Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 23rd June 2026

River link

By Callum Ludwig

The official announcement has arrived for the Birrarung Valley Walk project that will link the Birrarung (Yarra River) from the city to deep into the Upper Yarra and Yarra Ranges.

By linking over 200km of trails, a multi-day hike from the river’s estuary in Williamstown to its source in the Upper Yarra dam will be almost entirely possible via one route.

In the announcement on Monday 15 June, Birrarung Valley Walk chair Bruce Parncutt AO said they are announcing a walking trail that, on the basis of the evidence they’ve gathered, is unique on this planet.

“For the first time in any major city in the world, a great urban river will be walkable from its estuary to the mountain catchment that feeds it, entirely on public land,” he said.

“It will be a 220-kilometre open-air institution. An ecological corridor. An environmental journey through the oldest, continuous living culture on earth. A platform for storytelling through our mobile app, for healing, for connection and for the long, patient work of caring for Country.”

At only one point will vehicle transfer be required to continue the walk, with trekkers having to drive from Mount Lofty to Lilydale to continue on their journey.

In 2017, six Wurundjeri Elders entered the chamber and spoke in their traditional language in support of the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act, the first time in Victoria’s history that Traditional Custodians had been given a legally mandated voice in river management, and it also marked the first time a river in this country had been given “living entity” status.

Wilip-gin Birrarung murron or ‘Keep Birrarung alive’ has gone on to influence the Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (Yarra Strategic Plan) 2022-32.

The plan laid the foundation for the exploration of the Birrarung Valley Walk, a 13-day, 220km hike which will be one way for ‘ordinary Victorians’ to experience the river, to understand how important the river is and what it provides for each of us, according to Mr Parncutt.

Turn to page 6 for more

Sanctuary jobs in jeopardy

By Gabriella Vukman

A proposed restructure at Zoos Victoria has sparked concern among staff and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), with fears that job cuts at Healesville Sanctuary could weaken conservation efforts and place unsustainable pressure on remaining employees.

The changes, which are currently under consultation and have not been finalised, form part of an internal review process required under Zoos Victoria’s enterprise agreement.

Staff and unions have been invited to provide feedback and submit alternative proposals before any decisions are made.

At the centre of the controversy is a proposed

overhaul of Life Science management roles.

Specialist leadership positions could be replaced by broader “precinct manager” roles responsible for overseeing multiple teams across Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park.

The proposed changes could severely impact Healeville Sanctuary’s operations.

“The proposed job cuts at Healesville Sanctuary will have devastating impacts on all programs run at the Sanctuary and the important work undertaken by the Life Science Team,” Ms Hanna said.

“These Precinct Manager roles will have impossible workloads, managing multiple teams across Healesville and Kyabram Fauna Park,” she said.

Winter Woollies whinny

It was a pasture-perfect day at the Healesville Pony Club grounds on Thursday, 18 June, as the club’s annual Winter Woollies event returned for another round.

Attended by riders, volunteers, sponsors and horse enthusiasts alike, the competition was a day of unbridled community fun and fundraising.

The event was supported by Bendigo Bank, whose sponsorship helped fund important in-

frastructure improvements at the grounds.

Branch Manager Keeley Mahoney said the bank works closely with local groups to strengthen the community.

“We really love our town that we live in and we want to make sure it thrives in all areas and covers all ages and types of people in the town,” Ms Mahoney said.

“The profit that we make we try to give back to a diverse group of clubs and groups.”

Thursday’s Winter Wollies was a mane attraction for local riders (Stewart Chambers)

Sanctuary jobs in jeopardy

By Gabriella Vukman

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has raised concerns that proposed job cuts at Zoos Victoria, including at Healesville Sanctuary, could place pressure on staff and undermine conservation work.

The proposed restructure comes as Zoos Victoria allegedly continues to face financial pressure, with the rise of broader scrutiny of funding arrangements across Victorian public entities.

Zoos Victoria staff have been informed of proposed changes as part of an internal consultation process required under the enterprise agreement.

The process allows staff and unions to provide feedback and alternative proposals before any final decisions are made.

Zoos Victoria has indicated the organisational changes are not finalised and are still in the proposal stage, with formal consultation currently underway.

Zoos Victoria did not provide comment, nor further information on the matter, rendering the active consultation process the reason for the organisation’s silence.

The CPSU said while consultation is required, there are no individual job protections under the current enterprise agreement, and broader industrial bargaining will not take place until the agreement is renegotiated in coming years.

CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary Jiselle Hanna said the proposed changes could have significant impacts across Healesville Sanctuary’s operations.

A key concern for the union is the restructuring of Life Science management roles, which would see specialist positions replaced with broader “precinct manager” roles overseeing multiple teams across different sites.

“The proposed job cuts at Healesville Sanctuary will have devastating impacts on all programs

run at the Sanctuary and the important work undertaken by the Life Science Team,” Ms Hanna said.

“These Precinct Manager roles will have impossible workloads, managing multiple teams across Healesville, and Kyabram Fauna Park,” she said.

The CPSU also raised concerns about proposed reductions in administrative staff at the Healesville Animal Hospital, warning this could shift non-clinical duties onto veterinary staff.

“The cuts also include administration jobs at the Healesville Animal Hospital,” Ms Hanna said.

“This means vets and nurses will be answering

Council calls for safer crossings

Crossing the road should be simple and safe – but in many parts of the Yarra Ranges, it can be difficult and unsafe for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Yarra Ranges Council is advocating to the State Government, ahead of this year’s election, for a $4 million investment to deliver new pedestrian crossings at high-risk locations across the Yarra Ranges.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins said that increased visitation and growth in our towns puts increasing demand on local roads and highlights safety risks.

Cr Higgin said each year, more than 4.5 million people visit the region, mostly on weekends and public holidays.

“In many of our busiest areas, pedestrian and vehicle activity is simply outpacing the crossing infrastructure we have and there are limited or no safe crossing points available. For children, older residents and people with a disability, this can make it impossible to access the community without major safety risks,” he said.

“It is unacceptable that in 2026 we still have townships, with major State-Government managed arterial roads running through them, that do not have any signalised pedestrian crossings. In Victoria alone, 52 pedestrians lost their lives on the roads in 2025.

“Pedestrian crossings are a simple and effective way to reduce the road toll, and make our region safer for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists alike.”

Members of the community often provide feedback on where safer crossings are needed. Council will continue to assess these locations and advocate to the State Government for the highest priority sites to receive investment.

The list of priority locations for new pedestrian crossings include:

Kallista, on Monbulk Road near the roundabout.

Lilydale, along Swansea Road at the Olinda Creek Trail.

Mooroolbark, on Pembroke Road at the Brushy Creek Trail.

Mount Evelyn, on York Road at the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Trail.

Olinda, on Mount Dandenong Road in the township.

Sassafras, on Mountain Highway in the township.

Seville East, on Warburton Highway near Peters Road and Old Warburton Highway.

Wandin North, on Warburton Highway near Alfred Street.

Yarra Glen, on Melba Highway near Arm-

phones and doing data entry instead of caring for animals.”

Healesville Sanctuary is home to an array of conservation and breeding programs focused on native Australian wildlife, including threatened species recovery, veterinary care, and habitat management.

These programs are delivered by specialist teams working across animal care, veterinary science and conservation breeding, with the Life Science division forming a central part of the Sanctuary’s day-to-day operations.

Staff in these teams are responsible for both the welfare of animals in care and the delivery

of long-term conservation outcomes for species across Victoria.

Ms Hanna also noted members fear the changes could lead to burnout due to increased workloads, and a loss of specialist knowledge within the organisation.

“These cuts are an awful deal for the workers, and for families, visitors, schools and the animals,” she said.

“The workers who remain will be expected to do more with less. That means increased workloads, higher stress, burnout risks and the loss decades of collective knowledge and experience.”

She also said the union would continue to push back against the proposed changes during the upcoming consultation period, with support from the broader community.

“We will fight to stop these cuts, with the support of Victorians who love our zoos and the essential conservation work they do,” Ms Hanna said.

The CPSU has confirmed it will lodge an alternative proposal on behalf of members as part of the consultation process, which is expected to run over the coming weeks.

As consultation continues, staff and management are expected to work through feedback and alternatives before any final structure is confirmed.

strong Grove.

Yarra Junction, on Warburton Highway near Corduroy Road and the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail.

Cr Higgins said that working with the State Government was critical to addressing these road safety issues.

“We have a strong working relationship with the State Government, and we’ve been clear about the need for these crossings,” he said.

“Improving crossing infrastructure has both safety and social benefits. It helps people get around their own towns, but also reduces congestion by encouraging people to walk or ride locally.

“I ask all candidates for this year’s State Election, and all parties, to commit to making our community safer with new pedestrian crossings.” Find out more about the council’s advocacy priorities at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/advocacy.

The threat of job cuts has reached Healesville Sanctuary (File: 541890)

The Sanctuary is home to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre. (Zoos Victoria)

The Warburton Highway in Seville East, historically unsafe for drivers and pedestrians, is one site the council wants a crossing. (File: 310598)

Local crime is down

The latest crime statistics for Victoria are in, with a decrease in both the total number of offences and the crime rate recorded.

There were 625,426 criminal offences recorded in Victoria in the twelve months to March 2026 – a decrease of 1524 or 0.2 per cent.

The crime rate which factors in population growth decreased by 1.9 per cent (8690.8 offences per 100,000 people).

Victoria Police’s deputy commissioner of regional operations Bob Hill said while pleasing to see overall crime slightly decrease, the reality is that overall crime in Victoria still remains far higher than both police and the community would like.

“This is why we are absolutely committed to ensuring our highly trained officers are where they are needed most – in the community, patrolling the streets, deterring criminal behaviour and preventing crime,” he said.

“This approach is pivotal to achieving Victoria Police’s goal of reducing serious and violent crime by 5 per cent each year.

“The early indications are we’re making some positive steps to achieve this with armed robberies, carjackings, and aggravated home burglaries all reducing.

“Our dedicated officers continue to work extremely hard around-the-clock to protect the community, with a record 210 offenders arrested every day.”

It is the first time in almost four years that Victoria has recorded a decrease but it comes in the context of overall crime having increased by 26 per cent over the past three years.

Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said there’s more work to do but crime is down, youth offending is down and more people are being jailed not bailed.

“We give police what they need to keep Victorians safe – more powers, tougher laws and stronger consequences,” he said.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest statistics for the Outer East region:

In the Yarra Ranges, criminal incidents were down 2.2 per cent on the previous year (5798 from 5926), with 31.6 per cent having charges laid, 21.5 per cent yet to have charges laid and 46.9 per cent unsolved.

Lilydale (1150 incidents, down from 1220), Mooroolbark (775up from 768), Chirnside Park (654 down from 675), Kilsyth (456 down from 470) and Healesville (347 up from 314) were the crime hotspots.

Theft from a motor vehicle (564 incidents), breaching a family violence order (529), theft from a retail store (517), criminal damage (516) and other theft (474) were the most common offences.

In Knox, criminal incidents were down 7.6 per cent on the previous year (7862 from 8507), with 28.4 per cent having charges laid, 16.9 per cent yet to have charges laid and 54.7 per cent unsolved.

Boronia (1420 incidents, up from 1414), Wantirna South (1388 down from 1608), Ferntree Gully (1205 down from 1374), Rowville (1186 up from 1180) and Bayswater (888 up from 932) were the crime hotspots.

Theft from a motor vehicle (1375 incidents), theft from a retail store (778), other theft (740), criminal damage (606) and breaching a family violence order (464) were the most common offences.

In Maroondah, criminal incidents were down 0.2 per cent on the previous year (6811 from 6828), with 35.9 per cent having charges laid, 16.6 per cent yet to have charges laid and 47.5 per cent unsolved.

Ringwood (3029 incidents, up from 2901), Croydon (1584 up from 1503), Bayswater North (650 down from 702), Ringwood East (503 down from 568) and Heathmont (255 down from 352) were the crime hotspots.

Theft from a motor vehicle (875 incidents), breaching bail conditions (697), theft from a retail store (619), other theft (526), and criminal damage (412) were the most common offences.

In Cardinia, criminal incidents were down 4.2 per cent on the previous year (6510 from 6797), with 29.2 per cent having charges laid, 17.4 per cent yet to have charges laid and 53.5 per cent unsolved.

Pakenham (3533 incidents, down from 3761), Officer (1113 down from 1168), Beaconsfield (454 up from 422), Koo Wee Rup (226 up from 216) and Emerald (156 down from 184) were the crime hotspots.

Theft from a motor vehicle (1005 incidents), breaching a family violence order (611), other theft (599), criminal damage (505) and theft from a retail store (405) were the most common offences.

Victoria Police analysis suggests it will take some time before crime reduces to levels more traditionally seen in Victoria, with the cost of living, recidivism, organised crime and drugs remaining the main drivers, enabled through the increased use of technology.

Statewide, the top three contributors to overall crime consistently remain breaches of orders (86,227 +6 per cent), theft from motor vehicles (80,786 offences -2 per cent) and assaults (52,811 -0.1 per cent).

During this reporting period, Victoria Police arrested a record 26,808 people a combined 76,610 times – a record level of enforcement by hardworking officers.

IN BRIEF

Mobile service centre visiting the Valley

The Service Australia big blue Mobile Service Centre is coming to town.

It will be visiting Healesville in the Coronation Park car park on River Street on Monday 22 June between 9am and 4pm.

It will visit Warburton in the Ottery’s car park off Warburton Highway on Tuesday 23 June.

Then it will stop in Yarra Junction in the Yarra Centre car park along the Warburton Highway on Wednesday 24 June.

Finally, it will visit Cockatoo in the Alma Treloar Reserve car park on Pakenham Road on Thursday 25 June between 9.30am and 3pm.

Mobile service centres staff travel in mobile service centres (MSCs) to rural and regional areas to help people with their services and payments.

Thestaffcanhelpyouandyourfamilywithpayments and services for Medicare and Centrelink.

During natural disasters and emergencies, they can provide on-the-ground support for disaster recovery efforts.

For veterans and their families, staff can help you connect to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) phone line and online services.

To find out more, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/ mobile-service-centres.

Firewood collection areas to close soon

The public will not be able to legally collect firewood from state forests and public land after Tuesday 30 June.

Penalties apply if you are caught collecting firewood outside the designated collection seasons or areas.

Firewood collection areas will reopen in spring on Monday 1 September.

Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood.

Visit: ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support? or services.dffh.vic.gov.au/ non-mains-energy-concession

Yarra Ranges locals arrested after operation targeting Hells Angels’ gang People from Pakenham, Mooroolbark and Powelltown contributed to 40 arrests across Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday, 10 June as part of a national day of action targeting the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG).

Detective Inspector Mick Daly from Taskforce Echo said the social and economic impact of outlaw motorcycle gangs on our communities is significant and there is no mistaking that OMCGs are violent, organised criminal networks obsessed with obtaining illicit wealth and power at any cost.

“Ultimately, we want to make it as difficult as possible for these individuals to be involved in serious criminal activity both in Victoria and throughout this country, and that includes the use of anti-association laws,” he said.

“Victoria Police remains committed to the unrelenting pursuit of OMCGs and will continue to use the suite of powers available to us to protect the community from these criminals and their activities.

“With specialist taskforces such as Echo and VIPER, we will continue to work collaboratively with our partner agencies to take action at every opportunity to dismantle and disrupt the illegal, anti-social and violent behaviours associated with OMCGs and reduce the impact of their harm on our community.”

Crime came down statewide and the stats are reflected in the Outer East. (File)

Local helpers awarded

By Gabriella Vukman

The Casey Community Awards went off with a bang on Saturday, 30 May, with five locals across the Healesville and Yering regions recognised for their contributions.

Healesville Connect’s Jo Bracken, Yering District Archer’s Mark Southall, and HICCI’s Libby Prentice, Linda Fab, and Lysa Wheelan were all recipients of Casey Community Awards.

Co-founder of Healesville Connect Jo Bracken said she was taken aback to have received the award.

“It was a surprise, and I wanted to share the award with others,” she said.

“It should have gone to a group, not a person, but I am happy to celebrate the great organisations that I represent.”

Healesville Connect is a group that holds an array of social events for locals of all ages and abilities to take part in.

Ms Bracken said, “I really enjoy that because it’s working with people and finding people of my own age and interests in the community.”

“I do what I do because I really enjoy it and it gives back to the community.”

“It really does give you a warm fuzzy feeling when you are doing something that is successfully running for the community, like Healesville Connect and the Toy Library. It really fills my bucket.”

In addition to her work for Healesville Connect, Ms Bracken was recognised for her role in bringing the Healesville Toy Library back to life.

“The Toy Library had been well established in Healesville for many years, but shut down before COVID because they couldn’t get a committee to run it,” Ms Bracken said.

“It closed and was just sitting in a room off from the community room in the library, not being used. You could see them in the window.”

“I couldn’t believe that all these amazing toys were sitting there not being used.”

Together with fellow Healesville Connect member Anna Bullcock, Ms Bracken assembled a committee and drove the library’s re-establishment.

When it came to nominations, Ms Bracken said it must have been her doggedness that got her the award.

“I am a bit of a dog with a bone when something appeals to me,” she said.

“There was a lot of pre-launch stuff to do, such as getting toys recatalogued, and there is a lot of arduous, not particularly enjoyable work to get it up to scratch.”

“I think I have a bit of tenacity for that sort of thing.”

Despite noting that her stubborn dedication played a role in the re-establishment of the toy library, Ms Bracken said she takes great pleasure in volunteering there each week.

“It is just a joy to go every Saturday,” she said. The awards ceremony itself was thoroughly enjoyed by Ms Bracken.

“It was a good morning in a very beautiful place,” she said.

The event was hosted by lifelong Wandin local and Wandin Toastmaster, Nola Sharp, who received a surprise Casey Community Award for her service to the Wandin community.

Seeing the work of her fellow community members was a major highlight for Ms Bracken.

“I think it is really nice to see people being recognised for doing something that they love to do,”

she said.

While seeing the variety of volunteer work and community efforts was the main highlight for Ms Bracken, the catered morning tea came in close second.

“The morning tea was absolutely fabulous.”

“They had amazing food from slices and sandwiches, to cakes and different teas.”

President of Yering District Archers Mark Southall also featured among the Casey Community Award recipients.

Mr Southall said he felt as though he received the award on behalf of the whole club.

“There are a lot of people in the club that volunteer and put in a lot of effort,” he said.

“Other people at the club also put in equally as much work who do a great job too.”

According to Mr Southall, the awards morning popped off with ‘a few laughs’ , before getting down to the three-hour long ceremony.

When asked why he volunteers, Mr Southall said he couldn’t see it any other way.

“My role is just being involved.”

“I just do what I do,” he said.

“I don’t do it for anything other than to see things that need to be done get done.”

With the indoor competition up and running,

HICCI volunteers heralded at Casey awards

By Gabriella Vukman

Volunteers from HICCI took home three Casey Community Awards in May in recognition of their work for the township of Healesville and its surrounds.

Award recipient and Head of the Community Grocer at HICCI Lysa Wheelan, said she was honoured, albeit a little embarrassed, upon receiving the award.

“I like to fly under the radar, but I was so honoured to have been nominated and to also receive the award,” she said.

Ms Wheelan’s role at HICCI began almost twelve months ago, when the organisation lost its federal funding for their emergency relief plan.

Each Monday, Ms Wheelan and her husband head down to Outer East Foodshare in Wantirna to collect food items for distribution at HICCI.

“We do about 750 kilos of food every week, and we pack that into our four-wheel drive,” she said.

“We bring it back to the office on Monday so that it is available for all our clients for the rest of the week.”

On top of delivering tonnes of food, Ms Wheelan also distributes 130 frozen meals each week throughout the community, does foodbank ordering, and writes grants for the organisation.

“My days are filled with trying to get the word out to people that wouldn’t normally access emergency relief services, because what we are

trying to focus on now is families and the cost of living,” Ms Wheelan said.

“We have so much food that if we can save them $150 on groceries, they may be able to get petrol, pay a medical bill, or pay for their children’s sports.”

Volunteering and giving back to the community is second nature to Ms Wheelan.

“I was raised that if you are lucky enough to have, you always give back,” she said.

“It is something that we have always done.”

Ms Wheelan emphasised that HICCI is ready and available to help anyone in the community.

“It used to be that only people on benefits or Centrelink could access the programme, but now it is available to anybody,” she said.

“We have people come from Narbathong and Marysville and Dixons Creek and all around because we are the only service in the Valley that has the resources and the food for people.”

Reception Volunteer and wearer of many hats at HICCI Linda Fabb also received a Casey Community Award.

Ms Fabb can be seen through the HICCI windows, bagging out food parcels on a Monday afternoon, or helping out in reception on a Wednesday.

“I also do a bit of emergency relief intake,” Ms Fabb said.

“So that is dealing with people making appointments who are maybe struggling to pay

utility bills or are needing some kind of support, which may be a referral to another agency.”

No job at HICCI is too big for Ms Fabb. She often raises her hand to fill in where needed.

Upon receiving the award, Ms Fabb said she was quite conflicted.

“I don’t volunteer with the aim of getting an award,” she said.

“It’s not why I do what I do, but it is nice to be acknowledged.”

It was Ms Fabb’s long community aid journey that got her involved in HICCI in the first place.

“I have worked in the health and community support sector for a lot of my life and have often referred clients to HICCI when they were in need, and have always really admired the work they do.”

“I always had the ambition to volunteer there when I had the time,” she said.

“I enjoy the shared aim and camaraderie you get with other volunteers through doing what needs to be done.”

Mr Southall is now focusing on the club’s fundraiser for a new shooting shelter to replace the old one which was destroyed by the storm events of 2021.

“The shooting shelter is a big thing and I think it will make it a lot better for the club members when it is all completed,” he said.

According to Mr Southall his recipience of the Casey Community Award was only made possible by the hard work of all of the volunteers that are the heartbeat of the club.

“I want to thank all of the club members for being good people and helping out,” he said.

“Maybe I got the award, but there are other people in the club that are just as deserving.”

Mr Southall gave a special mention to his Vice president and said without him and the committee standing behind him as president, the club would not be where it is today.

“The whole committee is just brilliant and that is really what makes the club go around.”

Overall, the purpose of the Casey Community Awards is to recognise the volunteer efforts of locals throughout the Yarra Ranges and it is safe to say that volunteers from the Healesville and neighbouring communities showcased the hard work and community spirit of the region.

Ms Fabb enjoyed seeing the good work of her community highlighted during the awards ceremony.

“It is always really inspiring to hear about the other work that people do,” she said.

“There are so many extraordinary people out there in the community that do quite amazing work.”

President at HICCI, Elizabeth Prentice, was also the recipient of a Casey Community Award. HICCI’s resources can be accessed from 9 am to 2:30 pm Monday to Friday.

Healesville Connect’s Jo Bracken receiving her award. (supplied).

Mark Southall from Yering District Archers’ shared a big grin at the awards ceremony. (Supplied).

Lynda Wheelan receiving her award from Aaron Violi. (Supplied).

Elizabeth Prentice receiving her award from Aaron Violi. (supplied).

Linda Fabb with Aaron Violi. (Supplied).

Community champions

By Callum Ludwig

Last month, a variety of Upper Yarra locals were honoured for their commitment to their communities.

Casey MP Aaron Violi hosted the Casey Community Awards for residents across the electorate and picked out 12 from the Upper Yarra for recognition this year.

Warburton CFA captain Ron McIntosh said he received the award for his dedication to the running and training of the Warburton CFA personnel.

“I am very grateful to be recognised for the work involved to keep the station and surrounding area safe from not only fires but right down to saving the cat up a tree,” he said.

“The work that my colleagues and myself do hopefully keeps our community safe from harm and informed around dangerous hazards.

“I would just like to add that it was a huge shock to be nominated as we do not do it for the accolades even though that is nice, we do it because we have the ability with support from our families to make a difference when someone within our community is in need of assistance.”

Mr McIntosh was nominated by Geoff Meehan from his brigade.

Yarra Junction’s Mr Excited, Glen Higginson, was also nominated for his inclusive car shows and community events.

His anonymous nomiator said Mr Higginson is one in a million, a real character that just gets through to people through everyone’s love of classic cars.

“Glen personally greets as many people as possible and often sees them off when they go,” they said.

“It’s like he is a professional greeter and that makes a huge difference for people coming to our events as they love to be recognised and standout cars awarded with trophies and giveaways.

“It comes easily for Glen because he is genuine, passionate and above all energetic when it comes to people, he is trusted passionate and above all genuine and a real asset for the community and the people that call upon him to help them.”

Mr Excited runs everything from regular cars and coffee mornings to major fundraising events like Bumble Bee for MND, an annual Christmas fundraiser and regular contributions to Beyond Blue and also supported local organisations like Holy Fools, She Won’t be Right Mate and run and various Maroondah, Mooroolbark and Lilydale

community events.

Forever Friends Animal Rescue foster carer Katt Murray said she fisters dogs to help get them adoption ready, specifically larger breed dogs, those who need pet-free homes, and those that need training or rehab to work on dog reactivity.

“There’s a severe shortage of foster carers who can take larger breeds or provide a pet free home, so this is extra important to me, and is why I don’t plan to adopt any of the dogs I foster, despite adoring them with all of my heart,” she said.

“Yes, I do cry a little when they get adopted, but with FFAR the foster carers do the interviews with potential adopters, so I’m involved with the whole adoption process and I get to see firsthand that my foster is going to an amazing and loving home.

“I think animal rescue is a necessity, and that fostering is a huge part of it, pounds and shelters aren’t able to keep up with the amount of animals in need, so fostering saves lives and ensures that animals are given loving homes until they can be adopted.”

Ms Murray’s friend and nominator Sarah was even inspired to apply to become a foster carer herself.

Hoddles Creek CFA’s Brianna Woolf has been a volunteer firefighter for 33 years and said her

husband nominated her, which was a bit of a surprise.

“He just thought about me putting in all that time and the major events like Black Saturday and multiple fires throughout my 33 years…he just wanted to make sure that something was brought up about that,” she said.

“He was really proud of me and it’s not often that we look for recognition, but it was nice after 33 years to get that recognition.

“I hope that volunteers are something that just keeps going really strong into the future… I just hope that the community spirit keeps going and the next generations see how important it is because it’s just dropping out tremendously.”

Other Upper Yarra award recipients included:

Mr Greg Burnham – Ben’s Shed in Yarra Junction.

Mrs Barbara Foord – U3A Upper Yarra.

Mr Jeremy Hardy – Yellingbo CFA.

Mr Rod Pearse – Seville Community Precinct, Seville sporting clubs.

Mrs Jill Sebire – Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead

Mr Steve Mee – Ben’s Shed in Yarra Junction.

Ms Rebecca Taylor – Powelltown Sporting Clubs.

Ms Nola Sharp – Wandin Toastmasters.

L-R: Casey MP Aaron Violi and Warburton CFA captain Ron McIntosh. (Supplied)

Glen Higginson, known for his Mr Excited car show presence, receiving his award. (Supplied)

FFAR foster carer Katt Murray receiving her award. (Supplied)

Long-time firefighter Brianna Woolf was recognised. (Supplied)

Termiteators wreak havoc

By Gabriella Vukman

Yarra Ranges locals are reminded to check for termites after a Healesville couple were forced to demolish their house due to a serious invasion of the critters in 2019.

Now living comfortably in their new home in Healesville, Clare James and Mark Boulet’s journey from termites to tranquillity was not an easy one.

After an initial inspection from a termite specialist ruled the house to be ‘fine’, Ms James and Mr Boulet were aghast to learn just three months later that the critters had eaten away at their home’s load-bearing skeleton, rendering it structurally unsound.

Ms James said they called the first termite inspector out after her husband’s foot went through the floor.

“My husband’s foot crunched through the carpet one day in the kids’ room, and we weren’t really sure what it was,” she said.

“We pulled back the carpet, and it was either termites or dry rot; we’d never really seen either, but we could break away some of the timbre with our hands.”

“We called the termite inspector, and he said it was all dry rot, and that there’s nothing to worry about.”

It wasnt until three months later that Ms James and Mr Boulet urgently called another termite inspector out to the house, after discovering peeling paint and lumpy plaster.

“We noticed that some of the paint around the internal doors and windows had gone a bit lumpy, so we peeled it back and saw what looked like termite mess,” Ms James said.

“Some of the plaster in the top corner of the kitchen had begun peeling off the wall.”

“We called a different termite inspector, and he came and said the house was completely eaten out by termites.”

Ms James encourages locals to get their houses checked regularly for termites. (323866)

After treating the termites and getting assessments from three different builders, it became clear that the house was unsalvageable and would have to be demolished.

“We were devastated,” Ms James said.

“I found it very sad watching our beautiful little old, much-loved cottage being demolished by an excavator. I cried a lot, actually.”

Ms James bought the house off her elderly neighbour, who had owned the house for over twenty years before the purchase.

“My neighbour and I stood together, and we both cried watching the house get knocked to the ground.”

Despite sinking floors and flaky walls, Ms James and her family had to remain in their house

for another year before it was bulldozed, as their insurance did not cover termite damage.

“We were in a position where my husband was working on a part-time PhD, and we needed him to finish his PhD to get a promotion to be able to roll our loan over into a full home loan,” Ms James said.

“At that time, COVID hit, and everything got more and more expensive.”

“The quotes we got to rebuild our house were just going up and up and up.”

From navigating new loans to spending a Melbourne winter without heating, Ms James said things got tougher as the house fell further into disrepair.

“It was pretty grim,” she said.

“Last year the heating was broken, and we needed to save every bit of money for our new house, so we just rugged up.”

After an additional 14-month period spent living with Ms James’ parents, the new house was finally ready for the James and Boulet family to move into.

Despite the challenges, Ms James said there have definitely been some silver linings.

“It is a very beautiful house that we are in now,” she said.

“We’ve been on that property now for 19 years, and we have a really strong history and connection with our property.”

“Having a totally different home in the same spot and being able to build an intelligent, environmentally friendly house on that block of land has been a really beautiful thing.”

Ms James and her family have just had their one-year anniversary of living in their new house, which she said has been termite-proofed to the maximum.

“We built termite protection into our new house, so that means our house is on concrete stumps, and each hole was treated with a chemical in the hole around each stump.”

“On top of each stump is a termite cap and then termite mesh as well.”

Ms James said they have learned much when it comes to navigating termites.

“Our old house, the old cottage, sat quite low on the ground, and we had mulch touching it on the top side, which is a sure way of having termites in your house,” she said.

“We now keep everything raked away from the house and we’ll have inspections more often.”

When it comes to termites, the Yarra Ranges is a prone region with the Victorian Building Authority estimating that termites “cause more damage to Australian houses than fire, floods and storms combined.”

According to Ms James, many houses around her have also been affected by termites.

“Our neighbours have a brick house, and they found termites in their house, not as bad as ours, but the termites had actually climbed up the side of their ducted heating vents and the big pipes underneath,” Ms James said.

“They built their little clay tunnels up the side of the central heating things, and it got into their architraves in the house.”

“Their whole carport nearly fell over. It’s very dangerous.”

Ms James knows another family in Healesville who were about to do a major renovation, and just before they started, they found out their house was infested with termites.

There are many different species of termites, and not all of them eat dry housewood.

While some are beneficial to local ecosystems, helping to break down fallen timbers, locals should conduct regular checks for dry wood species.

As far as advice goes, Ms James urges locals to conduct regular termite checks using well-vetted termite inspectors.

“If you notice anything unusual, like markings on the wood, get your house checked and find out what conditions the termites don’t like, and try to make your house as termite-proof as possible,” Ms James said.

220km Birrarung Valley Walk set to connect city to region

By Callum Ludwig

The proposal for the Birrarung Valley Walk project is progressing quickly, with an official announcement of the project that will link the Birrarung from the city to deep into the Yarra Ranges.

By linking over 200km of trails, a multi-day hike from the river’s estuary in Williamstown to its source in the Upper Yarra dam will be almost entirely possible via one route.

In the announcement on Monday 15 June, Birrarung Valley Walk chair Bruce Parncutt AO said it’s the river that shaped this city, that sustained its First Peoples across countless generations and supplies the water we drink.

“In September 2017, something remarkable happened in the Victorian Parliament. Six Wurundjeri Elders entered the chamber and spoke in their traditional language in support of a bill,” he said.

“It was the first time in Victoria’s history that Traditional Custodians had been given a legally mandated voice in river management. And the first time a river in this country had been given “living entity” status.

“The Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act became law. Australia’s first legislation co-titled in a Traditional Owner language.”

It was co-titled Wilip-gin Birrarung murron or ‘Keep Birrarung alive’ and has gone on to influence the Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (Yarra Strategic Plan) 2022-32.

The plan laid the foundation for the exploration of the Birrarung Valley Walk, a 13-day, 220km hike which will be one way ‘ordinary Victorians to experience their river, for ways to understand how important the river is and what it provides for each of us’ according to Mr Parncutt.

Mr Parncutt said they are announcing a walking trail that, on the basis of the evidence they’ve gathered, is unique on this planet.

“For the first time in any major city in the world, a great urban river will be walkable from its estuary to the mountain catchment that feeds

it, entirely on public land,” he said.

“It will be a 220-kilometre open-air institution. An ecological corridor. An environmental journey through the oldest, continuous living culture on earth. A platform for storytelling through our mobile app, for healing, for connection and for the long, patient work of caring for Country.

“And maybe one day, it will become a rite of passage for young people growing up in our State.”

At only one point will vehicle transfer be required to continue the walk, with trekkers having to drive from Mount Lofty to Lilydale to continue on their journey.

Mr Parncutt said Melbourne is a city of extraordinary cultural confidence.

“We’re a city that builds great institutions: The Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria. The Melbourne Cricket Ground. The National Gallery of Victoria,” he said.

“The Birrarung Valley Walk aspires to take its place alongside them, not as infrastructure, but as a gift to future Melbourne – a piece of civic imagination that says we looked at our river and its valley and decided it should be understood.

“And we decided to do this together.”

80 per cent of the project already consists of 177.3km of formal trails where no work will be required. A further 4.7km (2 per cent) are informal trails already in use that will just require upgrades and formalisation, 23.1km (11 per cent) are formal trails that are currently closed and

will require permission to access and 14.7km (7 per cent) is yet to be built. Of this 11.9km of the trail is already slated as part of Yarra Ranges Council’s Yarra Valley Trail stage 2b, which is yet to be funded.

Mr Parncutt said the vision is clear and the promise is public; the river will be known.

“The project still has much work ahead of it: approvals to secure, access agreements to finalise, infrastructure to build, the funds to pay for it, an app to develop, the stories the app will deliver, and a supportive community to be built,” he said.

“There are 220 kilometres of challenges between here and a ribbon-cutting exercise one day in the future.”

The Birrarung Valley Walk was officially announced on Monday 15 June. (Bernie Phelan)

New leadership for Rotary Club

By Gabriella Vukman

As the Rotary Club of Healesville prepares for its annual changeover on Monday, 22 June, one chapter is closing, and another is about to begin.

Leadership transitions often mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, but for the Rotary Club of Healesville, this year’s leadership changeover represents both reflection on resilience and a renewed vision for the future.

After two years at the helm, outgoing president Sally Piper will hand leadership of the club to president-elect Terry Hill, a charter member who helped establish the club almost five decades ago.

Together, their stories tell not only of Rotary’s past and present, but also its future in a rapidly changing community.

For Sally Piper, the past two years have been defined by restoration.

Taking over in the aftermath of COVID, she inherited the club still grappling with the disruption, isolation and uncertainty that affected volunteer organisations across the country.

“I had the privilege of taking over the leadership role for two years, and part of that was discovering what had come beforehand and the impact of the COVID era, and then looking at how that affected the club,” Ms Piper said.

Part of that role involved understanding how the pandemic had changed Rotary and determining how the club could move forward while preserving its strong foundations.

“There was a very chaotic period where the focus was on just surviving, looking after the members that we had, staying, communicating with them because that was very, very hard,” Ms Piper said.

As the club emerged from the pandemic, Ms Piper focused on rebuilding structures, evaluating programs and ensuring the organisation remained sustainable for future generations of volunteers.

“In the past, it’s always been about these big things that you volunteer for, whereas now, there are huge challenges associated with people not having enough time.”

“Now it is more about focusing on that little volunteer time where you can sit at a pop-up booth, and chat to locals about who you represent “

According to Ms Piper, despite time limits, it is the passion of Rotary volunteers that can be seen throughout the organisation’s work, from youth programs and school awards to Christmas activities, community events and partnerships with other organisations.

When reflecting on her presidency, Ms Piper believes her most important contribution was providing stability during a period of transition.

“Providing a sense of security and leadership would be the first things I brought to the presidency” , she said.

“I think I earned the trust of the club and the confidence of the members that I would follow up on everything that I had discovered and make sure that it was going to be in a strong place for the future board teams that will take over.”

Along the way, Ms Piper discovered the importance of balancing leadership, work and personal commitments.

“The biggest lesson I learned in my two years was trying to keep a work-volunteering-life balance,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Ms Piper describes the experience as transformative.

“For me, it’s been an absolute privilege to discover all of this. To discover those people who are the volunteers, not just in Rotary, but in all these other organisations.”

When it comes to her successor, Ms Piper has complete confidence.

“Terry not only comes in as a charter member, but over those years, he has gained an immense amount of experience, and you just can’t dismiss that,” she said.

Ms Piper believes Mr Hill’s leadership and organisational skills will help guide the club through an important milestone year.

“Terry is the right person to lead that,” she said. When Mr Hill takes the reins as president, it will not be his first time in the role.

“The last time I was President was 48 years ago,” he said.

As one of the founding members of the Rotary Club of Healesville, Mr Hill has witnessed almost the entire history of the organisation.

Now, as the club approaches its 50th anniversary next year, he sees his new presidency as both a responsibility and an opportunity.

“As a charter member, I just want to make sure that Rotary makes it through to its 50th,” he said.

“It is like helping Granny along, making sure she gets to where she needs to go.”

Mr Hill’s vision for the next 12 months centres on a simple idea: connection.

“The concept of reaching out is what I want to do in my year of presidency”, he said.

Drawing inspiration from Rotary’s “Reach Out” theme, from the late 1970s, Mr Hill plans to strengthen relationships between local organisations and encourage greater collaboration throughout the Healesville community.

He also plans to launch a local focus on Rotarians Against Domestic Violence, a national initiative aimed at increasing awareness and community engagement around family violence.

“There is a real need for a group to make more awareness for that sort of thing,” he said.

Mr Hill believes his nearly five decades of experience in Rotary, combined with a career in education, have prepared him for the role.

“I have a master’s degree in education, so I have got that skill set for leadership,” he said.

“Enthusiasm is the other thing you need for the role, and I have got plenty.”

As Rotary prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027, the transition from Ms Piper to Mr Hill represents more than a change in leadership.

It is a passing of experience, trust and community spirit from one generation of volunteers to the next, ensuring the club remains ready to serve the community it has called home for half a century.

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On Monday 22 June, Sally Piper handed over the Rotary presidency to Terry Hill. (Gabriella Vukman).

Framework open for discussion

The Healesville Township Design Framework (TDF) will build on the Healesville Structure Plan (2016) to help guide the future of Healesville.

The TDF will identify local issues and opportunities, capture what the community values, and set a clear vision, priorities, and plan for the township’s future.

It will help guide decision-making on things such as transport and parking, streets and public spaces, recreation and community facilities.

The TDF will reflect what people love about Healesville and support a welcoming, connected township that’s easy to get around and enjoyable for people who live, work or visit here.

The Yarra Ranges Council thanks everyone who has shared feedback so far.

The input has played an important role in shaping this work.

The Council has taken time to carefully consider all of the feedback and appreciates the township’s patience.

For more information, read the:

■Community Engagement Report, August 2025

■Insights and Opportunities Paper June 2026

We’re now inviting community members to express your interest in a series of Community Placemaking Workshops, in late July to August, to help shape the draft TDF.

All the workshops will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Nan Francis Room at The Memo, on the following dates:

■Monday 27 July

■Monday 10 August

■Monday 24 August

Workshop 1 – Understanding the issues and opportunities

■Share key points from the Insights and Opportunities report

■Introduction to simple placemaking ideas

■Map and prioritise what matters most, in small groups

Workshop 2 – Review the design ideas together

■Share the initial design concepts

■Discuss each precinct in small groups

■Refine and improve ideas with group input

Workshop 3 – Review the draft designs

■Share updated designs based on earlier feedback

■Continue the discussions and gather further input

■Capture final feedback to help shape the draft TDF

If this sounds like something you would be interested in and you would like to be involved, please submit your expression of interest by emailing designandplace@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Recycling hubs are open

Yarra Ranges Council’s new Recycling Hubs, delivered in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, are now open across Yarra Ranges, making it easier to safely recycle household items that can’t go in your kerbside bins. You can now drop off eligible items at the Community Links in Monbulk, Upwey, Lilydale, Healesville and Belgrave Library.

The hubs will accept batteries, small items, vapes, light globes, fluorescent tubes, x-rays, DVDs/CDs and VHS and audio cassettes.

Large e-waste (e.g. TVs, computer monitors, appliances), batteries larger than five kilograms and broken light globes or fluorescent tubes cannot be accepted.

To use a hub safely:

Tape battery terminals before disposal.

■Protect fragile items from breakage (e.g.

light globes).

■Place items fully inside the clearly labelled opening for each item.

■Ask staff for assistance if required.

■Do not leave items outside or beside the hub. They may be a safety hazard and will not be collected.

■Do not place wrapped, bagged or boxed items in the hub.

Before dropping off electronic devices, media items or X-rays, check them for personal information and remove all personal data and accounts from electronic devices. Securely wipe data where possible and remove or obscure personal information on X-rays.

To find out more, visit: yarraranges.vic.gov. au/Our-services/Waste/Community-Recycling-Hubs?.

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"We're always growing, year on year," owner Will said.

"The main aspiration is to continue growing into areas we already service, as well as new areas where we currently don't have any of our three delivery vehicles operating. "Slow, steady growth has been key, as opposed to trying to double our workload overnight."

Today, there are 18 staff across the larger commercial laundry site, Yarra Valley Laundry, where linen is owned and hired out, as well as Yarra Glen Laundrette & Services, where customer-owned linen is processed. This includes Will, Operations Manager Matt, full-time and casual staff, and the delivery drivers who keep the business moving.

"The Yarra Valley is a beautiful area, which goes without saying," Will said.

"I live with my family in Yarra Glen, so I'm living within the community we serve.

"I find that most businesses within the Yarra Valley prefer to deal with other local businesses to help keep the region self-sustaining."

Yarra Valley Laundry is heavily focused on customer service and providing a quality product while remaining competitive with pricing. The business works with small owner-operated bed and breakfasts through to large hotels, as well as many wedding venues, day spas, cafes, restaurants, pubs and a wide range of businesses with professional laundry requirements.

The company is also fully RFID integrated with its hired linen and online ordering system, providing cutting-edge technology that customers can rely upon.

Serving some of the region's best accommodation providers, Yarra Valley Laundry offers high-quality commercial linen hire services for accommodation and housekeeping, while also supporting the food and beverage industry. From tablecloths and table linen that help decorate special events to the linen that frames memorable dining experiences, the team understands the importance of presentation.

The business has even consulted with industry experts to ensure the best linen designs are available to Yarra Valley customers. Yarra Valley Laundry's linen is also integrated with RFID technology, ensuring that what is ordered is what is received, with accuracy and consistency.

"We've built up a great team of local staff and take immense pride in what we do," Will said.

"We deliver on time and in full, provide a quality product with unmatched customer service, and are always willing to go the extra mile.”

Submit your feedback to the Yarra Ranges Council before 19 July. (Supplied)

Supporting community wellness through boxing

By Callum Ludwig

River Valley Church pastor Adam Killeen is hoping to share a positive outlet with his community.

Pr Killeen is running a new boxing group at the Millgrove Community Building after boxing helped him early in his life.

Pr Killeen said it comes off the back of his experience being a young kid off the rails.

“I was addicted and mentally unwell and all the rest of it but I walked into a boxing gym one day, and the trainer in there sort of saved my life and turned me around, it was probably one of the most positive things that had ever happened to me,” he said.

“Now I’m sitting up there in Millgrove as the pastor of the church up there and looking around and seeing all of these people who are mentally and physically unwell.

“They could use a little bit of confidence, a little bit of physical activity, somebody to sort of steer on the right path and encourage them a lot so that’s the main purpose behind it.”

Starting out simple and not with the aim of training anyone to fight competitively, there will be sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 5pm and 6pm.

Pr Killeen said boxing is an incredible sport for character building.

“Not only does it give you an opportunity to get fit and build some strength and all the rest of it, but when you’re boxing there’s lots of challenges that you face, both just training and in the ring, that you know those lessons kind of cross over into life a little bit,” he said.

“It’s handy when you have a trainer standing there that can point that stuff out to you, say ‘for a moment there I thought I didn’t think you were going to finish that round, but look at you go’ when you’ve pulled through and you’re finished.

“You can do that for all of life’s challenges too, when you feel like you’re at your wits end, when you’ve got nothing left but dig deep and

finish, it’s just a great opportunity to inspire people and build them up and push them past their perceived limits and show them what they can actually really achieve if they try.”

Anyone interested in getting involved or who has baby questions can reach Pr Killeen at 0418 308 819.

Pr Killeen said if they end up with lots of people that are really keen to train and they want to train more often, he will open up more sessions.

“At the moment, an hour twice a week is just what we’re going to start out with…if people come along and they’re starting from scratch, we’ll be able to get alongside them and teach them some skills to get them going,” he said.

“People up here that need a healthy way to vent their frustrations with life and all the rest of it and as the pastor at the church that operates next door, I’m hoping at some point I can offer them some hope on a physical, mental and spiritual level.

“Don’t be intimidated or afraid about it being a boxing gym, because one of my main priorities is to make sure that there’s no egos and no attitudes in there, we’re all there to help each other.”

Community expo coming to help to create a Circle of Care

By Callum Ludwig

A free community expo is coming up next month which will help residents in the Outer East to discuss the important, if often confronting, topics of ageing, dying, death and grief.

‘Circle of Care’ is bringing together local service providers to provide practical information and support for people in the community on Wednesday 15 July.

Eastern Palliative Care (EPC) community engagement lead Adele Braun said they will have a table in the expo part of the event, with staff and volunteers available to chat to attendees.

“It’s very important to provide an informative, open and accessible way for people to discuss the topics of ageing, death, dying, and grief - because it’s often seen as a negative or perhaps morbid topicofdiscussion-yetitisanormalpartoflife-infact - an inevitable part of life for each and every one of us,” she said.

“I know that I myself am a member of the socalled ‘sandwich generation’ where I have young children and ageing parents with varied health needs - and I have learnt an incredible amount since starting my role at EPC and I think it’s really important to share this with others in the community.

“Having as much support and knowing which services can help you through different phases of life is so incredibly important - especially if you are a carer, or the person experiencing a terminal illness.”

EPC clinical nurse consultant Samantha Holland will be presenting on ‘What is Community Palliative Care?’ at 11.50am and one of their registered nurses, Dannielle Clark, will be on the Q and A panel to answer any questions about palliative care.

Ms Braun said she thinks having more knowledge and understanding is so important. “Often when you are in the midst of dealing with a crisis, like caring for a loved one with a terminal illness - you are so caught up dealing with the day to day

issues that perhaps you had not even had time to planorresearchwhatassistanceorsupportisavailabletoyou,oryourfamilymember,orfriend,whatever the case may be,” she said.

“So many people tell me that they wish they knew about EPC earlier, or that they wish they had certain plans in place at an earlier stage.

“Ifyou’rewonderingaboutthethingsyoumight need to consider in planning, or you are curious to know more about at what stage you can refer to palliative care, or how the death and dying process

might look in certain situations - you would get a lot from the expo and the presentations.”

Home care provider Dovida will have a team from their Eastern Suburbs office along with palliative care nurse practitioner, Kathryn Bennett, on hand throughout the day to chat with attendees about home care, palliative care and end-of-life support.

Dovida community engagement officer Shona Ashworth said they’ll be handing out information to anyone wanting to understand their options,

whether that’s for themselves or someone they love.

“As one of Australia’s largest home care providers, Dovida has been investing heavily in palliative care training for our caregivers and care managers, so families have access to a more prepared and confident care team when it matters most,” she said.

“We’ll have information on hand about that, as well as the End-of-Life Pathway under Support at Home, which gives people faster and more flexible access to support.

“Good end-of-life care at home isn’t just about having services turn up. It’s about building a network around the person well before a crisis hits, including family, caregivers, care managers and clinical support, all working from the same understanding of what that person wants.”

The program for the day will include a series of short presentations and a guest panel Q and A, including experts from Eastern Palliative Care, Eastern Health, Dovida and Compassionate Friends Victoria.

Ms Ashworth said events like Circle of Care create a safe, welcoming space to ask questions and learn from people who understand these topics deeplyandaccessibilitymattersjustasmuchasthe information itself.

“These are conversations many people put off, often because they’re not sure how to start them or where to turn for trusted information,” she said.

“Families often want to support their loved one at home, but without the right knowledge they can feel frightened and underprepared when symptoms change quickly.

“The more people understand what to expect and where to turn, the more confident and capable they feel, that knowledge can be the difference between a family feeling alone and a family feeling genuinely supported.”

The event will be held on Wednesday 15 July at the Ringwood RSL between 10am and 2pm. Entry is free but bookings are essential via trybooking.com/events/landing/1596776.

River Valley Church pastor Adam Killeen is welcoming the community to boxing practice in Millgrove. (Supplied)

death and grief. (Shutterstock)

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Blazemaster is quality firewood sourced by locals. (Pexels/Viktoria Emilia)

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Just a visible flame and a level of control that makes cooking feel more intuitive.

For regional Victorian households, LPG can bring that same cooking experience to homes that may not be connected to the mains gas network.

Whether it is a busy family kitchen, a country weekender, a farmhouse, or a home a little further out of town, bottled LPG can help keep the kitchen running without overcomplicating things.

And the appeal is not only practical. Cooking with gas has a certain rhythm to it.

The quick sizzle of onions hitting a hot pan.

The easy shift from a rolling boil to a gentle simmer.

The ability to bring heat up or down in a second. In other words, it puts the cook in control.

Of course, good cooking still depends on the basics: proper installation, regular appliance maintenance, and sensible use.

Gas appliances should always be fitted and serviced by qualified professionals, and used for the purpose they were designed for.

But when everything is set up properly, LPG can be a simple, reliable part of the home.

A hot breakfast on a cold morning.

Soup simmering on a Sunday afternoon.

Dinner on the table after work.

Not every kitchen needs to be complicated. Sometimes it just needs a good flame.

You can’t beat cooking with gas. (Supplied)

There’s

Real and raw documentary

By Mikayla van Loon

Creating something real and raw that made a difference in someone’s life or inspired change was how one man without filmmaking experience completed his first documentary.

Mathew Love’s documentary Bleeding the Demon was selected for the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, with a showing at Cinema Nova on Wednesday 8 July.

The Mooroolbark resident’s personal story of childhood bullying, mental health challenges and weight gain was told in a powerful 38-minute film that he directed and produced.

But more than a raw look at the painful memories and hurt he was feeling for decades, it’s the remarkable transformation he pushed himself to achieve through tough physical training.

Telling his story, Mat said came initially from wanting to help others, but also needing to explain to his three daughters what triggered his internal struggles.

“When I was at my heaviest, my worst, it was bad, and I didn’t show up for them, I didn’t do anything with them, I didn’t go out with them, I didn’t do anything,” he said.

“It was a bad, dark place, and what they seen, and what they knew of me, it was shocking, and I wanted to show them why I wasn’t just an asshole.”

While Mat’s weightloss journey began when he was finally able to access gastric sleeve surgery two years ago, when he’d hit his heaviest weight of over 200 kilograms, his story begins as a Prep student attending school in Warrandyte.

Mat faced relentless bullying from older children when travelling home from school each day on the bus.

He described never feeling safe on the bus because it was an environment he couldn’t just leave until he got home.

When he did arrive home, where his Nan was living with them at the time, she would make him something to eat, it was a comfort but a relationship with food that would gradually turn negative.

Over time this evolved slowly until it was all he knew.

His weight hovered around 140 to 150 kilograms throughout much of his adult life. At 31, he suffered a heart attack.

But hitting rock bottom came when a comment from a colleague sent him down a spiral of depression, panic attacks and prescription drug abuse.

“That destroyed me for like five years, that was when I really didn’t leave the house…it was just like eating yourself to death,” he said.

“I had no control over emotions whatsoever…I couldn’t regulate. I was so worried constantly of dying every day because I was so big. When I would

bend over to tie my shoes, I would pass out.

“The panic attacks feel almost identical to the startings of a heart attack, and what your body’s going through. So every time the panic attack was starting, I’d flip back into the spiral of the loop, the fight of flight, and every single day, multiple times a day.”

Anxiety medication helped but Mat said as his body became used to the dose, he’d take more and more. Mat estimates he was taking around 16 times the recommended dose.

Mat was on waiting lists for gastric surgery for over seven years and then when the notification came through that he’d finally been approved, the pandemic delayed the surgery by a further two and a half years.

“That in itself, like I was excited, but even then there’s two and a half years of still just more of the same. (Of asking myself) ‘will I make it?’.”

The surgery itself forced Mat to stop eating, it’s designed to restrict how much you can consume.

He was slowly able to go for walks and small runs as the weight fell off but the negative thoughts were still there.

“I got down to a better weight, but what I found was I would slowly want to snack again, so it hadn’t fixed it,” he said.

“That’s why so many people go back and put a lot of weight on, because if you don’t fix your mind, try and sort those issues or work that out, you’ll just be in the same patterns.”

For Mat, gyms and traditional exercise had never felt comfortable. So instead, he grabbed a weighted

vest and core bags that he’d wear and carry on walks around his neighbourhood.

At first, training in this way was a punishment, it was “something that was hard, to just sort of go ‘I’ll teach you, mate’.”

“I’d go to the bush and go up hills and carry the weights up, and just do reps, ‘I’ll teach you, I’ll teach you’.”

As his weight dropped and his mind cleared, Mat said “eventually something changed”

“Because you push yourself so physically, you exert yourself so much, something in your mind changes or opens up and everything falls away. You weren’t worried, thinking about anything. It’s almost like a runner’s high, but a little bit different,” he said.

“I’d start to have memories of when I was really young…I knew what had happened when I was a young kid, but I never gave it much thought of how it was impactful or that maybe that’s what caused it.

“That’s probably exactly why I was always hyper vigilant, on alert, always, even now, your hyper awareness from that young kid, so you’re always scanning for a threat, but you don’t need to be now, it’s just built in.”

Training has moved “beyond punishment” for Mat now and instead “I’ve created an identity, it’s just what I do”

It also creates mental clarity so he can reflect on “good memories of nostalgic stuff with my Nanna”

“It puts you in such a place, I think you’re more in tune with your environment, your surroundings, everything else goes away.

“It’s not even really about training or trying to be fit or trying to look strong, I couldn’t care less, but that was a byproduct of what came from doing what I was doing.”

That’s not to say everyday is not a challenge and a fight to stay disciplined but it’s one he chooses to make for himself but most importantly, for his daughters, Ava, Mila and Sophie, and partner Em.

“It’s still a struggle now. I always want to eat stuff that doesn’t go away, because you’ve got to eat. It’s not like you’re an alcoholic, and you can say ‘no more’ , you’ve got to constantly eat to survive.

“I’m also aware in the back of my head, don’t get too complacent, that kind of worries me.

“I’ll eat anything now, but it’s just not overdoing it. It doesn’t rule me the way it used to rule me, the food.”

Having never filmed or directed anything before, not even owning a computer or editing software, the documentary first started with a three and a half hour long interview with Mat’s brother Brendan.

Speaking his truth around a fire with his brother was healing for Mat but he knew his story could help someone else, and so he taught himself how to edit footage.

What he created was not only a message to others feeling “stuck, broken and miserable” about hope but a promise to his daughters that the dad they missed for so many years will never leave them again.

Mat’s documentary will screen as part of the Film Festival’s Health Shorts. To find out more, visit: cinemanova.com.au/films/mdff26-going-dryhealth-shorts or mdff.org.au

Community and connection inspires newest exhibition

By Mikayla van Loon

The Mont De Lancey Ray Oliver Gallery has been reborn as a space for community, connection and conversation since artist-in-residence Donna Legg joined the historic homestead.

It was that sense of connection that inspired Donna’s second solo exhibition titled Creating Connection, an exploration of friendship and relationships.

“It came from people saying to me continuously how they connect to my art,” she said.

“What I’ve discovered is we’re creating connections around art here in this gallery, and it’s just amazing the amount of people who come in, and real connections are happening.”

The exhibition will showcase 10 new pieces, each connected in some way, shape or form. Donna’s previous artworks will also be on display, showcasing her diversity in style and subject matter.

As artist-in-residence, Donna said she’s heard from “countless people” about “how much they enjoy coming here for a visit and seeing the art”

But not only that, how an artwork might remind them of something in their own life.

“Creating, being the art side of stuff, it can also be creating a connection, not necessarily just painting, but with people, how people connect with animals, places, so it’s not just a human connection,” she said.

Calling the exhibition Creating Connection

was also a reflection of the relationships that have formed within the regular art groups on Wednesdays and Fridays.

“I’ve had so many compliments on the art groups…saying how much joy they get out of coming,” Donna said.

“It’s art therapy for them, it gets them away from the house, and they’re all ages, it’s not just older retired people, it’s all ages that are now coming to this group, it’s men and women.”

Mont De Lancey president Jill Sebire said the atmosphere within the gallery and the reception area of the homestead has completely changed because of the positivity of the art groups.

“The camaraderie, just listening to these groups, all the chatter and the laughter, even if it’s quiet out there, it brings everything to life,” Jill said.

“It’s made this room, which was a wasted space, come alive.”

Jill said for many people, the art gallery has been a point of introduction to Mont De Lancey, but then they’ll decide to stay and explore the grounds or have lunch at the cafe.

“From Mont De Lancey’s perspective, it’s been wonderful too. It’s brought people in, and they’ve seen what we’ve got. It’s been a good allround project,” she said.

Art has also been a stepping stone for interested volunteers, after engaging with Donna herself, Jill or other volunteers.

Donna said some incredible conversations have sparked with visitors, who have been willing to share their stories, some who have cried tears of both joy and sadness, but have felt comfortable doing so.

She said it was a privilege to be trusted with people’s thoughts and feelings, but also “that’s the difference I like to make” , that it’s not just a gallery or art group but a place to feel safe and comfortable.

Creating Connection is showing from Saturday 20 June to Sunday 5 July at Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead, located at 71 Wellington Rd, Wandin North. The Homestead is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Mat Love directed and produced his first ever documentary telling his story of childhood bullying and mental health. (Stewart Chambers: 559828)

Mat’s training style began as a punishment but soon became a freedom. (Supplied)

Mat’s training style began as a punishment but soon became a freedom. (Supplied)

It’s Donna Legg’s second solo exhibition to date. (Supplied)

Donna Legg’s exhibition was inspired by community and relationships formed in the Mont De Lancey Gallery. (Mikayla van Loon: 560568)

WHAT’S ON AT THE GRAND

Old Lady with a young heart

Built in 1888, the Healesville Grand Hotel is a prominent heritage icon in the heart of Healesville, designed by renowned architect William Pitt. While its rich history remains proudly intact, the focus today is on all things new, exciting and what the people want!

Owners Lisa and Tom have lovingly transformed the Grand Hotel back into what many locals once knew as “The Grand Old Lady” , but with a more modern twist. As locals themselves, they understand the importance of supporting other local businesses, showcasing regional produce and wines, and offering a fantastic menu at reasonable prices for locals and visitors alike.

The Grand continues a long tradition of bring-

ing people together through entertainment. As it has done for generations, live music fills the venue with swaying bodies, familiar tunes and plenty of community spirit. Open Mic Night has become a regular favourite, held on the fourth Thursday of every month and welcoming performers of all experience levels. Regular attendees will often recognise local music duo Claire and Sam, who entertain crowds with a mix of Australian pub classics alongside their own original songs, creating an atmosphere that keeps people coming

back month after month.

Adding to its growing list of offerings, the Grand has also launched takeaway breakfasts through its drive-through bottle shop on selected weekends from 9am to 11am. The initiative encourages locals from Healesville and surrounding townships to pick up their favourite breakfast treats without even leaving the comfort of their pyjamas. Orders can be placed by phone or text, making it even easier to start the weekend right.

From baked eggs and pancakes to other break-

fast favourites, there’s something to take home for everyone and plenty of anticipation while waiting for the next breakfast weekend to roll around. The Grand is always finding new ways to bring the community together. Whether it’s Thai Tuesdays, a traditional Sunday roast, live music, special events or even paranormal tours through the historic hotel, there’s always something happening. Tokeepuptodatewithwhat’sonattheHealesville Grand Hotel, follow them on Facebook and see what the Grand Old Lady has planned next.

Come see what The Grand Old Lady has to offer. (Stewart Chambers: 560335)

Record attendance for fest

By Callum Ludwig

The Warburton Film Festival returned over 12-15 June, with film enthusiasts from all over flocking to town to enjoy the offerings.

The program featured films from Germany, Sudan, Iceland, Iran, France, Britain and New Zealand and the record attendance rated the films highly.

The Yarra Ranges Film Society (YRFA) opens the annual event with a documentary and a guest speaker, who this year was writer and director Lorin Clarke, daughter of John Clarke, who was the subject of this year’s opening film.

Ms Clarke said she wanted to thank the YRFS for inviting her to be a part of the festival and to screen her film, ‘But Also John Clarke’

“You’ve one of those rare semi-rural towns lucky enough to have benefited from decades of thoughtful advocacy by members of your community who recognised the importance of centring art and culture,” she said.

“It’s so clearly part of who you are, from the First Nations shorts program to the local storytelling sessions and the wonderful acknowledgement of country by the Warburton Primary School that screened before the film.

“I looked around the cinema on opening night and saw such a cross-section of people, all interconnected conversations and chats across the aisle about who was seeing which film next, and I knew we were in for a relaxed and warm reception.”

Ms Clarke provided insights into the making of the film, the mountain of family archival footage to sift through and what life was like growing up in her creative family, including her father, who was as funny at home as he was on the screen.

Ms Clarke said thank you to the organisers but also to the organisers before them.

“You have built something wonderful,” she said.

“Having witnessed it first hand, I must con-

fess to sitting down the next day in Silvas (Coffee Roasters), next to a latte I could have done laps in, and scribbling with a biro on a napkin a dastardly plan to return and sit in the dark with the locals once again.”

The YRFS collected ‘Star Box’ ratings for the feature films, where viewers could rate a film from one to five and a rating could be calculated.

Here’s how each film rated:

• But Also John Clarke: 4.7/5

• From Hilde, With Love: 4.3/5

• Touch: 4.4/5

Frosty, foggy photos capture winter in the Valley

Yarra Valley photographer TRACEY FRAZER was up bright and early to capture the frost and fog in the Yarra Valley as winter really sets in. It was a chilly start to the week in Woori Yallock on Monday 15 June.

• Goodbye Julia: 4.5/5

• I Swear: 4.8/5

• It Was Just An Accident: 4.1/5

• The Stolen Painting: 3.9/5

• Uproar: 4.2/5

The ever-popular Show Us Your Shorts competition also returned and the following were the award winners from the competition:

• ‘No Thank You’ by Georgina Haig won the Golden Shorts Award, with ‘In The Trees’ by Andy LayClark the runner-up.

• Mia Tran Vinh took the Youth Award with her

film ‘Metamorphosis’

• Nathan Robinson won Best Animation with ‘What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor?’

• Best Documentary was swept up by ‘The Connection Of Ants’ by Billy Ferguson.

• Official selections (films were screened as part of the festival) were also awarded to ‘Students of the World - Australia’ by Jonathan Schneider and Alana Rowling, ‘Dilemma’ by Nick Kozakis, ‘a thing of the past’ by Tobias Tarasov, ‘A Puppet For Any Occasion’ by Trent Cliffe and Dominic Mulligan and ‘27 Dates Gone Wrong’ by Jamie Merendino and Rachael James.

Finding fun in the frost. (Tracey Frazer)

It was a chilly start to the week.

A foggy start often leads to a nice day.

No escaping the cold in the paddocks. (Tracey Frazer)

Golden Shorts award winner Georgina Haig. (Vivienne Bond)

Lorin Clarke shared the story behind her documentary ‘But Also John Clarke’. (Wanderling Photography)

REV IT UP Expert advice and service

Right in the heart of Lilydale, Treadworx is a proudly family-owned business that’s been keeping locals rolling for more than seven years. Known for friendly service and genuine expertise, the team at Treadworx specialises in 4x4 vehicles, as well as everything from everyday cars to wheelbarrows!

With an extensive selection of tyres from trusted brands like Maxxis, Yokohama, Falken, Kumho and more, Treadworx has the perfect option for every vehicle — whether you’re after durability, high performance, or a balance of both. Their wheel collection is equally impressive, featuring favourites such as ROH, PDW, Lenso, Extreme 4x4, Dynamic, Sniper, and many others, ensuring your ride combines both style and strength.

As an authorised Fulcrum Suspensions and Tough Dog Suspension dealer, Treadworx also offers a complete range of suspension upgrades and products, expertly fitted to suit your driving needs, especially for off-road adventures.

Owner Nathan Hawkless sums it up best:

“With over 25 years of experience and a knowledgeable team, we’re committed to providing top-quality products and honest service at competitive prices.”

For expert advice, reliable service, and a team that truly cares, Treadworx Lilydale is your local destination. Drop by and see why so many drivers, especially 4x4 enthusiasts, trust them for tyres, wheels, and suspension.

It’s

Including but not limited to:

Don’t let

Treadworx owner Nathan Hawkless. (Stewart Chambers: 426116)

Treadworx Lilydale are your friendly local experts for tyres, wheels and suspension. (426116)

Help support our artists

For those wanting to support Australian artists, the Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) is a great option, especially when/if the EOFY Countdown is on your mind. Established in 2003 and administered by Creative Australia – our government’s principal arts investment and advisory body – the ACF is an online fundraising platform for the Australian arts and cultural sector.

Through the platform, artists can run shortterm fundraising campaigns to support their projects.

There are also long-term campaigns to support ongoing work.

The ACF has endorsement as a deductible gift recipient confirmed by the Australian Tax Office. Therefore, any donations over $2 received via the platform are tax deductable.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

More importantly, the platform actively ensures the veracity and viability of the registered projects. Before any artist receives the donations in the form of a grant from Creative Australia, they are required to confirm their readiness and capacity to undertake their project as proposed.

During the course of their projects, artists are also asked to provide periodic progress updates to their donors.

Then they need to submit a final report (“acquittal”) to explain how their funds have been used and the status of their projects.

As the platform proudly declares: “Each of these projects has been individual, impactful and inspiring, painting a broad and bold picture of our sector.”

Particularly notable is how the ACF helps celebrate the Australian Spirit.

“A 2022 study found that Australia is ranked fourth most generous country among 119 countries, with three in five Australians making a financial donation to a charity.”

This means not only will donors receive tax receipts, but 100 per cent of their donations will go directly towards artists. Individual and business donors can choose one or more specific projects from the following categories to benefit from their generous gifts – Literature, Visual Arts, Community Arts, Performing Arts, Arts or Languages of Indigenous Persons, Music, Crafts, Design, Television, Video, Radio, Film, and Movable Cultural Heritage.

CARTOON

As the ACF explains: “By funding an ACF project, donors connect with artists whose work they believe in and inspire others to do the same.”

“These reports are monitored and reviewed to ensure the agreement is appropriately fulfilled,” explains the platform.

The ACF’s catchphrase is “Make Culture Happen”

Its data reveals that in the year 2024-25, a total of 1008 projects in our arts and cultural sector were supported by 20,000 donors, with the most common donation amount being $50.

Kemp’s theatre overview

Karralyka

Abracadabra

A Fantastic Family Magic Shoe

Starring the electrifying Luke Blaze, this 60 minute magic show brings big illusions, audience interaction and non-stop fun together with the unforgettable live experience.

From jaw-dropping tricks to hilarious moments that get the whole crowd involved, Abracadabra is designed to keep kids on the wedge of their seats and adults amazed from start to finish.

Expect surprises around every corner as magic leaps off the stage and imagination runs wild.

• Season: Thursday 2 July, 11am and 1.30pm.

I Am woman

I Am woman is a heartfelt journey through the timeless songs that shaped Australia’s musical legacy and inspired millions around the around the world.

Led by powerhouse performers who will bring authentically, warmth and elegance to the stage.

More than a tribute concert this is a story of resilience, grace and global success of – honouring three women who broke boundaries and carried the Australia sound to the world stage.

Audiences will laugh, sing along, reminiscent leave feeling uplifted by the timeless hits and the spirit of the women who made them famous.

A nostalgic feel good show of iconic songs,

heartfelt storytelling and world class performance - this is a celebration not to be missed.

This production celebrates and honouring Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton-John and Judith Durham. The Round Arterial Award-winning Na Djirig Circus presents Arterial. An acrobatic performance linking people, Country and Culture, where the unseen bonds between the body and the lans become beautifully visible.

Four performers connect with each other physically in a display of breathtaking acrobatics with striking visual techniques and a score by avant-garde sound designer Darini Esposito.

Arterial will excite and move you as the performers celebrate what it means to be First People - the lifeblood of this country, the land and its beating heart.

• Season: Saturday 25 July at 8pm.

Vika and Linda

Vika and Linda are two of Australia’s most celebrated and enduring voices.

Captivating Australian audiences with their powerful harmonies over 35 years, experience their newest studio album Where Do You Come From?

Hear the songs and stories of their inimitable career as Vika and Linda tell their own story in full.

• Season: Sunday 12 July at 5pm.

Gemco Players Face Blind

A new darkly comic neo-noir musical thriller by Tom and Will Witham

What if your brother’s life depended on the one thing you can’t do?

A gangster with face blindness pursues a dangerous rival through an hallucinogenic psychotherapy retreat, desperate to regain what was stole and save his twin brother’s life.

The story is complex, but the production design minimalist. With a few chairs and tables and a riser we create the stark opaque reality of our protagonist , shifting the arrangement to become a bare apartment, a group-heavy therapy room, a hospital war.

• Season: Friday 17 July.

Equally significant is how the platform has informed our artists that asking for support is NOT embarrassing.

“The two main reasons people don’t give are: One. They haven’t been asked. Two. They don’t know you need the funds.”

“The majority of Australians [give to charities] because they care about the cause. You are not asking for money for yourself but are creating an opportunity for people to be involved in something they are passionate about.”

The Death of Robin Hood...

4/5

In The Death of Robin Hood, written and directed by Michael Sarnoski and based on a 17th-century ballad, an old, gravely wounded Robin Hood (Hugh Jackman) confronts his violent past while recuperating at an island priory.

Sarnoski’s debut film was the surreal psychological thriller Pig, and The Death of Robin Hood reaffirms his skill for sumptuously-shot, compelling character pieces.

The Death of Robin Hood has stunning cinematography and grand folk-infused music, and Jackman carries himself with ferocity, bones-deep fatigue and a harried nobility as Robin the outlaw. Jodie Comer is a figure of remarkable grace as the prioress Sister Brigid, and Murray Bartlett offers some sardonic levity as a leper.

You could say this film peaks early, with volcanic emotions, unglamorous violence, a fiery battle and a mace-wielding priest’s vendetta, but the rest of the film is a poignant, gently tense journey of Robin finding some peace but failing to escape his murderous past. The Death of Robin Hood illustrates how complete redemption may be impossible – the first act has two separate instances of Robin killing children –but is still a worthy aim. Robin’s guarded but touching friendships with Brigid, the leper and Little Margaret (Faith Delaney), a girl he takes under his wing, do not absolve him of his past brutality, but said brutality doesn’t invalidate his present good deeds.

Sarnoski cites films such as The Virgin Spring, The Revenant and Valhalla Rising as influences, but a third-act beach scene shares some DNA with the diner scene in Pulp Fiction, as both scenes feature a bad man’s mercy.

The Death of Robin Hood may be too grim and slow for some viewers, but it’s a subtly devastating, superbly-crafted character study with a phenomenal performance from Hugh Jackman.

The Death of Robin Hood Starring Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer and Murray Bartlett MA15+

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY LIFESTYLE ON OVER HALF AN ACRE

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY LIFESTYLE ON OVER HALF AN ACRE

NESTLED on a picturesque 2,350sqm (approx.) allotment in one of Gembrook’s most sought after locations, this spacious family residence delivers the perfect combination of comfort, versatility and relaxed country living. Designed to accommodate the changing needs of modern families, the thoughtfully considered floorplan offers multiple living zones, generous accommodation and exceptional indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces.

The heart of the home is the well-appointed kitchen, complete with an island bench and excellent storage, overlooking the expansive family and dining area where family and friends can gather with ease. A substantial lounge and games room provides an additional space to unwind, entertain or simply enjoy some quiet time away from the main hub of the home. For year-round comfort, there is ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout.

There are four well-proportioned bedrooms and a dedicated home office providing flexibility for those working remotely or requiring a fifth bedroom option. The privately positioned main suite features a walk-in robe and ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms

are serviced by a central family bathroom and separate powder room.

Stepping outside, you’ll discover an outstanding alfresco area designed for year-round enjoyment. Complete with a built-in barbecue and outdoor fireplace, this inviting space is perfect for hosting family celebrations, summer gatherings or cosy evenings spent overlooking the expansive grounds. The established surrounds offer an abundance of space for children and pets to play, while those seeking a more selfsufficient lifestyle will appreciate the endless possibilities this generous parcel of land presents.

Adding further appeal is the oversized double garage with internal access, ample off-street parking and circular driveway. Offering the charm of country living without compromising on convenience, this exceptional property is just moments from Gembrook’s vibrant township, local schools, cafes and community amenities.

A home of impressive proportions and timeless appeal, this is a rare opportunity to secure a lifestyle property where space, comfort and connection come together beautifully. ●

A VERSATILE FAMILY HOME WITH SPACE

LOVINGLY owned and cared for by the same family for more than 60 years, this is a rare opportunity to secure a versatile, warm and welcoming property in one of Boronia’s most peaceful and sought after locations.

Freshly painted and filled with natural light, the home spans almost 15 squares and has beautiful Tasmanian Oak floorboards on show. Designed with family living in mind, the flexible floorplan offers an impressive selection of living spaces, ensuring room for everyone to relax, entertain and enjoy.

An oversized sunken lounge creates a stunning focal point and flows effortlessly into the formal dining space, while the spacious kitchen overlooks a casual meals and TV area perfect for everyday living. Adding even more versatility, a separate sunroom provides a tranquil retreat where you can unwind with a book, enjoy your morning coffee, or simply take in the beauty of the surrounding established gardens that create your own private oasis.

Four well positioned bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for families of all sizes, with a layout ideally suited to multigenerational living or growing children. A dedicated home office further enhances the home’s functionality, providing a peaceful workspace framed by calming garden views.

Comfort is assured year round with air conditioning in the main living area and a recently updated ducted heating system, while outside, the wrap around decking invites you to relax and enjoy the greenery and nearby forest surrounds. A double carport provides adequate space for dual vehicles while two garden sheds allow plenty of room for extra storage.

Perfectly located just moments from Koolunga Native Reserve and only a few doors from the Pinevale Court Playground, this exceptional property enjoys the serenity of a foothills setting while remaining conveniently close to schools, shops, transport and all the amenities that makes this tightly held pocket such a desirable place to call home.

Offering space, flexibility and a rich family history, this much-loved home is ready to welcome its next generation of owners and create memories for years to come. ●

THE COMPLETE FAMILY PACKAGE

ON OVER HALF AN ACRE

SET on a lovely 2,190m2 allotment with the rare bonus of dual street access from Amphlett Avenue and Suffolk Avenue, this inviting family property delivers space, flexibility and lifestyle appeal in a peaceful Cockatoo setting.

Designed for comfortable family living, the well-presented home offers multiple living and dining zones that allow everyone to spread out and enjoy their own space. A generous lounge and dining area is complemented by a separate living room with cosy wood fire, while the centrally positioned kitchen features stainless steel appliances, dishwasher and excellent connection to the covered outdoor entertaining area.

Accommodation is ideal for growing families, comprising four spacious bedrooms plus a study or optional fifth bedroom. The

privately positioned main bedroom includes a walk-in robe and beautifully renovated ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms are well serviced by the family bathroom and practical laundry.

Step outside and discover a backyard that truly sets this property apart. The large covered patio creates the perfect setting for entertaining year-round, from relaxed family dinners to weekend gatherings with friends. The balance of the property offers plenty of room for children to play, space for caravans, trailers or extra vehicles.

Ideally located just moments from Cockatoo Township, local shops, cafes and the primary school are all at your fingertips. Offering a substantial allotment, dual access and a flexible family floorplan, this is a rare lifestyle opportunity with space to enjoy.

HOME FOCUS

STORYBOOK CHARM IN A SERENE FOREST SETTING

TUCKED away at the end of a peaceful nothrough road in the heart of the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges, the enchanting Seaview Cottage (circa 1927) delivers a rare blend of timeless character, contemporary comfort, and tranquil Hills living.

Surrounded by lush established gardens and backing directly onto the picturesque Moore Break walking trail, this captivating residence offers a lifestyle immersed in nature, privacy and serenity. Wander through the magical Sherbrooke Forest to discover iconic local attractions including Sherbrooke Falls, Sherbrooke Creek and an abundance of scenic picnic spots perfect for family afternoons.

Positioned on approximately 1,021sqm, the home has been thoughtfully rejuvenated over time to suit modern family living while preserving its charming storybook appeal. Elevated ceilings, polished timber floors and beautiful natural light create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout.

Designed with flexibility and family functionality in mind, the residence features multiple living zones, three generous bedrooms, two stylish bathrooms and a stunning Hampton’s inspired kitchen complete with stone benchtops, tiled splashbacks and a 900mm cooktop. A spacious covered alfresco seamlessly extends the living space outdoors, creating the perfect setting for year round entertaining amongst the trees.

The luxurious master suite enjoys direct alfresco access alongside built-in robes and a beautifully appointed ensuite, while two charming attic style bedrooms upstairs are framed by soaring cathedral ceilings, enhancing the home’s unique character.

A cozy fireplace anchors the formal lounge, while a dedicated front study with leafy green outlook provides an idyllic work from home environment.

Property Features

• Charming circa 1927 character home in a peaceful forest setting

• Three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms

• Luxurious master suite with ensuite, built-in robes and alfresco access

Elegant family bathroom with freestanding clawfoot bathtub

Two attic style upstairs bedrooms with cathedral ceilings

Stunning Hampton’s style kitchen with stone benchtops & 900mm cooktop

• Multiple living areas designed for family flexibility

• Formal lounge with cozy fireplace

• Polished timber floorboards and elevated ceilings throughout

• Dedicated home office/study with tranquil garden outlook

Spacious laundry with stone benchtops

Split system heating and cooling plus ducted heating

Expansive covered alfresco entertaining area

Beautifully landscaped 1,021sqm (approx.) allotment

• Private access to the Moore Break walking trail

• Large garden shed, manicured lawns and double carport

• Additional off-street parking

The Location

Perfectly balancing peaceful seclusion with everyday convenience, this exceptional location places you moments from local cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, walking trails and some of the region’s most loved natural attractions including Alfred Nicholas Gardens and Sherbrooke Falls. Families will also appreciate the proximity to Ferny Creek Primary School, Kallista Primary School and Sherbrooke Community School.

To solve a Sudoku

ACROSS

1 Dessert made with milk and eggs (7)

5 Large printed pictures (7)

9 Short pistol (9)

10 System of principles (5)

11 Perquisites (6)

12 Confirming (8)

14 Playing cards (6)

15 Brand of car, Mercedes – (4)

19 US state (4)

20 Governing body (6)

24 Compelling charm (8)

25 Hindu deity (6)

27 Establish by law (5)

28 From São Paulo, say (9)

29 Completely (7)

30 Screw in (7)

or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 Club (6) 2 Spray of liquid (6) 3 Lively (8) 4 Excavates (4) 5 Buying (10)

Inveigle (6) 7 Kitchen gadget (8) 8 Daydream (8) 13 Seemingly (10)

16 Most rapid (8)

17 Clouded eye lens (8)

18 Featuring as a principal performer (8)

21 Female organ of a flower (6)

22 Economy (6)

23 Large piece of artillery (6)

26 Truth (4)

Return of the golf report

By Ron Hottes

It’s great to be back!

My articles haven’t appeared for quite a few months now – in fact, not since October last year.

A stroke certainly turned things upside down, but the rehabilitation is progressing well, and I’m hopeful I’ll be able to provide these weekly reports again from now on.

With winter now upon us, our hardy ladies are still playing on Mondays, although the fields are understandably smaller.

Last Monday’s winner was Linda Lee with a solid 15 points.

Runner-up was Vicki Hottes, so well done to Vicki.

Unfortunately, there were no nearest-the-pin winners in the ladies’ competition.

Wednesday’s competition was won by Ross Machar, who enjoys an early start and posted an outstanding 41 points, the best score of the week. Ross won comfortably from Ryan Smith on 37 points.

Well done to both players. Ross Machar also finishedon37pointsandwasjustoutsidetheplacings.

Nearest-the-pins on Wednesday went to:

Ross Machar on the third – a great day for Ross.

Ken White on the difficult fifth, and it was a beauty too, finishing just 90 centimetres from the hole.

Darrell Ward claimed both the ninth and 15th, so Dazza clearly enjoyed a strong back nine.

Saturday’s competition was won by Josh Hin with 37 points.

Josh only just held off David Lever, who finished runner-up on 36 points.

Nearest-the-pins on Saturday were: Ben Lever on the third.

Jaiden Lever with a very good shot on the fifth.

Trevor Porter on the ninth.

David Lever on the 12th.

There are also a couple of items worth mentioning after my lengthy absence.

Firstly, a very exciting challenge match is taking place during the school holidays.

Six of our talented young golfers from Warby will take on six of the best young players from

No one managed to claim the 15th. Both the 12th and 15th are proving to be very challenging par threes in the current conditions.

Trades & Services

A number of our members, along with plenty of parents, will be making the trip across to support the players.

It promises to be a fantastic contest, and I look forward to reporting the results, mentioning the boys involved, and hopefully celebrating a win.

This may change by Wednesday if we receive some dry weather, but for now carts remain off the course.

It’s great to be back, and hopefully I’ll be chatting with you again next week.

Finally, a reminder to all members and visiting players that there are currently no carts permitted on the course. Please check with the club before playing.

Healesville RSCV.

Ron’s beloved Warby Golf reports are back. (File)

Girls kick off with Metro

By Gabriella Vukman

For most young footballers, pulling on a Victorian jumper is a dream. For Healesville’s Adelaide Caldicott, that dream has already become reality with the 18-year-old named in the Vic Metro AFLW Under-18 Championships squad after a rapid rise through the Eastern Ranges pathway.

The squad was officially announced on 10 June 2026 via the Rookie Me Central platform, confirming Caldicott among the state’s top emerging football talent ahead of the national carnival.

After progressing through local football and talent pathways, Caldicott said learning she had made the squad came after a tense selection process following trials.

“Trials was about three weeks ago, four weeks ago. So we played in a trial game and then the night of was the selection emails if we got picked or not and I was very fortunate enough to get picked for that,” she said.

Since her selection, Caldicott has been training weekly with Vic Metro across various metropolitan venues, adjusting to the demands of elite representative football and the travel required across Melbourne.

“It switches around but yeah it’s good,” she said of training locations spanning suburbs including Altona, Kilsyth and Bundoora.

The next step came quickly, with Caldicott making her Vic Metro debut against Queensland at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong.

“It was really cool. Really fun experience and yeah it was just so good to be a part of,” she said. Representing Victoria brought a clear step up in intensity, but also pride in pulling on the jumper.

“Even just being able to put on the jumper is like such an honour to be a part of,” she said.

“The jump from Eastern Rangers to Vic Metro was definitely big for me. But I think I adjusted pretty good and played in a game I was happy with.”

The Vic Metro program brings together some

of the state’s most promising young footballers, giving Caldicott the chance to develop under elite coaching and alongside highly rated teammates.

“So many good opportunities that comes with being in the team such as the coaches and all the things you can learn from the other players who are really experienced and play at a really high standard,” she said.

“I’m in the forward line with a couple of big names… they’re really good to learn from.”

Among her teammates in the wider Vic Metro environment is fellow Healesville local and Healesville Football Club player Brylee Anderson, who was also selected in the squad following strong performances through the Eastern Ranges system.

Spencer selected for Vic Metro

By Callum Ludwig

A Woori Yallock boy born and bred, Archie Spencer has risen up the ranks and caught the eye of the top talent spotters.

Having already established himself as part of the Eastern Ranges setup, Spencer has now been selected for the Vic Metro Under 18 Boys squad for the 2026 Marsh AFL National Under-18 Boys Championships.

Spencer said he was at Eastern Ranges training when he got the news.

“All the boys who trialled knew the email was coming out that night, so receiving that email was a relief and also just excitement,” he said.

“I’m pretty proud to be selected in the Vic Metro squad as the whole league is just filled with talented footballers.

“I have worked really hard on my game and feel like this is a reward for my effort, it’s just an amazing opportunity for me and gives me the chance to prove myself even more.”

Having started out as a seven-year-old with the Tigers, he’s won two premierships (Under 11s and Under 15s), one club best and fairest and been the runner-up on a couple occasions, as well as making his senior debut in 2024 at only 15.

Spencer said they’ve been an awesome club to grow up around in.

“Dad spent his whole football career there too, as well as coaching my brother and me throughout our juniors,” he said.

“I’ve only ever played 1 game with my older brother Baylin and that was in my first year of seniors, we played a preliminary final against Wandin and lost.

“Still due for another game with him.”

Spencer was one of seven Ranges players selected for the final squad alongside Jordan Knapp, Zac Antonellos, Jett Flower, Sam Devers, Harrison Chapman and Baxter Sruk.

Spencer said all he strives and wants to be is the teammate that he would like to have.

“More of an inside player, in and under around the ball, but can provide run as well, my main position is midfield and I love to work hard and run as much as I can to support my teammates around the ground,” he said.

“I play a bit of forward and back at times, which helps me get a feel of different positions and add different skillsets to myself as a player and also provides a different point of view of the game compared to when playing midfield.

“My strengths are my competitiveness, work rate, and handballing, I’m a ‘first-give’ player, if my teammates are in a better position or running past, I’ll almost always give the ball.”

Spencer jetted off with the squad ahead of the first match against Western Australia on Saturday 20 June, while they will also take on in the Allies at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium on Sunday 28 June, South Australia at Marvel Stadium on Friday 3 July and Vic Country back in Ballarat on Sunday 19 July.

Spencer said he is looking forward to playing with the squad, having played with a fair few of the boys before from other clubs through the Under 15 School Sport Victoria Championships and the U16 Vic Metro squad already.

“We’ve got a good group, everyone gets around each other and the vibes are just really positive and fun.” he said.

“Keeping good nutrition, good sleep and focusing on my own role that will help get the team over the line is probably how I prepare myself for the games, as well as keeping on top of my recovery after the game.

“It’s always been my goal to play AFL since I first started my footy journey…playing for Victoria is an awesome opportunity for me, for the experi-

The pair’s selection highlights the strength of junior football talent coming through the Healesville region, with both players now competing at representative level on the national stage.

Caldicott’s representative campaign also requires her to temporarily step away from her commitments with Eastern Ranges and Healesville during the four-week championship block.

While the break from local football is a challenge, she says the opportunity is one she is determined to make the most of.

“Hopefully if I play well in the next few Metro games and do well at Rangers you know increases my potential draft pick which would be amazing,” she said.

Football, however, was not always part of her

ence of playing with and against the best 17 and 18 year olds in the country, as well as giving me the opportunity to prove myself as a player.”

long-term plan. She only began playing in her mid-teens after being encouraged by friends.

“I started in my 14s so 2021 or two. Yeah just got roped into it from my friends and just absolutely loved it ever since.”

What began as a social outlet has now become a genuine pathway toward elite sport.

“When I initially started playing footy it was obviously just for the fun and to be doing things with my friends but obviously now that these opportunities keep coming it’s like something that I’ve wanted to grow to want even more,” she said.

Balancing elite football with Year 12 studies has added another layer of challenge.

“It’s pretty tricky yeah I’ll be honest,” Caldicott said.

“Just trying to balance like you know when do I need to study like when do I have time to do a little bit extra training.”

Outside of football, Caldicott is focused on completing VCE and pursuing a career in midwifery.

“I’ve wanted to be a midwife for a little while now so that’s definitely like my number one career path that I’m wanting to pursue,” she said.

On the field, she describes her playing style as competitive and team-oriented, with a focus on creating opportunities in attack.

“I think that I create a lot of options up forward in the forward line for my team. I think I’m pretty competitive and I’ve got a lot of hunger for the ball.”

As Vic Metro continues its national championship campaign across Australia, including interstate fixtures in Western Australia and South Australia, Caldicott remains focused on growth, experience and consistency at the higher level.

For a player who only picked up football a few years ago, the journey from local grounds in Healesville to Vic Metro representation has been rapid, and far from finished.

“Every time I play and every time I do something positive that impacts my potential career it just drives me even more to want it.”

Healesville Tennis Club victorious

Women’s tennis has never been stronger at Healesville Tennis Club. For the first time in the history of the club, they have a team in Section 1 of the Ferntree Gully and District Thursday ladies competition. Not only that; they won their semi-final against Templeton Club, and then went on to win the Grand Final against Heatherdale Club in a very competitive match, 4 sets to 2, 42 games to 30. They were awarded a big silver trophy to keep for a season, along with a flag to put up in the clubhouse.

Their captain Michela Scully remembers starting off playing in Section 9 when she joined the club back in 2006 and over the years, the ladies have gone from strength to strength climbing the ladder up to Section 1.

In addition, the club has worked hard to promote and foster women’s tennis with a weekly social hit every Monday morning at 9.30am for all levels of players. Plus there are 2 Wednesday competition teams (section 2 and 3) and the Thursday section 1 team.

Practically every day of the week there is an opportunity to play tennis and all the details can be found on their website at healesvilletc.org.au.

Adelaide Caldicotte will return to Healesville footy club after completing the Vic Metro AFLW Under-18s comp. (Gabriella Vukman: 560323).

Archie Spencer has come all the way through the junior ranks at Woori Yallock. (Adam Sykes)

Archie Spencer in action for Eastern Ranges. (Rob Lawson/AFL Photos)

Spencer describes himself as a ‘first-give’ player.

(Rob Lawson/AFL Photos)

L-R: Grand final winners Barb D’Arcy, Michela Scully (Captain), Leni Harrison, Kate Bray, Lisa Barry, Kris Wenhuda and Suzy Bishop. (Supplied)

Woolly good fun in Healesville

By Gabriella Vukman

Healesville Pony Club’s annual Winter Woolies show returned on Thursday 18 June, bringing riders, volunteers, sponsors and horse enthusiasts together for a day of competition, community and fundraising.

Hosted by the local riding club, the annual event serves as both a social gathering and an important fundraiser to help maintain club facilities and ensure future events can continue.

Vice-President and Rally Coordinator Anne Moffat said organising the event required significant preparation behind the scenes.

“We had to get the programme done and get it approved by HRCAV, because we’re a HRCAV club, and then we have to organise the judge, and the prizes, and ribbons, and advertise it,” she said.

As Rally Coordinator, Ms Moffat also managed rider bookings, organised instructors for regular rallies and attended committee meetings throughout the year.

The Winter Woollies Show is an important source of income for the club, which shares responsibility for maintaining the grounds it leases from the council.

“Funds raised by the event support the club, so we can put another Winter Woolies on next

year, and maintain the grounds and things like that,” Ms Moffat said.

Despite the fundraising focus, Ms Moffat said the event is equally valuable as a social occasion.

“It’s good for the club, and it’s good for the people that come. Everybody has a lovely day,” she said.

Among the competitors was Angela Jade Thompson, who was returning to competition after a four-year break.

“I haven’t competed in four years, so this is my first show back,” she said.

It was the relaxed atmosphere that rendered the competition an ideal event for Ms Thompson to return to.

“Being a little more low key, the pressure isn’t as high, so it’s a bit more of a relaxed environment to bring the horse back out and for myself to build some confidence.”

For Ms Thompson, the event is about much more than placings and ribbons.

“Competitions are definitely better when they’re for fundraising,” she said.

“It makes it less, less of a coming for the placings. It’s more of just coming for the atmosphere and for the good cause.”

Ms Thompson also highlighted the importance of supporting grassroots equestrian clubs.

“Fundraising events like these help build a

backbone for the community,” she said.

“It’s a very big community, but run by very small clubs with very few people operating them.”

“By having these smaller events, it helps the little people be seen and be known and feel a little bit more a part of what the whole HRCAV actually is.”

For Ms Thompson, nothing compares to competing on horseback.

“The thrill, the adrenaline, the feeling of being able to control and bond with an animal of such size and to be able to do the things that we do is amazing” she said.

“Anyone can drive a car or ride a motorbike, but having a connection with such a big animal, it’s a very unique experience.”

The event was supported by Bendigo Bank, whose sponsorship helped fund important infrastructure improvements at the grounds.

Branch Manager Keeley Mahoney said the bank works closely with local groups to strengthen the community.

“We really love our town that we live in and we want to make sure it thrives in all areas and covers all ages and types of people in the town,” Ms Mahoney said.

“The profit that we make we try to give back to a diverse group of clubs and groups.”

Mahoney said supporting groups such as the riding club helps create opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and connected.

“Supporting this group is really important,” she said. “Older ladies looking to do something fun and yeah a bit of competition healthy competition it’s great.”

Vice President Moffat said the club was particularly grateful for the bank’s assistance in repairing a dangerous drainage issue in the top arena.

“The Bendigo Bank has been exceedingly supportive,” she said.

“The money that they gave us to fix the drain on the top arena, because it was really dangerous, and, you know, not safe for the kids or anybody riding on it.”

WIth the first speckles of rain rolling in as the event came to a conclusion, all but one of Ms Moffat’s hopes for this year’s event had come to fruition.

“I just wanted for everybody to have a nice day, and to not get wet before they go home.”

Damp boots aside, all riders left with a smile on their faces, and thanks to the support of competitors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters, the event helped secure valuable funds for the Healesville Pony Club to deliver next year’s Winter Woolies event.

The rain held off for the majority of the competition. (Gabriella Vukman: 560530).

The Healesville Community Bank funded new drainage for the pony club’s top arena. (Gabriella Vukman: 560530).

Anne and her horse Isle of Rousay won the Champion ribbon (Level 2 Rider Exhibit) (Stewart Chambers: 559844) Kate on Kellett Lodge Echo (Level 2 Rider Exhibit) (Stewart Chambers: 559844)

Burras bested by Woori

By Alex Wood

On the weekend, we hosted Woori Yallock for eight games and unfortunately finishing the day with only one win.

Our Women’s Footy took on Healesville over at Healesville in another big day with wet and muddy conditions.

We celebrated another major milestone, with great clubman, Matt Godenzi playing his 250th game and earning Life Membership. Results as below:

NETBALL:

A Grade:

■FT: Warburton-Millgrove 35 to Woori Yallock 36.

■Best: Ally Langdon, Selina Fotia and Taylah McIntosh.

■Goals: Lara Nathan (16), Bianca Daniels (18) and Ally Langdon (1).

B Grade:

■FT: Warburton-Millgrove 25 def by Woori Yallock 71.

■Best: Emerson Woods, Emily Hah and Sienna Muir.

■Goals: Tanner McCurdy (12), Cam Holland (2), Alex Woods (6), Emerson Woods (5).

C Grade:

■FT: Warburton-Millgrove 28 def by Woori Yallock 46.

■Best: Alex Woods, J’aime Lord, Layla Ata.

■Goals: Alexandra Woods (21) and Mel Hancock (7).

D Grade:

■FT: Warburton-Millgrove 13 def by Woori Yallock 22.

■Best: Tamin Crunden, Tayah Humphrey, Makayla Pye.

■Goals: Tayah Humphrey (7), Tiana Purchall (3), Amarli Weir (3).

U17:

■FT: Warburton-Millgrove 15 def by Woori Yallock 47.

■Bests: Belle Syme, Kaylee Feim and Makayla Pye.

■Goals: Maisy Toy (10), Belle Syme (5).

FOOTBALL RESULTS

U18s:

■FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Woori Yallock: 4.4 (28) - 6.14 (50).

■Best: Blayden Tamme, Romanee Martin, Jedd Mormeneo, Pat Crunden, Zane Wunhym, Ryan Gibson.

■Goals: Zane Wunhym (2), Brody Urquhart (2).

Reserves:

■FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Woori Yallock: 6.2 (38) - 3.5 (23).

■Bests: Marcel Kocher, Michael Read, Dale Morris, Shannon Noonan, Aaron Pye, Matt Godenzi.

■Goals: Marcel Kocher (3), Josh Read (1), Pat Quilty (1), Damien Egan (1).

Women’s:

■FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Healesville: 2.5 (17) - 4.3 (27).

■Bests: Emerson Woods, Hollie Eckhardt, Maddi Andueza, Maddy Wray, Lily Pagels, Skye Comer.

Seniors:

■FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Woori Yallock: 6.5 (41) - 9.5 (59).

■Best: Pat Huynh, Liam Barnard, Josh Berenger, Tom Barr, Tom Baker and Mitch Gordon.

■Goals: Joshua Berenger (1), Ben Pretty (1), Tom Barr (1), Bailey Humphrey (2), Liam Westlake (1).

Onto the next round with Gembrook-Cockatoo for an away match.

Tom Barr from the Senior Men’s side. (Supplied)

Wandin make it two for two

Wandin have again claimed bragging rights in the local derby, defeating Mt Evelyn by 18 points on the weekend to move to 2–0 for the season. After a tight opening term, Wandin began to assert control through the middle quarters, taking a 17-point lead into the final change. Mt Evelyn fought hard and stayed in touch, but Wandin’s defence, in what where trying conditions proved too difficult to penetrate, running out 9.8 (62) to 6.8 (44) winners, with two late Mt Evelyn goals making the scoreboard look better for them.

Tom Merlin and Aaron Mullett were strong contributors for Wandin, both hitting the scoreboard, while the midfield group led by John Ladner and Cody Hirst provided consistent drive.

Mt Evelyn were well served by Tom Burkitt and Riley Clarke, who worked tirelessly across the ground, but couldn’t quite bridge the gap.

Wandin meet Olinda at Wandin next weekend in a top of the table clash that is set to be a classic.

The River Pigs held out well for most of the game against second-placed Healesville. (File)

Grit shown from River Pigs

By David Ball

The Yarra Glen Under 18’s travelled to Healesville for Round 10 with all other teams having a bye.

In a very competitive first quarter the River Pigs went into quarter time only two goals behind the second placed, unbeaten Healesville team.

In slippery conditions the Yarra Glen boys showed great spirit to keep the Bloods boys to just two more goals in the second quarter whilst adding one of their own.

In another hard slog in the third the Yarra

glen defenders allowed only one goal to get through in the third. The Pavic brothers were great in the midfield.

In the last quarter the Healesville boys showed too much run for the tiring River Pigs to finish with a four goal quarter.

Final scores were Yarra Glen def by Healesville: 2.1 (13) - 10.10 (70).

Best Players: Andrew Lowrie, John Pavic, Tyson Oates, Max Williams, Dylan Shambrook, Robert Pavic. Goalkickers: Max Williams and Dylan Shambrook.

John Ladner provided consistent drive in the midfield. (File: 346052)

Rei hattrick in YVSC win

By Matt Munro

The Yarra Valley Soccer Club (YVSC) U18s put on a powerful performance in their six nil win against MUFC Valour on 20 June.

It was a resounding win and another stellar effort by the YV team to win away. We dominated all facets of the game in wet and slippery conditions.

In the first half we scored four goals. The first two goals were scored by Finn Stockton at the 10 min and 22 min mark respectively.

Both goals were opportunistic sharp shots scored from quick bursts through defenders within the box.

Rei scored a penalty goal soon after and found the left post that deflected into the net.

With a few minutes to go in the first half, Toby scored the goal of the day with a right foot high fade kick that went over the goalies head and curled away into the top right corner.

In the second half Rei scored two goals at the 63rd and 68th minute mark to complete

the hattrick.

Both goals were scored from good runs down the left and from close range he beat the goalie.

In defence we were as solid as ever at rebounding attacks.

Most of our play was in the midfield and attack.

Our midfield created many opportunities with surging runs, good through balls and forward passes.

Finn, Rei and Noah were aggressive and

dangerous in attack all day. Lawson was lively and applied a lot of pressure around the ball to open up space.

Kaoru also came again to help the team and gained confidence with her ball control and passing.

Next Saturday 27 June we play Knox at home at 10.30am in what looms as a huge game for a top three spot on the line. Come on down to Millgrove next week to show your support for the team.

Gymkhana incoming, fashions classes will be free for all

By Anita Prowse

A mixed bag with the weather this week, always exciting to hit that shortest day every year, it’s all uphill from here.

Next Sunday will see the Upper Yarra Pony Club’s (UYPC) Annual Beginners Gymkhana and Novice Only Open Ring Show.

Fingers crossed for some nice sunshine this year!

As a help for families, the popular Fashions On The Field and Fancy Dress classes will be free to enter.

I have seen a couple of the costumes already, and I must say, the work and detail that goes into these classes is just amazing!

Look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying their horses and ponies. Entries are available on the day, so don’t be shy, come and have a fun day.

UYARC’s show jumping event is coming up in August, entries are open at Event Secretary, nice to have another show jumping event in the Valley, they seem to be lacking a little in Victoria these days.

Work has also begun on the program for this year’s Yarra Valley Horse Show, it will hopefully be out in the coming weeks, with a couple of additions we hope everyone enjoys.

Happy riding everyone.

The U18s face Knox at home next week. (Supplied)

The YV u18s were on top of their game against MUFC Valour. (Supplied)

An aerial challenge between a YV player and a MUFC Valour player. (Supplied)

The rain didn’t stop YVSC from showing excellent form on Saturday. (Supplied)

This year’s Fashion on the Field and Fancy Dress classes will be free. (Supplied)

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BYES: WESTERN

1. What emoji do you use the most?

Goggle eyes, kissing emoji (sometimes using a memoji) & two champagne glasses clinking!

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

Wow…peace and quiet! Book (s), matches (I don’t fancy rubbing 2 sticks together) and fishing rod.

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

Iceland for its stunning scenery & unique way of life.

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

Mini minor: number plate BGR 369 – it was called the bugger

5. Where would you like to retire?

Where I live – no plans to move, but with some good beach time

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

A meat in China – I thought it must have been dog but was informed it would have been bear or horse! I wasn’t relieved to hear that! Not a fan!

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

I often wish I had the powers of Samantha in

Bewitched – clean the house, change the clothes, and immediately get somewhere else

8. What movie title matches your job role? Persuasion

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

JFK Junior – smart guy with an interesting life and he looked ok too!

10. What is the craziest thing you believed as a child? That gorillas were involved in guerilla warfare. I just couldn’t get my head around it, but it was on 3LO news so it must have been true!

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

Not too much, my dog Max is deaf – from a very young age!