Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 30th June 2026

Upwey rocks!

By Tanya Steele

The local community got together and rocked on over the weekend for the first-ever Upwey Sounds, a free winter music and more event across multiple locations that brought local talent to the fore. Across four venues from the Upwey-Belgrave RSL to the Fat Goat, performers played into the night on Saturday 27 June.

A special youth-led stage saw local not-for-profit The Forge Institute host a musical stage for teens across the region, with Nina Rose, Who’s Rosie, the Melody Band and IHA entertaining crowds.

President of Upwey Township group Jaqui Buckland said the event was a great success with a good turnout despite the cold.

“There were plenty of people across all the venues,” she said.

The main stage, dubbed the Blue Hills stage in the Skate Park, saw DJ Digging, DJJo, Miss Skatonic 3, DJ B, Neesy and Stewart, DJ Tre Bien, Tony J King, DJ Jack, Conqueror Root, DJ Conquest, Katy Kapow and Deep Steve entertain crowds untill 10pm. From burlesque to vinyl spinning, the community came out to listen to local talent and had a great time.

FOR HIGHLIGHTS, TURN TO PAGE 10 FOR MORE

Calling Albanese

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A Mater Christi College Year 7 student has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for stronger action to reduce crime and improve public safety, saying young people are being deeply affected by incidents in their communities.

The 13-year-old Cleo Mackenzie said she was inspired to write the letter after a teacher shared her own experience of contacting the Prime Min-

ister about issues she cared about.

In her letter, Cleo said more needs to be done to make Australia safer, pointing to regular news reports of people being harmed or robbed, which she said have shaped her sense of safety from a young age.

She also described a distressing incident outside her home that changed how she feels about safety in her own environment and affected her younger brothers.

“Most people believe home is a safe haven. I

can’t feel safe in my own house when I feel like someone can come in at any moment,” the letter reads.

Cleo said the experience reinforced the lasting impact of crime on children, saying “once something happens to you or near you, you can’t really unsee that”.

Central to her message is what she calls a “ripple effect” - the idea that one positive action can drive broader change.

“If you drop a pebble in a river, ripples will

come from that and spread,” she wrote, saying the concept could apply to individuals, communities and countries working towards safer societies. She suggested measures including improved lighting in streets and shopping centres, compulsory CCTV in busy public areas, and more neighbourhood watch groups.

Cleo said she hopes policymakers recognise crime also affects young people, adding children should not be dismissed when raising concerns.

Deep Steve take the stage. (42 Studios - Julia Broad)

Rate cap squeezes Knox

By Tanya Steele

The latest Knox City Council budget was carried unanimously at the 22 June meeting, but not before some focused time was spent discussing the pensioner rebate rate cuts.

The 2026-27 budget acknowledged the higher cost of living and inflation, along with some wins for the vulnerable, with a winter sleepout and bump to the emergency relief fund.

Balancing costs with the state-imposed rate cap, Knox will increase general rates by 2.75 per cent.

Rate capping continues under higher inflation, particularly for construction materials, fuel and service delivery.

Knox Mayor, Councillor Paige Kennett, said the budget carefully balances investment in community priorities with responsible financial management.

“In developing this budget, we carefully considered feedback from almost 600 community members about your needs, values and priorities,” she said.

“We have been guided by the changing needs of our community and, amid the cost-of-living crisis and in a financially constrained environment, focused funding on the services you’ve told us matter most.“

Cr Glen Atwell, in support of the budget, said at the meeting it was a careful and considered budget, informed by feedback from the community.

“This is a hard time for a lot of people in Knox,“ he said.

The beefed-up emergency relief fund,

which, after a pilot year, is set to be topped up to $150,000.

Around $54.6 million is pledged for capital works, with $39.732 million allocated for renewing community assets and $14.877 million for new, upgraded and expanded community assets.

Council will take on debt to the tune of $11.5 million to help fund these capital works, pointed out as necessary to bring forward infrastructure.

There will be funding allocated for the winter shelter program for people experiencing homelessness.

There will also be an extra recycling collection over Christmas/New Year and investment in roads, sports facilities, playgrounds and community buildings.

Several challenges emerged for Knox throughout the report for the budget, including the region’s ageing infrastructure, growing population, cost shifting from state and federal levels, climate-related events and a question mark on new employee wages, with a new enterprise agreement yet to be negotiated.

The standard residential garbage charge will increase by nearly $20 to $434.55 annually, an increase justified by the need to recover the full cost of waste services, including the State Government’s landfill levy.

Impounded vehicle release fees went up by nearly 18 per cent, from $373 to $430.

Placing $130.775 million towards the wide-ranging delivery of services to the Knox community, Mayor Kennett said these services support the community across every stage of life.

“From families with newborns accessing maternal and child health services to older residents who rely on our meal delivery service to stay independent at home,“ she said.

At the meeting, Cr Susan Pearce came out against the cuts slated for the pensioner rebate, bringing an alternative motion to the table.

The cut, which would see the rebate of $100 reduce by 25 per cent, was proposed in the draft budget, and some councillors have argued against it.

“This isn’t a budget buster; this is a question of priorities,“ said Cr Pearce.

Coming out as her seconder, Cr Robert Williams said offering a pensioner rebate on top of the state concession is something Knox City Council has been rightly proud of for many years.

“This is a budget that quite reasonably raises costs across the board, the rate cap increase, and a near twenty-dollar increase in the garbage charge,“ he said.

“Pensioners on fixed incomes feel every one of those increases, and they have the least room to absorb them.“

Cr Pearce said the recipients of the rebate are the most vulnerable people in the community.

“I can’t look them in the face and say just wear this,“ she said.

The alternate motion was lost, opposed by Cr Meagan Baker, Cr Lisa Cooper, Cr Parisa Considine, Cr Glen Atwell, Mayor Cr Paige Kennett, and Deputy Mayor Cr Chris Duncan.

Cr Atwell said at the meeting that they know the number of rough sleepers and people living on the edge of homelessness is increasing rapidly.

“Council is doing everything it can to target our support in the most equitable way possible,“

Knox plans for safety review on Dorset Road

By Tanya Steele

A major intersection in Ferntree Gully has been flagged by its local council for a safety review at the last Knox City Council meeting on 22 June.

Dobson Ward Councillor Meagan Baker has called for action by the State Government to investigate the Burwood Highway and Dorset Road intersection in Ferntree Gully.

Bringing a notice of motion to the meeting with concerns about the increasing use of U-turns and the risk of collisions at the intersection, Cr Baker said the issue is about drivers, families, and a genuine road safety concern.

“This is a busy intersection used by thousands of

vehicles each day,” she said.

The motion asked Council to write to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety and local state MPs seeking an investigation into the intersection.

Itrequeststhereviewexaminevisibilityissuesfor drivers making U-turns, the lack of dedicated U-turn traffic signals, and whether existing road markings and signage are adequate.

The Department of Transport and Planning would also be asked to consider improvements such as dedicated U-turn signal phases, changes to traffic light sequencing, better signage and lane markings, and any other engineering measures to reduce crashes and near misses.

Inthesamearea,thelastStatebudgetdelivereda

fundingannouncementinMaytoundertakeasignal network optimisation (SNO) review at the Burwood Highway and Ferntree Gully Road intersection.

Meanwhile, the Henderson Road and Ferntree Gully Road Intersection is currently receiving upgrades from Transport Victoria to improve safety and travel times.

The motion from Knox Council requests a written response from the Minister for Roads and Road Safety by 30 September 2026.

“Too often, change comes after an incident,” said Cr Baker.

“This motion is about acting before that moment,” she said.

Cr Baker said at the meeting that she is seeking

he said.

Trying again for the pensioner rebate cut, Cr Pearce said she would ask that the amended budget process in September generally revisit the pensioner rate rather than threatening the vote as a final word.

Cr Baker asked a question directed to Mayor Kennett about whether Cr Peter Lockwood, not present due to a suspension, had been provided the opportunity to provide feedback on the recent budget.

Deputy Mayor Chris Duncan confirmed that Cr Lockwood was not at a recent budget workshop but participated in all other discussions that they have had around the budget, with questions on the relevance of Cr Baker’s raised by Cr Pearce and Cr Williams.

“I think that is highly relevant to the debate that we’re having,“ he said.

“However, Councillor Lockwood’s opinion and what was discussed in that meeting is not something that the Mayor can speak to.“

Cr Duncan also noted some context regarding community feedback.

“I would like to note that there’s only been eight responses to the public consultation of the draft budget, and of those eight responses, only one of them was relating to the rebate,“ he said.

“We’ve had, I believe, ten times that for the local laws regarding significant trees and pet surrender fees.“

The 2026-2027 budget was passed unanimously.

Planning for Knox’s 2027-2028 annual plan and budget will begin soon, and residents can begin to engage with the council from 27 July to 23 August.

The notice of motion was passed unanimously. (File: 278875).

response be provided before caretaker mode.

“So council and community have clarity on whether any action will be considered,” she said.

“The ask is not huge,” said Scott Ward Cr Lisa Cooper.

“This is something that can be quite easily achieved, and in a timely manner,” she said.

The motion was passed unanimously.

Taylor Ward, Cr Susan Pearce at the June 22 meeting. (Knox City Council webcast).

Knox City Council Deputy Mayor Chris Duncan at the 22 June meeting. (Knox City Council webcast).

Knox City Council passed its budget last week. (File: 278875).

Knox pet surrender fee is challenged

By Tanya Steele

Question time at the last Knox meeting on June 22 saw local cat advocates question the legality and merit behind the council’s surrender fee charge, which is now $146 in this year’s council budget.

A surrender fee, which is allegedly not a fee, was raised as an issue by the outer cat advocacy group Knox AdvoCats at the last Knox Council meeting.

Knox AdvoCats representative Ashlley Morgan-Shae asked Knox Council a series of questions on both the number of pets surrendered to the council and the justification for the council’s animal surrender fee.

“This budget’s animal surrender fee of $146 per animal means that more cats end up on the streets,” she said.

Ms Morgan-Shae said Animal Welfare Victoria had informed her group that local councils cannot charge mandated animal surrender fees.

“A council must accept any dog or cat kept in that district, which is given to the council, charging a fee conflicts with the council’s mandatory duty to accept the animal without conditions,” she said.

Director of City Liveability, Jonathan McNally, said in Knox, since 2025, there have been 31 surrenders relating to 13 cats and 18 dogs, where the fee has been paid, representing 31 per cent of total animals surrendered to council and called the period “not typical” due to a large volume of surrender case.

“During the same period, 67 animals were surrendered without a fee being charged, comprising 54 cats, 12 dogs, and one rooster,” he said.

Ms Morgan-Shae followed by asking how Knox Council’s mandatory animal surrender fee meets the legislative obligations set out by Section 33a, 2025 of the Domestic Animal Management Act 1994, which says that the council must accept surrendered dogs and cats not subject to any conditions.

“The obligation set by the Domestic Animals Act to accept surrendered dogs or cats is not subject to any conditions under the legislation,” she said. Ms Morgan-Shae said the mandated animal surrender fee pushes more undesexed cats and vulnerable kittens onto the streets, worsening welfare for cats, wildlife, community carers, vets, and rescuers.

“Costs to councils and residents continue to rise by using a failed, punitive method,” she said.

Mr McNally said that the council does not currently charge a mandatory surrender fee, that the fee is prescribed to recover a portion of its costs, the council’s process is currently under review and that in nearly 70 per cent of cases, the person surrendering the animal elects not to pay the fee and the council still accepts the animal.

“Council’s animal surrender fee does not impose any condition on surrender, as council accepts surrendered animals in accordance with the act and does not refuse acceptance solely because a voluntary surrender fee is proposed,” he said.

“Officers have generally applied discretion when applying the fee; however, we can see how

there might be some confusion around how council applies this discretion.”

Mr McNally said the fee is an administrative charge associated with the surrender process, rather than a condition precedent to the council accepting the animal under section 33a.

“The legislative obligation to accept surrendered animals remains unchanged and is fulfilled, irrespective of the assistance of the fee,” he said.

“The animal surrender fee reflects the principle that those accessing a specific service contribute toward the cost of providing that service, reducing the overall financial burden on the broader ratepayer base, as identified in my response to your first question.”

A third question was then asked, by another AdvoCats representative, and asked on what legal advice does Knox City Council charge the free and has Knox tested this against the Domestic Animals Act Section 33a - that council must accept surrendered dogs or cats without barriers.

The representative did not speak to the question, and Ms Morgan-Shae spoke on their behalf.

“In our letter from Animal Welfare Victoria, they say that councils can ask for a donation towards rehoming costs, but they cannot have any fee,” she said. “It must not be presented as a fee at all.”

Mr McNally said again that the council does not currently charge a mandatory animal surrender fee. “Council accepts surrendered animals in accordance with the act and does not refuse acceptance solely because a voluntary surrender fee is proposed,” he said.

So is it a fee or not? A representative from Animal Aid said they receive surrendered animals through two main pathways: some directly through the shelter and others via local councils, and that they do not receive the fee Knox charges.

“In both instances, they ultimately come into Animal Aid’s care,” the representative said. “Knox Council charges a fee if they are collecting surrendered animals,” they said.

The Animal Aid representative said the bigger picture for surrendering cats and kittens has been complex.

“Cat surrender intake from Knox has increased by 74 per cent on the prior two-year average, with 100 cats surrendered this financial year to the end

of May,” they said. “Yarra Ranges has remained more consistent with previous years, sitting at around 80 cats per year,” they said.

Animal Aid asks for a surrender donation when an animal is surrendered directly, rather than charging a set fee, which is voluntary, caseby-case and assists with the cost of caring for the animal once it is in their care.

“We understand people may be making difficult decisions, including due to financial pressure,” said the representative.

The representative from Animal Aid said the bigger issue and pressure comes from unidentified and uncollected cats and kittens entering their care.

“This financial year, Animal Aid expects to receive more than 3,000 cats and kittens,” they said.

“The most practical things cat owners and carers can do are to desex their cats, keep them safely contained, and ensure they are microchipped and registered with up-to-date contact details.”

In the Yarra Ranges Council, there is no animal surrender fee listed on their website and Director of Communities, Leanne Hurst, said that their surrender process has been in place for many years and that when residents can no longer care for pets, the council acts as the formal intake point for surrendered animals before they are transferred to Animal Aid, with no charge.

“If surrender is the only option, Council manages the intake process and arranges transfer to Animal Aid, Council’s contracted pound facility, in accordance with its obligations under the Domestic Animals Act 1994,” she said.

A media spokesperson from Knox Council said the surrender fee contributes towards the Council’s costs associated with the management of surrendered animals by Animal Aid.

“It doesn’t cover the full cost of Animal Aid’s services, which is currently $210 per animal, or Council expenses such as officer time and transportation of the animal,” they said. “Before considering surrendering a pet, Council encourages pet owners to contact Animal Aid, as support services and advice may be available to help them keep their pet. If a resident is experiencing financial hardship and is unable to pay the fee, the matter will be reviewed to identify available options, which may include waiving or reducing the fee.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said that it’s been quite a few rough years for people when it comes to the cost of living and its impacts, and they while they haven’t seen an increase in animal surrender numbers, but there have still been effects.

“We know pets have been deeply affected by it,” they said. “Some people, often through no fault of their own, are having to make unbelievably hard decisions that are impacting their pets.”

RSPCA offers community outreach programs to make things like vaccination, microchipping and desexing more affordable for owners.

“Through our community outreach programs, we see these people and hear their stories, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking, and we’re so pleased we can help through these programs where we can,” said the RSCPA representative.

Hit and run, Cockatoo

A 27-year-old Cockatoo man has been charged after a cyclist was seriously injured in an alleged hit-and-run in Cockatoo on 26 June.

Friday afternoon in Cockatoo saw a cyclist airlifted to the hospital following a serious and life-threatening collision.

Emergency services were called to Pakenham Road about 2.40pm on Friday 26 June, and the cyclist, a 47-year-old man, was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police allege the driver left the scene, failing to stop and abandoned the vehicle at a reserve on Hillside Road.

Following an investigation, detectives arrested the 27-year-old Cockatoo man just after midnight on Saturday.

Now charged with intentionally causing serious injury and dangerous driving causing serious injury, the man was due to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 27 June for a remand hearing.

Teen charged, Yarra Ranges youth released for now

Sunday 28 June, saw a teen from the Yarra Ranges area released after a police pursuit from Doncaster to Richmond, while a teen from Mornington Peninsula was arrested.

An allegedly outstanding stolen grey BMW was seen travelling on Williamson Road in Doncaster about 4pm on 26 June, and police followed the vehicle along Doncaster Road.

It is alleged they dumped the BMW in Balwyn North before leaving in a stolen Kia.

Following the Kia vehicle through Balwyn North, then Canterbury, Kew, and Hawthorn, the car allegedly stopped inside an underground car park on Victoria Street, Richmond, at about 4.50pm.

Police, along with a dog squad, arrested a 17-year-old boy from the Mornington Peninsula, believed to be one of the occupants, who was also bitten by one of the dogs.

The teen was taken to the hospital under police guard with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 15-year-old Yarra Ranges boy was arrested nearby, interviewed by detectives and released pending summons, while the 17-year-old from the Mornington Peninsula area remains in hospital remanded under police guard.

The older teen was charged with numerous counts of aggravated burglary, theft, attempted theft of a motor vehicle and criminal damage.

The matter was due to be heard before a court on Sunday 26 June.

Tow truck altercation in Kallista Police are investigating an assault and attempted theft of a tow truck in Kallista on Tuesday 23 June. Between 8.45 and 9am on 23 June, the victim and witness were walking up a driveway on Kallista- Emerald Rd, Kallista, when an unknown male got into the driver’s seat of the witness’s tow truck and attempted to drive away.

The unknown male locked himself inside the truck and became agitated when he was unable to figure out how to drive the manual transmission, and eventually got out, approached the victim, and allegedly then punched the victim twice and fled in an unknown vehicle.

Local cat advocates attended a recent council meeting to question their animal surrender fee. (Unsplash).

Bus services slammed

By Callum Ludwig

Calls continue to grow for bus services to improve in the Outer East, with the Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC) alliance (of which the Yarra Ranges and Cardinia councils are members) highlighting the findings of a recent report on improving bus services.

The Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO) ‘Improving Bus Services’ report identified that the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) improve it’s measurements of bus network and performance and to hasten progress and increase transparency of the Victorian Bus Plan.

Their recommendations were partially accepted or accepted in principle.

OMC Chair Cr Stefan Koomen said the findings reflect what councils and communities have been raising for years.

“VAGO has confirmed what our residents experience every day: the bus network in outer Melbourne is not keeping up with the needs of our growing suburbs,” he said.

“Families shouldn’t have to plan their entire day around a bus that only comes twice an hour. “This report shows the real-world impact of slow reform and underinvestment.”

The report found that Melbourne’s bus services do not meet performance targets for passenger numbers, timetable coordination or customer experience.

Targets for passengers haven’t been met for five years, buses have arrived on time at all stops 60 per cent of the time in the last two years and in June 2025, only 68 per cent of passengers transferring between buses and trains could do so within a 5–10 minute window.

Yarra Ranges Melba ward councillor Mitch Mazzarella is the chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC), which outlined its election platform on Thursday 21 May.

At the time, Cr Mazzarella said there was need for bus reform across not just the Yarra Ranges, but across the ETC member councils of Manningham, Maroondah, Knox, Monash, Greater

Councils, community reject costly glass recycling bins

Community members from Yarra Ranges and across Victoria have strongly rejected a proposed fourth kerbside, glass bin, following a recent statewide survey.

The Victorian Government requires local councils to introduce a separate glass-only service by 1 July 2027.

Independent modelling indicates the rollout of kerbside glass bin service would cost a typical council around $4 million to establish, with ongoing operational costs of $27 per household each year.

A recent statewide survey, led by 35 councils, received 25,000 responses with 83 per cent of respondents opposed to the introduction of the fourth bin.

More than 90 per cent of respondents supported expanding Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme to include glass wine and spirit bottles, bringing it in line with other states.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins said that the Yarra Ranges community had its position clear.

“We, and 34 other councils, asked the community to share their thoughts on glass recy-

cling in a survey, and more than 2000 Yarra Ranges residents responded,” he said.

“Of the locals who responded, 81 per cent were against the introduction of a fourth kerbside bin, and 83 per cent supported expanding the Container Deposit Scheme.

“This aligns with the council’s position. In the current cost-of-living environment, we cannot justify a costly new bin rollout that will increase household waste charges for every home, when expanding the Container Deposit Scheme would have a greater benefit.

“As one of the largest metropolitan municipalities, it simply doesn’t make sense to add more weekly truck collections, more fuel costs, congestion and emissions for an unnecessary service.

“We should be building on a system that’s already in place and works, rather than introducing a costly and duplicative alternative.

“Council will continue advocating to the State Government on this issue, alongside partnering councils, for a more practical and cost-effective solution for our community and the environment.”

Dandenong and Yarra Ranges.

“The council will continue to advocate for increased frequency and span of hours on our key bus routes across the shire, not just in the Dandenongs or the Upper Yarra, whether it be the review of some of the more underutilised bus services, whether it be flexi ride, whether it be better connections at train stations,” he said.

“These are all things the council will continue to advocate for, and certainly bus services as a whole will be part of ETC’s advocacy package, and between the five member councils, there’s plenty of work to do.

“The fact we don’t have Sunday buses in Mooroolbark is certainly one of the things I’ve been hearing.”

VAGO’s report highlights the challenges for outer metropolitan areas; the ambitious improvement rate to the current network design and service coverage is not consistent with the Bus Plan in these areas, and many aren’t in reach of any high-quality public transport, let alone a high-quality bus network.

Cardinia Shire Council mayor Brett Owen said many Cardinia Shire residents are already feeling the strain of limited public transport options, with less than 1 per cent of their population having access to high-quality public transport.

“Many bus stops are run down and lack basic amenities such as shelter and seating as well as infrequent services and outdated routes that fail to service new housing developments,” he said.

“Strengthening public transport across Cardinia Shire remains one of our top advocacy prioritiesintheleaduptothe2026StateElectionand beyond, better bus services free up thousands of dollars that families are forced to spend on cars and will also ease access to work, education and essential services for vulnerable residents who may not have the means or ability to drive.

“We are ready to play our part, but we can’t do it alone. We need investment and a shared commitment from other levels of government to plan, fund and deliver a stronger public transport network to make it easier for people to get around Cardinia Shire.”

Kallista Red Oak tree removal planned amid safety concerns

In the interests of public safety, Yarra Ranges Council must soon remove a Red Oak tree next to the Kallista Community House, following a rapid decline in its health.

Lyster Ward Councillor, Peter Mcilwain, said that Council staff recently met on site with several community members, who acknowledged that despite efforts over recent years to save the tree, its condition has deteriorated and it needs to be removed before it poses a safety risk to the public.

“The community members are looking forward to these works being completed, and shared their thoughts on the preferred species and location for a replacement tree.

The Kallista Community House building will remain closed, with Council considering the long-term future for the site. The requirement to remove the tree does not relate to any decision on the future of the Community House.

In 2022, the Kallista Community House Committee of Management decided to cease operations and the State Government subsequently confirmed it would not provide further funding for a community house in the town.

Cr Mcilwain, said that Council recognised the

need for a long-term plan for the area.

“The community house building has been closed since 2022, and must remain closed as it has been deemed unsafe for use,” Cr Mcilwain said.

“Given the significant cost involved and the low level of use prior to its closure, at this stage, Council is unfortunately not in a position to undertake the significant works required to repair and reopen the building. However we understand there is community interest in the longterm future of the site.

“This week I have met with the Kallista Village Township Group to give them an update on the issue and hear directly from the community about the area. We understand the loss of the Community House has had an impact on the town, and we’ll be working to develop a broader strategic plan for Kallista to consider the town’s future needs and how these can be delivered.

“I’d like to thank the Kallista community for their patience, understanding and cooperation on this issue.” The works to remove and replace the tree will commence in the coming weeks.

A VAGO report has identified slow progress in improving outer Melbourne bus services. (File)

A statewide glass bin survey saw 83 per cent of respondents opposed to the introduction of the fourth bin. (File)

A Red Oak tree at Kallista Community House will be removed following a rapid decline in its health. (File)

New funds for Hills schools

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Two Hills primary schools are set for upgrades and essential maintenance works as part of a major statewide investment in public school infrastructure, funded through the 2026–27 Victorian Budget.

Under the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP), the State Government has committed $446.5 million over four years and a further $115.5 million ongoing to fund repairs and essential maintenance across Victorian schools. Among the local schools receiving funding are Kallista Primary School and Gembrook Primary School.

Kallista Primary School has been allocated $869,585.73 for works under the program, while Gembrook Primary School will receive $445,847.47.

At Kallista Primary School, Principal Robyn Mowat said the investment would support both safety upgrades and learning programs already embedded in the school.

“KallistaPrimarySchoolispleasedtoannounce that the Department of Education has allocated funding for important maintenance and upgrade works across the school, including a significant enhancement to the kitchen facility located above the school’s Shelter-in-Place,” Ms Mowat said.

She said the works follow a departmental review that reclassified the space as part of the school’s Shelter in Place, requiring improvements to meet updated safety and compliance standards.

The upgrade will also support the school’s Kitchen Garden Cooking Program, which sees students grow, harvest and prepare fresh produce as part of hands-on learning in sustainability, nutrition and food production.

“The upgrade will also directly support the school’s much-loved Kitchen Garden Cooking Program,akeypartofthecurriculumthatprovides students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences,” Ms Mowat said.

Works at Kallista Primary School will include new external cladding, a new porch, a garden shed, updated outdoor furniture, and broader improvements to the surrounding area.

“These improvements will create a more functional, engaging and inviting space for students to learn, cook and connect with the environment,” Ms Mowat said.

She said the project represents an investment in both safety and learning outcomes for students.

“This project strengthens an already highly valued program while ensuring our facilities meet

the highest standards. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enhance how our students learn about sustainability, wellbeing and the environment in a handson way.”

State member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino said the funding would deliver important upgrades to local schools, including works to ensure Shelter in Place buildings meet safety requirements.

“These projects are about supporting growing communities and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality learning environment,” Ms De Martino said.

The funding forms part of a broader infrastructure push across the state.

“Families across the Hills deserve a great public school close to home, which is why we’re investing significant funds in our local schools, ensuring they are well maintained and that our Shelters-inPlace are of the highest standard,” Ms De Martino said.

Premier and education minister, Ben Carroll said the projects were focused on supporting growing communities and improving learning environments.

“These projects are about supporting growing communities and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality learning environment,” Mr Carroll said.

The program covers a broad range of works depending on need, including roof repairs, drainage upgrades, window replacements, improvements to emergency shelter facilities, and upgrades to outdoor lighting and pathways.

It also includes safety-focused assessments and works for designated Shelter in Place buildings, particularly in bushfire-prone areas, as well as vegetation management under the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program.

According to background figures, Kallista Primary School has received a total of $1,007,776.15 in Planned Maintenance Program funding since

2019, including the latest allocation. Gembrook Primary School has received a total of $612,847.47 over the same period, including its current funding allocation.

Across the Monbulk District, the Planned Maintenance Program has supported a wide range of schools between 2024 and 2026, including Gembrook Primary School, Kallista Primary School, Monbulk College, Cockatoo Primary School, The Patch Primary School, Menzies Creek Primary School, Upwey South Primary School, Monbulk Primary School, Belgrave South Primary School, Emerald Secondary College, The Basin Primary School, Upwey Primary School, Olinda Primary School, Mount Dandenong Primary School, and Ferny Creek Primary School.

The program continues to fund essential maintenance across Victorian schools, with nearly $50 million in upkeep projects delivered to 103 schools this year alone.

Deputy

Kallista Primary School kitchen. (Supplied)

Kallista Primary School is among 50 schools included in the PMP funding. (Stewart Chambers: 561807)

The Kallista Primary School (KPS) works include a new porch as part of the upgrade package. (Supplied)

The kitchen facility at Kallista Primary School will be upgraded as part of works linked to the school’s Shelter-in-Place area. (Supplied)

Gembrook Primary School is also among the 50 schools included in the PMP funding. (Stewart Chambers: 561807)

Mater Christi teen contacts Albanese

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A 13-year-old Mater Christi College student has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take stronger action to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Year 7 student Cleo Rae Mackenzie, who lives in Berwick and attends school in Belgrave, said she was inspired to write the letter after one of her teachers told the class she had previously written to the Prime Minister about issues she was passionate about.

“I thought I might give it a go and see what happens – maybe it could go somewhere or make a difference,” the 13-year-old said.

In her letter, Cleo said she had already witnessed the effects of crime at a young age and believed more needed to be done to make Australia a safer place.

“Whenever the news turns on there are always headlines of people getting kidnapped, hurt, or robbed by others,” she wrote in her letter.

“I strongly believe that something needs to be done to change this and make this country a safer place for everyone.”

Cleo said a concerning incident outside her home had changed the way she viewed her own safety.

“Most people believe home is a safe haven. I

can’t feel safe in my own house when I feel like someone can come in at any moment,” the letter reads.

She said the experience had also affected her younger brothers.

“Once something happens to you or near you, you can’t really unsee that, and my two little brothers were there too,” Cleo said.

“I was old enough to process that but only being little and expecting the world to be perfect – that’s what childhood is all about, knowing someone will always be there for you and nothing could ever happen to you. Unfortunately, that has been taken away from a lot of young people.”

Central to Cleo’s letter is what she calls the “ripple effect” – the belief that one positive action can inspire others to follow.

“If you drop a pebble in a river, ripples will come from that and spread,” the letter reads.

“What if the pebble wasn’t just a mass of dirt but an idea, an action, a way of life? We should be the country that drops the pebble, makes a change for others to follow, slowly one ripple at a time.”

She believes the same principle can apply to people and even countries.

“If one person can change then maybe their friend will too, then soon a big group of people have all changed,” she said.

Park projects shortlisted for funding

Eastern region councils are battling it out for funding, with voting for Pick My Park now open.

Yarra Ranges Council is urging community members to help secure funding for park projects in Kilysth and Mooroolbark, while Knox City Council is looking to enhance parks in Upper Ferntree Gully, Bayswater and Wantirna South.

Aprojecttocreateabikejumpparkforyoung people at 150 Cambridge Road Kilsyth, and another to transform the old McDermott Avenue Reserve netball courts into a safe community green space have been shortlisted for the Victorian Government’s Pick My Park program.

With community support, Knox Council could secure more than $500,000 in funding for improvements at Kings Park in Upper Ferntree Gully, Marie Wallace Reserve in Bayswater and David Cooper Park in Wantirna South.

If successful, the funding will help Knox deliver improvements and upgrades, including new playground equipment and features, upgraded park infrastructure, improved accessibility and more welcoming community spaces.

Voting is now open until 3 August. Community members must be 16 years or older to vote on the Victorian Government’s website.

Yarra Ranges Deputy Mayor Gareth Ward said each of these projects would have a tremendous impact on developing community parks.

“McDermott Avenue Reserve and 150 Cambridge Road are community spaces in the Yarra Ranges that have real potential, but need a helping hand,” he said.

“At 150 Cambridge Road, we have started landscaping works through community plantings, but the space still lacks infrastructure to make it a place young people will want to explore, while McDermott Avenue Reserve needs a kick-start by removing the former netball courts so we can start making it into a usable park.

“If we can win Pick My Park funding, we’ll be able to turn a disused site in Mooroolbark into a safe and inviting park for community or create an area for 150 Cambridge Road that will encourage young people to get active outdoors.

“We think these projects have real promise, but we need the community’s help to secure funding.

“It’s the exact same concept but just with countries – one country, then another, then another. It might be hard but it’s definitely worth it. Everyone wants to get to world peace. It’s just step one.”

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that, in 2018, boys were victims of assault at higher rates than girls in almost every Australian state and territory - the Northern Territory recorded the highest rate overall, with 628 assaults per 100,000 girls.

Among the ideas outlined in her letter are increasing lighting around streets and shopping centres, making security cameras compulsory in the busiest parts of shopping centres and car parks, and creating more neighbourhood watch groups.

The 13-year-old said she hoped politicians would recognise crime also has an impact on young people.

“I want them to know that we are also affected by crime. Some are even hurt,” she said.

“I want them to know that we are not ‘just kids’. That phrase is used a lot for the wrong reasons. We are just kids with feelings, opinions and knowledge that will grow up one day and do great things.”

The Prime Minister’s office was contacted for comment.

“Voting is now open, and we’d love to see as many community members involved as possible.

“All it takes is visiting the survey website and voting for three park projects in Melbourne’s eastern region. Community members can support both our local projects if they wish.”

Intotal,17parkprojectswereselectedacross Melbourne’s eastern region, located in the Knox City Council, Manningham City Council, Maroondah City Council, Monash City Council, Whitehorse City Council and Yarra Ranges Shire Council local government areas.

Visit: engage.vic.gov.au/pick-my-park-voteeastern to learn more about the projects and cast your vote.

Cleo Mackenzie, a Year 7 student at Mater Christi College. (Supplied)

Cleo has written a letter to PM Anthony Albanese to improve public safety. (Supplied)

Mater Christi College student, Cleo Mackenzie. (Supplied)

The rejuvenation of the land at 150 Cambridge Road in Kilsyth has begun but there are still outcomes to be achieved. (Stewart Chambers: 561784)

462406)

Works progress steadily

By Oliver Winn

Works across the Liwik Barring Landscape Conservation Area are progressing steadily into 2026, providing better accessibility and keeping the environment healthy.

The uptick in maintenance activity from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) coincides with the onset of the Waring (wombat) season (winter/ autumn).

A storm-damaged bridge at the Menzie’s Creek Nature Conservation Area was completed in April, while last year improvements were made to tracks in the Yarra Bridge Streamside Reserve.

Meanwhile, walking from Tarrango Road to Britannia Creek Streamside Area in Wesburn will get easier in September with the construction of an access track.

These works all take place within the culturally and ecologically significant Liwik Barring Landscape Conservation Area. Using existing public land along waterways, this conservation area spans multiple townships in the Yarra Ranges.

A DEECA spokesperson said the linking of these areas enables smarter management of the existing reserves.

“Linking these existing reserves through streams and rivers will allow for greater movement of native wildlife, improved water quality and more effective land management.

“It will also allow for the opening up of some areas for low-impact recreation activities, such as hiking, fishing and bird watching,” a DEECA spokesperson said.

Alongside maintenance of numerous man-

It’s the coldest and wettest season of the year which sees short days, long nights, lots of rainfall and heavy mist.

A DEECA newsletter for the Waring season stated the weeding work was arduous but nec-

VerSo Place

At VerSo Place, daily life feels beautifully resolved. Shops, transport and all the essentials are close at hand, while tree-lined surrounds, considered design and a strong sense of calm create a quiet confidence in the way you live. It’s a place where heritage, nature and contemporary living come together with rare ease.

and

The Liwik Barring Conservation Area is home to many nationally threatened flora and fauna, such as the Helmeted Honeyeater, lowland Leadbeater’s Possum, Growling Grass

The bridge rebuild at Menzies Creek Nature Conservation Area, Emerald was completed in April 2026.

The bridge rebuild was completed alongside other maintenance works. (DEECA)

The bridge was damaged by a storm. (DEECA)

New poetry prize judges

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Continuing its long tradition of attracting acclaimed literary figures, the Woorilla Poetry Prize has appointed two respected writers as judges for this year’s competition.

Toby Fitch will judge the Judith Rodriguez Open Section, while Maxine Beneba Clarke has been appointed judge of the Louise Rockne Youth Section.

Mr Fitch was born in London and raised in Sydney, he’s a senior lecturer in creative writing at the University of Sydney.

He is the former poetry editor of Overland and the author of nine books of poetry, including Sydney Spleen and Or: An Autobiography, as well as the academic monograph Aussi/Or: Un Coup de des Down Under.

His poetry and scholarship have received numerous awards, including the Grace Leven Poetry Prize, the Charles Rischbieth Jury Poetry Prize and the Leonie Kramer Award.

As he prepares to assess this year’s entries, Mr Fitch said he would be looking for originality alongside strong craft.

“I’m looking for poems that pay attention to language, its many possible meanings, its musicality; poems that dovetail form and content; poems that capture how thoughts move and make meaning of events; poems that attend to what’s actually happening in the world; and above all, poems that surprise - something strange in any of the above that makes me think and see things differently or anew,” he said.

Mr Fitch is currently writing a book with the working title Of Endlings and Other Poems while living on unceded Gadigal land with his partner, three children and a staffy.

The Woorilla Poetry Prize has supported poets for more than three-decades and provides entrants the opportunity to have their work published in the Woorilla Poetry Collection of Poems.

This year’s competition opened on 1 June and will close on 30 September, with winners to be announced at a hybrid awards ceremony on 22 November.

The competition has built a reputation for attracting outstanding judges throughout its history.

From the late Judith Rodriguez, described as an academic, poet and passionate defender of human rights who supported Woorilla through its fledgling years, to notable poets including Kevin Brophy, Alicia Sometimes, Andy Jackson, Emilie Collyer, Emilie Zoe Baker, Nathan Curnow and Gaylene Carbis, the prize has continued to strengthen its standing.

Those judges have helped shape the Woorilla Poetry Prize into a highly prestigious event that now attracts entries from across Australia and overseas.

Ms Clarke is the author of more than 14 books for adults and children, including the ABIA and Indie Award-winning short fiction collection Foreign Soil.

Her works also include the bestselling memoir The Hate Race, the self-illustrated picture book When We Say Black Lives Matter, the CBCA

Honour Book The Patchwork Bike and the poetry collections Carrying the World, How Decent Folk Behave, It’s the Sound of the Thing: 100 new poems for young people and Beautiful Changelings.

She was the inaugural Peter Steele Poet in Residence at the University of Melbourne from 2023 to 2025.

Ms Clarke said she would be looking for poems that demonstrated confidence, skill and emotional impact.

“I’ll be looking for a poem in any style that is moving, ambitious, engaging, structurally and lyrically accomplished, and sure of voice,” she said.

She also highlighted the value of poetry for younger writers.

“In an increasingly digital, fast-past world, poetry allows young people a brief moment to stop, contemplate, listen, craft, and feel,” Ms Clarke said. The competition is open via Submittable, and entrants can visit www.worilla.org.au for more information.

Below is Mr Fitch’s poem, Elegy for a Staffy. Muscle-headed little panther of the bush, your sad eyes, croc mouth, long pink tongue— giant glossy axolotl of the sidewalk chatting, warbling like a pigeon— Cerberus to our unborn babies, you sensed them before anyone did, bayed at the moon— batty-eared therapist to bookshop clientele, seal out of water, bullet out of hell and across the beach, somersaulting for the ball— Night Fury, inky amphibian swimmer— I’ve no one to give salmon skin to, bacon rashers, sausage skins, boil broccoli stalks for—the floor’s strewn with kids’ leftovers. After we scatter your ashes in Camperdown Cemetery, wind returning you to air and dogbane, all that’s left of you is grey smudge under fingernails, on clothes and a tiny bone in my jacket pocket— metatarsal from your frog legs or the hammer bone from your ear? You clocked my every exit, arrival, knew how I’d feel your absence—as phantom limb, stray black shadow, staunch new ghost.

Young local composer makes Forbes 30 Under 30 list

By Tanya Steele

Travelling an unconventional route to recognition, a young Melbourne pianist and composer has been recognised amongst 300 others across the Asia Pacific for making an impact in his field.

The young Aussie musician who now calls the Dandenong Ranges home was named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Asia on 28 May.

The list is published annually in America and Asia by Forbes magazine and recipient Cameron Segal said the recent accolade has left him feeling good and it has been a nice way to feel recognised within his industry.

“I work in classical music, and I’ve been composing predominantly solo piano pieces in the more neoclassical space,” he said.

The 29-year-old came to his industry in a less conventional manner and said a lot of people in his field usually study from a young age and follow on with music studies in college.

“I’m someone who learned piano as a kid, but then picked it up mostly in my adult life,” he said.

On being recognised on the Forbes list, Mr Segal said it is positive to be seen at this level and that the journey to his success was mainly through streaming platforms that grew his audience.

“I was able to grow my audience and gain traction in that way,” he said.

A composer from a young age, Mr Segal said he got into neoclassical music when he was studying commerce in Melbourne.

“When I was in primary school, I would always just mess around on the piano, but I took a step away during high school,” he said.

“I would listen to piano music when I was studying and was listening to a lot of different players through streaming platforms,” he said.

Through COVID, the artist went from improvising and composing his own tracks to releasing them online.

“It picked up from there,” he said.

Later, Mr Segal moved overseas to England for a year and said the first thing he bought was a piano, and while there, he began releasing music part-time while working as a project manager.

Dedicating more and more time to composition, piano went from a creative outlet and side hustle into full-time work.

“It got to a point where I was able to turn it into a full career,” he said.

Using some strategy, Mr Segal used different approaches to gain online traction on different streaming platforms and said he tried to get onto editorial playlists as a way to get played. Editorial lists are curated by in-house staff at streaming platforms and can place an artist’s

songs in well-played music playlists worldwide.

Mr Segal released his first track in October 2025 through the classical music label Deutsche Grammophon, which is a well-known record label globally. He said he has built up more than 75 million streams across the major streaming platforms, including one he created for specialised tracks for sub-genres like baby lullabies.

In the last year, the pianist has moved back to Australia and settled in the Yarra Ranges and said he has been enjoying having a studio so close to nature and enjoys the local forest areas near his home.

After time spent in the neoclassical space, Mr Segal said he now wants to branch into new styles like ambient and cinematic works and begin more live performance.

“It’s pivoting away from solo piano, but I’m keen to develop my skills in other genres and do collaborations with different artists too,” he said.

Making the Forbes list will see him join other creative talents and young entrepreneurs for an awards ceremony at the end of the year, and Mr Segal said it does feel quite special to make the list.

“There are really outstanding individuals from all over Asia and Australia, I’m looking forward to meeting them.” he said.

Maxine Beneba Clarke has been appointed judge of the Louise Rockne Youth Section. (Supplied)

Toby Fitch is the 2026 judge of the Judith Rodriguez Open Section. (Supplied)

Composer Cameron Segal has made the Forbes list at 29. (Supplied).

Hammer to open Festival

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

One of Australia’s most successful crime fiction writers will open an expanded Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival (DRLF) this October.

Author of the award-winning novel Scrublands, Chris Hammer will deliver the opening address at Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave on Friday, 9 October, before joining a crime fiction panel the following day to discuss his latest novel ‘Full Circle’ which is due to be released just weeks before the festival.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to be invited to the Dandenong Literary Festival - and a bit nervous about delivering the keynote,” Mr Hammer said.

“I hear great things about the inaugural festival last year.”

“I love Australia’s smaller regional festivals; they really allow writers and readers to mingle in a way that’s not possible at the big capital city festivals. So bring on the DRLF - I can’t wait!”

The appearance comes as the Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival expands from two days to three, with organisers introducing new sessions on Indigenous storytelling, romance, graphic novels and screenwriting, alongside a series of lead-up events.

DRLF chair, Marian Matta said securing Mr Hammer was a major coup for the event.

“If you’ve been watching ABC TV, you’ll notice that a new series is starting based on one of his books,” Ms Matta said.

“He’s an extremely popular and well-received Australian author and he’s also entirely different to last year’s keynote speaker, Hannah Kent.

“We’re really trying not to be pigeonholed into one theme or one mood for our festivals.”

Mr Hammer has sold more than 1.5 million books worldwide and won the UK Crime Writers Association’s John Creasy Award for best debut crime novel.

His Scrublands series has also been adapted for television.

The expanded festival follows a strong community response to last year’s inaugural event, which attracted hundreds of people to Belgrave and featured two sold-out sessions with

award-winning author Hannah Kent. Ms Matta said organisers entered the first festival with little experience but were inspired by the enthusiastic reception from readers and writ-

ers across the Hills.

“We really didn’t know what we were doing, but at the end of it we were very, very satisfied,” she said.

“This year, with a bit more confidence, we’re expanding our program.”

The 2026 festival will run across Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.

“We just want to have more sessions that people can access,” Ms Matta said.

“There’s just so much talent and so much interest in the festival that we want to include as much as we can.”

Among the new additions are two sessions on Indigenous storytelling being developed in conjunction with ngurrak barring, the arts and cultural walking trail, a workshop on graphic novels and panel discussions exploring romance writing and screenwriting.

There will also be a self-publishing workshop with Aaron Lamb in late July and a separate children’s program ahead of the main festival, after organisers found children’s events were difficult to integrate into the main festival schedule last year.

Ms Matta said one of the biggest surprises from the inaugural festival was the level of community support.

“So many people said they didn’t understand why there wasn’t one before because the Hills have a history of attracting artists and writers,” she said.

“We’re aiming to make this continue on down the years.”

Organisers are also hoping the festival will provide a boost to local businesses in Belgrave while encouraging emerging and independent writers to showcase their work alongside more established authors.

The festival has received $10,000 in grant funding from Yarra Ranges Council.

More author announcements are expected in the coming weeks, with the full festival program to be released on 27 August and tickets going on sale on 28 August.

Established crime fiction writer Chris Hammer will open the Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival (DRLF) this October. (Mike Bower)

Local rising star finds voice

By Jensy Callimootoo

At just a young age, singer-songwriter Blair Ilic, from Belgrave South, is already making waves in the local music scene.

At only 12 years old, Blair has captivated audiences with her powerful vocals, heartfelt songwriting and love of performing.

While many children are still discovering their interests, she’s been immersed in music for years.

According to her mum, Kerry, her passion for singing became obvious from an early age, noting that Blair began singing before speaking.

“We noticed she could already memorise melodies from songs on the radio when she was very little,“ Kerry said.

“Mostly Adele songs. She’d be singing along and then putting on little concerts for the family at home. We thought we’d encourage her and started her singing lessons.“

Since then, Blair’s confidence and talent have flourished.

She has been taking singing lessons since she was eight years old, regularly performing in concerts, school events and assemblies.

In early June, she was preparing to perform at her school’s winter concert, another opportunity to share her love of music with an audience.

One of Blair’s standout achievements came when she won a grand final performance competition with her rendition of House of the Rising Sun.

“They’d seen a version performed on The Voice that had a more jazzy feel to it,“ Kerry explained.

“They thought Blair’s voice would really suit

that style, so they worked on it together. That’s the song she performed when she won the grand final.“

Like many young singers, Blair draws inspiration from some of music’s biggest names.

“I really love Adele and Michael Jackson,“ she said.

Her admiration for the King of Pop has expanded recently after watching the new Michael Jackson movie, sparking what her mum jokingly

describes as a family-wide obsession.

But Blair is no longer just performing the songs of others. Earlier this year, she took on the challenge of writing and recording her own original music.

Her debut song ‘Echoes’ explores the emotions surrounding friendships and learning to let go when relationships are no longer healthy.

“She wanted the song to inspire other people her age,“ Kerry said.

“It’s about friendship, the end of friendships and finding a way to move forward.“

The songwriting process began in February and March after Blair announced one day that she wanted to write a song.

With encouragement from her singing teachers, she developed the idea further, writing the lyrics and creating the chord progression herself through her guitar studies.

She later collaborated with a guitarist from her singing school to refine the melody and complete the finished track.

Recording the song proved to be a valuable learning experience.

“It was a really good experience,“ Blair said.

“It was very fun. It was a lot of hard work, but we got there.“

The recording process took approximately eight hours, including separate sessions to record harmonies that Blair felt would help elevate the track.

“It was a really big learning curve,“ Kerry said. Blair said she feels completely at home when she steps onto a stage.

“When I get up there, I just forget it all and sing,“ she said.

With a growing list of performances, competition successes and now original music under her belt, Blair is already building an impressive musical journey.

And when asked whether she hopes music will remain part of her future, her answer was immediate.

“Definitely,” she says.

Upwey Sounds rocks four venues and warms up winter

By Tanya Steele

The local community got together and rocked on over the weekend for the first-ever Upwey Sounds, a free winter music and more event across multiple locations that brought local talent to the fore.

Across four venues from the Upwey-Belgrave RSL to the Fat Goat, performers played into the night on Saturday 27 June.

A special youth-led stage saw local not-forprofit The Forge Institute host a musical stage for teens across the region, with Nina Rose, Who’s Rosie, the Melody Band and IHA entertaining crowds.

President of Upwey Township group Jaqui Buckland said the event was a great success with a good turnout despite the cold.

“There were plenty of people across all the venues,” she said.

Upwey-Belgrave RSL sent a big thank you out on social media and said thank you to everyone who came out to support the talented musicians and the Upwey-Belgrave RSL during the event. Peter Ess, David Green, the Moonshine Coalition, and Beyond the Sea played on into the evening as the RSL buzzed.

“It was an incredibly busy day, and we’re so proud of what our amazing staff and dedicated volunteers achieved to welcome and cater for such a fantastic crowd,” they said.

Made possible by grants from Yarra Ranges Council and Creative Victoria and created by the Upwey Community Group, the event was also supported by 3MDR, the local radio station, The Forge Institute and Foothills Community Care, bringing together the community for a good cause, music and connection.

The Fat Goat said it was an incredible night on social media. They had live performances from Grace de Vos, Thomas Hadlow and Sherri Parry performing songs from her latest LP “When It Comes To Love”

“Absolutely stunning,” they said.

“Thanks to JRAD on Rotation, Amy B and Hungry Boy Music for spinning.”

The main stage, dubbed the Blue Hills stage in the Skate Park, saw DJ Digging, DJJo, Miss Skatonic 3, DJ B, Neesy and Stewart, DJ Tre Bien, Tony J King, DJ Jack, Conqueror Root, DJ Conquest, Katy Kapow and Deep Steve entertain crowds until 10pm. From burlesque to vinyl spinning, the community came out to listen to local talent and had a great time.

Sparks fly with Katy Kapow. (42 Studios - Julia Broad).

Performers hosted by the Forge Institute at the Foothills Community Stage. Conqueror Root take the stage as bands delivered into the evening on Saturday night.

Blair Ilic is a rising star, with her passion for singing beginning at a young age. (Stewart Chambers: 559893)

Go wild and visit the zoo

On a stunning 12 ha property with sweeping views to Mt Buller and beyond is a very special place where Dr Doolittle dreams of talking to the animals regularly come true.

A fabulous day out for the whole family, and one of the best kept secrets of Victoria’s High Country, the Mansfield Zoo is home to all kinds of Australian and exotic animals.

Once inside the gates, discover a surprising and magical place where kids can interact with and hand feed a large variety of animals like the kangaroos and deer and guinea pigs that roam freely. The zoo is also home to a colony of Meerkats as well as Marmosets and Capuchin monkeys, llamas and alpacas, wombats, a variety of birds including red tail black cockatoos and peacocks, water buffalo and antelope.

There are also three magnificent African lions, including two, rare white lions (of only 100 in the world!), and visitors of all ages can experience the thrill of being up close to these majestic creatures on a daily feeding tour of these as well as other animals at the zoo. Don’t forget to watch out for Zambezi, our Zebra, coming soon to Mansfield Zoo.

It’s an ideal place for large family gatherings with lovely, undercover places to picnic and bar-

becue. And for a truly unique family experience, there are gorgeous campsites to spend the whole night under the stars and literally wake up to the sounds of the jungle.

Mansfield Zoo’s Bronwyn and Dave and their dedicated team welcome visitors every day from 10am to 6pm, except for Christmas Day. It’s a perfect way to introduce children to the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom in a safe, relaxed and picturesque environment.

Come and meet the meerkats at Mansfield Zoo. Pay a visit to Mansfield Zoo this holiday period. (Supplied)

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Relaxed (6)

4 Wailing harbingers of death in Irish folklore (8)

9 Scallywag (5)

10 One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community (9)

11 Greek letter (5)

12 Objects relating to the US (9)

13 Plan (8)

15 Cross out (6)

16 Meal (6)

18 Indian term for a woman in a position of authority (8)

23 Eye cover (9)

24 Mesoamerican culture (5)

26 Represented as perfect (9)

27 With a full figure (5)

28 Calamity (8)

29 Ancient Greek figure of beauty (6)

1 Traditions (7)

2 Gap (5)

3 Show approval by clapping (7)

5 Bowman (6)

6 Holiday destination (7)

7 Two British Queens (9)

8 Position, move into place (7)

10 Expressing future intent (5)

14 Pleasure (9)

16 Reconstruct (7)

17 Seats on the backs of horses (7)

19 Concluded (5)

20 Impaled (7)

21 Flatters (7)

22 Disorder, dishevel (6)

25 Resident of Houston, e.g. (5)

BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED HOME DESIGN

BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED HOME DESIGN

A clear distinction between social and private zones creates a sense of calm and balance within Hamlet Living’s ‘Boyd’ home design.

Two well-proportioned bedrooms and a central bathroom are thoughtfully positioned alongside a flexible multipurpose room, offering the freedom to create a study, hobby space or occasional guest retreat, and complemented by the practicality of a second full bathroom.

At the rear of the home, the social zone extends to a sunny side deck, creating a natural connection to the outdoors.

Whether hosting long twilight dinners, enjoying quiet mornings in the sun or embracing the rhythm of everyday life, the Boyd is designed to feel effortlessly like home.

On certain lots the Boyd can be customised to feature a 1.5 garage.

ATTRIBUTES

• Clever Jack & Jill bedroom arrangement with shared walk-in wardrobe & private ensuite access

Versatile small third bedroom, study or multipurpose room, with adjoining full bathroom

• Bright, dual-aspect kitchen, living & dining area

• Generous, well-appointed kitchen ideal for entertaining

Side deck for effortless indoor–outdoor living

Welcoming front verandah

Dedicated laundry room with convenient access to garage

• Built in hall storage

• Double glazing & underfloor insulation throughout for comfort in every season

Signature Hamlet gable roof design

THE BOYD –

From $845,000

2 Bed, 2 Bath, Study, Deck, Verandah

HOME SIZE: 141m (Internal: 106m Garage: 22m Outdoor living: 13m ●

HAMLET LIVING: BOUTIQUE OVER 50S COMMUNITY LAUNCHES IN LILYDALE

HAMLET Living is proud to announce the launch of Hamlet Lilydale, a boutique over50s community nestled beside Bellbird Park and Lillydale Lake, in the heart of the Yarra Ranges. Comprising 50 beautifully designed homes, a welcoming community clubhouse, and 3 hectares of open green space, Hamlet offers homeowners a unique lifestyle in one of the most desirable locations in Lilydale.

Hamlet Living is owned and operated by their Melbourne-based team, led by James Kelly and Cecelia Hund; “From the outset, our goal has been to create a more boutique community in Lilydale that feels personal, welcoming and connected for our homeowners. As a smaller, more customer focused operator, we’re personally invested in every detail, something you will feel the moment you arrive.”

Hamlet Lilydale represents a new kind of housing choice for the Yarra Ranges. Their land lease model makes it possible to deliver thoughtfully designed, low maintenance homes, with outstanding community facilities, all while delivering greater financial flexibly in retirement for homeowners.

Hamlet Lilydale has now opened its Sales Office at 375 Swansea Road, and has already celebrated its first home sales. With prices starting from $845,000, buyers are eager to gain first access to everything Hamlet Lilydale has to offer.

For more information or to book a sales consultation, visit hamletliving.com.au.

Hamlet Lilydale is a community for those embracing a richer, simpler, more connected life; whether working, transitioning or enjoying retirement. We’re small by design, just 50 homes, creating a neighbourhood that feels personal not programmed.

Nestled beside Bellbird Park and Lillydale Lake, Hamlet Lilydale brings together beautifully designed homes, welcoming community facilities and abundant green space in one thoughtfully planned neighbourhood.

Experience a community that feels personal, connected and distinctly local.

PRESTIGIOUS ARCHITECTURAL RETREAT WITH VIEWS

PRIVATELY positioned at the end of a quiet grove and accessed via electric gates, this exceptional architectural residence offers the perfect balance of contemporary luxury, Western Port Bay views, on 3718sqm (1 acre approx.) block in a peaceful location all within walking distance to Belgrave Central.

Recently renovated throughout to an impeccable standard, the home showcases quality fixtures, fittings, and finishes, thoughtfully designed to complement its flexible floorplan. Multiple living zones provide versatile accommodation for families of all sizes; while soaring cathedral ceilings create a sense of grandeur, space, and connection to the surrounding landscape.

Upon entry, you are greeted with an abundance of natural light which streams through expansive double-glazed windows, framing stunning outlooks from every angle. Beautiful, engineered parquetry flooring flows throughout the home, complemented by plush carpeting and automated blinds, and the Cathedral ceilings enhance the sense of openness, creating a serene and relaxing retreat.

At the heart of the residence lies the gourmet kitchen, featuring stone benchtops, Wolf appliances, sleek cabinetry, and generous storage. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this impressive space seamlessly connects with the family room and surrounding living and dining areas.

The luxurious master suite has been thoughtfully renovated to create a private sanctuary, overlooking a tranquil central courtyard framed by lush greenery. Designed with both comfort and sophistication in mind, it features an expansive dressing room with wall-to-wall custom cabinetry and a beautifully appointed ensuite complete with underfloor

heating. The serene outlook and elegant finishes combine to create a peaceful retreat, perfectly suited for rest and relaxation.

Three distinct living zones provide exceptional flexibility, offering dedicated spaces for formal entertaining, family living, or quiet relaxation. Each area has been thoughtfully positioned to maximise natural light and capture the home’s spectacular outlooks.

Step outside to a covered alfresco entertaining area where you can enjoy yearround dining while enjoying the beautifully landscaped gardens which provide a peaceful setting, inviting you to relax and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this remarkable property.

Practicality has not been overlooked, with a spacious double garage incorporating a dedicated workshop, ideal for trades, hobbies, or additional storage. A separate oversized garage provides exceptional accommodation for a caravan, boat, trailer, or extra vehicles. Perfect for a tradesman or those with recreational or lifestyle pursuits.

The beautifully landscaped gardens create a private and tranquil setting, providing a picturesque backdrop to everyday living and outdoor entertaining. Thoughtfully designed to complement the home’s natural surroundings, they offer a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax and unwind.

Enjoying a highly sought-after location within walking distance of Belgrave Central, the property offers the perfect balance of convenience and privacy. An array of cafes, boutique shops, schools, and essential amenities are all within easy reach, while the home’s secluded position ensures a peaceful retreat where you can escape the demands of everyday life and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings. ●

SMallCOMMUNITYVIBE

***ClOSinGDaTEFOROFFERS4pmMOnDaY13thJUlY(unlesssoldprior!)*** Thishomeisnestledwithina peacefulandtightlyheldcourtandoffers abeautifuloutlook acrossGembrookPark.Thehomewelcomesyouwitha senseofwarmthandtranquillity featuringa split-level floorplan,multiplelivingspaces,open-plankitchen,dining,GDH, evaporativecooling,split-systemairconditioning,and aprivategenerouslyproportioned mastersuite. alargesun-drenchedpatioisperfectforentertaining.

MickDolphin 0429684522

Jacksonacott 0494142438

***ClosingdateforoffersWednesday8thJuly @4pm(unlesssoldprior)*** Tuckedawaybehindestablishedtreeson abeautifullymaintainedandfullyfenced usable4,832sqmmuchlovedhome.Featuresincludefreshlypaintedthroughout, beautifulfloorboards,spaciousmasterretreatwithitsownloungearea,study,a stylishly renovatedbathroom,generouslaundry,GDH &splitsystemsthroughout.Outsidefeatures averandah,15.5mx 14mshed,builtapproximatelysixyearsago &re-surfaceddriveway

CaitiEllis 0493136937

MickDolphin 0429684522

INVESTOROCCUPYINTHEFUTURE

OpportunityKnocks! aPremium,flat1176sqm(approx)on4 lotsover 1title!Thisproperty hasbeenheld inthesameownershipforover40years,butnowthetimehascomefor thebatontobehanded over!Oneofthebestspotsintown.Currentlyleased at$1250 permonth +GST +outgoingsfora further2 years.Rearlaneaccess,27metretotalroad frontage,117sqmtotalbuildingsitearea.Currentlyleased at$1250permonth +GST + outgoings,leased with 2yearslefton a3 yearlease.FlexibleSettlement.

0429684522

0494142438

PRESTiGiOUSaRCHiTECTURalRETREaT

Privatelypositionedattheendofa quietgroveaccessedviaelectricgates,this exceptionalarchitecturalresidenceofferstheperfectbalanceofcontemporaryluxury WesternPortBayviews,on3718sqm(1acreapprox.)Recentlyrenovatedthehome showcasesqualityfixtures &fittings,flexible floorplan,multiplelivingzones,soaring cathedralceilings,expansivedouble-glazedwindows,parquetry flooring,automated blinds,a tranquilcentralcourtyard& beautifullylandscapedgardenstonamea few.

JanBrewster 0409558805

MickDolphin

Jacksonacott

SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING IN A CONVENIENT BELGRAVE LOCATION

SET on 1,020sqm in a convenient Belgrave location, this spacious four-bedroom, twobathroom home offers a fantastic family lifestyle just five minutes from Belgrave Township, schools and public transport.

An undercover entry welcomes you inside to a comfortable carpeted lounge, where large windows fill the space with natural light. A woodfire creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while a split system and gas ducted heating ensure year-round comfort.

Privately positioned, the master bedroom features a walk-in robe and a spacious ensuite, while a second bedroom with built-in robes is located nearby. A few steps lead to a second living area, creating valuable extra space for growing families, along with two further bedrooms, both fitted with built-in robes.

The newly updated kitchen is well equipped with a gas cooktop, dishwasher, abundant storage and generous bench space, flowing seamlessly into the dining area. From here, sliding doors open to the undercover entertaining area, making indoor-outdoor living and entertaining effortless. A full laundry, family bathroom and separate toilet add further practicality to the home.

Outside, the fully fenced backyard provides plenty of room for children and pets to play safely. Vehicle accommodation is well catered for with a double lock-up garage incorporating a workshop with concrete floor and power, a single carport and ample off-street parking.

Offering family-friendly outdoor space, comfort and a highly convenient location, this welcoming family home is ready to be enjoyed. Call to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

SpaciousHillsLivingwithDualAccessandFlexibleFamilyLayout. Seton6,236sqmin asought-afterEmeraldpocketwithdualaccess &leafyviews,thisspacious double-storeyhomeoffersflexibilityforfamiliesofallstages.Twomastersuitesmakeitidealformultigenerationallivingorguests.Downstairsfeaturesa privatezonewitha mastersuite(ensuite,walk-in robe,splitsystem),plustwobedroomswithbuilt-inrobesservicedby acentralbathroom.Upstairshas beenfullyrenovated,withlight-filledlivingcentredaround astrikingdouble-sidedwoodfireshared withthemainmasterretreat,completewithwalk-inrobe &luxeensuitewithfreestandingbath& oversizedshower.Theopen-plankitchen& diningincludestimberbenchtops,farmhousesink,double ovens&alargeisland.Slidingdoorsopentoanundercoverentertainingarea.Freshpaint,new carpets& ampleparkingcompletethisprivate,lifestyle-focusedproperty.

AaronDay

$750,000 -$825,000

ComfortableFamilyLivingonHalfanAcrewithWalk-to-TownConvenience. Seton2,021sqmwithinwalkingdistancetotown,schools& publictransport,thiswell-presented 3-bedroombrickhomeofferscomfort,convenience&arelaxedlifestylewith asealeddrive& doublelock-upgarage.Inside,thelight-filledloungeenjoyselevatedviewsthroughlargewindows& featurestimberflooring,splitsystemheating/cooling& gasductedheatingthroughout.Thekitchen &diningareaiswell-appointedwitha gasstovetop,integratedoven,dishwasher,skylight,fridge recess,excellentbenchspace& amplestorage.Privatelypositioned,themasterbedroomincludesa walk-inrobe,splitsystem& ensuite,whiletheremainingbedroomsalsofeaturesplitsystems,onewith built-inrobes.A centralfamilybathroom,separatetoilet& laundrycompletethehome.Outside,the fullyfencedbackyardprovidesplentyofspaceforkids &pets,withampleoff-streetparking.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032 3 A 2 B 2 C

AProvenHillsBNBinPrimeGembrookLocation! SetintheDandenongRangesjustoveranhourfromMelbourne’sCBD,theestablished& well-loved GembrookCottagespresent acharmingaccommodationbusinessopportunityintheheartof Gembrook.WithineasywalkingdistanceofPuffingBilly,Gembrook–EmeraldWalkingTrail,cafés, restaurants &thelocalbar,thelocationattractsvisitorsseekinga relaxingHillsescape.Theproperty comprisesthreebeautifullystyledcottages,eachfeaturingfour-posterbeds,leatherlounges, kitchenettes,Wi-Fi& woodheaters.BluebellCottageofferscalmingbluetones &a privatedeckwith spa.HaremCottagefeaturesearthyinteriors &sunkenovalspaindoors,whileKookaburraCottage showcasessoftpastelhues& tranquilatmosphere.Witha loyalrepeatclientele& strongreputation, thebusinessenjoysconsistentdemand,supportedbynearbyparks,wildlife& walkingtrails.

slopinggrassyclearingsareframedbybeautifulleafysurrounds.Withsweepingmountainviews creating astunningbackdrop,thispeacefulpropertyofferstheperfectsettingtobuildthelifestyle you’vebeendreamingof.Positionedona sealedroadwithpoweravailable& setacrosstwotitles, thepropertycombinesruralcharmwitheverydayconvenience.LocatedjustmetresfromHoddles CreekPrimarySchool &onlynineminutesfromYarraJunctionforshops,cafés &dailyessentials,it deliversthebestofpeacefulcountrylivingwithoutfeelingisolated.Withplentyofspacetodesign youridealhome& substantialshedding(STCA),thisappealingacreagepresentsanexciting opportunityforthoseseekingfreshair,openspace&atrueHillslifestyle.

PICTURE PERFECT HILLS LIVING WITH A STUNNING OUTLOOK

SET high above Upper Ferntree Gully with sweeping views across the township and surrounding hills, 27 Ferndale Road delivers a beautiful blend of character, comfort and lifestyle appeal. Full of warmth and charm, this inviting home showcases polished timber floors, high ceilings, large windows and an incredible outlook that creates a true sense of peace and escape.

The heart of the home is the spacious kitchen, complete with a large island bench, and excellent storage, flowing easily through to the meals area and generous living zone. Bathed in natural light, the living space enjoys garden aspects through expansive windows, creating a relaxed setting for everyday living. Comfort is well catered for with ducted heating running throughout the home, while three of the four bedrooms are also serviced by split system cooling.

Accommodation includes four bedrooms, with the main bedroom offering a wonderful sense of character with its fireplace, split system, high decorative ceiling and stunning outlook. The updated bathroom is stylish and practical, featuring a walk-in shower, modern vanity and quality finishes, while the separate laundry adds further convenience.

Outdoors, the home truly shines. A large wrap around deck provides the perfect place to entertain, relax or simply take in the treetop surrounds and beautiful valley views. Whether it’s morning coffee, summer dinners or quiet evenings overlooking the hills, this is a space that captures everything people love about the Dandenong Ranges lifestyle.

Complete with a carport, generous deck space, charming weatherboard appeal and a peaceful leafy setting, this character filled home offers an exciting opportunity in a sought after Upper Ferntree Gully location, moments from local shops, schools, transport, walking tracks and the gateway to the Hills. ●

Garden emerges for solstice

By Tanya Steele

A special project debuted for this year’s lantern parade in the laneway tucked into the side of Belgrave and created a little walk of wonder for those who discovered it on Saturday, 20 June.

The Belgrave Lantern Parade was bigger than ever in 2026, and local traders and volunteers are still reeling from the massive turnout for the parade, as a fixed lantern art installation in Blacksmith’s Lane landed for the first time.

Belgrave Traders President Jeremy Angerson said the weather did not deter a single soul on the night.

“There were over 10,000 people in attendance, and over 1500 community members paraded this year,” he said.

“People came from far and wide to an event that just gets bigger and better each year.”

Despite a growing grey cloud on the horizon, the hill community gathered and rallied in massive numbers for the 2026 parade, despite what seemed like foreboding skies.

Local business owner Alex Palmer said Belgrave comes alive on the winter solstice, and it reminds everyone what an incredibly awesome community we have out in the hills.

“It’s a massive undertaking, and we’d like to personally thank everyone involved,” he said.

A highlight this year was the Blacksmith’s Lane Art Project, which saw the walk-through lane decorated from end to end with the help of local school kids.

Titled “An Artist’s Garden”, the project engaged local children and families to create a hanging mural of colourful, whimsical and fantastical creations.

“It was a rare sight to behold,” said Mr Angerson.

Nikki Wellington, along with fellow artists Lucy Beach and Lisa von Miller, facilitated the lanternmaking extravaganza with The Patch Primary School children, who delivered colourful creations of just about anything you could, would or might find in an everyday garden.

Ms Wellington said the group wanted to enhance the parade, and that led to the idea of activating the space in Blacksmith’s Lane.

“We wanted to do an artist garden and have a fixed installation of lanterns in a space that doesn’t normally get lit up,” she said.

The trio worked all the way through term two to get the project finished, working with students from prep to grade six.

“It looked beautiful,” she said.

Lantern making is not as easy as one would think, and Ms Wellington said as the term lessons progressed, they taught the kids how to structure as they each created a themed lantern in 3D. The kids had to figure out how to have their creations

form in 3D, but with the challenge to have them sit flat on the fence wall in the laneway.

“It is really tricky if you’re only little,’ she said.

“Some of them were phenomenal, I was blown away.”

As 96-year-old Baba Desi led out the parade, with fire twirlers, belly dancers, and other schools from across the region also participating in the parade for the first time and bringing their own creations to the special evening.

“It was a great vibe all around, despite the rain and amazing to see Desi still leading the parade, in his psychedelic chariot,” said Mr Palmer.

The Patch Primary School alone used around 600 glue sticks, 30 rolls of baking paper and 60 rolls of masking tape to bring their creations to life, and youth talent featured across the festivities.

Mr Angerson said some of the other highlights were the artisan market and youth music stage.

“The artisan market sparkled and shimmered, and the all-youth, all-female vocal line-up shone with talent,” he said.

“The scouts sold out of marshmallows at their beloved fire pit.”

Next year is the parade’s 20th Anniversary, and the event is cherished across the Dandenong

Ranges and Mr Palmer said it provides a much needed boost to the local economy, and was a great community effort.

“It’s amazing to have everyone come together, enjoy the night, and bring the magic, to a magical town,” he said.

For now, the lanterns have been put away, as little hands and minds sparked by creativity get to rest.

The Artist’s Garden was helped along with a local council grant, auspiced by Selby Community House and sponsored by the Belgrave Traders Association.

ngurrak barring shortlisted for architecture award

ngurrak barring’s Community theme Architectural Node has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious 2026 ArchitectureAu Award for Social Impact.

Nodes act as resting or meeting points along the 39 km ngurrak barring trail and are enhanced by permanent structures that invite visitors to pause, reflect, and connect.

The shortlisted Architectural Node is located in Sassafras Village Green and features a gathering space and play structure. It was designed for ngurrak barring by First People’s designers COLA Studio and Djinjama and draws inspiration from the theme of ‘Community’.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said it was an honour to have the Architectural Node recognised at such a high level.

“ngurrak barring uses art and design to con-

nect people more closely with the environment around them.

COLA Studios and Djinjama are some of the best designers working in this unique space. We’re honored to have this world-class design feature so prominently in the heart of Sassafras.”

Councillor Higgins said that extensive community consultation went into the redesign of this important community space.

“This is the only one of the five Architectural Nodes along ngurrak barring that will sit in a township. The structure acts as a place to meet, shelter and celebrate.”

“It’s this commitment to community that has being recognised with this Award. The Node in Sassafras Village Green epitomises what it means to ‘celebrate empathy, equity and community at the centre of design’.”

Jury Chair, Katelin Butler, said a focus on meaningful community engagement emerged as a common theme amongst this year’s shortlist.

“Authentic engagement with relevant community groups is evident across the delivery of the shortlisted projects in this year’s awards program. This shifts the emphasis from the built form alone to the relationship between the building and its users,” she said.

Five Architectural Nodes have been designed for ngurrak barring, each reflecting on one of the five themes of the walk; Community, Ways of Seeing, Activism, Resilience and Country.

Read more about the ngurrak barring Community Node here: www.ngurrakbarring.com. au/community-node/

Dubbed the Artist’s Garden, the theme saw bugs, creepy crawlies and more installed across Blacksmith’s Lane. (Wayne Aistrope)

Smiles were as bright as the lanterns. (Pauline Klemm Sliding Door Photography)

Primary school kids from prep to grade six brought together a mass of creative talent to make the special display. (Wayne Aistrope)

Fire twirlers always put on a show. (Pauline Klemm Sliding Door Photography)

Lanterns take all forms. (Pauline Klemm Sliding Door Photography)

Students from Kilsyth’s Ghilgai Steiner School. (Pauline Klemm Sliding Door Photography)

The Tecoma Primary School banner leading the way for students. (Pauline Klemm Sliding Door Photography)

Blacksmith’s Lane was lit up with a special installation for this year’s Lantern Parade in Belgrave. (Wayne Aistrope)

Fire twirlers always put on a show. (Pauline Klemm Sliding Door Photography)

Aaron’s say on budget

Every week, I speak with members of our community and small business owners who are doing everything right but still falling behind.

From Upwey to Warburton, Healesville to Chirnside Park, the story is identical: locals work hard and want to get ahead, but they feel like the system is working against them.

Unfortunately, the Albanese Labor Government’s federal budget handed down last month did nothing to restore hope for Australians. Instead of tackling our economic challenges, the government handed down a budget of broken promises, higher taxes and more debt.

It’s a budget that leaves our community paying the price for Canberra’s failures – to the tune of $50 billion in higher taxes across the economy, including $15 billion in higher personal

From my From my desk

Federal Member for Casey

income taxes.

We are a community of self-starters who run small businesses and employ locals. Of apprentices and trainees who are building a future with their own two hands. Of families working hard for their children’s future. Of farmers and growers working long hours to feed the nation.

Multilingual and cultural

In “A multilingual people and a monolingual state”, Craig A. Smith’s introduction to his recently published book Sinophone Australia, the historian, translator and editor says: “As a multilingual settler colony, Australia has always been a site of multiple languages spoken by Indigenous and immigrant communities. Claims that it is or was a monolingual country should be dismissed and refuted – alongside the White Australia Policy – as a concept that obfuscates and simplifies, as well as one that marginalises and oppresses a substantial part of the country’s population.”

Smith argues that, although Australia is a multilingual society, it is “an Anglo-centric country” and English remains “the undisputed language of government, education, business, and publish discourse”.

This contrast “has led to numerous difficulties in writing the history of Australia and its peoples”.

Most unfortunately: “Those who write their stories in another language are inevitably marginalised by mainstream histories due to the continued hegemony of the English language.” Such marginalisation may not intentional. However, as Lady Sarah Ashley vehemently insists in the renowned 2008 Baz Luhrmann film Australia: “Just because it is, doesn’t mean it should be.”

As a translator myself, I cannot agree more with these words from Smith: “Translators and historians have a moral responsibility to provide access to many of the stories that make up [Australian history]. We must unsilence that which has been silenced by creating access to the sources and narratives that can tell these stories.”

It seems safe to assume that, while writing these words, Smith could not have foreseen the extraordinary proposal by certain individuals in recent weeks that Australia should become a monocultural country.

One can almost see them feeling agitated and

Our community has been built on aspiration, and it’s time we had a government that supports that vision, instead of standing in the way.

I believe there is a better way. The Coalition and I have a plan for a fairer, freer and better Australia. We want to restore Australia to a country where life is affordable, where our kids can buy a home, where you can raise a family and have a fair go once again.

This begins with our Tax Back Guarantee. For too long, when locals get a pay rise, inflation simply pushes them into a higher tax bracket.

Our guarantee will end this by indexing tax thresholds to inflation, ensuring that when you work hard or pick up extra shifts, you keep more of what you earn.

We also know that small and family businesses

are the lifeblood of our community. The Coalition will support small businesses to invest in their own growth by allowing businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million to immediately deduct assets of up to $50,000 – and we will make this permanent.

This will help tradies buy tools, farmers buy equipment, hospitality venues update their kitchens and will see small businesses investing with confidence once again.

I know locals are struggling on many fronts. They’re worried about the state of our country and their children’s future.

I will continue to be a strong local voice on the issues that matter most across our region, and I will keep working to restore our standard of living and protect our way of life.

Supergirl review

M 3.75/5

The second film in the new DC Comics film franchise, Supergirl is an unfortunate letdown from last year’s Superman.

Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock), the troubled cousin of Superman (David Corenswet), must track down the pirate Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts) to save her dog Krypto.

Alcock is a fun lead as a jaded brat who cares for others in spite of herself, and the deeply moving flashback to her childhood, as her homeworld Krypton effectively dies a second time around her, goes a great distance in making Kara more sympathetic. This tragic flashback is the best part of the film, and the best action sequence is an incredibly dynamic scene, equal parts dogfight and punch-up, of Kara turning the tables on some space robbers. Kara develops a cute begrudging bond with Ruthye (Eve Ridley), a girl who vows revenge on the man who killed her parents (though Ruthye has a distractingly upper-crust British accent for an alien).

Supergirl is a decently entertaining adventure, but like Disclosure Day, it’s hampered by many annoying elements. Supergirl has plenty of cool art

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

even threatened whenever they encounter someone speaking another language in the supermarket or on the train. Particularly in economically tough times, cultural traits such as language, appearance, mannerism and behaviours are often used as weapons by those who insist on turning the fabricated into the real line between “us” and “them”.

These are convenient and popular weapons, conjured out of their own selfish interest and (imagined and often exaggerated) lack of security. But these biases, presumptions, misconceptions and prejudices are not and should never be seen as facts.

Our history, like our life, is both complex and nuanced. Each of us is unique in our own ways, and there are as many ways to tell our stories as there are stories to tell. Choosing only one way to write, share and/or learn our history will only makes us bland and dull.

None of us wants to read, watch or have ourselves reduced to one-dimensional characters, so why should we even consider any proposal to reduce the richness of our culture?

Australia may be Anglo-centric and English may be the language that unites us all, but it is multilingualism and multiculturalism that makes us a strong, diverse and proud nation.

The Round

Beatles Legacy, with special Guest Denis Walter.

The Beatles Legacy is a remarkable tribute act dedicated to faithfully recreating their music, energy, and charisma of the iconic Beatles.

design, costumes and prosthetics, offset by severely dim lighting and a dull colour palette. Much of the action is chaotic and unmemorable (with some good beats here and there). Schoenaerts is terribly bland as Krem, and while Jason Momoa is clearly having a blast playing the burly bounty hunter Lobo, he’s about as tertiary and crowbarred into the plotasWonderWomanwasinBatmanvSuperman. The plot is also very derivative of Mad Max: Fury Road and progresses without much urgency, with poison or different-coloured sunlight barely sticking as threats for Kara.

Playing in most Victorian cinemas, Supergirl is buoyed by a cool lead with plenty of attitude but burdened by largely unsatisfying visuals and action. - Seth Lukas Hynes

Theatre round up time Kemp’s curtain call

Comprising of talented musicians who share an immense passion for the Fab Four’s music, the band mutinously creates the sound and spirit of the Beatle’s legendary performances.

Performing Masterpieces from Paul, John, George and Ringo, Wings, Travelling Wilburys, and beyond, this two hour musical journey will take you from the early days of Beatles to their to their critically acclaimed solo careers.

Also featuring a very special gust, Mr Denis Walter, who wll be joining us on stage to sing some of his favourite Beatles songs.

Season: Saturday 18 July at 7.30pm.

Burrinja Theatre

Lior with String Quartet

Join us for a warm and elegant evening with acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Lior.

Burrinja is looking forward to welcoming Lior back for this special one-off performance, where he is joined by a string quartet to share reimagined selections from his celebrated back catalogue.

This one-off performance echoes the inviting atmosphere of classic saloon concerts.

Accompanied by a string quartet, the evening offers the audience a rare opportunity to experience Lior’s brilliant songwriting up close, beautifully enriched by string arrangements.

Season: Friday 24 July, 8pm.

The 1812 Theatre

Rumpelstiltskin

A school holiday adventure filled with magic, mischief, and just a pinch of mayhem!

Step into a world of laughter and wonder as The 1812 Theatre brings Chris Hodson’s Rumpelstiltskin to life in a bright, cheeky, familyfriendly pantomime.

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

Aboastfulfatherwhotalkshiswayintotrouble.

A greedy king desperate to get rich.

A helpless daughter caught in the middle.

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

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

Season: 29 June – 5 July.

Gemco theatre

Open Stage

Welcome one and all to Gemco’s ongoing Open Stage night.

Hosted by Carol, our popular open stage has been running for many decades.

Held in the cosy hall, you are welcome to perform anything you like or just come for the lovely entertainment

Enjoy music, poetry, singing, monologies or anything you wish to show!

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

Season: 4 July at 7pm – 7.30pm.

Supergirl

Starring Milly Alcock, Eve Ridley and Jason Momoa

FTG claims premiership

Ferntree Gully Tennis Club celebrated premiership success last week, with its Knox District Night Tennis Association Section 7 team crowned premiers after a thrilling Grand Final victory.

The team of Daniel, Pete, Jakub and James defeated Upwey South in a closely contested match, securing the premiership by just a single game.

The quartet’s dedication has certainly paid off, with each player regularly hitting the courts several times a week to improve their game.

“It was a fantastic reward for all their hard work,” club president, Paul Proctor said.

“They faced a very strong Upwey South team and held their nerve right to the end. Winning by just one game made it an exciting finish.”

There was more finals success for the club in Knox District Night Tennis Association Section 8, where Anthony and Tommy finished as runnersup after an impressive finals campaign.

Congratulations go to Parker Reserve on taking out the premiership.

It was a more challenging week for the club’s Midweek Eastern Metropolitan Region Ladies’ Tennis Association Section 6 side, with Koonung Park recording a 4-2 victory over Ferntree Gully despite another determined performance from the team.

Wet weather wreaked havoc across the weekend competitions, with all Waverley Tennis Association matches either washed out or forfeited.

The rain also forced the cancellation of all Eastern Region Tennis junior matches across Rubbers 25, 31 and 34, along with JOSD 8, JDC 2 and JDC 3.

Ferntree Gully’s All Abilities Tennis program continues to thrive, welcoming several new participants in recent weeks.

The club thanks its dedicated coaches and volunteers for providing the additional support needed to ensure every player enjoys a positive and inclusive experience.

The club is also supporting the Foothills Community Care Winter Appeal and is collecting do-

Trades & Services

nations of new socks and underwear for people in need.

Donations can be dropped off at the clubrooms.

Looking ahead, preparations are well under-

way for the 2026 FTGTC Winter Open Classic, to be held from 1-3 July.

Hosted by Ferntree Gully Tennis Club in conjunction with Prestige Tennis Academy, the UTR tournament will provide players with the oppor-

tunity to compete for trophies and prizes across two divisions: UTR 1.00-2.99 and UTR 3.00-5.99.

The tournament promises several days of competitive tennis and is expected to attract players from across the region.

L-R: Daniel, Pete, Jakub and James celebrate their KDNTA Thursday Section 7 premiership. (Supplied)

SPORT Rangers are unable to lift

Monbulk Rangers FV Senior and Reserve Men travelled to North Seaford Reserve on Saturday to take on Seaford United, whose senior and reserve sides sat seventh and fifth on their respective ladders heading into the clash.

The Monbulk Reserves were looking to build on their impressive 4-1 victory over Mount Waverley the previous week.

With only one substitute available, the Rangers knew they would need to work hard throughout the match.

Monbulk dominated possession and played with confidence early, but it was Seaford who struck first against the run of play.

A looping volley sailed over goalkeeper Beau Imlach, who had produced several impressive saves moments earlier to keep the scores level.

The Rangers continued to play attractive football in the second half and created several promising passages of play, but Seaford capitalised on another opportunity to seal a 2-0 victory.

The Monbulk Seniors, who remained on top of the ladder despite recent mixed results, were hoping to return to winning ways.

Unfortunately, Seaford opened the scoring after a dangerous cross into the box was inadvertently headed into the Monbulk net by a Rangers defender.

The home side doubled their advantage soon after, with another cross finding a Seaford striker who headed home.

Monbulk struggled to gain control of the match and, on Seaford’s narrow pitch, were forced to rely on long balls.

They went into half-time trailing 2-0.

The Rangers emerged after the break with renewed energy, changing both their formation and attitude, which opened up the game.

Chances soon followed, with Seaford’s goalkeeper forced into action by a powerful strike from Steve McRae.

Monbulk reduced the deficit in the 70th minute through a brilliant long-range volley from centre-back Rick Dall’Oglio, giving the visitors renewed hope.

However, Seaford responded almost immediately after winning possession deep inside Monbulk’s half, restoring their two-goal advantage to make it 3-1.

The Rangers continued to push forward in search of another goal, but Seaford defended strongly and saw out the remainder of the match to secure a 3-1 victory.

It was a disappointing afternoon for both Monbulk Seniors and Reserves, but with plenty of games still remaining this season, the Rangers will be determined to return to form.

They will look to bounce back next week when they return home to face Somerville Eagles, who are also coming off a defeat in their most recent fixture.

Around the region’s football ovals and netball courts

By Armin Richter Football

Premier Division

• Seniors: Wandin 18.12.120 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 8.11.59; Warburton-Millgrove 8.11.59 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 4.6.30; Monbulk 11.12.78 def Upwey-Tecoma 7.8.50; Officer 12.9.81 def Healesville 8.12.60; Mt. Evelyn 4.14.48 def Woori Yallock 4.6.30

• Reserves: Olinda-Ferny Creek 11.4.70 def Wandin 8.14.62; Gembrook-Cockatoo 11.3.69 def Warburton-Millgrove 5.5.35; Upwey-Tecoma 7.6.48 def Monbulk 4.8.32; Officer 12.15.87 def Healesville 4.2.26; Mt. Evelyn 11.10.76 def Woori Yallock 3.6.24

• Under 18 (combined): Upwey-Tecoma v Pakenham (abandoned - fog); Monbulk v Alexandra (abandoned - fog); Gembrook-Cockatoo v Warburton-Millgrove (abandoned - fog); Officer 4.6.30 def Healesville 2.6.18; Mt. Evelyn 5.8.38 def Woori Yallock 5.3.33; Wandin 15.5.95 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 10.5.65; Seville 14.11.95 def Yarra Glen 6.7.43

• Women (Div 1): Olinda-Ferny Creek 6.9.45 def Belgrave 0.4.4; Warburton-Wesburn 14.11.95 def Pakenham 1.3.9; Upwey-Tecoma 5.2.32 def Mt. Evelyn 4.4.28; Healesville bye

• Veterans (Over 35 - round 7): Monbulk 11.11.77 def Upwey-Tecoma 2.2.14; Officer 7.3.45 def Mt. Evelyn 3.5.23; Olinda-Ferny Creek 4.4.28 def Belgrave 1.9.15; GembrookCockatoo 9.6.60 def Yarra Glen 2.9.21; Wandin bye

Division 1

• Seniors: Alexandra 9.12.66 def Emerald 9.8.62; Belgrave 30.22.202 def Yarra Junction 5.1.31; Seville 10.13.73 def Yarra Glen 8.11.59; Yea 21.24.150 def Powelltown 1.2.8; Pakenham bye

• Reserves: Emerald 11.18.84 def Alexandra 3.4.22; Belgrave 20.21.141 def Yarra Junction 1.0.6; Seville 14.15.99 def Yarra Glen 2.2.14; Yea 16.18.114 def Powelltown 3.2.20; Pakenham bye

• Women (Div 2): Wandin 12.14.86 def Thornton-Eildon 0.1.1; Yea 3.7.25 def Seville 1.3.9; Officer 9.10.64 def Woori Yallock 3.1.19; Emerald 12.13.85 def Gembrook-Cockatoo

0.0.0

Netball

Premier Division

• A Grade: Wandin 66 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 48; Warburton-Millgrove 57 def GembrookCockatoo 34; Monbulk 80 def Upwey-Tecoma 17; ROC 57 def Healesville 35; Mt. Evelyn 71 def Woori Yallock 40

• B Grade: Wandin 49 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 27; Gembrook-Cockatoo 55 def WarburtonMillgrove 33; Monbulk 80 def Upwey-Tecoma 24; ROC 73 def Healesville 21; Mt. Evelyn 54 def Woori Yallock 53

• C Grade: Wandin 62 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 12; Warburton-Millgrove 43 def GembrookCockatoo 27; ROC 57 def Healesville 14; Mt. Evelyn 44 def Woori Yallock 30; Monbulk bye

• D Grade: Wandin 34 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 25; Warburton-Millgrove 19 def GembrookCockatoo 15; ROC 36 def Healesville 9; Woori Yallock 33 def Mt. Evelyn 26; Monbulk bye

• Under 17: Wandin 54 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 12; Warburton-Millgrove 38 def GembrookCockatoo 13; ROC White 29 def Monbulk Gold 17; ROC Blue 57 def Monbulk Maroon 22; Mt. Evelyn 51 def Woori Yallock 30

• Under 15: Wandin Blue 30 def Pakenham Gold 18; Monbulk Gold 46 def ROC White 12; ROC Blue 48 def Monbulk Maroon 23; Wandin Red 30 def Woori Yallock 20; Pakenham Maroon bye Division 1

• A Grade: Emerald 72 def Alexandra 24; Yarra Junction 57 def Belgrave 44; Seville 58 def

Glen 37; Yea 57 def Powelltown 44; Pakenham bye

• B Grade: Emerald 62 def Alexandra 20; Yarra Junction 44 def Belgrave 37; Seville 59 def Yarra Glen 24; Yea 64 def Powelltown 41; Pakenham bye

• C Grade: Emerald 53 def Alexandra 20; Belgrave 36 def Yarra Junction 20; Seville 63 def Yarra Glen 10; Yea 47 def Powelltown 21; Pakenham bye

• D Grade: Yarra Junction 41 def Belgrave 27; Seville 47 def Yarra Glen

Yarra

The Monbulk Seniors kept their season alive with a strong win over Upwey-Tecoma by 28 points. (Armin Richter)

Monbulk’s goalscorer Rick Dall’Oglio. (Supplied)

Hawks’ pressure wins out

By Armin Richter

A calm foggy morning threatened to derail Monbulk’s home clash with Upwey. With the fog failing to lift, two Under 18s matches scheduled to be played at Monbulk were abandoned, as well as another at Gembrook, which was particularly hard on the Alexandra Unders who travelled two hours to have their game cancelled. While games had been played in the past in far worse conditions, it was decided for the sake of player welfare to abandon the affected games due to limited visibility. By midday the only activity going on was the President’s Lunch where Kevin Sheedy and David Rhys-Jones entertained around 100 guests. Football Seniors

Monbulk faced the first of their three critical encounters over three weeks when they came up against the fourth placed Upwey-Tecoma side. The Tigers jumped the Hawks to grab a three goal lead early before a couple of late replies had Monbulk down by seven points at the first change. The Hawks applied intense pressure on the Upwey ball carriers and willed themselves into contests in the air and on the ground. Although they conceded numerous free kicks, their hard work paid off as they held narrow advantages over the next two terms. The perfectly calm day had glimpses of sun late in the afternoon as the fog began to dissipate. In the final quarter the Monbulk players ran rampant and recorded a well deserved 28 point victory with Taylor Joyce proving to be a strong marking focal point.

Monbulk 11.12.78 def Upwey-Tecoma 7.8.50

• Best: Taylor Joyce, Kai Linde, Mitchell Veit, Max Thornton, Riley Finlay, Lochlan Beecroft

• Goals: Taylor Joyce 6, Joel Wensley 2, Ben Hughson 1, Nicholas Wall 1, Patrick Snoxell 1 Reserves

This match was also affected by the fog and did not start until just before 1pm, by which stage the match was officially up to the 3 minute mark of the second quarter. Upwey are a perennial powerhouse in the reserves, being regular grand finalists and premiers, however the Hawks kept pace with them, with scores level early in the last quarter. The Tigers finished with the last three goals but Monbulk should perform well in coming weeks if they keep this intensity up.

Monbulk 4.8.32 def by Upwey-Tecoma 7.6.48

• Best: Finn Horsfall, Daniel Banks, Jacob Defina, Karl Ravenhorst, Daniel Cleary, Lewis Oliver

• Goals: Daniel Banks 1, Jacob Defina 1, Lachlan Smith 1, Steven Shankly 1 Under 18s

As with the preceding Upwey v Pakenham match, the Monbulk v Alexandra was also eventually abandoned when play could not be started due to poor visibility in the fog. Both sides claimed two points. This was the first time since round 15 1987 where a Monbulk match was cancelled due to weather. In 1987 the entire round of the YVMDFL was cancelled after a torrential downpour left grounds as quagmires.

Monbulk v Alexandra abandoned Veterans

With just three rounds before finals it was a do or die contest with Upwey on Friday night as the fifth placed Hawks took on Upwey in sixth. Monbulk were impressive from the start with strong marking and tackling, quick ball movement and transition, along with having some key focal points up forward with Wragg and Langworthy, Monbulk’s two greatest ever goal kickers in the seniors who get the team to play long and direct. It ended up being a complete rout as the Hawks jumped to third after a percentage boosting win.

Monbulk 11.11.77 def Upwey-Tecoma 2.2.14

• Best: Dean White, Michael Langworthy, Peter Donald, Jared Major, Benjamin Magnay, Simon Wentworth

• Goals: Michael Langworthy 2, Jarrod Roche 2, Tom Wright 1, Shaun Brooks 1, Simon Wentworth, Steven Nuutinen, Jacob Wilcox 1, Dean White 1, Grant George 1

Netball

A Grade

It was relatively quiet on the netball courts as C and D Grade had byes and the juniors were at Officer, so the Hawks were only able to showcase their top two graded teams. Upwey have improved since their first meeting but it was still a completely dominant performance by the Hawks.

Monbulk 80 def Upwey-Tecoma 17

• Best: Grace Scott-Thomas, Sophie Stubbs, Jorja Wragg

• Goals: Peri Reid 62, Jorja Wragg 15, Nicole Mac-

dowell 3

B Grade

The preceding game ran to a similar result, with the Hawks romping to a 56 goal win.

Monbulk 80 def Upwey-Tecoma 24

• Best: Chloe Carmichael, Ava Thompson, Catherine Braniska

• Goals: Chloe Baker 46, Dayna Walsham 24, Chloe Carmichael 10 Under 17s

The two Monbulk sides ran into their finals bound opponents in a ruthless mood on their own courts. The Gold and Maroon teams put up gallant displays as they jostle to grab the last finals spot.

Monbulk Gold 17 def by ROC White 29

• Best: Bridie McCormick, Ella Devlin, Stevie Mullinder

• Goals: Isabelle Cross 6, Kaitlyn Summers 6, Amelia Magarry 5

Monbulk Maroon 22 def by ROC Blue 57

• Best: Ria Greenaway, Ruby Irwin, Chelsea Ferguson

• Goals: Chelsea Ferguson 19, Eden Murphy 3 Under 15s

It was again mixed results in this age group with the undefeated Gold team notching their tenth straight victory and they maintain a percentage of over 300. The Maroon team had battled hard against their second placed opponents and are still strongly in the running for a finals berth.

Monbulk Gold 46 def ROC White 12

• Best: Eden Murphy, Ria Greenaway, Ella Longo

• Goals: Eden Murphy 24, Amelia Magarry 17, Ria Greenaway 5

Monbulk Maroon 23 def by ROC Blue 46

• Best: Jessica Verheyen, Katie Moody, Isabelle Kos

• Goals: Isabelle Kos 18, Jessica Verheyen 4, Grace Gaunt 1

The fog starts to lift at 1pm as the Reserves prepare to start their game.

Alice Nicholas defends for Monbulk against Upwey in A Grade.

Monbulk’s Mitch Veit spoils Upwey-Tecoma’s Sam Murray in the Seniors.

Monbulk and Upwey players scramble after the ball in the Seniors clash on Saturday. (Armin Richter)

Grace Scott-Thomas of Monbulk repels Upwey-Tecoma in A Grade.

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Q&A

1. What emoji do you use the most?

The thumbs up emoji! It’s peak efficiency while out on the road or busy in Parliament and covers everything from ‘approved’, ‘got it’ to ‘sounds good’.

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

A satellite phone to call for a ride back to the Yarra Ranges, a lighter to keep warm and a solid supply of good coffee. There are some things you can’t live without.

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

Parliament House in Canberra. It is an incredible honour to work in the heart of our democracy and I am still in awe of the building.

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

A Ford Falcon, I didn’t name it but it probably deserved one.

5. Where would you like to retire?

The Yarra Ranges. There is simply nowhere else that beats our beautiful surroundings and sense of community.

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

Kangaroo tail, wallaby and crocodile at Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville. I liked it!

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

Teleportation. I get out and about across our region as much as I can, but the ability to instantly flash between Warburton and Wonga Park would definitely come in handy!

8. What movie title matches your job role?

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ – A very accurate description of trying to juggle parliamentary votes in Canberra, shadow portfolio duties, and a packed schedule of local community events across the electorate all in a single afternoon.

9. What is the craziest thing you believed as a child? That Collingwood would win every grand final – an expectation that was crushed early on!

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

Our family pet sadly passed away recently, but if I had a dog, I’d probably debate with them the best walking track in the Yarra Ranges.

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