Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
Expo brings people together, eases worries
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Vets’ stories By Mikayla van Loon
Bill Dobson the president of Lilydale RSL, Ken Mackenzie OAM, Mike Pearce and author Anthony McAleer. (Stewart Chambers: 569991)
First-hand accounts detailing how the Vietnam War shaped the Shire of Lillydale were permanently documented in a new book by historian Anthony McAleer. Produced alongside the Lilydale RSL, Vietnam - Long Hard Years Not Forgotten collected stories from over 100 contributors, including veterans, local residents, and anti-war protesters. From the district, 137 servicemen and four civilians served in the conflict, with five local soldiers killed. The publication examined shifting community attitudes, television news coverage, and the social hostility experienced by returning servicemen. Featured veterans, including Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson, recounted difficulties reintegrating into civilian life, initial exclusion by the RSL, and local post-war campaigns, such as the 1983 effort that banned chemical 245T weed spraying on local ovals. The book was set to launch on Sunday, 16 August at Japara House in Kilsyth as part of local Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations.
Support services urge community to look beyond homelessness stereotypes...
Impact warning
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their cars at 70-plus years old through to 17-yearolds,” Mr Taylor said. To address the shortage of affordable options, Stable One announced two upcoming initiatives: the Fast Haven Collective, connecting residents who have spare rooms or properties with people in need, and Stable One Education, a community training program. Chief executive Katherine Kirkwood urged the public to challenge common misconceptions. “Many people across all demographics in our own community are experiencing homelessness, and often because of circumstances beyond their
control,” she said. The week’s events also provided space for reflection. On Tuesday 4 August, community members gathered at the Lillydale Lake Community Room for a solemn memorial service organised by Stable One. Attendees lit candles to remember seven local individuals who passed away over the last year while experiencing housing instability. Community members looking to support local efforts can donate, volunteer, or participate in Holy Fools’ ongoing FreezeOut! fundraising campaign. Turn to pages 2 and 3 to read more
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Local support services were calling on the community to look beyond stereotypes this Homelessness Week, warning that housing stress is quietly pushing an unprecedented range of residents into crisis across the Yarra Ranges. Frontline organisations report that homelessness is increasingly hidden, with individuals and families sleeping in cars, couch surfing, or trapped in temporary accommodation. Anchor chief executive Heidi Tucker highlighted an alarming shift in who is seeking help,
noting a sharp rise in working families and older residents. “An alarming trend witnessed by our homelessness team this year has been the increase in demographics that have never accessed specialist homelessness services before,” Ms Tucker said, referencing dual-income families and residents aged 55 and older who are priced out of the rental market. At Lilydale’s Holy Fools, chief executive Neal Taylor echoed the sentiment, emphasising that sudden hardship can strike anyone. “We’ve seen people who are elderly living in
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Homelessness hits in new ways By Callum Ludwig When many of us think of homelessness, we can often think of the visible forms; rough sleepers, begging for help, on busy city streets. This Homelessness Week, local homelessness support services are urging the community bto be aware that homelessness can be hidden and found all around us. Stable One chief executive Katherine Kirkwood said one of the most noticeable changes they’ve observed this winter has been an increase in the number and average length of stay for people staying at the Yarra Valley Winter Shelter each night. “As our shelter is best suited to people with low to moderate support needs, this may indicate that more people without highly complex needs are now experiencing prolonged homelessness due to housing affordability, limited rental availability and financial stress,” she said. “A key concern is that even people who are ready and able to move forward are not finding a realistic pathway out of homelessness. “Homelessness isn’t always visible, while some people sleep rough, many others are sleeping in cars, couch surfing, living in overcrowded or unsafe housing, or staying in temporary accommodation because they have nowhere else to go.” Stable One will be launching two initiatives later this year to continue their efforts beyond the Winter Shelter network: the Fast Haven Collective and Stable One Education. The Fast Haven Collective will be a network of community members willing to offer accommodation, being connected with individuals and families experiencing housing instability, supported by Stable One to ensure matches are appropriate and sustainable. People with investment properties, spare rooms, bungalows, caravans or even vacant land to house a caravan are all welcome to express an interest in joining the Fast Haven Collective. Stable One Education will be a program offering practical education to individuals, churches and community organisations to help them better understand and respond to homelessness and related issues. Ms Kirkwood said raising awareness for homelessness remains incredibly important as it is often misunderstood as something that only affects people with complex needs, or only comes as a result of bad decision-making. “In reality, many people across all demographics in our own community are experiencing homelessness, and often because of circumstances beyond their control - such as childhood trauma, family violence, serious illness or injury, relationship breakdown, or financial hardship,” she said. “By continuing to raise awareness, we help challenge misconceptions, encourage empathy, and build practical community involvement in the long-term solutions needed to address homelessness… the more our community understands the different forms homelessness can take, the more likely people are to recognise when someone needs support. “We all need to play our part; it might be donating to a local organisation, volunteering your time, contacting your local government representative about affordable housing, or simply taking the time to treat someone experiencing
Local support services share their observations this Homelessness Week. (File) homelessness with dignity and kindness.” In Lilydale, Holy Fools’ Felix House remains busy providing services to people experiencing homelessness in the community. Chief executive Neal Taylor said one of the big things that he’s seen over the last year is that homelessness can affect anyone. “We’ve seen people who are elderly living in their cars at 70-plus years old through to 17-year-olds; it’s amazing how people don’t realise how far away they are from being homeless, two or three steps and their lives could be in turmoil,” he said. “We’ve seen the difference that it makes for people to encounter Felix House and just having that as an aid for their journey, we had one lady, she was 72, she was living in her car with her friend and when she came to us, she was stooped over, carrying a cane but she had a shower at our center, and she came out and she looked like she had a spring in her step. “We’ve really worked hard to try and build awareness in the community over the last 15 years we’ve been around, and I think the awareness is better than it used to be, but I think it still has chasms to go.” A lunch was held at Felix House on Wednes-
day 5 August while its annual FreezeOut! campaign remains ongoing, with community members invited to swap their bed for the floor, the couch, your car, your backyard, a club room or a school hall for a night or more to raise vital funds. Anchor chief executive Heidi Tucker said it’s becoming increasingly hard for people in the Yarra Ranges to be able to access safe and affordable housing. “We notice every day just how limited the options are for people when someone presents to our service, and how long it can take to get people moving through the system,” she said. “We are seeing an increase in people that are 55-plus years of age on fixed incomes (pension or super), as well as employed and dual income families with children, but are still finding themselves experiencing homelessness. “Many people are those have experienced of family violence and the risk has decreased; however, they cannot return to their home and are now forced to access homelessness services.” Ms Tucker also highlighted that bottlenecks within homelessness refuges, access to crisis brokerage, public housing properties without tenants due to required maintenance and low
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vacancy rates are contributing to extended waiting lists for people experiencing homelessness. Ms Tucker said a big part of Homelessness Week is raising awareness of what the reality of accessing a homelessness service looks like and urged people to take the time to familiarise themselves with what supports are available. “Setting clear expectations of what is possible and when people should reach out for support - earlier is better than when things enter crisis situations… there is still stigma and misunderstanding about what homelessness actually looks like,” she said. “An alarming trend witnessed by our homelessness team this year has been the increase in demographics that have never accessed specialist homelessness services before, specifically, families with two parents who are both working and earning incomes, yet still unable to afford housing or rentals, and unable to secure accommodation. “We have a brilliant community full of generous and empathetic people that want to see people experiencing homelessness get the support they need and deserve, often people want to help someone they know needs help, but don’t know where to turn to.”
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IN BRIEF McDonald’s stabbing
A memorial for locals who died while experiencing homelessness in the last year was held in Lilydale.
Stable One chief executive Katherine Kirkwood and Neal Glover led a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’.
Police have charged a man following a fight at McDonald’s in Mooroolbark on 9 August. The eight-person brawl happened around 6.15am and several people allegedly fled the scene in a silver Nissan TIIDA. Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives continue to investigate the alleged affray. “A 21-year-old Ringwood East man presented to a hospital with a life-threatening injury to the upper body, believed to have been caused by an edged weapon,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said. “A 29-year-old Wandin North man was injured however left the scene without being medically assessed. “Later that day, detectives arrested a 20-yearold Ringwood man.” The 20-year-old Ringwood Man was charged with affray and bailed to appear before Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 26 October. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com. au.
Over 40 timber sleepers stolen Attendees lit candles for those who have died after experiencing homelessness. Dr David Wilson from Zac’s Place in Yarra Junction. (Callum Ludwig: 569922)
Memorial honours locals who have died By Callum Ludwig To mark the start of Homelessness Week, local support services and community members gathered to remember those local people who died while or having recently experienced homelessness. A memorial was held in the Lillydale Lake Community Room on Tuesday 4 August, hosted by Stable One, the organiser of the Winter Shelter network. Dr David Wilson, who attends Zac’s Place church in Yarra Junction and is a consultant for Stable One, was the MC for the day. Dr Wilson said they will not be forgotten. “They may have felt cast aside by society, but today, we gather to say ‘not by us’, we’re not casting them aside,” he said. “As we gather at a time like this, we feel a whole lot of different things, a funeral service, a memorial service, a time of remembrance, there’s a whole lot of things that go on in our heads and go on in our hearts, and sometimes there’s a lot of anger, which is most appropriate. “All those things are all legitimate, and we feel a real mixture of those things, but it’s also a time to celebrate, celebrate where we can as we remember our friends who have died and celebrate as we learn to forgive those with whom we’re angry.” After the introduction, Neal Glover and Stable
Pastor Dean Tromp from The Sanctuary Church in Lilydale. One chief executive Katherine Kirkwood, both of the Montrose Church of Christ led a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’, followed by a reading of Psalm 23 by Fiona Carter of the Wandin and Seville Anglican Church. Dr Wilson then invited attendees to step forward and light a candle in memory of seven people in the local area, who he listed, who had died in the last year. Dr Wilson said these names are not just words. “These names are significant because they are names of real people, people whom we loved, people who had a long life,” he said. “We can be angry at the fact that homelessness exists in our country, in our state, in our region here in the Yarra Ranges, because it shouldn’t be,
but it does. “The candles there are symbolic of some of the memories that we have of those who have passed away.” A moment of silence was observed following the lighting of the candles. Pastor Dean Tromp of The Sanctuary Church in Lilydale was invited to share a message and said in his work serving the local area as a pastor and school chaplain, he sees a lot of people going through things in life, including the youth. “I was talking to my daughter Hazel, I have a five-year-old and I was looking for a really good philosophical answer on love so I thought maybe my five-year-old will have something amazing to share with me because you can learn a lot from kids,” he said. “She said ‘Stop it, Dad. Come and play with me’ and first I thought ‘Oh, well, I don’t have an answer ‘ but then I thought about ‘Stop it, Dad. Come and play with me’ and how love and care actually looks like stopping in life and being present with people, stopping and hearing their stories. “After a couple of hours, I was actually thankful for my daughter’s answer because it really helped me understand more about love and care and support of people from all different walks of life.” The memorial concluded with Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins and some closing messages from Dr Wilson.
Timber and solar panels were among the items stolen in several thefts across the Yarra Ranges over the past two months. The thefts have come at “considerable cost” in time and money to the Yarra Ranges Council. A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed it was investigating the thefts. A total of 46 timber sleepers were removed from the Yarra Valley Trail and Warburton Rail Trail over four occasions in July. Twelve timber sleepers were taken from a footpath on Old Gippsland Road in Lilydale, 20 sleepers were taken from a walking trail near Mcintyre Lane in Yering and another 14 timber sleepers were taken from a footpath at Coldstream Station carpark in Coldstream. Meanwhile, two solar panels were stolen from Labyrinth Railway Park in Healesville. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Numberplate thefts on the rise Outer east locals are urged to secure their cars after new Crime Statistics Agency data shows almost half of all numberplates stolen in Victoria are from cars parked on residential streets. Of the 32,614 numberplate theft offences in the year to March 14,431 were taken from cars parked on residential streets. Though the outer east does not contain any of the top five hotspots for numberplate theft, car owners should still be proactive and park their vehicle off the street and in a garage if possible. Police know numberplates are the most common item to be stolen from cars and is often at the centre of more serious offending. Police regularly see offenders use stolen numberplates to hide the identity of a vehicle when committing other crimes such as burglaries, ram raids, petrol drive offs and to evade police.
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Vietnam War documented from all perspectives By Mikayla van Loon The first-hand accounts of how the Vietnam War shaped the Shire of Lillydale, its residents and soldiers have been permanently documented. The Lilydale RSL and historian Anthony McAleer are preparing to launch his newest book entitled Vietnam - Long Hard Years Not Forgotten, a compilation of stories from veterans, residents and former protesters against the war. “The book is similar to Vietnam in the fact that it’s a journey. When you see a lot of the documentaries and the shows, and even some of the books, it’s easy to assume that Vietnam went for a couple of years and everybody had the same experiences,” Mr McAleer said. “It wasn’t the case. It certainly developed over a long period, and it’s a story of people being dropped into that journey and then taken out after 12 months, constantly happening all the way through.” The book will launch on Sunday 16 August as part of a broader Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration, with a gathering at Japara House in Kilsyth at 2pm. From the district, 137 men and four civilians, including the first Australian woman to go to Vietnam during the conflict, served in the Vietnam War, 40 of whom are quoted in the book. Five local soldiers never returned home. In total, over 100 people contributed to the book, giving various perspectives on how the war changed lives and ideologies. Of the people interviewed, Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson and fellow veterans Mike Pearce and Ken Mackenzie OAM told their varying stories of serving in the war. Mr Pearce signed up as a young man. He waited two years to be sent over to Vietnam, but the day never came. Asked to extend his service by a further 12 months, he eventually served 107 days in the jungle conflict. He landed in Saigon during one of the biggest battles to occur in Vietnam, and said he only knew what he was told, but “You didn’t know what the hell you were going into”. Mr Pearce celebrated his 21st birthday overseas. Returning home, however, he was met with disdain, bearing the brunt of criticism for going to Vietnam. Walking out of church one day, Mr Pearce was asked about his medals, but as soon as he said they were from Vietnam, the insult “baby killer” was hurled at him from a woman who he once thought of as an acquaintance. “I said: ‘Dad, it’s your church. From here on out, it’s your church, not mine. I won’t go back’,” Mr Pearce said. Friends he’d grown up with changed and
Author and historian Anthony McAleer, Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson, Ken Mackenzie OAM and Mike Pearce. (Stewart Chambers: 569991) moved on; Mr Pearce said they could no longer relate to each other. “I had a good group of boys that we grew up with, but by the time I got back, I’d finished two years plus overseas. They’d moved on. They weren’t the same people. They weren’t talking the same language, or I wasn’t talking the same language,” he said. “I finished up for a long time very, very much a loner. I didn’t want to talk about it. I didn’t want to listen to anyone talk about it. “I came home in ’68, and it was close enough to ’70 before I got to feel like I was home.” Mr McAleer said the Vietnam War was different to the First and Second World Wars because it was the first time people could watch what was happening on the nightly news. “It played a big part in the way that people treated us or looked at us; you could have a battle 10 o’clock in the morning and watch it on watch it on 6 o’clock news,” Mr Pearce said. Mr Dobson said they’d often listen to ABC National, mostly to hear the football commentary, but they too would hear the news of the day.
“You’d hear about the demonstrations and all that sort of thing, so that was off-putting to think so many people demonstrated, particularly carrying the red flags down the street, and we’re supposed to be fighting communists,” he said. Support to send Australian servicemen to Vietnam was initially widespread but over time, the sentiment changed and protests, which mostly stemmed from universities, changed the ideology. “When you’re away fighting for your country or in a combat zone serving your country, then you would expect that even those that don’t agree with you being there would at least back you up because you’re an Australian,” Mr Mackenzie said. “We didn’t go there because we decided it was a good idea. We went there because the Australian voting population had voted for the government’s policy at the time, which was to be there. So we were there on behalf of everybody.” Mr McAleer said speaking with people who participated in marches and protests was inte-
gral to understanding how the community was feeling and how it was impacting the Lillydale Shire. “I interviewed a lot of people who were here on the home front, people who were involved in the protest movement, who went to the moratorium marches, and people just telling us what their views and experiences were, and what they witnessed,” he said. “Some felt that it may not have been helpful, and on the other hand there were Vietnam veterans who now feel that being involved in the war wasn’t the right thing, and for how it all ended, with the fall of Saigon in 1975, certainly left a lot of those fellows saying, ‘What was it for?’” That feeling was probably exacerbated by the need to reintegrate into civilian life almost instantly after returning home and essentially being shunned by the RSL. “They said: ‘You can’t be a service member because it’s only conflict’,” Mr Dobson said. “Even though three million people died, it’s not a war. That was it. That was the thinking of the time. They didn’t understand the totality of what took place.” Mr Mackenzie, although he had served in Vietnam and heard the chatter, was a regular army soldier, not a Nasho, making his experience different again. “For guys like me, we were pretty good because we were still in our same environment, except nobody was trying to kill us. So we still had our daily regimen. We had our jobs. We were doing our jobs. We just weren’t in combat. So we were still in the family. “The poor buggers that were national servicemen had come from a civilian environment straight into a military that was fighting. “Then they came back, and they were put out again into the community and expected to pick up where they left off, and they were totally different people.” It wasn’t uncommon, Mr Mackenzie said, for national servicemen to join the regular army upon returning because it was familiar and comfortable. In 1983, while living in Seville, Mr Dobson was actively involved in exposing the Lillydale Shire for using the main chemical from Agent Orange, 245T, as a weed spray on sporting ovals. The use was eventually banned statewide, which forced the shire to find an alternative. Mr Dobson said, “Anthony’s book fills a gap in history because you hear from the veterans, the people that lived here, the whole thing”. “This is probably the first time that the Vietnam War was looked at from a regional perspective… Telling the story in their words about what happened to them, it also records a lot of feelings and emotions and attitudes and sentiments,” Mr McAleer said.
More Lilydale and Belgrave trains to come in August Mernda and Hurstbridge lines: Eight extra Belgrave and Lilydale train lines will get extra services from Sunday 23 August, the State Labor Sunday morning services on each line. Wyndham Vale Line: More peak services Government has announced. It came after more than 3500 train services upgraded to nine-car VLocity trains, increasing capacity by 50 per cent. were added across the state. Geelong Line: 40 services extended from The extra services became available after the Metro Tunnel’s opening has freed up train lines, Geelong to Waurn Ponds each week. Shepparton Line: An uplift to nine return making it easier to travel between Melbourne’s west and bayside suburbs without changing services every weekday and five return services each Saturday and Sunday following the Sheptrains. The Belgrave and Lilydale lines get extra Fri- parton Line Upgrade. Seymour Line: Trains every hour on Saturday and Saturday night services to Ringwood. Meanwhile, passengers across the state will day and Sunday. These extra services are possible because benefit from: Werribee, Laverton, Williamstown and San- Labor has invested in Victoria’s rail network, dringham lines: More than 180 extra weekly with the Metro Tunnel creating the capacity to services and trains every 10 minutes between run more trains across Melbourne. The timetable will go live on Friday, 7 AuNewport and Sandringham on weekdays. Craigieburn Line: An extra 115 weekly ser- gust. To find out more, visit transport.vic.gov.au vices, with trains every 20 minutes or better or the PTV app. from morning until midnight, seven days a week. Upfield Line: An extra 77 weekly services, Extra services for the Belgrave and Lilydale with trains every 20 minutes or better from train stations are set to come later this August. morning until midnight, seven days a week. (Stewart Chambers: 534436) 4 MAIL | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
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Vets’ names find a place By Mikayla van Loon The names of 15 Kilsyth veterans who were mistakenly left off the honour roll for service in the First World War and the Vietnam War will receive the recognition they so deserve on Sunday 16 August. Updating the memorial board was a task spurred on by Kilsyth Community Action Group chair Mike O’Meara after learning names were missing. Researching Kilsyth’s servicemen for the establishment of a stone-carved war memorial in the township, it became clear the honour roll was not entirely accurate. “I’d been using the honour roll in the foyer of the Kilsyth Memorial Hall as my main source for the rock,” Mr O’Meara said. “When it became known that the reference point was itself inadequate, then that’s when I said, ‘Well, I would like to have it updated as a parallel exercise with the installation of a permanent memorial at Pink’s Reserve’.” With the combined knowledge of historian Anthony McAleer and Mr O’Meara’s own connections to veterans and their families, six World War I and nine Vietnam veterans were found to be missing from the record. While no name was purposefully missed, Mr O’Meara said the information available today was far greater than that from decades earlier, with better records of where someone grew up or worked, rather than simply their enlistment suburb. Among those added to the honour roll was a World War I veteran who survived and returned to become a captain and coach of a Kilsyth-Montrose football team in the 1920s,
and a dual Vietnam and Korea veteran. The honour roll was officially updated in May, with help from a Kilsyth signwriter, and will be unveiled on Sunday 16 August as part of a broader Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration. The day will start in Croydon with the Yarra Valley and Outer Eastern Vietnam Veterans march and service at 10.30am, before people are invited to gather at Japara House in Kilsyth at 2pm for the honour board unveiling and the launch of Mr McAleer’s newest book. Kilsyth’s honour roll was first installed in the mid-1990s after a local man was concerned that the town didn’t have a record of those who served. Mr O’Meara said he too was driven by the same motivation, as well as never forgetting the sacrifices that were made. “The deeds and sacrifices of those who served and, of course, their families to give us what we enjoy today, we mustn’t forget that there is a debt owed here, and also the lessons of war.” While some have in the past criticised the act of commemoration as the glorification of war, something Mr O’Meara was privy to during his years at the Department of Veterans Affairs, he said it was not the case even remotely. “In the nearly 60 years I’ve been involved in the ex-service community, invariably, those who served are keen to get the message across that war is not an alternative. “That it’s not a solution; that it brings pain, and while it brings out the best and the worst, we need to learn how to avoid having to go through that again.
Kilsyth Community Action Group chair Mike O’Meara has long been an advocate for remembering local people and their service, commemorating Kilsyth’s veterans at the Montrose services. (Mikayla van Loon: 474267) “They all say that we don’t want our children, our grandchildren, etc. to have to go through what we did. So that’s the motivation.” Mr O’Meara said it was important to him to extend that sentiment to local people, to remember the everyday lives of these men and women and the scenario they found themselves in because of war overseas. “Remembering these were just local peo-
ple living their lives in Kilsyth the way so many of us are doing today,” he said. “Then they were taken from that environment and placed in this horrible mess from World War I, World War II, and Vietnam and other conflicts.” Veterans themselves, family and friends, and distant relatives of the newly added servicemen will be in attendance to see their names find permanence in Kilsyth.
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Lots of tests, no reasons By Gabriella Vukman Questions have been raised over the storage and planned removal of large quantities of expired Covid-19 rapid antigen tests (RAT) from a former Gateway Yarra Valley facility in Coldstream. Local residents said the property had been used to store Covid-19 test kits during the pandemic and that large quantities of expired stock were being removed from the site via truck in the week beginning 27 July. Photographs posted on Facebook showed numerous boxes of Covid-19 test kits stored at the Coldstream property. Chief among local concerns were how the expired tests will be disposed of, if the stock cannot
be sent to recycling or landfill. Locals also questioned whether the Coldstream CFA had been notified about the presence of the stored test materials at the site. Upon contacting the Coldstream CFA, Star Mail was informed that the team had no knowledge of RAT tests being stored at the facility. Victoria’s rapid antigen test supply during the pandemic was a combination of Commonwealth and state procurement, as well as tests imported and commercially supplied by private companies. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), a Commonwealth agency, was responsible for regulating the tests that could legally be
supplied in Australia. Covid-19 test kits had to be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), while commercial importers generally needed to be the approved Australian sponsor or authorised to act on its behalf. The Commonwealth also introduced measures under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to restrict the export of RATs and prevent price gouging during the supply crunch. The federal government spent over $1.6 billion securing RAT supplies during the pandemic and its distribution programs included supplying tests to aged-care facilities and other highrisk sectors, building a strategic reserve for the National Medical Stockpile, providing tests for
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schools and early-childhood services, and subsidising RATs for concession-card holders through participating pharmacies. This concessional access program was jointly funded by the Commonwealth and states and territories. The responsibilities of the Victorian government included distributing RATs through staterun testing sites and later making tests available through schools, libraries and council-run services. The Victorian Government also procured RATs for state programs, with private suppliers playing a key role in the supply-chain system. Under the TGA’s framework, an authorised distributor could supply tests on behalf of a sponsor, but the sponsor remained responsible for the device’s supply and post-market obligations. After the ACCC reported concerns that tests were being sold for $20 to $30 each, and in some cases over $70, despite reported wholesale costs of $3.95 to $11.45, Governments responded by securing large quantities of tests to meet demand. Five years on, a clearer picture is emerging of the aftermath of that procurement. Earlier this year, Western Australia revealed it was holding approximately 19 million unusable RATs in storage for $75,000 a month, with almost $4 million to be spent destroying them. Victoria’s own position is less clear. The state spent heavily on securing RATs during the pandemic, but it is not yet clear how much of that stock remains, where it is being stored or how many tests have expired. Yarra Ranges residents are questioning whether the boxes of RATs reportedly trucked away from the Yarra Valley Gateway building in Coldstream during the week of July 30 are a part of the Victorian Government’s leftover supply. The Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said it was not aware of any Commonwealth-funded tests being held at the Coldstream facility. A spokesperson for the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing told Star Mail, “The Department is not aware of any Commonwealth-funded tests being held at the Coldstream facility.” The department said purchases of RAT tests made during the Covid-19 pandemic were conducted in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules. It also pointed to reviews of Australia’s Covid-19 response, including Australian National Audit Office reviews of the Commonwealth National Medical Stockpile. According to the department, Covid-19 tests purchased through the National Medical Stockpile were distributed to Primary Health Networks and other recipients, including aged-care homes. A Facebook post equipped with images described the situation, claiming that “millions” of expired Covid tests were being relocated from Coldstream; however, the State Government has not responded to the Star Mail to substantiate that figure. The Victorian Government’s role in the Coldstream storage arrangement, including whether the tests were state-purchased, remains to be established. The issue has generated much commentary on Yarra Ranges social media pages, with allegations circling about the former Victorian government and the procurement of Covid-related supplies. At this stage, it remains unclear to Yarra Ranges residents how many tests were stored at the site, where they came from, how they will be disposed of and what will eventuate for the now vacant Gateway space.
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6 MAIL | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
Thousands of expired RAT tests were glimpsed in Coldstream. (Scott Bennett)
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NEWS
Care payment agony for dying patient By Oliver Winn A Yarra Ranges man with stage four cancer and three months to live was given a six-month wait time for aged care payments. Tony Rostron, 79, fears he will die from stomach cancer before getting access to $59,660 for domestic and personal care services. He also faces a significant administrative burden from lengthy and complex forms he’s required to fill out. “The political speak that they use in some of the questions... there’s probably half a dozen there, we’ve got no idea what they’re talking about,” he said. Mr Rostron was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October last year and after exhausting all treatment options, he was given three months to live. He was assessed for a Level One package before being reassessed to Level Seven, which gave him access to $59,660 for domestic and personal care services. But the package was then designated medium priority, which has an estimated wait time of six to seven months. “I could die the next day,” he said. Mr Rostron’s case is unfortunately one of many where older Australians face increasing wait times to access crucial support services. Last September, a Senate inquiry revealed
87,000 older Australians were waiting close to a year to receive packages and over 120,000 more are still waiting to be assessed. Casey MP Aaron Violi said in 2025, almost 5000 older Australians died while waiting for care. A spokesperson for the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said older people who have three months or less to live can be eligible to access the End-of-Life (EOL) Pathway, which is specifically designed to support people who wish to remain at home during their final stages of life. “The EOL pathway provides up to $25,000 over a 12-week period for in-home aged care services, including personal care, domestic assistance and nursing care to complement services available under state and territory-based palliative care schemes. “Accessing the EOL pathway does not require an additional assessment, a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner completes the form to facilitate access to the pathway,” the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing spokesperson said. But Mr Rostron said the EOL pathway form required four separate health professionals to agree on how much longer he has to live. “A doctor, a GP, an oncologist and a palliative nurse all have to agree on a time that I will die. “It’s hard getting three people to agree on what colour the sky is, let alone how long somebody’s got to live,” he said.
Tony Rostron was diagnosed with stomach cancer nine months ago. (File) He said the forms he’s had to fill out demand information the government should already have access too, placing unnecessary pressure on him. “They’re asking questions that they already should know about, like your income, your age, your address, all of the normal details, they’re asking them again,” he said. Mr Rostron’s wife and family have had to help complete the SA456 form, which assesses the applicant’s income and assets. For income and asset assessments, Services Australia uses datasharing arrangements to streamline assessments where it is possible to do so, while maintaining privacy and legislative boundaries. But while some financial information is already held by government departments, aged care assessments require up-to-date details, including changes to a person’s income, assets and personal circumstances.
Mr Rostron said it was very difficult to answer certain questions, which only put more pressure on his mental and physical health. “I spend time trying to do those, then at the back of your mind, you gotta try and speed the system up a bit because I’ve gotta get in there and get some money. But then you can’t because you get stumped by some of these questions,” he said. EACH in Yarra Junction have supplied a cleaner to help with basic tasks around the house, but Mr Rostron said he’s still looking for someone to mow lawns around the house. “Can’t do the gardens, which I enjoy doing. Can’t chop wood. We’ve got an open fire… but I can’t even fill the wheelbarrow up from the shed and get it to the fire,” he said. The local aged care assessment organisation continues to work actively with Mr Rostron and his family.
YRC opens up opportunities for roadside trading permits our region. Through the EOI process, we want to hear about your business, what you’ll offer locals and visitors, and how you operate your business.” The 14 locations where roadside trading permits are available are: Three sites at Lillydale Lake, Lilydale. One site at Bellbird Park, Lilydale. Two sites at 150 Cambridge Road, Kilsyth. One site on Paynes Road, Chirnside Park. One site at Keith Hume Fraser Reserve, Montrose. One site on the corner of Tramway Road and York Road, Mt Evelyn. One site on the corner of the Old Warburton Highway and Warburton Highway, Seville. One site on the corner of Warburton Highway and Victoria Road, Wandin North. One site at Kalorama Memorial Reserve, Kalorama.
• • • • • • • • •
site at Wesburn Park (Warburton Bike • One Park Trail Head), Warburton. • One site on McIntyre Lane, Yering.
Cr Higgins said there is plenty of time to make an application, and the council is available to support any traders that need a hand with the process. “An independent panel will assess applications based on connection to the region – including if there’s a history of trading locally hours of operation, sustainability of operation, range of options for the community and diversity in what the businesses offer,” he said. “We’ll notify applicants of our decision by end September, with the new permits applying from 1 January 2027.” Current flexible permits for these sites will continue until the end of 2026. Flexible roadside trading permits will continue to be available for use at other locations across the Yarra Ranges.
12891958-RV33-26
Yarra Ranges Council has opened an expression of interest (EOI) process for Roadside Trading Permits at 14 fixed locations around the Yarra Ranges and is inviting local traders to apply. This follows several rounds of community engagement over recent years, which helped shape the Roadside and Public Place Permit Guidelines, Trading Policy, and other policies on trading in public endorsed by Council in December 2025. As a result of this work, 14 locations around Yarra Ranges Council is receiving expressions of the Yarra Ranges have been identified as ‘fixed interest for roadside trading permits. (File) trading sites’ and will require businesses to hold a specific permit to allow them to trade from 1 day-to-day life of the Yarra Ranges, from locals grabbing a coffee at a park or on your way to January 2027. Expressions of interest are open now on the work, picking up some of the fantastic fresh produce our region has to offer or buying the kids Council website and will close on 27 August. a treat on a drive through the region,” he said. Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Richard Higgins en“We’ve now opened EOIs for 14 prime tradcouraged locals with a mobile business to put ing sites, creating a fantastic opportunity for lotheir hands up for a permit. cals to make their roadside business a fixture of “Roadside trading is part of the history and
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Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL 7
First open days! When you move to a Summerset village, you’re not just moving house - you’re joining a warm and vibrant community of likeminded people.
Grab a free barista made coffee and a donut before you explore the stunning display homes, thoughtfully designed with ease and comfort in mind.
Experience this first-hand at Summerset Chirnside Park’s very first open days, every Friday and Saturday in August from 10am to 2pm.
Take this opportunity to see what your life could be like at Summerset Chirnside Park and secure your preferred home.* Love the life you choose.
Join us at our first open days! Every Fri & Sat in August, 10am to 2pm
*Homes are secured by purchase of the licence to occupy and are subject to availability and eligibility criteria. Rental options are not available. Images and facilities are indicative.
12876156-JO33-26
Summerset Chirnside Park 10 East Ridge Drive, Chirnside Park 03 8777 4242 | chirnsidepark.sales@summerset.com.au
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8 MAIL | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
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NEWS
Positive energy shines through By Mikayla van Loon A disability support expo was buzzing with energy on Thursday 6 August as people from all over the outer east came to connect, chat and learn. The Disability Events Community’s (DEC) Melbourne East Disability Expo, hosted in Croydon, brought region-specific and state and national providers together under one roof. For Bayswater-based mental health and disability support organisation Graman Support, it was the first time attending an expo. “We’ve been operating for six years, and we’re lucky to have a good referral base based on word of mouth, which is great for us,” founder Jeremy said. “But we wanted to try something different and get into the community and meet some of the people and other providers.” Graman Support even jumped on as the coffee sponsor for the event, helping provide free hot beverages to attendees. Specialising in psychosocial disabilities, with all staff holding some level of mental health training, Jeremy said a big part of Graman Support was providing safe, meaningful group programs. “We run groups like art groups and social groups and things that can connect people, and have people feel a sense of a friend group and community,” he said. Primarily based in the eastern suburbs, Jeremy said a team was currently being established in the western suburbs of Melbourne to provide support out there, too. Being able to attend an event with such high positivity levels, where people get to connect, Jeremy said, was a success in itself, but also facilitating conversations about the NDIS changes was quite important. “We’re also there to help people because there’s a lot of worry around the NDIS at the moment. We pay a lot of attention to lots of changes that are coming up, and we try to ease people’s minds on things. “There’s a lot of anxiety around it, so that’s what we’re there for as well. Coming here today, we spoke about people asking us about those things and how we can ease their minds and help them to understand it a bit better, and know what changes are coming through, and how it may affect them, but how it also may not affect them too. For NDSP plan manager Chris Shearer, the beauty of the expo was having a room full of providers and services who could ease worries and help find stability in the uncertainty. “There is a lot of uncertainty out there at this stage, but it’s about the village. You’ve got to bring the village together,” she said. “We don’t have the answers. The powers that be have the answers. You hear snippets here and there, but it’s just all hearsay until they make an announcement. “But my thing is, I say to them, ‘we’ve got your back, we’re here to support you’. Just take today as today. We’ve got no control over tomorrow. Let’s just work out what we can do for you today and put your arms around each other and just support each other.” Chris said it was important for these kinds of events to reach local communities, for participants and their families to engage with the providers in one room and see what is available to them. This was particularly important for people with a disability, as getting into the larger, citybased expos may not always be possible. “Running these events still puts faith in families, participants, and providers that we’re all here to support,” she said. As a plan manager, Chris’ role ensures invoices are paid and providers aren’t overcharging, making a family’s interaction with the NDIS easier. “What I love probably the most of all is when a young family have just got a diagnosis for their child, and you can imagine what they’re going through. If I can take a little bit of that away from them and help them…I’ve done my job.” GRP Speech Pathology’s Zara and her family’s assistance dog Sox attended Thursday’s event, marking one of several DEC expos they’ve been to. Zara said it was a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with others in the industry and, of course, to support participants. As a community-based speech pathology clinic, Zara said that instead of clients coming to them, GRP’s speech pathologists meet them where they are, whether at school, at home, or in aged care. “We’re there for them. We also cover the whole age span, so anywhere from two to over 100, we can support them with communication, speech,
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Lena Zuzic from My Plan Manager with Disability Events Community’s Micharla Russell. Stewart Chambers (566072)
Zara from GRP Speech Pathology with assistance dog Sox. (566072)
Rachael from Ability Action. (566072)
NDSP plan manager Chris Shearer.
Sonya from CPSN with Quinn.
Emily, Ivy, Lexi and Carolyn from Melba Support Services, Lilydale.
Phoebe, Jeremy, Roxy and Tammy from Bayswater’s Graman Support.
Sacha Hammond and Kylie Harris from The Bridge with Tunga (centre) from Life Without Barriers. (566072)
swallowing, and mealtime management,” she said. “When you can support people to communicate with the world, when we see our clients grow
up, and then all of a sudden we’re helping them build a Tinder profile and working on how they can access that type of lifestyle because that’s what they’re looking for is so powerful.
“Then you’re helping children develop friendships. We’re helping adults eat and drink safely, and it’s really a wonderful thing to be able to do.”
Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL 9
NEWS
Hansford runs for One Nation By Callum Ludwig Retired businessman and school teacher Greg Hansford is contesting the Eastern Victoria region for One Nation at this year’s state election. He has lived in the region his entire life, other than a short stint while qualifying as a school teacher at Latrobe University, and currently lives in the Latrobe Valley, which comprises of Moe, Morwell and Traralgon as its main towns. Ms Hansford said Australia is the best country in the world and Gippsland is one of the best regions to live in so it’s worth working hard to develop and preserve. “Whilst growing up in Gippsland I witnessed a thriving, resource-rich area, the local State Electricity of Victoria power stations employed about 18,000 local residents, including a large apprenticeship scheme, the local timber industry employed around 1100 people statewide, whilst the Australian Paper Mill (APM) made brown and white paper for Australia utilising 1000 employees,” he said. “In recent times these have either shut down or are in the process of doing so, Yallourn West power station will close in 2028 and with it Victoria will lose 20 per cent of its power supply and locally the remaining 400 personnel will lose their jobs, last week the APM announced the loss of a further 84 jobs because it can’t get the timber needed to produce white paper (that is now sourced from overseas for Australia). “The major parties have just witnessed this and offered no solutions to keeping these vital industries going.” Just prior to his retirement in 2017, Ms Hansford commenced volunteering with several groups including the St Vincent De Paul
Society, the GCC Foodbank, his community radio 104.7 3GCR-FM as a programmer (and later a board member) and the Walhalla Goldfields Railway tourist attraction as station staff (which was president of until he was announced as a One Nation candidate). He is still an active volunteer of the last two organisations. Mr Hansford said there will be many meetings in local areas that can be attended and people shouldn’t be afraid to ask the questions they have, they will be listened to. “My four main foci for the upcoming election are the managed restoration of the timber industry, the construction of a new HELE (High Efficiency, Low Emissions) coal fired power station, the return of the apprenticeship training that will benefit reducing youth problems e.g. homelessness, unemployment and crime i.e. the restoration of police numbers and locations to local towns to overcome the highest regional crime statistic that presently exists,” he said. “Of great concern to me, as a former accountant is the huge $199 billion of debt our state is headed towards, on this we taxpayers pay almost $28 million a day in interest. “Many promises will be made by all parties this election – my advice is to look at the major parties and their past promises and then see what actually they’ve done. For instance, at Warragul, for the past 10 years each major party has promised to do something about the old hospital located there, but to date nothing has been done - it’s still struggling.” Mr Hanford previously contested the federal seat of Gippsland for One Nation in 2025, attracting almost 15 per cent of the vote, up from 9.64 per cent in 2022.
One Nation’s candidate for Eastern Victoria Greg Hansford. (Supplied)
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At the Yarra pride and Glen Racecourse, determinatio young annual State Championsh n for School athletes ran tion. with ips Cross Sports Victoria’s Country The Yarra competiRanges ment and venue became from acrosscompetitive a hub of spirit excitecross-countr Victoria raced on 16 July as students y runners against The event the best in the state. young cal schools, produced strong performance and Outer with students best young East making from across the s from lotheir mark Yarra Valley runners. among In the Victoria’s ary Girls SSV State Combined 9-10 Years mary School event, AlmaPrimary and Secondfinished Sadie E H from Croydonninth overall from Tecoma sixth in Priin race race 250. Hills Primary 243 Meanwhile, School while placed Lilydale finished High School Upwey third in the Girls student High Zoe C of 12:59.963 School student 17-20 Years category Spencer in the Multi-Class J recorded and Boys 13-15 a time Years event. Read more on page 14
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At the Yarra Glen Racecourse, young athletes ran with pride and determination for School Victoria’s annual State Championships Sports Cross Country competition. The Yarra Ranges venue became a hub of excitement and competitive spirit on 16 July as students from across Victoria raced against the best young cross-country runners in the state. The event produced strong performances from local schools, with students from across the Yarra Valley and Outer East making their mark among Victoria’s best young runners. In the SSV State Combined Primary aand Secondary Girls 9-10 Years event,, Alma ma H fro om Tecoma Primary P School finished ninth overalll in race 243 while Sadie E from Croydon Hills Primary School placed sixth in race 250.
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12891959-AD33-26
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NEWS
Rare butterfly numbers soar
The once thought extinct Eltham Copper Butterfly is thriving in a newly restored habitat. (Elaine Bayes, Wetland Revival Trust) that lives in the root of the plant. Building on the success of recent restoration works, Yarra Valley Water is preparing to expand the restored habitat area to create the conditions required for future butterfly populations. “What’s particularly exciting is that we’re now seeing signs the butterflies are naturally
The Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) shrub is key to the butterfly’s survival. (Elaine Bayes, Wetland Revival Trust)
moving into areas where we’ve been improving habitat,” Mr Farrow said. “As numbers continue to grow, our hope is they’ll start establishing themselves in these new habitats without any intervention from us.” If natural colonisation does not occur, there is potential for carefully managed translocation
of Eltham Copper Butterfly eggs in the future. “Conservation takes time, but results like these show the effort is worth it,” Mr Farrow said. “Every new habitat we create gives these butterflies another chance to survive and flourish for future generations.”
12891090-EA33-26
One of Victoria’s rarest butterflies is making a remarkable comeback in Melbourne’s north-east, with new surveys revealing a surge in endangered Eltham Copper Butterfly larvae numbers and signs the species is spreading into newly restored habitat. Annual surveys by ecological specialists Wildlife and Ecology, at a Yarra Valley Water site in Eltham, found larvae population numbers had increased almost fivefold, rising from 17 larvae found on 10 plants, to 82 larvae on 29 plants. Researchers also found butterflies are expanding further up the hill towards a nearby Yarra Valley Water site where a protected habitat is being established, suggesting years of restoration work are beginning to reconnect habitat across the landscape. Yarra Valley Water biodiversity officer Chris Farrow said the results were an encouraging indication that habitat restoration efforts could be helping the species recover. “For a butterfly that was once thought to be extinct, these are the sort of signs you hope to see,” Mr Farrow said. “It’s particularly pleasing to see these results after many years of dedicated work by Friends of the Eltham Copper Butterfly, Nillumbik Shire Council and Yarra Valley Water, to restore and protect habitat across the area. “As a water utility, caring for Country for the natural systems we operate within is fundamental to what we do. That’s why Yarra Valley Water invests in projects like this - restoring habitat helps strengthen local ecosystems, protects our waterways and supports biodiversity. “We’ve seen a big jump in larvae numbers at our site, which suggests we’re creating the conditions needed for the butterflies to thrive.” The nationally endangered Eltham Copper Butterfly (Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida) was once thought to be extinct before being rediscovered in Eltham in 1986. Today, it is still only found in a few locations and depends on a rare three-way relationship with the Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) shrub and the Notoncus ant
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Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL 11
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Outer-east band comment on Australia’s rock music rise By Oliver Winn Rock music became Australia’s largest streaming genre in 2025, but Aussie rock bands might be missing out on the surge in popularity, an RMIT expert explained. It came as new data from analytics platform Luminate revealed that rock music generated 26.1 billion streams, surpassing pop and hiphop. PhD candidate Charlotte Markowitsch said despite an upswing in listeners, Australia’s most streamed rock artists are international. “Australia has a rich rock history and vibrant contemporary output, including artists such as Amyl and the Sniffers and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. “Yet local and emerging acts compete with an internationally dominant canon that has defined rock greatness for decades,” she said. But while Australian acts have always struggled to penetrate a US-dominated global music industry, local Yarra Ranges band Tudor Club pointed to how the Aussie rock vibe isn’t in demand right now. Tudor Club drummer James Dryden said Australian audiences are listening to art and alternative rock subgenres, pointing to bands like
Geese, which exploded to fame in late 2025. “There’s been a lot of up-and-coming bands outside of Australia, particularly, that have skyrocketed in popularity and are reaching an Australian audience. At this current point in time, the demand is for that more alternative sound,” he said. “Australian rock to me still feels like that surf rock, Ocean Alley typical sound,” he said. Lead singer Rory Say said Australia’s signature style of “jangly surf rock” – think bands like Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale and Spacey Jane – didn’t enjoy the same excitement they used to. “There isn’t that underground hype, I’d say. I think there is a growing interest; it’s just interesting how the Australian rock sound kind of fits in with all of it,” Mr Say said. Tudor Club are an alternative rock band based in Melbourne’s outer east suburbs, playing local live venues since their formation in 2020. Live music venues play a central role in Tudor Club’s appeal, Mr Say said, as the band focuses on delivering a memorable live performance for listeners. “It’s also never really been our focus to try and get streams and online listeners. “The majority of our focus as a band since
we’ve been together is always just trying to have a tight live set and just making songs that we’re proud of,” he said. Ms Markowitsch agreed and said her research identified local live music as one of the main ways Australians engage with rock music. “Liveness is particularly important to rock culture, as the energy and authenticity of a gig remain central to how audiences assess a band.” But live discovery can be “uneven”, Ms Markowitsch said. Going to gigs costs money and time, live music spaces are historically maledominated and venues haven’t got the best track record for accessibility. Live music exposure doesn’t tend to translate well into streaming numbers either. Mr Dryden said there were bands from the inner-Melbourne scene making the in-demand “artsy alternative rock sound” that has exploded recently, but they haven’t necessarily gained much traction outside of the scene – though that might be by choice. “It’s a lot more niche. They’re not trying to push themselves or break out of that scene to go international because they don’t want to,” he said.
Tudor Club lead singer Rory Say and drummer James Dryden. (Sophy Jin)
Enjoy burst of vibrant colour By Mikayla van Loon The gallery walls of Lilydale’s Round Bird Artspace are full of vibrant colour and diverse storytelling, with the newest exhibition now on show. A group exhibition bringing together various textures and styles launched on Saturday 8 August, highlighting the Change of Seasons. Artists Jessica McConnell, Leigh O’Gorman, Jessie Bleakley, Anne Wright, Hayley Hipwell and Jodie Westall have a selection of artworks on display until the start of September. From personal connections to daffodils and the whimsicality of imagination, the exhibition shows how interpretations of one theme can vary greatly from artist to artist through form and subject. Anne’s exploration of daffodils through watercolour and wax pastels was a nod to her father, a lover of growing the yellow flower. “He loved to grow them and share them with people. So he had a little stand by the road, but he’d rather give them away,” she said. “It’s a change of season of life as well as going from winter into spring. I always love that they start flowering in winter, and they’re so bright and cheery.” As someone who started pursuing her art in 2024 and this being her first exhibition, Anne said over that time she has gone through “a lot of experimentation and different styles.” “That was also a part of the changing seasons as an artist: you’re continually growing, and you don’t stay in the same place, but you keep experimenting and evolving, trying new things,” she said. For Jodie, her watercolours were inspired by nature, particularly the symbolism of water lilies
Leigh O’Gorman’s depiction of grief and loss.
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and lotuses. “The metaphor for this one was a bit more about the changes that the water lily and the lotus go through. It has to rise from the deep, dark, muddy waters before it reaches through,” she said. “With this exhibition about change, what resonated with me was that there are constant changes, and even with water lilies and lotuses, even the changes during the day because they open up with the sun, they close in at night, but their beauty stays.” As an artist of about 30 years, with her own gallery in Mount Evelyn, Jodie said when she gets to paint for herself, outside of teaching, there was a state of flow she was able to find. “It actually stills my mind. It’s where my heart and my head just find peace,” she said. “When it’s something that resonates with me, I just lose track of time. It’s just your hand and your heart regulating, and it comes through you rather than your head dictating what you should do. I guess why I love watercolour is there’s that real beautiful flow of the medium.” Leigh’s artworks depicted both a transition in artistic style and in life in full colour. “I’m like going from a change of realism birds to more atmospheric. So mine’s a little bit about the change of 20 years of youth work and then going into art full time in 2025. So that’s a big change,” she said. One piece in particular was about the grief of losing loved ones or pets. When Leigh started the painting, it took many forms and layers; not knowing where the piece was going until it was finished. “It’s about when you say goodbye, you never know where they are, and that’s them meeting
each other; all your dogs and pets meeting each other, waiting for you on the other side.” On the other hand, Leigh’s depiction of autumn leaves showed the fun and creativity of art, having collected several leaves from her favourite tree and playing with colour and texture on the canvas. Sculpture artist Jessica McConnell has always worked with clay and continues the practice as a way to explore life. “When I was a child, I grew up in upstate New York, and we had this pond down the hill from our house,” she said. “I used to dig clay up out of the bottom of a pond and lug it up the hill and make these sculptures because I always loved working with clay.” Her pieces depict themes of nature, motherhood and musicians, but she will sculpt anything that inspires her. As a qualified teacher, Jessica said she loves drawing and painting too, but always finds herself coming back to sculpture. “People will ask, if I’m making sculptures, ‘is it your job or your hobby?’ And I don’t think it’s
Hayley Hipwell’s intricately detailed clay sculptures.
Round Bird Artspace curator Jessie Bleakley’s artworks.
Artists Anne Wright, Leigh O’Gorman, Jessie Bleakley, Jodie Westall, Hayley Hipwell and Jessica McConnell launched their exhibition on Saturday 8 August. (Mikayla van Loon: 570983) either one because it’s my passion. I couldn’t call it a hobby because it’s too important.” Self-taught sculpture artist Hayley was in need of something to help pass the time during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the hands-on aspect of clay drew her to the art form. “I flip-flop a lot between different themes or styles. Sometimes I do more nature-inspired, and sometimes more fantasy ones, like dragons and that. “I think for this one, because there was a theme for it, when you’re limited in a way, it kind of makes you more creative.” The group of female artists has supported each other through every stage of artwork production and exhibiting. “We started meeting last year, and we can’t always meet up every Friday because everyone’s lives are so busy. But when we do, it’s so good to be able to talk with other like-minded artists,” Jessica said. The exhibition can be found in the upstairs space of 170 Main Street, Lilydale, and is on show until 8 September.
There’s something to look at in every corner of the gallery.
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OPEN DAYS AT URBAN COLLEGE
Open Nights at Urban College are coming up. (Supplied)
Schooling done differently at Urban College. (Supplied)
A different way to learn Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Urban College invites prospective students and their families to discover a fresh approach to education at its Croydon and Boronia campuses. Both the Croydon and Boronia campuses provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student is encouraged to achieve success in a way that suits their individual strengths, interests and aspirations. With smaller class sizes, dedicated teachers and a strong focus on student wellbeing, Urban College creates a positive atmosphere where young people feel valued, connected and inspired to learn. The upcoming Open Nights at both campuses provide the perfect opportunity for families
Where
to explore everything Urban College has to offer. Visitors can tour the facilities, meet the passionate teaching teams, speak with current students and discover the innovative learning programs that help students thrive both academically and personally. Whether enrolling at the Croydon or Boronia campus, students benefit from an education that extends beyond the classroom. Urban College encourages young people to develop confidence, resilience and independence while participating in engaging programs that prepare them for further education, employment and life beyond school. Strong relationships between staff, students and families create a genuine sense of belonging
and a community where every learner is supported to succeed. Urban College also offers flexible learning pathways designed to meet a wide range of educational needs. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace while being challenged to achieve their personal best. The College celebrates individual achievement and recognises that every student’s educational journey is unique. Families attending the Open Nights at either the Croydon or Boronia campus will gain valuable insight into the curriculum, wellbeing initiatives, specialist learning opportunities and future pathways available to students. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide an overview of the personalised approach to learn-
Come see what the Urban College campuses in Croydon and Boronia have to offer. (Supplied) ing that has helped many students flourish in a supportive and respectful environment. The Open Nights are also an excellent opportunity for youth agencies and external support services to gain a deeper understanding of the College and the young people Urban College supports. Prospective employees interested in joining a caring and dedicated team are warmly encouraged to attend, along with community members from the Healesville and Scoresby areas who would like to learn more about the College’s role in supporting local young people and building strong community connections.
can be YOU.
xŸĊǓ 'âǛ Boronia: 19th August Croydon: 20th August 4:30pm - 6:30pm 2027 Enrolment | Employment | Community 12889456-AF33-26
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At the spectacular stage By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Around 28 schools and approximately 450 students are coming together for this year’s State Schools Spectacular, with several schools from the Yarra Ranges among them, including Tecoma Primary School, The Basin Primary School, Upwey South Primary School and Wonga Park Primary School. On Friday, 7 August, the students took part in a regional rehearsal at Maroondah Nets in Heathmont. The annual Victorian State Schools Spectacular is a performing arts opportunity for Victoria’s government primary and secondary school students, showcasing the talents of government school communities and supporting students to reach high levels of achievement in the arts. The 2026 event, ‘This Is Me’, will bring together song, dance and circus acts, with bold costumes, stunning visuals and a live 80-piece orchestra. The participating students have spent weeks learning choreography and preparing for the 2026 State Schools Spectacular, ‘This Is Me’. Wattle View Primary School, Year 6 student Charlie said one of her favourite parts of the program was being able to take part alongside her friends. “Definitely being able to be with my friends and all the different props are just so cool and so exciting,” she said. It is Charlie’s’ first year in the program, and while she has found some of the dance moves challenging, she said she was looking forward to seeing how well the group performs on the big stage. “I know we’ll do amazing,” she said. For Year 6 student Evie from Wattle View Primary School, this year’s performance is particularly meaningful as it is her final year of primary school. She took part in the program last year and decided to return so she could experience it again in her final year. For Evie, the ‘This Is Me’ theme is about being yourself and expressing your personality. “Just keep going and do your own thing,” she said. Year 6 student Madison, also from Wattle View Primary School, joined because of her love of dancing. After taking part last year, said she had not realised just how much fun the program would be. For her, this year’s theme is about “being yourself” and “boosting your confidence.” “Just keep going and be yourself, especially when you’re dancing,” Madison said. Year 4 student Zoe is experiencing the spectacular for the first time. She loved being able to dance, show her personality and have a good time, although remembering all the songs had been a challenge. When she takes to the stage, her plan is simple. “I will just smile and just dance my heart out,” Zoe said. She is also looking forward to performing in front of her parents and family and showing them her talents. Year 6 student Mylee joined this year after
L-R: Otis and Isabelle from Upwey South Primary School, Zara from Wonga Park Primary School, Marlow from The Basin Primary School, and Hazel from Tecoma Primary School. (Shamsiya Hussainpoor: 571015)
L-R: Zoe, Mylee, Tahlia and Lacey, with teacher Suzi, Evie, Madison and Charlie, representing Wattle View Primary School. (571015)
Students rehearsing for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. (571015)
watching students take part previously and seeing how much fun they were having. She said the program had boosted her confidence in dancing. “Before this I wasn’t a very confident dancer, but now I’m a better dancer,” she said. “This opportunity is important for young people because they did not always get opportunities like the spectacular.” Year 6 student Tahlia had been waiting for her chance to take part. She said she had watched the spectacular for years, including watching her older cousin Isabel and dancers from Wattle View, and had always wanted to be part of it. Now, she is performing herself. Tahlia’s focus when she takes the stage will be to “do my best and let my inner dancing shine”.
Having already developed a love of the program, she said she would like to continue taking part for as long as she can, with the hope of becoming one of the performers on stage in her later high school years. Students from other local schools are also embracing the opportunity. The Basin Primary School, Year 5 student Marlow said one of the best parts of the program was “seeing everybody come together”. Although remembering the moves can sometimes be difficult, Marlow said seeing everyone else perform helped bring the choreography back to mind. “I tell myself, I can do this. I’ve got this,” he said. Year 6 student Hazel from Tecoma Primary School has previously taken part in the 2024 Splash Spectacular and decided to return because she enjoyed watching the schools come together.
She said the rehearsals themselves had been a highlight and she was excited to see everything come together on stage, including the principal vocalists, lighting and the performances involving students from different schools. Her advice to students who might be nervous about joining was straightforward. “I think they should definitely join it because it’s like a great experience,” Walton said. Year 5 student Otis from Upwey South Primary School is taking part for his second year. He said he first joined after his brother had taken part - he decided to give it a try. This year, he is most looking forward to being with his friends, dancing and getting out on stage. For him, this year’s theme is about being himself, doing what he wants to do and having fun. Year 6 student Isabel, also from Upwey South Primary School, is taking part for her third consecutive year. She first participated in 2024 and said she had enjoyed the experience, particularly the friendships formed between students from different schools. “The theme is just about being true to yourself and not caring what other people think,” she said. For Year 6 student Zara from Wonga Park Primary School, this year is her first spectacular. Although some of the dances could be intense and some moves challenging, she said they all came together when performed as a group. Zara said she had been unsure about signing up but was glad she had taken the opportunity. Behind the students’ preparation is a significant commitment from teachers and schools. Wattle View Primary School performing arts teacher Suzie Pedler has been involved with the State Schools Spectacular since 2012. She said the excitement around the program never stopped and that students were given an opportunity to work with dance teachers and industry technicians and perform in an arena on a scale their schools could not otherwise provide. “No school has a budget to put on something like this, so to have this level of literally spectacular is really amazing,” Ms Pedler said. Ms Pedler said she had seen students’ confidence grow dramatically after taking part, particularly after performing in front of a large audience. She said students also continued talking about the program with their peers and encouraging younger students to get involved. At Wattle View, students rehearse during lunchtime on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, alongside four local hub rehearsals before two days of rehearsal at John Cane Arena. Ms Pedler said the dedication of the students was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. The program also gives students an opportunity to understand both individuality and teamwork, something Ms Pedler said was reflected in this year’s ‘This Is Me’ theme. “They love being a part of the team, but it’s also about, you know, this is me. This is about being who I am and not afraid to shout out who I am as well,” she said.
Australian School Library Day highlights need for funding By Oliver Winn School libraries in the Yarra Ranges have come back into focus with the Australian School Library Day set to take place on 26 August. The day aims to showcase the benefits of school libraries while calling for more support. In July, the Star Mail contacted 22 schools and asked what their libraries were like, if they had paid staff maintaining them, and if they wanted more funding to better support their libraries. The data revealed over three-quarters of schools ran their libraries with volunteers, teachers or education support staff, and mixed satisfaction with the quality of the libraries. A school library is the gateway to literacy and trustworthy information and also provides a safe, calming environment for students to spend their time. Yet, many school libraries are under pressure and risk closure. Australian Coalition of School Libraries is spearheading a campaign throughout August
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The campaign pushes for better investment in Australia’s school libraries. (Unsplash/Iñaki del Olmo) that highlights why sustained investment in libraries is essential for children’s education. “Australia currently does not mandate school libraries which is creating significant inequity across education systems,” Australian Coalition of School Libraries Ms Ellermen said. “Ensuring that full and fair funding includes provision for a school library with qualified staff
in every Australian school would be an investment solution that would make a difference to educational outcomes in Australia across the board,” Ms Ellerman said. Birmingham Primary School principal Steven Harvey said libraries remained crucial for delivering a quality education experience. “In an age where students are surrounded by digital content, we believe there remains something uniquely valuable about children holding a physical book in their hands, browsing library shelves, discovering authors they have never encountered before, and developing a genuine love of reading. “While technology has an important place in education, it complements rather than replaces the experience of reading quality literature in print. “School libraries remain an essential part of every child’s education, providing opportunities to build literacy, curiosity and a lifelong love of reading,” Mr Harvey said. Ms Ellermen agreed with the sentiment and said key literacy skills had never been more im-
portant in an instant-information society. “Critical thinking, ethical use of information, along with digital, media literacy and AI literacy are more important than ever in an instant-information society. “Access to information is everywhere, so understanding, evaluating, using and creating information effectively is what school libraries and teacher librarians teach.” But school libraries needed to be resourced well to be beneficial for young people in regional or rural areas like the Yarra Ranges. “School libraries are an educational resource like no other that support every student, every teacher, and every learning area across the entire school community. “In regional and remote areas access to a school library is an imperative to ensuring equity in learning opportunities and resources,” she said. The Australian School Library Day coincides Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Children’s Book Week.
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Mount Evelyn
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Local and lasting impact When people think of the Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade, bushfires are often the first thing that come to mind. But according to Captain Rick, the brigade’s role goes far beyond fighting fires. “We are known for supporting our community and surrounding communities in what can be some of the worst times of people’s lives,” he said. From motor vehicle accidents and structure fires to weather events, flood assistance and supporting Ambulance Victoria through the Fire Medical Response (FMR) program, the brigade responds whenever it’s needed. Made up entirely of volunteers, the Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade currently has 73 members and attends more than 150 emergency call-outs each year. 14 Fire Medical Responders have also been trained to support Ambulance Victoria when needed. The brigade also plays an important role in helping people prepare before emergencies happen. Members regularly visit local schools and kindergartens to educate children about fire safety, while also helping residents develop fire plans to better prepare for the fire season. One of the brigade’s lesser-known roles is its Fire Medical Response (FMR) program. The training includes around 60 hours of online learning, practical training with CFA and Ambulance Victoria medical staff, along with ongoing refresher training. “It is a huge commitment by the members, but as a brigade we clearly saw the advantage for the community,” Rick said. Community Bank Mt Evelyn has proudly supported the Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade for more than 20 years. “The support has been fantastic. If I have an idea that needs funding outside our normal fundraising, the Community Bank is always the first to show an interest and find out if it’s something they can support,” Rick said.
Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade members receiving a $20,000 donation from the Mt Evelyn Community bank. (Supplied) “But it’s not always about funding. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking how I’m doing and how the brigade members are.” Over the years, Community Bank Mt Evelyn has helped support workwear footwear, secure electric gates at the station, planned improvements to provide more room for personal protec-
From the shopkeepers to the community groups and our local history, nearly everyone has a story to tell or always has time for a chat,” he said. Every member of the Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade puts their own life on hold to help others when they’re needed most, making a difference every day across the Mt Evelyn community.
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Local Volunteers. Lasting Impact.
tive clothing (PPC), and many other projects that benefit the brigade. Rick believes the future of the brigade is bright. Over the past five years, the brigade has strengthened its firefighting fleet and welcomed many new members. “The people are what make Mt Evelyn special.
Proudly supporting the Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade and the volunteers who are there when our community needs them most.
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Your banking helps make this possible.
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Call 9737-1833 or visit us in branch 12878757-EA29-26
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Joshua from 1st The Basin Scouts all smiles at ScoutFest on Saturday 1 August.
Ethan from Heany Park Scouts resetting the ten-pin bowling.
Gwen ringing the bell after trying out the climbing wall and making it to the top.
Scouting hordes celebrate By Mikayla van Loon Scouts across Victoria were out and about on Saturday 1 August, from city-based quests to local festivals and activities as part of a worldwide celebration. Thousands of scouts donned their uniforms and ventured out into the community to mark World Scout Day, doing what they do best but for everyone to see. In the CBD, Cub Scouts from the Maroondah District tested their navigation skills during a high-energy Cub City Quest. “The Cub City Quest lets our young people choose their own adventure to explore Melbourne, working as a team to complete activities at famous and lesser-known public destinations,” Maroondah District Cubs’ Michael Blowfield said. “It (was) a fantastic way to mark World Scout Day.” 1st Croydon Hills constructed a custom playground using traditional timber and rope pioneering skills for younger members. The Knox District had a full day of games and activities planned at the Arcadia Reserve Playground in Rowville, seeing them have a go at tenpin bowling, archery and rock climbing. It brought together scouting groups from The Basin, Ferntree Gully and Heany Park, among others. Knox District’s Kieron Younger said ScoutFest was an opportunity for families to engage with their local scout group and perhaps join the fold. “From a Scout festival at our hall to a quest in the city, our District is showing what Scouting has to offer,” he said. The 1st Healesville Scouts joined an estimated 200 riders from various scout groups to ride the Yarra Valley’s prized possession: the Warburton Rail Trail. The group set off from Seville and wound their way to Yarra Junction. “What an amazing ride it was. We rode 17kms through our beautiful Yarra Valley,” the group posted to social media. “To say we are proud of our kids is an understatement. Well done to all. What (an) amazing achievement.” Pakenham’s Joeys celebrated by heading into the beautifully forested area of the Dandenong Ranges for an adventure hike. “With scarves proudly on display, our Joeys explored the trails, connected with nature, challenged themselves, supported each other, and enjoyed the friendships and experiences that make Scouting so special,” the Pakenham Scout Group posted. World Scout Day honours the first experimental camp held in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell on Brownsea Island. From there, the movement grew, and a year later it arrived in Australia. “It is a day to remember that more than a century ago, a small group of young people gathered around a campfire with a man we call BP, who believed the world could be better if young people were given the chance to lead it,” Scouts Australia chief commissioner Brendan Watson OAM said in his message to scouting groups. Mr Watson said that current Joey Scouts, Cub
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Gwen was looking to join Scouting and got to try rock climbing at the same time. (Gary Sissons: 569009)
1st Ferntree Gully Scouts’ Isaac giving archery a go.
A group of Scouts from Knox.
Mason from the 1st The Basin Scouts trying the plastic axe throwing.
Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts, and, of course, adult volunteers, join a collective of 60 million people who have participated in the Scout movement over 118 years. “You are connected to millions of Scouts who have done exactly the same thing before you. You belong to something extraordinary,” he said. “In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Scouting brings people together. In a world where many people wonder where they belong, Scouting gives us a place. In a world that often tells young people what they cannot do, Scouting shows you what you can become.”
Scouts Victoria chief commissioner Daniella Taglieri said at a time when volunteering across the country has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and youth organisations are competing for shrinking hours, the Scouts are thriving with over 23,000 members. “We are told constantly that young people won’t commit to anything and that nobody volunteers any more,” she said. “Our numbers say otherwise. What we offer is not complicated. It is young people running their own program, outdoors, with real responsibility and real consequences, and adults who step back
far enough to let them do it. It turns out there is enormous appetite for that.” The Venturer Scouts across Victoria also celebrated 80 years since the Section began in 1946, from country towns to the Melbourne CBD. “People hear Scouts and think knots and camping. What it actually is, is teenagers getting handed a budget, a map and a deadline and being trusted to sort it out ourselves,” Victoria’s State Youth Leader for Venturer Scouts Jem Lewis, 17, said. “Saturday (was) just us doing that somewhere people can see it.”
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Book preserves Dutch heritage for future generations By Monbulk Historical Society From the Lowlands to the Ranges: Celebrating Dutch Heritage in the Monbulk District is a newly launched Yarra Ranges book that will preserve the Dutch heritage of families across the region for future generations to come. The Monbulk Living and Learning Centre was filled with families, friends and members of the community on Sunday 2 August as the Monbulk Historical Society celebrated the launch of the new book devoted to the Dutch migrant community of the area. From the Lowlands to the Ranges: Celebrating Dutch Heritage in the Monbulk District brings together the stories of 55 Dutch migrant families who settled in Monbulk and the district area between the late 1930s and the late 1960s. The book captures an important chapter of local history while honouring the resilience, determination and community spirit of those who left the Netherlands to build new lives in Australia. At the launch, Monbulk Historical Society member Jill A’Vard thanked the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Bendigo Bank Monbulk and District, Broersen Bulbs and the many volunteers whose support made the publication possible. Ms A’Avard also welcomed special guest Yarra Ranges Council Deputy Mayor Gareth Ward and acknowledged the Dutch families who generously shared their photographs and personal histories. “The project’s purpose is to celebrate, honour and preserve Dutch heritage in the Monbulk and district areas,” she said.
Celebrating the launch of From the Lowlands to the Ranges: Celebrating Dutch Heritage in the Monbulk District. (Monbulk Historical Society). At the gathering, the book was officially launched by Michael Gijsberts, a long-time advocate for Dutch heritage in Australia and recipient of the Knight in the Order of OrangeNassau from the Dutch government. He congratulated the Monbulk Historical Society on transforming a successful exhibition into a permanent historical record. Mr Gijsberts said the title From the Lowlands to the Ranges perfectly reflected the journey from the low-lying Netherlands to the hills and mountain ranges of Monbulk and districts. “The book is an engaging collection that highlights the important contribution Dutch migrants made to the area’s economic, cul-
tural and social development through farming, skilled trades, businesses, sporting clubs and community organisations,” he said. Mr Gijsberts said during the launch that the Dutch may once have been considered “the invisible migrants”, but through this publication their contribution to the community has been firmly placed in the spotlight. The project to create the history book came into being after a local history exhibition for the region was held earlier this year. The highly successful From the Lowlands to the Ranges exhibition was held at the Centre in May, and told the stories of 30 local families on storyboards alongside displays about the
Monbulk Soccer Club, Mount Evelyn Christian School, Mount Evelyn Reformed Church and DutchCare, now known as MiCare. The exhibition has to date attracted an estimated 750 to 800+ visitors and inspired the collection of a further 25 family stories, which then led to the publication of the latest book. Many Dutch migrants became known as the “invisible migrants” of the region’s history, and they worked hard to learn English, embrace the Australian way of life and integrate quickly into their new communities. While they became Australian in public, they maintained their Dutch traditions through churches, sporting clubs and social organisations. At the same time, many families even stopped speaking Dutch at home, making the preservation of these stories especially significant. The book launch attracted many of the families featured in its pages, including children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for many, it was a special opportunity to read the stories of parents and grandparents whose experiences may otherwise have been lost. Just as importantly, the event became a reunion, with many people catching up with friends and neighbours they had not seen for years. From the Lowlands to the Ranges is more than a collection of family stories; it is a book that belongs to the community. It is now a lasting tribute to the Dutch families whose hard work, courage and community spirit helped shape the Monbulk district and ensure that their legacy will not be forgotten and will be preserved for generations to come.
Here is food for thought By Maria Millers From Pablo Neruda’s Ode to Tomatoes: The tomato, star of earth, recurrent and fertile star, displays its convolutions, its canals, its remarkable amplitude and abundance, no pit, no husk, no leaves or thorns, the tomato offers its gift of fiery colour and cool completeness. Food is the most fundamental political issue. A government can debate taxation, productivity or immigration, but if people can’t afford to eat properly, those debates become secondary. Nothing is more fundamental than access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. The recent ABC Four Corners investigation, Duped: Food Exposed, raises a profound question: Can Australians trust the food they buy? Rather than focusing on nutrition alone, it examined the integrity, authenticity and regulation of our food supply. Increasingly we often do not know where our food comes from or how it is produced. The program shows how long, complex global supply chains can make it easier for fraud and unethical practices to appear. Consumers often pay premium prices for products that may not be what they claim to be. Not just the origin of the product with misleading labelling as in tomatoes, fish, olive oil or free-range eggs but also adulteration as in spices, honey. Also products promoted as healthy, organic, or 100 per cent natural often don’t live up to what’s on the label. Food is more than a product on a supermarket shelf. It is part of our health, culture, environment and identity. Many of us do not question the safety, nutrition and the ethics behind the growing or manufacturing of food we forage for on our supermarket shelves. Indeed we have become increasingly disconnected from the sources and the long journey many products now take before they reach our plates. People have believed food affects health since ancient times. Greek physicians like Hippocrates argued that diet mattered in preventing and treating illness. Traditional medical systems in many cultures also treated food as part of health care Food has been linked to health problems for a very long time - not just recently. What changed is that modern medicine got much better at explaining how food affects the body and brain. Modern diets now include far more ultraprocessed foods, and those changes may amplify health risks.
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Most recently studies have looked at the part food plays in chronic physical diseases such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension to more recent research on the gut microbiome, blood sugar regulation and brain function. In the recent 4 Corners program Duped, we were confronted with uncomfortable and disturbing facts about the food we eat, the possible impact on our health and the realisation that often the real cost of our food is out of sight and borne by those living and working under inhumane conditions in far-away underdeveloped countries, conveniently out of sight. But as we also saw the terrible conditions under which pickers in Australia live we should not think that mistreatment of agricultural workers only happens in other countries. Products are sometimes not what their labels claim, including misleading country-of-origin labels and adulterated ingredients. Your supposedly immune-boosting morning turmeric latte may be laced with lead chromate, an industrial yellow pigment and iron oxide. Other spices had unidentified plant material used to bulk out the spices, Or that tin of tomatoes, a staple pantry item in most homes with its eye-catching image of Roma tomatoes and a Made in Italy label, has in fact travelled thousands of kilometres from China to be processed in Italy, Just one of many examples of misleading labelling. The beans for that hot chocolate on a cold winter night may have been picked by a child forced to work to support family at the cost of education, health and a normal childhood. In the past when the quarter-acre suburban block was still the norm and when working lives allowed time to nurture a vegetable plot and a few fruit trees, our reliance on supermarkets was not as great. It was also a time of sharing the backyard bounty and many may also remember driving out to areas where farms had roadside stalls offering freshly picked produce from eggs to strawberries.
Today, lack of space and time and the loss of gardening knowledge led to almost total dependence on supermarkets and as the program showed, this may lead to health problems and to supporting a system which is ethically untenable. But lack of a large backyard does not have to be a deterrent in growing at least some of your food and reducing reliance on supermarket. During Covid people rediscovered pleasure in tending their gardens. While the program Duped focused on the failures of the modern food system, MIT Professor Kate Brown’s Little Gardens Everywhere offers practical ways individuals and communities can respond. Brown encourages people to grow vegetables, herbs, and fruit in even the smallest spaces. This gives people confidence about where their food comes from. She gives a historical perspective of how and when ordinary people were forced to stop producing food with the coming of industry and the closures of the commons land which traditionally had been left for peasants to farm. She shows how today small urban gardens can help feed communities and reduce reliance on global supply chains as well as playing a part in reducing waste. Gardening helps people understand how food is grown and therefore they are less likely to be misled by fraudulent food marketing Marge Piercy To be of Use: I want to be with people who submerge in the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along, who are not parlour generals and field desert ers but move in a common rhythm Brown highlights the historical significance and potential of urban gardening as a sustainable solution to food production in cities and a means of strengthening community. In Paris circa 1900, 5,000 urban farmers grew fruits and vegetables and fresh produce for 2 million Parisians with a surplus left over to sell to London. In this most readable book there are other examples where communities survived and prospered by growing food and selling the surplus. Tiny Gardens Everywhere is a hymn to the most fertile agriculture in recorded human history, showing that it occurred not on farms – the product of gigantic exertions of fossil fuels and technology – but with little effort in small garden beds
And with a third of the world’s fertilisers held up in the Strait of Hormuz, and global heating accelerating, re-thinking how we grow our food might be just the thing we need right now. In The Edible Balcony, Australian media personality Indira Naidoo has written how she transformed an inner Sydney 13th-floor balcony into a flourishing garden of fruit and vegetables, growing a range of seasonal produce in containers. Naidoo later expanded these ideas in The Edible City, which explores community gardens and urban food growing ways as to strengthen communities and access to fresh food. Our migrant communities like the Italians and Vietnamese led the way in turning lawns into productive food growing spaces sometimes to the consternation of disapproving neighbours. Grandchildren of these migrants often reminisce about the many fruits and fresh vegetables they ate at Nonna’s Community gardens are also another way to not only grow food but as a way to socialize with people over a shared interest Gardening also teaches us to know what’s in season and move away from expecting to have unseasonable produce available all year round. To have grapes, cherries and other fruit, freighted from across the world is a great cost to the environment. By growing at least some of your food reminds us how food is connected to identity, culture, labour, belonging and justice. It also reminds us that food security begins at home, as both books emphasise Programs like Duped warn us about the risks of disconnected food systems, writers such as Kate Brown and Indira Naidoo remind us that even a small garden can restore our relationship with the food we eat. Growing a few vegetables in a pot or a plot will not solve global hunger or food fraud, but it is a step towards a more resilient and sustainable future. And it gives people greater control over the quality, freshness, and origin of some of the food they eat. Poets can capture the gorgeousness and comfort of food. Pablo Neruda wrote about everyday foods: salt, lemons, wines, artichokes, onions, tomatoes, oranges. These everyday products represent comfort, familiarity and memory. From Ode to the Onion: Onion you make us cry without hurting us. I have praised everything that exists, but to me, onion, you are more beautiful than a bird of dazzling feathers, heavenly globe, platinum goblet, unmoving dance of the snowy anemone and the fragrance of the earth lives in your crystalline nature.
Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL 17
OPINION
Lifestyle key to your health Despite all the advances in modern medicine, one of the most powerful influences on our longterm health is still the way we live each day. In fact, as medical science progresses, we are learning more and more about the influence lifestyle factors have on preventing and managing many of the diseases we see today. We all know that to be healthy we need to exercise regularly and eat well, but I’m not convinced that everyone truly understands the dramatic impact our lifestyle choices have on our long-term health. And even if we do understand the importance of lifestyle health, making good choices and avoiding temptation can be hard work. Being healthy doesn’t have to be complex and there are simple changes we can all make that generate substantial long-term benefits and help us to reclaim control of our health:
Healthy
living Ben Croxford
Physiotherapist, Leads the team at Form & Practice Mount Evelyn and Olinda Get some regular exercise. Exercise is the wonder-drug. It helps in some way to prevent or treat almost every health condition we know – that’s no exaggeration. Exercise looks after your heart, your lungs, your bones, your muscles, your immune system and your brain function. It reduces your risk of
CARTOON
18 MAIL | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
tion and good sleep all play an important role in supporting mental wellbeing. And finally, don’t leave it too late to seek help with your health. Chances are, there are solutions for your health concern and it’s far easier to manage it early. Trust me. Of course, creating healthy habits looks different for everyone because we are all built differently. Health professionals can help you explore the detail of how to best implement good lifestyle health for you and your specific circumstances – and I promise you that we don’t judge! Ben Croxford is a Physiotherapist and leads the team at Form & Practice Mt Evelyn, Olinda, Chirnside Park and Boronia. His writings explore his favourite health topics, challenge common myths and aim to empower you to take control of your own health. Find out more at formandpractice.com.au.
A lesser-known Taiwan
Shrek the Musical in theatres CPP Community Theatre Shrek the Musical Everyone’s favourite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation Film. Packed with heart, humour and all the fairytale chaos you remember, Shrek the Musical brings the beloved characters from the movie to life on stage. “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek.”… And so begins the journey of an unlikely hero who teams up with a wisecracking Donkey and a princess who’s anything but traditional. Add a short-tempered villain, a cookie with attitude and a whole crowd of fairytale-tale misfits, and you’ve got a swamp-sized adventure only a true hero can untangle. Season: Friday, 25 September – Saturday, 3 October. Karralyka Theatre Giselle presented by Victorian State Ballet Giselle, featuring internationally recognised artists, is the perfect ballet for lovers of classical dance. Considered one of the greatest romantic ballets, its beauty and romance have captivated for centuries. Season: 21 August, at 7.20pm. 22 August at 2pm and at 7.30pm. 23 August at 2pm. The Big Band Swing Show Performed by the acclaimed Big City Beat Show Band featuring an outstanding live brass section and sensational vocalists. This high-energy production brings to life the music of some of the greatest artists of all time, including Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Shirley Bassey, Harry Connick Jr, Natalie Cole, Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Frankie Valli, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley. Featuring powerful vocals, dazzling musicianship and timeless classics, audiences will be transported through an afternoon of unforgettable entertainment, from smooth swing standards and jazz favourites to the iconic songs that have filled concert halls and captivated audiences for
osteoarthritis, diabetes, back pain, mental health issues, most chronic diseases and even lowers your risk of getting some types of cancer. Imagine if a doctor could prescribe a drug that powerful? You are what you eat, literally. Nutrition advice can be confusing, with experts often debating the finer details. Fortunately, the basics are simple, like avoiding highly processed, sugary and fatty foods and making sure you eat more vegetables. Aim for good quality sleep. Sleep is immensely powerful in helping your body regenerate and repair. It’s also important to note that quantity doesn’t always replace quality when it comes to sleep. Don’t ignore your mental health. Like your physical health, mental health is not simply “good” or “bad” – it fluctuates daily and we need to look after it just like we need to look after our physical bodies. Physical activity, social connec-
Kemp’s curtain call generations. Season: Sunday, 7 February 2027 at 2pm. Atheneum theatre/Collins Dt. Melbourne Menopause The Musical Inspired by a hot flush and a glass of (okay… bottle) of wine, this hilarious, taboo-breaking musical follows four women who meet while shopping. As they swap stories of hormonal heatwaves, memory meltdowns, and midnight swears, they belt out parodied hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s – including I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, What’s Love Got To Do With It, and We Are Family - and discover that menopause isn’t the end, but a bold new beginning. Lived with honesty, humour and a new attitude. Since the premiere, Menopause the Musical has played to over 17 million women (and brave men) in more than 500 cities and nine languages. It’s the longest-running musical in the city’s history, thanks to a record-breaking 17 year run – and counting. Australia’s love affair with the show began in 2005, when it opened at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre. Originally slated for just two months, the season extended again and again, closing after even months. Since then, the production has played to more than 1.5 million people across 200-plus cities and towns nationwide – and holds the title as the longest-running musical ever to play Brisbane. Season: 2 - 6 September.
Taiwan Travelogue, written by Taiwanese author Yáng Shuang-zi and translated into English by Lin King, is winner of the 2026 International Booker Prize. It also won the 2024 National Book Award for Translated Literature in the U.S. The novel tells the story of Aoyama Chizuko, a Japanese novelist who travels from her hometown Nagasaki to Taiwan in 1938 to experience the life and authentic cuisine in that “Southern Island” as a colony of the Japanese Empire. Chizuko soon meets her local guide and interpreter Ông Tshian-hóh, or O Chizuru in Japanese, whom she nicknames Chi-chan. Together, the pair travels by train and samples a great variety of delicacies across Taiwan, exchanging notes on food, people, literature and culture. Chizuko becomes increasingly infatuated with Chi-chan, who is knowledgeable, efficient, meticulous and highly capable. However, as much as the Japanese woman wants to befriend her Taiwanese counterpart, she is unable to detect the blind spot in her own perspective – that the power imbalance between the pair will always exist and it is impossible to achieve any true equality between the coloniser and the colonised. Disguised as a faux translation of a rediscovered Japanese text, the novel comes with a researcher’s preface/introduction and various afterwords by its Chinese and English translators, and even footnotes by Chizuko herself. While this scholarly apparatus adds a sense of “authority” and “authenticity” to the novel, its aim is to interrogate the power dynamics between history and memory, as well as the truths behind any “official” or “grand” narrative. This is a novel that demands readers to do the work – to observe how the coloniser develops a colony but also exploits and extracts from it, how
PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN their attempt to “modernise” that colony’s economy, society, language and culture ends up irrevocably altering the local people’s lives and denying the latter’s rights and dignity to make their own choices. Worse, the coloniser is unable to see all the harm done to the colonised, as they see themselves as being benevolent and helpful, hence the aforementioned “blind spot”. As described by one of the book’s characters: “There is nothing in the world more difficult to refuse than selfrighteous goodwill.” For those who just want to enjoy the story, it features a delicate yet heart-wrenching romance between two women of distinct intellectual and cultural backgrounds. There are detailed descriptions of social and economic activities and customs across Japaneseoccupied Taiwan of the 1930s, as well as breathtaking sceneries and mouth-watering Taiwanese foods. Each dish tells a story of fusion of unique ingredients, flavours and cooking methods, revealing a lesser known aspect of Taiwan as a vibrant multilingual, multicultural and multiethnic society. Taiwan Travelogue deserves all the hype it gets. Highly recommended.
A scoop of mediocre gore Ice Cream Man Starring Ari Millen, Charlie Zeltzer and Shiloh O’Reilly R18+ Fail/5 In Ice Cream Man, a horror-comedy directed by Eli Roth, the schoolchildren in the town of Bayleen Bay become homicidal maniacs after eating ice cream from a shady vendor. Ice Cream Man features clunky dialogue and dated humour, but the child actors give solid performances and the film has some wellexecuted rising unease early on. When the kids burst into sugary violence in the second act, it’s hard not to get swept up in the gleeful, creatively absurd butchery. Still, with a nighttime scene of slaughter before the school massacre, the tension is somewhat diluted and the violence (while ramped up) is less shocking, and even at a short 86 minutes, the comedic gore and stopand-start chases grow tiresome. Other critics have compared Ice Cream Man to the unrelated 1995 slasher film Ice Cream Man, the 2014 zombie film Cooties and last year’s horror hit Weapons, but Roth’s Ice Cream Man reminds me of the 1990 so-bad-it’s-good classic Troll 2, which has vegetarian goblins and possessed townsfolk use poisoned vegetables to turn their victims into plants.
Ice Cream Man’s ending has a well-seeded, grisly gut-punch of a twist that left me kinda impressed, but I don’t feel like giving it any credit, given Roth’s use of generative AI. Roth confirmed the use of AI for only a few brief animated scenes and flashbacks, but any amount of generative AI is an ethical failure that taints the rest of the project. Playing in select Victorian cinemas, Ice Cream is a middlingly entertaining but poorlypaced gorefest with a devastating ending, and would have earned a 2.75 or 3 out of 5, but the use of AI leaves a rotten taste in my mouth, and I can’t in good conscience give it anything other than a fail. - Seth Lukas Hynes
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A PRIVATE LIFESTYLE ESTATE
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
A PRIVATE LIFESTYLE ESTATE ON 15 ACRES BEAUTIFUL mornings and sensational sunsets, views from every window. Beyond a secure gated entrance and sweeping sealed driveway lies an exceptional lifestyle estate where luxury, privacy and breathtaking natural beauty converge. Set amidst approximately 15 pristine acres with picturesque views across rolling countryside, this remarkable residence offers an unparalleled opportunity to embrace refined country living without compromising convenience. Designed on a grand scale and crafted for both sophisticated entertaining and relaxed family living, the home immediately impresses with its soaring 10-foot ceilings, expansive proportions and an abundance of natural light. Elegant formal and informal living zones provide exceptional versatility, including a gracious formal lounge and dining room centred around an inviting fireplace, a substantial family and meals domain warmed by a fireplace, an impressive rumpus/games room, and a dedicated executive office for those working from home. At the centre, the beautifully appointed timber and granite kitchen has been designed to inspire. Featuring, expansive stone preparation surfaces, extensive cabinetry, quality appliances and a generous walk-in pantry, it effortlessly caters to everyday family life as well as large-scale entertaining. Flowing seamlessly outdoors, the kitchen and living spaces open onto an expansive covered Merbau entertaining deck, complete with outdoor cafe blinds, overlooking the secure rear gardens and spectacular rural vistas beyond—creating an idyllic setting for yearround gatherings with family and friends. The thoughtfully designed accommodation comprises four generous bedrooms, each offering exceptional comfort and privacy. The luxurious primary suite occupies its own private wing, complete with a spacious walkin robe and elegant ensuite. A beautifully appointed guest suite also enjoys a walk-in robe and private ensuite, while two further oversized bedrooms with built-in robes are serviced by a stylish central family bathroom.
Adding further practicality is an oversized laundry and mudroom, ideal for busy family living and country pursuits, while the substantial four-car garage with internal access, additional carport and extensive parking ensure ample space for vehicles, trailers and recreational equipment. The estate has been thoughtfully enhanced with every modern convenience, 3 phase heating and cooling, a security alarm system, CCTV surveillance, extensive outdoor lighting, mains water, gas supply, and a 4.7kW solar system with a 5.3kW inverter, delivering energy efficiency without compromise. Perfectly equipped for equestrian enthusiasts, hobby farmers or grazing livestock, the property offers exceptional infrastructure with four well-fenced paddocks, electric fencing to the perimeter, the water supply to the three large paddocks via mains or storm water tank with pump, a livestock loading ramp and holding yard, machinery and tack shed with its own independent entrance, plus undercover storage for hay and firewood. The established gardens, complete with mature shade trees and productive fruit trees, further enhance the estate’s picturesque setting. Despite its peaceful rural atmosphere, this outstanding property enjoys an enviable level of convenience. Located just 1.1 kilometres from the heart of Belgrave South, the estate is moments from quality schools, local shopping, cafes and sporting facilities, while Belgrave Railway Station, Wellington Road, EastLink and the M1 freeway provide effortless access to Melbourne and surrounding regions. For horse lovers, the location is second to none, with the local pony club within walking distance and direct access to scenic riding trails from the property itself. Offering a rare combination of timeless elegance, exceptional infrastructure and an idyllic lifestyle setting, this is a property of remarkable scale and substance where every element has been carefully considered. A truly distinguished country estate, ready to be enjoyed for generations to come. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 17 Bellany Road, BELGRAVE SOUTH Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 6 garage Price: $3,500,00 - $3,800,00 Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522, Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE 9754 6111
20 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
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STYLISH FAMILY LIVING WITH EXCEPTIONAL FLEXIBILITY PERFECTLY positioned within easy walking distance of everything Upwey has to offer, this beautifully presented family home combines modern style, generous proportions and exceptional versatility on a low maintenance block. Beautifully constructed with a brick and weatherboard exterior, the home has been thoughtfully designed to cater to growing families, multi-generational living, home based professionals or those simply seeking extra space. A light filled, open plan living and dining area is complemented by the contemporary kitchen that features quality stainless steel appliances. From here, sliding doors open onto a generous balcony where you can relax and enjoy peaceful treetop views, whilst the lower level second outdoor entertaining deck overlooks the beautifully landscaped rear gardens. Accommodation includes three spacious bedrooms with built in robes, whilst the impressive master suite boasts a walk-in robe and stylish full ensuite. Upstairs also offers a dedicated study area plus a modern family bathroom. Downstairs provides outstanding flexibility with an enormous fourth bedroom or second living zone complete with its own wet bar and separate entrance -ideal for extended family, teenagers, guest accommodation or a home office. Location is everything, and this home delivers. Enjoy the convenience of being just a short stroll from Upwey Village, cafes, shops, train station, primary and secondary schools, local parks and the Upwey Reserve, making everyday family living effortless. Offering an exceptional combination of space, flexibility and lifestyle, this is a home that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. An inspection is essential to fully appreciate everything on offer. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1470A Burwood Hwy, UPWEY Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $895,000 - $965,000 Inspect: Contact Agent Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 9754 6888
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Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 21
HOME FOCUS
A STUNNING MUDBRICK HOME ON 50 ACRES SET across an exceptional, privately located 50-acre holding in the heart of Macclesfield, this remarkable mudbrick residence and acreage deliver a rare combination of timeless craftsmanship, refined family living and equestrian infrastructure. Surrounded by rolling paddocks and picturesque rural vistas, this is a property where lifestyle, privacy and functionality exist in perfect harmony. A wrap-around undercover verandah welcomes you inside, where expansive open plan living has been thoughtfully designed to embrace the surrounding landscape. Large windows flood the home with natural light, while floating floors add warmth and character throughout the central living spaces. At the heart of the home, the beautifully appointed country kitchen with new cabinetry is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring an oversized island bench with breakfast bar, 900mm free standing gas / electric stove, huge walk-in pantry / storeroom and an abundance of bench space. The adjoining dining and living area creates a welcoming atmosphere, centred around a crackling wood fire that brings warmth and ambience throughout the cooler months. Completing the ground floor is a versatile and generous bedroom, a spacious rumpus room that could easily serve as a 6th bedroom or guest accommodation, a family bathroom and a separate toilet. Upstairs has been thoughtfully designed to provide a peaceful retreat for the whole family. The impressive main suite enjoys its own private balcony overlooking the property, a stylish ensuite and dual built-in robes + a walkin robe. Two further bedrooms, each complete with built-in robes and private balconies, offer generous accommodation, while a spacious lounge provides another inviting living zone. 2 study nooks create dedicated work or study spaces, while a 4th bedroom / study features its own shower and vanity offering exceptional flexibility. A powder room completes the upper level. Outside, the estate is exceptionally equipped for horse enthusiasts, hobby farmers or those seeking an enviable country lifestyle. Four fenced paddocks are complemented by a professionally sized 40m x 20m arena, tack room, hay shed, float shed, woodshed and chicken coop, while an established orchard enhances the property’s self-sufficient appeal. An impressive 24m x 12m high-bay shed with concrete floor and power provides extensive storage for machinery, vehicles, caravans or business equipment, alongside a separate machinery shed offering even more versatility. Rarely does a property combine architectural warmth, generous family accommodation and premium rural infrastructure on such a grand scale. Offering complete privacy while remaining within easy reach of local amenities, this is an extraordinary lifestyle opportunity that will appeal to discerning buyers seeking one of Macclesfield’s finest country estates. This property has it all so don’t miss out - CALL TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE INSPECTION TODAY! Call Samantha Scott 0438 680 032 or Bethany Sullivan 0438 844 968. 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. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 80 Jardine Road, MACCLESFIELD Price: $1,750,000 - $1,850,000 Inspection: By appointment Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032 or Bethany Sullivan 0438 844 968, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD
22 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald
32 Ferres Road Emerald
$780,000 - $850,000
3 Sunnyside Terrace Emerald
$450,000 - $490,000
Walk to Town, Love the Lifestyle.
Build-Ready with Space, Services & Scenic Views
Positioned on 983sqm (approx.) just a short walk from Emerald’s township, schools, shops & public transport, this well-presented 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfort & convenience for families, first-home buyers or investors. An undercover front verandah welcomes you inside to the kitchen & dining area, featuring a gas cooktop, dishwasher, breakfast bar, ample storage & timber flooring. A split system & gas ducted heating provide year-round comfort. The privately positioned main bedroom includes a walk-through robe & ensuite, while 2 additional bedrooms with builtin robes are serviced by the central family bathroom. The adjoining living room opens onto the undercover entertaining area, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Outside, the spacious backyard provides room for children & pets to enjoy, a garden shed & double carport.
Everything’s already in place for your dream build — an approved planning permit, water connection, and a concrete driveway ready to welcome you home. Set on over half an acre, there’s plenty of room to create the lifestyle you’ve envisioned, all while enjoying beautiful views that make every day feel a little more special.
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
3
91 Main Street Gembrook
A
2
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
B 2 C
$950,000- $1,040,000
JL Automatics Kilvington Drive Emerald
$165,000
A Proven Hills BNB in Prime Gembrook Location!
Established & Profitable Local Mechanic Business.
Set in the Dandenong Ranges just over an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, the established & well-loved Gembrook Cottages present a charming accommodation business opportunity in the heart of Gembrook. Within easy walking distance of Puffing Billy, Gembrook–Emerald Walking Trail, cafés, restaurants & the local bar, the location attracts visitors seeking a relaxing Hills escape. The property comprises three beautifully styled cottages, each featuring four-poster beds, leather lounges, kitchenettes, Wi-Fi & wood heaters. Bluebell Cottage offers calming blue tones & a private deck with spa. Harem Cottage features earthy interiors & sunken oval spa indoors, while Kookaburra Cottage showcases soft pastel hues & tranquil atmosphere. With a loyal repeat clientele & strong reputation, the business enjoys consistent demand, supported by nearby parks, wildlife & walking trails.
Originally established in 1979, JL Automatics has been providing the highest quality automotive repairs to Emerald & the surrounding areas ever since. JL Automatics is your one-stop shop for repairs & services for all makes & models, which currently provides a wide range of services, including: general repairs & service, power steering repairs, manual & automatic transmission repairs, tunes on all makes & models, brake inspections & repairs, air conditioning repairs, EFI diagnosis, injector cleaning & road worthy reports. Priced to walk in & start working this business includes: • 2 x hoists • Workshop tools • Spare parts • An extensive database of clients • The website • Historical average gross yearly turnover of $400,000+ Access is from Heroes Avenue, Emerald
Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032
Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032
3
A
3
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
B 3 C
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Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 23
HOME FOCUS
COMFORTABLE FAMILY LIVING IN MONBULK SET in a peaceful Monbulk location, 20 McAllister Road offers a warm and inviting three bedroom home with charming period detail and a generous outdoor setting perfect for everyday family living. With a practical single level floorplan, spacious rear yard and excellent entertaining options, this home is ready to enjoy while still offering plenty of scope to make it your own over time. Inside, the home features a light filled lounge and dining area with high ceilings, decorative cornices and a cosy wood fire, creating a comfortable central living space. The updated kitchen is a standout, offering excellent storage, generous bench space, modern cabinetry, quality appliances, and a large freestanding oven, making it both stylish and practical for daily use. Accommodation includes three well sized bedrooms, each enjoying good natural light, while the central bathroom with a modern vanity, black tapware, bath and shower. A separate laundry adds further convenience, while ducted heating throughout provides year round comfort. Outdoors, the property continues to impress with a large covered entertaining area that runs along the rear of the home, ideal for outdoor dining, relaxing or hosting friends and family. The backyard offers a great sense of space with established greenery, lawn area, garden beds and a shed for additional storage. A long carport provides secure off street parking, adding to the home’s overall practicality. Combining character, comfort and outdoor appeal, this inviting Monbulk home is ideal for first home buyers, downsizers, young families or investors looking for a well presented property in a convenient Hills location close to local shops, schools and everyday amenities. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 20 McAllister Road, MONBULK Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 3 garage Price: $780,000 - $849,000 Inspect: Contact Agent Contact: BRAD CONDER 0422 639 115 / JERLYN ARRADAZA 0434 688 554, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 9754 6888
24 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
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Real Estate you can trust! We’re here to help.
1506 Burwood Highway, TECOMA 3
1
2
61 Kooringal Road, UPWEY
896m2
1301m2
20 McAllister Road, MONBULK 3
1
3
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
$575,000 - $630,000
$595,000 - $654,000
$780,000 - $849,000
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Daniel Steen 0434 979 142
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
1470A Burwood Highway, UPWEY 3
2
2
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
3 Toorourrong Road, UPWEY
546m2
4
3
6
4826m2
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
1188m2
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
64-68 Monbulk Road, BELGRAVE 2884m2
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE - FREEHOLD
$895,000 - $965,000
$1,200,000 - $1,295,000
$1,250,000 - $1,350,000
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Daniel Steen 0434 979 142
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Glenn Chandler 0418 410 689
03 9754 6888 office@chandlerandco.com.au 1689 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Vic 3160 mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 25
HOME FOCUS
SOPHISTICATED FAMILY LIVING IN THE PRESTIGIOUS WAVERLEY PARK ESTATE *** AUCTION – SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST 11AM (Unless Sold Prior)*** POSITIONED within the highly regarded Waverley Park Estate, this impeccably presented residence delivers an exceptional blend of style, comfort and low-maintenance living in one of Mulgrave’s most sought-after communities. Recently refreshed with brand-new carpet and flooring, along with a fresh coat of paint throughout, the home offers a move-in-ready lifestyle with nothing left to do. Thoughtfully designed to maximise space and natural light, the expansive open-plan living and dining domain is complemented by a contemporary kitchen featuring granite benchtops, quality stainless steel appliances and ample storage - creating the perfect setting for both relaxed family living and effortless entertaining. The spacious master suite provides a peaceful retreat, complete with a walk-in robe and private ensuite, while two further bedrooms with built-in robes are serviced by
a stylish central bathroom, making the home equally suited to families, professionals or discerning downsizers. Step outside to a private, low-maintenance courtyard, ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet morning coffee. A secure double garage with valuable rear lane access enhances both convenience and functionality. Enjoy the outstanding lifestyle that Waverley Park is renowned for, with parklands, walking and cycling trails, cafes, playgrounds and open green spaces all just moments from your door. Conveniently located within easy reach of Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, public transport, EastLink and the Monash Freeway, this is a location that perfectly balances connectivity with community. Offering premium presentation, modern finishes and an enviable address, this is an outstanding opportunity to secure a quality home in one of Mulgrave’s most tightly held estates. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 24 Stadium Circuit, MULGRAVE Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,100,000 - $1,210,000 Inspect: Contact agent Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 and Jackson Acott 0494 142 438, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE 9754 6111
26 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
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Ranges ENTERTAINERS PARADISE
EMERALD 45 KIlvINGToN DRIvE MINUTES FROM TOWN
15 MAGNIFICENT ACRES
$1,460,000-$1,606,000 4 A 3 B 10 C 1 E
***Closing date for offers Tuesday 18th August @ 4pm (unless sold prior)*** Tucked away in an impeccable location, this inviting home is all about space & lifestyle, set on a fully usable 1.2 acres (approx.) Featuring an elevated deck with beautiful views, saltwater solar-heated pool, seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining area, plumbed-in bar, fl rb ards thr ugh ut, study, separate d wnstairs i ing z ne, GDH, w d fire, underhouse accessible storage, asphalt driveway & large shed with kitchenette & laundry.
Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937
We put you first
Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522
PRIME LOCATION
BELGRAVE SOUTH 17 BELLANY ROAD
$3,500,000-$3,800,000
LIFESTYLE ESTATE WITH MAGNIFICENT VIEWS!
4A 2B 6C 1E
Beautiful mornings, sensational sunsets & views from every window. Beyond a secure gated entrance & sweeping sealed driveway lies this exceptional estate where luxury, privacy & breathtaking natural beauty converge. Designed on a sophisticated grand scale & features 10-foot ceilings, expansive proportions throughout, abundance of natural light, elegant formal & informal living zones, timber & granite kitchen, covered Merbau deck with outdoor café blinds, CCTV surveillance, 4.7kW solar with a 5.3kW inverter.
Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522
Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937
PEACEFUL LAKESIDE ESCAPE
TECOMA 1578 BuRwOOD HIgHwAy
Contact Agent
EMERALD 6 DURBAN ROAD
CHARACTER HOME
4A 2B 5C
DESIGNED FOR FAMILY LIVING
Perfectly positioned within an easy stroll of Tecoma’s vibrant township, this charming home offers an enviable lifestyle with schools, shops, cafés & public transport all just moments away. Set on a sunny corner allotment, the property boasts valuable side access to a flat sable back ard. Inside, the home retains its timeless character hile offerin comforts s ch as a ood fire, split s stem, floorboards and deck. Do nstairs is a spacio s r mp s that can, ith modifications (STCA) be sed for man options.
Jan Brewster 0409 558 805
9754 6111 rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
$1,150,000-$1,250,000 4A 2B 2C
****Offers Closing 4pm, Monday 17th of August, unless sold prior**** this exceptional residence offers a rare combination of privacy, space & effortless luxury. Surrounded by a tranquil treed outlook, it’s a home that feels like a private retreat while remaining close to everything Emerald has to offer. Features include multiple living areas, dedicated pool room, deck and enclosed alfresco, pool & spa, hydronic heating, gas fireplace & split systems, ducted vacuum, water tank, veggie patch & shed.
Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522
‘We Put You First’
Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937
1660 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Shop 2/24 McBride St, Cockatoo Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 27
HOME FOCUS
COME HOME TO SERENITY AND NATURE ON OVER NINE ACRES WELCOME home, immerse yourself in nature and meander the driveway and feel the outside world fade away as you arrive at this private sanctuary of calm and seclusion. Surrounded by birdsong and the gentle movement of the forest, this property offers a rare sense of peace and connection to nature. Set on approx. 9.1 acres, (3.69ha) the family home is thoughtfully positioned well back from the road, framed by open paddocks to the front and rear, creating an exceptional level of privacy. With the added benefit of backing directly onto state forest, the setting is as tranquil as it is picturesque. Inside, the home features a modern kitchen with generous bench space, electric oven, and a well designed butler’s pantry, ideal for keeping appliances neatly out of sight. The kitchen flows effortlessly into the dining and living areas, where a cosy wood fire provides warmth in the cooler months, complemented by a split system for year round comfort.
Three well-proportioned bedrooms, all with built-in robes, enjoying peaceful views across the surrounding forest and paddocks. A large modern bathroom, and the bonus of an additional toilet off the laundry add practicality and comfort for family living. Outdoor living is a standout, with the front deck capturing sweeping views across open land and treetops perfect for quiet mornings or sunset relaxation. To the rear, a shaded alfresco area invites outdoor dining while overlooking the serene landscape beyond. Completing the property is a large powered shed offering ample space for vehicles, storage, and recreational equipment, along with water tanks and established vegetable gardens. This is a rare opportunity to escape the everyday and embrace a lifestyle of peace, privacy, and natural beauty in the heart of the Yarra Valley ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 125 Blacksands Road, THREE BRIDGES Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 6 garage Price: $830,000 - $890,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION. 5967 1277
28 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
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8 Jeanette Street, Woori Yallock
$760,000 - $810,000
P 5966 2530
P 5967 1277
3407 Warburton Highway, Warburton
2457 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction
15 James Lane, Hoddles Creek
$1,500,000 - $1,650,000
Comfortable and Convenient Family Living
Family Comfort, Charm and Character on an 8 Acre Oasis
A much loved family home in a fantastic location, offering 3 bedrooms all with built in robes including an ensuite and walk in robe in the main bedroom. A separate meals/dining area and a fresh well appointed open plan kitchen provides plenty of space. A great size lounge/living area gives the growing family loads of room to spread out and enjoy. Everyone will love the outdoors with a securely fenced rear yard. A high clearance carport, plus a big lock up garage and garden shed offer ample space for caravans, boats and trailers. The covered entertaining area is the ideal spot to sit back, relax and entertain with family and friends. Beautiful established gardens with a colourful array of roses and shrubs. A very neat and well maintained property, providing a great family home in a superb location situated just minutes stroll to local schools, shops and transport.
Set on a picturesque small acreage paradise on just over 8 glorious acres, this property has something for everyone. The rustic country farmhouse oozes charm and character boasting 4 bedrooms including an ensuite and walk in robe in the main bedroom. Separate family and living areas give the growing family plenty of space. The kitchen area is superb with quality appliances and ample bench and cupboard space including a butlers pantry. Huge shedding with covered high clearance truck parking and lock up garage/workshop, plus a separate open machinery shedding for floats, boats, caravans and farm equipment. Outdoor entertaining with covered verandas and decking. For extra weekend guests, dependent family, teenagers or relatives, the separate 1 bedroom bungalow is the ideal accommodation solution. A fantastic property in every aspect.
David Carroll M 0419 539 320 Inspection: By Appointment
3
A
2
B 3 C
David Carroll M 0419 539 320 Inspection: By Appointment
4
A
2
B 3 C
COMMERCIAL RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES 3/1385 Healesville Koo Wee Rup Road WOORI YALLOCK $230.00 per week Well sized shop situated in a sought after shopping strip
10D Centella Place LAUNCHING PLACE $270.00 per week Storage solution for a growing business, internal office space
1/1605 Warburton Hwy WOORI YALLOCK $380.00 per week Prime 90sq.m office space, high exposure corner location
Contact our Rental Department 5967 1277 for further enquiries
40 McOwan Crescent, Yarra Junction
$670,000 - $710,000
Family Living in a Convenient Location This neat, well presented home sits in a picturesque and colourful setting and is ready and waiting to move into. Offering 3 bedrooms plus a spacious lounge/living area it’s the ideal spot to sit back, relax and admire the scenery and surrounds, the kitchen area offers ample bench and cupboard space plus a separate meals/dining area. Head outside and you’re spoilt for space with loads of potential sitting on approx. 1571sqm of land there is plenty of scope to add your personal touches. Plenty of the groundwork has been done, this property is ready and waiting for it’s new owners to take it to the next stage. A great property offering great value in a picturesque and convenient location situated just a short stroll to Yarra Junctions shopping hub, local schools and transport. David Carroll M 0419 539 320 Inspection: By Appointment
3
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1
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bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 29
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.
easy
4 1 2
2 9
8 4 9
6 8 2 3 7 6 1 8 9 1 5 7 6 2 5 3 8 7 2 8 3 9 3 4
medium
3 8
5 4 8 3 9 7 6
9
QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS
DECODER
7
8
8
7 2
8
8
8
hard
5
9 2 7 8 6 8 3
' 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
U D 16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
3
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
medium
6
easy
5
2
4
1
3
4 6
2
5 3 2 9 5 1
Y L X Q A E V C P G J W Z
6
15
2
9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in 's'.
B
Today’s Aim: 19 words: Good 28 words: Very good 38 words: Excellent
A
T
S
E
K
4 1 9 2 8 6 3 7 5 2 6 3 7 9 5 8 1 4 5 8 7 3 1 4 9 2 6 8 2 1 4 5 7 6 9 3 7 5 6 9 3 2 1 4 8 9 3 4 8 6 1 2 5 7 6 9 2 5 4 3 7 8 1 3 4 8 1 7 9 5 6 2 1 7 5 6 2 8 4 3 9
6 3 8 2 9 5 1 4 7 4 1 7 6 8 3 9 5 2 9 2 5 1 7 4 6 8 3 5 4 9 3 6 1 2 7 8 1 8 2 5 4 7 3 9 6 7 6 3 8 2 9 5 1 4 2 9 6 7 1 8 4 3 5 3 7 4 9 5 2 8 6 1 8 5 1 4 3 6 7 2 9
F
hard
A
R
bake, baker, bakes, bark, barks, bask, basket, beak, brake, brakes, break, BREAKFAST, breaks, fake, fakes, freak, karat, karate, kerb, kerf, kraft, rake, rakes, sake, sark, skate, skater, stake, stark, steak, streak, take, taker, takes, task, teak, trek, treks
4 2 7 6 1 5 8 3 9 1 8 6 4 9 3 5 2 7 3 5 9 2 7 8 6 1 4 2 7 3 5 4 1 9 8 6 9 4 8 7 3 6 1 5 2 5 6 1 9 8 2 7 4 3 7 1 5 3 2 9 4 6 8 6 9 2 8 5 4 3 7 1 8 3 4 1 6 7 2 9 5 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
1
5 9
R H N T F M S K O B I U D
1
14
7
4 LETTERS BASE BLOC CAGE CYST GIRL ISN’T LETS LOVE NEST SECT SEWS THEN TOSS WEAN
3 LETTERS ADO AGE ALL APE APT ARE ATE CRY EEL ERA GEL GNU HEW LAG NEE NET ONE PEA RAP SIP SOD SPA TNT TOP
8
8 '
5
WORDFIT
'
9
8
6 1 4 9 5 5 4
No. 334
8
5 4 7
8 8
Pithy (8) Shorten (7) Foul language (9) Exceptional; illusory (9) Astray (5) Mountain range (5) Life-form category (7) Gas vital to life (6) English side, – pudding (9) Build (9) Giving (8) Organise (7) Mouths of volcanoes (7) Emblematic person, animal or thing supposedly bringing good luck (6) Pursue (5) Ballroom dance (5)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 18 20 21
23 24
DOWN
Rascal (5) US city, San – (9) Comic strip (7) Visuals (7) Hoosier State of the USA (7) Dawn (7) A physical science (9) Ready money (4) Simple (4) Recorded history (9) Stone fruit (7) Gorge (7) Include (7) Before birth (2,5) Consequently (9) Jobs undertaken (5)
1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 29
No. 302
No. 302
L O V E
5 LETTERS ALERT ALOUD ALTOS APRIL ARVOS ATONE BASIC BATHS CARGO CHEWS DINGO EASES EDITS GARBS GATES GLUED GREET HEART IDEAL IOTAS NERVE
NEWSY NINNY ODDER ONSET OPERA PAPAS PASTA PEEPS PIECE RENEW REUSE ROUSE SEEDS SHELL SLEET SLEPT SLICE SNARL SNORE STATE STEER SWAYS
7 LETTERS INTENTS LESSONS PLUSHER ROUGHER SEVERER TRASHES
TEENS TERSE TESTS THESE THETA TORSO WHIRR 6 LETTERS ANYONE ASSAIL ENACTS STRAIN
8 LETTERS ABSENTEE GUERILLA HITHERTO OPTICIAN
P A S T A B A T H S G A R B S A L T O S A P R I L I D E A L S T A T E R O U S E P E E P S A G E S H E L L S I P A R E S T R A I N T H E T A S E C T P L U S H E R G E L C A G E N E S T D I N G O W E A N O P T I C I A N A L L I N T E N T S R O U G H E R G U E R I L L A L E T S N E E B L O C C Y S T O D D E R E R A S E V E R E R I S N T T H E S E A N Y O N E T E E N S S P A P E A O N E T O R S O A T O N E C H E W S R E N E W T E R S E A R V O S S E E D S T E S T S S WA Y S
No. 302
S C A M P F R A N C I S C O U B R A M H P X I M A G E R Y C A R T O O N I F T S I C G C S U N R I S E I N D I A N A G N S E N N C H E M I S T R Y C A S H T T I O O G E A S Y C H R O N I C L E R K S R N M S A T I A T E A P R I C O T A H A H R T R S I N U T E R O C O N T A I N G S G R C R U O T A S K S T H E R E F O R E
SUDOKU
14-08-26
William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS
9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567433-SN37-22
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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
PROFESSIONAL
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PETS & SERVICES
Employment
LOCALPLUMBER
On time, Local, Family owned
ADVERTISERS in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services. Buy, & Sell in our
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LILYDALE ELECTRICIAN
Joey 0480 014 823
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Tuesday, 11 August, 2026 | MAIL 31
SPORT
Dylan Donovan was solid in defence for the Eagles. (Aiden Badawy)
Callum Ludwig punches a corner clear. (Aiden Badawy)
Mixed results for Eagles By Callum Ludwig It was a goal fest for the Masters and a dour affair for the Seniors as the Lilydale teams took on Blackburn and Yarra Valley respectively. It took eight minutes for the first attempt on goal for the Masters, coming courtesy of a longrange attempt from Daniel ‘Dicko’ Dickson. The first big chance came only a minute later, Dicko played a short free kick to Tim Wilson who did well to hold onto the ball and drive into the box. He squared it to Piotr Swiatkiewicz but he got it caught under his feet and couldn’t apply the finishing touch. Swiatkiewicz again was on the end of a Lilydale move minutes later after the Eagles progressed the ball quickly from a goal kick. He attempted to catch the keeper out with an early shot but fired it wide with the outside of his boot. The Eagles kept the pressure on and Dicko tried another shot frm range that went harmlessly wide. Some nice work in the 24th minute from Peter Hodgkinson allowed him to lay it off for David ‘Chooch’ Chioda but his effort sailed into the night sky. Lilydale won it back from the goal kick and Hodgkinson took the shot on himself this time but flashed it wide. Byron Loveless couldn’t wrap his free kick from distance on target in the 32nd minute. Some desperate defending from Blackburn ensured they didn’t concede a minute later: the keeper kept Dicko’s shot out with his feet and the defender charged down the shot on the rebound from Nima Babazadeh. Blackburn had their first chance after trying a shot from long-range which hit their striker and fell nicely to the left winger, but his dipping shot was kept under control by Tom Gilman. They tried again after catching the Eagles napping high up the pitch but the shot was wayward. Lilydale finally had the breakthrough after pumping it long from the goal kic. Allen Dickson flicked on his header into the path of Loveless, who raced through on goal and found the bottom right corner. Blackburn had a decent chance before the end of the half after a nice little through ball to the striker, whose touch popped it up for a volley, but he didn’t catch it cleanly. The Striker did come awfully close right on the stroke of halftime after some nice play down the right found Gareth Evans in the middle. His first shot was blocked but his second effort looked destined for the goal before cannoning off the post and away. After the restart, Mark ‘The General’ Carrington whipped in a great ball to the back post but had no one to meet it for the Eagles. After winning the ball back, Swiatkiewicz charged down the left and squared it for Hodgkinson, whose flick towards goal had to be headed over the bar. Captain Colin Dickson managed to flick on a header from the corner, but it also went over. Wilson had the next effort with his left, but it was just wide of the post. The General tried his luck after the ball fell to him on the edge of the box but it flew miles over. Finally Lilydale were able to double their advantage after an exquisite through ball from
32 MAIL | Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
Tarin Cooper looks for an option from a throw-in. (Aiden Badawy) Hodgkinson slipped in Swiatkiewicz, who finished calmly. Hodgkinson almost got himself on the scoresheet when he tried his luck with a volley from the edge of the box which hit the top of the bar. Swiatkiewicz had his brace in the 60th minute after a calamitous error from Blackburn saw him in space at the top of the box. He chopped one way to send the defender before flicking the ball home with his right foot. It was 4-0 when Dicko floated in a long free kick that was spilled by the keeper, and Lachlan Dickson was on hand to tap it home. Loveless had two big chances for his second but blasted his first over before the keeper made a good save to deny the second. Blackburn had a big chance to peg one back but also sent it flying over the bar. Swiatkiewicz nearly had a hat trick but the sprawling keeper managed to tip it just wide of the post. Loveless almost scored a worldie of a volley, taking it on after one touch but it was just wide of the post. He did complete his brace in the 89th minute after Dicko fizzed a ball into Swiatkiewicz, who flicked it around the corner to Loveless, who fired home into the roof of the net to complete the 5-0 rout. The Sniors had an early scare against their rivals after Gus Vukman put a cross in that wasn’t adequately cleared. Thomas Mills tried the shot, but it lacked the power to cause Eagles keeper Callum Ludwig any trouble. In a cagey affair with lots of fouls and throwins, it took 15 minutes for the next shot courtesy of Dicko, who tried to catch the Yarra Valley keeper off guard with a quick free kick but his shot went wide. After winning a corner, Yarra Valley floated
the ball in, which was punched by Ludwig but fell to Oscar Lyons. Lyons’ shot was scuffed and the Eagles managed to clear the danger. Mark Vanderkolk had the next shot fo the Eagles after Yarra Valley failed to clear a bouncing ball, but his low shot was wide of the right post. Straight down the other end and Dicko was required to get an important block in on a Vukman curling shot. Yarra Valley had another chance through Aden Kerridge but a strong right hand from Ludwig kept his effort out. In the 32nd minute, Carlin Jackson did well to snuff out a Yarra Vally attack but his pass missed Dicko. Winjo William raced on to it and clipped a ball through for Kerridge at the back post who had all the time in the world to take a touch and finish past Ludwig to make it 1-0. Marcus Salvitti tried to lash a volley from the edge for the Eagles through traffic but it was high and wide. Vanderkolk had a decent chance for the Eagles after a lovely nutmeg on the left wing. He fired a shot off which stung the palms of the Yarra Valley keeper. Lilydale’s best chance of the half came after some nice work from Loveless on the right wing. He played it to Vanderkolk who clipped a ball to the back post for Dicko who had charged up from defence but he couldn’t keep his header down. Yarra Valley had a big chance after an errant Jackson back pass but Ludwig charged out and made the save. Vukman had another attempt on the volley but couldn’t direct it goalwards. Kerridge tried to get acrobatic but couldn’t keep his shot down, and a minute later thought he doubled their lead after a cutback found him in the six-yard box, but the ball had clearly struck his arm before he poked home and was ruled out.
Yarra Valley had the first shot after the break. A deflection took the heat off the shot and Ludwig was able to claim on the second attempt after the ball spun up out of his hands briefly. Ludwig was required to get a strong hand to a corner to the back post, getting it away from the danger area. Lucas Cordedda shinned Lilydale’s first shot of the half after he tried an audacious volley. Dylan Donovan gave away a free kick in a dangerous area after a stellar game to that point from him and went into the book after kicking the ball away. Kerridge took the resulting free kick but stuck it low and straight at Ludwig. Yarra Valley tried their luck from another free kick in the 69th minute but Ludwig got there easily. Kerridge tried again to find his second but was off-balance as he struck it. Another big chance went begging for Yarra Valley after a nice cross-field pass to the right wing but the winger couldn’t get his volley on target. Yarra Valley thought they had doubled their lead in the 82nd minute after putting a dangerous ball into the box. Ludwig punched it clear but it fell to William who evaded him before firing a shot which Nick Seeger bravely got in the way of to turn it wide. William had another curling effort minutes later but it was safely wide. Lilydale a golden chance to equalise after Tyler Kerridge gave the ball away to Tarin Cooper in the middle of the park. Cooper slipped in Loveless, who raced towards goal but his effort from the edge of the box flew across the face of the goal. Other than a late chance from a throw which Ludwig charged out and claimed, that would be all she wrote as the match finished 1-0. Both Lilydale sides have a week off before returning on 22 August.
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