Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
Businesses prep for card surcharge changes
Battery boosts energy resilience in Warburton
Vietnam vets honoured for service
See Real Estate liftout inside
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Valley voice By Oliver Winn When Yarra Junction local Jessica McPherson-Riley performed on The Voice stage, it immediately left an impact on the judges and the audience. Soulful and powerful in tone, her vocal prowess was plain and clear. Each note carried weight and intimacy, a balance only achieved by the best. It was no surprise to most watching when all four judges turned their chairs. But Ms-McPherson is shortsighted, and it wasn’t immediately obvious that she’d succeeded in stunning her the panel of judges. “It’s funny actually, I’m very shortsighted… I actually had no idea that I’d turned four chairs. It was a real surprise. “The only reason I knew I’d turned a chair is because Kate Miller-Heidke had a really sparkly dress on, a really gold dress, and my eyesight caught a glimpse of all the sparkles,” she said. She ended up joining Team Richard Marx, who will help guide her for the rest of her The Voice journey. Read more on page 23
Jessica McPherson-Riley turned all four chairs during the blind auditions. (Channel 7/The Voice Australia)
Bird flu precautions By Gabriella Vukman Local wildlife rescuers across the Yarra Ranges are stepping up biosecurity precautions as Australia’s H5 bird flu outbreak spreads, with experts warning the virus poses a serious threat to native fauna. State authorities have confirmed 236 detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds nationwide, including 58 in Victoria. While there are currently no detections in Australian poultry or commercial agriculture, local volunteers are altering how they handle sick and injured wildlife.
Rescuers with the Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network are now using masks, gloves and full personal protective equipment when responding to calls. Veterinary clinics and facilities such as Healesville Sanctuary have established outdoor quarantine tents and strict exclusion zones to examine incoming birds safely. University of Melbourne Veterinary Microbiology expert Professor James Gilkerson described the spread as deeply concerning, noting that Australia’s unique species face unpredictable risks. Endangered populations with limited genetic diversity are particularly vulnerable if susceptible
to the strain. Because current vaccines require manual injection, mass vaccination of wild populations remains unfeasible. Consequently, authorities and experts are urging backyard poultry owners to secure coops with solid roofs and netting to prevent contact, shared airspace or contaminated water exposure with wild birds. Community members are being asked to act as the eyes and ears for biosecurity authorities but must strictly avoid touching sick or dead wildlife. Symptoms of the respiratory virus include
difficulty breathing, tremors, twisted necks, loss of coordination and sudden death. Victorian guidelines instruct the public to report single sick or dead seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey, as well as any clusters of five or more wild birds of any species. Reports can be made directly to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, while residents requiring local wildlife rescue coordination can contact the Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network on 0427 088 121. Read more on page 6
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Behind the frontlines of Census By Gabriella Vukman For many Yarra Ranges residents, completing the Census on August 11 meant sitting at home, opening a laptop and answering questions about their household. For people sleeping rough, couch surfing, living in cars or staying in emergency accommodation, it was a very different process. Behind this year’s Census count has been a coordinated effort involving the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Yarra Ranges Council, homelessness services, shelters, government agencies and community organisations to make sure people without secure housing are not missed. The effort comes as homelessness services say demand is increasing across the region, while the 2021 Census count was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ABS data revealed more than 16,000 field officers were recruited nationally for the 2026 Census, with local knowledge an important part of ensuring people are counted. As of Wednesday afternoon 12 August, around two-thirds of Australians had completed their Census, representing roughly five million households, according to Census progress figures provided at the time. But counting people without a conventional home requires a different approach. Yarra Ranges Council Director of Communities Leanne Hurst said the council had worked with the ABS, Anchor, Holy Fools, Stable One and the Eastern Homelessness Network to improve the collection of homelessness data. Council provided the ABS with locations of rough-sleeper referrals it had received from the community during 2026, helping field officers identify areas where people experiencing homelessness may be staying. “Council plays the role of connector to support ABS field officers with local homelessness partners to ensure people experiencing homelessness are included in the Census this year,” Ms Hurst said. “Homelessness extends beyond rough sleeping and can include overcrowded housing, couch surfing, sleeping in cars, illegal rooming houses, or staying in insecure short-term accommodation,” she said. According to Ms Hurst, Council referrals indicate homelessness is increasing year on year in the Yarra Ranges, although an exact current figure is difficult to establish. The 2021 Census recorded 756 people experiencing homelessness or living in marginal housing circumstances in the Yarra Ranges. According to Ms Hurst, Council does not collect an annual homelessness figure, meaning the Census remains its main source of comprehensive local data. Anchor Manager of Youth and Homelessness Services Leanne Nicholson said the organisation had spent roughly two months preparing for the Census, with the most intensive coordination taking place in the month before Census Night. Anchor works with people experiencing homelessness across the Yarra Ranges, including people rough sleeping, couch surfing, sleeping in vehicles and moving between crisis accommodation. This year, one of its staff members became a Community Field Officer (CFO) for the Census. Those officers can assist people experiencing homelessness to complete their Census, but they also have another important role: recording people who do not want, or are unable, to complete the Census themselves. “If people are rough sleeping and don’t want to fill in a Census, the community field officer can do a visual observation,” Ms Nicholson said. “This means a person can still be recorded as a rough sleeper without having to provide their name or other identifying information.” For people who are uncomfortable providing information to government, Ms Nicholson said: “It’s good to have options that remove some of those barriers.” The geography of the Yarra Ranges adds another challenge. People sleeping rough may be dispersed across a large area, including bushland and parks, making them harder for traditional homelessness services to locate. Anchor worked with organisations including Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to identify potential rough-sleeping locations. Their local knowledge helped identify places where rough sleepers had recently been seen. Anchor staff then visited those locations, as 2 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
Anchor team members out in the field before Census. (Anchor). well as homelessness services, soup kitchens, drop-in centres and other community locations during Census week. The organisation also worked with services including Stable One, Holy Fools’ Felix House, ADRA in Warburton and the Lilydale Mental Health and Wellbeing Local. The result was a broad network of people looking beyond the traditional definition of where a Census respondent might be found. While Ms Nicholson said most people Anchor encountered were open to participating, completing the Census was not straightforward for everyone. “Some people, with mental health issues for example, were uncomfortable providing any information to government services,” she said. Others struggled with computers, literacy or numeracy, while some older residents in transitional housing had not received their Census information in time. Anchor staff helped people complete the Census online, provided paper forms where necessary and supported people through questions they found difficult to understand. At Stable One, which operates the Yarra Valley Winter Shelter, the ABS also sent Community Field Officers to work directly with guests. CEO at Stable One Katherine Kirkwood said the organisation welcomed the officers into the shelter and provided an environment where people could feel comfortable participating. “We don’t make our guests do anything,” Ms Kirkwood said. “It’s still totally up to them.” “But having the census services just provides that opportunity to record who is staying where and what their circumstances are.” The Yarra Valley Winter Shelter rotates between venues across the region, with Stable One providing a place for people experiencing homelessness to access shelter and support. Ms Kirkwood said the organisation was supportive of the Census process because even small numbers contributed to a larger picture. The 2021 Census was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when government measures included providing emergency and shortterm accommodation to people who may otherwise have been sleeping rough. Ms Kirkwood questioned whether the 2021 figure captured the true scale of homelessness. “The last census, being smack-bang in the middle of COVID when many people were off the streets and in motels, was never going to be a situation where we got accurate numbers,” she said. “Devastatingly, I think the numbers are going to be much higher than what we expect.” “It is so important that we do capture those numbers though, because then we will real-
ly know the size of the problem we are dealing with.” Similarly, Ms Nicholson said the circumstances of the census in 2021 made it much harder for homelessness workers both at and beyond Anchor to reach people in person. “Staff weren’t able to go out and hunt people down, and soup kitchens and other services were closed so we couldn’t talk to people,” she said. “It is unfortunate that the previous census happened during COVID because we are not going to be able to see the increase in rough sleepers.” “We should get a better count this time.” The 2021 Census provides an important baseline, but the ABS itself notes that Census homelessness estimates are intended to capture a range of homelessness circumstances rather than simply people visibly sleeping on the street. One of the biggest challenges, according to Ms Nicholson, is that people can technically have an address while still living in circumstances she considers homelessness. She pointed to two men aged over 55 who were living in a property without electricity or running water while still paying rent. “They’re housed technically, but I would still count them as homeless because they are not appropriately housed.” “We have a lot of people that we would consider unsafe housed or are in inappropriate housing, and these things are quite difficult to capture in data.” Ms Nicholson also raised concerns about people living in severely overcrowded rooming houses. “The census data also doesn’t show the level of people that are in housing situations where multiple people are living in rooming houses that might share three or four people to a room, which still fits Victoria’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s definition of homelessness,” she said. “But those stats won’t be picked up in the Census.” The distinction matters because homelessness data can influence future government funding, services and infrastructure. Ms Nicholson said the consequences of inaccurate homelessness data can extend well beyond Census Night. She said homelessness services had been asked by the Victorian Government to collect additional information because the existing data did not adequately capture people sleeping rough. That additional reporting has created extra administrative work for frontline services, she said, while funding had not increased in line with the demand she was seeing. “We haven’t had an increase in funding despite a significant increase in demand,” Ms Nich-
olson said. “And that’s because they go back to 2021 data and say that it looks like nothing’s really changed.” That makes the 2026 Census particularly significant for services planning for the next five years. For some people, the barrier was simply access to technology. At Healesville Library, Tech Support Officer Katie Gatward said staff had helped between 10 and 20 people complete their Census. The library provided computers and assistance to people who needed help accessing their Census form, understanding questions or navigating the online system. “Sometimes they just need help getting logged in,” Ms Gatward said. Staff also helped people understand Census terminology and the different response options. Yarra Ranges Council said it expected the 2026 Census to provide updated information on housing affordability, increasing housing costs and the difficulties young people face in leaving home. The council also said it hoped the Census would provide a clearer picture of population growth, employment and the community’s recovery following the 2021 lockdowns. For homelessness services, however, the immediate question is more basic: how many people are struggling to find a safe and secure place to live? Ms Nicholson said she expected the number of people experiencing homelessness to be higher than the 2021 figure, including people whose income comes from employment rather than Centrelink. She said there was also a need for better information about whether people who are technically housed actually feel safe and whether their accommodation is appropriate. “It would be great to include a question in the Census around how safe or appropriate your housing is,” she said. For those working on the ground, the value of this year’s Census is therefore not simply the number it produces. It is whether that number is accurate enough to reflect the people who are easiest to overlook. People without a front door, people moving between temporary places, and people who may have an address but no genuinely secure home. As the Yarra Ranges Council looks towards the release of the 2026 data, the hope among local homelessness services is that the people counted will more closely resemble the community they see every day. “Government, businesses, services, everybody plans for the next five years utilising this data,” Ms Nicholson said. “If it doesn’t accurately reflect the community, then we’re not meeting the community’s needs.”
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IN BRIEF 33-year-old wanted on warrants Police are searching for Dale Murphy who is wanted on warrant for contravening a court order. The 33-year-old is known to frequent the Healesville, Boronia, and Seville areas. Yarra Ranges locals with information on his whereabouts are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Crash in Yellingbo Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads due to slippery conditions following a serious accident on Wednesday morning in Yellingbo. The accident occurred on the stretch of Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road between Kookaburra Lane and Parslows Road, with emergency services including the Yellingbo Rural Fire Brigade, Hillcrest CFA, Wandin Fire Brigade Rescue, Police, and Ambulance Victoria responding to the scene. Fortunately, all those involved were transported to the hospital and are reported to be okay. Authorities are reminding drivers to ensure their tyres have good tread, use their headlights, and adjust their speed to the wet road conditions. The stretch between Kookaburra Lane and Parslows Road is said to be particularly slippery. Local authorities would like to thank the responding emergency services for their prompt and professional support. Drivers are advised to take extra care when travelling in the area and to avoid the affected stretch if possible until conditions improve.
Caravan fire and unattended burn-off Crews from two District 13 CFA brigades turned out to two separate fires on 16 August. Firefighters from Reefton and Warburton found a caravan on Road Eighteen in Reefton engulfed in flames around 5pm. “CFA had two units on scene. The incident was declared under control at 5.24pm and safe at 5.29pm,” a CFA spokesperson said. The cause is under investigation. At around 7.50pm in Seville, firefighters from Wandin, Seville and Yellingbo brigades were paged to fire on Monbulk-Seville Road in Seville. “The fire ended up being an unattended burnoff. The incident was declared safe at 8.08pm,” a CFA spokesperson said. CFA had four trucks on scene.
O’Shannassy Ward councillor Jim Child criticised the Victorian Liberals’ plan to return to weekly rubbish collections. (File)
‘Rubbish idea’: Bin proposal criticised The Yarra Ranges Council had “a whack” at the Victorian Liberal opposition’s proposed return to weekly rubbish collections at the 11 August council meeting. O’Shannassy Ward councillor Jim Child said a return to weekly red-lid bin collections would undo major landfill reductions the council had achieved from fortnightly collections. “The data tells us clearly that we’re not sending that amount of waste to landfill like we used to. It is actually reduced by some 60 to 70 per cent. That’s amazing. “We’ve got a shadow government or a state opposition that wants to actually reinstate those weekly collections, which will undoubtedly increase the contribution to landfill,” Cr Child said. Leader of the Opposition Jess Wilson said weekly rubbish collections were a “commonsense change” that would benefit larger families,
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households with young children and apartment residents. “Weekly rubbish collection is an essential service that shouldn’t depend on your postcode,” Ms Wilson said in a statement. A Liberal and Nationals Government would also pledge to cap council waste charges alongside general rates and review the rate of the landfill levy. But Cr Child said capping waste charges would force the council to cut costs elsewhere in order to make up for lost revenue. “How are we going to pay for this? Because it’ll come back to us to pay for it,” Cr Child said. “If it’s capped, we’re going to have to make a decision as far as our budget is concerned, regarding what we are going to cut.” Shadow environment minister Nick McGowan said weekly collections would prevent the contamination of recycling bins and benefit the environment.
Mr McGowan and Shadow Minister for Local Government Bev McArthur were contacted for comment. Cr Child urged his fellow councillors to challenge the Liberals’ proposal if they were elected in November’s state election. “This is very serious to us councillors, and I encourage our CEO… that we have to do a body of work to be ready for this. “Our community has to be made aware of the consequences, and the financial consequences, of what’s playing out with this proposal put forward by the state opposition,” Cr Child said. More than 30 councils in Victoria have fortnightly rubbish collections, which follows a similar trend around the country. The National waste and resource recovery report 2024, prepared for the Federal Government, recommended weekly food and garden organics (Fogo) collections, and then fortnightly rubbish collections.
The Yarra Ranges Council is presenting Business Victoria’s cyber security webinar on Thursday 20 August. Running a small business means protecting your customers, data and systems from cyber threats. It will teach practical tips around understanding cyber security and why it matters, keeping your online accounts secure, protecting your devices, network and Wi-Fi and safeguarding your business systems and customer data. Book here: shorturl.at/Y49jo.
Lane closures continue Lane Closures at the Yarra Centre will continue until 20 August, between 9.15am and 2.30pm. This is due to school swimming. School groups will visit the Yarra Centre every Thursday. During these times there may be limited lane availability and changeroom disruptions. Members and patrons are encouraged to plan their visit accordingly during these hours.
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A question of agreements By Callum Ludwig A Yarra Ranges resident has asked the council to consider adopting an alternative avenue for supporting local emergency services. Croydon North resident Tim Whitehead submitted two questions that highlighted that neighbouring Knox City Council entered service agreements with local CFA and SES crews in December 2025 and asked whether the Yarra Ranges would consider a similar partnership. Yarra Ranges Council director of communities Leanne Hurst said the council’s role in emergency management is established under the Emergency Management Act of 2013, the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 and the Yarra Ranges Municipal Emergency Management Plan. “SES and the CFA are members of the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee, which Council establishes and supports, this committee is the formal mechanism for which Council and emergency service agencies work collaboratively to plan for and mitigate municipal risks and hazards while also undertaking shared Emergency Management responsibilities,” she said. “Council is aware that Knox City Council has recently entered into service agreements with its local SES unit and its CFA brigades, however, the specific details of those arrangements, including their scope, cost and governance arrangements, are not known to Yarra Ranges Council. “Yarra Ranges provides its support to agencies via in kind resources and critical infrastructure and is not considering increasing existing service agreements, for completeness, it is important to note that Yarra Rangers Council already provides significant direct support to local volunteer emergency service organisations through the maintenance of council owned Emergency Management infrastructure.”
Yarra Ranges Council is not considering entering service agreements with local emergency services, similar to neighbouring Knox City Council. (File) This infrastructure includes 88 concrete water tanks across 70 locations, 80 water fuel points, 58 fire access tracks, two helipads and numerous fire hydrants. Ms Hurst said Yarra Ranges Council remains committed to supporting Victoria SES, the CFA and other volunteer community emergency groups which work closely with Council to provide critical preparedness, response, relief and recovery services for residents and visitors across the municipality. “Council acknowledges the municipality’s exposure to bushfire, storm, flood and other hazards and recognises the significant contribution made by Victoria SES and CFA volunteers across the Yarra Ranges, Victoria SES and the CFA state agencies with their own governance funding and
volunteer support arrangements,” she said. “Council works in partnership with these agencies to complement, rather than duplicate their local, regional and state emergency management activities and is not investigating enhanced support models offered by other local government areas. “Opportunities to strengthen support for local volunteer emergency service organisations are constantly considered through a range of forums and partnerships.” The partnerships consist of the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee, the Eastern Metropolitan Council’s Emergency Management Partnership, Council’s work with community emergency groups and the development of local community emergency hubs. Ms
Hurst said the council remains committed to supporting local and regional collaboration in Emergency Management. “The Municipal Emergency Management Plan outlines the agreed arrangements between Council, emergency service agencies and the community for emergency preparedness, response, relief and recovery within the municipality,” she said. “Any community members who are interested in learning more about the Municipal Emergency Management Plan or becoming involved in a local community emergency group or preparing for future emergencies can find further information through Council’s Emergencies Management webpage.” Knox City Council decided in December 2025 that selected organisations previously funded through non-contested Community Partnership Fund streams would transition to Service Agreements, including CFA and SES. “Council introduced Service Agreements with the CFA and SES in recognition of the critical role these organisations play in providing volunteer-based emergency response and rescue services to the Knox community,” Knox Mayor, Cr Paige Kennett said. “Historically, these organisations were funded through Council grant programs. “Council determined that Service Agreements were a more appropriate model for organisations delivering essential and ongoing services, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the allocation of Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund revenue.” Knox councillor Meagan Baker said during the meeting that the service agreements were adopted that the change would ‘formalise expectations and ensure stable service delivery’ while the updates overall would ‘enhance transparency, simplify administration, and support fair and equitable access to funding’.
Card surcharge changes coming into effect from October By Callum Ludwig Both consumers and businesses alike are advised to be aware of the upcoming ban on card surcharges, with merchants advised to review their payment plans and pricing. From 1 October 2026, the Visa, Mastercard and eftpos card networks have all chosen to introduce ‘no surcharge’ rules for businesses that accept payments made with prepaid, debit and credit cards, meaning surcharges can not automatically be added to card payments. Yarra Valley Rides director Scott Bennett has chosen to get ahead of the curve by not offering card payments for his services to ensure he can keep prices down for all customers. Mr Bennett said his decision was due to the fact he thinks it would be unfair on customers who pay direct deposit or in cash. “MYOB charges a card fee to process the payments, which the customer pays, so if it’s a hundred dollars, it comes out to about $102.50, but if it’s $2000 for a wine tour, it’s an extra $49,” he said. “As of the first of October, I legally can’t charge that so therefore, if I was to put it on top andjust increase my prices, that’s unfair to a per-
son who pays direct deposit on the invoice or pays me cash so I’m going to not accept the card payments. “Therefore, if I invoice someone $2000 for a wine tour, it’s $2000 because I’ve worked out, I reckon it’s worth $9000 a year in card fees which my customers are paying now but if I have to absorb that, that’s $9000 a year that I lose, it’s not sustainable.” The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s Payment Systems Board released its findings from the Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging in March 2026, which informed the decision to life the no-surcharge rules. A survey of 3000 respondents found that consumers felt they were mostly only ‘sometimes’ or ‘rarely’ informed of interchange fees like card surcharges, prefer ‘all-in pricing’, where the price advertised by the business exactly reflects what is paid and would respond to discounts, including switching to cash if they were offered a one per cent discount on a $50 transaction. Mr Bennett said he worries it will affect businesses who rely on tap and go purchases, who can’t as easily work around it as he has. “If you look at the likes of Bunnings or Chemist Warehouse, they can absorb it, and they also
build it into their margins too, as they build in shoplifting,” he said. “To give you an example, a girl’s booked in ten people for a wine tour, $195 each, I’ve sent her the invoice, and she rang me and goes ‘Oh, there’s forty-nine dollars worth of card fees’ so I said ‘If you have a look at the invoice, my bank details are there, and you can do it for free’ and she said ‘No worries’ and paid it, the whole lot into my account with no fees. “It probably will affect some customers as far as corporates go, because the girl who organised the job can use her business credit card to pay for it today, whereas after the first of October she’s going to have to put it through the accounts department to pay for it.” The RBA has advised businesses to reflect the cost of card fees in their overall pricing, rather than as a separate surcharge, and if they wish to steer consumers towards other payment methods, can do so by providing discounts instead of using surcharges. In March, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the current surcharge rules are difficult to follow and customers are often slugged with surprise surcharges at the checkout, in-store, online or at the cafe or pub.
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“Around 16 per cent of Australian businesses collect card surcharges. The RBA estimates Australians pay around $1.6 billion of card surcharges every year,” he said. “Small businesses will no longer have to wade through complex surcharging rules and will be armed with more information so they can shop around for card payment services that meet their needs. “The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman will help small businesses understand changes and ensure they are well positioned to benefit from the reduction in costs.” The RBA has also endeavoured to lower merchants’ card payment costs, making changes to interchange fees and taking actions to improve transparency of the fees that merchants pay to accept card payments. Anyone interested in finding out more about these changes in depth can do so here: rba.gov.au/payments-and-infrastructure/ review-of-retail-payments-regulation/2026-03/ conclusions-paper/interchange-fees. rba.gov.au/payments-and-infrastructure/ review-of-retail-payments-regulation/2026-03/ conclusions-paper/competition-in-card-acquiring-services.
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Have your say on kinder plan By Oliver Winn The Yarra Ranges Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Kindergarten Asset Management Plan (KAMP) to shape future investment for the region’s early education facilities. It identifies the specific needs of 40 council-owned kindergarten buildings in the region, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, functional and financially sustainable for local children and families now and into the future. Importantly, the draft KAMP focuses on the buildings council owns and maintains, and does not consider how kindergarten services and programs are delivered, as these are operated by independent providers. Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said it was important for the community to have its say as the plan carries “fairly heavy weight”. “The next step is to take it out to the community for comment to make sure that the prioritisation approach… is aligned with expectations and needs of our communities,” Cr McAllister said. The draft KAMP ranked the 40 council build-
ings on four categories: projected supply and demand, if buildings were fit for purpose and accessible, financial sustainability and condition of the buildings, and levels of socio-economic disadvantage in the immediate area. The demand for 19 kindergarten facilities in the urban region was projected to outgrow supply. The fit for purpose and accessibility category rankings were mixed among the 19 buildings, with nine ranked as “good”, five as “poor” and five as “moderate”. Lyster Ward councillor Peter McIlwain said the report was crucial as the State Government’s early childhood education reforms significantly reshaped the kindergarten sector. “I think one of the things that lands very well with me is that focus on meeting unmet needs and the equity question for families that may fall through the gaps, because we do live in quite a complicated municipality,” he said. Community consultation for the report takes place from 12 August to 13 September. You can have your say on the matter here: shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/KAMP. The report projected demand to outgrow
supply for all five council buildings in the Healesville and Yarra Glen region. Two kindergarten buildings were ranked as “poor” in the fit-for-purpose category, but the condition and financial sustainability of the facilities were ranked as “good”. Moderate levels of socio-economic disadvantage were measured in four of the five Healesville-Yarra Glen buildings. Meanwhile, the report states that over supply is likely for the six kindergarten facilities in the Upper Yarra region. High levels of socio-economic disadvantage was recorded for children from the Warburton and Millgrove area, although the condition and financial sustainability of the facilities ranked “good” and “excellent”, respectively. Preschool buildings in Seville and Wandin scored “poor” for the fit for purpose and accessibility category, and the report states “either nappy change facilities or accessible toilets could be needed” at either location. Deputy mayor councillor Gareth Ward said the state of the kindergarten system was “front of mind” for him.
“Having just put two little ones through the kindergarten system, it’s very front of mind for me how important they are, not just as an education service, but for socialising the children and for the community in general. It really brings people together,” Cr Ward said. “Being that we own around 40 kindergarten buildings, we do need to have a clear way forward of how we’re going to plan for them over time. “And this draft gives the community a chance to have a look at our approach and tell us whether they think it’s fair, practical, and clear before the final plan comes back to us for adoption,” Cr Ward said. In the Hills, kindergartens in the lower foothills suburbs like Upwey and Tecoma were projected not to meet demand, while over-supply was expected for facilities higher up the mountain. Almost all of the 10 Hills kindergarten buildings were in good condition while most were recorded as being fit for purpose and accessible. Councillors voted unanimously to move the motion.
Students in danger after Upper Yarra Pipeline track closure By Oliver Winn The closure of a water pipeline track in East Warburton has put local school children in danger, a Yarra Ranges councillor said. It came after Melbourne Water locked the gates to the Upper Yarra Pipeline track used by students to avoid the busy Woods Point Road as they walk home from school. O’Shannassy Ward councillor Jim Child said the Melbourne Water-owned pipeline track gave students from Millwarra Primary School a safe path to walk to and from school. “What’s happened in the last week is that Melbourne Water, in their wisdom, have decided to lock the gates on the pipeline so the kids can’t have access to it,” Cr Child said at the 11 August council meeting. But Melbourne Water’s acting executive general manager for service delivery said the land containing the Upper Yarra Pipeline was never open to the public as it contains critical water infrastructure. “Community and worker safety, and protection of this infrastructure, are our priority. We conduct routine maintenance and fix gaps in fencing to minimise unauthorised access,” Nirooshan Sachchithananthan said. Melbourne Water and the Yarra Ranges Council are in discussions about access to the land, taking factors such as public safety and the protection of water assets into account. Cr Child said the Millwarra Primary School principal Melanie Hancock wrote to him expressing concern at the track’s closure. He also raised concerns around students using the East Warburton Bridge when travelling to the Millgrove campus for their bicycle training. “Now, it’s either the principal will arrange for the police to close the bridge while the kids are crossing, or the teachers will do that themselves and cop the abuse from motorists while they’re doing it,” he said. The Yarra Ranges Council is the responsible
The Upper Yarra Pipeline (marked) runs parallel to Woods Point Road. (Google Maps) authority for managing and providing safe walking routes. Cr Child said he would call for funding to deliver safe pedestrian access across the bridge. “I believe there’s been some consultancy work on how we can actually construct a pedestrian bridge across there. It’s just the funding, and I think we’re in a position now where we’ve got to lobby for this again.” Mr Sachchithananthan said Melbourne Water took safety concerns seriously. “We’re aware of the concerns that have been raised locally, and we take community safety seriously. “Proposals for public access would need to be led in partnership with council and consider matters such as public safety, liability, infrastructure protection, access arrangements and ongoing maintenance.” Cr Child said the issue was close to his heart, having lost a child to road trauma 40 years ago. “I know I’ve raised this before; 40 years ago next January, I lost a child to road trauma, and you never, ever forget that and you never get over it,” he said. “I would never, ever want a member of my community having to go through that. So it’s paramount that we look after our kids’ safety.”
A crash on the East Warburton Bridge. (Yarra Ranges Council)
12892935-JO33-26
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Precautions amid bird flu By Gabriella Vukman Wildlife volunteers across the Yarra Ranges are stepping up precautions as Australia’s H5 bird flu outbreak continues to spread, with experts warning the virus could pose a serious threat to native bird populations. As of 8 pm on August 11, 236 detections of H5 bird flu had been confirmed in wild birds across Australia, including 58 in Victoria. There have been no detections in Australian poultry or the wider agriculture industry. For local wildlife rescuers, however, the outbreak is already changing the way they handle sick and injured birds. Volunteer at Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network Sue Kimberley said volunteers were “All on high alert” and implementing additional care when responding to birds in need. “We are all very worried about the H5N1 bird flu,” she said. “It is going to be a major risk for our native birds and perhaps other wildlife as well.” “We are taking more precautions now.” The Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network is a small network of volunteers who work with members of the public, vets and other wildlife organisations to find rescuers and carers for injured animals. Ms Kimberley said the network has been following advice from vets and authorities about reporting dead birds and is becoming increasingly cautious as H5 bird flu spreads in Victoria. Upon recently rescuing a galah that had been clipped by a car, Ms Kimberley took the injured animal to a local veterinary service. Rather than allowing the bird into the clinic, veterinary staff wearing full personal protective equipment came outside to collect and examine it. The bird was cleared of bird flu and later returned to the location where it had been rescued. Ms Kimberley said similar precautions were being taken when birds were taken to Healesville Sanctuary. “We have to stay out of the exclusion zone when we take birds there,” she said. “The vets come out to us in their protective gear and take the birds into a special sort of quarantine tent.” Ms Kimberley said now local wildlife rescuers are generally using masks and gloves as a minimum when rescuing birds, with additional protective equipment recommended for future rescues. The extra measures reflect wider veterinary guidance as authorities work to prevent the virus spreading between wild birds, domestic animals and people. Ms Kimberley said local wildlife organisations were working together rather than competing for rescues. The Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network can be contacted on 0427 088 121 when people need help finding a wildlife rescuer or carer in the area. She said residents should also be aware of larger organisations such as Wildlife Victoria, with local groups working together to get animals the appropriate help. Professor of Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Melbourne James Gilkerson said the spread of H5 was “very concerning”. “We have seen large mortality events in birds and wild mammals overseas,” Prof Gilkerson said. “A lot of our seabirds are migratory, and are therefore similar species to overseas.” Despite noting overseas trends could guide
At this stage, experts cannot predict how Australia’s native birds will react to the virus. (Lyle Radford: 560839) predictions down under, Prof Gilkerson said it was difficult to predict exactly how Australia’s unique native species would respond. “The thing that is really hard to predict is what is going to happen to our Australian native fauna,” he said. “We can’t really learn from overseas experience when it comes to many Australian species.” “Our cows and cats are similar to everyone else’s cows and cats, but we can’t predict what will happen in various Australian bird populations.” Prof Gilkerson noted species with restricted populations could be particularly vulnerable because limited genetic diversity may leave fewer individuals with natural resistance if a disease takes hold. “The genetic restriction you get with endangered species will put them at greater risk if they are susceptible,” he said. Prof Gilkerson said authorities and conservation groups were likely to take a precautionary approach, particularly where threatened populations were concerned. While there exists a vaccination for the H5 bird flu, all current vaccinations must be administered via injection, rendering it relatively straightforward to administer to domestic animals but much harder to deliver to wild birds. In the absence of a poultry-wide vaccination programme, Prof Gilkerson said backyard poultry owners should be thinking now about how to separate their birds from wild birds. The aim is to prevent chickens from sharing airspace, drinking water or physical contact with potentially infected wild birds. Prof Gilkerson recommended owners have an enclosure with a roof and appropriate netting so
birds can be securely contained if the local risk increases. Agriculture Victoria similarly advises backyard poultry owners to keep birds under cover and separate from wild birds to reduce the risk of infection. Prof Gilkerson said the virus is primarily a respiratory virus and can spread between animals through respiratory secretions. In waterbirds such as ducks, transmission can also occur through contaminated water. The concern is that wild birds could come into contact with domestic poultry through shared spaces, water or air. For residents walking through the Yarra Ranges, Prof Gilkerson said the community could play an important role in helping authorities track the virus. But he urged people not to handle sick or dead birds themselves. “If you see sick birds, then you should report it,” he said. Signs of illness can include difficulty breathing or flying, ruffled feathers, unusual posture, lack of coordination or birds that appear unusually lethargic or out of place. Agriculture Victoria lists sudden death, inability to stand or fly, tremors, twisted necks, breathing difficulties and unusual behaviour among possible signs of H5 bird flu. Professor Gilkerson said people should observe what they see, record the location and report it rather than attempting to rescue the bird themselves. “Don’t pick them up, don’t try and catch them, report them,” he said. He also advised against taking a potentially in-
fected bird into a veterinary clinic, where it could potentially expose other animals and people. Current Victorian guidance says members of the public should avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, record what they see and report it. Clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species should be reported, while even a single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey should be reported. The Emergency Animal Disease Hotline is 1800 675 888. Prof Gilkerson agreed that dealing with H5 bird flu should not be viewed solely as a government responsibility. “It is tempting to make this a government issue, but it is definitely more of a community issue,” he said. “This is a very contagious virus that will spread to several different bird and animal species, and because of that, it will be very difficult to control.” “Everyone has a responsibility to report the cases.” He said reporting suspected cases would help authorities understand where the virus was spreading and make decisions about where limited resources, including vaccines, could have the greatest impact. For the Yarra Ranges, that means wildlife rescuers are already changing their practices, backyard poultry owners are being encouraged to strengthen biosecurity, and residents have an important role in identifying and reporting unusual bird deaths. With H5 bird flu continuing to spread in Victoria, local wildlife groups say vigilance will be increasingly important as the state moves into spring.
What to do about bird flu By Gabriella Vukman Seen a sick or dead bird? ■ Don’t touch it, pick it up or try to catch it. ■ Keep children and pets away. ■ Observe from a distance and note the location, species and number of birds. ■ Report what you see. What signs should I look for? ■ Difficulty breathing, standing or flying. ■ Tremors, poor coordination or twisted neck. ■ Ruffled feathers or unusual posture. ■ Unusual behaviour or extreme lethargy. ■ Sudden death. When should I report it? ■ Five or more sick or dead wild birds: report the cluster. ■ One sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird 6 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
or bird of prey: report it. ■ If you’re unsure, report it rather than handling the bird. Who do I contact? ■ Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888. Found an injured bird that needs help? ■ Don’t take it into a vet clinic yourself. Contact a wildlife rescue organisation for advice. ■ Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network: 0427 088 121. Keep backyard poultry? ■ Keep birds under cover and separated from wild birds. ■ Prevent contact with wild birds and shared water. ■ Strengthen biosecurity if local risk increases.
Some bird flu tips for locals. (File: 571592).
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Libraries’ role in Census By Gabriella Vukman While millions of Australians sat down at home to complete the Census, others headed to their local library for a helping hand. For those Yarra Ranges residents without access to a computer, unfamiliar with technology, or unsure about how to navigate the Census form, the local library became a place to seek help. Healesville Library experienced a busy week during the Census period, with staff assisting locals in accessing devices, logging in to their forms, and understanding some of the questions they were being asked. Tech support officer at Healesville Library, Katie Gatward, said staff were available throughout the Census period to help people feel more confident using technology. “We are often being forced to use technology whether we are comfortable with it or not, so helping people fill out online forms and providing access to computers is important,” Ms Gatward said. “We were aiming to make sure people felt comfortable and confident using their devices and accessing the technology they need to get on with important life things like Census.” More than 20 people visited the library to complete their Census, according to Ms Gatward, with the reasons for seeking assistance varying from person to person. “We have been on hand, whether it is getting people started, or helping provide a device.” “Some of the team have actually sat down with people and helped them understand the questions.” For some, the process began with simply getting access to the Census form. “We had a few people come in that didn’t have their form with them or they didn’t get a form; so we helped them get their Census number requested to their phone,” she said. Once people had logged in, staff could help them navigate the form and understand what
Locals were greeted by the friendly face of Katie Gatward along with other libary staff when seeking Census support. (Supplied, Healesville Library). was being asked. “Sometimes the questions are a bit difficult to understand, or people are not sure of the options, so we have been interpreting the Census language a little bit and making sure they understand what they’re answering and how they answer it,” Ms Gatward said. “There have been some interesting conversations and reactions to some of the questions,” she said. According to Ms Gatward, many residents had put off completing the Census right up until Tuesday 11 August. “We have been doing our best to make sure residents get their Census done so they can stop worrying about it,” Ms Gatward said.
“Some people only just started worrying about it a day before, so they have been popping in and getting a hand.” “The last-minute pop-ins are happening at all the library branches, and the number of people has varied depending on the community.” For Ms Gatward, the Census assistance was just one part of the library’s wider role in helping residents build confidence with technology. As the library’s tech support officer, Ms Gatward works to improve digital literacy across the community, offering one-on-one support, troubleshooting and regular sessions on different technology skills. “I do sessions where people can book in and either get help with devices or learn a new tech
skill.” Her support can range from helping someone determine whether a message on their phone is a scam to troubleshooting a device or helping people learn how to use new technology. Ms Gatward also runs outreach sessions in the wider community, as well as regular workshops at the library, covering practical skills such as editing photographs on a phone. That support extends beyond helping residents complete essential forms. Library members can access e-books and audiobooks, as well as free digital services including streaming platforms, LinkedIn Learning and Mango Languages. The library also provides opportunities for younger residents to develop digital skills through activities such as coding and robotics, with the Healesville branch also having a Nintendo Switch and PS5 available for visitors to use. For Ms Gatward, the message to residents is simple: the library is there to help. “Just come to the library and see if we can help you out,” she said. “We’re always happy to give you a hand and make sure you can do what you need to do.” The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2021 Census was largely digital, with around 85 per cent of Australian dwellings in mail-out areas receiving instructions to complete the Census online. The 2021 Census online form remained open for approximately 10 weeks, while the final paper forms were accepted in December 2021. For residents who found the shift to online services difficult, places such as Healesville Library provided an important link between the technology required and the people who needed help using it. In doing so, the library’s role during the Census was not simply about providing a computer or internet connection. It was about making sure locals could access an essential service, understand what was being asked of them, and leave feeling confident that they had completed it.
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Works blitz complete
Minor works were completed across all wards. (Yarra Ranges Council)
Yarra Ranges Council maintenance crews have completed a wide-ranging series of minor works across all wards during June and July, targeting local road intersections, footpaths, and drainage systems to improve safety and accessibility for residents. The maintenance blitz saw council workers address routine infrastructure upgrades across the region, from the Dandenong Ranges to the Upper Yarra. Chandler Ward experienced heavy focus on road intersection maintenance throughout June, with crews undertaking apron repairs at numerous sites across the region. Works were carried out at three sites in Wandin North, five in Kalorama, one in Mt Evelyn and
three in Seville. Asphalt works were completed on Farringdon Rd, Kalorama and in Seville, an old tree square was replaced with concrete because there are no plans to replant at the location. Streeton Ward also saw extensive road apron repairs during June, particularly along Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. Crews completed works at the intersections of Hume Lane and Old Coach Road in Mount Dandenong, and select intersections in Montrose. Township workers also sealed a car park apron with asphalt at 399 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in Sassafras. In the O’Shannassy Ward, crews carried out road intersection apron maintenance in Don
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Valley and Gladysdale. Footpath renewal works were undertaken along Warburton Highway in Wesburn, covering the stretch between Station Road and just past Wylie Street. Township projects included the final asphalt patch and tactile replacement outside the Australia Post office on Warburton Highway in Warburton. In Millgrove, workers removed old synthetic turf and bollards at 3039 Warburton Highway, installing a concrete kerb, a pram crossing at the bakery entrance, wheel stops, and a garden bed planted with native Kangaroo paws and Billy Buttons chosen by local residents. Maintenance in Ryrie Ward focused heavily on Healesville, with road patching completed on Haig Avenue and Harker Street. Township workers began replacing tactiles along Maroondah Highway in Healesville to improve pedestrian accessibility. In July, footpath maintenance shifted to Yarra Glen, covering sites along Anzac Avenue, Symonds Street, and Yarraview Road. The Billanook Ward received footpath maintenance on Grand View Road and Olinda Park Rise in Lilydale during June, alongside minor drainage works at 14 to 15 Industry Court. In July, tree works were carried out at 3 Priestly Crescent in Mount Evelyn, while council workers refreshed the unsealed footpath running between the tennis courts and preschool from Birmingham Road to Wray Crescent. July was an active month for footpath repairs in Melba Ward, with works completed across multiple streets in Mooroolbark and Lilydale. In the Lyster Ward, minor drainage repairs were completed along Gleghorn Road in Kallista during July. Meanwhile, in Chirnside Ward, council teams carried out targeted footpath works along Yarra Valley Boulevard in Chirnside Park.
The Yarra Valley’s Oakridge Wines is officially up for sale. (Oakridge Wines).
Officially for sale By Gabriella Vukman Internationally acclaimed Yarra Valley winery Oakridge Wines is being sold by Australia’s largest retail drinks and hospitality business Endeavour Group. The owner of Dan Murphy’s, BWS and more than 350 pubs has appointed Colliers as the selling agent for Oakridge Wines, with the sale process now underway. The Coldstream estate at 864 Maroondah Highway includes the Oakridge Wines and Hazeldene Vineyard landholdings, with about 19.88 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines. The property also features a cellar door, award-winning restaurant and wine production facilities capable of processing up to 450 tonnes of grapes annually. An Endeavour Group spokesperson told Star Mail, “Endeavour Group is seeking a new owner for the award-winning Oakridge brand and operation as part of the company’s strategy which refocuses on the company’s core retail business.” The winery, which has operated since 1978, continues to trade as usual, with no timeline announced for a potential sale.
Census night was Tuesday 11 August. It’s compulsory for each household to complete the Census to help plan for Australia’s future. For help, visit census.abs.gov.au or call 1800 181 227.
Every answer matters. Authorised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra 12868896-VP34-26
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Steve Brooks leads ticket By Callum Ludwig Steve Brooks is leading the Liberal party ticket for Northern Victoria, with an eye on replacing retiring MP Wendy Lovell after this year’s state election. Mr Brooks was born in Cobram on the Murray River, went to school in Shepparton, university in Melbourne and has worked in agriculture for his whole life, as well as teaching part-time. Mr Brooks said the Northern Victoria Region is the place he was born, the place he does business, the place he teaches and the place he will eventually retire to. “So I am standing up for my community to fight for them, and to deliver them their fair share,” he said. “Our region just wants a government that works, one that gets the basics right – like fixing our roads and ending the waste of taxpayers’ money. The truth is – Victoria isn’t working under Labor, because Labor has stopped working for Victorians. “That’s why we desperately need a fresh start. A Jess Wilson Liberal Government will work for Victorians, not against them. Like delivering much-needed cost of living relief by scrapping the emergency services levy, delivering lower taxes and putting businesses back at the centre of our economy.” Mr Brooks worked for 11 years overseas selling Australian grains to Asian flour millers, had been based in Yarrawonga since returning in 2017 to establish a pomegranate orchard, before recently having moved back to Shepparton to be able to get around the 100,000 square kilometres of the Northern Victoria Region. He teaches VCE Business and Personal Development to senior vocational students at Cobram Secondary College. Mr Brooks said people he speaks to in Northern Victoria are of the view that Victoria isn’t the place it used to be and even people who have told him they’ve voted Labor their entire lives that it’s time for change.
Steve Brooks is the lead Liberal candidate for Northern Victoria. (Supplied) “The Liberal Party is the only party who have a team and a plan to tackle the big issues our state faces – they have a plan to deliver for everyday Victorians, not just union mates, or Melbourne’s inner-city - everyone,” he said. “Victoria needs to restore law and order, lower government taxes and charges, end the corruption and deliver regional Victorians the 25 per cent fair share they deserve. “With our region’s support, we’ll deliver on
our plan and deliver the fresh start Victorians desperately need.” Mr Brooks encouraged Northern Victoria voters to read the party plan at ourplan.au and stay up to date on his social media to hear more about their plan for the region. Mr Brooks said the state faces big issues – with crime at ‘record highs’, cost of living ‘skyrocketing’ and the economy in ‘free fall’. “Victoria needs a strong team with a plan to
fix our State, to not just give excuses, but to give solutions to the problems we face, that’s why I’ve put my hand up to be part of the change our state needs – on Jess Wilson’s Liberal Team,” he said. “Under Labor, we pay more and continue to get less as our interest bill increases, and the true cost of corruption erodes this state. “Victorians know we need to change the government in this state, and that’s exactly what we’re hoping to deliver.”
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Partnership boosts resilience By Oliver Winn A partnership between a power provider and the Warburton Golf Club will cut electricity costs for the club while strengthening its energy resilience. Electricity company Indigo Power partnered with the club in July to install a community battery that will store locally produced energy to be used during power outages. Warburton Golf Club president Dale Horrobin said it was a win all round for the club, the community and Indigo Power. “There’s a lot of benefits that come to us. One really important one is that because of the battery storage capacity, it means that we will always have power to our golf club,” Mr Horrobin said. The 250 kilowatt battery would be installed near the golf club’s main switchboard and connected to the existing electrical infrastructure at the site. The community battery works by storing surplus solar power produced by households and then releasing it back into the grid at night, or during a power outage. “When we do have outages, and outages can be a few hours, they can sometimes be a few days, you don’t know,” Mr Horrobin said. “But they do consistently occur. So I think the whole town would be very supportive of an initiative that ensures continuous access and availability of power.” Indigo Power managing director Ben McGowan said the new battery would complement the club’s existing 100 kilowatt hydro system. “Co-locating the battery with the existing community hydro system is particularly exciting as it brings two community energy projects together in one place and shows what’s possible when local organisations work together on the energy transition.” While the two systems operate independently, they will maximise the benefits of one another. Mr Horrobin said the battery saves money during power outages as it provides continuous power to the club. “Whenever there’s an outage, we effectively have to close the golf course be-
The new battery offers continuous power to the Warburton Golf Club while cutting electricity costs. (File) cause we have no power to be able to run the clubhouse, any of the computer ordering systems, bar, restaurants, et cetera. “So it means that we lose the revenue, and it means that the people who wanna come and sort of play golf lose the opportunity. So that’s a really critical part of it,” Mr Horrobin said. Meanwhile, it cuts electricity costs. The land the battery is on is leased to Indigo Power, which also provides revenue for the club. “From a financial point of view, it provides a little bit more money into the golf club through
the reduced tariffs that we’re gonna be paying for the access to electricity and through the leasing arrangement that we’ve got in place with Indigo to lease the space in our car park area.” It’s Indigo Power’s second community battery in the Yarra Ranges, with another being installed in March 2025 at Yarra Junction. Warburton Golf Club’s battery will be installed before the end of the year. Indigo Power installed a community battery in Yarra Junction last year. (Oliver Winn: 465489)
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Raffle to fund equipment By Oliver Winn A Father’s Day raffle for the Yarra Junction CFA will fund essential brigade upgrades and see locals win a variety of prizes. Every Sunday up to Father’s Day, brigade members will be at Yarra Junction Woolworths, selling raffle tickets and raising funds for the brigade’s main annual fundraiser. Yarra Junction CFA captain Steve Spoor said the funds help the volunteer-run brigade purchase vital equipment.
“We’re looking at getting a few more things to add to our pumper and our tanker. We just had a security system installed and upgraded our security on the station as well, so the money raised will go towards paying for that too,” he said. A sausage sizzle will take place a day before Father’s Day at the Woolworths before the brigade announces the raffle draw on Sunday. Mr Spoor said the brigade was “honoured” by local businesses who’d donated raffle prizes. “We’ve been flushed with prizes this year, which is just awesome to see.
“It’s really, really kind and generous, and we can’t thank everyone enough for their support for this raffle,” he said. A wide range of prizes includes wine, window tint, vouchers for fuel and food, and VIP packages at local entertainment venues, among others. Mr Spoor said six prizes are on offer this year, one more than last year. “The generosity this year has just been amazing, and we can’t thank everyone enough.” He said the funds will also boost the brigade’s morale.
“It makes us feel nice and warm and fuzzy, I guess if you like to say, knowing that they’re here supporting us because they know that we’re gonna be there in a time of need. “They know that the funds are gonna be used towards helping them essentially,” Mr Spoor said. Those keen to buy a raffle ticket and support the brigade can find them at the Yarra Junction Football Club this Sunday, 16 August. “They’ve got four grand finals on, so we’ll be there all day selling raffle tickets. Come along and see us and cheer on some local footy as well.”
800 plants boosts biodiversity in the Upper Yarra Local students planted 800 locally indigenous plants to improve the natural habitat across the Upper Yarra. A multi-year partnership between the Yarra Ranges Council and Box Hill Institute backed the student-led effort. Since 2024, Council and Box Hill Institute have partnered on a Conservation and Ecosystem Management Program to undertake works at conservation sites throughout the Yarra Ranges. The partnership with Box Hill Institute gave students key skills in bushland management and conservation, including hands-on practice in managing different kinds of vegetation based on topography, urbanisation, conditions, stormwater and local ecosystems. Yarra Ranges mayor Richard Higgins said the work gave students key skills, while helping local biodiversity. “I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to upskill local students, while doing crucial work to improve our bushlands for native animals,” Cr Higgins said. As part of the partnership, bushlands have been restored through site inspections, hand-weeding and revegetation across multiple days of work. The program has expanded this year, with work taking place most weeks through the first semester. Students also used pole cameras to monitor nest boxes for fauna, and took part in The Adaptation Game, a board game designed to increase understanding of climate change, its impacts, and how to increase community resilience. Cr Higgins said council crews enjoyed working with the passionate young students over the three years of the partnership. “Our crews have loved working with these students. It’s fantastic seeing young people, who are passionate about the environment, experience the hands-on work our crews are out there doing every day, and inspire them to pursue bushland management as a career. Over the three years of the partnership, we’ve seen past students secure work in this field as a result. “Our bushlands need caring, passionate, knowledgeable people to care for them over coming generations. Seeing this partnership flourish, I know the future is going to be in good hands.” The partnership recently focused on connecting students with environmental and community groups, who regularly volunteer time and skills to improve the local environment.
Students led the initiative which enriched the local biodiversity. (Supplied) “We’ve seen the formation of the Friends of the Rail Trail in Mount Evelyn as a direct result of this partnership, with past and present stu-
dents conducting restoration works along the Warburton Trail in town, which I think is fantastic,” Cr Higgins said.
“We look forward to continuing this work and fostering the next generation of passionate people caring for the bush.”
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New running group launched By Rhiannon Bowman
The Upper Yarra Run Club held its first run on Saturday 15 August. (Supplied) first ultra-marathon, a 50km event, in 2024. After a long hiatus from running, however, Rhiannon is now starting again. She is following a Couch to 5K program and gradually rebuilding her fitness through a combination of walking and running. For her, that is one of the great things about running. “You can always pick it up again,” she said. That philosophy is central to the Upper Yarra Run Club, which is intended to be welcoming to
people at all stages of their fitness and running journey. It is also about connection. The Saturday morning runs provide an opportunity for people from across the Upper Yarra to meet others who enjoy being active, while the post-run coffee adds a social element. And for those who need to head somewhere after their run, The Alpine offers a $15 shower pack, allowing participants to freshen up before continuing with their day.
The women hope the group will grow into a regular fixture on the local calendar and help foster a stronger running community across the Upper Yarra. With a successful inaugural run behind them, the next Saturday morning is already sorted. The Upper Yarra Run Club meets at 8.30am every Saturday on the Warburton Rail Trail behind The Alpine. Participants can choose 5km or 10km and go at their own pace. Walkers, prams and dogs on leads are welcome.
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Two Warburton school mums have turned their shared love of running into a new Saturday morning tradition for the Upper Yarra. When Warburton mums Lara Tomlinson and Rhiannon Bowman realised there was no established running group or Parkrun in town, they started wondering why. Both enjoyed running, and both knew there were plenty of places around Warburton and the wider Upper Yarra to get out and move. So they decided to create their own group. The result is the Upper Yarra Run Club, which held its inaugural run recently, bringing together a group of runners for a 5km or 10km Saturday morning outing before heading to The Alpine for coffee. The group was officially named over that first post-run coffee, with the organisers keen to create something that extended beyond Warburton and welcomed people from across the Upper Yarra. “It started because we were lamenting that there wasn’t a Parkrun or an established group of runners to run with in Warburton,” Lara said. “For people who want to run with others, the closest Parkruns are in Lilydale and Healesville.” The format is simple. The group meets at 8.30am every Saturday on the Warburton Rail Trail behind The Alpine, with a 5km and 10km option. Participants run at their own pace, with walkers, prams and dogs on leads all welcome. There is no expectation to be fast or experienced. The idea is to provide a regular, relaxed opportunity for people to get outside, meet others and enjoy running or walking together. Both women have plenty of running experience behind them. Lara recently completed her first marathon at the Ballarat Marathon in April 2026 and shares her running journey on Instagram. Rhiannon ran her first marathon at the Melbourne Marathon in 2012 before completing her
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Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL 13
NEWS
Where history happened By Mikayla van Loon
Mike O’Meara at the Long Tan Cross with his sons and grandson, with the battlefield in the background. L to R: Grandson Paddy, Justin, Christopher, Mike, Luke, Daniel and Nicholas. (Supplied) “That was a very moving, and very different experience from what I was able to experience locally, to be actually standing on the ground where these things happened.” Having come to know so many Vietnam veterans, many who’d served in the Battle of Long Tan, Mr O’Meara said it had always been a place he’d wanted to visit, to understand better and to pay his respects. With this year marking 60 years since the 18 August 1966 battle, Mr O’Meara said it was time to stop thinking about it. His five sons decided to join him, and so in late July they travelled to the site of Long Tan, among other significant places throughout Vietnam. “It matched, for all of us, myself and my sons, our expectation of that solemnity and that gravity and just an awareness of how intense (it was). “When you’re standing there, my sons noticed it’s not a big area. It’s about the size of a football field where all of this happened, and the cross is actually, we found out, located in a position where the Australian troops withdrew because they were under heavy fire from large numbers of Viet Cong. “There’s an overwhelming sense of tranquillity. You can’t help but contrast the intensity of what must have been in that battle, and now it’s just quiet and very peaceful. We weren’t the only ones there. There weren’t many people there, but there was that sense of calm.” Like his experience at Sandakan, Mr O’Meara said, “it just brings it home”, the entire experience of what these young men faced. “The temptation is that you put yourself in that position. You think, how would I have reacted? How would I have behaved? How old would I have been? “While obviously you can’t achieve that. It helps you to understand the chaos and the mayhem and the danger and the courage too that these people experienced.” Physically too, Mr O’Meara said, both visiting Long Tan and the Luscombe Airfield in Nui Dat, the conditions were so stifling from heat and humidity that he could imagine Australia’s troops arriving and “wondering what the hell they were getting into”. “The heat was overwhelming. The denseness of the jungles that they were walking through and
bashing through. There are no paths. It was quite serious jungle that they had to go through, and carrying huge packs on their back, huge weights. “I found the heat quite stifling. The humidity was quite stifling. It just brought home how serious that experience was for those young people.” Adding to the impact of visiting Long Tan was the ability to do so with his sons Justin, Christopher, Luke, Daniel and Nicholas, and his grandson Paddy. “It made it special to see them experiencing something they wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to experience, and to see that it was affecting them in a similar way to how it affected me. “It was good that (Paddy) had that opportunity too, to become aware that these things happen and the meaning that they have for all of us, even though we don’t often realise it.” Visiting somewhere like Long Tan proved the critical nature of ensuring younger generations were informed about war and its costs, “not by way of glorification, but by way of learning and understanding”. Mr O’Meara said there were lessons to be passed on about the futility of war, the respect now garnered between the Australians and Vietnamese and that “we’re all the same underneath”. Being welcomed into the home of a former North Vietnamese pilot, who was the first to shoot down an American aircraft, was a conversation Mr O’Meara would never forget. “Since then, he’s been to America. He’s met the pilot he shot down. They’ve become friends, and the pilot’s been back to Vietnam. “It was a lesson in people coming to understand the damage that war does, and how costly it can be, and at the heart of it, we’re all pretty much the same. “I started to get an appreciation of the impact that the war must have had on the Vietnamese. It doesn’t matter whether they were the Viet Cong or whether they were South Vietnamese allies. It had an enormous impact.” In January, Mr O’Meara plans to travel to Thailand to visit Hellfire Pass, where Weary Dunlop operated on the Thai-Burma Railway. “The work I’ve been involved in has brought me into contact with those, and families too, who have been adversely affected by war, and that
Mr O’Meara at the Long Tan Cross, the site where Australian troops withdrew.
The entrance to the Long Tan Cross area.
The former Luscombe Airfield at Nui Dat. makes it even more important to me to try and understand that experience, and one way is to actually go there.”
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Around 60 years ago, a young Mike O’Meara stumbled into a role at the then Repatriation Department. At a similar time, Australia’s deadliest battle in the Vietnam War unfolded. Struggling through his law degree at Melbourne University at the time, Mr O’Meara said he went in search of work in the public service, initially seeking a role at the Attorney-General’s Office, but nothing was available. Living in Preston and with the Heidelberg Repatriation Department just kilometres away, Mr O’Meara accepted a position there instead. It was during the height of national service call-ups and Australia’s involvement in Vietnam. With Australia’s national conscription policy re-enacted in 1964, Mr O’Meara said that while he wasn’t called up, his brother was. His brother’s service added to a line of family military service. Mr O’Meara’s father was in the army but didn’t serve overseas. His mother also served in the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS), and his uncles served in the Second World War. Mr O’Meara was, however, seeing first-hand the impact of war from a different perspective. “It was quite an unusual department. It was dealing in those days with World War One veterans who were coming on and getting older, World War Two people certainly, and, of course, progressively through the ‘70s, the younger ones from Vietnam. “But I found that it was a very rewarding area to work in.” Mr O’Meara worked in both the corporate pensions area and at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital for 13 years or so. “It was a very varied career opportunity. And while I had the opportunity to leave at various times to take up other things, I chose to stay because the variety and the challenge was always there, and I was moving around.” Eventually, Mr O’Meara began working in Canberra in a national role, before moving through the ranks to become director of health and ultimately deputy commissioner at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Throughout that, I was becoming closer and closer to the actual veterans and the war widows and the families. “I developed that affinity and enthusiasm to stay in that ether because they were good people; they had sacrificed, there were people who were changed forever and not in a good way and who needed support. “I started to appreciate that we were actually able to make a difference, and so when I retired in 2012, I always resolved that I would remain in that environment in a voluntary way.” Mr O’Meara kept that promise, serving as chair of the Sir Edward Weary Dunlop Medical Research Foundation, as a director and deputy president of Carry On Victoria and as current chair of Vasey RSL Care. But it was in his final 12 months at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs that Mr O’Meara had an impactful experience that would influence him to this day. “In 2011, I had the opportunity to represent the department and the government at a memorial service at the Sandakan Death March and Prisoner of War camp, where over 2000 were killed.
14 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
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NEWS
Vietnam veterans from Lilydale RSL, president Bill Dobson, treasurer John O’Donoghue, Mount Evelyn RSL’s John Sumner and fellow servicemen. (572326)
Private Raymond Moore’s family, Craig, Lynn and Brendan pay tribute to him in his home town of Croydon. (Mikayla van Loon: 572326)
The pipe band arrive at the memorial. (572326)
60,000 soldiers honoured By Mikayla van Loon Croydon’s Civic Square was crowded with people on Sunday 16 August, as Vietnam veterans, their families and community members from the outer east and Yarra Valley gathered to commemorate their service and sacrifice. In honour of Vietnam Veterans’ Day held on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, 18 August, a commemorative march and service is held each year by the Outer East and Yarra Valley Vietnam Veterans’ Associations. 60 years ago 108 men faced “an overwhelming enemy force in a rubber plantation against incredible odds and heavy monsoon rains”. 18 Australian soldiers were killed in that battle and one man died days later. RSL Victoria senior vice president Des Callaghan said, however, the gathering was to remember all 60,000 Australian soldiers who served between 1962 and 1972, the 523 who were killed in action and those who died from wounds, and the 2400 wounded, both physically and mentally. “To all of my fellow Vietnam veterans here today, I acknowledge the weight we all lived through, what we saw and what we felt. We were called upon by a nation to serve in a conflict that divided opinion back home,” he said.
“Tragically, when we returned to Australia soil, the welcome we received did not match the courage and dedication we displayed. We deserved so much better than what we were given. “Though the acknowledgement came far too late, and for many who are sadly no longer with us, Australia has matured. We have learnt the vital truth that one can disagree with the politics of war without diminishing the respect for men and women who put on the uniform. We upheld our nation’s name and demonstrated the Australian character and its finest enduring fear, honesty, and the loss of our mates.” Lilydale RSL secretary and historian Anthony McAleer told the stories of two local boys who died while on active service, Raymond Moore and Michael Hannaford. The pair had grown to know each other as apprentices and died just a year apart while in Vietnam. While a sombre reflection of the impact of war both on the serviceman and their families, it was also a show of mateship and continued support for each individual who served. “It has always said there is no winners in war. Saying that is true. However, I say there are winners in war, and that is the mateships. You never forget your fellow veteran who you served with,” Mr Callaghan said.
The pipe band leads the procession to the Croydon War Memorial. (Mikayla van Loon: 572326)
RSL Victoria senior vice president Des Callaghan and Croydon RSL president John Baade lay a wreath. (572326)
Lilydale RSL secretary and historian Anthony McAleer. (572326)
After their wreath was laid, to gentlemen stand in tribute to the fallen. (572326)
Healesville RSL president Colette Shaw. (572326)
Monbulk RSL’s Wendy and Col Dennison. (572326)
Servicemen from across the Outer East and Yarra Valley marched to the memorial. (Mikayla van Loon: 572326)
RSL Victoria senior vice president Des Callaghan. (572326)
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The pipe band took up formation to welcome the march to the cenotaph. (572326)
Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL 15
Meet Your Local Principal
SCHOOL LOGO HERE
Acting Principal Elizabeth Sarroff With nearly 20 years’ experience working in primary schools in Melbourne and overseas, I am honoured to be part of the Warburton Primary School community. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles within schools, developing a broad understanding of teaching, learning, student wellbeing, and the importance of building strong, supportive school communities. I am passionate about creating learning environments where every student feels valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. I believe that academic achievement and wellbeing go hand in hand, and supporting the social, emotional and academic development of students is at the forefront of everything I do. I strive to ensure that students feel safe, connected and confident to take on challenges, develop resilience and celebrate their individual strengths and achievements. Our school values of Respect, Personal Best, Integrity and Resilience underpin the way we learn, work and interact with one another. These values are more than words; they guide our everyday decisions, relationships and expectations, and help our students develop the skills and character they need to thrive both at school and beyond. I have a particular passion for the Arts and the opportunities they provide for students to express themselves, develop creativity and confidence, and see the world from different perspectives. I believe a rich and engaging curriculum should provide opportunities for every child to discover their interests, develop their talents and experience success. Warburton Primary School is a vibrant and welcoming community, and I am proud to contribute to a school that values relationships, inclusion and providing opportunities for every student. I look forward to working alongside our students, staff, families and wider community to ensure that every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their personal best.
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Healesville Primary School provides a friendly, secure and encouraging environment for our students and community members. We highly value the contribution made by every member of our school community. Our vision is at the core of everything we do. ‘At Healesville Primary School we inspire all students to be curious, creative and engaged lifelong learners. We develop resilient, confident and respectful students who have the necessary skills to be a valuable member of their community.’ The school values of Respect, Community, Confidence and Learning are the foundations of our school. Using these, we have built our School Wide Positive Behaviour program. We pride ourselves on our calm and orderly learning environments, which are engaging and inviting. Our team of professional educators and dedicated support staff take great pride in the standards of both our curriculum and extra-curricula activities. Our curriculum offers a balance of Literacy, Numeracy, Positive Education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Physical Education as well as Creative Arts. Our students further develop their sense of community by participating in Cultural Education, which focuses on the Culture and Traditional Heritage of Healesville. Our students learn the language of the Wurundjeri people. I feel very lucky to be working at such a wonderful school that has the community at its core. Our grounds are spectacular, with numerous outdoor learning environments and plenty of spaces for imaginative play. Our culture is one of high expectations for all leaders, teachers and students. We encourage our students to be the best they can be and to give everything a go.
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Tracey Robertson-Smith Principal
Warburton Primary School Horners Rd, Warburton Ph: 5966 2010 www.warbyps.vic.edu.au
Healesville Primary School
View Street, Healesville Ph: 5962 4053
HEALESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
I feel incredibly proud and privileged to be the Principal of Millwarra Primary School and to lead such a positive, welcoming and connected school community. At Millwarra, we are committed to ensuring every student feels known, supported and valued, while providing them with opportunities to grow, learn and achieve their very best. We place a strong emphasis on building resilience, encouraging student voice and creating a genuine sense of belonging. Our vision, “Excellence is achieved together in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment,” guides everything we do and is underpinned by our values of Respect, Resilience, Kindness and Community. At Millwarra we have a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with programs such as Little Learners Love Literacy and Top 10 Maths supporting high-quality teaching and learning across the school. Our students also enjoy a wide range of experiences, including gardening, cooking and bike education, as well as specialist classes in Physical Education, Science, Auslan, Art and Drumming. Millwarra is a unique two-campus school, with our Millgrove and Warburton East campuses both set in beautiful natural surroundings. Across both campuses, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our students and families and creating a welcoming environment where children feel connected, confident and excited about their learning. There is always plenty happening at Millwarra, and I am incredibly proud of what our students, staff and families continue to achieve together. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our school and provide a supportive and engaging environment where every child can thrive.
Healesville High School has an outstanding academic record and has been an active and responsible community member, serving Healesville and surrounding districts with distinction since 1961. Our staff members take great pride in ensuring a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. Our vision for Healesville is that of an exciting learning community where all students are challenged to achieve success and to pursue excellence and our school also prides itself on offering an extensive range of dynamic and engaging academic and extra-curricular programs. I welcome your interest in Healesville High School and encourage you to contact me to discuss any aspect of school life or to arrange a school tour.
Millwarra Primary School
Ph: 5962 4088
www.healesvillehs.vic.edu.au
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Healesville High School 10 Camerons Road, Healesville
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Melanie Hancock Principal
Mr. Allan Rennick Principal
Millgrove Campus Cavanagh Road, Millgrove Ph: 5966 2518 millwarra.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Warburton East Campus Woods Point Road, East Warburton Ph: 5966 2065 millwarra.ps@education.vic.gov.au 202409111708_1-FC38-24
16 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
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Meet Your Local Principal
Tess Dwyer
Jeffrey De Villa Principal As the proud Principal of Yarra Glen Primary School, I am delighted to lead and be part of such a wonderful school community. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated and passionate staff, whose commitment, care and professionalism make a lasting difference to the lives and learning of our students. Nestled in the beautiful Yarra Valley, Yarra Glen is a calm and picturesque community surrounded by tree-covered hills and vineyards. This peaceful setting provides a beautiful backdrop to our school and complements our strong sense of connection, wellbeing and belonging. Our PERRI Values – Persistence, Encouragement, Resilience, Respect and Inclusion underpin everything we do and foster a positive, caring and inclusive school culture. At Yarra Glen Primary School, every child is known, valued and supported to thrive. We foster a strong culture of academic excellence, encouraging curiosity, confidence and a love of learning. We also place a strong emphasis on student leadership, empowering our students to develop their voice, responsibility, confidence and capacity to positively contribute to our school community.
St. Brigid’s Primary School 1 - 3 High Street Healesville www.sbhealesville.catholic.edu.au Ph: 5962 4200
I invite you to visit us and discover what makes Yarra Glen Primary School such a special place to learn, grow and belong.
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We are proud of our transition programs, providing a fun and supported pathway from Kinder to Prep, complemented by Story Time and strong connections with our local kindergarten. 12844006-RV34-26
As Principal of St. Brigid’s School in Healesville, I feel incredibly blessed to lead a community where faith, learning, and relationships are at the heart of everything we do. With over 20 years as a Catholic educator—and as a mother of four—I know firsthand that it truly takes a village to raise a child. That belief shapes everything we do at St. Brigid’s. I’m passionate about building strong, respectful partnerships between families and staff, because when we work together, our children thrive. Our vision is to be a Christ-centred community where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Alongside our dedicated staff, I’m committed to nurturing the whole child— academically, socially, and spiritually. We learn from the past, challenge the present, and create the future, always with families at the heart of our journey. St. Brigid’s is more than a school—it’s a place where children are known, supported, and celebrated. I warmly invite you to visit and experience the joy of learning and growing in a community that truly cares.
Yarra Glen Primary School 35 Symonds Street
Ph: 9730 1254
ygps.vic.edu.au
We Learn For Life Anne Stenhouse Principal
Scott Tully Principal
I am proud and privileged to be the Principal of Wesburn Primary School. Our motto, We Learn for Life, epitomises the values we place on developing wellrounded students equipped for adult life. All staff are committed to providing the best possible education for every student so that they can reach their full potential. Wellbeing is a key priority for our school community and we welcome parent volunteers and the SRC who influence school directions.
Upper Yarra Secondary College is proud to be a central hub in the beautiful Yarra Valley community. The College is proud of its students and their fantastic achievements both within the College and beyond. We are particularly impressed with the academic successes of our students, all the way up to Year 12, which were celebrated at our mid-year awards ceremonies. The College has completed a modernisation program of facilities to reflect the innovative teaching and learning occurring within the school and school grounds. It is pleasing to see our students enjoying the beautiful surroundings and activities on offer that supplement highquality teaching instruction. We are a wonderful school achieving excellent results, we are excited for what lies ahead.
The school, including our playgroup and before and after school care staff, maintains a strong relationship with all community stakeholders.
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Wesburn Primary School’s ongoing vision is to ensure the highest quality teaching and wellbeing for all students, empowering them to be actively engaged in their learning, to be resilient, reflect our school values, and contribute to the development of the whole school community. Please take the time to visit our school for a tour - you will be most welcome.
2850 Warburton Hwy Wesburn
Ph: 5967 1302
www.wesburnps.vic.edu.au
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Wesburn Primary School
Upper Yarra Secondary College 81-89 Little Yarra Road, Yarra Junction Ph: 5967 1877 www.uysc.vic.edu.au 202409111708_1-FC38-24
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Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL 17
Meet Your Local Principal
Seville Primary School 639 Warburton Highway Ph: 5964 4557 www.sevilleps.vic.edu.au
Oliver Thockloth Principal
I have been proud to be the principal at Don Valley Primary School for the last twenty years. We have a wonderful caring school community that values kindness, inclusiveness and respect for one another. Over the years as principal here it has been my pleasure to see how children have thrived in our small school setting, where their needs have been clearly seen and met. I value that every teacher knows every child-their strengths, their interests and their challenges so that every child has the opportunity to reach their potential. It’s exciting to see students engaged with their learning and the progress that they can make in a small class setting with individual support from their dedicated teachers and support staff. Our philosophy is that learning should be engaging challenging and fun!
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I love being part of a small school community, yet being able to provide so many diverse learning experiences and opportunities for our students that includes: challenge based learning, art, music, PE, LOTE, outdoor education, library, public speaking, sustainability, cooking, excursions, leadership and more! It’s also been a source of pride to be able to meet the needs of our immediate community and wider community through our Before School Care, After School Care, Vacation Care and Playgroup programs.
Don Valley Primary School Old Don Road Ph: 5967 3321 www.donvalleyps.vic.edu.au
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Mount Lilydale Mercy College 120 Anderson St, Lilydale Ph: 9735 4022 www.mlmc.vic.edu.au
Lesley Gunther Principal
Every day that I drive to work I’m reminded of how lucky I am to live and work in such a beautiful location, the Yarra Valley. Quiet, tranquil Don Valley is a very special part of that.
When Mount Lilydale Mercy College Principal Mr Philip Morison reflects on what a great education should provide, his answer goes well beyond academic success. For him, it is about helping young people discover their strengths, develop their talents and ultimately use those gifts to live a life of purpose. Mr Morison wants students to aspire and achieve, but believes success should extend beyond individual accomplishment. “I want students to aspire, but I want them to aspire so that they can then use those skills to help other people and impact our world, both locally and globally,” he says. It is a belief closely connected to the College’s Catholic and Mercy tradition, where learning, service and community go hand in hand. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically while also exploring opportunities across sport, the arts, leadership, faith and College life. Along the way, they can discover the interests and experiences that bring them joy. Mr Morison remains passionate about the privilege and responsibility that comes with educating young people. MLMC is a place where students are challenged, supported and given the opportunity to explore who they are and who they might become. His hope is that they leave the College well prepared for further study, work and life beyond Rourke’s Hill, but also as confident young people of character who understand that what they do with their gifts matters. For Mr Morison, that is ultimately what a great education should provide. For more, follow this link (https://bit.ly/mlmcprincipal26) to join Mr Morison and our College Captains as they chat about leadership, learning and life at MLMC.
It is simply a joy to work in the beautiful community of Woori Yallock. Every day, I’m greeted by wonderful, happy and enthusiastic children. My name is Oliver Thockloth, I joined the Woori Yallock team in 2011 and I am in my 10th year as Principal of the school. Our school is achieving brilliant results at all levels which has made our school very popular and our community very proud of their school. Our school has had an upgrade and now has very modern facilities. The school has beautiful views and extensive grounds for children to play. But having great bricks and mortar is not why our school is so popular. The reason the school is so successful is the staff. We have amazing, friendly teachers that pride themselves on teaching each child at their point of need. We also have fabulous enthusiastic teacher aides that are there to support the teachers and the students and our office staff go the extra mile for our parents and students. With great teaching and a focus on an orderly learning environment, we are just one big happy family. The best thing about our school is the children, they are friendly, kind and dedicated to their school and their studies. Woori Yallock Primary School is simply a wonderful place to guide and teach children, and to establish strong friendships and relationships.
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Welcome to Seville Primary School, a school where children are known, valued and encouraged to become confident learners and good people. Our vision, Growing and Learning Together, captures what matters to us. We want every child to make strong progress in their learning, while developing the confidence, resilience, curiosity and sense of responsibility they need to navigate the world around them. We are proud to be part of the Seville community. Ours is a school where relationships matter. We know our students well, we work closely with families and we value the connections that make a school feel like more than just a place to learn. Our values of Community, Respect and Aspire shape the way we treat one another and the expectations we hold for every child. Great teaching and learning sits at the centre of what we do. We have a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, using evidence and assessment to understand where each child is in their learning and what they need next. At the same time, we want children to be curious, creative and willing to have a go. Learning should challenge students, give them a voice and help them see themselves as capable learners. There is also plenty of room at Seville for the things that make primary school memorable, friendships, creativity, sport, the arts, time outdoors, discovery and the simple joy of being part of a community. As Principal, my goal is for Seville Primary School to be a place where children feel they belong, teachers can do their best work and families feel confident that their children are known and supported. We are proud of where our school is heading, and even prouder to be growing and learning together with our students, families and wider Seville community.
Mr Philip Morison
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Leigh Hallett - Principal
Woori Yallock Primary School 1360 Healesville - Koo Wee Rup Road, Woori Yallock
Ph: 5964 7258
www.woorips.vic.edu.au 202409111708_1-FC38-24
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Meet Your Local Principal
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Gladysdale Primary School 550 Little Yarra Rd, Gladysdale Ph: 5966 6202 gladysdaleps.vic.edu.au
St Joseph’s Primary School 40 Milners Rd, Yarra Junction Ph: 5967 1183 sjyarrajunction.catholic.edu.au
Mrs Lisa Rankin Principal
Amanda Hull Principal (Acting)
Yarra Junction Primary School is certainly a special place — a place where every student is supported to grow physically, socially, emotionally and academically. The culture of Yarra Junction Primary is inclusive, friendly, nurturing and positive. We believe that every child can and will achieve, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to support each student to experience learning growth. This is underpinned by thoughtful, high-level planning, a deep understanding of each student’s next steps in learning, and effective, evidence-informed teaching. We value building students’ knowledge and understanding across a broad and rich curriculum. Alongside strong Literacy and Numeracy learning, our students engage in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Science, First Nations perspectives and Woiwurrung Language. These experiences help our students discover their strengths, develop new interests and see themselves as capable learners.
Yarra Junction Primary School 2370 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction PH 5967 1544 www.yjps.vic.edu.au
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We understand that children learn best when they feel connected, have trusted relationships with the adults and peers around them, and feel happy, safe and valued. Relationships and belonging are at the heart of what we do. Our strong partnership with families and our wider community is something we value deeply. We welcome parents, grandparents, community members and friends of YJPS into our learning spaces and appreciate the many ways our community contributes to the life of our school. Our students are fortunate to learn and play in beautiful grounds, including three playgrounds — one of which is our popular Ninja Playground — an oval, outdoor netball and basketball courts, sports stadium, Yarning Circle, Vegetable Garden and Sensory Garden. For me personally, Yarra Junction Primary School is much more than a workplace. YJPS staff and students have been an extension of my own family for more than 23 years. I feel genuinely connected to our school community and remain deeply devoted to our staff, students and families. It is a privilege to be part of a school that cares so deeply about its children and their futures.
Small School. Big Benefits! Looking for a school where your child is known, valued and supported to thrive? Nestled between Yarra Junction and Powelltown, Gladysdale Primary School is a welcoming small school where every student matters. Our small-school setting allows us to provide individualised learning and support, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow, learn and achieve their best. We believe in strong partnerships with families and our local community, creating a safe, caring and connected environment where children feel they belong. Our students enjoy a rich range of Specialist programs, including Physical Education, Performing Arts, Science, Visual Arts, Library and Auslan, alongside plenty of opportunities to learn, play and explore. Set on a large, spacious block, our school boasts multiple playgrounds, a fantastic oval and plenty of room for children to be active, creative and curious. Come and discover the difference a small school can make. •Between Yarra Junction and Powelltown •Contact us to arrange a personalised school tour. Gladysdale Primary School — Small School. BIG Benefits!
Toolangi Primary School is a small school providing big opportunities for students. Located amongst the tall trees of the Toolangi State Forest, we provide learning opportunities to inspire and nurture curiosity, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Our school community values Respect, Understanding, Responsibility and Integrity. We support student wellbeing whilst maximising academic achievement and developing strong communication and leadership skills, in a welcoming, beautiful environment. At Toolangi, every child is recognised for their individual qualities. Our staff are committed to tailoring learning to suit their needs and interests. We offer an evidence-based phonics and word study program, to support both spelling and reading. Small group targeted numeracy provides learning opportunities for students at their point of need, whilst reinforcing essential skills. Japanese, PE, Performing and Visual Arts, Inquiry and Kitchen Garden make for a full and broad learning landscape. The students are offered an extensive range of sporting opportunities including Kayaking, Athletics, Swimming, Orienteering, Hooptime, Archery and even a trip to the snow. We are also fortunate to offer private music lessons, host Playgroup, on Tuesday mornings, and Outside School Hours Care. I have been teaching in small schools for close to 20 years and value the many benefits that come from small school education. Having recently been appointed as Acting Principal, I feel privileged to be entrusted with the education and care of the beautiful young people whose families choose our school. Come see us at work. We would love to welcome you to our school.
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I hold the care, safety and well-being of my students as my fundamental responsibility. I nurture the personal, spiritual and academic growth of the students, encouraging them to be confident, successful, creative and innovative learners. I believe in close partnership between parents and schools, based on mutual responsibility, respect and trust. Children will learn, given quality instructions, support and encouragement. Students should receive direct, explicit instruction on behavioural expectations and be acknowledged for appropriate behaviour. I value opportunities for students to spend time exploring our natural bush setting and participating in camps, excursions and sports activities I am committed to reconciliation through education and strongly believe that Aboriginal culture, history and spirituality should be at the forefront of Catholic Education. Ultimately, I am committed to providing students, families and staff with a positive experience at St Joseph’s School.
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Felicity Curnow - Principal
Nicholas-Boyhan Principal
Toolangi Primary School Main Road Toolangi Ph: 5962 9255 www.toolangips.vic.edu.au 202409111708_1-FC38-24
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Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL 19
NEWS
Trooper Michael “Mick” Hannaford (left) died in Vietnam in 1968. (RSL Victoria)
Private Raymond Moore of Kilsyth, a Vietnam War soldier who died in 1969 as part of 9RAR while on patrol. (RSL Victoria)
Private Garry Willoughby (centre) was killed while on patrol in Vietnam in 1970. (RSL Victoria)
Remembering Ray, Mick, Garry By RSL Victoria PRIVATE RAYMOND MOORE Raymond Moore was born in Melbourne on 26 October 1945, the eldest of three sons born to George and Mary Moore. He spent his early years in Harrow, Victoria. At 14, his family moved to Kilsyth. Ray left school to become an apprentice butcher at Oliver’s Butcher shop in Croydon, working alongside another apprentice, Michael Hannaford. Ray played football for Kilsyth and was an avid cyclist. Nearby worked Lynne Moore. Sharing a surname, they joked they were cousins—a joke they regretted when they began dating and friends teased them as “kissing cousins.” At 20, they married. The joke lingered as the church required both fathers’ birth certificates to prove they were not related. They welcomed their first child, Rhonda, but Ray longed to join the Army rather than work as a butcher. After Lynne signed his enlistment papers, he joined up. Following basic training, the growing family—now including Craig and Garry—moved to Holsworthy Army Base. “He absolutely loved being in the Army,” Lynne said. “It was a chance for us to travel away from our families and be a family of our own.” The base community supported Lynne when Ray deployed to Vietnam in October 1968 with 1RAR. Lynne sent photos and letters weekly to keep him connected to the kids. In May 1969, Ray returned home briefly on Leave. “While he was home, he talked about Michael Hannaford,” Lynne recalled. “He had been killed in action in Vietnam the year before.” It was the last time they saw Ray alive. After transferring to 9RAR, he was shot dead on patrol weeks later. The news was buried in Australia as the world watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon. Lynne and the kids were watching the Apollo coverage when a captain and a padre arrived at her mother’s house. “To this day I hate hearing anything about man walking on the moon,” Lynne said. Following a service at St James Church, Ray’s body was carried past Kilsyth Primary students lining Mt Dandenong Road before burial at Lilydale Lawn Cemetery—side by side with Michael 20 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
Hannaford. Ten days after his death, Lynne was forced to vacate their Army housing. “As soon as he died, they abandoned me and the children.” Lynne raised three children under four on a war widows’ pension, later taking a clerk job. There, she met her second husband, Alan, who embraced raising the children. “Growing up we didn’t talk about what happened to my father much,” Craig Moore said. At 19, Craig joined the Army to follow his father, but a knee injury led to a medical discharge. His father’s absence hit hardest when Craig married at 21. Craig later researched Ray’s service, got a memorial tattoo, and met Ray’s former army mates. Years later, Craig’s son Brendan visited Vietnam. At a memorial, an elderly Vietnamese man approached him, learned his grandfather died there, and said, “Thank you, he saved our lives.” TROOPER MICK HANNAFORD Michael “Mick” Hannaford was born in Melbourne on 24 January 1947, the second of five children born to Frank and Faye Hannaford. Growing up in Croydon, he attended Ringwood Technical School before beginning an apprenticeship at Oliver’s butcher shop in Croydon, managed by his father. There, Mick worked alongside another apprentice, Ray Moore. While Ray dreamed of joining the Army, Mick was content with suburban life, later working as a truck driver for a local tiling business. Standing tall and lean, Mick played ruck for the Mooroolbark Football Club, winning the best and fairest award in the seconds competition. His playing days were paused when he was conscripted in July 1967. His future wife, Margaret, met him the day before he left for basic training at Puckapunyal. “It certainly wasn’t love at first sight,” Margaret recalled. “He was quite drunk and he had long hair down his back.” When he returned home briefly after basic training, Margaret met him again at the Olinda Hotel, his long hair now shaved into a neat army cut. “We all laughed at him,” Margaret said. “But he sat down and spoke with us, and I could see the Army had really straightened him out. He
was a really nice bloke.” Assigned to the 1st Armoured Regiment, Mick asked Margaret out during his football club’s presentation night. After six months together, Mick received orders for Vietnam. He asked Margaret to marry him, and they held a quick wedding with family before he departed on 6 August 1968 as a Centurion tank driver with C Squadron, 3 Troop. In Vietnam, landmines posed a constant threat. Mick survived three separate mine strikes while driving tanks. John Wilson, President of Rye RSL and Mick’s Troop Leader, recalled their final mission together: “We had gone about 700 meters and lost three ACAVs... I said we are not going any further until the area is cleared.” Tragically, Mick’s tank struck a mine, causing a massive explosion. Wilson ran across to pull him from the driver’s compartment, but Mick could not be saved. Mick was returned home and buried at Lilydale Lawn Cemetery on Christmas Eve 1968. Years later, Margaret married another Vietnam veteran from the medical corps. He too died prematurely from brain cancer, which she believes stemmed from Agent Orange exposure. Mick was one of several local men lost to the conflict. His butcher shop co-apprentice Ray Moore, schoolmate Gary Willoughby, and local soldier Malcolm Robertson all fell in Vietnam and now lie near Mick at Lilydale Lawn Cemetery, while friend Geoffrey Tweedie rests at Springvale Cemetery. PRIVATE GARRY WILLOUGHBY Garry Willoughby was born on 25 October 1947 at Queen Victoria Hospital in Melbourne, the eldest of four children born to Cecil and Yvonne Willoughby. His early years were spent in Coburg before moving to Mt Evelyn, where his family lived in a basic bungalow lacking electricity, a phone, and indoor plumbing. His father’s severe alcoholism drained family finances and created a tumultuous household. “Garry became the man of the house at an early age,” his sister Alison recalled. “We could have been reasonably well off, but my father drank it all.” Determined to build a better life, Garry worked hard while attending local schools. After
his father abandoned the family following the birth of Garry’s youngest brother, Stuart, Garry stepped up as a father figure. He took a job at a Lilydale clothing store and enrolled in accounting at Stott’s College. He also bought land in Montrose, hoping to build a home there. When his draft number was drawn, Garry initially deferred enlistment to study. However, the pressure of working full-time, studying, and helping raise his infant brother led him to fail a semester, forfeiting his deferment. Faced with military service, he completed training at Puckapunyal. Before deploying, he got engaged to his girlfriend. Garry arrived in Vietnam in June 1970, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Stationed at Nui Dat, he took part in search-and-destroy missions amid brutal heat and gruelling conditions, describing the setting in letters home as a “hell on earth.” On 8 October 1970, Garry paid the ultimate price. During Operation Cung Chung, his patrol tracked a large enemy unit into an extensive bunker system. Ambushed by small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from behind thick bamboo, Garry was killed. He was just 22 years old. Alison was studying at Monash University when she was called home to hear the news. The loss devastated his mother, Yvonne. The family requested a private burial on her property, as they opposed the war, but were informed he would receive a military funeral at Lilydale Cemetery unless they paid for his repatriation themselves. Alison struggled deeply with the loss. “He had hoped to be home by Christmas,” she said. “When he wasn’t, I took a job interstate so I wouldn’t be there to miss him.” Later, after marrying in 1974, Alison and her husband moved onto Garry’s Montrose property. Over the years, they built a home and raised three children there—a lasting legacy of Garry’s support for his family. Garry remained the light of his mother’s life until her death in 2006. In 2025, her surviving children planted a tree in her memory on Garry’s Montrose land and scattered her ashes at its base, symbolically reuniting mother and son. RSL Victoria pays tribute to Private Raymond Moore, Trooper Michael Hannaford and Private Garry Willoughby, their families and all who sacrificed in service. Lest We Forget.
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NEWS
Helping vulnerable children By Oliver Winn A year’s worth of crafting “fabric hugs” from Quilts for Orphans saw just under 400 quilts donated to various charities and organisations. The Yarra Valley-based charity quilting group marked the end of the financial year with 35 “burrito” pillowcases donated to the Heavenly Trimmings organisation. Quilts for Orphans president Libby Anderson said members gathered at the Hoddles Creek Hall on Tuesday 11 August to sew for a good cause. “We had 18 pillowcases that were finished, and then some more ladies on Tuesday were making some more, so we’re making 35 in total,” Ms Anderson said. The Heavenly Trimmings organisation supports vulnerable children with chronic illnesses with gifts to provide happiness and normality to their lives. “To be supporting a local Melbourne-based organisation that is supporting very vulnerable children and their siblings is a very special thing to do,” she said. The group made “burrito” pillowcases which secured the cases so they don’t fray and tear at the seam. Quilts for Orphans began in 2007 when a group of ladies started making quilts for children in India living in rough conditions. “The children were just sleeping on bamboo mats. So people that were based here in Mount Evelyn suggested making some quilts so the children could sleep on a quilt, and that’s where it started, and we’ve continued,” Ms Anderson said. Each quilt is handmade, which Ms Anderson said adds a special sentimental value to the quilts when children receive them. “Gifting something that’s handmade, that’s taken a lot of time and care into making the quilt, I think speaks volumes to the people who each individual that receives it.” But the benefits of quiltmaking are also felt by the ladies who make them, as it’s an activity that brings them together once a week. “The ladies that come along, they really enjoy it. They learn from each other. They’re also developing community and connection, which is really important, particularly as you get a little bit older, maintaining connections with people. “It’s a way of connecting with people, letting new people know that they can come along if they perhaps didn’t know about us, and we’ve had a few new members that have joined us through those contacts,” Ms Anderson said. The group also made separate batches of quilts for AdventCare Yarra Ranges and Life’s
They managed to make 398 quilts in total over the last financial year. (Supplied) Little Treasures in Ringwood. They managed to sew 98 quilts for Life’s Little Treasures, which Ms Anderson described as “quite significant”. “Life’s Little Treasures -– which is another community organisation — they’ve got their head office in Ringwood. They support children that have been born prematurely and supporting families, and they support all over Australia,” Ms Anderson said. Coming up, Quilts for Orphans’ AGM takes place on Saturday 12 September from 11am. Later, on 17 October, they will have a stall at the Fair’s Fair market, taking place at the Truth and Liberation Concern Church in Bayswater. The money earned from the market goes back into the costs of renting out the Hoddles Creek Hall and purchasing fabrics. Anyone interested in joining Quilts for Orphans can do so through their website: qfoblog.com.
The team’s work packaged and ready to go to AdventCare Yarra Ranges. (Supplied)
Yarra Valley embraces the Birrarung for 2026 Riverfest By Oliver Winn Warburton will host several events celebrating the lifeblood of the Yarra Valley at this year’s Birrarung Riverfest. Famous Australian comedian Sammy J will kickstart 2026’s Birrarung Riverfest with the River Rhythms event on 27 September at the Arts Centre in Warburton. The three-week festival brings informative guided walks, light-hearted picnics, planting days and much more to the Yarra Valley. Birrarung Riverfest producer Carolyn Tate said Riverfest was about inspiring all kinds of people to build a lifelong connection to the river, and to help protect it for generations to come. “Riverfest is about bringing people together to experience the river - all the way from Warburton in the upper reaches to Westgate Park at the river’s mouth - because we know that when people connect with nature, they’re far more likely to care for and protect it,” she said. Run by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA), this event celebrates the 242 kilometres of the Yarra (Birrarung) River. YRKA acknowledges that the lands and waterways of the Yarra, Birrarung catchment, are the unceded territories of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boonwurrung peoples. Ms Tate said the festival brings together the Yarra Valley community and strengthens local organisations and businesses. “The festival brings people into Yarra Valley towns to experience the river and the communities that care for it. “Visitors will attend locally hosted events, support local businesses and discover the beating
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Australian comedian Sammy J is this year’s Birrarung Riverfest Ambassador. (Supplied)
The River Rhythms songwriter competition will be held at the Arts Centre in Warburton. (Supplied) heart of the Yarra Valley towns through nature, culture and creative events like the River Rhythms singer/songwriter competition,” she said. The Riverfest also brings money into local townships while ensuring the health of the river is preserved, striking a rare balance between economic stimulation and conservation. “Riverfest is about creating awareness of, and connection to, the Birrarung and the various challenges it faces such as stormwater pollution. “The gatherings stimulate conversation and
investment while every event we host has an educational element that offers key messages on how people can care for the river,” Ms Tate said. “The launch picnic being held on 27 September on World Rivers Day is being led by Uncle Dave Wandin who will share his messages of caring for Country.” Sammy J is an Australian comedian, author, composer and broadcaster who will bring his much-loved antics to the stage as the Birrarung Riverfest Ambassador.
“The Yarra is my happy place - I walk next to it, I paddle on top of it, and I very occasionally swim in it,” he said. “We are so lucky to have this wonderful waterway and I’m thrilled to help spread the word as part of Riverfest 2026.” Ms Tate said Sammy was a “mad-keen paddler” and comedian with a passion for the Birrarung. “His ambassadorship helps extend Riverfest beyond existing environmental audiences, increasing the festival’s reach and encouraging new audiences to engage with the Yarra, Birrarung,” she said. It’s events galore throughout the Yarra Valley with eight being held in total. A list of events can be found on YRKA’s website here: riverfest.org. au/.
Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL 21
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Open Studios under way By Gabriella Vukman With just weeks to go before artists across the Yarra Ranges open their studio doors to the public, preparations are well underway for the 2026 Yarra Valley Open Studios program. Now in its 18th year, the event will see 28 local artists welcome visitors into their working spaces across two weekends in October. For Yarra Valley Arts’ Open Studios Programme Manager Sarah Donnellan, the event is currently at a particularly busy stage. “We hit go on the launch for promotion, and now we are pulling together the next step, which is the exhibition,” Ms Donnellan said. “We have put the call out for submissions, so we are at the coordination stage with that.” That means coordinating submissions from the participating artists, organising logistics and bringing together works for the month-long exhibition, which will run from 30 September to 1 November. While visitors will eventually be able to wander through individual studios and see artists at work, the exhibition will provide a chance to see works from participating artists together in one place before the Open Studios weekends begin. With studios spread across a wide section of the Yarra Ranges, the preparation is no small undertaking. This year’s 28 participating artists are based in locations including Healesville, Mount Evelyn, Silvan, Warburton, Yarra Junction, Yarra Glen, Chum Creek, Millgrove, Don Valley and Dixons Creek. The program has grown slightly from last year, when 26 artists participated, and has also expanded its reach further towards Mount Evelyn and Silvan. A change to the format this year means artists can also opt to participate across both Open Studios weekends, rather than being restricted to a particular geographical weekend. For Ms Donnellan, getting to this point has been a significant collaborative effort. “We have countless hours from volunteers within Yarra Valley Arts, which we wouldn’t be able to deliver the programme without them,” she said. Ms Donnellan and the Yarra Valley Arts team have been organising this year’s Open Studios event since May. “We started late May, and I’d say we’re probably a couple of weeks, if not a month behind where we probably should be.” “It has been all hands on deck.” With much still to do, the coming weeks are particularly important as the team works through the many moving parts required to deliver an event across multiple towns and studios. There is also work continuing behind the scenes to investigate transport options for visitors. Organisers are in discussions about the return of potential shuttle services this year, with the aim of making it easier for people to visit
multiple studios across the region. But amid the logistics and deadlines, Ms Donnellan said one of the most exciting aspects of this year’s preparations has been seeing the local arts community come together to support the return of the program. Yarra Valley Open Studios is the main program run by Yarra Valley Arts each year, and follows a period of change for the organisation. “Open Studios is a really great way to see the local arts community come together and support each other,” Ms Donnellan said. “These events are really important for not only the local community, but also for the broader outer east region.” “It is a free event, so there is no barrier to entry.” This year, the event is expected to attract between 1,500 and 2,000 visitors based on last year’s attendance, although organisers hope to exceed that figure. According to Ms Donnellan, the focus is less on attracting the largest possible crowd. With many artists working from small, homebased studios, there is a balance between encouraging visitors and ensuring artists still have the opportunity to connect with them. “It’s nice for artists to be able to have time to have one-on-one conversations with their visitors and not just have people churning through,” Ms Donnellan said. “We would ideally like to exceed last year’s number across the two weekends, but we don’t want to the event to get too large.” As the team moves into the final stretch of preparation, the public-facing side of the event is beginning to take shape, but much of the work remains behind the scenes. For the artists, that means preparing their studios, deciding what work to display and potentially creating new pieces in the lead-up to the weekends. For Yarra Valley Arts, it means coordinating 28 studios, an exhibition, promotion, volunteers and logistics across the region. And for Ms Donnellan and the team, the countdown is now well and truly underway. “We rely on community support and funding from local government and tourism, so it is great to see that we’ve got the support of the local arts community and the membership,” she said. “It is very important and beneficial to provide a platform for local artists and the local artist community, and Open Studios does just that.” “It is something that we would like to continue broadening year on year.” Yarra Valley Open Studios will take place on October 10 -11 and October 24- 25, with studios open from 10 am to 5 pm. The group exhibition at The Memo Healesville opens on September 30. The event is free and self-guided, with visitors able to explore studios across the Yarra Valley and meet the artists behind the work. For more information and to plan a visit, see Yarra Valley Arts Open Studios 2026.
Artist Jodie Westall from Kimpton studio. (Yarra Valley Arts).
Open Studios artist Greg Ure completing some screen printing. (Yarra Valley Arts).
John Norris working to have his home studio ready for Open Studios in October. (Yarra Valley Arts).
Local artist Ting Tang will be opening her studio up to the public. (Yarra Valley Arts). 22 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
Artist Beth Williams adding the finishing touches to a painting. (Yarra Valley Arts).
Kate Baker will also be welcoming visitors to her studio in October. (Yarra Valley Arts).
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
MIFF opens at The Memo By Gabriella Vukman The magic of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) arrived in the Yarra Ranges on the evening of Friday 14 August. A full house, champagne on arrival, choc tops and plenty of laughter marked the first-ever MIFF Regional program at The Memo. The opening screening of Wicker brought the festival atmosphere to the Yarra Ranges, with a red carpet leading to The Memo’s entrance, a MIFF media wall and a sketch exhibition open for audiences to explore. Before Wicker began, Yarra Ranges councillor Fiona McAllister welcomed audiences and reflected on the festival’s local connection. “It is pretty special that we get to be one of the regional locations for the festival here in Healesville,” she said. “Hopefully there will be a lot of people from across the Yarra Ranges that will find something in the program they are excited to see.” In her opening address, Cr McAllister said MIFF’s origins can be traced back to the very first festival in Olinda in 1952, when organisers expected around 80 people but were stunned when about 800 film lovers arrived. “Seeing as the very first Melbourne International Film Festival was in Olinda, we can claim the birth of the festival here in the Yarra Ranges.” According to Cr McAllister, the Council had a steady focus on affordability for the festival. “We wanted to make sure the pricing was right, so there were a lot of discussions and planning that went into that,” she said. “There are many others across Melbourne and Victoria who may not know they can have affordable experiences like this here in Healesville, so this is a really special thing.” For Healesville, the arrival of this year’s MIFF Regional represents a homecoming. That prospect was clearly welcomed by local audiences on opening night. One Healesville resident, who said they had been attending MIFF for approximately 30 years, was delighted to finally experience the festival close to home. “I love MIFF and it’s my first time here at The Memo,” they said. The local access also means audiences can see festival films without the expense and logistical challenges associated with travelling into Melbourne. “I drive into the city and look for a park and it takes an hour and a half, but here, everything is so accessible,” the local resident said. “To see the Wicker opening night in the city, you had to pay $120, so it is fantastic to have a more affordable and accessible option here in Healesville,” they said. Yarra Ranges local Bronwyn Ward also attended the night and said it was special to have an event of MIFF’s calibre in the region. “It is really rare living out in the Yarra Ranges to get such a large festival come,” she said. “I am really excited to be here, especially on opening night, and it was such a good vibe in the
Councillor Fiona McAllister giving her commencement speech. (Gabriella Vukman: 572402).
The cinema was full for the premier of Wicker. (Gabriella Vukman: 572402). building, it was great.” Ms Ward also pointed to the wider benefit of bringing major cultural events to the region including the opportunity to connect people with other arts and cultural activities around the Yarra Ranges. “It is really nice to have the flow-on effect of people coming in and seeing the interactive exhibition as well at The Memo,” she said. Inside the cinema, eager locals settled in for Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer’s Wicker, a quirky Australian-born filmmaking duo’s fable starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, Richard E. Grant and Melbourne’s own Elizabeth Debicki. The film’s humour proved an immediate hit, with laughter echoing throughout the cinema
during the screening. The Memo has spent several years working towards becoming a regional MIFF partner, according to Cultural Programs Officer Ginger Van Handley. Ms Van Handley said, this year, those efforts finally paid off. “We have been trying to get the festival into The Memo for several years, but this is the first year that we have been successful in getting the MIFF team to come out and be a regional partner,” she said. The process of selecting the Healesville program involved working through dozens of films before narrowing the selection to 10 titles designed to appeal to a broad cross-section of the community. Ms Van Handley said the local team has picked a variety of films to appeal to all audiences. Among the local program highlights are Sweet Milk lake, with a Q&A with director Harvey Zielinski, Tina Arena documentary Unravel Me, Family-friendly Hen and the offbeat body-horror comedy Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant. The selection was shaped in part by what The Memo already knows about its audience, including a strong appetite for music, family programming and English-language drama. But for Ms Handley, the festival is also an opportunity to push audiences beyond the cinema’s usual program. “We wanted to stretch the audience a little bit, give them something different, something new
that we don’t get through a mainstream cinema program,” she said. The Memo’s partnership with MIFF is part of this year’s expanded MIFF Regional program, which is bringing festival screenings to eight regional locations across Victoria, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Geelong, Healesville, Rosebud, Sale and Warrnambool. The regional program runs across two weekends, 14 - 16 and 21- 23 August. For The Memo, the ambition extends beyond simply hosting a weekend of films. The venue hopes strong local support will help establish MIFF as a recurring event in Healesville. “This needs to go well,” Ms Van Handley said. “So people need to come to the sessions and show their support for this project, for MIFF in Healesville, and then hopefully we’ll get it back next year.” There is no specific attendance target, she said, but community engagement will be important. The Memo has also created a festival-style experience around the screenings, including the MIFF Lounge, designed to make a night at the cinema feel like an event. Friday night’s full room suggested Healesville audiences are ready to embrace it. While Melbourne may have MIFF in its name, for three weekends at least, the festival’s spirit will be firmly at home in the Yarra Ranges. For more information, head to The Memo’s website at: yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Yarra Valley local’s chair-turning performance wows judges By Oliver Winn Local singer Jessica McPherson-Riley’s incredible performance on The Voice stunned the country, turning all four chairs and raising the roof on Tuesday 11 August. She delivered a heartfelt rendition of The Day You Went Away by Wendy Matthews for her blind audition, which received high praise from the judges. Ms McPherson-Riley said after she finished singing, she didn’t immediately realise that she’d turned four chairs. “It’s funny actually, I’m very shortsighted… I actually had no idea that I’d turned four chairs. It was a real surprise. “The only reason I knew I’d turned a chair is because Kate Miller-Heidke had a really sparkly dress on, a really gold dress, and my eyesight caught a glimpse of all the sparkles,” she said. Ms McPherson-Riley immediately left an impression on the judges with her soulful and powerful voice and it wasn’t long before the first turn. She ended up joining Team Richard Marx, who will help guide her for the rest of her The Voice journey. The Wendy Matthews number meant a lot to Ms McPherson-Riley, as her now-passed mother had introduced her to the famous singer when
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Jessica McPherson-Riley showed off her vocal prowess during her performance. (Channel 7/The Voice Australia) she was young. Her band, Homeward, has supported Wendy Matthews in the past, and Ms McPherson-Riley said it was a “complete full circle” to be performing one of her songs today. Homeward consists of Ms McPherson-Riley and old friend Lachie Robertson, playing coun-
try pop numbers that reflect her rural upbringing in Tasmania. She said performing Wendy Matthews was the next best thing to playing one of her originals. No stranger to the hectic hustle of the entertainment industry, Ms McPherson-Riley said she enjoyed the audition process, even if it was a bit
overwhelming. “We got put up in Sydney, so we were in a different space, a different hotel… early mornings, makeup and hair, all those sorts of things that I’m quite used to. “I’ve worked in entertainment for quite a while now, and I’m used to performing every weekend,” she said. Ms McPherson-Riley is constantly gigging and touring around the country, so coming back to her home in Yarra Junction is a refreshing break. “I suppose it’s a grounding for me, to come back and remember what’s important and be able to refuel for the next weekend. “We just literally look at trees, forests, and it’s just stunning, the mountains. We love doing our walks in Warburton, and it’s just a beautiful, relaxing place,” she said. Australians have shared an outpouring of support online for Ms McPherson-Riley, with her audition video receiving 100,000 views. She said she hoped that momentum could bring attention to Homeward. “I had no idea that the reach would be that great. That really stunned me. I was literally on TV two nights ago. I can’t imagine how many people are actually going to tune in and watch this and have seen me,” she said.
Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL 23
OPINION
So long and thank you... By Tanya Steele Hello, and see you later, people of the hills and beyond. (Yes, you valley people too!) Tanya Steele here, one of your Ferntree Gully and Ranges reporters, signing off for now from Star News Group. I am writing a short little something to say not goodbye, but more of a see you later. I’ve absolutely loved and been honoured by my time here, and will cherish the many things I’ve learned along the way. From environment to science, emergency response and arts, music and more, the community out here is dynamic, and it’s all one can do to keep track of the news cycle out here or what I like to call ‘the river ‘. A never-ending flow of happenings across the Yarra Ranges, from storms, to councils, to kids, crime, cars, arts, causes, grants, annual budgets, celebrity pop-ins and echidnas, I’ve interviewed all over the towns of this area and had a grand time doing it. Being part of the community I report on, there have been moments of truth and vulnerability along the way. The news cycle itself lends itself to rushing things that sometimes you can’t explain in a few short paragraphs. As life deals out pain and privilege in a seemingly chaotic way, the people who have shared their stories have often left me awestruck, and I have been constantly impressed by just how clever and incredible people can be. (This can lean the other way, of course). Coming to journalism was never planned, so this job has been more of a spontaneous jump for me. With an interest in both writing and people, along with natural curiosity, I’m not sure I will be able to stay away from some version of it for long. I am proud to call myself a journalist, although this took me a while to come to. At this time, I believe the media have a lot of work to do in the way we conduct ourselves. As digital news and AI take a stronger hold across the media landscape, the times ahead will certainly be curious, if nothing else. Mayhap one day, people will yearn for my occasional spelling mistakes, immortalised for as long as the ink lasts on the paper and evidence a human was behind the story. I only hugged a politician that one time, ok? What then counts as news? My general philosophy is that if the community values it, then so do I. Personally, I love a good story when someone has taken on an issue and gotten something happening to tackle it. Numbers and patterns very nearly always have real people and stories behind them, and that’s the thing to remember. Also echidnas, wombats, eels, all the animals ever, love writing on the
Caught by Stew at work, journalist Tanya Steele. (Stewart Chambers: 550305). environment. Also artists, musicians, builders and anyone who has made something or pretty much anyone who has deployed their brain towards something creative. I’ll be real, I will write a story about pretty much anything. I hate the budget, but I get it. We gotta know.
I would always encourage people to contact the paper and get a journalist on board to ask why things are the way they are. The why is always the trick; it’s never as simple to pinpoint. Being quite terrible at goodbyes (anyone who has been on the phone with me will vouch
for this), I would like to mainly say thank you to everyone. You may see my name pop up here and there, but the next bit after that is still a question mark. Anyway, a big thank you from me. Yours in community news, Tanya
Anti-ode to the bin chicken - and that Queen Street flock By Tanya Steele Journalist Tanya Steele here, signing out from regular news across the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley. I’m leaving a special little note for some local icons, just to be clear where I stand. Merely a warning of sorts, but residents should mind the Ibis flock on Queen Street in Healesville as they seem to hold a grudge. These protected but sometimes loathed birds have had a vendetta against me for some years, splattering my car with their droppings on the regular. If you think community journalism is on the outs, you’d be incorrect, because I am certain that after I wrote about local concerns regarding the filthy state of their regular hangouts in 2023, that’s when the guano attacks began. Every week, a huge white splat, right across the windshield. Is it the spot? Nope, I have moved the car several times, and in vain, I might add. I’ve developed venom, pure and just for these demented feather dusters, who I imagine sat clustered around the Mountain Views, chain-smoking and discussing the local news. I once considered them harmless and even a little cute in comic book form (thanks Danny!), but no longer! Not after the sustained poop campaign they began, which has started destroying the paint on my car. They even swooped low over my head a few times as I finished up work for the day, trying to assert their dominance. These white and black monsters will have 24 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
An Ibis celebrating the departure of long time rivial Tanya Steele in the wilds of Healesville. (the local pub). (By April Stevens: 572248). seen the last of me as I finish up this week, and I am leaving this here to let them know I am off on a new adventure.
Find someone else’s car to crap on, you diabolical rubbish chooks; we’re over. * Please note, this is all satire, as the author
is possibly and respectfully, a teeny bit scared of Ibis after a childhood incident which can not be detailed here at this time.
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OPINION
The Dutch Connection The Mt Evelyn Christian School (MECS) differs from most non-government schools with a central core of religious belief, in being a registered independent school which resulted from the commitment of parents, not a church. The Association of Parents for Christian Education in Mount Evelyn was formed in 1964 by members of the Reformed Church (now the Christian Reformed Church). Most of these parents were post-World War II immigrants from the Netherlands, who had settled in and around Mt Evelyn. Many had been schooled in the Netherlands in day schools independent of Church and State. The Association fundraised and members donated ten, and later fifteen, shillings a week to the cause of establishing a school, and collected donations from 20 cents up. In early 1970, three members of the Parents’ Association, including Keith Greenwood as bidder, attended an auction with the intention of buying an eight-hectare property fronting York Road. When the bidding passed their ceiling of $16,000, they bid on, after deciding to make up the difference from their own resources. They won with a bid of $19,000, the Mothers’ Club fundraised $2,000 towards the shortfall, and the vision for a school began to harden into reality. The parents needed at least a further $20,000 to commence building. Under Jerry Nyhouse and Keith Noorbergen, they surveyed the land, drew up plans and sought permission to subdivide the western side of the block fronting Hawkins Road into housing lots. Three years later the sale of twelve of these lots
Looking
back
Paula Herlihy
Mount Evelyn History Group President raised the funds to repay the bank overdraft, and for Stage One of the building program. The school opened on 3 February 1973 as the fifth such school in Australia. So MECS is not a church school. They consider that educating children is the responsibility of parents, not the government and not the church. Mt Evelyn History Group is planning a book on the Dutch community in our area and would welcome input. The exhibition currently at the Monbulk Hub recognises the contributions of Dutch migrants in the district. With the generous support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Bendigo Bank – Monbulk District, the Dutch Migration Project Committee have published a book that grew from this project, From the Lowlands to the Ranges: Celebrating Dutch Heritage in the Monbulk District, available from the Monbulk Historical Society to purchase. Article based on Ken McIntosh’s unpublished school history 21 Years Blessed.
Treasure Island ‘not the best’ The 1812 Theatre Treasure Island The 1812 Theatre presented Ken Ludwig’s Treasure Island. Possibly a show for children, as it was not the best production your reviewer has seen at The 1812 Theatre. The cast did a good job at playing out their roles. Jim Hawkins, the main star of the show and also acted as narrator was performed by Anastasia Swadling. Anastasia handled the role with professionalism, creating the correct feeling for the character. Long John Silver was played by Felix Green. Another good performance from a man who has a likable spot for young Jim. But he was also rather ruthless in his attitude towards the captain and crew of his ship. Dr Livesay was given a good performance by Hannah Sleeth, a good interpretation of the character. Squire Trelawney and Job O’Brien were played by Matthew Flint, a hard role to play two parts in, and Squire Trelawney was quite funny. Captain Smollett and Black Dog were both played by Chris Isaac, another hard job with two roles and as captain, he handled the role well. Ben Gunn and Blind Pew were played by James Banger. Another good portrayal of both roles, and Ben Gunn did a fine interpretation of the character. The opening night audience had several children attending as well as the normal opening night audience. Some did leave after interval, not really impressed with the evening. Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Lawrence Jameson makes his living by talking rich ladies out of their money. Freddy Bensen swindles women with fabricated stories about his grandmother’s failing health. After meeting on a train, they attempt to work together, only to find that this small French town isn’t big enough for the two of them. They agree to a settlement: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female heiress, Christine Colgate, wins, and the other must leave town. A hilarious battle of the conmen ensues … and with music. Season: 10 - 25 September. Bookings (03) 9735 1777. The Princess Theatre, Melbourne A Beautiful Noise The Story of Neil Diamond A musical about Neil Diamond’s life opened at the
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CARTOON
Kemp’s curtain call Princess Theatre in Melbourne, Neil’s favourite Australian city. Neil Diamond was born in Brooklyn, and all four of his grandparents were immigrants from Poland and Ukraine. Neil Diamond became a songwriter and then an entertainer with such songs as A Beautiful Noise, America, Cherry Cherry, Forever in Blue Jeans, Love on the Rocks, and Sweet Caroline. These are only a small number of his works, but they were all included in the show A Beautiful Noise. The production was a sheer delight. A simple set with remarkable lighting. Neil Diamond was played by two people, Then and Now. Then was performed by Will Simpson and Now was played by Terence Crawford. An unusual beginning to a musical. Two people on stage in armchairs with Terence Crawford in one as Neil Diamond Now and a Doctor in the other, played by Monica Sayers. Terence was answering questions fired at him by the Doctor, then at the finale he was up and singing as a soloist and with the rest of the cast. A magnificent performance. The Doctor, played by Monica Sayers, handled her role as the interviewer with ease, and one would think she was an interviewer all her life. Will Swanson as Neil Ciamond then gave another fantastic performance and was on stage most of the evening. His voice was remarkable, and his acting was superb. A large cast who gave the performance of a lifetime, and what a show it was. It completed with a standing ovation, and to everyone’s surprise, Mrs Diamond walked on, Neil’s wife, who flew over to see the first performance outside the USA. She came on stage and mentioned how she loved the show and how Neil loved Australia. Melbourne, she said, was his favourite city in Australia and asked to be remembered by his fans down under. A successful musical which after the Melbourne season goes on tour around Australia.
Rediscovering literary genius Shirley Jackson and the Chaos Box is the third book in the Icons Series, which detailed different incarnations of The Doctor meeting various famous people throughout the history. Apart from American novelist Shirley Jackson, the series featured Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, and the much, much better known Charles Darwin. In this book, the 15th Doctor and his companion Ruby Sunday visit North Bennington, Vermont, where Jackson resided when she wrote her most famous short story “The Lottery” (1948). They then travel further back to 1937 when Jackson was studying journalism at Syracuse University in central New York. Apparently, Jackson is one of the Doctor’s favourite writers. In his words: “She wrote all kinds of tales, but her horror stories? Those were the ones that stuck with me. Her writing has a way of burrowing under your skin, making your heart race with every turn of the page.” “Her imagination was a force to be reckoned with. It was one of those rare talents that could reach out from the page and take hold of you. I suppose that’s why her stories have stayed with me all this time. They remind me that the most fantastic adventures often begin in the corners of our minds, where fear and dreams collide.” Many of us know Jackson through the film and TV adaptations of her horror novels The Haunting of Hill House (1959) and We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962). But the Doctor describes “The Lottery” as the “one story in particular that kept me up all night the first time I read it”. His analysis of that story is one of the most memorable parts of this book.The Doctor and
PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN Ruby enlist Jackson’s help in their investigation of a mysterious box that appears to be controlling people’s minds. At one stage, Jackson becomes influenced by the box’s power and reveals a previously unseen side of her personality. This is a subtle yet brilliant moment in the book, and demonstrates how the author understands Jackson’s life and writing as a woman novelist in the 1940s and 1950s. Unfortunately, those readers who know nothing or very little about Jackson – and those who just want a thrilling, action-packed Doctor Who story with a bit of horror thrown in – may find this book somewhat disappointing. The Doctor puts it mildly: “She had all these big ideas in a time, this time, when women with big ideas were seen as a threat.” The book may be seen as the author’s tribute to Jackson, who is said to have influenced many successful authors, including but not limited to Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, and Richard Matheson. Highly recommended, but please read “The Lottery” first.
Oak Street a genre treat The End Of Oak Street Starring Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor and Maisy Stella M 4/5 In The End Of Oak Street, a satisfying sci-fi survival action film written and directed by David Robert Mitchell, the Platt family find their entire neighbourhood transported from the eighties back to the Mesozoic era. Christian Convery and especially Maisy Stella, as the kids Audrey and Brian Platt (respectively), are the poignant standouts in an all-round solid cast (though Ewan McGregor’s American accent is a little broad). The End Of Oak Street has an intriguing slow build and outstanding effects, and the likeable characters convey an authentic air of being freaked out in this impossible situation but still holding together enough to push through it. While the film draws effective horror and several exciting chase sequences from its creatures, it’s nice to see the dinosaurs portrayed as animals and not monsters (and they’re appropriately feathered, reflecting our current understanding of dinosaurs). The End Of Oak Street makes creative use of reflections and long, immersive panning shots, and a nailbiting scene of a giant snake stalking
through the family house reminded me of the lake alligator scene in Ti West’s 2020 film X. The ending throws up some perplexing questions and might sour the movie for you, but it all depends on your tolerance for paradoxes; I can let screwing with the timeline slide if it serves an uplifting result. The End Of Oak Street doesn’t reinvent the wheel or reclone the dinosaur, and a few scenes are a little corny, but it amply delivers perilous adventure and touching family drama. With an $80 million budget (the same as The Creator from 2023), this is the kind of well-made medium-budget genre film that we sadly don’t see too much of anymore (most cinema releases these days are either small indie films or bigbudget blockbusters).
Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL 25
PUZZLES
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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'.
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Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 31 words: Excellent
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advert, aver, avert, avid, dative, davit, DEPRAVITY, diva, dive, diver, divert, drive, pave, paved, private, privet, privy, rave, raved, rive, rived, rivet, vapid, varied, variety, vary, verity, very, vide, vied, viper
5 9 6 2 8 7 3 1 4 8 2 7 4 3 1 6 9 5 1 4 3 9 5 6 2 7 8 9 6 8 1 4 2 5 3 7 4 3 2 6 7 5 1 8 9 7 1 5 8 9 3 4 2 6 6 8 9 3 1 4 7 5 2 3 7 4 5 2 8 9 6 1 2 5 1 7 6 9 8 4 3
3 9 5 1 2 4 8 6 7 6 8 2 7 9 3 4 5 1 7 4 1 6 5 8 9 3 2 8 1 9 5 6 2 7 4 3 2 7 4 3 8 9 6 1 5 5 3 6 4 1 7 2 9 8 9 2 3 8 4 1 5 7 6 1 5 8 9 7 6 3 2 4 4 6 7 2 3 5 1 8 9
1 5 6 2 7 4 9 3 8 7 3 8 5 9 1 4 6 2 9 4 2 3 8 6 7 5 1 3 2 1 9 4 5 8 7 6 5 9 7 6 1 8 2 4 3 8 6 4 7 2 3 5 1 9 4 7 9 1 6 2 3 8 5 6 8 3 4 5 9 1 2 7 2 1 5 8 3 7 6 9 4 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
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No. 335
K T S X R Q O J D C H M N
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4 LETTERS CAFE DRAB DREW METE MUSS SACS SEEM SEER SETS SKEW SPAT STAB TART YETI
WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ACT AGE APT ARE BUY DAD DIM EGO END ERR IDS IOU OPT ORE OUR PAT PEN PET ROD SAP SEA SEE SET TEE
No. 303
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5 LETTERS ABATE ABODE AGENT AGREE ALERT APRON ARIAS AROMA ARROW BASIS BONGO CALLS CENTS CRUDE DITTO DRAPE EARLY EDGES ENACT ERASE
ERRED ERROR EXITS GRATE GROOM HEADS HOARD KOALA LIONS LURID LYING ORBIT PASSE PEARS PEERS PUTTY REMIT REVUE ROADS ROPES SCARE
7 LETTERS DECLARE ELECTED FIREMEN NOSTRIL OVERRAN TRESTLE
SENSE SLEET STYLE SWEET TINGE TRADE TROLL WATER WEEDS 6 LETTERS ALLURE OLDEST PADDLE PRISES
8 LETTERS RELAXING RELEASES RETAILED UGLINESS
H E A D S P U T T Y A B A T E O R B I T A G R E E L U R I D S L E E T L Y I N G A R O M A B A S I S I O U A G E R O D D R E W C E N T S P R I S E S A P T E L E C T E D G R A T E S E E R S K E W M U S S O R E R E L E A S E S D E C L A R E O V E R R A N O U R S P A T R E T A I L E D C A F E R O A D S M E T E N O S T R I L P E N P A D D L E T R A D E S E T S D A D E X I T S A R E E R R E R A S E R E M I T A P R O N A G E N T C A L L S R O P E S S W E E T B O N G O S T Y L E
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DECODER
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Abode of the dead (5) Brotherly (9) Copy (7) Voyaging (7) Keeps (9) Trick (5) US intelligence agency (1,1,1) Armour that covers the chest (11) On paper, say (11) Mister (3) Japanese delicacy (5) South American nation (9) Power plug (7) Regular payment (7) Eradicate (9) Autographs (5)
1 4 9 10 11 12 13 14
Helps (7) Relating to a bishop (9) Gullible (5) Measure of interstellar distance (5-4) Monaco, Singapore or Vatican City, for example (4-5) Lawyer (9) Replying (9) Greek restaurant (7) Hollow and curved (7) Intelligent (5) Regions (5) Bottomless gulf (5)
5 6 7 8
ACROSS
No. 303
1
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.
QUICK CROSSWORD
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No. 303
H A D E S F R A T E R N A L A U A R S P A I S A I L I N G R E P L I C A L N G I S V H E C H E A T M A I N T A I N S C L T O Y C I A B R E A S T P L A T E T A A N A I S I R T H E O R E T I C A L R A O W Y S U S H I V E N E Z U E L A M S E C O R B T A N N U I T Y A D A P T O R R E N V E N S T S I G N S E X T I R P A T E
SUDOKU
21-08-26
˅ˢ˕˕˜˘ʟ ʺ˔˩˔ˡ ˔ˡ˗ ʽ˔ˡ˘˧
˪˪˪ʡ˛˘˥˜˧˔˚˘˙˨ˡ˘˥˔˟˦ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ ϧ ˊ˔ˡ˧˜˥ˡ˔ʟ ʿ˜˟ˬ˗˔˟˘ʟ ˊˢˢ˥˜ ˌ˔˟˟ˢ˖˞ ϧ ʬʫʣʣ ʦʣʣʣ 26 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
12711905-KG37-24
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SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND FLEXIBLE FAMILY LIVING
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND FLEXIBLE FAMILY LIVING POSITIONED to capture breathtaking panoramic views across the Warburton Ranges, this exceptional lifestyle property delivers space, versatility and a peaceful setting that the whole family will appreciate. Set on just over an acre of beautifully useable, gently sloping land, the property offers an outstanding balance of indoor comfort and outdoor enjoyment. The home features four generous bedrooms, with the flexibility to utilise one as a home office if desired. The privately positioned main suite is complemented by a stylishly renovated ensuite. Designed for effortless everyday living, the light-filled open-plan layout seamlessly combines the lounge and dining areas with a well-appointed galley kitchen, creating a warm and welcoming central hub. Extending from the living space is a substantial sunroom, offering exceptional versatility. Open the bi-fold doors to create one expansive entertaining area, or close them off to provide a separate living room, games room, home office or children’s retreat. Step outside to an expansive entertaining deck where the magnificent mountain outlook becomes the backdrop to every occasion. Whether hosting family and friends or simply enjoying a peaceful morning coffee, this is a space that can be enjoyed throughout every season. Year-round comfort is assured with ducted heating throughout the home, while a splitsystem air conditioner services the main living areas during the warmer months. Adding even more flexibility is the separately accessed lower level, complete with its own bathroom. Perfect as a fifth bedroom, rumpus room, guest accommodation, workshop, creative studio or hobby space, it offers endless possibilities to suit a growing family’s changing needs. Further enhancing the property’s appeal is a 5kW solar system with a 5kW inverter, helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs. A standout feature is the fully self-contained mobile tiny home, thoughtfully fitted out with two sleeping areas, a functional kitchen, bathroom and comfortable living space. Whether you’re seeking guest accommodation, a private retreat for teenagers, home office or studio, this incredible addition opens the door to a wide range of lifestyle and income possibilities. Combining stunning scenery, generous proportions and exceptional versatility, this is a rare opportunity to secure a property that offers so much more than just a place to live. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 3 Grandview Avenue, EMERALD Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mike Rosario 0400 972 032, BARRY PLANT EMERALD – 5968 4522
28 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
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HOME FOCUS
PRIVATE ACREAGE LIVING WITH SPACE AND SERENITY SET on approximately 20 acres in a peaceful and private pocket of Pakenham Upper, this inviting three-bedroom, two-bathroom brick home offers the perfect balance of comfort, space and a relaxed country lifestyle. Arriving via the double carport, you’re welcomed into a spacious carpeted lounge where exposed timber beams and high ceilings create a wonderful sense of character. Large windows draw in an abundance of natural light, while a crackling wood fire and split system ensure year-round comfort. Privately positioned adjacent to the living area, the main bedroom provides a peaceful retreat complete with a walk-in robe featuring a skylight and a well-appointed ensuite. At the heart of the home, the open plan kitchen and dining area is designed for everyday functionality. Durable slate flooring complements the practical layout, while the kitchen offers an electric cooktop, dishwasher, breakfast bar, generous bench space and excellent storage. A second living area, warmed by another wood fire, opens through sliding doors to the undercover verandah, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Positioned off the second living area are two generously sized carpeted bedrooms, each with built-in robes, serviced by a central family bathroom with a separate toilet. This thoughtful layout provides excellent separation from the main bedroom, making it ideal for families, guests or teenagers. Stepping outside, the lifestyle continues with a generous undercover entertaining area overlooking the peaceful surrounds, complemented by a dedicated fire pit area for relaxing with family and friends. A fully lined studio with floating floors, power and its own front verandah provides the ideal work-from-home office, creative studio or hobby space. The property also features a substantial 12m x 6m shed with concrete floor and power, an additional carport, woodshed, an enclosed dog run, and excellent water storage. Offering bike and walking trails throughout this private oasis, this impressive lifestyle property presents an outstanding opportunity to embrace the best of country living while enjoying all the comforts of home. This property has it all so don’t miss out call to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 542 Bourkes Creek Road, PAKENHAM UPPER Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $1,300,000 - $1,400,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD 5968 6222 mailcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 29
PROPERTY NEWS
Olinda Lodge Clubhouse.
HAMLET LILYDALE’S BOUTIQUE ADVANTAGE EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF THE YARRA RANGES LIFESTYLE WITH HAMLET LIVING Hamlet Lilydale is a boutique over 50s community tucked into one of Lilydale’s bestloved spots, right beside Bellbird Park and Lillydale Lake. Beautifully designed homes, a clubhouse that feels like an extension of your own living room, and 3 hectares of open green space, Hamlet Lilydale offers a lifestyle you won’t find anywhere else in the region. Hamlet Living has kept it small on purpose. With just 50 homes, there’s room for a genuine sense of community to grow naturally, and for green space to take centre stage, in fact, 65% of the site stays exactly that: open and green. Next door, Bellbird Park and Lillydale Lake stretch out over 100 hectares of parkland, the perfect backdrop for morning walks with the dog, a bike ride along the lake, or an afternoon fish on the shoreline. And when you’re after a bit of village life, central Lilydale is just under two kilometres away, with its marketplace, train station, cafes and community clubs (tennis, bowls and squash, take your pick) all close at hand. Location at a glance • Lilydale Train Station: 2.5km • Woolworths, Coles, Aldi: 2.5km • Squash, tennis, lawn bowls clubs: 2.5km • 663 and 680 bus routes: Right out front • Bellbird Park & Lillydale Lake: Right next door Contact Hamlet Living The sales office is now open at 375 Swansea Road, and with prices starting from $845,000, their early buyers are loving getting first pick of everything Hamlet Lilydale has to offer. If you’re interested to find out more, visit hamletliving.com.au, or give Marion (their sales lead) a call on 0482 672 325, she’s great to chat to. ●
30 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE
Creekside Reserve.
| Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
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Welcome Home to Hamlet Living. A home built for connection at a boutique over 50s community in Lilydale. Just 3 Rae homes available from $845,000.
Open the front door onto a verandah for morning coffee with neighbours. Walk through to a private rear garden for slow evenings.
Ready to have a conversation? Visit hamletliving.com.au or call 0482 672 325.
In between, a bright dual-aspect living space with open plan kitchen and butler’s pantry. Two bedrooms and bathrooms tucked privately to the rear. A window seat for your favourite novel. A study nook ˙ˢ˥ ˤ˨˜˘˧ ˙ˢ˖˨˦ʡ ˇ˛˘ ˅˔˘ ˜˦ˡϠ˧ ˝˨˦˧ ˔ Єˢˢ˥ˣ˟˔ˡʟ ˜˧Ϡ˦ ˔ rhythm for how you love to live. 12892991-EB34-26
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Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 31
HOME FOCUS
SPACE AND EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY APPEAL POSITIONED on an impressive 1,011m² flat and sun drenched block, 2 Gilmore Court presents an outstanding opportunity to secure a spacious and comfortable home in the heart of sought after Belgrave South. Designed for easy family living, the home offers a practical and inviting layout complemented by ducted heating and split system heating and cooling, ensuring year round comfort. The beautifully updated bathroom adds a fresh, modern feel, while the standout huge entertaining area provides an exceptional space for relaxed family living, weekend gatherings and entertaining family and friends. Step outside and discover what truly sets this property apart. The exceptionally flat, sunny backyard provides an abundance of usable space for children and pets to play, entertaining guests, gardening or simply enjoying the outdoors. With rear access down the driveway, there is excellent flexibility and convenient access to the expansive backyard. The location is equally appealing, with local schools, shops and public transport all within easy reach. Enjoy the peaceful charm of Belgrave South while remaining close to the everyday amenities that make life convenient. Combining a large, level and sun filled block, generous living and entertaining spaces, year round comfort and a highly convenient location, this is a property with plenty to offer. An ideal opportunity for first home buyers, young families or downsizers seeking space without the burden of high maintenance living, 2 Gilmore Court is ready to be enjoyed and offers an exciting chance to secure a wonderful piece of Belgrave South. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 2 Gilmore Court, BELGRAVE SOUTH Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 garage Price: $830,000 - $895,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115 and Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 9754 6888
32 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
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Real Estate you can trust! We’re here to help.
61 Kooringal Road, UPWEY
20 McAllister Road, MONBULK
1301m2
3
1
3
1188m2
39 Fairy Dell Road, TECOMA 3
1
2
CLOSING DATE SALE 31.08.26
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
$595,000 - $654,000
$770,000 - $830,000
$780,000 - $850,000
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
2 Gilmore Court, BELGRAVE SOUTH 3
1
2
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
Daniel Steen 0434 979 142
1470A Burwood Highway, UPWEY
1011m2
3
2
2
546m2
31-33 Belbrook Road, UPWEY 4
2
5
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
$830,000 - $895,000
$895,000 - $965,000
$900,000 - $990,000
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Daniel Steen 0434 979 142
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
991m2
2044m2
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
03 9754 6888 office@chandlerandco.com.au 1689 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Vic 3160 mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 33
HOME FOCUS
CHARACTER, COMMUNITY AND CONVENIENCE THERE’S something truly special about Gembrook. A close-knit community where neighbours know each other by name, children still ride their bikes to the local playground, and weekends are spent enjoying great coffee, boutique cafes and the iconic Puffing Billy rolling through town. It’s the kind of lifestyle families dream about, and this charming character home places you right in the heart of it all. Perfectly positioned within easy walking distance of everything Gembrook has to offer, you’ll love leaving the car at home as you stroll to cafes, restaurants, shops, parks and everyday amenities. With the skate park and playground just moments away, this is a location where young families can truly embrace the outdoors and a strong sense of community. Set on a flat 728sqm (approx.) allotment, this delightful character home beautifully combines timeless charm with modern-day comfort. Rich in history, the home showcases soaring ceilings, polished Baltic Pine floorboards, ornate ceiling roses, leadlight windows and original light fittings that create warmth and personality throughout. Offering four bedrooms, or three plus a separate formal lounge complete with an open fireplace, the flexible floorplan caters perfectly to growing families or those seeking additional living space. The updated timber kitchen is fitted with premium Miele appliances, including a gas cooktop, oven and rangehood, and stone bench tops, while the adjoining meals and living area flows seamlessly onto a covered entertaining deck overlooking the private backyard. Designed for year-round comfort, the home also features gas ducted heating, split system heating and cooling, and the added benefit of solar panels to help improve everyday energy efficiency. Whether you’re stepping into the market for the first time, searching for more space for your growing family, or simply wanting to enjoy the unique village lifestyle that makes Gembrook so sought after, this is a home that delivers charm, convenience and community in equal measure. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 3a Gembrook Road, GEMBROOK Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 garage Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Jacqui Ryder 0433 095 278, BARRY PLANT EMERALD – 5968 4522
34 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
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181 RAINY HILL ROAD COCKATOO
3A GEMBROOK ROAD GEMBROOK
3 LADD SQUARE EMERALD
BUILD THE LIFE YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF
CHARACTER, COMMUNITY & CONVENIENCE
3 DWELLINGS – ON 5 ACRES
3A
6A
8505m2 $530,000-$580,000 OFI By Appointment
JACQUI RYDER 0433 095 278 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
1B
2D
FOR SALE $690,000-$759,000 OFI By Appointment
JACQUI RYDER 0433 095 278 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
4B
2C
FOR SALE $2,400,000-$2,600,000 OFI By Appointment
4D LANA MAHER 0408 535 075 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
LIST YOUR HOME WITH US THIS WINTER
W E ’ L L D O N AT E $ 5 0 0 T O YOUR CHOSEN SPORTING CLUB OR CHARITY* *Terms & Conditions Apply SCAN TO VIEW OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS
• Valid for new listings signed 01/06/2026 – 31/08/2026. • $500 paid at settlement post-sale. • Nominated recipient must be a registered sporting, community or charity group.
BARRY PLANT EMERALD 03 5968 4522
1 OSIER PLACE COCKATOO
3 GRANDVIEW AVENUE EMERALD
45 MT PLEASANT ROAD MONBULK
FAMILY SPACE & LIFESTYLE ON 2,996M²
SPECTACULAR VIEWS & FLEXIBLE LIVING
RARE LAND OPPORTUNITY!
3A
2D
5A
D
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781
FOR SALE $1,150,000 - $1,250,000 OFI By Appointment
2B
1C
FOR SALE $1,050,000 - $1,070,000 OFI By Appointment
mailcommunity.com.au
BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
3B MIKE ROSARIO 0400 972 032 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
1859m2 (approx)
FOR SALE $600,000 - $650,000 OFI By Appointment
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 35
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36 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
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TREE LOPPING/SURGERY
On time, Local, Family owned 12669330-ET08-24
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Call the team today 0421 574 444
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12481756-DL07-21
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www.transformedtreeservices.com.au
12887612-JV31-26
Leak detection & repair High Pressure cleaning Total Roof Restorations Skylight resealing Rebedding & Pointing Pensioner discount 30 years in roofing leaks
Call Chris 0412 099 142
12543759-AI14-22
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paulnobes@live.com.au
section of Network Classifieds.
Any person making a submission may request in the submission to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission. Any person requesting to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in their submission, will be notified of the day, time and place of the meeting of Council, or of a committee determined by Council, to hear submissions. All submissions will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989. Copies of submissions, excluding submitters’ names and addresses, will be made available at the Council meeting when submissions are considered. It is proposed to declare the special charge at the Council meeting to be held on 13 October 2026, or, should that meeting not proceed, at the next available meeting after consideration of the submissions received. The proposed declaration will expire if the special charge is not levied on each person liable to pay it within 12 months after the day on which the declaration is made.
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FOR SALE GLASS TOP DINNG TABLE and 6 chairs, Healesville $400.00. Contact Robert: 0404 994 336. YAMAHA GENERATOR EF2200iS 2.2kva Inverter, brand new. Price: $2,000 Ph. 0439 627 360.
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FIREWOOD LUMBAJACK FIREWOOD Split & Dry Undercover Redgum and Bushwood Redgum and Bushwood pickup or delivery Weights and measures approved. Provider of work cover and human services Credit card available. Servicing the Yarra Valley and surrounding areas for over 35 years.
0409 184 802 Please leave a message if phone unattended, call will be returned.
12850300-RV11-26
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In accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989, notice is hereby given that Yarra Ranges Shire Council, at its meeting on 11 August 2026, resolved to declare its intention to levy special charges for Junction Road, Marshall Street, The Crescent, Roland Avenue and Longview Road, Mount Evelyn road improvement works, for the purpose of defraying expenses incurred by Council in providing road improvements carried out under Sections 8 and 10 of the Local Government Act 2020. The special charge is intended to be declared in respect of properties that abut, or gain primary access via, the above listed roads. Plans of the designated areas, showing the properties included in the special charge scheme, can be viewed online at https://docspublished.com.au/yarraranges under the Council meeting agenda for Tuesday 11 August 2026. A copy of the proposal to levy the special charge is available for inspection during office hours until 16 September 2026 at any of the following Yarra Ranges Council Community Links: 15 Anderson Street, Lilydale; 110 River Street, Healesville; 21 Main Road, Monbulk; 40 Main Street, Upwey; or 2442–2444 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction. In accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989, any person wishing to make a submission on the proposal must do so in writing by 16 September 2026, as follows:
Delivered
Please address submissions to: Public Submission – Special Charge Scheme Email: mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au Post: Yarra Ranges Council, PO Box 105, Lilydale, Vic 3140 Hand Deliver: At any of Council’s Community Links
General 12858387-JV15-26
• Metal re-roofs/guttering • Colorbond • Down pipes/gutter guard • Free quotes • 30 years’ experience • Prompt attention to leaks in all types of roofs
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12893157-JV34-26
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Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL 37
SPORT
Emerald storms home By Armin Richter Football Premier Division (round 17) Seniors: Olinda-Ferny Creek 14.13.97 def Officer 13.14.92; Wandin 12.16.88 def Woori Yallock 10.8.68; Warburton-Millgrove 18.15.123 def Upwey-Tecoma 7.14.56; Monbulk 20.9.129 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 11.4.70; Mt. Evelyn 10.3.63 def Healesville 5.2.32 Reserves: Officer 8.8.56 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 7.9.51; Wandin 9.7.61 def Woori Yallock 9.5.59; Upwey-Tecoma 11.4.70 def Warburton-Millgrove 8.9.57; Monbulk 8.8.56 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 6.9.45; Mt. Evelyn 20.17.137 def Healesville 1.0.6 Under 18 (combined): Upwey-Tecoma 16.16.112 def Warburton-Millgrove 4.1.25; GembrookCockatoo 8.8.56 def Monbulk 8.7.55; Woori Yallock 20.6.126 def Yarra Glen 4.8.32; Officer 28.11.179 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 5.1.31; Healesville 13.10.88 def Mt. Evelyn 6.5.41; Pakenham 17.9.111 def Alexandra 1.2.8; Wandin 7.7.49 def Seville 5.1.31 Women (Div 1 - Finals Week 2): PF WarburtonWesburn 6.9.45 def Upwey-Tecoma 3.3.21 Division 1 (round 18) Seniors: Pakenham 14.14.98 def Alexandra 8.11.59; Seville 38.20.248 def Powelltown 1.1.7; Belgrave 15.10.100 def Yarra Glen 10.12.72; Emerald 24.26.170 def Yarra Junction 3.3.21; Yea bye Reserves: Pakenham 21.11.137 def Alexandra 2.2.14; Seville 22.18.150 def Powelltown 2.0.12; Belgrave 26.15.171 def Yarra Glen 1.4.10; Emerald 24.17.161 def Yarra Junction 2.1.13; Yea bye Women (Div 2 - Finals Week 2): PF Officer 3.4.22 def Seville 2.7.19 Netball Premier Division (round 17) A Grade: Warburton-Millgrove 69 def UpweyTecoma 25; Olinda-Ferny Creek 65 def ROC 47; Wandin 46 def Woori Yallock 39; Monbulk 84 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 30; Mt. Evelyn 75 def Healesville 24 B Grade: Warburton-Millgrove 69 def UpweyTecoma 33; ROC 75 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 43; Woori Yallock 61 def Wandin 53; Monbulk 65
•
• •
• •
Monbulk’s Ziggy Hatherley fights for possession against Gembrook. (Anthea Heagney)
• • • •
• • •
def Gembrook-Cockatoo 31; Mt. Evelyn 72 def Healesville 22 C Grade: ROC 62 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 17; Wandin 42 def Woori Yallock 30; Monbulk 41 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 21; Mt. Evelyn 63 def Healesville 9; Warburton-Millgrove bye D Grade: ROC 28 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 19; Woori Yallock 33 def Wandin 29; Monbulk 35 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 15; Mt. Evelyn 54 def Healesville 14; Warburton-Millgrove bye Under 17: Mt. Evelyn 71 def Monbulk Maroon 30; ROC Blue 80 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 3; Woori Yallock 59 def Wandin 20; ROC White 28 def Warburton-Millgrove 21; Monbulk Gold 47 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 12
15: Monbulk Gold 33 def Wandin Blue 20; • Under Pakenham Maroon 47 def Woori Yallock 18; ROC Blue 38 def Pakenham Gold 5; Monbulk Maroon 30 def ROC White 20; Wandin Red bye Division 1 (round 18) A Grade: Emerald 46 def Yarra Junction 13; Pakenham 60 def Alexandra 28; Seville 100 def Powelltown 16; Yarra Glen 55 def Belgrave 38; Yea bye B Grade: Emerald 51 def Yarra Junction 31; Pakenham 89 def Alexandra 23; Seville 125 def Powelltown 2; Yarra Glen 45 def Belgrave 37; Yea bye C Grade: Emerald 46 def Yarra Junction 24; Pakenham 63 def Alexandra 13; Seville 70 def Powelltown 4; Yarra Glen 41 def Belgrave 26; Yea bye D Grade: Emerald 36 def Yarra Junction 32; Se-
• • • •
ville 56 def Powelltown 17; Yarra Glen 36 def Belgrave 22; Pakenham + Yea bye Under 17: Emerald 66 def Yarra Junction 4; Seville Blue 61 def Seville White 12; Pakenham Gold 39 def Alexandra 14; Pakenham Maroon bye Junior Football Finals (Week 3) Under 16 Boys Yarra: GF Olinda-Ferny Creek 10.13.73 def Mt. Evelyn 11.6.72 Under 16 Boys Ranges: GF Woori Yallock 6.11.47 def Upwey-Tecoma Black 6.7.43 Under 16 Girls: GF Healesville 5.8.38 def Mt. Evelyn 4.3.27 Under 14 Girls: GF Olinda/Gembrook 3.6.24 def Monbulk 2.6.18
• • • • •
Golf club celebrates Jarrod Lyle Charity Day Horse talk By Anita Prowse
By Ron Hottes With better weather on the horizon, it was great to see more golfers out enjoying the course this week. Unfortunately, there was no Monday golf for the girls, but the ladies certainly made up for it at their Thursday social day. Nine players took part and enjoyed a putting competition over nine holes. The clear winner was Suzanne Barratt, who needed just 14 putts. That’s a pretty impressive putting performance. Well done, Suzanne. Wednesday Golf: The Mick McGrane Bag Day Challenge was finally completed, and once again it was old mate Dazza – Darryl Ward – who came out on top. Darryl posted the best nett score of the week with an excellent 66, winning the challenge quite clearly, leaving his mate, Fergie, way behind. Well done, Dazza. Good shooting – you’re obviously in reasonably hot form! The runners-up were Lucas Rush and Trevor Porter, both with nett 69s. Lucas took the runner-up voucher on a countback. Nearest-the-pins went to: 3rd: Ian Garside – just 95cm from the pin. A lovely tee shot, Junior! 5th: Lucas Rush. 9th: Ross Machar. 12th: Peter Fox. 15th: No one managed to reach the green on this challenging Par 3. Jarrod Lyle Charity Day: Saturday’s Jared Lyle Charity Day was certainly a fun day, and I must thank Captain Whitehead for his very detailed report. Although, after reading about some of the challenges, I think he may need to seek help
• • • • •
38 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
eryone can see just how inventive the setup was. I’m sure greenkeeper Paul Mason would have been tearing his hair out trying to prepare the course for some of these challenges. As it turns out, Paul got his revenge by taking the nearest-the-pin on the 15th. The winners, playing off a combined handicap of 8.875, were: Stuart Patrick, Steve Patrick, Mitch Parr and Chris Toole. All the winners took home a Luke the Duck driver cover, courtesy of the Jared Lyle team. The runners-up, off a combined handicap of 2.75, were: Troy Murphy, Ben Lever, David Lever and Jayden Lever. They took home a Luke the Duck fairway wood cover. Nearest-the-pins went to: 3rd: Gary Vollmer. 5th: Ex-President Nursey. 8th: A special third-shot nearest-the-pin – Roger Mataele was very close and apparently went on to make a very easy birdie. Well done, Roger! 9th: Tim Jones. 12th: Jayden Lever. 15th: Paul Mason – very appropriate, considering he had to set the whole course up. He certainly mastered the 15th! A great day was had by everyone, and a very worthwhile amount of money was raised for the Jarrod Lyle charity. Well done to everyone who took part, and a big thank you to all those who helped make the day such a success. Finally, a welcome to Marlo, the newest addition to the Clubhouse staff. I know Marlo very well, and she will be a major asset to the Warburton Golf Club.
•
• • •
Wednesday saw the final round of Shirley Heights EC’s winter midweek series. The winners were: Advanced - Chloe McGoldrick on Glenyering Fritz, Chloe also won the Medium Class. Elementary - Nina Clarke on LP Quantum Connection. Novice - Megan Joyce on Mayfield Kismet. Preliminary - Amy Gotts-Wheeler on Raffaello. Preparatory - Edith Kane on Flash One Hey. Well done everyone. Looking forward to the Spring Series. Lots of local events and competitions coming up, just a reminder to get entries in early as some have changed from the usual one week before event day closing. This is extremely helpful for event organisers as last-minute entries can really throw volunteers into a spin trying to organise the amount of rings, judges and other volunteers, so don’t get caught out and get them in. Happy Riding everyone, enjoy the sunshine while you can!
• • • • •
• • •
Some inventive shots were setup for the Jarrod Lyle Charity Day. (Supplied) for his apparent obsession with unusual tee shots! The day included putting challenges, seated tee shots, baseball bat tee shots and onehanded tee shots, just to name a few. I’ll be sending through some photos so ev-
Entry closing dates have changed, so people are encouraged to get them in early. (Supplied)
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SPORT
Locked in fourth By David Ball Yarra Glen seniors travelled to Belgrave in a game that would not impact either team’s finishing position for the season. The River Pigs were locked in to finish fourth, and Belgrave could not move from their sixth position. Belgrave started well, dominating centre clearances and adding three quick goals before the River Pigs had a forward entry. A couple of great goals from Sam Wood kept Yarra Glen in touch, but still four goals down at quarter time. Yarra Glen lifted their pressure in the second and with solid work from the backline, the ball spent most of the time in Yarra Glen’s forward half. Belgrave were only able to add one goal whilst the River Pigs poor kicking for goal saw them add three goals five to be just five points down at half time. The third quarter saw Belgrave take control, dominating centre clearances as they had done in the first quarter and capitalising up forward with their forwards continually out marking the Yarra Glen defenders. Going into the last quarter 37 points up and scoring early, Belgrave had the game won. Whilst the River Pigs continued to fight hard and kicked the last three goals, the damage was done, and they ended up going down by 28 points. Final Scores: Yarra Glen 10.12 to Belgrave 15.10. Best Players: Daniel Reid, Noah Battle, Jake Ferris, Luke DeGoldi, Tom Sullivan, Aussie Smith. Goalkickers: Sam Wood 3, Josh Hawkins 2, Luke DeGoldi 2, Cooper Barbera 2, Jae Macdonald 1. The Yarra Glen reserves, with an injury-weakened team, faced a fired-up Belgrave who were preparing for finals. Belgrave proved to be too quick and were continually able to find loose players to cut through the River Pig defence. After kicking seven goals to nil in the first, Belgrave continued to dominate despite some great efforts from Jarrod Hull in defence. Whilst the Yarra Glen boys never gave up and continued to work hard until the end, they were no match for a much better team. Final Scores: Yarra Glen 1.4 to Belgrave 26.15. Best Players. Jarrod Hull, Sean Kenyon, Dayne Fuss, Josh Potter, Matt McKenzie, Max Murphy. Goalkicker: Mason Smith. Yarra Glen’s Under 18’s went to Woori Yallock and were very competitive in the first half, Against a better-equipped opponent they were just four goals down at half-time. The boys were unable to maintain that effort in the second half as the Woori boys con-
Steady finishes for Yarra Glen By David Ball
Jake Ferris of Yarra Glen flying high to take a great mark. (Supplied) tinually found space and with a couple of very talented forwards, they totally outplayed the River Pigs boys. Final Scores: Yarra Glen 4.8 to Woori Yallock 20.6.
Best Players: Alex Toscano, Lachlan Rutherford, Jungala Hume, William Edmonds, Spencer Boers, Xander Dalton. Goalkickers: Max Williams 3, Will Edmonds 1.
Wandin-Woori rivalry sees Bulldogs prevail
Yarra Glen A grade came up against Belgrave and as they expected were in a fierce battle in the first quarter. Leading by just the two goals at quarter time, they extended that to ten by half time. With some great defence and sure ball handling they powered to a convincing 17goal victory. Final scores: Yarra Glen 55 to Belgrave 38. Best Players: Elise Dobson, Alana McGurgan, Maddy Hargrave. With B Grade secure in third place, it was all about fine-tuning their game in preparation for finals. They started slowly and edged out to just a two-goal lead at quarter time. Belgrave were impressive in the defensive pressure they placed on the Yarra girls and at three-quarter time were within three goals of causing an upset. Yarra Glen steadied in the last and came away with a well-earned eight-goal win. Final Scores: Yarra Glen 45 to Belgrave 37. Best Players: Sky Corrigan, Abby Stranger, Katelyn Vanderkolk. As with B grade, the C Grade team were locked in to finish top three. Other than the second quarter, where Belgrave outscored them, the Yarra girls were in control as they teamed well to finish up with a comfortable 15-goal victory. Final scores: Yarra Glen 41 to Belgrave 26. Best Players: Ash Shanks, Abbey Page, Annie Dietrich Yarra Glen’s D Grade needed a win to ensure they hung on to a finals spot. After a nervous start, they settled well to outscore Belgrave by two goals in each of the first three quarters. In a great last quarter effort, they locked up 5 th spot with a 14-goal victory. Final Scores: Yarra Glen 36 to Belgrave 22. Best Players: Sarah Matthews, Melissa Page, Melissa Erickson. Next week the Senior football team play an Elimination final against Emerald at Powelltown. The Under 18’s have a bye. A and D Netball play in Elimination finals, whilst B and C grades have qualifying finals. All of these games will be at Woori Yallock.
There is never any love lost when Woori Yallock and Wandin meet, and Saturday’s clash was no exception. They don’t like each other, but they both thrive on the contest. The fierce rivals went head-to-head in one of the games of the year, with both sides bringing plenty of intensity from the opening bounce. Despite a determined effort from the Tigers, Wandin proved too strong, running out 20-point winners, 12.16 (88) to 10.8 (68). For Wandin, Aaron Mullett made the most of every opportunity that came his way, finishing with four goals and providing a constant target in attack. Patrick Hodgett returned to his best form, thriving on the wide-open spaces and booting three important majors. Woori Yallock battled hard throughout the afternoon and was well served by Jordan Williams, who was outstanding on-ball against Wandin’s powerful midfield brigade. Williams worked tirelessly around the contest and was a key contributor for the Tigers all day. The rivalry lived up to its reputation as neither side was willing to give an inch. In the end, Wandin’s ball control proved the difference, but the contest once again showcased why this remains one of the most anticipated match-ups on the local football calendar. Aaron Mullet kicked four goals against Woori. (File: 362388)
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Some firm finishes from the Yarra Glen netball teams. (Gabriella Vukman: 554101)
Tuesday, 18 August, 2026 | MAIL 39
SPORT
Goals, grit and growth By Sally Cunningham There was plenty to smile about across another busy weekend for Healesville, with teams showing effort, improvement and the odd flair moment along the way. From important senior wins to encouraging junior performances, the round delivered a mix of grit, goals and good signs for the last weeks. Here’s a look at how the teams fared. Eastern Eels Reserves 1 - 3 Healesville Men’s Reserves Healesville Men’s Reserves produced an important 3–1 win over Eastern Eels, overcoming an early setback to claim a valuable result against the side directly above them on the ladder. After conceding first, Healesville gradually took control through possession, territory and repeated attacking pressure. The breakthrough finally came around the hour mark when Gabe headed home from a corner to bring the visitors level. Healesville’s persistence was rewarded again when another corner forced an own goal, before Josh sealed the win late by intercepting a goalkeeper throw and finishing calmly into an empty net. The result was a timely boost for Healesville, lifting the Reserves above the Eels and giving the side a positive platform to close out the season strong. Women’s Premier League Monbulk 4 Healesville 1 Healesville’s youngest side of the season travelled to Monbulk with confidence high after the previous week’s win. Captain Melita returned to the squad, while several players pushed through illness to take their places in the team. Monbulk struck early after a defensive error, but Healesville controlled much of the open play. The equaliser arrived through 14-year-old Evie, who reacted quickest to a rebound from the Monbulk goalkeeper to make it 1-1 at half-time. Monbulk regained the lead early in the second half following a goalmouth scramble, with a physical challenge on a Healesville defender that was played on. The home side added a third soon after before a fourth came from an unfortunate own goal just before the hour mark. Despite the scoreline, Healesville’s effort was notable given the youth of the side. Six players were backing up from their Under 16 match, including Savannah, who impressed on her WPL debut and handled every challenge that came her way. Healesville continued to battle until the final whistle, and the team’s commitment and resil-
Healesville girls celebrate a steady work rate. (Sally Cunningham) ience could not be questioned. U14 Boys Healesville 3 - 1 Knox Strikers Healesville continued its strong recent form with a deserved 3–1 win over Knox Strikers, producing another confident performance built on possession, pressure and patience. Healesville controlled much of the first half, moving the ball well through midfield and creating repeated chances as they pushed Knox deep into defence. Their dominance was rewarded when Yuuki found the net to give Healesville a 1–0 lead at the break. Knox responded after half-time with a welltaken equaliser, but the setback only brought out a stronger response from the home side, which lifted its intensity and quickly regained momentum. Goals from Mack and Jake restored control and sealed a positive result, highlighting Healesville’s composure under pressure and ability to finish strongly. It was another encouraging performance from the 14’s, who continue to build belief and consistency as the season progresses. U14 Girls Red Dragons 1 vs Berwick United 4 Healesville showed strong signs of improvement in a competitive 4–1 loss to second-placed Ber-
wick United. After working hard to stay in the contest through the first half, the Red Dragons lifted again after the break and produced one of their most determined passages of the season. Emmelia’s solo goal was a deserved reward for Healesville’s pressure and reflected the team’s growing confidence against one of the competition’s stronger sides. Hannah also went close as the Red Dragons continued to push forward, while the defensive effort across the group helped keep Berwick under pressure for long stretches. Although Berwick finished strongly to secure the result, Healesville’s resilience, work rate and steady progress were clear positives from a promising performance. U13 Boys Blackburn North FC Stingrays 1 vs Healesville Panthers 5 Healesville Panthers continued their strong run of form with a convincing 5–1 win over Blackburn North Stingrays. After an even opening, Healesville settled into the match, with Connor, Ollie and Mason helping drive the Panthers to a 3–0 lead by half-time. A disciplined defensive performance was again a highlight, with Leo and Noah among those limiting Blackburn’s chances and giving Healesville a strong platform across the game.
Blackburn found a late opening after Healesville pushed forward, but the result was already well in hand, with Archie and Harvey continuing to press strongly in attack. A great result away from home and three more points on the ladder. U12 Girls Healesville Diamonds 3 vs Bayswater 0 Healesville Diamonds delivered a confident 3–0 win over Bayswater in a spirited team performance that showcased flexibility across the field. With players rotating through different positions, including Lucette, Evie, Jess, Esther and Maddie, the Diamonds adapted well and maintained control for much of the match. Jess opened the scoring after sustained pressure, before Keely added a second to give Healesville a strong half-time lead. The highlight came after the break, when Emily and Keely combined to set up Esther, who finished brilliantly from distance for her first goal of the season. Claire, Lucette, Isis and Evie helped keep the midfield moving, while Sam and Anja anchored a composed defence that gave Bayswater few clear chances. It was a polished all-round display from the Diamonds. It’s hard to believe there are just three weeks until the end of the season!
Around the grounds: Warburton Women in their winning ways By Alex Woods The Warburton-Millgrove Football Netball Club started its morning in Yarra Junction for the Women’s Prelim final against Upwey Tecoma. Then it was back home to host Upwey for the remainder of the matches. Netball teams C and D Grade had a bye. It was a beautiful day celebrating James (Junior) Iacono’s last home game as coach, complemented by some lovely cocktails made by The Little Bar Cart. Results from games below. NETBALL: A Grade: FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Upwey-Tecoma (69-25). Best: Taylah McIntosh, Ally Langdon, Lara Nathan. Goals: Lara Nathan (17), Bianca Daniels (33), Alyssa Walker (9), Ally Langdon (10). B Grade: FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Upwey-Tecoma (69-33). Best: Cam Holland, Zoe Timoney, Emily Biddle. Goals: Cam Holland (23), Tanner McCurdy (32), Melanie Hancock (14). U17: FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Officer (2128). Bests: Belle Syme, Rylee Bond, Maisy Toy.
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40 MAIL | Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
Lily Pagels. Goals: Jas Enever (1), Madi Ward (3), Jade Mewburn (1), Grace Rankin (1). Reserves: FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Upwey-Tecoma: 8.9 (57) - 11.4 (70). Bests: Brayden Ferguson, Michael Read, Andrew Trende, Josh Read, Kai Harrison, Caelan Flynn. Goals: Michael Read (1), Brayden Ferguson (1), Josh Read (2), Andrew Trende (4). Seniors: FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Upwey-Tecoma: 18.15 (123) - 7.14 (56). Best: James Iacono. Goals: Nate Lucas (3), Nelson Aldridge (3), Tom Baker (1), Josh Berenger (1), Tom Barr (1), Bailey Humphrey (4), Lachlan Hewitt (2), Pat Huynh (1), Liam Westlake (2). From the beginning, the Senior Women’s came out strong and in full force. They immediately made an impact and converted the efforts into points. The team won the prelim and progressed into the Grand Final. They will take on Mt. Evelyn this Sunday at 3pm in Monbulk. The Senior boys capped off a great day with a fantastic win. What an awesome way to cap off Junior’s last couple of games as coach, especially on the home turf. This weekend is the club’s last game of the season at Mt. Evelyn.
James (Junior) Iacono’s last game as coach was celebrated. (Supplied) Maisy Toy (9), Belle Syme (3), Miami • Goals: Rowland (9). FOOTBALL RESULTS: U18s: FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Upwey-Tecoma: 4.1 (25) - 16.16 (112). Bests: Arlo Haynes, Pat Crunden, Jedd Mormeneo, Reece Irvine, Kai Harrison,
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Blayden Tamme.
Zane Wunhym (1), Blayden Tamme • Goals: (2), Bailey Olcorn (1). Womens:
Warburton-Millgrove def Upwey-Tecoma: • FT: 6.9 (45) - 3.3 (21). Chelsea Tamme, Madi Ward, Grace • Bests: Rankin, Katelyn Ruehmer, Skye Comer,
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