer lives only on the page, but on stages, screens, headphones, social media feeds, and public spaces.

Many scholars argue that poetry today may actually be reaching more people through spoken word, rap, podcasts, and digital media than through traditional printed poetry collections alone.

Beau Taplin represents a newer generation of poets, one that does not fit the traditional profile of a poet.

He came to fame through social media, posting his own song lyrics in poetry form, and has grown a following of more than 800,000 fans on social media.

But despite his status as one of Australia’s most widely followed poets, the Melbourne-based author had mixed feelings about the poet laureate announcement.

“When I first heard about it — and this is very pessimistic — but I just felt like it would likely be a meaningless title because they would go in a direction where it’s not really about everyday people,” he said

Some say that reading or writing poetry can be a small act of resistance against a culture that often reduces and labels people only as consumers, voters, or social media profiles.

Of course, a poem cannot feed the hungry, house the homeless, stop a war or redesign a tax system. Even though poetry does not produce change automatically, it can shape perceptions, values and imagination.

In an age increasingly influenced by algorithms and artificial intelligence, poetry may become more valuable precisely because it emphasises qualities that are deeply human: attention, ambiguity, emotional depth, lived experience, and the search for meaning. Trauma, grief, humiliation, and moral injury can be difficult to describe directly. Poetry can reveal what these conditions feel like from the inside.

In periods of social stability, poetry may seem peripheral. In periods of crisis, people often return to it because social breakdown is not merely a technical problem; it is also an emotional, moral, and imaginative problem.

A historian may need 500 pages to explain a war, a poet may crystallise the emotional reality in a few lines.

For example, from W. H. Auden’s poem September 1, 1939: We must love one another or die. People may forget an argument, but they often remember an image, a metaphor, or a line of verse for decades.

The Woorilla Poetry Prize 2026 is now open for entries via Submittable. Visit woorilla.org.au

Backing the Hills in the Victorian budget

There was welcome news in May’s Victorian Budget delivering meaningful investments across our Hills communities and more broadly for Victorians.

I am thrilled that Sherbrooke Community School will receive more than $9 million for a major upgrade and modernisation. This includes a new learning facility, ensuring students have access to contemporary, inclusive and engaging learning environments. Monbulk College will also benefit from $488,000 to refurbish toilets, including the addition of an all-abilities bathroom to improve accessibility, hygiene and comfort for students.

In Cockatoo, safety improvements are on the way for students and families, with illuminated school zone speed signs to be installed on Belgrave-Gembrook Road at Cockatoo Primary School. These upgrades will help improve driver awareness and reduce speeds during busy (and foggy!) school times.

There is also exciting progress for local sport, with up to $100,000 allocated to support the master planning of upgrades at Emerald Tennis Club. This funding will help guide the future development of this popular and busy club, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of local players and the wider community.

Major investment is also flowing into our local health services. The Angliss Hospital expansion (due to open in the coming months) will receive a

CARTOON

State of State Affairs

$44.79 million investment, ensuring our growing community has access to the care it needs, closer to home. Alongside this, Urgent Care Clinics in Bayswater, Lilydale, Narre Warren and Pakenham and the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) continue to provide important alternatives for non-life-threatening conditions, helping to ease pressure on our hospitals while delivering timely care.

I encourage those who think they may need a hospital, to make use of the VVED, which, via video call, allows you to be triaged by an Emergency Doctor or Registered Nurse based in a Victorian hospital. The beauty of this is that you can be at home, work or travelling throughout our state and be able to access this service any time of the day or night, free of charge. Of course, in the case of an emergency, always call Triple Zero. Urgent Care Clinics (UCC) are also great for immediate, nonemergency and completely free treatment. Having family members who have used both

VVED and UCCs, I can personally recommend them!

Cost of living remains front of mind for many households. Our Government continues to provide real and practical support through initiatives such as the 20 per cent Rego Rebate (on car and motorbike registrations paid during this financial year). After two months of free public transport, travel on public trains, trams and buses across Victoria will remain half price until the end of the year, with free travel every day for under 18s, and free travel on weekends for Seniors, Carer Card holders and Disability Support Pension recipients.

If you need assistance with applying for the Rego Rebate or would like more information on other cost-of-living supports, please contact my office. We have a comprehensive four-page document outlining all of the supports currently available, which you are welcome to pick up from my office in Belgrave, or we can send a copy via email.

I am very much looking forward to the Belgrave Lantern Festival. This much-loved annual event brings our community together to light up the darkest night and celebrate the creativity, warmth and spirit that defines our Hills community.

If you see me out and about, please stop by for a chat. Hearing directly from our community is the most important part of my role and informs my advocacy on our community’s behalf.

Alien thriller is 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.

Be prepared for some unmissable shows 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.

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 thecosyhall,youarewelcometoperformanything 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.

Daniela De Martino

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. ●

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.

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

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

Tennis club scores grant

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Ferny Creek Tennis Club is set to upgrade its facilities after being named among the recipients of Tennis Victoria’s 2026 Venue Improvement Grant.

The club was one of 43 successful recipients across the state to receive funding through the program, which supports community-driven projects aimed at enhancing accessibility, sustainability and the overall player experience.

Ferny Creek Tennis Club general committee member Emily Townsend said the funding would provide a welcome boost for the volunteer-run club.

“It means quite a bit,” Ms Townsend said.

“There’s always work to be done around the club, so this funding is a big help. It allows us to make improvements that might otherwise be difficult to achieve.”

The 2026 Venue Improvement Grants support upgrades including court equipment, shade, water fountains, seating, nets and windbreaks, helping clubs create more welcoming spaces and grow participation.

Ferny Creek Tennis Club received about $1500 through the program and plans to use the funding to upgrade spectator seating.

Ms Townsend said the new seating would provide a more comfortable experience for families, parents and supporters attending matches and junior tennis programs.

“We’ve had old seating that’s getting very tired and needing updating,” she said.

“We’ll just have better seating for everybody.”

The upgrades are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

With about 150 memberships, Ferny Creek Tennis Club relies heavily on volunteers to maintain its facilities and operations.

Ms Townsend said grants such as this played an important role in helping smaller clubs carry out projects that may otherwise be beyond their reach.

club hopes the upgrades will help attract new members while encouraging existing players to remain involved.

Ms Townsend said Ferny Creek Tennis Club was particularly proud of its en tout cas courts, which remain among the few of their kind still in use.

“Any tennis players, they really love the courts,” she said.

“I think it makes our club more attractive to new members and current ones to keep coming back and supporting their local club.”

Looking ahead, the club’s focus remains on growing participation through coaching programs, community events and membership growth.

The

“Our main goal is just to keep growing and get more people coming and using our club,” Ms Townsend said.

Ferny Creek Tennis Club was joined by Bayswater North Tennis Club and Knox Gardens Tennis Club among the grant recipients from the local area.

Ferny Creek Tennis Club will upgrade spectator seating after receiving a $1500 Tennis Victoria Venue Improvement Grant. (Supplied)

Monbulk feel sting

Monbulk Rangers Seniors have suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 3-0 to Monash Villarreal on Friday night.

The reserves got the evening off to a bright start when Liam Zwagerman slipped a clever pass through to Jaydon Steele, who calmly slotted the ball past the Monash goalkeeper to give Monbulk an early lead.

Unfortunately, Monash responded strongly, scoring twice before half-time before adding two more goals late in the contest to secure a 4-1 victory.

The senior match was always shaping as a tough encounter, with Monash Villarreal sitting second on the ladder, just five points behind the Rangers heading into the clash.

Monash had also strengthened significantly under a new coach, recruiting several players from higher divisions, adding further quality and

experience to an already strong side.

One of Monbulk’s greatest strengths this year has been their ability to pressure opponents, regain possession quickly and launch dangerous counter-attacks, with many goals also coming from set pieces.

However, on Friday night, Monash controlled much of the possession and created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the opening half.

Despite the sustained pressure, the Rangers looked set to head into the break with the scores level.

That was until the 44th minute, when an individual piece of brilliance from a Monash striker saw the ball curled into the bottom corner of the Monbulk net.

Monbulk began the second half positively and looked determined to fight their way back into

the contest.

However, Monash doubled their advantage when a dangerous cross into the box was unfortunately deflected into the Rangers’ goal by a Monbulk defender.

The Rangers continued to push forward and created several useful attacking opportunities.

As Monbulk committed numbers forward in search of a way back into the game, Monash sealed the result late in the contest when a lofted ball to the back post was headed home to make it 3-0.

While the defeat ends Monbulk’s unbeaten start to the season, the Rangers remain on top of the ladder by two points.

They will now turn their attention to next week’s clash against Mount Waverley, where they will be eager to return to winning ways.

Outer East girls go undefeated in interleague carnival

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 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.”

Around the region’s football ovals and netball courts

By Armin Richter

• Seniors: Wandin 16.9.105 def Upwey-Tecoma 11.14.80; Mt. Evelyn 19.12.126 def WarburtonMillgrove 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 WarburtonMillgrove 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 GembrookCockatoo 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 Belgrave 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; UpweyTecoma 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 Division 1

• 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 GembrookCockatoo 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

Premier Division

• 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 Gembrook-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 15: 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 Division 1

• A Grade: Pakenham 64 def Alexandra 25; Emerald 51 def Yarra Junction 30; Seville 108 def Powelltown 33; Yarra Glen 61 def Belgrave 36; Yea bye

• B Grade: Pakenham 75 def Alexandra 20; Emerald 51 def Yarra Junction 33; Seville 90 def Powelltown 12; Yarra Glen 48 def Belgrave 33; Yea bye

• C Grade: 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 Junction 24; Seville 59 def Powelltown 6, Yarra Glen 38 def Belgrave 33; Pakenham + Yea bye

• Under 17: Emerald 48 def Yarra Junction 4, Seville Blue 55 def Seville White 12; Pakenham Gold 35 def Alexandra 7; Pakenham Maroon 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

The Outer East U16 girls went undfeated 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)

Monbulk Huddle. (Ollie Tory)

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

Hawks fly high on the road

By Armin Richter Football Seniors

Under dark and threatening skies the Monbulk team travelled to Healesville’s Don Road Reserve to meet the locals. The Hawks applied manic pressure throughout the game which caused numerous turnovers. Monbulk’s defence was also brilliant all day which meant that the Bloods didn’t kick their first goal until time-on in the third term, by which time Monbulk had wrapped up the game with nine of their own.

Healesville managed a further two consolation goals in the last term but still recorded their second lowest ever score against the Hawks. Their lowest had been 1.5.11 in the Covid affected year of 2021, also played at Healesville. This match was just Monbulk’s second win at Healesville since the 2011 season. The victory puts Monbulk just percentage behind Officer outside of the Top Five at the half way mark of the season.

Monbulk 12.10.82 def Healesville 3.8.26

• Best: Aaron Hoare, Caleb Quirk, Riley Finlay, Charlie Barge, Kai Linde, Bailey Rutherford

• Goals: Taylor Joyce 3, Lochlan Beecroft 2, Josh Wentworth 2, Joshua Dawson 2, Joel Wensley 1, Lachlan Smith 1, Ben Hughson 1 Reserves

The final scoreline would normally be reminiscent of a heavy slog in muddy conditions however, apart from a breeze blowing towards the dog track end, it was close to perfect on the firm vast expanses. Both defences had the better on the day and while Monbulk dominated possession they were unable to translate that onto the scoreboard. The Hawks are fifth on the ladder.

Monbulk 5.9.39 def Healesville 1.3.9

• Best: Noah Rutherford, Daniel Banks, Trent Purcell, Jacob Defina, Nicholas Heron, Karl Ravenhorst

• Goals: Kieren Galloway 1, Daniel Banks 1, Jacob Defina 1, Karl Ravenhorst 1, Gary Ross 1 Under 18s

Being struck down by injuries to numerous players the 10th placed Hawks had just 18 players compared to the home side’s 25. The undefeated Healesville team would have entered the match as warm favourites but nobody told the plucky Monbulk side that. Apart from the third quarter, where Healesville kicked 6.3 to nothing with the breeze, Monbulk nearly outscored their more fancied opponents for the other three quarters on the back of some remarkable accuracy.

Monbulk 9.0.54 def by Healesville 14.11.95

• Best: Finley Ede, Thomas Hill, Arley Gray, Myles Koelewyn, Blake Nicholson, Ryder Koelewyn

• Goals: Riley Broadbent 3, Charlie Seamer 2, Finley Ede 1, Arley Gray 1, Ryder Koelewyn 1, Thomas Hill 1

Semi-final sweep for Gully

Ferntree Gully Tennis Club enjoyed another strong week of competition, with several teams recording impressive results as finals action intensified across multiple associations.

In the Midweek Eastern Metropolitan Region Ladies’ Tennis Association, Ferntree Gully’s Section 6 team produced a dominant performance to defeat Doncaster 5-1.

The biggest highlight came in the Knox District Night Tennis Association Tuesday Section 1 semi-finals, where both Ferntree Gully teams secured emphatic victories.

Ferntree Gully (AI) defeated Belgrave Heights 6-0, while Ferntree Gully (DP) also won 6-0 against Upwey South. The results set up an all-Ferntree Gully grand final, guaranteeing the club will take home the premiership.

In Thursday Section 7, Ferntree Gully defeated Mooroolbark Heights 3-2 in a hardfought semi-final and will now progress to the preliminary final.

Thursday Section 8 also contested semi-finals, with Ferntree Gully going down to Parker Reserve 3-1.

Despite the loss, the team remains in contention and will now compete in the preliminary final.

In the Ferntree Gully and District Ladies’ Tennis Association Section 4 semi-final, Wantirna defeated Ferntree Gully 5-1, unfortunately ending the team’s finals campaign.

The club’s popular All Abilities Tennis program continues to thrive, with several new players joining this term.

Ferntree Gully Tennis Club’s Laura in action. (Supplied)

The club extends its thanks to the dedicated volunteers who assist each week and help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.

With two teams still alive in finals and an all-Ferntree Gully grand final on the horizon, excitement continues to build around the club as the season end approaches.

Veterans

With a short nine round season, Monbulk needed a win against a top team to stake their finals credentials. Facing the reigning premiers on their ground on Friday night the Hawks looked the goods for three quarters but squandered chances in front of goal to lead 4.10 to 3.4 at the final change. The Brookers then attacked hard in the last to sneak home by two points. Monbulk are now percentage behind the fourth placed Olinda. Monbulk 4.11.35 def by Gembrook-Cockatoo 5.7.37

• Best: Johnathon Hevern, Shaun Brooks, Steven Nuutinen, Jared Major, Vincent Dunstan, Shannon Koole

• Goals: Steven Nuutinen 2, Shaun Brooks 1, Johnathon Hevern 1

Netball

A Grade

The third placed Monbulk side were given a tough run by a determined Healesville outfit that made them work hard for their win. Many desperate defensive efforts by Nicholas, Scott-Thomas, Kelly and Jones gave them some valuable turnovers.

Monbulk 60 def Healesville 47

• Best: Alice Nicholas, Nicole Macdowell, Peri Reid

• Goals: Peri Reid 52, Jorja Wragg 6, Nicole Macdowell 2

B Grade

Monbulk scored a valuable win to round out the first half of the season as they recorded a strong 39 goal win. They sit in fifth place with their wins having been over the five sides below them.

Monbulk 67 def Healesville 28

• Best: Chloe Baker, Catherine Braniska, Chloe Carmichael

• Goals: Chloe Baker 45, Dayna Walsham 13, Catherine Braniska 1 (+ 8 not recorded)

C Grade

The Hawks had been fighting hard for little reward so far this year. Against Healesville they crashed through for their maiden victory for the season by an impressive 35 goals. The whole team put in a superb effort.

Monbulk 53 def Healesville 18

• Best: Hayley Donald, Emma Mason, Grace Sands

• Goals: Maddy Buckland 34, Grace Sands 17, Isla Stubbs 2

D Grade

Monbulk had a clean sweep of wins across the netball court against Healesville as D Grade also recorded a solid 23 goal win in blustery conditions. The reigning premiers find themselves percentage off third place.Monbulk 39 def Healesville 16

• Best: Ella Flynn, Brooke O’Loughlin, Bronte Passingham

• Goals: Ella Flynn 22, Jamie Sands 12, Emiley Asling 5 Under 17s

Monbulk Maroon and Monbulk Gold rounded out the first half of the season with a clash against each other at Healesville. In a friendly but tough encounter it was the Maroon side who emerged victorious by 17 goals, and replacing their Gold club mates in fifth place on percentage.

Monbulk Maroon 39 def Monbulk Gold 22

• Maroon Best: Chelsea Ferguson, Ruby Irwin, Milla Puddy

• Gold Best: Kaitlyn Summers, Kaia Stewart, Stevie Mullinder

• Maroon Goals: Chelsea Ferguson 35, Isla Stubbs 4

• Gold Goals: Summer Kuppers 10, Kaitlyn Summers 10, Amelia Magarry 2 Under 15s

The strength of Monbulk’s junior netball was also on display in the Under 15s where a skillful and entertaining match showcased the up and coming talent. The Gold team remain undefeated after prevailing over the Maroon contingent, who are also in the Top 5.

Monbulk Gold 57 def Monbulk Maroon 25

• Gold Best: Indiana Kirk, Alanna White, Ria Greenaway

• Maroon Best: Isabelle Kos, Ella Osborne, Olivia Dalman

• Gold Goals: Eden Murphy 30, Amelia Magarry 22, Ria Greenaway 5

• Maroon Goals: Isabelle Kos 20, Jessica Verheyen 5

Monbulk’s reliable onballer Lochie Beecroft weaves his way through Healesville opposition. (Anthea Heagney)

Seeing double in the Under 17s clash between Monbulk Maroon and Monbulk Gold.

Hawks goal shooter Maddy Buckland won this contest as Monbulk’s C Grade team won big.

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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