Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
Outer East homelessness on rise
$2m federal boost to track racism
Ray Yates’ legacy honoured with plaque
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Hilltop celebration By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Monbulk College’s FIGURE 8: (Back row) Amelia (alto saxophone), Nia (acoustic guitar and vocals), Tahlia (vocals) and Alex (guitar); (front row) Caleb (guitar and keys), Marley (vocals) and Alex (bass). (Stewart Chambers: 577971)
Monbulk College brought young and established musicians together for its fourth annual Hilltop Music Festival on Sunday, 13 September. More than 200 artists performed across three stages, with about 800 tickets sold and around 350 performers and volunteers involved. Year 9 student Amber Mongan, 14, performed drums with Counting Sheep after only three months of playing. “I was so nervous for the drums, since I’m just a beginner,” she said. Fellow students Elvie Weir and Keira Mercer also took on emceeing roles. The next Hilltop Music Festival is scheduled for Sunday,12 September, 2027. Read more on page 14
Knox heroes named volves travelling to schools with Harold the Giraffe and teaching primary school children about health, wellbeing, respectful relationships and making safer choices. She hopes a potential $20,000 grant could help subsidise Life Education lessons for schools and families who may otherwise struggle to afford them. Ms Nair said the program was about giving children knowledge early and “planting that little seed of doubt” when they face risky situations. Mr Ying has spent more than 17 years volunteering with Southern Cross Kids’ Camps, where he helps run the annual Knox camp for children
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aged seven to 11 who have experienced neglect and hardship. For him, the most rewarding part is watching children emerge from their shells over five days. “Some of them are a lot happier and more engaging, and it’s just great to see them become more themselves,” he said. Mr Dakis founded The Forge Institute after the death of his 13-year-old daughter, Ivy, who took her own life last year. The Dandenong Rangesbased organisation grew from an idea he and Ivy had discussed and now gives young people op-
portunities to explore photography, art and other creative pursuits in a welcoming environment. For all three finalists, the recognition is about more than an award. It is an opportunity to strengthen organisations and programs that give young people somewhere to learn, create and belong. Each finalist has already received a $5000 grant, while the winner will receive $20,000 for their organisation. The Westfield Local Heroes winner will be announced on 20 October.
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Three people making a difference to young people across Knox and the surrounding Hills have been named finalists in the 2026 Westfield Knox Local Heroes program. Educator Shy Nair, Southern Cross Kids’ Camp volunteer Anthony Ying and The Forge Institute founder Brent Dakis have each been recognised for their work helping children and young people feel supported, connected and confident. For Ms Nair, who has worked with Life Education Victoria for nearly 16 years, that work in-
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By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
NEWS
Ranges fireys raise $112k By Oliver Winn CFA brigades in the Yarra Ranges raised a whopping $112,000 at the 2026 Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb (MFSC) for cancer research, mental health services and support for emergency service workers. Around 1000 firefighters donned 25 kilograms of turnout gear and ascended 28 floors of the Crown Metropol in Melbourne on Saturday 12 September. The fundraising efforts from brigades and emergency service personnel across Australia and New Zealand reached roughly $1,104,000 this year. Familiar faces returned to the steps with local Yarra Ranges-based firefighters taking part in the climb. Warburton CFA member Kodie Ireland raised $1230 and completed the climb in seven minutes and 12 seconds. She said she forgets just how tough the climb truly is every year. “But just like every other year, we do it to help raise funds and awareness for some incredible causes, and although it’s a tough climb, the symbolism behind facing that challenge to raise funds for charities that support people struggling with mental health and cancer really puts things into perspective and makes it such a meaningful personal triumph to reach the top of that tower,” she said. The MFSC originally began as a tribute to the Memorial Firefighter Stair Climb, which honoured the sacrifice of 343 firefighters who lost their lives during the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in America. The MFSC is now a national fundraiser for Australian emergency service personnel, raising money for organisations Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the Triple Zero Foundation. In his 12th year of completing the stair climb, Wesburn-Millgrove CFA member Tony Lewis finished “significantly slower” than previous years, but his $3845 raised was a “personal best”. “Watching my fundraising total climb each week, knowing that I had the support of so many very generous and caring individuals was a driv-
Wesburn-Millgrove CFA members gave this year’s stair climb a red-hot go. (Supplied) ing force for me and I sincerely thank everyone that has donated and supported me, not only this year, but for over the past 12 years,” he said. Mr Lewis congratulated his fellow CFA members Troy, Peter and Izzy for their efforts this year. Hillcrest CFA’s Colin Dickson was the fastest climber in the 60 years and over category, finishing with a speedy six minutes and eight seconds. He was followed closely by fellow Hillcrest CFA member Andrew Smith at eight minutes and five seconds. Wandin CFA member Rico Bergamin raised just under $2000 this year and finished the climb in five minutes and 15 seconds. MFSC event director and Triple Zero Foundation director Chris May said the beneficiaries supported the health battles emergency service personnel deal with. “There’s a lot of chronic health issues and battles that were faced by the responders that did
all the recovery work at the World Trade Centre locations,” he said. “We know for a fact that there were severe mental health implications for those that responded… so Lifeline is a worthwhile charity.” The money raised will fund cancer research to help the firefighters diagnosed with cancer as a result of breathing in dust and dangerous particulates. Meanwhile, the Triple Zero Foundation supports first responders with a “shoulder to lean on”. The Yarra Ranges brigade that raised the most funds was Lilydale CFA with an impressive $19,600. Representing Clematis CFA, Mr May himself raised $6000 this year, climbing in memory of the Ferntree Gully firefighter Shane Bishop. Mr May said it was beautiful to see many firefighters dedicate their climbs in honour of loved ones.
Wesburn-Millgrove CFA member Tony Lewis raised a personal best of $3845. (Supplied) “Being the start line attendant myself and sending off many of the climbers on their way, I saw hundreds of tributes, people wearing tributes to those that have passed away from suicide and from chronic health battles such as cancer, which was really heartwarming to see. “As an example of that, Tom Prunty, who is part of the Buninyong Mount Helen team, his brother Connor unfortunately passed away from cancer, so when Tom climbs each year he carries up his brother’s helmet from his time in the CFA,” Mr May said. While firefighters might’ve felt alone on the climb, Mr May said the energy and spirit of their tributes accompanied them every step of the way. “I said at the start line, I was like, ‘You know, you’re climbing 28 floors, but you’ll never be alone on that climb. The energy and the compassion that you have will spur you on going up there, but you’ll have all those people with you along the way’.”
1000 Steps set for upgrade The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in the Dandenong Ranges is set for a $600,000 upgrade to improve its accessibility, safety and condition. The Victorian Government funding will be used to replace sections of the steps and handrails, improve drainage and sealing, and restore memorial plaques and signs dedicated to Australian soldiers who fought and died during the Kokoda Track Campaign. The 1000 Steps, as the walk is commonly known, will close temporarily while construction takes place. The nearby Lyrebird Track fitness steps will remain available as an alternative. The popular trail attracts thousands of walkers and visitors each week and is also an important tourism asset for Ferntree Gully and the wider Dandenong Ranges. The site was adopted as a memorial by veterans of the New Guinea campaign in 1998 because of its similarity to the first 100 metres of the Kokoda Track. Environment minister Jaclyn Symes said the works would help preserve the memorial for future visitors.
“The 1000 Steps Memorial Walk is a not only a beautiful experience for visitors but also a fitting memorial to the 625 Australians who died in the Kokoda Track Campaign,” Ms Symes said. “With so many people using the trail, these upgrades will ensure its status as a Melbourne icon is secured for years to come.” Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino said the upgrades would help maintain the site as a place of remembrance while improving the experience for visitors. “The 1000 Steps holds a special place in our community, not only as a much-loved walking track, but also as a place of remembrance for those who served and lost their lives during the Kokoda Campaign,” Ms De Martino said. “These upgrades will ensure that legacy is preserved for future generations, while making the walk more accessible, safe and enjoyable for the thousands of people who visit each year.” The project follows the reopening of William Ricketts Sanctuary and investment in the Olinda Precinct, including the Chelsea Australian Garden at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.
The 1000 Steps is set for a $600,000 upgrade to improve safety and accessibility. (Stewart Chambers: 301723)
2 MAIL | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
Pictured L-R: Dr Karina Lamb, Cr Mitch Mazzerella, Cr Kylie Spears, Tim Richards MP, Daniela De Martino MP, Cr Paige Kennett and Cr Peter Lockwood. (Supplied)
New library study pods Boronia Library and Ferntree Gully Library will soon benefit from two new study pods, thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program. The new pods will provide library visitors with comfortable, private spaces for meetings, study, work, and online appointments, enhancing the libraries’ ability to support community learning, connection and wellbeing. The funding announcement was made by Local Government Minister Tim Richardson during visits to both libraries. Joining the Minister were Your Library chief executive Dr Karina Lamb, Knox Mayor Paige Kennett, Library Directors Cr Kylie Spears, Cr Jim Child OAM and Cr Mitch Mazzerella, as well as Jackson Taylor MP, Daniela De Martino MP, Cr Peter Lockwood and Julie Buxton, Labor candidate for Bayswater. “Public libraries are essential community infrastructure. They are places where people come to learn, work, connect and access opportunities, and they need continued investment to meet the changing needs of our com-
munities,” Cr Spears said. “We greatly value the ongoing support of the Victorian Government and our Member Councils in ensuring our libraries remain contemporary, accessible and responsive community spaces.” “Our libraries support people at every stage of life, and increasingly our communities are looking to them for spaces to study, work, meet and connect,” Dr Lamb said. “This investment will give people at Boronia and Ferntree Gully greater choice in how they use their library and reflects our commitment to providing welcoming, practical spaces that respond to the way our communities learn and work today.” The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program supports public libraries across Victoria to improve facilities and create welcoming, contemporary spaces that respond to the needs of local communities. The meeting pods are expected to be installed at Boronia and Ferntree Gully Libraries in the coming months.
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NEWS
IN BRIEF Fatal crash in Tremont A fatal crash in Tremont is under investigation after a vehicle left the road and crashed down an embankment on Churchill Drive on Wednesday, 16 September at about 5.30pm. Emergency services attended the scene, where an adult passenger in the vehicle was sadly pronounced dead. The latest provisional road toll now stands at 177 lives lost on Victorian roads this year. A man in his 20s, who was driving the vehicle, was taken by road ambulance to Maroondah Hospital with upper and lower body injuries. He was reported to be in a stable condition. Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics responded to the collision. Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or has information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
Wellington Road non-fatal crash
Selby Fire Brigade is one of 41 organisations to receive the volunteer grant. (Supplied)
Selby CFA receives volunteer funding By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Selby fire brigade is one of 41 community organisations across the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Upper Yarra and Outer East to receive funding through the 2025-26 Volunteer Grants Round. Each organisation has received between $1000 and $5000 to support the efforts of its volunteers, with Selby CFA receiving $1118 towards the purchase of four citizen band (CB) radios. Selby CFA communications officer Philip Waldron, who applied for the grant, said the brigade was looking for additional radios to support communication during activities outside its formal CFA communications network. While the CFA provides radios for use on trucks and at incidents, Mr Waldron said the brigade also takes part in community activities where additional communication between members is needed. “We do other things besides attending fires,” Mr Waldron said. The brigade recently helped with the Puffing Billy Fun Run, where the CB radios could be used to allow members to communicate with each
other without adding unnecessary traffic to the CFA communications network. Mr Waldron said the radios would also be useful during training, allowing members to coordinate activities while keeping the formal communications network available for its intended use. The radios could also provide an additional means of communication during major fires, particularly when other people and agencies are involved. “If and we might have people working round the track, we need to get them to go and do something, and we can then just communicate over these radios,” Mr Waldron said. He said civilian contractors and farmers who may assist during major fires do not have access to the CFA radio network, but may have access to the citizen band network. “This will then give us to monitor what they are saying and even communicate with them if we need to,” Mr Waldron said. The brigade had used CB radios in the past, but the previous radios had become old and the brigade could not afford to have them repaired. Mr Waldron said the new radios would provide the brigade with greater flexibility in com-
municating with members during training, community events and on the fire ground. “It is very important because it gives us a means to communicate, where we can position people,” he said. The grant is part of a broader round supporting 41 community organisations across the region, including sporting clubs, CFA brigades, community groups, men’s sheds, scouts and other volunteer-run organisations. Federal Member for Casey, Aaron Violi, said the grants recognised the contribution of local volunteers. “It is a privilege to be able to give back to our local volunteer-run organisations,” he said. “Our region is made up of many incredible volunteer-run community groups who give their time generously - whether it is keeping us safe in times of emergency, keeping our local sporting clubs running or providing places for support and connection.” “I’m looking forward to seeing how these grants help local groups to continue supporting volunteers and our broader community through their work.”
A collision on Wellington Road in Narre Warren East left the road closed in both directions as emergency services responded. Ambulance Victoria was called to the crash at about 4.10pm on Wednesday, September 16. Advanced Life Support paramedics attended, but no emergency treatment or transport was required. Gembrook resident Jack Bauche-Dolan was driving behind the vehicles when he witnessed the crash. Mr Bauche-Dolan said he saw a car lose control before colliding with a truck. He said he was among those who called police after witnessing the crash, estimating it occurred at about 3.20pm. Police arrived within about five minutes, he said. Two undercover police officers were among the first to arrive before Mr BaucheDolan was asked to turn around and leave the area to allow emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, through. Mr Bauche-Dolan said the crash was the second incident he had witnessed on Wellington Road in two days. He also raised concerns about speeding and driver behaviour on the road, particularly during peak-hour traffic. “The general state of the road is terrible,” he said. “The way people drive on that road is absolutely out of their head. It blows my mind that people would drive that way in such a congested area during peak hour. Everyone wants to get home at the end of the day, see their kids or whatever, not get into a serious crash or lose their life on the road.” Belgrave-Hallam Road was closed in both directions at Wellington Road following the collision, with motorists advised to use Harkaway Road to avoid the closure.
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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL 3
NEWS
Time to make a splash as council water play parks open Locals can splash into the warmer months ahead at the council’s water play parks this spring. Seville Water Play Park and Warburton Water World will be opening from 19 September, and the Lillydale Lake Splash Park will be opening in time for the summer school holidays. The free to visit water play parks will operate daily from 9am to 6pm, with closing time extended to 7pm during daylight savings. Warburton Water World and the Olinda Pool will be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating. Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the water play parks are some of Council’s most wellvisited areas. “On hot days in the school holidays, people travel from far and wide to meet with friends and play at our water play parks, which is brilliant to see,” he said. “If you’re visiting, remember to park safely and have a back-up option in mind if it’s a busy day. The parks run for nine hours a day, so there’ll always be a good time to enjoy them.” Lillydale Lake Splash Pad will open just prior to the summer holidays this season due to planned upgrade works to improve the reliability and operation of the water play park. On 5 October, the heated Belgrave Outdoor Pool opens for its summer season, with other pools opening later in the year. The Olinda Outdoor Pool will open from 5 December, followed by Healesville and Lilydale pools on 12 December. Cr Higgins encourages locals to visit their nearest pool for a play or a swim. “Swimming is a fantastic way to get active, to play, and to strengthen skills in the water – which can be crucial throughout our lives,” he said. “We have some fantastic pools in the Yarra Ranges – from our indoor facilities servicing communities year-round, to our outdoor pools that thrive on hot summer days.” “Summer will be here before we know it. Until then, Monbulk Aquatic Centre, Jack Hort Memorial Pool and the Yarra Centre are open year-round for swimmers.” Opening hours are weather dependent. Information on opening hours, and the end of the season for each pool is published on the council’s website at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/pools
Water play parks are opening for spring as we enter into the warmer months. (Supplied)
Ranges jobless on the rise By Gabriella Vukman Rising unemployment across Yarra Ranges has raised questions about whether local residents are being adequately connected to job opportunities, as Victoria’s unemployment rate stays above the national figure and apprenticeship participation declines. Municipal figures show Yarra Ranges unemployment increased from 3.5 per cent in June 2025 to 4.5 per cent in March 2026. The number of unemployed residents rose from 3166 to 4045, an increase of 879 people, while the local labour force grew from 89,616 to 90,768. Although unemployment alone does not show if the shire is losing local jobs, the figures point to a changing economic landscape with sharp local disparities. Small Area Labour Markets data shows the Upper Yarra (including Warburton, Yarra Junction, Wesburn and Millgrove) experiencing relatively high unemployment and socioeconomic disadvantage. Belgrave and Selby recorded 4.2 per cent unemployment in March 2026, while Lilydale sat at 4.6 per cent. In Healesville and Yarra Glen, employment remains strongly tied to tourism, hospitality, and retail, with a large part-time workforce. At the state level, Victoria recorded 5.1 per cent unemployment in July 2026, compared to 4.5 per cent nationally. While Victorian employment grew by 0.1 per cent that month, apprenticeship numbers dropped sharply. National Centre for Vocational Education Research data shows Victorian apprentice and trainee contracts fell 31.6 per cent from 84,330 in 2022 to 57,665 in 2026. Victorian trade commencements also fell by 1495 in the year to March 2026, the largest decline among all states. These drops come as the Victorian Government forecasts a need for 373,000 addi-
4 MAIL | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
Yarra Ranges unemployment increased from 3.5 per cent in June 2025 to 4.5 per cent in March 2026. (Kaitlyn Baker/Unsplash) tional workers over the next three years, 303,000 noting that overall employment policy remains a in metropolitan Melbourne and 70,000 in region- State and Federal responsibility. al Victoria, primarily in healthcare, social assis“Council is focused on creating the conditions tance, and construction. for local businesses and industries to grow, supTo position the region for growth, Yarra Rang- porting businesses to be great employers, and es Council is undertaking several local planning connecting our community with opportunities processes. to build skills and pathways into work,” Ms Hurst The Yarra Glen Place Plan was endorsed in said. July 2026 to guide development through 2046, Ms Hurst highlighted initiatives including Inincluding connectivity, accessibility, cycling and novation Working Groups in the Upper Yarra exthe Yarra Valley Trail. ploring eco-tourism, small-scale farming, micro The Mooroolbark Place Plan is under devel- abattoirs, renewable energy, and transport to opment, with community workshops planned for support the transition away from timber. October 2026 and draft exhibition set for March The council also partners with the Outer East2027. ern Local Learning and Employment Network Additionally, findings from the council’s Plan- (OELLEN) to deliver an annual Careers Expo for ning Scheme Review will be provided to the Vic- 2000 local students. torian Planning Minister by October 2026. “While unemployment in Victoria has risen Yarra Ranges Council Director of Communi- marginally since 2025, it remains relatively low ties Leanne Hurst emphasised the council’s com- by historical standards,” Ms Hurst added, notmitment to supporting the local economy while ing the council tracks data via Economy ID to
monitor local trends. Key questions remain regarding whether state employment programs are delivering lasting results. The Star Mail submitted inquiries to the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) asking for target outcomes and retention metrics for jobseekers entering sustainable work through Jobs Victoria, as well as outcomes from the state’s $8.2 million Digital Jobs - AI Career Conversion program. The masthead also contacted the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) regarding the economic risks of sustained 5.1 per cent unemployment and regional job creation estimates. Neither department responded by publication time. Beyond government initiatives, broader market shifts are influencing the local outlook. While AI technology is driving changes, experts distinguish between actual job elimination and slower hiring growth in exposed occupations. For outer-metropolitan areas like Yarra Ranges, the central challenge is ensuring employment planning matches local conditions, including transport, training access, and wage parity. A rise in unemployment does not automatically mean job losses; population growth, changing participation rates, and commuting patterns all play a role. Likewise, business skill shortages cannot always be filled immediately by unemployed locals without addressing barriers like qualifications and transport. Ultimately, the measure of success for local employment services relies on long-term retention rather than short-term placements. The ongoing challenge for state and local government will be turning projected workforce demand into sustainable job outcomes for Yarra Ranges residents.
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Demand for homelessness support services has risen significantly in Maroondah, Yarra Ranges and Knox. (File)
Help needed for homeless By Callum Ludwig
too often reduced to numbers. “Walk In Her Shoes has let thousands of Victorians stand in the shoes of Brea, Diana and Vanessa and see how homelessness can touch a young person fleeing violence, a mother trying to hold her family together, or an older woman who has simply run out of options,” she said. “Every community we visited told us the same thing, that the housing system is failing women, and that governments have the power to fix it. “This is an incredible opportunity for (housing and homelessness) Minister (Nick) Staikos and politicians from all sides to engage with the hidden face of women’s homelessness and make real commitments that address the crisis.” Maroondah, Knox and Yarra Ranges came in at 16th (2094), 17th (2055) and 18th (1938) respectively for homelessness presentations in Victoria over 2024-25. Concerningly, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges recorded some of the biggest increases when com-
pared to 2022-23 data, having shot up 32 per cent and 25 per cent over that two year period. Knox also recorded a six per cent increase over the same period. After their 12-month tour of Victorian communities, which included time spent in Maroondah, the Council to Homeless Persons identified five key themes in the community responses: 1. Build more social housing, especially public housing. 2. Invest in more prevention and early intervention. 3. Take more action to end family violence. 4. Boost crisis responses. 5. Improve coordination and integration of services. After hearing from Ms Di Natale, Premier Ben Carroll and Mr Staikos announced a $24.8 million investment into a plan to help reduce rough sleeping.
The plan includes a roll out of coordinated by-name lists and an online triage system, funding for complex care coordinators, expansion of assertive outreach workers to every area of the state, expand Housing First tenancy supports to an extra 1000 people at risk of homelessness and providing ongoing operational funding for crucial youth homelessness centres. Mr Carroll said every Victorian deserves a safe place to call home. “This comprehensive plan backs in the people and services making that happen,” he said. Mr Staikos said this plan finds new ways to maximise our investment and tackle this confronting, increasingly visible issue. “Our homelessness response spans the full continuum – from outreach and crisis accommodation to supportive housing and social homes,” he said.
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A new report has revealed that the Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah are among the top 20 LGAs for people seeking specialist homelessness support. Concerningly, the data also reveals that the number of people seeking support in the Outer East is on the rise. The Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) ‘Walk In Her Shoes: Community Insights’ report was presented to the Victorian Government on Wednesday 9 September as part of the CHP Walk in Her Shoes exhibition. The exhibition has used illustrations and photography to tell the stories of three women, Brea, Diana and Vanessa, who became homeless at different stages of life: as a young person, a mother caring for two children, and an older Victorian. Council to Homeless Persons CEO Deborah Di Natale said the campaign had been a major success in enhancing understanding of a crisis that is
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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL 5
NEWS
Great push for great roads By Ethan Henson Cardinia residents are concerned about road safety and road maintenance as the Auditor-General’s road report sparks controversy. After VAGO released a staggering road report on Wednesday 9 September on road conditions across Victoria, members of the public are seeking answers. 53.81 per cent of state roads in Cardinia Shire are considered to be in poor or very poor condition in 2024, but a local believes otherwise. Paul Keen, resident and member of the Cockatoo Roads Action Group, CRAG21, says the roads are far worse than the VAGO audit claims. This follows months of CRAG21 pushing a petition with over 2000 signatures to parliament in hopes of getting unsealed roads sealed in the Hills. “The data in the VAGO report was primarily taken from up to 2024/5 while even less maintenance has been funded since,” Mr Keen said. “Given most of the poor to very poor roads are outer metro to regional, it reflects the fact that the state has inadequately funded roads outside of the inner metro Big Build projects and demonstrates the current inequity for residents outside of inner metro. “CRAG has taken the position with the LNP’s
CRAG21 says the roads are worse than what VAGO’s audit finds. (Stewart Chambers) $5 billion commitment for roads that the Cardinia Council’s LSSI advocacy. “The basis for our state petition to fund the LSSI matches exactly the LNP’s criteria for the $5
billion ‘Pot Hole Pledge’ program. “Therefore, given that the Cardinia request is only around 1.5 per cent of the fund, they should be making the commitment to Cardinia to fund
the LSSI.” Adding to the concern, the opposition member for the Eastern Victorian Region, Renee Heath, said that the roads in the hills are unbelievable and unacceptable. Speaking to parliament, Ms Heath asked the Minister for Transport Infrastructure whether they will commit to funding priority state roads. “Recently I visited Dandenong Ranges with a local resident and Liberal candidate for Monbulk, Clare Fitzmaurice,” Ms Heath said. “Paul Keen from the Cockatoo Action Group drove us around Cardinia’s top five unsealed roads, including Fern Gully Road, View Hill Road, Wright Road, Pinnocks Road, Station Avenue. “Travelling residents are subject to travel on roads that would be considered unacceptable in other parts of metropolitan Melbourne. “It’s a highly disaster-prone area of the state. Unsealed roads compromise safety and emergency access. “Locals around the Dandenongs have been left wanting after Albanese cut all this money from Australians from the Sealing the Hills project.” Cardinia Shire Council have said the findings from VAGO reinforce what the Council have been advocating for, and will continue to push improved road infrastructure as a key priority.
Healesville local weighs in on $2m fight against racism By April Stevens A new $2 million Federal Labor Government investment in the Call It Out First Nations Racism Register may give the Yarra Ranges community a clearer picture of local experiences with racism. First established by Sydney’s Jumbunna Institute in March 2022, the register will use the funding to launch an online data dashboard, providing greater public access to reported data and driving local anti-racism action. Thane Garvey, a Healesville local, Indigenous educator, and public speaker, believes the government investment in anti-racism policies is a good first step, though he feels there is still room for growth. Mr Garvey’s initial reaction was relief, alongside an admission that action like this is well overdue. “I do think it’s good, but I do think a bit more could be done, especially when you look at how strong the action against anti-Semitism has been,” he said. “It will allow us to keep track of everything and also prove what’s happening. The Labor Government, if continually in power, will not be able to ignore it.” “We were told the government would look into anti-racism policies in March, after a bomb was thrown in a crowd during an Invasion Day rally in Perth. But it’s still a sigh of relief. Not much has happened yet, but it’s a good start.” When asked about the investment in the register and how the council plans to address local racism while supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Yarra Ranges Council Director of Communities Leanne Hurst welcomed initiatives designed to combat discrimination. “Gathering data on experiences of racism helps build a clearer understanding of the prevalence and impacts of racism within our communities,” Ms Hurst said. “This information can support evidencebased advocacy and funding applications, helping to secure resources for initiatives that are community-led, self-determined, and focused on fostering healthy, respectful and inclusive communities.” Ms Hurst said that Yarra Ranges Council remains committed to reconciliation and strengthening the local Indigenous community through its Cultural Diversity Policy, which rejects all forms of racism and discrimination. The council is also a signatory to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ campaign. However, Mr Garvey has doubts about whether collecting data and funding initiatives is enough to combat rising racist rhetoric.
6 MAIL | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
Healesville local Thane Garvey with Senator Penny Wong. (Supplied)
Thane Garvey is an Indigenous educator and public speaker. “If you look at the Casey region, and Healesville from a political perspective… It’s been Liberal-centred for a very long time and you can tell,” he said. “I sometimes have real trouble with Healesville. As a town, we are right-winged. “When there’s not much diversity in race, culture or religion… I think they’d really benefit from the register the most, because these are the places where there is racism.” Mr Garvey noted that this applies to all discrimination and that the register ultimately benefits all marginalised groups. He emphasised that while Indigenous-led initiatives are crucial, the responsibility cannot rest solely
with First Nations people. For this to be achieved, hard conversations are essential, Mr Garvey said, and having “the courage to stamp it out”. “Having the hard conversations with the people you love, even if you know you have a different opinion, to try to find a common ground. It makes you a great ally because you’re also leaving yourself vulnerable to try and make change, and that’s a courageous thing to do.” Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at UTS Professor Lindon Coombes said Call It Out’s aim is to “generate evidence to inform anti-racism action and policy development” while supporting First Nations peoples and educating the wider community. Four years after the register launched, the Australian Parliament established a national inquiry in March 2026 into racism, hate, and violence directed towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Public submissions closed in June 2026, and hearings concluded in August. “While we await the committee’s final report, we are not waiting to act. This investment will strengthen the important work of Call It Out and support efforts by the Jumbunna Institute and the National Justice Project to collate rigorous data,” Indigenous Australians Minister Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.
Evidence presented to the inquiry and through Call It Out highlights an increase in racism, both online and in person, particularly following the 2023 Voice referendum. Systemic racism remains embedded in healthcare, education, policing, child protection, and justice systems, while online hate speech continues to impact safety and wellbeing. Since its launch, the Call It Out register has documented hundreds of reports annually, finding that racism is widespread across all states and territories, with negative stereotypes being the most common form. “I’ve experienced lots of racism first-hand,” Mr Garvey said. “Booing at my own Welcome to Country ceremonies, although it’s rare, so I am lucky. I see racism on a daily basis, especially on social media. The hate on social media is so prevalent, whether it’s bots or real people, it still hurts.” For First Nations communities, the hope remains that data collection leads beyond documentation to meaningful change. “For anyone that’s experienced racism recently, remember to stay strong. It hurts. We all know it’s painful,” Mr Garvey said. “Remember to support each other and find communities you’re safe in and look after yourself, especially your mental health.”
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Awareness for narcolepsy By Oliver Winn Yarra Valley locals living with a condition known as narcolepsy shared their story as part of an international effort to raise awareness for the chronic neurological disorder. It came after World Narcolepsy Day took place on Tuesday 22 September which saw organisations from across the globe take part in advocacy campaigns to better the lives of people living with narcolepsy. The rare sleep disorder is known for causing excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks and cataplexy (the sudden loss of muscle strength caused by emotion). Don Valley resident Amy O’Callaghan was around 11 to 12-years-old when she first started feeling overwhelming exhaustion, brain fog and heavily disrupted sleep. But she was only diagnosed with narcolepsy at 29-years-old. “It was quite difficult getting diagnosed because every time I’d see a new doctor, they would just keep telling me the same thing over and over again. Eventually it just became so disheartening, that I felt like no one was listening to me or taking me seriously,” she said. A lack of awareness around narcolepsy means it can often take up to 10 years to get a diagnosis, despite symptoms normally developing around adolescence. This delay in accessing treatments means people like Ms O’Callaghan go through their formative years in a groggy, half-awake haze, fighting off accusations of laziness and depression. “It has shaped my life quite significantly that I often wonder had I been diagnosed during my school years, where could I have been now job/ career wise?” she said. Healesville local Christine Earl was diagnosed with narcolepsy seven years ago. She’d always assumed her tiredness was a symptom of depression, which she has dealt with for a large part of her life. But it wasn’t until she began nodding off behind the wheel that she knew something was wrong. “The thing that really got me to do something about it in the end was I was falling asleep while I was driving. I had a couple of close calls, so that was the final thing,” she said. Narcolepsy is estimated to affect around one in 2000 to 5000 Australians, though there’s no official data on its prevalence. It is caused by a deficiency of a neuropeptide called orexin, which is responsible for regulating wakefulness, appetite, mood and addiction. Many think narcolepsy is just being tired and sleeping throughout the day. But it’s more like having a faulty sleep-wake cycle. A helpful analogy is imagining your sleepwake cycle as a switch that’s on when you’re awake, and off when you’re asleep. For people without narcolepsy, this switch stays on during the day and switches off for the night. Narcolepsy is like having a switch that keeps
flickering on and off when it shouldn’t, where sleep constantly spills into wakefulness, bringing on sudden feelings of tiredness. At night, the opposite happens: one constantly wakes up and cannot stay asleep for a prolonged period of time. For Ms Earl, having narcolepsy limits potential job opportunities and makes it harder to deal with the cost of living. “That’s also why I can’t do a job where I’m sitting in front of a computer or anything, because I just can’t sit there; I fall asleep. “There are so many jobs that I can’t do for that sort of reason, so I have to do physical work. Because if I keep going and keep moving, it’s fine; it’s just when I stop,” she said. Ms O’Callaghan’s experience is similar. “Narcolepsy has definitely had a big impact on my work life, making my options very limited as I cannot have a sit down/desk job because I need to keep moving to stay awake and alert. “That’s something that gets me down quite often because the jobs that are most suitable for me are generally the ones that don’t pay too well,” she said. Her social life inevitably takes a hit too — she said it makes it hard to enjoy the little things. “From simple things like wanting to make it through a movie with a friend without falling asleep, enjoying the scenery as a passenger on a road trip without dozing off, staying awake at the table with my family during conversation – these are a few examples of things that affect me mentally and emotionally more than what people realise,” she said. Like many others living with narcolepsy, Ms O’Callaghan and Ms Earl take dexamphetamine – a common central nervous system stimulant that helps her stay awake during the day. Stimulants have been the first-line treatment for 30 years. But these medications fail to fix the root cause of narcolepsy – a deficiency in orexin. But a new, first-of-its-kind medication known as oveporexton could change that. On 2 April, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted priority review for Takeda Pharmaceutical’s application to have the drug put onto the Australian market. Though it’s not a guarantee the treatment will become available in Australia, it’s a step closer to a game-changing medication for people living with narcolepsy like Ms O’Callaghan and Ms Earl. It would not only help address feelings of tiredness and disrupted sleep, but it would also target the second, lesser-known symptom of narcolepsy: cataplexy – the sudden loss of muscle tone caused by emotion such as laughter. In May this year, Sleep Health Foundation board member Dr Linda Schachter said it was a “major step forward” in addressing narcolepsy. “I’ve been a sleep physician for 30 years and this is very exciting, everyone’s very excited. I think all sleep physicians are really excited about this area and so want to be more very involved with it.”
Narcolepsy is estimated to affect around one in 2000 to 5000 Australians, though there’s no official data on its prevalence. (Pexels)
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Sell out crowd for Bonegilla Cameo performance. “Bonegilla-The migrants’ journey” has sold out the 309seat Cameo Cinema twice and is headed for a third full house on Sunday 11th October at 1.30pm. Many people in Melbourne, immigrated to Australia because of World War 2 and its crippling effect on the European economy, infrastructure devastation and fear of repeated violence. Leaving behind their relatives and history going back many decades, these migrants made the tough decision to board ships to Australia; a country they knew nothing about. Many that took this life changing plunge, came through the Bonegilla migrant camp, near Albury / Wodonga as “New Australians”. Using interviews Simon Reich has recorded with for-
mer migrants from European countries, this performance gives voice to the hardships but life affirming stories these immigrants share, giving them a chance for the often-untold stories to be finally heard. The show uses the cinema’s large screen; with interviews and also photos and home movies. This is then embellished with a live music soundtrack played by piano and a violin. It will be performed at the Cameo Cinemas 1628 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave on Sunday 11th October at 1.30pm. Here is link to secure your seats. https://www.cameocinemas.com.au/movies/bonegilla-the-migrants-journey
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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL 7
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8 MAIL | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
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Melbourne Country show comes to the Suburbs Get ready for a fantastic celebration of country life, family fun and entertainment when the Melbourne Country Show comes to Caribbean Park from 25 September to 4 October. Perfect for families and visitors of all ages, the show will feature exciting attractions, live entertainment, farm animals, interactive activities and plenty of opportunities to experience the sights and sounds of a traditional country show. Children can get up close with animals, discover more about country life and enjoy a fun filled day away from the screens. From entertaining performances and animal encounters to activities for the whole family, there will be plenty to see and do throughout the event. The Melbourne Country Show is also a great opportunity to enjoy quality family time during the school holidays, with something to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Easy to Get There Dolly Parton with Kevin Mason OAM at Healesville Sanctuary 1987. (Zoos VIctoria)
The day Dolly came to town By Gabriella Vukman Tuesday 25 August 2026 saw the death of singersongwriter Dolly Parton. While the world remembers the woman behind Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, the Yarra Ranges has another story to tell. A story about the time one of country music’s biggest stars came to the shire’s corner of Victoria. In 1987, during her joint Australian tour with Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton stepped away from the bright lights of the concert stage and into the dappled sunny rays of the Yarra Ranges. The drawcards of the region were apparently too strong to resist. After performing in Melbourne, Ms Parton visited Puffing Billy at Belgrave, travelling through the forests of the Dandenong Ranges aboard the famous little steam railway. She also made her way to Healesville Sanctuary, where she was shown around by local keeper and current president of the Badger Creek Hall, OAM, Uncle Kevin Mason. It was a fleeting visit, but one that left behind a remarkable piece of local history. Ms Parton’s 1987 Australian visit was hardly a quiet affair. She was touring with Kenny Rogers, with the pair performing to huge audiences during their Australian run. In Melbourne, Parton performed at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Kooyong Stadium, while also receiving the Keys to the City of Melbourne. Yet somewhere amid the concerts, publicity and crowds, she found time for something altogether different. Puffing Billy. Healesville Sanctuary. The Yarra Ranges. A photograph depicts Ms Parton standing alongside Mr Mason at the sanctuary.. At the time of Ms Parton’s visit, Mr Mason
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was head keeper at Healesville Sanctuary. Decades later, he would become a well-loved figure in town and member of the Healesville and District Historical Society. Mr Mason’s encounter with Ms Parton in 1987, was not the end of their story. Thirty-seven years later, in 2024, Mr Mason received a signed photograph from Parton. The photograph featured Ms Parton alongside her Steel Magnolias co-stars Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts and Daryl Hannah. Along the side, Parton had written: “To Kevin, my mate from Aust, Love & Kisses, Dolly xxxx.” It was a small message from a woman whose life had been lived on an enormous scale. And it was a reminder that, all those years later, she remembered her mate Kevin from Australia. The photograph of Parton and Mason might easily have become just another image from a celebrity’s Australian tour. Instead, it became part of the story of Healesville. The original photograph is preserved in the Healesville Sanctuary archives, held by Zoos Victoria. And in 2026, following Parton’s death, it has taken on a new significance. For those who knew the story, it is a reminder of a remarkable visit. For those discovering it for the first time, it offers a glimpse of a side of Parton’s Australian tour that never made the headlines in quite the same way as her concerts. The photograph has also been brought back into public view locally, with a tribute to Ms Parton displayed in the windows of Reece in Healesville. Dolly Parton may have belonged to the world. But in 1987, she came to the Yarra Ranges. And the shire have never quite forgotten her.
Getting to the show is easy, with parking available at Caribbean Park for those travelling by car. Public transport is also a convenient option,
with bus routes including the 693, 753 and 901 SmartBus stopping on Ferntree Gully Road near Caribbean Drive, providing access to the Caribbean Gardens and Business Park precinct.
Make a Weekend of It Visitors travelling to the show can make their trip even more enjoyable with a special accommodation offer from Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park. Guests can receive 20 per cent off the standard rate, with the offer valid only for stays during the Melbourne Country Show event dates, 25 September to 4 October. Whether you are visiting for the day or planning a longer school holiday getaway, the Melbourne Country Show offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy country style entertainment, animals, activities and family fun right here in Melbourne. Gather the family, invite your friends and experience a memorable day out at the Melbourne Country Show. For tickets, event information and updates, visit the Melbourne Country Show website.
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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL 9
NEWS
The Ray Yates Arts Centre, where the new memorial plaque lives. (576532)
Ray Yates Memorial Plaque. (576532)
Permanent tribute to Ray By Claudia Mather A new plaque commemorating Ray Yates’ ever evolving legacy has been placed on the Ray Yates Arts Centre at Monbulk Primary School. The name that was embedded into the Monbulk community has been given a permanent place to be remembered and inspired for generations to come. Mr Yates was a beloved community member and a dedicated educator and leader, who sadly passed away in November last year. His influence continues to be felt across the entire town. Monbulk Primary School Principal Estelle Alder said that Mr Yates spent many years of his life serving the community and leading Monbulk Primary School as a teacher and principal. “This plaque is to commemorate and to recognise the extraordinary impact that Ray Yates had on Monbulk primary school and the Monbulk community,” she said. The plaque has been added onto the building he loved the most, the Ray Yates Arts Centre, which was created out of his passion for the arts. Mr Yates’ wife, Cathie Newell, said, “he would be very pleased that it’s on his beloved art centre building.” “This building was his love and it’s very special for him to have it in the perfect spot where the children can see it,” she smiled. “It did make the most sense to have it on this building that he spent so much time and effort designing and worked so hard to bring into creation as well.” The plaque has been placed next to the Advanced Australia Fare plaque on the arts building which Ms Newell explained Mr Yates was very passionate about. Ms Alder noted that a defining characteristic of Mr Yates was his remarkable ability to recall the names of individuals across generations. “He always remembered their name and made
Danielle Lamport, Bec Turpin, Estelle Alder and Cathie Newell with Ray Yates Memorial Plaque. (Stewart Chambers: 576532) them feel special, even 10 years after he resigned.” “That’s something we wanted to capture in the plaque as well,” she said. Ms Newell admired his talent for remembering each person he met, saying he even remem-
bered those he might not have seen for an extended period of time. “He was just amazing with names,” she smiled. Past student and current teacher, Danielle Lamport, knew Mr Yates from a very young age.
“As a student, as a teacher or as a friend, you always just felt that you were being looked after and that you were part of something bigger than a workplace with Ray,” she said. “It’s a legacy that doesn’t just stay with the school. It’s the whole community. Like I say, beyond the picket fence.” “I have so many but my earliest memory of Ray is when I was eight years old and I arrived at the school and Ray had this lovely habit of visiting the classrooms and just reading poetry to students,” she smiled. The Monbulk Bendigo Community Bank Branch Manager, Bec Turpin, said that Mr Yates was a founding member of the bank when it opened 15 years ago. In his memory, as well as the plaque, they have created the Ray Yates Community Award which is a dollar amount awarded to a deserving community group once a year. “It just shows that everything he did was for the benefit of other people,” Ms Lamport admired. “He was a part of so many other community groups and organisations throughout the years as well,” Ms Turpin said. “The school has, because of Ray Yates, a really long relationship with Bendigo Bank who are always giving back to the community and to the school and helping support us,” Ms Alder appreciated. It is widely recognised in Mobulk that the community meant everything to Mr Yates. Ms Newell is sure that her late husband’s legacy is permanently anchored in the community. “His life was just incredible,” she reflected. Surrounded by the building he created and the community he cherished, Mr Yates story has come full circle, back to the place he admired the most with the new plaque commemorating his incredible legacy for generations to come.
Coonara Community House is celebrating half a century Coonara Community House will mark 50 years of serving the Upper Ferntree Gully community with a free festival in November, backed by $5000 in funding from Bendigo Bank Community Bank Ferntree Gully. The 50th Anniversary Community Festival will be held from midday to 5pm on Saturday, 7 November, at 22 Willow Road, Upper Ferntree Gully. The funding will help cover children’s activities at the event, including a petting farm, bubble artist, face painting and craft activities. Event coordinator Mandy Limb said the festival would also feature live music, food and activities for the wider community. “We are extremely grateful to the team at Bendigo Bank in Ferntree Gully for their generous support,” Ms Limb said. The festival will include about 30 market stalls, community chess and mahjong, fresh produce, food and other activities. The event will bring together current and former staff, volunteers, trainers, residents and neighbours to celebrate Coonara’s history.
10 MAIL | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
Coonara Community House in Upper Ferntree Gully is celebrating its 50th birthday in November. (Supplied) A history committee has also been formed to document the community house’s five decades of operation. Ms Limb said the committee included eight
former staff members, who collectively have more than 150 years of experience working at Coonara. “Their wealth of knowledge and personal
memories provide a unique insight into the House’s history and its evolution over five decades,” she said. A history exhibition will form part of the anniversary celebrations, with the community invited to contribute photographs and stories about their experiences at Coonara. “We know there are so many wonderful stories and memories held within our community,” Ms Limb said. “We are calling out to the community to share their memories, photos and stories of Coonara with us.” Bendigo Bank Community Bank Ferntree Gully has invested more than $300,000 in local organisations in 2025, while more than $6 million has been returned to the community through grants, sponsorships and partnerships over the past 25 years. The festival will be held at Coonara Community House, 22 Willow Road, Upper Ferntree Gully, from midday to 5pm on Saturday, 7 November. More information is available through Coonara Community House.
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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL 11
NEWS
Forge founder a finalist By Shamsiya Hussainpoor The founder of The Forge Institute, Brent Dakis, has been named one of three local Knox and Ferntree Gully finalists in the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program. The Forge Institute, based in the Dandenong Ranges is helping young people find belonging, confidence and creative expression through artist-led workshops, mentorships and opportunities to build meaningful connections. Mr Dakis founded the institute following the death of his 13-year-old daughter, Ivy, who took her own life in September last year. But the idea for The Forge began before her death, when Mr Dakis and Ivy ran a photography business together. After struggling to find a suitable local photography environment for his daughter, the pair had discussed creating a platform for artistic education for young people in the Hills. Following Ivy’s death, Mr Dakis said the need to create that space became much stronger. “I knew that I felt very strongly, if there was a space for younger people that wasn’t home and it wasn’t school, but it was some third place that they could feel a part of, feel creatively inspired by and belong to,” he said. The first Forge workshops began in January this year, and programs are now thriving. The institute currently runs individual workshops and courses, attracting between eight and 14 young people to many of its sessions. Without a permanent venue, however, Mr Dakis said the organisation was limited in what it could offer. He hopes to eventually establish a permanent community art space where young people can drop in after school, access an open studio and attend classes. Already, Mr Dakis said he had seen changes in young people taking part. He recalled one particularly shy student who
The Forge’s photography workshop.
Young participant take part in the institute’s workshop. The Forge Institute founder, Brent Dakis is a finalist in the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program. (Supplied)
Art workshop at The Forge Institute.
did not speak during several weeks of workshops, before attending a Forge forum and spending the session talking with another student. “It was this very tangible moment where there was someone who very clearly had reservations about feeling safe even in small groups of peers, and yet there we were in a space specifically designed to openly talk about things,” he said. Messages from students and parents have also highlighted the impact of the workshops, including one student who said they had learned more during an afternoon photography workshop than during the previous year and a half of media at school. Mr Dakis said The Forge was also filling a gap for young people who did not necessarily fit into traditional extracurricular spaces. “We have a lot of support for young people through things like sporting clubs,” he said.
“But it is a constant thing that if you’re not sporty or you’re creative in some capacity, that those spaces don’t exist.” Young people also have a voice in shaping The Forge’s programs through its Forge forums, where they can suggest workshops and help decide what the organisation offers. One of those involved is Grace, one of Ivy’s close friends and a lead youth ambassador for The Forge. Mr Dakis said it had been rewarding to watch her confidence grow through her involvement, including her development as a photographer and pursuit of photography opportunities with bands. For Mr Dakis, though, creative education is ultimately a means of helping young people feel valued and connected. “The core thing is making young people feel
valued and as though they have somewhere that they can belong,” he said. Being named a finalist has already secured The Forge a $5000 grant, while the larger $20,000 grant would provide greater flexibility to expand workshops, bring in different teachers and subjects, improve equipment and potentially help secure a permanent venue. The grieving parent has also turned to jewellery-making, creating objects shaped by grief, memory and personal ritual. Each piece offers a personal way to honour remembrance and lived experience, more can be found here: asacredmourning.com.au. Mr Dakis said being named a finalist had left him feeling both honoured and conflicted. While grateful for the recognition and potential funding, he said he did not see himself as a “hero”. “I just feel like someone that’s wanting to make a change so that other families and other young people don’t go what we’ve gone through,” Mr Dakis said. Winners will be announced from 20 October.
Kids’ camp hero nominated Shy Nair named for health for his work in community and safety dedication By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Anthony Ying from Southern Cross Kids’ Camp Knox is one of three finalists in the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program, recognised for his work supporting children and young people in the community. Now in its ninth year, the Westfield Local Heroes program recognises leaders, volunteers, innovators and everyday Australians making a meaningful impact. For Mr Ying, the nomination comes after more than 17 years volunteering with Southern Cross Kids’ Camps. He first joined in 2009 after a friend asked him to volunteer and is now an assistant director, helping with administration, volunteers and the smooth running of the camp. The Knox camp runs each January, providing children aged seven to 11 who have experienced neglect and hardship with a week of activities, connection and support. Mr Ying said one of the biggest highlights was seeing the change in children between their arrival and the end of camp. “When I first started volunteering, I asked myself, ‘what difference can five days make?’” Mr Ying said. “To see the change in a kid’s disposition from day one, when they might be gloomy or closed off, to the fifth day when they’re going home, yes, there’s sadness and all that, but some of them come out of their shells,” he said. “Some of them are a lot happier and more engaging, and it’s just great to see them become more themselves.” The camps also encourage children to return each year, allowing volunteers to see their transformation over time. Mr Ying said the children could sometimes be “unfairly” defined by labels and circumstances. “They are amazing children, they’ve already gone through so much in their lives,” he said. Scentre Group’s national community manager, Pam Wilson said the Westfield Local Heroes program “celebrates the extraordinary individu-
12 MAIL | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Anthony Ying named a local heroes finalist for his work supporting children. (Supplied) als who give their time, effort and energy to making our local communities stronger and more inclusive.” “Each and every one of our finalists represents the very best of community spirit and we encourage the community to get involved this year by voting for the cause or individual that resonates with them.” Southern Cross Kids’ Camps relies on fundraising and grants to continue its work, with Mr Ying saying the $20,000 Westfield grant would help secure another year of camps. While he would love to win, Mr Ying said being named a finalist had already been a positive experience. He said the process had helped him reconnect with the Knox community and meet old acquaintances while campaigning at Westfield Knox.
Educator Shy Nair has been named one of three finalists in the 2026 Westfield Knox Local Heroes program for her work helping primary school children make safer, healthier choices. Ms Nair has worked with Life Education Victoria for nearly 16 years, following a career as a primary school teacher. She now travels to schools across the Knox area with Harold the Giraffe, teaching children about health and wellbeing, including nutrition, exercise, emotional health, respectful relationships, safety and the risks associated with drugs, alcohol, vaping and smoking. Ms Nair said she was “really excited” and “really, really happy” to be named a finalist, but said the potential $20,000 grant was more important for what it could mean for local children. The money would go to Life Education Victoria to subsidise lessons for schools and families that may otherwise struggle to afford the program. The organisation has already subsidised lessons at one school this year, allowing students to participate when the school had previously been unable to afford it. “It’s just basically we can just subsidise schools,” Ms Nair said. She said the program aimed to give children the knowledge to recognise risks and make informed choices, describing it as “planting that little seed of doubt”. Despite noticing some changes in children following COVID-19 lockdowns, Ms Nair said she remained optimistic about young people. She described the children she works with as “kind”, “empathetic”, “tolerant” and “resilient”, and said she believed “our future is in pretty safe hands”. Ms Nair is joined as a finalist by Anthony Ying of Southern Cross Kids’ Camp Knox and Brent Dakis of The Forge Institute.
Educator Shy Nair is one of three local finalists in the Westfield Local Heroes program. (Supplied) Now in its ninth year, the Westfield program recognises people making an impact in their communities, with up to $1.25 million in grants to be awarded across this year’s program. At each Westfield destination, the winning finalist receives $20,000 for their organisation, while the other two finalists receive $5000 each. Winners will be announced on 20 October.
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INVESTMENT BOOST FOR LOCAL SCOUTS
Community Bank chips in Community Bank Ferntree Gully has announced a major investment in youth development, donating $33,000 to 11 Scout Groups across Knox to help ease financial pressure on families and volunteerrun programs. Scouting gives young people the chance to try new things - from camping and canoeing to STEM activities, leadership challenges and community service. But behind every adventure is a volunteer-run hall that needs maintaining, equipment that needs replacing and families who work hard to keep costs down. Unlike many sporting clubs, Scout Groups don’t have bars or canteens to raise funds. They rely on parents, volunteers and weekend fundraising - often collecting 10c cans and bottles to keep their halls and programs running. Each Scout group will receive a $3000 donation, which equals 30,000 cans and bottles they would need to collect. The total $33,000 investment equates to 330,000 cans and bottles. Scout Group recipients: 1st Boronia, 1st Rowville, 1st The Basin, 1st Ferntree Gully, 1st Wantirna, 1st Knoxfield, 2nd/3rd Bayswater, 2nd Wantirna, 4th Knox, 8th Knox and Heany Park. Community Bank Ferntree Gully chair Etienne Clauw said supporting Scouts is an investment in the future of Knox. “Scouting gives young people skills for life teamwork, resilience, leadership and a sense of adventure,” she said. “We recognised that families and volunteer groups are under enormous financial strain, especially with rising cost of living pressures. “This support helps keep Scouting accessible and wellequipped, whether it’s fixing a hall, replacing gear or backing the volunteers who make these programs possible.”
The Ferntree Gully Bendigo Bank branch has donated $3000 to 11 Scout groups, including Heany Park.
The 1st Boronia Scout Group accept their donation. (Supplied) The investment will assist local groups with hall maintenance, equipment upgrades, volunteer resources and program costs, ensuring
young people across Knox can continue enjoying safe, fun and challenging Scouting experiences. For 25 years, Community Bank Ferntree Gully
The grants will help groups like the 8th Knox Scout group cover essential costs. has reinvested its profits back into the community, contributing more than $6 million to local organisations, clubs and programs.
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Bigger for sharing profits with you. Banking with us means profits are invested back into the community. The Ferntree Gully branch has returned over $6 million in profits to the Knox community so far. Open an account in minutes via the app, or visit your local branch. Community Bank • Ferntree Gully Talk to our friendly team about your everyday banking, business, and home loan needs.
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Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL 13
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Young stars on centre stage By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Monbulk College brought young musicians, established artists, volunteers and the wider community together for a day of live music with its fourth annual Hilltop Music Festival on Sunday, 13 September. The festival presented more than 200 artists across three stages, with approximately 800 tickets sold and around 350 performers and volunteers involved throughout the day. The festival is run by the Monbulk College Music Department in conjunction with Hilltop Music Festival Inc., with the event designed to bring professional musicians and emerging young artists together. The festival showcased young musicians from Monbulk College, Upwey High School, Emerald Secondary College, Lilydale High School and Wandin North Primary School, alongside established artists including Tanya George, Ozer Gun Band, Benoit, Milk Bar Run, The Chops, The Lickspits, Inconvenience, Responsible Gambling, All Stars Choir Melbourne, Mungbean Warriors Band, Dapper Chaps and Centreleech Among the young performers was Monbulk College Year 9 student Amber Mongan, 14, who performed drums with her band ‘Counting Sheep’, as well as taking on an emceeing role. It was Amber’s first time performing drums after only about three months of playing. “I was so nervous for the drums, since I’m just a beginner, I kind of just relied on the other instruments for my timings,” she said. But once she stepped onto the stage, the nerves eased. “The crowd was really energetic. You could tell they loved it because they weren’t just sitting there with blank face,” Amber said. For her, one of the most important parts of the festival was the opportunity it gave young people to perform. “I reckon it’s really important because a lot of us don’t really have a starting place to perform music. There aren’t really many opportunities for people who want to perform,” Amber said. She said the festival allowed young people to get involved in different ways, including performing, volunteering and emceeing. Fellow Year 9 student Elvie Weir, 14, also took on an emceeing role, completing two shifts and introducing several bands and acts. Elvie said the atmosphere was one of the highlights of the day. “Everyone was really happy and welcoming,” she said. “Everyone was up, dancing around and clapping along. It was really fun.” She said events such as the Hilltop Music Festival were particularly important for young people in the Hills because they could provide inspiration and help young people see possibilities for themselves. “It can show you what you can become,” Elvie said. The experience was also Elvie’s first time emceeing. While she was nervous about speaking in front of a crowded audience, she said she felt she did well and would consider doing it again. 15 year old Keira Mercer, also in Year 9 was involved as an emcee too, opening the Bendigo Bank outdoor stage and taking on the closing shift for the hall stage. Keira said the experience showed her she was more capable at public speaking than she had previously realised. “I can do public speaking a lot more [better] than I thought,” she said. Her highlight was watching friends perform, including Amber. Keira said the festival helped create a sense of community and provided opportunities for young people who were interested in music. “I personally do a lot of music too, and there isn’t really many youth programs around until Hilltop provides that,” she said. Keira hopes to return next year, with plans to potentially emcee and perform with her band she plays both electric and acoustic guitar. Behind the students, Monbulk College music teachers Lisa Baird and Roz Wilson have been involved in supporting the festival and preparing students for their performances.
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Hilltop Music Festival outdoor stage. (Supplied) Ms Baird said their role was largely about helping students understand what was involved, organising rehearsals and supporting students as they developed their performances. “It’s very student driven, but we’re here to support their ideas and what they want to do,” Ms Baird said. She said the festival had grown into an event that students now look forward to, with the increasing awareness of Hilltop also encouraging students to practise and become involved. “Usually, our practice rooms are all full in recess and lunch of kids,” she said. Ms Baird said the festival also offered opportunities beyond performing, with students able to take part in emceeing, volunteering, media and other roles. Ms Wilson said one of her highlights was seeing professional musician Tanya George perform alongside Monbulk College students. Three student guitarists and a Year 9 singer joined Ms George for one of her songs, with Ms Wilson describing the experience as “really awesome”. Another highlight was the ‘Old School band’, which brought together teachers, parents and students. Ms Wilson said the experience had even encouraged her son to practise his instrument more. “It really gives them that solid ground that there is something for them to perform,” she said. “It’s not just learning scales and going through the book, this was a real gig, and it was real music.” This year also marked a change in the festival’s funding structure, with the festival becoming incorporated and not-for-profit, which will allow it to apply for different grants. The festival received $4000 from Community Bank Monbulk and District branch of Bendigo Bank, $1000 from Yarra Ranges Council and $1000 from Kalorama Collective. More than 350 sausages were also sold during the event. The festival relied heavily on volunteers, with people helping with set-up, pack-down, stages, performers and other jobs behind the scenes. Ms Baird and Ms Wilson both thanked the tech crew, supporters, sponsors and the Hilltop Music Festival committee for their contribution to the day. With the 2026 festival now complete, preparations are already underway for the next one, with dates, sound and lighting engineers booked for 2027. The next Hilltop Music Festival is scheduled for Sunday, 12 September 2027.
Professional musician Tanya George also attended the festival with her band to inspire and support students and the Hilltop Festival.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Monbulk College’s FIGURE 8 takes to the airwaves at 3MDR in Upwey to promote the festival. (577971)
Monbulk College Year 7 student Zach Barfett, guitarist, outside the green room before performing on the indoor stage. (Supplied)
Hilltop Festival in pictures By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Monbulk College’s fourth annual Hilltop Music Festival took place on Sunday, 13 September, bringing the Hills community together for a vibrant day of live music. With more than 200 artists across three stages, the festival captured plenty of memorable moments, from young musicians taking to the stage for the first time to established artists entertaining the crowds. The festival showcased young musicians from Monbulk College, Upwey High School, Emerald Secondary College, Lilydale High School and Wandin North Primary School, among others.
Monbulk College’s FIGURE 8: (Back row) Amelia (alto saxophone), Nia (acoustic guitar and vocals), Tahlia (vocals) and Alex (guitar); (front row) Caleb (guitar and keys), Marley (vocals) and Alex (bass). (Stewart Chambers: 577971) Hilltop participants performing live at 3MDR radio in Upwey. (577971)
The Hilltop crew performing at 3MDR radio. (577971)
Monbulk College’s FIGURE 8 performing at 3MDR radio station in Upwey to promote the Hilltop Music Festival. (577971)
Monbulk College Year 10 students Tahlia Herbert and Nia Downes performing in the log cabin. (Supplied)
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Monbulk College’s FIGURE 8 member Amelia playing alto saxophone. (577971)
L-R: Monbulk College Year 7 students Olive Henderson and Gracie Bly. (Supplied)
Marley, vocalist with Monbulk College’s FIGURE 8. (577971)
Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL 15
NEWS
Nerds take over Belgrave By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Young people across the Hills will be able to celebrate comics, gaming, anime and all things nerdy when a mini comic convention comes to Belgrave on Wednesday, 23 September, from 12pm to 4pm. Nerds in the Hills – a mini comic convention will be held across Belgrave Library and the Belgrave Tin Shed. Yarra Ranges Shire Council youth development officer Sophie Farinacci said the event came from feedback from young people who wanted more opportunities to attend events of this kind locally. “We heard directly from young people that opportunities to attend these events are few and far between when you live in the Hills,” Ms Farinacci said. Ms Farinacci said similar events were often held in the city, making them difficult to reach by public transport and costly. The event is being organised by the Defrosted Events Crew, a group of young people aged 14 to 25 supporting music, art and cultural events across the Yarra Ranges, particularly in Belgrave. The Belgrave Tin Shed will host an Artist Alley featuring around 15 young stallholders selling their art and other wares. At the library, young people can use a hangout zone and take part in free all-day activities including zine and badge making. Bookable workshops will also cover comic making, cosplay creation, how to be a D and D dungeon master and how to magic the gathering. The workshops are free, but spaces are limited.
Belgrave is getting its own mini Comic Convention, with young artists, cosplay, gaming and plenty of creative activities for the youths. (Unsplash) Double Dare Ya Zine Club, Express Media, Lumin’s Workshop and Games Guild Belgrave will also be involved, alongside young local artists. Ms Farinacci said the organisers were looking forward to bringing young people together. “We are excited to see the community of young people come together to connect and celebrate
all things nerdy,” she said. The Defrosted Events Crew has also learned how much goes into organising an event of this scale. “Our Defrosted Crew are always surprised by how many moving parts there are to an event, especially for something like a comic convention,” Ms Farinacci said.
“Seeing it come together is the best part.” Free tickets are available, visit: www.trybooking.com/DPMIR Young people aged 14 to 25 interested in joining Defrosted Events can submit an expression of interest via email at youth@yarraranges.vic.gov. au or call (03) 9294 6716.
Free places provide yoga without the cost barrier By Shamsiya Hussainpoor For some people, self-care is one of the first things to disappear when household costs start to rise. For Upwey resident, Sharyne Veal, the opportunity to continue practising yoga through a free yoga pass has meant she does not have to put something important to her wellbeing aside. Ms Veal said she was grateful to Andrew and Sheena for the opportunity, which has allowed her to continue with her yoga practice at the Heart Space Yoga in Olinda Hall. “With the cost of living and everything, you put these things on the bottom of the list,” she said. “You think: ‘I can’t really afford to go to yoga or something.’” Ms Veal said yoga had become an important part of her self-care, particularly as she gets older. She said the classes gave her time away from the everyday pressures of cooking, shopping and looking after grandchildren, allowing her to focus on herself and the present moment. “I feel very relaxed and calm,” Ms Veal said. “It just relaxes your whole body, and you’re not thinking about all those negative things that come into your head. You’re just in the moment.” Heart Space Yoga owner and teacher Sheena Wong said the initiative was created with the community in mind, with yoga being something she believed many people could benefit from. “I feel like yoga is something that a lot of people really need in their lives, and a lot of people benefit from, especially in softer spaces and just being in their bodies,” she said. Ms Wong said modern yoga classes could sometimes feel intimidating, whether because of the price or the way they appeared to newcomers. The aim at Heart Space Yoga, she said, was to create a welcoming environment where people could connect with themselves and others without feeling pressure to perform or achieve. The free places were established through a partnership between Ms Wong and The Philanthropic Collective operating from Olinda Hall. “It was always the intention to have free spots for people that couldn’t afford it,” Ms Wong said. Fletchers Real Estate Olinda and Oracle of Sassafras have also donated funding to help provide additional free places for community members who otherwise may not have the opportunity to attend because of financial constraints. Ms Wong said the support had been generous,
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with both organisations also helping spread the word about the classes. On Sunday, 20 September, the classes were offered free to everyone as a one-off session, with Ms Wong providing her time pro bono. There will also continue to be some free places available to community members, with registration required. For subsequent classes, a special rate of $10 per class will run until 15 October, after that, classes will cost $20 per session or $35 for unlimited classes. The classes currently run three times a week, with Wednesdays set to be added to the schedule soon, once that happens, there will be five classes each week, along with a monthly Friday special class. Ms Wong said most classes were beginnerfriendly and would be labelled if they were not, making them approachable for people with little or no previous yoga experience. Yin classes are also offered, which Ms Wong described as a nourishing practice where participants can lie in different positions and simply be still. For Ms Veal, the affordability of the classes has made yoga something she can realistically continue. “Probably not, because you know it can be costly,” Ms Veal said when asked whether she would be practising yoga without the free classes. “This is affordable for the community.” Ms Veal said she hoped to continue with yoga after her free pass ended and encouraged others not to neglect their own wellbeing during difficult financial times. “I would say we have to think about, we have to stop and think that we need to look after ourselves in these times,” she said. Ms Wong said she hoped people left the classes feeling more connected to themselves, their bodies and their breath. “Feel at ease in their own bodies and feel at ease with themselves,” she said. For Ms Veal, that sense of calm is already making a difference. “You just go there, and you’re not focusing on anything else but where you are at the moment,” she said. “And we don’t always do that, do we?”
Families at Coonara Community House’s 2025 Halloween party. (Supplied)
Spooky celebration set to return to Coonara Hundreds of families are expected to descend on Upper Ferntree Gully this Halloween, with Coonara Community House bringing back its annual Halloween celebration. The event will run from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday, 31 October, at Coonara Community House, 22 Willow Road. The Halloween walk will feature tombstones, cobwebs and a stand-up coffin, with families encouraged to dress up for the occasion. Event coordinator Mandy Limb said last year’s event attracted about 1000 people, with around 2000 lollies handed out. “[It] seems to get bigger and bigger each year,” Ms Limb said. She said the event had attracted people from outside the local area, including Melbourne’s inner suburbs. For Ms Limb, one of the highlights is seeing the effort families put into their costumes. “Inflatable cows, pumpkin families, uni-
corns, skeletons and fairies,” she said. “Families even dress up their dogs.” The event will also include a sausage sizzle and drinks, with funds raised going towards Coonara Community House programs and events. Ms Limb said the Halloween celebration had become an opportunity for local families to reconnect with the community. “We love watching families grow,” she said. “We have children who attended our Kindergarten coming along who are now teenagers. It’s wonderful to see such a sense of belonging.” Coonara Community House runs around 80 courses, workshops, classes, social and recreational groups and activities each term, including yoga, woodwork, cooking, computer skills, writing, sewing and craft. To register your interest and to receive costume inspiration head to its Facebook event link: www.facebook.com/share/1C83BJjCc8/
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NEWS
Alyssa hops in for Monbulk By Callum Ludwig Founder of the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance Alyssa Wormald is continuing her advocacy through nominating for the Animal Justice Party (AJP) in Monbulk. Ms Wormald grew up in the district, worked in Montrose and Lilydale and has been back living in the district on a Trust for Nature covenant protected property. Ms Wormald said growing up, her family was very involved in local issues as her mother was the president of Montrose Environmental Group and on the Montrose Township Group. “My family have always been staunchly and actively opposed to the expansion of Montrose Boral Quarry, and we have resumed our support of the current STOP campaign,” she said. “As a wildlife advocate, I have been very involved in kangaroo protection within the Yarra Ranges. I was a member of the Save the Kinley Kangas campaign in Lilydale, and was involved (in my capacity as president of Victorian Kangaroo Alliance (VKA)) in the successful campaign to have the Shire of Yarra Ranges Council request exemption from commercial kangaroo shooting. “VKA had hoped to support a local advocate to start kangaroo education tours, but unfortunately it was deemed too risky after a shooter targeted the mob.” Ms Wormald is also the co-director of Heaven and Earth Eco Burial Products and has conducted a number of free education sessions on environmentally friendly end-of-life choices in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges alongside her business partner. Ms Wormald said the AJP stands for all that she values, particularly by recognising that human wellbeing is inextricably linked with the wellbeing of animals and the environment. “I am delighted to support the party that shares my vision for a kinder, greener future by standing for them in this election, we need continued representation from the AJP in Parliament to ensure there is a strong voice for animals and the people who love them,” she said. “This is our best hope for achieving two goals close to my heart, ending recreational native bird shooting and the relentless persecution and exploitation of kangaroos. “Ending the abuse of wildlife is so important, not only to prevent cruelty and population declines, but to protect people from the risk of emergent zoonotic disease.”
Alyssa Wormald is the Animal Justice Party candidate for Monbulk. (Supplied) In the Monbulk district, Ms Wormald’s priorities are conserving green spaces, ensuring responsible development, fixing roads and supporting the essential work of the health, education and emergency services sectors. Ms Wormald said she would also love to see the district be the first in Victoria to host a conservation burial ground, where degraded land can be regenerated and protected by the people who choose to be buried there, with only one currently existing in Australia. “There are many issues affecting Victorians, some major concerns are the declining state of
the environment, unsustainable development, rising cost of living, and unaffordable housing,” she said. “Personally, I abhor the cruel treatment of farmed animals, animals used in racing and research, and the rampant slaughter of wildlife for convenience, profit and recreation. “Cruelty to wildlife impacts people too as it creates a further burden on overstretched wildlife volunteers, distresses community members, impacts ecotourism businesses, and puts us all at risk from zoonotic disease.”
Voters in Monbulk can find out more about Ms Wormald via vic.animaljusticeparty.org/ alyssa-wormald and can contact her via alyssa. wormald.ajp@gmail.com. They can find the AJP’s policies and positions at animaljusticeparty.org/our_policies. “We need politicians like AJP’s Georgie Purcell MP who will offer a future in which coming generations can be proud,” she said. “That means upholding high ethical standards, careful protection of the natural world, and equal opportunities, health, amenity, and safety for all.”
Nationals’ Melina Bath seeking a third Eastern term By Callum Ludwig Melina Bath is back to contest the Eastern Victoria region for the Nationals. Growing up on a dairy farm in Fish Creek, the qualified secondary school maths and science teacher and former small business owner has been representing Eastern Victoria since 2015. Ms Bath said she believes this prior experience has held her in really good stead in Victorian Parliament. “Many of the things that I learnt both growing up,in small business and as a teacher are around serving your community, serving people and understanding how people operate and really I’ve carried a lot of the skills and understandings from that through into this role,” she said. That can include listening really intently to people, sometimes I think members of parliament can be silent only in the intervening times while they’re thinking about something to say. “I’ve found, particularly in small business and then working in education, it’s really important to understand where the person in front of you is at, what their needs are, what their challenges are and how you can assist them, whether it be in small business or in the classroom or with parents.” Ms Bath is also a life member of the Leongatha Knights Soccer Club, where she served as the secretary for ten years. Ms Bath said she believes the Liberal-Na-
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Melina Bath is seeking re-election for the Nationals in Eastern Victoria. (Supplied) tional coalition is well-suited for serving in Victoria’s upper house. “My passion for regional Victoria runs deep and this area, the Eastern Victoria region, it starts at Mornington, it goes up to the seat of Evelyn and Puffing Billy and all of your fantastic area up there, and then all the way to the New South Wales border to Mallacoota,” she said. “So it’s a really large footprint and I have around five hundred thousand constituents so clearly some people will know me as a household name and others would not know who I am, that’s the blessing and the curse of being in the upper house. “You tend to get to know some issues and some people very well and others not…but my (Liberal) colleague Renee Heath often does more of the western side of our electorate and I
tend to, but not solely, tend to do the Gippsland and the eastern side a little more.” Ms Bath is currently the shadow minister for Public Land Management and Aboriginal Affairs and The Nationals’ Whip in the upper house, having also previously served as the shadow minister for Regional Development, Local Government and as the shadow parliamentary secretary for Public Land Use, Education and Volunteers. Ms Bath said healthcare, roads and land management are the key issues for her in Eastern Victoria. “Health is a key issue that is highly pressurized in the regions even more than in Melbourne… once you ring that ambulance and wait for that ambulance to come in the Yarra Ranges, and this is indicative of across Gippsland as well, you’re waiting 18 and a half minutes for Code One and only reaching those response times of 15 minutes 55 per cent of the time, the statewide average is about 65 percent of the time,” she said. “Virtually anywhere you go there are shocking potholes… but roads, they’re not a luxury, they’re a necessity and over the last decade there has been maintenance funding cut, the government is building roads in Melbourne, but Eastern Victoria across the board there has been maintenance funding cut and there is less maintenance being done. “Part of my policies that I’m soon to be releasing focuses back on more about active management of our forest estate and that also
includes making sure that we are better bushfire prepared…if we look at the Dandenongs, Yarra Ranges, that Pakenham area, it’s a heavily wooded area, but it’s also a heavily populated area and we need to do more to get this balance right because there are literally lives at stake if we’re not going to do more prepared burns ahead of time in the cooler months under great supervision.” Ms Bath encouraged anyone interested in speaking to her ahead of the election to visit her website melinabath.com.au, look her up on Facebook, or email her at melina.bath@parliament.vic.gov.au. Ms Bath said the Nationals are unadulterated in their focus and the Coalition is ready to govern. “We don’t have to think ‘Is this good for metropolitan Melbourne?’, our sole focus is on regional Victoria and peri-urban area, anything outside the tram tracks which have been an overwhelmingly significant focus of the Labor government,” she said. “The PBO (Parliamentary Budget Office) at our request has done some study over the last three or four years, and we’re 25 per cent of the population in regional Victoria, but we’re only getting 11 to 12 per cent of the infrastructure spend. “We’ve got good structures, and that should provide confidence to people, we are always willing to listen, always willing to learn, but going forward, we have a strong plan and a strong team.”
Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL 17
OPINION
Sweetly chaotic fantasy Years ahead of becoming the bestselling author and fantasy legend that he is today, Garth Nix visited London in 1983 at the formative age of 19. “It was during this time that I decided I wanted to try to become a writer,” writes Nix at the end of his fantasy adventure The Left-Handed Booksellers of London. Set in a slightly alternate London in 1983, the multiple-award-winning novel tells the story of 18-year-old art student Susan, who travels from Bath to London in search of her father, whom she has never met and knows very little about. While on this quest, Susan encounters an extended family of magical fighting booksellers who police the mythical and legendary Old World when it intrudes on the modern world. Among these are young, dashing and lefthanded Merlin and his intellectual, composed and right-handed sister Vivien. The siblings are
PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN determined to find out who or what is behind the death of their mother, but their investigation overlaps with Susan’s in intriguing ways. They soon realise Susan is the target of a series of powerful yet mysterious attacks by mortal and supernatural beings, and have to enlist the help of
other booksellers to protect her. All booksellers in this story have their differing strengths and gifts. In addition to collecting, restoring, conserving and selling books, their magical powers reach across time and dimension, with the left-handed in charge of fighting, the right-handed researching and strategising, and the evenhanded being the most distinguished and knowledgeable. These unique characters enrich the story and make for a delightfully beguiling read. One of the most memorable bits about the booksellers is that when they are upset, they need to read quietly, or write poems. For example, upon hearing the news of a colleague’s death, one bookseller “went and made a kind of pyramid out of Dickens and Trollope second or later editions – he didn’t disturb the firsts – climbed in, and has refused to talk or come out”. Meanwhile, the numerous creatures and en-
CARTOON
tities drawn from British folklore, legends and myths give the novel a distinct Tolkien and even Pratchett vibe. Not only are the Gog and Mogog at the southern entrance of Melbourne’s Royal Arcade mentioned, but the sweetly chaotic array of events remind readers of some of the great Doctor Who episodes. This reviewer particularly enjoys exploring all the books, authors, poems and art works discussed among the booksellers. Garth Nix will be part of the “Hypothetically Speaking...” speculative fiction panel at the 2026 Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival, along with Karen Comer, Jane Rawson and Rose Michael. He will also join contemporary writer and poet Declan Fry for a conversation on his latest book Massif. Find more details here: dandyrangeslitfest.net/tickets.
Resident Evil review: Too camp
Resident Evil Starring Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser and Zach Cherry MA15+ 3.5/5
Stories of the stage brought to life Australian Museum of Performing Arts Bringing stories of the stage to life, AMPA celebrates the breath of Australia’s extraordinary performance history through cataloguing exhibitions, while also featuring the best from international institutions. In December 2025 the museum opened with the groundbreaking exhibition Diva, touring from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). Encore! 50 objects, 50 Years, One Collection The new exhibition is on display until 9 May 2027. Featured pieces include the legendary gold hot pants worn by Kylie Minogue in the Spinning Around music video, the original neon-red L’Amour sign Baz Lurmann and Catherine Martin created for Opera Australia’s La Boheme. Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirt’s beloved drum kit and stage costumes worn by the likes of Olivia Newton-John, Hugh Jackman and more. Fifty iconic objects ansd costumes have been particularly chosen for the exhibition, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Australian Performing Arts Museum Collection, Australia’s largest specialist collection of circus, dance, music, opera, and theatre which preserves more than 850,000 objects at Art Centre Melbourne. Other objects include the original 1874 handwritten script of Struck Oil, the breathtaking production from the entrepreneurial theatre impresario James
18 MAIL | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
Kemp’s curtain call Cassius Williamson, who established Australia’s dominant theatre management company. A set model of a Carlton terrace house from the Melbourne Theatre Company’s 1995 production of Ray Lawler’s Summer of the Seventeenth Doll represents one of Australia’s most ground-breaking plays. Karralyka Theatre Alone but All One - Katie Noonan A delicate offering, it features Katie’s Piano and a string quartet as the sole accompaniment to her exquisite voice. Recorded live in her lounge room on Gubbi Gubbi Country, this stripped-back album represents a quiet turning inward – a return to something essential, honest and deeply moving. Season: Friday 9 October at 7.30pm. Gemco Theatre
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Ordinary Days: A Musical From one of musical theatre’s most exciting new composers comes Ordinary Days, a refreshingly honest and funny musical about real connections in the city that never sleeps (probably should at some point). Ordinary Days tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfilment, happiness, love and cabs. Through a score of vibrant and memorable songs, their experiences ring startlingly true to life. Ordinary Days is an original musical for anyone who’s ever struggled to appreciate the simple things in a complex place. With an equal sense of humour and poignancy, it celebrates how 8.3 million individuals’ stories combine in unexpected ways to make New York City such a unique and extraordinary home. Season: 6 November. Eltham Little Theatre Lend Me a Tenor This is a case of mistaken identities and unexpected romance. It’s 1934 and opera virtuoso Tito Morelli is about to revive Othello. When Tito unexpectedly becomes incapacitated, a suitable replacement must be found. Season: 16-26 November.
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Set during the events of the game Resident Evil 2, Zack Creggor’s new Resident Evil film sees hapless medical courier Bryan (Austin Abrams) transport a vital package through zombie-infested Raccoon City, and it’s a fun, suspenseful horror movie bogged down by gags. Creggor’s Resident Evil moves at a swift pace, features several tense, grisly setpieces, and places greater emphasis on survival horror – struggling against macabre threats with scarce resources and bleak odds – than Paul W.S. Anderson’s actionfocused Resident Evil films. In this respect, Creggor’s Resident Evil is the most faithful adaptation of the games yet, even as it tells a new story instead of directly adapting the games. With its snowy environment, tentacled creatures, themes of assimilation and possession, and the deep, baleful score reminiscent of Ennio Morricone, this is also a much better The Thing follow-up than what we got in 2011. Camp is an integral element of the Resident Evil franchise, from the inadvertent camp of poor English dialogue in the first game (“You were almost a Jill sandwich!”) to the overt camp of Resident Evil 4’s squeaky-voiced dwarf Napoleon villain and Village’s buxom giant vampire mistress villain. Even so, Creggor’s Resident Evil massively overdoes the comedy. The first act’s dark humour speaks for itself, as Bryan and other characters act so blase around an injured woman who is clearly dangerously unwell, but the rest of the comedy feels forced. Moreover, quippy commentary fits a macho stereotype like game protagonist Leon Kennedy better than a loser like Bryan (and Bryan’s constant swearing is tiresome). Hope generally has more organic humour while being much funnier. A middling video game movie in a year with a surprising abundance of them, Resident Evil is visceral and exciting but too goofy for its own good.
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ASTON LODGE CONTEMPORARY LIVING WITH VALLEY VIEWS mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 19
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
ASTON LODGE - CONTEMPORARY LIVING WITH VALLEY VIEWS BURSTING with natural light and showcasing beautiful views across the nearby valley, this character filled family home delivers an exceptional blend of space, versatility and lifestyle appeal. Thoughtfully designed and crafted, the home offers a flexible floorplan with plenty of room for the entire family to spread out, relax and entertain. Beautiful hardwood timber floors and double glazed windows flow throughout the main level, creating warmth and continuity as you move through the home. Spacious open plan living and dining seamlessly adjoin an impressive kitchen, where an abundance of windows fill the space with sunlight and draws your attention to the leafy surrounds outside. Hydronic heating warms throughout as well as multiple split systems, making any day cosy plus a 4kw solar system has been added for extra convenience. The kitchen is both stylish and highly functional with its stone benchtops and soft close cabinetry, offering an outstanding combination of storage and workspace, with a walk-in pantry and substantial island bench. Whether preparing a family meal or entertaining guests, this is just the right space to bring everyone together. Complementing the open floorplan is a wonderful secondary living area - a peaceful retreat perfectly suited to a reading nook, music space or simply somewhere to sit back and enjoy the sunshine. It is a truly magical spot to unwind. All four bedrooms are conveniently positioned on this level. The generous main bedroom is a private retreat, complete with an adjoining additional room, an incredible walkin robe and a spacious ensuite. The remaining bedrooms enjoy their own sense of privacy and are serviced by the impressive resort style main bathroom. Downstairs, the flexibility continues with an additional space that can be adapted to suit your family’s needs. Whether you require another bedroom, home office, teenagers’ retreat or additional living area, the options are exceptional - a rare feature that adds genuine versatility to the home. Even the oversized laundry makes an impression, combining excellent storage with thoughtful design. Every aspect of this home has been carefully considered to make family life easier and more enjoyable. Outside, two distinct entertaining areas provide the perfect setting to enjoy the outdoors throughout the seasons. The spacious undercover deck is an ideal place to entertain, taking in the beautiful valley views, while the lower patio offers a peaceful spot for an afternoon cuppa surrounded by the lush garden. Speaking of the garden, green thumbs will be delighted by the abundance of mature plantings, established greenery and year round colour. Multiple sheds provide excellent storage for tools, equipment and family toys, while the generous grounds offer plenty of space to enjoy the serenity of this beautiful setting. Adding further practicality is the oversized
double garage, conveniently positioned under the roofline and complete with workbench space. The location is equally appealing, with Belgrave South Primary School and local
shops approximately 1km away, while a bus route is just metres from your door. Surrounded by a welcoming local community and the natural beauty of the hills, this is a wonderful opportunity to secure a lifestyle
property where space, comfort and tranquillity come together. A truly special family home offering an exceptional lifestyle in a beautiful setting - your inspection is a must. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 2 The Crescent, BELGRAVE HEIGHTS Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,100,000 - $1,200,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442 and Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 9754 6888
20 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
mailcommunity.com.au
HOME FOCUS
COASTAL LIVING IN THE HEART OF MARTHA COVE PERFECTLY positioned within the sought-after Martha Cove precinct of Safety Beach, this beautifully presented four-bedroom, twobathroom home delivers relaxed coastal living just moments from the shoreline, marina, parks and local dining. Set on an easy-care 460sqm, it offers generous family spaces, effortless entertaining and an enviable Mornington Peninsula lifestyle. An undercover entry welcomes you inside, where three carpeted bedrooms each feature built-in robes and ceiling fans. These are serviced by the stylish central family bathroom, complete with stone benchtops, a generous bathtub and separate toilet. The well-appointed laundry provides excellent functionality with a timber benchtop and overhead cabinetry. The master bedroom offers a private retreat with a walk-in robe and ensuite finished with stone benchtops, creating a comfortable space away from the main living zones. At the rear of the home, the floorplan opens into a bright and airy kitchen, living and dining area designed to bring everyone together. The contemporary kitchen features stone benchtops, a generous island bench, gas cooktop, dishwasher, large pantry and ample storage, making it equally suited to everyday meals and entertaining. Two separate living areas provide plenty of room for the family to spread out, including a carpeted lounge and a second living space with split-system heating and cooling. Gas ducted heating throughout the home ensures
comfort during the cooler months. Sliding doors from the dining area open to the undercover entertaining area and fully fenced rear yard, where a combination of grass and concrete creates a practical, low-maintenance outdoor space. Adding a truly unique touch, glow stones embedded within the concrete come to life after dark, creating the effect of a starry night underfoot and adding a little magic to evenings spent outdoors. There is plenty of space for entertaining, children and pets, while a double garage completes the property. The location is where this home truly shines. Walk to the Beach and dog beach, local parks, Martha Cove Marina and Martha’s Table Restaurant & Bar, with the wider Mornington Peninsula waiting to be explored. Situated at the base of Mount Martha on the eastern shores of Port Phillip Bay, Martha Cove combines marina living with everything that makes the Peninsula so appealing. With direct access to Port Phillip Bay, a protected harbour and easy access to beaches, wineries, restaurants and coastal attractions, this is an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that feels like a holiday every day. 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: 34 Seahaven Way, SAFETY BEACH Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Bethany Sullivan 0438 844 968, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD mailcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 21
HOME FOCUS
LARGE FAMILY HOME IN JUST THE RIGHT LOCATION SET in a peaceful Upwey location, 5 Ferndale Avenue is a beautifully maintained four bedroom, brick veneer home offering generous proportions, excellent flexibility and a fantastic indoor and outdoor lifestyle for the whole family. Tucked away in a quiet setting while still within easy reach of everything Upwey has to offer, the home is approximately 2.6km from Upwey Train Station and Main Street, 2.2km from Upwey Primary School and Upwey High School. It sits in a wonderfully convenient position for families wanting a little more peace and space without sacrificing access to schools, shops, cafes and public transport. The brand new kitchen is a standout feature, finished with timber cabinetry, stone benchtops and quality craftsmanship, along with soft close cupboards, excellent storage and plenty of preparation space for those who love to cook. A major highlight is the abundance of living space, with two huge living zones providing plenty of room for everyone to spread out. Whether you need space for family gatherings, quiet evenings or entertaining guests, these comfortably large lounges can be tailored to suit your lifestyle. The home includes four bedrooms that are positioned along the hallway, with a bathroom located on each side of the house for added convenience. The large laundry provides additional storage and everyday practicality. Comfort is well taken care of year round with ducted heating, split system heating and cooling, a cosy wood fire and ceiling fans throughout. There is also ducted vacuuming for extra convenience. Outside is where this property really comes into its own. The expansive tiered decking provides separate spaces for outdoor dining and relaxed seating, making it ideal for entertaining family and friends. Beyond the deck are paved areas, well maintained garden boxes and a large, almost flat, green rear yard that is securely fenced and beautifully maintained, offering plenty of room for children, pets and keen gardeners to enjoy. Spacious, practical and exceptionally well cared for, 5 Ferndale Avenue delivers the kind of flexibility families are always searching for, in a highly sought after Upwey location. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 5 Ferndale Avenue, UPWEY Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442 and Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 9754 6888
22 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
mailcommunity.com.au
Real Estate you can trust! We’re here to help.
4/83SandellsRoad,Tecoma
128Belgrave-GembrookRd,Selby
48TernesRoad,Upwey
2 Bed | 1 Bath | 1 Car | 147m2
2 Bed | 1 Bath | Car | 1449m2
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 2123m2
FOR SALE $550,000 - $590,000
FOR SALE $700,000 - $760,000
FOR SALE $950,000 - $1,040,000
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
290GlenfernRoad,Upwey
5FerndaleAvenue,Upwey
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car | 981m2
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 1 Car | 1142m2
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car | 1065m2
FOR SALE $980,000 - $1,075,000
FOR SALE $1,000,000 - $1,100,000
FOR SALE $1,100,000 - $1,200,000
Daniel Steen 0434 979 142
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328
2TheCrescent,BelgraveHeights
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328
03 9754 6888 office@chandlerandco.com.au 1689 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Vic 3160 mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 23
HOME FOCUS
COUNTRY SOUL, ARCHITECTURAL STYLE AND VIEWS 2.7 hectares, architecturally unique home, pool, pool house, shed and stunning Mt Dandenong sunset views. There are properties that offer a home, and then there are properties that offer a way of life. Set amidst 2.7 hectares of gently undulating land in a peaceful Cockatoo setting, this architecturally unique residence is where contemporary style meets country freedom — a place to breathe, entertain, unwind and enjoy the very best of both worlds. From the moment you step inside, the home feels wonderfully light, bright and connected to its surroundings. Expansive walls of glass draw the magnificent views towards Mt Dandenong deep into the living spaces, creating a beautiful sense of space and bringing the ever-changing landscape into everyday life. Multiple living areas provide flexibility for relaxed family living, quiet retreats or effortless entertaining, while the central, well-appointed kitchen forms the heart of the home. And when it comes to entertaining, the fabulous dining area offers the most memorable of views, ideal to share with family and friends. Four bedrooms provide comfortable accommodation, with the main bedroom enjoying the luxury of a walk-in robe and ensuite. Outside, the lifestyle continues. A sparkling solar-heated salt-water pool and dedicated pool house create an enviable entertaining zone — the perfect place for summer afternoons, weekend gatherings and lazy days in the sun. It truly is an entertainer’s dream. For those who crave space for hobbies, equipment, vehicles or a little country enterprise, the 12m x 9m powered shed, complete with concrete floor, is an outstanding bonus. Two cleared paddocks provide further versatility, while the carport, cleverly positioned beneath the home’s roofline, makes unloading the shopping or arriving home in all weather wonderfully convenient. And the setting? Peaceful, private and quintessentially country, yet close enough to Cockatoo to enjoy the everyday conveniences of town. This is country living without giving up style. A place where the mornings begin with views, the weekends revolve around the pool, there is room for the kids to roam, the shed can house every project imaginable, and entertaining friends feels completely natural. If your dream is a little bit of country, a lot of style and plenty of room to live life your way — this could be the one. **** OFFERS CLOSING Tuesday 22 September at 4pm, unless sold prior.**** ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 335 Evans Road, COCKATOO Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $1,190,000 - $1,300,000. OFFERS CLOSING Tuesday 22 September at 4pm, unless sold prior Inspect: By appointment Contact: Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522 and Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE, 9754 6111 mailcommunity.com.au 24 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
Ranges TRANQUIL SETTING
BELGRAVE 6 COLOMBO ROAd CHARMING RENOVATED RETREAT
WALK TO TOWN
$830,000 - $880,000 3A 2B 4C
Surrounded by a beautiful, treed outlook & set on a 1/4acre (approx), this charming Western Red Cedar split-level home offers an inviting blend of character, comfort & modern living. Freshly painted & renovated throughout, the home features light-filled open-plan living & dining, soaring cathedral ceilings, expansive windows, sliding doors to deck, timber floorboards, modern updated kitchen & laundry, wood fire, terraced rear yard, raised vegetable beds, paved BBQ & entertaining area and a sealed driveway.
Jan Brewster 0409 558 805
9754 6111
rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
We put you first
UpwEY 66 MAST GULLy ROAd FAMILY LIFESTYLE ON 1/4 ACRE
$1,150,000 -$1,250,000 3A 2B 4C
****Wednesday 30th of September @ 4pm, unless sold prior**** Tucked away in one of Upwey’s most desirable pockets, this beautifully presented home is all about relaxed family living, generous space & unique lifestyle. Offering an impressive master suite with a luxurious spa bath & WIR, spacious, light-filled living & dining areas with a feature bar, new hot water system, new heating & cooling systems alongside recent FTTP NBN upgrade, established gardens, secure yard, decking and front verandah.
Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522
‘We Put You First’
Erin Davies 0494 175 410
1660 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Shop 2/24 McBride St, Cockatoo Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 25
HOME FOCUS
FAMILY LIVING IN A FABULOUS WALK-TO-EVERYTHING TUCKED away in the heart of Gembrook, this spacious and versatile family home offers the best of both worlds, a peaceful country-style living with the convenience of shops, cafes, and schools just a short stroll away. Set on a generous 1001sqm block, this property has everything you need for a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. Step inside through the undercover entry into a warm and inviting lounge, where timber floors and a split system provide year-round comfort. The open-plan kitchen and dining area is designed for effortless family living, featuring a gas cooktop, electric oven, large pantry, and plenty of bench space for meal prep and entertaining. Down the hall, you’ll find a beautifully updated main bathroom with a separate toilet, a large laundry, and a dedicated study/work-from-home space ideal for modern living. The master bedroom with built-in robes is positioned at the front of the home, offering a quiet retreat. Upstairs, two additional carpeted bedrooms with built-in robes provide plenty of space for the kids, along with a fantastic playroom/teen retreat that opens onto a private back deck, the perfect spot to unwind and take in the views of the lush backyard. Outside, the huge 10m x 7m shed is a standout feature, complete with plumbing, roof beams, a generator plug, rear roller door and even a wood fire heater, a dream space for tradies, hobbyists, or those in need of extra storage. Plus, the 6.6kW solar system helps keep energy costs down. The fully fenced backyard is a paradise for kids and pets, featuring a raised sandpit and plenty of open space to run, play, and explore. Also, a second shed with a concrete floor and power. This is the perfect opportunity to secure a spacious, family-friendly home in a prime location. Don’t miss your chance, homes like this don’t last long! 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: 15 Main Street, GEMBROOK Description: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 4 garage Price: $750,000 - $825,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD
26 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
mailcommunity.com.au
P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald
14 Agnes Street Gembrook
$1,050,000 - $1,150,000
180 Evans Road Cockatoo
$1,900,000 - $2,100,000
Spacious & Stunning Family Living with a Beautiful Rural Outlook!
A Remarkable Lifestyle Estate on 53 Acres
Set on 4,053sqm in peaceful Gembrook, this beautifully presented 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home offers relaxed country living less than 2km from town, with a school bus stop at the end of the street. The light-filled open-plan kitchen, living & dining area features stone benchtops, expansive island, electric cooking, dishwasher, farmhouse sink & servery window to the outdoor entertaining area. A walk-through butler’s pantry/laundry adds excellent storage & a second sink. A woodfire, ducted heating & cooling ensure year-round comfort, while a second living area provides added family flexibility. Three bedrooms feature new carpet & built-in robes, while the privately positioned master includes an ensuite & lounge area. Outside, enjoy an undercover verandah & entertaining area overlooking the picturesque rural surrounds & distant views, plus a single garage & solar system.
Privately positioned on approximately 53 acres in Cockatoo, this exceptional straw bale residence combines architectural character, luxury & thoughtful energy-efficient design. Polished concrete floors, high ceilings & double glazing enhance the impressive interiors, while the designer kitchen features textured granite benchtops, Gaggenau ovens, BORA cooking, teppanyaki grill, Miele dishwasher & a fully equipped butler’s pantry. Open-plan living & dining centres around a doublesided woodfire that acts as a heat sink, complemented by an indoor water feature assisting with natural cooling. 3 bedrooms, family bathroom, theatre room & home office. Upstairs, the private master retreat features a balcony, dressing room, lounge/nursery & luxurious ensuite. Outside, fenced paddocks, a picturesque creek, 4-bay powered machinery shed & woodshed.
Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
4
380 Jameson Road Hoddles Creek
A
2
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
B 1 C
$1,375,000 - $1,475,000
5
390 Gem-Launching Pl Rd Launching Place
A
2
B 6 C
$1,650,000 - $1,725,000
37 Acres of Opportunity with Two Fully Self-Contained Homes.
The Complete Acreage Lifestyle – Two Homes on 11 Acres.
Set across approximately 37 acres of predominantly cleared land, this exceptional property offers two separate homes, outstanding infrastructure & endless lifestyle possibilities. Perfect for multigenerational living, guest accommodation or additional income. The main residence features 12ft ceilings, timber floors, three bedrooms, two bathrooms & an inviting lounge with woodfire. A countrystyle kitchen & beautifully appointed bathroom with clawfoot bath & underfloor heating. Privately positioned, the freshly painted second home offers open-plan living, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, split systems & a welcoming front verandah overlooking the rural surrounds. Completing the property are six fenced paddocks, two dams, an ornamental vineyard, chook house, double garage with workshop & games room, 4.5kW solar system & approximately 95,000 litres of water storage.
Set across approximately 11 acres, this impressive lifestyle property offers exceptional versatility with two separate residences, seven fenced paddocks & outstanding infrastructure. The substantial main residence features five bedrooms, including four with ensuites, a well-appointed kitchen with gas cooking, dishwasher & breakfast bar, spacious living & dining areas, plantation shutters, woodfire & split systems. An undercover verandah wraps around three sides, leading to the solar-heated chlorine swimming pool. The separate two-bedroom residence includes built-in robes, lounge, family bathroom & undercover entertaining area, ideal for extended family or guests. Outside, an 11m x 13m barn with 15amp power, a double garage, double carport, separate studio, generator plug & double stables/shelter & seven fenced paddocks.
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
5
A
4
B 2 C
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
7
A
5
B 10 C
bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 27
PUZZLES To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
easy
7 5 1
8 9
18
7 8 5
9
11 23
2
3
25
13
2
8
8
3
E
8
3
10
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5
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26
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20
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3
4
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6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
T E
21 8
22 9
23 10
24 11
25 12
26 13
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'.
D
T
U
Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good 22 words: Very good 30 words: Excellent
R
I
I
9 8 5 4 1 2 6 3 7 2 7 1 3 8 6 9 4 5 3 6 4 5 7 9 2 8 1 8 1 6 9 2 7 4 5 3 5 3 7 6 4 8 1 2 9 4 9 2 1 5 3 7 6 8 6 2 8 7 3 1 5 9 4 1 5 3 2 9 4 8 7 6 7 4 9 8 6 5 3 1 2
9 3 7 6 1 8 2 5 4 8 1 5 3 4 2 9 7 6 6 2 4 9 7 5 1 3 8 3 4 2 8 5 7 6 1 9 5 8 6 1 2 9 3 4 7 1 7 9 4 3 6 5 8 2 4 6 1 7 9 3 8 2 5 7 5 8 2 6 1 4 9 3 2 9 3 5 8 4 7 6 1
G
hard
N
N
digit, ding, dining, dint, dirt, during, gird, girt, grid, grin, grind, grit, INTRUDING, inuring, riding, rigid, rind, ring, ruin, ruing, ruining, tiding, tiring, trig, tuning, turgid, turning, unit, uniting, untiring
7 6 8 9 3 5 4 1 2 9 4 1 6 2 8 3 5 7 2 3 5 1 4 7 6 9 8 4 8 9 5 7 1 2 3 6 1 2 6 3 8 9 5 7 4 5 7 3 2 6 4 1 8 9 6 9 2 7 5 3 8 4 1 8 5 7 4 1 2 9 6 3 3 1 4 8 9 6 7 2 5 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
6
7
8
18
19
13
14
15
4 LETTERS ATOM BOGS BURP DOES EBBS EDDY HILT LAUD LOGO SEEK SICS SNOB SOIL TEST
16
17 20
21
23
22
24
25
26 27
28
29
30
31
3 LETTERS ALE ANY ASH ASK ATE DUO ERR LAB LAP LET NOW OAF OFF ORE PRO REV ROW SAT SEA TEA TEE TNT WEB YET
1
7
medium
5
12
10
9-LETTER WORD
easy
4
11
WORDFIT
11
25
2
10
11
3
2
10
E E
20
9 9 6 7
3
10
No. 340
25
11
10
2
26
16
14
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1
13 9
24
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13 3
17
1
T
21
T
17
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25
9 16
23
6
4
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2
11
19
3
9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27
17
Y A U B G X Z L M I N W O
5 4
4 5 7 8
S J D C Q F K R P V H T E
6
4 1
19
13
hard
2
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17 4
7
25
26
6 1 8 9 3 4 2 1 8 4 8 9 5 1 3
26
12
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5
2
26
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7 5 2
8 2 2
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3
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3 6 9
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2 3 4
4 7 6
2
Attacking, as a magpie (8) Width of a circle (8) Head servant of a household (6) Partner (9) Speaker’s platform (4) Harmony (6) Land mass surrounded by water (6) Supervisors (7) Flower (9) Pigeonholed (7) Wide view (8) Keep (8) A poetic unit of three lines (6) Mature zucchini (6) Accommodations (6) Plummet (4)
1 2 3
DECODER
2
5
26 28 29 30 31
2
9
4 6 medium
9 3
12 13 14 15 20 21 25
16
5 3 9 3 6 7 1 5 1 9 7 9 5 3
5 2 9
10 11
15
4 5 9
Credenza (9) German automobile manufacturer (4) Eggs (3) Formal statement about another’s character (11) Bearing (8) Reply (6) Desideratum (4) Preserved with sugar syrup (7) Gala (7) Just (4) Glossy type of glass applied to surfaces for protection (6) Poisonous (8) Reciprocal (11) Tune (3) Borough (4) Visible features of an area (9)
1 6
1
DOWN
1
2 3
6
ACROSS
No. 308
14
5 4
QUICK CROSSWORD
No. 308
A L I B I
5 LETTERS ACHED ADULT ALIBI ALIKE AMUSE ANNUL AORTA ARCED ARISE AZURE BANAL BLARE BUTTE CAMEO CORAL EASED ETHIC FETES GREEK HALTS IDEAS INANE
KORAN LUNGE NOTES OPTIC OZONE PACED PASTA PICKY PRAYS PREEN RANTS ROBOT SCARE SEEPS SHEAR SORRY SPATE SPAWN SPELL SPEWS STRAY SWELL TEETH
TITLE TOTED TOWER TRASH TWIRL
EMINENT GREATER INNARDS SERPENT
6 LETTERS ALLEYS PETTED REARED TATTLE
8 LETTERS LEVERAGE LONELIER PALATIAL PARENTAL
7 LETTERS ACCRUED EASTERN R A N T S S P E W S P A S T A C A M E O E T H I C O Z O N E B U T T E A L I B I T E E T H O R E K O R A N L E T A L E T E S T F E T E S R E A R E D O A F I N N A R D S S P AWN A T O M H I L T B U R P D U O P A R E N T A L A C C R U E D S E R P E N T T E E L A U D L E V E R A G E L O G O E A S E D E D D Y E A S T E R N A N Y T A T T L E S E E P S S I C S R OW L A B A L I K E N OW O P T I C B L A R E A R I S E S T R A Y G R E E K B A N A L S O R R Y S P E L L H A L T S
No. 308
S I D E B O A R D A U D I W I U S A F N S T E S T I M O N I A L O V A M L O S R S A O P R E S E N C E R E J O I N I T R I M N D C A N D I E D N E E D G R L T A N P P P A G E A N T F A I R T M B D H N E V E N O M O U S E N A M E L R R L F L T R E A I R C O R R E L A T I V E O D L O L M V E T OWN L A N D S C A P E
SUDOKU
25-09-26
William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS
9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567433-SN37-22
28 MAIL | Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
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Glory days for Mt Evelyn By Mikayla Van Loon and Claudia Mather The Mt Evelyn Netball club have had their most successful season yet with nine teams making it through to the grand final and four teams taking home the premiership flag. This is the highest number of teams in the grand final in Mt Evelyn Netball Club history. Out of the 18 eligible teams for finals, 12 of them ended up in the semi finals. The premiers included the U11 section 5, U13 section 4, U13 section 2 and U15 section 1 teams. Across the club, nine players were also awarded best and fairest or runner up by the Lilydale and Yarra Valley Netball Association. The Mount Evelyn Netball Club president, Sarah Kleverkamp said, “it’s always great to see our players recognised at the association level.” “We have over 25 members playing at rep level or similar. This level is always celebrated within our club, but it’s also nice to see other players in the lower sections also recognised for their efforts.” She said it’s not always about getting into the top team but the effort and development individuals make. “I love watching the surprise on the faces of these players who receive the awards. They are so well deserved.” Ms Kleverkamp explained that a big part of the club’s success was building consistency in coaching messages across teams. “We had coaching workshops and provided a bank of resources to support training session planning,” she said. “Our teams work together at training, players are always happy to help out and fill in for other teams.” Binding the club together this season was also the overall support from club members and their supportive families. “We are extremely lucky to have so many supportive families. Aside from our coaches, our
MENC U13 section 4 are all smiles amidst their grand final win. (Supplied) parents will always put up their hand to help out whether it be scoring or helping around the club,” Ms Kleverkamp explained. “I need to give a huge shout out to Rebecca Humphris and Sheelagh Kleverkamp who also
give so much time to the club. Without their support we wouldn’t be as successful as we are,” she said. Ms Kleverkamp is extremely proud of what the Mt Evelyn Netball Club is and the milestones they
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have made in this year’s season. “It doesn’t matter the skill level, what matters is that we are a family that supports each other at every level and we do it because we all love the game!”
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Monbulk Under 15s golden By Armin Richter Grand Finals are the great step into the unknown when the best two teams go head to head and small moments have big consequences. Monbulk Gold had gone through the season with just a single loss although their opponents on Saturday, Pakenham Maroon, weren’t far behind. During the past year Monbulk had won both home and away encounters but the margins were only narrow, with wins by four and seven goals respectively. Monbulk Under 15s had reached the last two Grand Finals in 2024 and 2025 and were looking to go one step further. Bonnie has been a brilliant coach for the Gold side and was recently recognised as the 2026 Outer East Junior Netball coach of the year. A good contingent of Monbulk supporters rolled up for the early 8.30am start at Healesville under overcast skies, adding colour and making plenty of noise. Monbulk got out to an early lead before the Lions pegged them back to 12 all early in the second term with the goal shooters of both teams being deadly accurate. From that point on the Hawks played scintillating netball,
causing turnovers on all parts of the court along with Ruby and Indi regularly intercepting on the last line of defence. Great ball movement through the mid court gave Eden and Amelia plenty of opportunities and they made them count on the scoreboard. Monbulk led by 4 goals at half time, stretching that to 12 by the three quarter break and were unrelenting to the finish, coming away with an impressive 17 goal win. Only three players officially get named in the best players however any of the team could have been named as they all played superb games. This is Monbulk’s fifth netball premiership following A Grade (2006), B Grade (2008, 2025) and D Grade (2025) flags previously. Under 15 Netball was introduced in 2019 when the Outer East formed. The Premier Division premierships having been won by the powerful South East clubs up until last year. Monbulk’s win marks the first time that a former YVMDFL club had claimed the Premier Division Under 15s title. Monbulk Gold 39 def Pakenham Maroon 22 Best: Ruby Irwin (Best On Court), Eden Murphy, Indiana Kirk Goals: Eden Murphy, Amelia Magarry
• •
Monbulk Gold Under 15s celebrate their premiership success. (Armin Richter)
Wandin’s stunning last quarter provides flag miracle By Armin Richter The Outer East football and netball competition wrapped up on Saturday at Healesville where the Premier Division champions were decided. An overcast morning cleared to a perfect sunny finals day with a light wind blowing to the dog track end. In the seniors it was fierce rivals Wandin and Mt. Evelyn who faced off against each other. The Bulldogs were on a 28 game winning streak but had only just beaten the Rovers in a lightning interrupted match two weeks ago. Mt. Evelyn were looking at serving up some revenge and for three quarters delivered the perfect game plan by shutting down Wandin’s running linkup play. At three quarter time the 38 point lead looked to be enough to deliver Mt. Evelyn their first premiership since 1998, when they had defeated Rowville in the Eastern League prior to joining the YVMDFL in 2002. It was Mt. Evelyn’s first Grand Final in the Outer East, their previous best result had been a Preliminary Final in 2014. What transpired in the final term will go down in Bulldogs folklore as they stormed home to kick 8.3 to nothing and claimed back to back flags with a stunning 30 minutes of football. By remaining unbeaten for the year, Wandin take the title of champions, being the first team to achieve that since they also achieved that task in 2015. It is Wandin’s fifth flag in the last 12 years, although it is effectively 10 years as two of those were cancelled by Covid. By dropping just one game in two years they also bettered Upwey-Tecoma’s 1978-1979 record of back to back flags where the Tigers had just 2 losses over two years. In the Reserves Mt. Evelyn had been
Mt. Evelyn beat Wandin in this play during the A Grade Grand Final. (Armin Richter) unbeaten through the home and away series before stumbling in the 2nd Semi Final to Officer. The two sides met again in the decider and the Rovers made sure of the result this time, taking the flag by 47 points. Officer did take home the Under 18s premiership though when they claimed back to back flags with a win over the host club Healesville. The Bloods led narrowly for the opening three quarters before the Kangaroos dominated the play in the final term, kicking 3.4 to nothing. With the A Grade Netball it was also Wandin and Mt. Evelyn who faced off. One of the highlights occurred before the game had even started. When the soundtrack of the Australian National Anthem failed to play the two teams
broke into an impromptu performance of their own when they sung it themselves. The two power teams were both stacked with talented players but it was Mt. Evelyn who grabbed the early ascendancy and held a 15-8 lead at the first change. Wandin won the following quarters by 1 goal in each but that still left them 4 goals shy of victory. The Rovers’ win reversed last year’s result. The other senior grade Grand Finals had close and exciting matches, with the rapidly improving Woori Yallock taking home two flags. The Junior premierships were won by Mt. Evelyn in the Under 17s and Monbulk Gold in the Under 15s over their South East club rivals. Outer East Football Netball League Results
Mt. Evelyn’s Asher Inaps marks in the Seniors Grand Final. (Armin Richter) Football Premier Division (Grand Finals) Seniors: Wandin 13.4.82 def Mt. Evelyn 11.3.69 Reserves: Mt. Evelyn 13.4.82 def Officer 5.5.35 Under 18: Officer 8.7.55 def Healesville 5.5.35 Netball Premier Division (Grand Finals) A Grade: Mt. Evelyn 54 def Wandin 50 B Grade: Woori Yallock 49 def Mt. Evelyn 46 C Grade: Wandin 27 def Mt. Evelyn 23 D Grade: Woori Yallock 30 def Mt. Evelyn 22 Under 17: Mt. Evelyn 27 def ROC 17 Under 15: Monbulk Gold 39 def Pakenham Maroon 22
• • • • • • • • • •
Pennant flag creates tennis history at Ferntree Gully Ferntree Gully Tennis Club has been developing rising talent with its dedicated coaches from Prestige Tennis Academy holding regular squad training sessions. From these sessions friendships have formed and teams have once again graced the en tous cas and hard courts on Saturday afternoon for Victoria Men’s Pennant. With 3 sides playing this season there was plenty of action culminating in the finals campaign of the Grade 3 and Grade 19 men’s sides. Semi-finals were hosted at Ferntree Gully with plenty of spectators watching the long rallies and exciting tennis on the show courts in front of the clubhouse. The action went into Sunday with both sides winning through to Grand Finals. Our Grade 19 team consisting of Asher, Filippos, Vivaan, Gavin, Guntej and Alexander had a brilliant season and travelled to MCC Glen Iris to play Yarra Glen in their Grand final. After a solid day’s tennis with the doubles and singles
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rubbers format the boy’s fell just short but are to be commended on their performance and spirit throughout the long finals campaign. After defeating Kooyong at Ferntree Gully, the young Grade 3 team were eager to taste ultimate success as they travelled to North Ringwood to take on the formidable opposition from Burwood. Captain Josh Ascar and his partner Abhik Khatry played superbly winning their doubles rubber in straight sets whilst Mitch Dean and Ioi Tou Cheng went down narrowly in a deciding 10-point tiebreaker. The four doubles players then backed up for singles action with the balcony overlooking the courts filled with spectators. The scene was set for a tight finish, and Josh was in fine form winning his singles comfortably. Ioi Tou fought hard but went down which saw the Ferntree Gully supporters gather around Mitch and Abhik who were both in close matches. Mitch held his composure
Team Captain Josh Ascar with flag and his Grade 3 Victorian Men’s Pennant Team. (Supplied) and nerve to win his rubber with tennis smarts beyond his years, and Abhik successfully moved his more experienced opponent around the court to lead his rubber. Ferntree Gully had won the elusive Pennant Flag leading to lots of celebrations at the presentation and into the night. Head
coach Mark Brodam was elated after making the tough call to not play himself and putting his faith in the young men to secure victory. Thanks go to all the Grade 3 players who contributed to the win by playing during the season including Dejan Razumic, Jovan Celic, and Rudra Pathak. We look forward to seeing you all back at the club striving hard for more success at squad training led by Mark Brodam and Lachlan Gotz from prestige Tennis Academy. You can find out more about the pathways on offer at Ferntree Gully Tennis club including upcoming events such as All Abilities week, the 1-point Slam and annual club championships by visiting our website play.tennis.com.au/ferntreegullytennisclub. Paul Proctor, President.
Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 | MAIL 31
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