Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
Proposed emergency hub in Olinda unites locals
See top photos from Burrinja poetry showcase
Gembrook local playing for Australia
Real estate liftout inside
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Caring for kinship By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Anchor Kinship Care carer Sue Ellard has received the Tilly Aston Carer Award for her dedication to raising her two grandchildren and preparing them for an independent future. Ms Ellard left her job nearly two decades ago to provide stability for her grandsons after they needed her support. Despite early financial pressures and personal isolation, she said she never regretted the decision. “If it happened again tomorrow, I would do it all over again,” she said. Anchor chief executive Heidi Tucker praised Ms Ellard as an incredible carer with an inexhaustible capacity for love. Ms Ellard said kinship carers face unique challenges, including uncertainty when navigating child protection systems. She credited support from Anchor’s Kinship Care team for helping her family navigate these hurdles. Ms Ellard hopes the award encourages greater community understanding and appreciation for the vital role kinship carers play in providing safe family environments. Read more on page 5
Anchor’s Kinship Care team were there to support Sue Ellard at the award ceremony. (Supplied)
Safety success By Callum Ludwig Knox City Council’s Safer School Crossings initiative is improving safety during school drop-off and pick-up times, with the program now operating at three schools. The initiative uses cameras to capture unsafe driver behaviour, allowing council staff to review incidents and refer them to police when necessary. Reported issues include drivers failing to
stop at crossings, blocking crossing lines and parking illegally. Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Brendon De Schwartz said the program had helped reduce reported incidents at the first two participating schools from several a week to zero. The initiative has since expanded to Templeton Primary School in Wantirna, where police and council staff attended at the start of Term Three. Knox Council’s school crossings team lead Bec
Bone said the program had also improved safety at Wantirna South Primary School, where incidents had dropped from at least one or two a day to none. Crossing supervisor Karen welcomed the cameras, saying some parents made dangerous decisions when running late, including stopping in the middle of the road or parking over crossings. Police warned that unsafe behaviour could
have serious consequences, with camera footage providing evidence for potential prosecutions. Meanwhile, Yarra Ranges Council has been monitoring the initiative but has not yet decided whether to introduce a similar program. The council said it remained committed to the safety of students, crossing supervisors and the wider community at its 99 staffed school crossings. Read the full story on page 3
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NEWS
Have your voice heard in the 2026 Victorian election The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is urging all Victorians to ensure they vote and have their voice heard in this year’s state election. Victorians aged 18–44 years of age will have a very strong voice this state election, making up 44 per cent of the vote on Saturday 28 November. The youth vote is key to deciding this election, Gen Z (age 18–29) and Millennial voters (aged 30– 44) represent 44 per cent of enrolled Victorians, while 24 per cent are Gen X voters (aged 45–59) and 32 per cent of voters are above the age of 60.1 Along with strong youth representation, 30 per cent of Victorians are born overseas and 52 per cent have either one or both parents born overseas. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said more than 4.6 million Victorians are being asked to make their voices heard in the 2026 state election this November. “We are urging all eligible Victorians to make sure they participate at this state election and have their say,”Mr Bluemmel said.
Be prepared for voting in this year’s Victorian election. (Supplied) “Voting is our democratic right, and while it is compulsory in state elections for those living in Victoria who are Australian citizens aged 18 years
and over, voting is also a privilege that allows each of us to have a real say in our future. “Every vote counts, so make sure you’re en-
rolled, understand your voting options and plan ahead to cast your vote by 6pm on election day, Saturday 28 November.” The VEC has launched its new statewide advertising campaign with information about enrolment and voting. The campaign will also address the spread of false or misleading information about election processes. While there are no laws that regulate truth in political advertising in Victoria, all election material must be authorised under the law. “If someone is telling you how, when or where to vote, stop and consider where the information is coming from, to help you make an informed decision,” Mr Bluemmel said. “The VEC is an independent, reliable source you can trust for information about elections to make your vote count.” For more information about the 2026 state election, including how to check your enrolment and voting centre information, visit vec.vic.gov. au or call 131 832.
Change at the checkout By Gabriella Vukman The removal of credit and debit card surcharges has brought a change to the checkout for many consumers, with some Yarra Ranges businesses continuing to absorb payment processing costs, while others increase prices and encourage customers to use cash. Since the new no-surcharge rules took effect on 1 October, some local business owners have raised concerns about the financial pressure of absorbing payment processing fees, the impact on employment and whether customers fully understand the changes. The Federal Government says the reforms are designed to ease cost-of-living pressures for consumers while reducing payment costs for businesses. However, local operators say they are having to find ways to cover costs they can no longer pass on as a separate card surcharge, with some adjusting prices across selected products. Mike Emmett, owner of Barrique Wine Store in Healesville, said the business had anticipated the changes but questioned whether consumers understood that payment processing costs had not disappeared. “Many consumers don’t know that only a small portion of the surcharge fee is related to bank fees. The rest is the EFTPOS provider fee.” For Barrique, the change represents the equivalent of 0.6 of a staff member. “That equates to three days a week of work that we can’t give to somebody because we are fronting those fees,” Mr Emmett said. “Businesses all across Australia have to wear these extra fees at a time when we’re really struggling anyway.” The store has selectively increased prices to help offset the additional costs, while keeping tap beers and most local wines unchanged. Mr Emmett said customers had generally been understanding, particularly after the business spent months explaining the changes. “Now that $0.30 has been given back, but we’ve taken three days of work away from somebody else if we don’t raise our prices.” “It’s ostensibly a reasonable policy, but it does have an impact on business, and those fee costs will be passed on,” he said. Where customers could previously avoid card surcharges through paying cash, Mr Emmett said customers paying cash would now pay the same raised prices as everyone else. “We are not going to offer a discount for cash, because we would have to start recovering those fees from more parts of the business,” he said. Brendan Cavanagh, who operates Cavanagh’s Whisky and Alehouse in Healesville, said the timing of the changes had added pressure to an already difficult operating environment, with businesses facing increased fuel costs, interest rates and other rising expenses. Having already increased prices earlier in the year, Mr Cavanagh said the changes had forced him to reconsider pricing across the business, with an estimated $11,000 a year in additional costs to cover. “I am lucky that I have a diverse product range to be able to spread out the cost absorption.” “Fortunately, being operating for four or five years now, I have got enough data to go back and 2 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
Local businesses harbour mixed feelings on surcharge changes. (Nathana Reboucas, unsplash). look at what I can change,” he said. Mr Cavanagh said he was determined to keep prices reasonable for local customers. “We’re not businesses that just try to screw over tourists, with $20 coffees. We won’t be charging $18 bucks for a pint. I refuse to,” he said. “There are levers that I am pulling now to keep those prices reasonable, but any other pressure that comes my way will make it very hard to keep it that way.” Faith Samuel, owner of Nature’s Cakes in Healesville, said the changes had added to an already difficult operating environment for small businesses. The cumulative effect of payment costs was particularly challenging for a business making products from raw ingredients. “This new legislation is going to cost me another ten or fifteen thousand dollars a year, depending on takings.” “All of the costs accumulate and it’s really hard.” “Things need to change, otherwise, all of us small businesses are going to disappear.” While the surcharge changes mean higher costs for some businesses, others are benefiting. Nina Sturgess, owner of Verso Books and president of Healesville Traders Incorporation, said the removal of surcharges had created an opportunity to save on her own business purchases. “At Verso we have never on-charged our credit card fees so for me personally, the new policy has had an upside that I can now pay my suppliers with a debit or credit card without incurring a surcharge.” Ms Sturgess encouraged businesses to compare payment providers. “We have recently changed our merchant pro-
vider to get more attractive rates so it’s definitely worth shopping around and putting the pressure on the banks to lower their rates.” She said businesses could also consider other ways to manage overheads. “Communicating with your customers that you prefer cash is also a good option - we are definitely seeing more cash recently,” she said. The changes took effect on 1 October 2026, ending separate surcharges on eftpos, Visa and Mastercard payments, with American Express also adopting the change. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) found surcharging had become increasingly complex and was no longer achieving its intended purpose of encouraging customers to use cheaper payment methods. The reforms also reduce interchange fee caps and increase transparency around payment processing costs. The maximum interchange fee on a consumer credit card transaction paid by a small business has fallen from 0.8 per cent to 0.3 per cent. However, interchange fees are only one component of card processing costs. Businesses may also pay fees to card networks and payment providers. The RBA estimates the broader reforms will save businesses about $910 million annually, with small businesses expected to benefit particularly from lower interchange fees. An Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) spokesperson said businesses remained free to set their own prices and choose which payment methods they accepted. “Businesses can continue to recover the cost of accepting card payments by incorporating that
cost into their overall pricing for the products or services they sell, just as they do with all their other costs of doing business.” “Businesses must not mislead customers about their prices or the reasons for any price changes,” they said. Businesses must also clearly display the minimum total price, including mandatory fees that can be quantified in advance. Consumers who believe they have been misled can report concerns to the ACCC or their state consumer protection agency. The new rules do not prohibit other charges, such as permitted weekend or public holiday surcharges. While the surcharge ban is designed to ease cost-of-living pressures, local businesses’ plans to adjust prices raise questions about whether the reforms could contribute to inflation in the short term. The impact will depend on how many businesses raise prices, the size of those increases and whether they absorb costs or secure lower processing fees. For consumers, the changes mean greater certainty at the checkout, but not necessarily lower prices across the board. Across the Yarra Ranges, the responses from Barrique Wine Store, Cavanagh’s Whisky and Alehouse, Nature’s Cakes and Verso demonstrate that there is no single solution for small businesses facing the change. The longer-term question is whether the removal of visible card surcharges will deliver meaningful savings for consumers while allowing local businesses to remain financially sustainable.
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IN BRIEF
Knox’s safer school crossings working By Callum Ludwig Knox City Council’s Safer School Crossings initiative is showing itself to be a significant improvement for safety during pick up and drop off times. The program has expanded to three schools in Knox already, with Victoria Police Highway Patrol officers and Knox council staff at Templeton Primary School in Wantirna for the start of Term Three on Monday 5 October. Eastern Division Two Senior Sergeant Brendon De Schwartz said school crossings are an area where a lot of vulnerable road users gather, primarily young children, so the initiative should be rolled out across more councils and schools. “Young children don’t have street sense, they rely on having safety measures put in place for them, being school crossing supervisors, but we also rely on parents and drivers to do the right thing,” he said. “What we’ve achieved through the two schools initially, is going from having a lot of incidents reported weekly to going to zero, we’re changing attitudes and driver behavior within those areas, and I think that in itself is enough for other councils to look at and go, ‘Knox Council isn’t isolated in this problem.’ “What I implore people to do is to slow down and focus on safety, there’s a lot of houses in the areas where schools are these days as well, so it impacts the residents around the schools, but it impacts the kids mostly.” The initiative involves having cameras that can be set up by crossing supervisors which can capture any incidents. Instead of having to file a report, the supervisor simply check the time and pass the information back to the council team, who can decide if it warrants a referral to police. Knox City Council’s school crossings team lead Bec Bone said the pilot at Holy Trinity Primary School in Wantirna had also been expanded to Wantirna South Primary School, as well as Templeton. “Last term, we rolled out the program to Wantirna South Primary School in Tyner Road after a lot of challenging driver behaviors at that site and it improved the safety for the community and for the (crossing) supervisor, we had zero incidents at that site after having at least one or two a day,” she said. “It has been really good to keep the community safe and the supervisor as well, but we really want to improve safety for the students and the whole community. “Schools need to encourage and speak to their councils and ask about implementing the program, if we get more of the schools on board and get them to increase the safety of their community and ask their councils if this is something that they could take on, it will just improve safety for everyone.” Common incidents include drivers travelling straight through the crossing without stopping, failing to stop at the crossing line, queuing over the crossing or parking in no standing/stopping
Police seek witnesses after hit-run in Upwey Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam or CCTV footage following a hit-run collision in Upwey. At about 1.50pm on 2 October, a silver BMW sedan collided with a legally parked Isuzu SUV on Burwood Highway, opposite the primary school. The BMW driver left the scene without exchanging details. The vehicle was later found abandoned near William Angliss Hospital. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information about the driver is urged to make a confidential report to Crime Stoppers Victoria at crimestoppersvic.com.au , quoting reference LSC SARTORI 37233.
Upwey man arrested over vehicle thefts Local police are investigating a recent spate of thefts from motor vehicles across Belgrave and Upwey earlier this month. As part of the investigation, police executed a search warrant at a property in Upwey and arrested a 33-year-old Upwey man in connection with the incidents. No charges have been laid at this stage, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and take simple steps to deter vehicle thefts, including locking cars every time they are left unattended and removing valuables such as electronics, bags and loose change from view. Residents are also encouraged to report suspicious activity to police.
The Knox City Council school crossings team and Highway Patrol officers are celebrating the improvements in driver behaviour already seen so far. (Callum Ludwig: 583541) zones around the crossings. Templeton Primary School crossing supervisor Karen said she thinks it’s a fantastic scheme and it’s a great backup to have as a supervisor. “Parents do some really strange things around the school, especially when they’re running late on time and things like that… they don’t realize how dangerous it is just to park over a yellow line or something like that, it’s something that’s been really needed I think,” she said. “I’ve seen people stop just in the middle of the road and get their kids running out to the car to jump into the car, with other cars try to get around them and things like that, it’s just crazy…I’ve come here and there’s cars parked over the crossing. “I would suspect that people would abuse supervisors less too, thinking that there are cameras …I wouldn’t hesitate if I got abused to let my supervisor know and say that it’s all on camera.” Even with multiple highway patrols vehicles on site on Monday 5 October, a number of parents were warned for pulling up and dropping children off too close to the crossing. Snr Sgt De Schwartz said we’ve gone from an area of harm to an area of safety and encouraged other regions to get on board. “It’s now captured on camera, and that is irrefutable, indisputable evidence in court that we will rely on heavily and which will afford us greater chances at successful prosecutions,” he said. “Going faster to get to work five minutes earli-
er isn’t the right thing to do, the focus is on children’s safety and the safety of all road users and going at a faster speed than the 40 zone is not going to get you to work any quicker. “There’s two things that other councils can do, they can reach out to me to discuss the program that we’ve implemented with Bec and her team from Knox, or reach out to Bec herself.” The trial has been closely monitored by other councils, including Yarra Ranges, who have been following it since the pilot launched. Yarra Ranges Council’s acting director of communities Anne Blakeway said they are aware of the Knox Safer School Crossings initiative and have been following the trial and its reported outcomes closely. “Representatives from Yarra Ranges Council attended the launch earlier this year, and Council has continued to monitor the program as it has developed, including discussions with a range of relevant stakeholders,” she said. “Yarra Ranges Council is committed to supporting the safety of school crossing supervisors, students and the broader community at 99 staffed crossings in the region. “Council has undertaken some preliminary work to better understand potential safety initiatives within the school crossing environment. While this work is continuing, Council has not yet made any decisions regarding the introduction of a similar program within the municipality.”
Monbulk CFA crews tackle paddock fire Monbulk CFA crews were called to a paddock fire that spread to nearby vehicles and a tree on Sunday, 11 October. In a Facebook post, the brigade said members worked to extinguish the fire and protect a nearby timber structure from being affected. Fourteen Monbulk members attended the incident, allowing crews to staff multiple appliances and tackle the fire. The brigade thanked neighbouring crews from Silvan, Macclesfield, Emerald and Kallista-The Patch for helping bring the fire under control and prevent further damage. Monbulk CFA also said strong recruitment over the past year and steady training numbers in recent months had put the brigade in a positive position heading into the fire season.
Residents are encouraged to register CCTV cameras Victoria Police is encouraging residents to register their CCTV cameras on its secure database to help investigators access footage when a crime occurs in their area. Registered cameras can help police identify nearby footage that may assist investigations and provide valuable evidence to help solve crimes and keep the community safe. Anyone witnessing a crime in progress should call Triple Zero (000). For non-urgent reports or information, contact 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Victoria.
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Residents object to temple By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Emerald residents have raised strong objections to a planning application for a proposed Buddhist temple and associated accommodation at 12 Station Avenue, citing concerns about traffic, parking, vegetation loss and the impact on the area’s low-density residential character. The application for the proposed Vietnamese Zen Buddhist temple includes plans for accommodation, reduced parking and the removal of vegetation on the site. Peter Crawford, who has lived in Emerald for almost 50 years, said the scale of the proposal was “incompatible” with the area’s low-density residential setting. “It’s a daily change in the whole atmosphere of the area,” Mr Crawford said. The planning includes four buildings: a temple, an eight-bedroom accommodation facility for up to 15 guests, a dining hall seating 60 people and a separate caretaker’s residence. Mr Crawford said the proposed buildings would cover more than 800 square metres, with a further 600 square metres or more devoted to parking, driveways and other hard surfaces and the temple would stand about 8.83 metres high. Parking and emergency access are among residents’ major concerns. Mr Crawford said the deep roadside gutters and sloping terrain made it difficult for residents to park off-street. A resident of 15 Ambrose Street raised similar concerns in a written objection to Cardinia Shire Council, arguing that reduced parking provision could force visitors onto surrounding streets. The resident said Station Avenue was the only way in and out of the area, linking to Ambrose Street, William Street and Sellars Avenue, while also raising concerns about the condition of the largely unsealed roads, which they said were prone to potholes and deterioration, especially during wet weather. The submission also warned that roadside parking could restrict access for emergency vehicles, including CFA tankers and ambulances. The resident also questioned where visitors would park during special events, with the application indicating at least 50 parking spaces would be needed on those occasions. Simon Pearton, of Ambrose Street, also called for an evidence-based assessment of whether the proposed parking provision would meet demand
Emerald residents have raised concerns over a proposed temple and accommodation development at 12 Station Ave, Emerald. (Unsplash) and protect the surrounding neighbourhood. Many of the residents have also raised concerns about vegetation removal and its potential effects on wildlife, runoff and Emerald’s leafy character. Mr Crawford said substantial vegetation could be removed, including trees that provide seasonal food for yellow-tailed black cockatoos, he questioned whether replacement planting would adequately compensate for the loss of habitat. Residents have also raised concerns that the proposed buildings and paved areas could increase rainwater runoff into Emerald Lake Park and the lake, potentially worsening existing sediment build-up. The proposed accommodation has prompted further questions about the facility’s operation and its impact on neighbouring residents. Mr Crawford raised concerns about noise from festivals, weddings, funerals and other gatherings, as well as the possibility of visitor numbers exceeding the site’s capacity.
The resident of 15 Ambrose Street questioned the intended guests, frequency of occupancy and maximum length of stay, and sought clarification about whether accommodation would be provided to people experiencing mental health issues or drug addiction. Residents have also warned that approving the development could pave the way for similar large-scale projects in other low-density residential areas across the hills. Mr Crawford said the proposal was unprecedented in his experience and could have implications beyond Emerald. He said nearby residents had discussed their concerns and, to his knowledge, households in the surrounding streets had lodged objections. He also said adjoining residents received notification 12 days before the objection period closed, with many first becoming aware of the proposal’s scale when the planning notice appeared on the property. “I think the applicants ought to realise the
strength of community opposition and the inappropriateness of the development, and withdraw and try and find a more appropriate site,” Mr Crawford said. In response to residents’ concerns, Cardinia Shire Council’s director of community and planning, Amber Donegan, said the application was still under assessment and no decision had been made. “Council has received a planning application for 12 Station Avenue, Emerald, which is currently under assessment. The application proposes the use and development of the site for a meditation centre,” Ms Donegan said. “Council has received objections to the proposal, and no decision has been made at this time.” “Council will carefully consider the application, alongside the concerns raised by residents and all relevant planning matters, before making any determination.”
Study shows dire need to improve ‘death literacy’ By Callum Ludwig A new study from La Trobe University has revealed just how few Australians are prepared for the deaths of themselves and those around them. Researchers from La Trobe’s Public Health Palliative Care Unit and the Death Literacy Institute surveyed more than 3000 people to create the 2026 National Death Literacy and Readiness Report. Acting head of La Trobe’s public health Palliative Care Unit and Director of the Death Literacy Institute Dr Kerrie Noonan said death happens to everyone but it’s surprising how few people are actually prepared. “About two-thirds of Australians haven’t discussed their end-of-life wishes with their families,” she said. “Understanding your options is critical to planning for a better death. “Knowledge empowers us to take meaningful action like finalising our will, appointing an enduring guardian or simply having a conversation about end of life with our family and friends.” According to the survey, 48 per cent of people have not prepared a will, 54 per cent don’t know where to access palliative care, 58 per cent don’t know about end-of-life paperwork and almost 63 per cent don’t know what to do when someone dies at home. Death is around us, with 53 per cent report keeping company of someone close to death; 42 per cent said they had witnessed someone’s death and 30 per cent had been appointed as an enduring guardian/decision maker for someone else. However, only 23 per cent had written down
4 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
The Circle of Care expo earlier this year helped improve death literacy in the east. (Callum Ludwig: 566084) their end-of-life wishes in an advance care directive and only 11 per cent had documented how they would like their online assets to be managed after their death. In the east, local organisations came together for the Circle of Care Expo to help address local levels of death literacy with face-to-face conversations and speeches from local services and providers earlier this year. Ahead of the event, home care provider Dovida’s community engagement officer Shona Ashworth told the Star Mail that events like Circle of Care create a safe, welcoming space to
ask questions and learn from people who understand these topics deeply and accessibility matters just as much as the information itself. “These are conversations many people put off, often because they’re not sure how to start them or where to turn for trusted information,” she said. “Families often want to support their loved one at home, but without the right knowledge they can feel frightened and underprepared when symptoms change quickly. “The more people understand what to expect and where to turn, the more confident and capable they feel, that knowledge can be the
difference between a family feeling alone and a family feeling genuinely supported.” Researchers have developed an online tool called READYConnect which gives people a short digital quiz to assess their death literacy in response to this. “There is an increasing urgency to understand death literacy when we look at the scale of the demographic change in Australia’s near future,” Senior Project Officer Holly Smith said. “We are facing a lasting demographic shift, not a temporary surge in demand for end-of-life care. “As Australia’s population ages, strengthening our capacity to care for one another must become a national priority. READYConnect can help activate communities to care for each other.” READYConnect provides personalised insights to help people start conversations with relatives and carers about dying, then links them to trusted sector resources. It can be accessed independently but researchers hope to see GPs, palliative care and aged care services referring patients and families to the platform. Chelsea Menchin, National Projects and Operations Director of Palliative Care Australia, said READYConnect had significant potential to strengthen Australia’s national approach to end-of-life care by building understanding of how prepared communities plan for ageing, dying, death and grief. “READYConnect will help identify gaps in community knowledge and preparedness and inform how health and community services can better support individuals and families to plan for the end of life,” she said. Take the quiz yourself at readyconnect.org.
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Kinship carer Sue honoured By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
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Federal MP Mary Doyle presents Sue Ellard with her award.
Anchor’s Kinship Care team joined Sue Ellard at the award ceremony. (Supplied) about how to navigate their responsibilities, particularly when they feared making a mistake that might jeopardise the children’s placement. “It’s not an easy job,” she said. “It’s a rewarding job in my eyes. It’s not a job, but it’s a passion.” She believes kinship carers deserve greater understanding and appreciation for the role they play in providing children with a safe and supportive family environment. Anchor chief executive officer, Heidi Tucker said kinship carers played an important role in supporting children who needed a safe and supportive home within their families. “Kinship Carers do an incredible job in the community supporting children in their families who need a safe and supportive home,” Ms Tucker said. “It is brilliant to see Sue recognised and celebrated by the community, because Kinship Carers often go unnoticed and don’t get nearly enough praise for the work they do.” Ms Tucker said Anchor’s Kinship Care team described Ms Ellard as an incredible carer with an inexhaustible capacity for love and care, as well as a strong understanding of how to navigate the child protection system to achieve the best outcomes for her grandsons. “We believe the world needs more people like Sue and we are thrilled to see her get this recognition,” Ms Tucker said. Ms Ellard’s instinct to help others also extends beyond her own family. She attributed her generosity to the example set by her parents, who welcomed people into their home and taught their children to look out for others. She has also volunteered at Ben’s Place, where she helped distribute food through its secondfoods program. Ms Ellard also volunteered at Ben’s Place with her younger grandson, teaching him the importance of helping others and giving back to the community. Despite the difficulties she has faced, she said her motivation has remained clear: to give her grandchildren the best possible start in life and prepare them for the future. “I just want to make sure that, when I’m gone, I’ve given these boys as much as I can in life,” she said. “And hopefully I’ve given them the right information in life to survive when I’m not here.” For Ms Ellard, winning the Tilly Aston Carer Award is an unexpected recognition for something she did simply because her family needed her. The Tilly Aston Community Awards recognise individuals and groups for their contributions to
the Aston community. The Carer Award celebrates people who demonstrate dedication and compassion in caring for others, including family members. Ms Ellard hopes others who may one day be
Sue Ellard was surprised and humbled to receive the award. asked to care for their grandchildren will understand the difference they can make. “Despite the challenges, caring for my two boys has been rewarding, and I would do it all over again.”
Cardinia Shire’s
Australia Day
Awards
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for their local community, or a great local event that brings people together and builds connection? Now is the time to nominate them for Cardinia Shire Council’s 2027 Australia Day Awards! The annual awards celebrate local people, groups and events that make a meaningful difference to the Cardinia Shire community. Nominations are invited in the following categories: • • • •
Citizen of the Year Senior Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Community Event of the Year
Nominations can be submitted online and close on Wednesday 4 November 2026. 12908585-RV42-26
Anchor’s Kinship Care carer Sue Ellard has been recognised with the Tilly Aston Carer Award for her dedication to raising her two grandchildren and helping them build a future of their own. For Sue Ellard, stepping in to care for her two grandchildren was never a decision she needed to think twice about. When her grandchildren needed her, Ms Ellard walked away from work without hesitation. Nearly two decades later, her dedication has been recognised with the Tilly Aston Carer Award. Despite the recognition, Ms Ellard said caring for her grandchildren was never about receiving praise or acknowledgement. “I don’t do this for a pat on the back or anything,” she said. “I’ve done it, and when this award came up, nothing like that had ever entered my head.” Ms Ellard said she was deeply humbled when her Anchor support worker and case manager, Matilda, asked to nominate her for the award. “I was gobsmacked, it’s as simple as that and I did not expect to win anything,” she said. “When they announced my name, I thought, ‘you’re kidding me. Why do I deserve this?’” For Ms Ellard, caring for her grandchildren has been an adventure, with its share of challenges and rewards. She said the early years brought significant financial pressure, forcing her to leave two jobs and use her superannuation to support the family while she sought assistance. The experience also brought changes to her personal life, including a sense of isolation. Ms Ellard said taking on the kinship care role meant she could not visit family as often as she had before, but despite the sacrifices, she has never regretted her decision. “If it happened again tomorrow, I would do it all over again,” she said. “These boys are a delight. I just love having them in my life.” Ms Ellard said family had always been central to the way she was raised, with her parents teaching her the importance of looking after one another. “You don’t abandon your family, and I would never do that,” she said. With that belief guiding her, she has worked to provide her grandchildren with stability, support and the opportunity to find their own paths in life. Both of her grandsons have faced challenges with social anxiety, which can make communicating with others and putting themselves forward for opportunities difficult. Ms Ellard said she’s proud to see her older grandson working while supporting her younger grandson to find employment and build confidence. Seeing them take steps towards greater independence has been a “source of pride”, even when the journey has not always been straightforward. Ms Ellard said the support she receives from Anchor’s Kinship Care team has also been important in helping her navigate the challenges of caring for her grandchildren. She acknowledged that accepting help was something she had to learn along the way, having initially felt that asking for assistance meant she had failed. “I have learnt that it only hurts myself and the boys if I don’t ask for help,” she said. “They’re my world. They know they can talk to me about anything, good or bad. We have a really good relationship, and they’re very protective of me. They’re beautiful boys.” For Ms Ellard, one of the biggest lessons she has learnt over the years is the importance of listening. She said the experiences her grandchildren had been through taught her to become more nurturing and patient, and to understand that sometimes people need someone to listen rather than someone to offer advice. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is to listen. You don’t have to speak; you just have to listen,” she said. “If people could just love more and listen more, we’d have no problem.” Ms Ellard said she hoped more people would recognise the challenges kinship carers face and understand that caring for grandchildren is not necessarily the same as raising one’s own children. She said kinship carers could face uncertainty
For more information, please visit: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/australiaday
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 5
NEWS
Olinda residents united By Shamsiya Hussainpoor he Olinda community is coming together to create a local emergency hub where residents can turn to one another for support after an emergency. The hub will be based at Olinda Pavilion, home to the local football, netball and cricket clubs, where locals will come together to help fellow community members when an emergency occurs and it is safe to do so. The initiative has already received strong backing from Yarra Ranges Council, Bendigo Bank, Olinda Pharmacy and Fletchers Real Estate Olinda, many local businesses and organisations contributing to bring the hub to life. Olinda Community Emergency Hub co-chair, Jayson Grool said the initiative reflected the strength of a community where people looked out for one another. “In the Dandenong Ranges, in particular up here (Olinda), along the mountain ridge, an emergency can quickly affect roads, electricity connections; and connectivity,” he said. “Having a familiar place where residents could access trusted information, practical assistance and connection close to home would make a significant difference after an emergency. Locals can check in on people who may be isolated, share practical information, offer a meal or a warm place to sit, and help connect people with the right services, including the Olinda Emergency Hub.” “That support can make a real difference in the first hours and days after an emergency, when people may be tired, worried or unsure what to do next.” Mr Grool said the hub would work alongside emergency services and council, with locals using their knowledge of the community to help neighbours get the support they need and begin recovering after an emergency. He stressed that local assistance would not replace emergency services, but would strengthen the wider response through practical help, local knowledge and care. The hub has already received what Mr Grool
(Back row, L-R): Brihony Gooch, Mick Beattie, Christine Hayes, Peter Cope and Peter Shaw. (Front row, L-R): Jayson Grool, Zarlee the mascot, Andrew Gardener and Raffaele Ognissanti. (Supplied) described as “incredible support” from Bendigo Bank, Fletchers Real Estate Olinda and Olinda Pharmacy, alongside Yarra Ranges Council. “At Fletchers Yarra Ranges, we’re proud to support local businesses, community groups and initiatives that make our region so special. We believe in giving back to the community that supports us, building strong connections and helping
our beautiful Yarra Ranges community continue to thrive,” the team at Fletchers Real Estate, Olinda said. Prakash Chandra from Olinda Pharmacy said the team was proud to support the initiative. “Olinda Pharmacy, led by Trisha Chandra, myself and our wonderful pharmacy team, is proud to support local initiatives and meaningful com-
munity projects like this,” he said. “We’re grateful to be part of a caring community that comes together to keep one another safe-not only every day, but especially when support is needed most.” “The council has been a great support by listening to local concerns, bringing the relevant agencies together and helping connect residents with the information and services they need,” Mr Grool said. Following previous emergencies, council had also held community meetings in Olinda, worked with local businesses and residents to understand what was needed, and supported relief and recovery hubs, as well as power and shower sites across the Hills. For those behind the initiative, the support from local businesses is an encouraging sign of the community’s willingness to come together when it matters most. Mr Grool said the hub demonstrated Olinda’s commitment to looking after its neighbours, with committee members and residents willing to share their time, skills, knowledge and resources to help others. He said the initiative was about more than preparing for the next emergency, with the connections built through the hub helping strengthen the community throughout the year. “Everyone has a part to play in being prepared for an emergency, whether that’s having a household plan in place, sharing accurate information or checking in on neighbours when it’s safe to do so,” Mr Grool said. While the hub had made a strong start, there’s still plenty of work to do. The committee is now calling on residents and local businesses who may be able to offer financial assistance or other support to get in touch. Community members can contact the Olinda Community Emergency Hub through its Facebook page, Olinda Community Emergency Hub, or by emailing olindacommunityemergencyhub@gmail.com. “I’m really grateful to all the residents, volunteers, local businesses and community organisations, including our local football, netball and cricket club, who have got behind the hub and helped make it happen,” Mr Grool said.
The new age of aged care Arcare Boronia opens December 2026. To learn more about this extraordinary aged care residence or to book a tour, call 1300 272 273 or visit us at arcare.com.au 12858639-JO42-26
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NEWS
League changes spark concern By Gabriella Vukman Football Victoria’s decision to limit most clubs to one team in its senior women’s State League pyramid from 2027 has sparked concerns about the future of competitive opportunities for women. Under the changes announced in September, the National Premier League Women, Victorian Premier League Women and State League 1-4 competitions will retain promotion and relegation, but clubs will generally be limited to one team in the pyramid, with an exemption for university teams. A new Community League will run alongside the competitive structure, offering football without promotion and relegation. Clubs will be able to enter multiple teams, with four geographic zones intended to reduce travel. Yarra Ranges resident Gabriella Grande, who has played football for almost 20 years, fears the changes could force players out of teams they have spent years building and leave them searching for somewhere else to play. “I thought the whole point of these updates was to support women’s soccer, not make it harder,” Ms Grande said. In a media release announcing the changes, Football Victoria (FV) said its restructure followed eight months of consultation, including a survey of more than 400 senior women’s players, consultation with clubs and input from its Football Development Committee and Football Advisory Panel. FV said feedback included concerns about one-sided results, forfeits, travel requirements and the need for a competition catering to players more interested in the social and health benefits of sport than promotion and relegation. The governing body said the new Community League would provide a more flexible option for women wanting to play football, with grading to help ensure teams compete at an appropriate level. Community League clubs will also remain eligible for cup competitions such as the Nike FC Cup, while the Women’s Metropolitan League would become part of the new structure. Ms Grande said the changes could affect the pathways her club’s three senior women’s teams provided for juniors and women returning to football. “Our division four team is a bridge for players who still want to play serious and competitive soccer, that aren’t quite at the League One level yet,” she said. Ms Grande said the changes overlooked the reasons many women continued to play competitive football, beyond simply winning games. “I play soccer because of the friendships, and health benefits, but I also want that strong competition.” “There seems to be an assumption from Football Victoria that these women are more than happy and willing to just go to the community league,” she said. “It feels like Football Victoria is asking women to walk away from the game entirely and join another sport.” Ms Grande said a transition period or exemptions for clubs with multiple established women’s teams would help protect existing opportunities. She questioned whether the consultation
Each club will be limited to one team in the Women’s State League in 2027. (File: 402824). had adequately reached players who would be directly affected by the changes, saying she became aware of the restructure through teammates. Seasoned State League women’s football coach”. Craig Clark also questioned the impact of the changes, saying his club’s lower State League
team helped develop younger players and supported its broader women’s program. “By dropping the State 4 team down to the Community Leagues, we’re going to lose quality players that our junior and CPL girls rely on to progress,” he said. He said four players from the club’s College
Player League cohort made their senior debuts last year, while two under-15 players had also debuted in senior football during the current season. Mr Clark also questioned whether changing the competition structure was the best way to address concerns about clubs using stronger players in lower divisions. The university exemption has also prompted questions from players and club representatives about why some organisations can field multiple teams while others cannot. “Clubs that have demonstrated over a long period that they have invested heavily into girls’ and women’s programs and have therefore got two teams in the higher leagues, shouldn’t have to forfeit their hard work,” Mr Clark said. The debate has also played out on FV’s Facebook page, where commenters questioned the consistency of the one-team rule and why university clubs should be exempt. Commenter Luke Flood argued the issue was about consistent application rather than the skill levels of individual teams. Other commenters raised concerns about the affordability of community football and the barriers faced by women who want to play socially but cannot commit to a full season. While some supported the general direction of the changes, others questioned whether reserves and development pathways should extend further down the State League system. Concerns were also raised about the flow-on effects if a club’s top team is relegated, potentially affecting its reserves and other senior sides. The restructure has prompted debate about its impact on players and clubs, while its implications for Football Victoria’s governance and constitutional requirements remain unclear. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the government supported efforts to ensure women and girls had fair and inclusive opportunities to participate in sport. “Victoria is proud to lead the nation in creating a level playing field for women and girls in sport,” Ms Spence said. “We encourage Football Victoria to continue working with all parties to find a solution to support fair and inclusive competition and participation.” It is not yet clear whether the 2027 restructure raises any constitutional or other governance issues for Football Victoria, and no breach has been established. The Star Mail contacted Football Victoria for comment on the restructure, including the consultation process, the one-team-per-club rule and the university exemption, player pathways, fees and whether financial or operational considerations influenced the changes. They declined to comment. A spokesperson for Football Australia said, “Football Australia is the national governing body responsible for establishing and overseeing the regulatory framework for football in Australia. “Member Federations are responsible for administering their respective state competitions, including competition structures and formats, in accordance with Football Australia’s Constitution and applicable national regulations.” The new senior women’s competition structure is due to take effect in 2027. Further details about how teams will be graded and placed in the Community League are yet to be confirmed.
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 7
NEWS
Fox strategy welcomed By Oliver Winn
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Foxes have a big impact on native species in Australia. (File: 210772)
Conservationists have welcomed the Federal Government’s new draft strategy to tackle feral foxes. The new draft Threat Abatement Plan for predation by European red foxes is now up for feedback and will replace the existing plan dating back to 2008. Victorian National Parks Association parks and nature campaigner said native species
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in the Yarra Valley would benefit from better control of foxes in the area. “The impact of feral foxes is huge and widespread across public and private land. “So, the better we can control them and test new theories and new methods, that’s probably one of the great things to come out of this rewriting of the plan,” he said. Foxes impact local populations by commonly hunting long-nosed and southern brown bandicoots and ground-nesting birds. Mr Crook said they also impact some of the state’s most threatened species. “Even like Leadbeater’s possum and the helmeted honeyeater, both our state emblems would be impacted by foxes, so they’re a shocker.” Invasive Species Council rewilding manager Rob Brewster said the draft strategy was an important opportunity to ensure Australia’s approach to fox control reflected nearly two decades of advances in conservation science and invasive species management. “Australia’s current national fox strategy was written 18 years ago. Since then, our understanding of the devastating impact foxes are having on Australian wildlife has grown enormously.” Mr Brewster said foxes were often the difference between threatened species recovering or disappearing altogether. But the plan would need to be met with sustained funding from the government to ensure action would be delivered. “It is good to finally see a new national strategy on the table, but the final plan needs to be ambitious and backed by the funding needed to deliver real action on the ground. “A strategy sitting on a shelf won’t protect wildlife. Governments need to invest in coordinated, sustained fox control across the landscapes where our most vulnerable native animals still survive,” Mr Brewster said. Mr Crook agreed with the sentiment and said there were new technologies that could also use some funding. “There’s also new technologies like gene drive, which is getting more spoken about lately, but needs better investment to really get the best out of it,” he said. Gene drives are a collection of genes that rapidly spread from one generation to another. They’ve been used to reduce the number of mosquitoes that transmit malaria. For foxes, a gene drive that renders females infertile could help eliminate fox populations. But, the technology is still a long way off. “But it’s sitting in dire need of not just funding, but sustained funding over like five to ten year blocks where scientists can really get in there and do the work and not have things cut two years in when a government changes,” Mr Crook said. Foxes are also known to hunt lambs and spread diseases which impact farmers and landowners. Mr Brewster said there was evidence to show that when foxes and other introduced predators are removed or effectively controlled, threatened native animals can recover. “The final strategy should set a clear ambition not simply to manage the damage caused by foxes, but to dramatically reduce their impact and give native wildlife the opportunity to recover,” he said. But Mr Crooks said more sustained funding would help more animals come back and repopulate. “If we really get on top of this issue and we take it seriously and give it the sustained funding that it needs, we will see animals come back. “But to do that we need the sustained funding and the real commitment from all levels of government to keep that money secure and keep it long-term,” he said. The draft Threat Abatement Plan for predation by European red foxes is currently open for public consultation. You can read it here: shorturl.at/BE6WY.
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Bike park gets a workout By Mikayla van Loon The newest bike park in the Yarra Ranges was quick to get a workout on Wednesday 7 October as the temporary fencing came down at Mount Evelyn’s Morrison Reserve. Eager riders took to the flow trails, jump lines and an asphalt snake run as soon as the official proceedings were completed. Formally opened by Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing, Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins and Councillor Tim Heenan, all expressed their excitement for local young people. The bike park was part of the larger Morrison Reserve Master Plan, which delivered a renewed playspace last year and sought to provide youth-specific spaces. Ms Shing said witnessing children getting active and connected at the playground launch in early 2025 was wonderful to see. As the fences came down around the newest development, Ms Shing said it would be “a draw card, not just for riders, skaters, and scooters around the shire, but also from further afield”. “In a growing part of the shire, where again population continues to become dense, we need to make sure there are places for people of all ages and abilities to actually find somewhere to connect,” she said. “It really is about making sure that people can enjoy what they do locally and closer to home. And I can’t think of a more beautiful location for a track.” The project was made possible through the dual contribution of $2.6 million from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and $1.2 million from the council. Cr Heenan said the project was guided by the principle of building better spaces for community, based on extensive feedback following the pandemic. “While the new bike path is the centrepiece, this space is about much more than riding bikes. We know how important it is to have welcoming public spaces,” he said. “It’s somewhere to ride, to socialise, to relax, and just spend time together. “Whether it’s young people meeting up after school, family spending time together, with a beautiful playground…what’s really important about the project is creating a stronger sense of community, giving people more opportunities to get outside, particularly young people, to get outside and enjoy the space.” The construction of the multi-track bike park was delivered by Warrandale Industries, with design input from Emerge Associates and Common Ground Trails. The various track options cater to a diverse age range and skill level, ensuring everyone can get out and have a go. It features a pump track, snake run, jump park and trail elements incorporating jumps, berms and drops, as well as a three-level jump park catering for riders from beginners through to advanced. Complementary seating, landscaping and viewing areas rounded out the broader Morrison Reserve Youth Activation Project. “This is a substantial, most important addition to Mount Evelyn,” Cr Heenan said. “This will be a great cornerstone for them now.”
An eager and experienced bike rider was waiting as the temporary fencing came down around the Morrison Reserve bike park. (Mikayla van Loon: 583722)
School students who had finished for the day were eager to test out the new track. (583722)
The urban bike park project at Morrison Reserve officially opened on Wednesday 7 October. (Mikayla van Loon: 583722)
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Smiles were wide as the first young riders took to the track. (583722)
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 9
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10 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
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NEWS
Return to art and poetry By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Upwey-raised artist and poet James Jourdan Heenan has returned to photography and poetry after a period of burnout, with his first solo exhibition at Burrinja celebrating the joy of creating again. His exhibition, titled ‘Lost Poetry and Infinite Possibilities’ features 150 analogue photographs, poetry and object-based works is currently showing in the Lyre Room Gallery upstairs at Burrinja, until Sunday, 18 October. “I wanted to step back into a creative practice, coming from a place of self-expression and art therapy in a way,” Mr Heenan said. After years of curating exhibitions and working in the arts, Mr Heenan found himself feeling lost when his computer was stolen earlier this year, leaving him without access to much of his photography and other creative work. The experience affected his creative flow and left him uncertain about his direction, but a trip to Paris and Portugal helped him reconnect with his passion for photography, as he picked up a 35mm analogue camera and began capturing everyday moments again. He also returned to writing poetry, gradually rediscovering the enjoyment of his creative practice. “It gave me a bit of purpose, like something to look forward to, something to aim for, and just get out of my head a bit,” he said. For Mr Heenan, analogue photography offers a chance to slow down and be present, and away from the immediacy of digital photography and mobile phones. With only a limited number of shots on each roll, he takes his time choosing what to capture. “You really have to think about, ‘Hey, is this shot going to be good? Is it worth it?’” he said. Waiting for the film to be developed has also become part of the enjoyment. “You are kind of stepping back into a bit of play, a bit of joy,” he said. That renewed sense of discovery carries through the exhibition, which brings together photographs, poetry and everyday objects to explore the human condition, travel, love, sustainability and consumption. Among the works is a money tin Mr Heenan once used to save money, after opening it, he added positive affirmations to its surface, turning it into a playful artwork. Another piece features four iPhones placed on a rock, prompting reflection on consumption and how everyday objects can become art. His photographs capture a range of emotions, from children playing beneath sprinklers on a hot day in Paris to a person begging as sunlight filters through trees. Mr Heenan said the latter image was particularly striking, capturing sadness while also offering a sense of hope. The image used for the exhibition’s promo-
A curtain floats in the breeze, captured on 35mm film. (James Jourdan Heenan)
A bird caught in flight, captured on 35mm film. (James Jourdan Heenan) tional posters was taken in Prague, where he spotted a curtain gently blowing in the wind beside a bright yellow apartment. Alongside the photographs, his poetry ex-
plores personal thoughts and social observations. His poem, ‘We Are All Poets’ reflects on language, creativity and artificial intelligence, while his ‘Soon Photographers’, written about 10 years ago, considers how photography can become caught up in documenting itself rather than the simple enjoyment of taking pictures. Some of the poems have been printed on recycled handmade paper produced by one of his friends. While Mr Heenan has spent the past decade curating exhibitions and collaborating with artists and venues, presenting his own work on this scale has been a different experience. “I have curated a lot of shows for other people, this is the first time of stepping into my own world, which felt harder,” he said. Having grown up in Upwey, Mr Heenan returned to the Dandenongs after years living in
Melbourne and Tasmania, where he worked at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). He said moving back has helped him reconnect with nature and his local community through Burrinja. He hopes visitors leave the exhibition feeling inspired to travel, see life differently and appreciate the quieter moments. “I’d love for them to explore, to be inspired to travel and to be inspired to think about life in a different way and find joy in the slower moments,” Mr Heenan said. His advice to those who have lost touch with their own creativity is to focus on the process rather than money or recognition. He encourages people to pick up a camera, paintbrush or another creative tool and rediscover what brings them joy. Find out more at www.burrinja.org.au/ whats-on/lost-poetry-and-infinite-possibilities.
Hive Live set to launch in Knox Young musicians across Knox are being invited to take centre stage as Knox Youth Services launches Hive Live, a brand-new community music event designed to showcase emerging local talent, taking place on Tuesday, 19 January 2027. Set to bring together performers, family, friends and music lovers from across the municipality, Hive Live will provide young people with a supportive platform to gain valuable live performance experience while sharing their passion for music with the community. Applications are now open for solo artists, duos and bands aged 10 to 25 who have a connection to Knox. All musical styles and genres are welcome, with performers encouraged to put their best foot forward and apply for the opportunity to be part of the new event. Hive Live aims to celebrate the creativity, talent and diversity of young people in Knox, while fostering confidence and skills in a live performance setting. Successful applicants will have the chance to
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Young musicians across Knox are invited to apply for Hive Live. (On file) perform in front of a live audience, connect with other young musicians and be part of an exciting new event that supports youth participation in the local
arts scene. To apply, email the youth services team at youth@knox.vic.gov.au with the performer’s name, age and a short video clip of their performance.
Applications close on Friday, 6 November. Please note, performers will need to supply their own instruments and backing tracks.
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 11
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NEWS
Watching the clouds drift by, captured on 35mm film.
A moment of reflection in Paris, captured on 35mm film. (James Jourdan Heenan)
Poems, photos by Heenan Poems by James Jourdan Heenan ‘While They Sit and Ponder’ While they sit and ponder in the morning light. They sit and ponder to fight and fight. They each hold their chins with their soft knuckled hands looking into the distance and making a stand. I am better, you are worse. They all give each other a curse. The others beg to be let go free. But then the others run and hide in their man made trees. If only they knew that they were not kids anymore and would stop these silly wars. Their parents are calling but they cannot hear, all they hear is their inner fear. They leave their forts but remember their friends who are now their enemies with no chance of mend. They retreat to their homes with no one but themselves putting their swords back on their shelves. Their reflection of their past haunts them till the end like kids getting ready to be tucked into bed. ‘As Passion Shines Through’ As passion shines through the clouds of courage, a bird will fly to freedom. To a place where anger, hate and violence is no longer. Where nature is proud and life is honest. Where today’s world no longer holds damaged hearts and the beauty of a person is judged on the soul in which it created us. The bird then returned back and realised that the possibility of freedom was only a small branch away. Hold This Dust in My Hands Hold this dust in my hands. Like broken rocks. Like lost socks filled with stones, like those we collected from the ocean floor. Softly crumbling to find each grain, to define each thread, from the one in which we are all connected. Pulled by slowly. Hold this dust so we can share each other’s pain, each other’s soul in this physical way. ‘We Are All Poets’ We are all poets, we just don’t know it. Born into letters, those letters into words. All words that we had never heard. Words became sentences (which those sentences didn’t make much sense to us.) Some letters backwards. Some upside down. Some like a Picasso weeping woman, with all those squares in her eyes. Those sentences became paragraphs (where we are judged on our poetic structure.) But now if there is a misspell, a letter backwards or something sounding wrong, we can no longer blame our eyes - In fact, we’ll probably just blame Claude or AI. ‘Soon Photographers’ Written approximately 10 years ago. Soon photographers will be taking photos of photographers and then there will be a blog about photographers who have taken photos of photographers. Those photos will be placed in a gallery or exhibition and people will take photos of those photos, which will be captured by the gallery and projected in a photomontage. Then these photos will be reposted to those photographers in the mail who took those photos, so that the photographers can remember what they took a photo of, to remind them once in a lifetime ago they took photos because they originally liked photography. Not photographers taking photos of photographers taking photos.
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A blurred moment in Lisbon, captured on 35mm film.
Hope in the shadow, captured on 35mm film.
Children playing in Paris, captured on 35mm film.
A flower by the window, captured on 35mm film.
Standing in line, framed by shadows.
Smoking view.
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 13
Would you check if she’s ok?
If you bring empathy to everything you do, you could make a real difference with Victoria Police.
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14 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
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NEWS
Blue Light Discos became a rite of passage for young people not only across Australia but around the world. (Supplied)
Turning on the Blue Light By Mikayla van Loon The 1970s: a decade of change and self-discovery, of politics and protest. Fashion, photography and music became instrumental for self-expression. Women’s liberation, gay rights and Aboriginal land rights gained footing. But as much as it was an era of freedom, police were noticing a general consensus of boredom among young people and decided to do something about it. It started with a simple conversation in the mess room at Mooroolbark Police Station, as the afternoon Div Van Crew and then a Detective Senior Constable, Ivan Ray, spoke about the state of young people in the area. Constables Bob Le-Guire, Glynn Withey, Bob Craig, Barry Hellings and Bill Entwistel, with the support and encouragement of then Station Commander Senior Sergeant Barry Hansen, turned the idea into reality. About a month later, on 12 July 1976, the first iteration of the Blue Light Disco was hosted in Mooroolbark with 83 kids in attendance. Not long after, Blue Light Discos would become synonymous with an early teenage experience for several decades. Fifty years later, founder and former chair, Mr Ray, still believes in the value of Blue Light Discos and the importance of giving young people positive interactions with police and each other. The Kilsyth resident recalled the $50 budget, the Mooroolbark Lions Club’s help and the discussion that led to the first dance. “The troops were grizzling about the fact that every time they spoke to a kid in the street, ‘oh, we’ve got nothing to do, we’ve got nothing to do’, and the conversation went on,” Mr Ray said. “Well, let’s find something for them to do and see what happens. So that’s when we decided to have a dance. It was what we called it. We advertised it through the schools, and we formed a committee, of which I chaired, and started planning how we were going to start this dance.” Sourcing two bands, one as the main attraction and one as the supporting act, King Rat, Mr Ray said that when the night rolled around, they thought they’d made an error. “Us being all knowledgeable as cops, we’re watching the kids, their responses, and when King Rat came on and started, they were all dancing, and we thought they were having a wow of a time. “The main band came on. They just stood around. They stood around the stage. They didn’t do anything. They didn’t show any emotion. They were just like zombies, I suppose. We thought, ‘we’ve made a big blue here. We’ve done the wrong thing’.” A fortnight later, the second dance was held at the Kilsyth Memorial Hall, “packed to the rafters” with 130 kids, with King Rat as the main band.
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Retired Victoria Police Inspector Ivan Ray founded the Blue Light Disco in 1976. (Stewart Chambers: 581928) “All they did was grizzle and groan at the second disco,” Mr Ray said. The committee later discovered that “if it’s a good band, you just listen to the music”. The kids told them, “We’re dancing because we’re bored with them”. That first month was a learning curve, but the popularity of the event only grew, and so too did the size of the venue. Moving to Pembroke High School, between 300 and 400 kids showed up to the next Saturday night dance. Volunteers from the Mooroolbark Lions Club supported the events and offered their time, as well as many of the police officers’ wives. The positive effect was almost immediate for police officers in the community, seeing the change in behaviour and comfort young people had in speaking with authoritative figures. “I said to the crew, ‘I think we’ve got something here’. These kids are off the street, and those in the group, people with a role in the community, said, ‘it’s terrific, you go down the street now and kids come up and talk to you’,” Mr Ray said. Mr Ray said the connections and friendships that sparked between the young people were also a positive outcome. “The kids would be talking about what happened at last disco, so they had a new conversation to work with. Then they’d spend the next two weeks and saying, ‘Oh, I saw this, and I saw that’. “The two weeks preceding the next disco,
they’d be all doing the planning, who should go with them. “So it created a whole new level, which was the kids’ own space. It wasn’t parents, or any leader trying to force a view onto these kids. That was what they developed, and that’s what made it so bloody successful.” A similar concept had also been established in Essendon, run by Senior Sergeant Gerry O’Toole, a former colleague and friend of Mr Ray. They came to an agreement that Essendon’s dance would be renamed to Blue Light. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mick Miller “thoroughly supported the idea” and backed Mr Ray’s suggestion of giving officers time in lieu for volunteering at the dances. It meant they gained a day off every two months. “What you have to remember, of course, is that for police, our Saturday nights are pretty special personally because we work shift work a lot of the time, and do work on weekends, so having a Saturday night off is important,” he said. “That was the real start. Police started to accept it, there were discos popping up everywhere.” Soon the initiative would take off not only across Victoria, but throughout Australia, New Zealand, America and the UK. “America had a couple, and the UK had a couple, but they never took off big time in those countries. But that was the size of it; at one stage,
there were about four or 500 discos operating worldwide.” The largest disco in Australia was hosted in Ringwood, where 4000 kids regularly attended the underground car park at Target Square. As Blue Light grew, so too did the interest from music luminaries like the Young Talent Time team and Jonny Young, who regularly visited discos, as did Molly Meldrum. “Seared in my memory was the diminutive Tina Arena visiting Diamond Creek Disco way back when,” Mr Ray said. “This very friendly little girl was not that interested in the Disco but wanted desperately to get in a police car and operate the siren.” Mr Ray said that while each disco catered to its own demographic, the initial target audience was Grade 5 and 6 students. “Each committee was given a lot of leeway to make their own rules but I used to push them and say, ‘Look, if they start going along to a disco in Grade 3 and 4, they’ve got nothing to aspire to’, and kids need aspirations, something to aim for in life, and we tend to try and take all that away from them. “It’s a big move to go from Grade 6 to secondary school; mind you, they’re all very keen to do it. “It’s aspirational, but the changes in their life and the relationships and all the rest of that stuff is going to be quite significant and can be quite daunting for them. So it’s great to have something there for them at that age group.” In the current “crime tsunami”, as Mr Ray called it, he said, “What concerns me the greatest is that there’s no plan”. “There is no strategic plan that I’m aware of that I’ve ever seen that’s designed to deal with these problem kids. “There has never, in history, been a situation where you can arrest your way out of these problems because then you rely on the courts that are unreliable. “The two fundamental functions of policing are proactive and reactive, and there should be a balance between the two. Over the last two decades, it’s been imbalanced.” Although Blue Light Victoria has taken on a different form, with only a few discos still operating, Mr Ray said he still sees the same value in what they were trying to achieve all those years ago. “Everybody forgets. They all make excuses to say, ‘it’s all different’. No, you’re making it different. Kids are still kids. “Kids spend the whole time wanting to be older than what they really are. This is giving kids a grown-up something to do. It’s theirs.” Mr Ray retired from the force as an inspector after a career in uniform policing, highway patrol, crime investigation and as editor of Police Life. He chaired the Blue Light Foundation for 13 years.
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 15
NEWS
Alec Ferguson, Victorian Socialists candidate for Bayswater. (Supplied)
BFG is seeking new leaders and more volunteers to help keep the community garden thriving. (Supplied)
Food garden needs some helping hands By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Belgrave Food Garden is on the lookout for new committee members, as well as more volunteers to lend a hand in the garden, particularly over summer when extra help is needed to keep the plants watered and healthy. The volunteer-run garden, tucked behind the Cameo Cinema in Belgrave, provides a place for locals to grow and harvest fresh food, learn gardening skills and connect with the community. The garden’s vice-president Kate Monypenny said their current president and secretary are stepping down at the upcoming annual general meeting. The president oversees the committee and garden, while the secretary manages administrative duties, including organising meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, and ensuring the association meets its obligations. Ms Monypenny said the committee worked collaboratively and offered a welcoming introduction for people who had not previously held a committee position. “I’d never been on a committee before joining this one, and it’s a great place to start if you want to get involved but aren’t quite sure where to begin,” she said. The garden is also seeking general committee members to help share responsibilities and support its ongoing work. Beyond committee positions, more volunteers are needed for the monthly working bees, held on the third Sunday of each month from 10am to noon. No registration is required, and people can attend when their schedules allow. With summer approaching, extra hands are also needed for the watering roster to help keep the garden thriving through the hotter months. Ms Monypenny said the garden had about 100 members, although not all were active volunteers, and its six-person committee was keen to reactivate its volunteering base. Regular working bees have helped establish compost bays and garden arches for climbing plants, while volunteers also assist with general maintenance. The group previously held weekday gardening sessions and hopes to build up its volunteer numbers to make more activities possible. The BFG was established in 2021 as a shared space where locals can grow and harvest fresh produce, share gardening tips and connect with the community. Produce is shared with locals and charity partners, while a sharing table allows people to 16 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
Belgrave Food Garden is calling for more volunteers. (Supplied) swap homegrown fruit and vegetables, preserves, seeds and seedlings. Workshops on topics including mushroom growing, raising seedlings and composting also help locals develop their gardening skills. Ms Monypenny said people joined for different reasons, whether they wanted to learn, share their knowledge or grow vegetables but lacked suitable sunlight at home. Volunteers can lend a hand whenever they’re available, with no pressure to attend every working bee or have previous gardening experience. “It’s amazing how much you can get done with
a few extra sets of hands,” Ms Monypenny said. The garden’s annual general meeting will be held at 9.30am on 18 October, before the regular working bee. All are welcome to attend, with the meeting to include a review of the annual report and the election of committee members, followed by gardening and shared morning tea. Locals interested in joining the committee or volunteering in the garden can get in touch via info@bfg.earth or find Belgrave Food Garden on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BelgraveFoodGarden
Student representing Victorian Socialists By Callum Ludwig Student Alec Ferguson is the Victorian Socialists candidate for Bayswater. Mr Ferguson is studying Arabic at Deakin University has been active in the eastern suburbs for several years, mainly at event in solidarity with Palestine including a recent protest outside Rosebank Engineering in Bayswater. Mr Ferguson said he put his hand up to be the Victorian Socialists candidate for Bayswater because he I wants to fight for a society that puts people before profit. “For decades, housing costs have outpaced wages, and essential services like childcare, aged care and electricity have been privatised and run for profit, with higher costs and worse services as the result, the current system is leaving people behind to protect the profits of the few,” he said. “Bayswater is no exception. The cost of living is the biggest one: the Homes Victoria Rental Report showed Bayswater had some of the largest rent increases in Melbourne between 2020 and 2024, at nearly 60 per cent, and rents have kept climbing since then. Interest rate rises have meant working families paying thousands more each year on their mortgages.” The plight of Palestine is particularly important for Mr Ferguson, having also helped organise student movement for Palestine at Deakin University, including the Gaza solidarity encampment held for 17 days at the campus in 2024. Mr Ferguson said nobody in a wealthy country like Australia should have to choose between eating and paying the bills. “Commonwealth Bank has just posted record profits, while Coles and Woolworths raise prices and mislead customers about specials without consequence, landlords and property developers profit from a system that treats housing as a commodity, with thousands of homes left empty while homelessness rises,” he said. “That’s why I’m fighting for the Victorian Socialists’ Universal Living Guarantee: economic and social support at every stage of life so everyone can live a decent life. To pay for it, I’ll push for new measures targeting the wealth of billionaires, big corporations and the super-rich, a decent society wouldn’t let billionaires exist while people go without the basics.” The Victorian Socialist’s Universal Living Guarantee includes 150,000 new public homes over 10 years, a state-owned bank offering affordable loans at capped interest rates, a 25 per cent rent cut followed by a fiveyear rent freeze, ree, publicly owned childcare, five days a week and quality, affordable aged care. Mr Ferguson would love to hear more from voters in Bayswater and encouraged anyone who wants to learn more about his platform or get involved in the campaign to contact him via 0424 084 882 or alec.ferguson@victoriansocialists.org.au.
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12891657-CV33-26
SHOP LOCAL MONBULK Meet Mark and the team Community Bank Monbulk & District is focused on helping locals achieve their financial goals. Business Development and Lending Manager Mark Davenport has over 20 years of experience in the banking sector. Mark has a reputation for clear, practical advice using his depth of knowledge to help customers navigate some of their most significant financial decisions. What sets Mark apart is his commitment to understanding each person’s circumstances before offering solutions. He takes the time to listen, to ask the right questions, and to tailor his guidance to the individual sitting across from him—whether they are preparing to buy their first home, exploring investment opportunities, or simply wanting to strengthen their long-term financial position. Mark’s support often begins well before a customer is ready to borrow. He works with clients from the earliest stages, offering saving strategies up to a year before a purchase, and helping them build confidence in their financial future. Existing lending customers and local homeowners are encouraged to reach out to Mark and discuss their goals, knowing they will receive thoughtful, practical advice grounded in experience. With Monbulk’s strong horticultural industry and the busy schedules of local families and business owners, Mark recognises that accessibility matters. He adopts a mobile approach, meeting customers where it suits them, whether that’s in person, over the phone, or via video. This flexibility ensures that financial guidance remains within reach for everyone in the community. Across every interaction, Mark’s dedication
L-R: Business Development Manager Mark Davenport with Community Bank Monbulk & District Branch Manager Bec Turpin. (Supplied) to his role is evident. His blend of experience, empathy, and practical insight continues to make a meaningful difference for our customers.
Whether your lending needs are straightforward or more complex, Mark’s got you covered. Get in touch today. Contact Mark on 0493 434
062, mark.davenport@bendigoadelaide.com. au or drop in and see the team at 70 Main Road, Monbulk 3793.
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 17
NEWS
Maisi had a great time. (582094)
Presenter Tay gets the crowd up and about. (582094)
Library gets kids moving Emerald Library was transformed into a dance floor on Friday 2 October for school holiday fun. Kids joined The Jungle Body presenter Tay for an engaging 50-minute movement class designed specifically for young children. This funfilled session featured straightforward, repetitive movements that allowed toddlers to participate confidently in dance activities and develop their self-assurance. The class incorporated contemporary, lively music including popular artists like Taylor Swift, K-Pop hits, and kids’ techno tracks to keep the energy high and the fun flowing.
Presenter Tay blowing bubbles for the kids while they danced to the tunes. (582094)
Seth having a boogie. (582094)
Dance Monkey was a big hit on the day. (582094)
18 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
Lucas had some super dance moves at the Move and Groove school holiday program at the Emerald Library. (Stewart Chambers: 582094)
Sunday wasn’t far away from the music. (582094)
Sunday having a rest on the dancefloor. (582094)
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COMEDY IN THE VINES 2026
Get set for four days of fun Get ready for four days of comedy, music, wine and plenty of the unexpected when Comedy in the Vines returns to the Yarra Valley this October. Held at the iconic Cherry Hill Orchards from Thursday 22 October to Sunday 25 October, Comedy in the Vines brings together some of the best ingredients for a great spring weekend, with world class comedy, live music, local wine and a relaxed festival atmosphere all set among the beautiful surrounds of the Yarra Valley. At the heart of the festival is the comedy, with a major outdoor stage hosting a line up of top Australian comedians alongside exclusive international acts. Whether you are a dedicated comedy fan or simply looking for a good laugh with friends, there will be plenty happening across the four days, with big names and plenty of surprises along the way. But Comedy in the Vines is about more than just taking your seat and watching a show. The festival has been designed as a social, roaming experience where you can wander between the different areas, catch up with friends, discover something new and enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace. Music plays a big part too, providing the soundtrack throughout the day. Expect chilled DJ sets as the afternoon gets underway, gradually building into higher energy live music and evening vibes. It is the kind of festival where you can settle in for the afternoon and find yourself staying well into the evening. And, of course, being in the Yarra Valley, wine is very much part of the experience. Visitors can explore a curated selection of premium Yarra Valley wines, with tastings offering the chance to discover local varieties and meet the people behind them. For those wanting to learn a little more, interactive masterclasses led by experienced winemakers provide a relaxed and approachable way to explore the region’s wine.
Comedy in the Vines is back for 2026 at CherryHill Orchards. (Supplied) The festival format makes it ideal for all sorts of groups, whether it is a weekend catch up with friends, a couples getaway or a long table gathering with a larger crew. There is no need to stick to one spot, with plenty of opportunity to move around, grab a drink, listen to some music and soak up the spring atmosphere. And there is a special offer for the locals. Yarra
Valley residents can enjoy 20 per cent off tickets to Comedy in the Vines. To redeem the local discount, simply head to the QR code on the advertisement and follow the link to purchase your tickets. Set among the orchards at Cherry Hill, Comedy in the Vines offers a chance to enjoy one of the Yarra Valley’s most picturesque settings while
Merrick Watts performing at Comedy in the Vines 2025. experiencing something a little different. With four days of laughs, music, wine and the unexpected, Comedy in the Vines is shaping up as one of the regions must visit spring events. Gather your favourite people, make a weekend of it and get ready to laugh your way through the vines from Thursday 22 October to Sunday 25 October.
SINGLE-DAY TICKETS FROM $56 12905885-JV42-26
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 19
NEWS
Heart of immigration debate By Maria Millers
The debate around immigration isn’t a novel one. (File) fields. By the 1880s, opposition to Chinese immigration had become a national political question, and was joined by opposition to Pacific Islander workers in Queensland’s sugar industry. Again, white workers and trade unionists saw indentured Pacific Island labour as a cheap source of labour that could undermine their wages and working conditions. So came the passing of the Racial Discrimination Act of 1901, known as the White Australia Policy. The message was clear: Australia was British in culture, European in population, politically secure but geographically in an overwhelmingly Asian region. To safeguard that security, government policy became “to populate or perish.” Of course, the preferred migrant initially was British, but to meet the desired goal after WW2 Australia began accepting large numbers from southern and eastern Europe. They formed the backbone of the major post-WW2 infrastructure and major building programs. Although there were undoubtedly areas of tension, Australians began discovering that migrants could be successfully incorporated into Australian society. Terms like wog and dago, initially insults, eventually became terms of endearment. As poet Komninos Zervos wrote: And, Australia, Whilst I’ve got your attention I’m a poet That’s right A poet I write, I read, I perform, I entertain I earn my living by poeting No. no other job No. not unemployment benefits A full time writer A poet with a mortgage And a wife, and kids And gas bills, and a tax file number Just like you New cultural practices from food, music and sport began transforming the once British dominant culture. By 1971, roughly one-third of Australians were either post-war migrants or the children of migrants.
But while European immigration became increasingly acceptable, the idea of large-scale Asian immigration remained unpopular. The abolition of the White Australia policy in the 1960s–70s fundamentally altered the demographic trajectory of Australia. By 1983 Australia had accepted about 70,000 Vietnamese refugees. Still it wasn’t without anxiety and fear that a substantial numbers of Asian migrants would challenge the concept of Australian identity. What should be remembered is that the 1980s saw rising unemployment, particularly youth unemployment and just as in the past concern about immigration came to the fore again. When, in 1984, historian Geoffrey Blainey publicly attacked the scale of Asian immigration his intervention triggered a major national debate and opened up a platform for politicians with similar views. Australia experienced a severe early-1990s recession, accompanied by unemployment and job insecurity. This was also one of the major periods of anti-immigration sentiment: more than 70% of Australians at one point regarded migration levels as too high. We began asking questions like: What does it mean to be Australian? Questions around multiculturalism, national identity and aboriginal policy can be seen as socially disruptive. Immigration, particularly Asian immigration becomes a lightning rod for those looking for easy solutions to these questions. In the years after 9/11 border protection became central in immigration debates and a hot election issue. Arrivals from the Middle East were ‘othered’ the burqa becoming the sign of an alien culture just as the conical hat and long queue of the Chinese gold diggers had once been. Migrant Woman on a Melbourne Tram by Jennifer Strauss: Impossibly black Amid the impudence of summer thighs Long arms and painted toenails And the voices Impossibly obscure She hunches sweltering Twists in sweating hands A scrap of paper – address, destination, Clue to the labyrinth
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Once again we are seeing the current immigration debate become a lightning rod for grievances and wider anxieties that fundamentally are not about immigration at all. Concerns about housing, jobs, cost of living, youth crime, and the impact of artificial intelligence dominate discussions. National identity and social cohesion arguments are also canvassed by some. Of course immigration can have real effects on population growth, can intensify pressure on housing, infrastructure like schools, hospitals, transport and the environment but also delivers economic and labour force benefits. What is clear is that anti-immigration becomes an issue at times when people feel unsettled and concerned about changes taking place and the impact on their lives. In a globalised world these events can be on the other side of the world as we daily feel the effects of the war in the Middle East and other events such as climate change. Throughout our history, immigration has been the most visible sign of change when the real causes were much broader and more complex. It is tempting for politicians of all stripes to look at solutions to problems by conflating them into an argument about the number of people entering the country and in some cases, regrettably playing the race/values card. Suddenly the acronym NOM is on everyone’s lips, and the major parties are involved in an unedifying numbers game in a race to the bottom to see how much migrant intake they can cut. There is nothing new about this current debate; it has a long lineage, and while a particular migrant group may bear the brunt of public finger-pointing at a point in time, grievances may change considerably from one era to another, but anxieties are often similar. In the 1850 -1890 gold rushes, Victoria’s population exploded in ten years from 77,000 in 1851 to 539,000 in 1861, including roughly 25,000 Chinese arrivals. Many were leaving southern China, where civil war had disrupted farming and staying was unsafe for many. Home by Warsan Shire: No one leaves unless Home is the mouth of a shark You only run for the border When you see the whole city running as well. Very quickly they became targets of resentment centred on their practices of working the less profitable claims and doing it cooperatively. Their appearance was confronting with hair braded into traditional long queues and topped with conical hats. Outright violence erupted at Lambing Flats in NSW and the Buckland River in Victoria. Then the issue expanded beyond the gold-
Where voices not understood Echo Confusing directions. The target of unrest was no longer primarily the settled migrant community. It was increasingly aimed at unauthorised arrivals and asylum seekers, particularly people arriving by boat. Many came from war torn areas of the Middle East and Africa and the sub-continent of Asia Today migration is again front, centre and focus of everything that is perceived wrong in our society. Migrants are blamed for congestion, youth crime housing and rental shortages, a medical system showing signs of stress, an education system needing an overhaul. Ironically it’s the migrants that keep our hospitals and aged care homes functioning from doctors to cleaners. The pattern of blaming immigration for problems is as visible today as it was in the 1850s, 1980s, 1990s and again in 2001 Business leaders warn that services and industries would falter and our daily lives would be affected if there were severe cutbacks in migration. Today we are a contemporary population in which roughly one third of people were born overseas. The question of identity is also once again at the fore and the recent and not so recent fears of being swamped by newcomers perhaps reflects the fact that Australian identity has an unusually complex foundation. We have 60,000 years of Indigenous histories and cultures and a history of dispossession, and have never completely resolved the tension between being a settler nation and accepting that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have an ancient and continuing connection to this continent. Also, a stubborn resistance to acknowledging and owning the difficult history of our past, which creates a paradox that a population whose presence here derives from colonisation can nevertheless develop a strong sense of ownership and exclusion. Bora Ring by Judith Wright: The song is gone; the dance is secret with the dancers in the earth, the ritual useless, and the tribal story lost in an alien tale. Only the grass stands up to mark the dancing-ring; the apple-gums posture and mime a past corroboree, murmur a broken chant. The hunter is gone; the spear is splintered underground; the painted bodies a dream the world breathed sleeping and forgot. The nomad feet are still. In 2025, the Scanlon Foundation’s research found that concerns about immigration being too high were much more strongly associated with economic and housing concerns than with opposition to multiculturalism itself. We should be wary of conflating discussions on Australian identity, race history and other social issues with attacks on levels of immigration. Discussions should be about which problems are genuinely amplified by immigration and what grievances are merely being expressed through the immigration lens. Make an early booking for the Woorilla Awards on 22 November at the Emerald Hub. Entertainment and refreshments. A great afternoon - www.woorilla.org.
20 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
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OPINION
Strike up the band By Joy Gothe In April 1888, a new sound echoed through the township of Lilydale. It began with the formation of the Baptist Church brass band, a modest ensemble that quickly kindled a strong enthusiasm among the residents. This musical spark proved contagious; the townspeople soon desired a band that belonged to the broader community. By 1893, the church group was officially reconstructed into the Lilydale Brass Band. Within three years, their public performances had become so popular that the musicians began lobbying for a permanent open-air “Band Stand” to host regular weeknight and Sunday concerts. That ambition materialised in August 1900 with the grand opening of the band rotunda. Standing proudly as the centrepiece of Main Street, it instantly became the beating heart of Lilydale and the hub of local life. It was here, just a year later in 1901, that a wave of local pride washed over the town. Standing beneath its shelter, the community officially welcomed home Dame Nellie Melba and her family, celebrating a local girl who had conquered the global operatic stage.
Dame Nellie Melba made a visit to Lilydale in 1907 to open the Lilydale Brass Band’s Bazaar. (Lilydale and District Historical Society) By 1902 the band boasted nearly twenty dedicated members who faithfully gathered to practise every Monday and Friday evening. That’s a lot of puffing, polishing and practising! While the band survived many financial hardships, global events took a heavier toll. The outbreak of World War I led to a temporary demise, though the musicians successfully reformed in 1918. When the Great Depression hit, they went into recess once more, rallying back in the 1930s
before costs and dwindling support forced them to stop playing in 1938. Surviving the loss of the rotunda there was a temporary revival in the late 1950’s when they played at some sporting events, finally disappearing into permanent recess. Through it all, the rotunda still remained a town landmark. It had served as the official backdrop where dignitaries were welcomed and farewelled, where locals were entertained during Friday night shopping, and where weekend visitors were greeted. But by March 1951, the weathered and dilapidated structure was finally demolished. Its brick base survived until the 1970s, when it was removed to make way for additional car parking. Today, a replica crafted from those original red bricks stands at the Lilydale Memorial Park on Victoria Road. While the monument preserves a vital piece of local heritage, the historic centre of Main Street sadly remains altered forever and empty without its original centrepiece, leaving the rich, mellow tones of the town’s brass band era to drift away as a distant memory. If you are interested in discovering more stories about the history of Lilydale visit our Website at www.lilydalehistorical.com.au or think about becoming a volunteer.
CARTOON
Strong entry
Pinocchio: Unstrung Starring Richard Brake, Cameron Bell and Robert Englund MA15+ 3.5/5 In Pinocchio: Unstrung, the fifth film in the Twisted Childhood Universe franchise, Gepetto (Richard Brake) makes a living wooden doll named Pinocchio as a friend for his grandson James (Cameron Bell), but Pinocchio soon takes his duty to protect James too far with grisly results. Visceral, suspenseful and weirdly endearing, Pinocchio: Unstrung has buckets of bloody fun with its absurd premise. Brought to life with extremely impressive puppets and animatronics, Pinocchio is both sweet and scary, with plenty of hilarious lines, and his naive urge to defend James from bad people fuels several wild kills with great gore effects. Brake is warm yet subtly sinister as Gepetto (with some Jack Torrance in the mix by the end), and Freddie Krueger himself Robert Englund has a memorably slimy voice role as Pinocchio’s Cricket friend. Despite the clear throughline of Pinocchio protecting James and his desire to be a real boy, the pacing is somewhat erratic and meandering (a recurring issue in the TCU), and James and his friends learning of Gepetto’s macabre early experiments through recorded film reels is extremely inorganic exposition. The TCU is also reusing ideas: this and Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood And Honey both have a sledgehammer kill in a swimming pool, and Unstrung’s brutal chase climax feels too similar to the climax of Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare. Pinocchio: Unstrung is the first TCU film with a mostly positive reception (76 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes), but my favourite is still Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, which is creepier, smarter and blew me away with its cinematography and Martin Portlock and Kit Green’s performances. Still, Pinocchio: Unstrung is another highly satisfying watch for those who enjoy gory horror-comedies, and I had a wonderful time seeing it as part of Monsterfest at Cinema Nova. Seth Lukas Hynes
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What’s coming up Gemco Players Community Theatre Ordinary Days Heartfelt, witty and beautifully layered, this contemporary musical is full of humour and heart - a reminder that even in life’s rush, the smallest moments can be beautiful. From one of musical theatre’s most exciting new composers comes Ordinary Days, a refreshingly honest and funny musical about making connections in the city that never sleeps (but 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 ever struggled to appreciate the simple things in a complex place. With equal doses of humour and poignancy, it celebrates how three million individual stories combine in unexpected ways to make New York a unique and extraordinary home. Season: 6 - 15 November. The 1812 theatre Closer Set in London at the end of the 20th century, Closer explores the fragile intersections of love, desire, truth and betrayal through the intertwined lives of four strangers whose relationships evolve through attraction, manipulation and emotional confrontation. With razor-sharp dialogue and unflinching honesty, the play examines the complexities of intimacy and the emotional consequences of human
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Kemp’s curtain call connection. Season: 28 October – 8 November. A joint production by Avid Theatre and The 1812 Theatre. A Murder is Announced – Agatha Christie. An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock’s Victorian house. The victim is not one of the house’s several occupants, but an unexpected and unknown visitor. What follows is a classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, a second death and a determined inspector grimly following the case’s twists and turns. Fortunately, Miss Marple is on hand to provide the solution – at some risk to herself – in a dramatic final confrontation. Season: 12 November – 5 December. Eltham Little Theatre THE Play – Bernnet’s Bride Mr Bennet’s Bride is an original period comedy, based on the characters of Mr and Mrs Bennet from Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’. It explores how this ill-matched couple met and married twenty-five years before the novel’s opening.
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Well worth the read PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN The Sinister Booksellers of Bath is the sequel to Australian author Garth Nix’s bestselling urban fantasy novel The Left-Handed Booksellers of London. Set in a slightly alternate version of England in 1983, the story follows Susan, Merlin and Vivien as they enter a different time and space through a sorcerous translocation map. From this riveting start, the heroic protagonists and their fellow booksellers proceed to investigate mysterious ancient entities, monstrous living statues, centuries of disappearances and deaths, WW2 military depots, and how Susan should deal with her recently discovered magical inheritance while trying to stay alive. Writing a sequel is always difficult, as those readers beguiled by the dazzling first book often have high expectations for the follow-up to be equally if not more luminous and thrilling. This is certainly the case with fantasy series, where all the worldbuilding and character crafting tends to be done in book one. With the sequel, readers now demand something fresh but familiar, a comfortable yet somehow confronting plot. In this book, for example, we meet new booksellers and police officers who are quirky and charming. The new Ancient Sovereigns are majestic and powerful, each with their own unique characteristics and traits. As with its predecessor, throughout the pages there are mentions of a great diversity of books, art works, fashion styles, cars, weapons, mythical creatures, historical figures, buildings and locales, and lores and legends that are worth exploring, which makes a fun reading experience. There are also new villains, both divine and mortal, but with more devastating consequences to their crimes. The story’s scale is grander, the writing more serious and sober, the investigation process and relevant research more complex and intense, and the major characters more balanced in terms of their actions and responses to adversaries. Merlin, in particular, appears to have matured a great deal. However, the story’s focus is always Susan, who knows she is fighting a losing battle in her desperate attempt to remain an ordinary human. Her growth as a character is significant, developing from an innocent, wide-eyed girl to an independent young woman with a strong voice, a clear head and a strategic mind. Yet she can be emotionally fragile, which makes her transformation at the end of the book particularly awe-inspiring. Finally, in this story, the powers and moral responsibilities of the booksellers are challenged as they police the mythical Old World of England when it intrudes on the modern world. Sometimes the safest and/or easiest course is not the most ethically sound, which is perhaps why the word “sinister” is used in the book title. (That is, apart from the author’s assertion: “Of course [the word] only refers to left-handedness. Nothing else. Honest.”) Highly recommended. In the late eighteenth century, marriage was more a business transaction than a love affair. As the play opens, pressure is mounting on the young Mr Bennet to find a suitable match, but his refusal to play by the rules sets in motion a series of events that are both comic and moving. This play was written by amazing local playwright Emma Wood and debuts in London in 2026. Season runs for nine shows from 12 - 27 February with Sunday matinees and one Saturday matinee.
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WANDIN SILVAN FIELD DAYS
Field Days hits its 57th In 2026, Wandin Silvan Field Days proudly celebrates the 57th year of the event, an impressive milestone that reflects the dedication, hard work and community spirit of the many people who have contributed to this much loved event over the years. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Field Days continue to be run by a committee of local volunteers who are passionate about supporting our agricultural industry and bringing the community together. Set in the heart of the beautiful Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, the Wandin Silvan Farm Field Days are held at the picturesque Wandin East Recreation Reserve. Each year, we welcome exhibitors, industry representatives and visitors from across Victoria and interstate, creating avaluable meeting place for those involved in farming, horticulture and related industries. The team remain committed to the event’s distinctive horticultural and farm machinery focus, encouraging exhibitors to showcase the products, equipment and services that support these important sectors. The Field Days offer visitors an excellent opportunity to explore the latest machinery, technology and industry innovations, compare products and prices, speak directly with dealers and suppliers, and catch up with fellow farmers, businesses and local residents.
Alongside the extensive machinery and equipment displays, the Field Days provide an opportunity to discover more about the region’s agricultural heritage and the people and organisations supporting the industry. Visitors can connect with local community groups, learn about rural services and enjoy the variety of displays and activities that help make the event a popular annual gathering. The Information and Lifestyle Pavilion, together with General Interest Alley, adds another dimension to the event, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitors and products. Visitors can browse regional food and wine, locally produced beverages, gin, safety wear, homecrafts, nursery products, clothing, jewellery and much more. As the event marks its 57th year, the team look forward to welcoming everyone back for another successful Field Days. The community’s continued support helps to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage, showcase local businesses and strengthen the community connections that make this event so special. On behalf of the committee, thank you to the exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and visitors for being part of the Wandin Silvan Farm Field Days story. The committee look forward to seeing you there.
Wandin Silvan Field Days president Brad Finger. (File)
CELEBRATING
57
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Friday 16 & Saturday 17 OCTOBER 2026 Wandin East Recreation Reserve info@wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au | www.WandinSilvanFieldDays.com.au wandinsilvanfielddays 12901970-JO42-26
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WANDIN SILVAN FIELD DAYS
Vallence proud to support Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence is thrilled to again support and celebrate the annual Wandin Silvan Field Days. A fantastic showcase for our agricultural, horticultural and farm machinery sector, now in its 57th year of operation. Rain, hail or shine, Wandin Silvan Field Days’ volunteer committee do an exceptional job ensuring a wonderful event year after year supporting Yarra Valley farmers – our world-class producers. Field Days is held in the heart of the Yarra Valley in the scenic and welcoming Wandin East in my local community. What sets Fields Days apart from other events across the state is the breadth of exhibits that are available to see and its welcoming family friendly atmosphere. At Field Days, you can see the latest in agricultural machinery, technology, tools, irrigation systems, pest management, automotives, work gear, and much more. There are always good deals on offer! Ms Vallence loves the display of machinery of yesteryear, presented by the Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society, which will once again feature a working display of their lovingly restored machinery. Another important feature of Field Days is the focus on biosecurity measures to help protect farmers and growers from invasive diseases and pests, such as the work done by Bronwyn and Agribusiness Yarra Valley on managing Queensland Fruit Fly. The vegetable and native plants produced by students at Yarra Ranges Tech School are always popular. And, Gruyere, Seville and Wandin CFA Fire Brigades are available to assist families with bushfire preparedness – and of course for the kids (and some adults) there’s the opportunity to sit in the ‘little fire truck’. There’s plenty more for the family. Whether it’s the baby animal nursery or reptiles, or the incredible live wood carvings, or the great variety of food options with Wandin Yallock Primary School hamburgers Ms Vallence’s favourite! And, for something sweet, you can’t go past the Wandin CWA’s delicious cakes, conserves and biscuits, which always sell early! Like all community events, Field Days does not happen without a team of dedicated volunteers behind the scenes who put in a considerable amount of time over many months preparing. Ms Vallence wants to acknowledge and congratulate the Wandin Silvan Field Day Committee, amazing contributors to our local community, for their professionalism and work ethic in making the Field Days a success. Thanks in particular to President Brad Finger, Treasurer Chris Manders and all volunteer members of the Committee for their tireless efforts to ensure Wandin Silvan Field Days is a premiere event for our region and the state. Over many years, whether in my boots in the rain and mud, or in glorious spring sunshine, attending Wandin Silvan Field Days is a highlight for Ms Vallence and her family, and she encourages everyone – from farmers to those who support our important agricultural sector – to come along to Field Days. Drop by her stall for a chat, she looks forward to seeing you there.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence will be out to support the 2026 Wandin Silvan Field Days. (Supplied)
Bridget
VALLENCE MP
BridgetVallenceMP
BridgetVallence
BridgetVallence.com.au
9735 3208
Authorised by Bridget Vallence, 143 Main Street Lilydale VIC 3140
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Delivering for our Community
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WANDIN SILVAN FIELD DAYS
Aaron Violi will again have a stall at Wandin Silvan Field Days.
Violi keen to speak to you The Wandin Silvan Field Days celebrate their 57th year in 2026, continuing a proud tradition that generations of farmers, growers and exhibitors have looked forward to each year. Agriculture has long been part of Aaron Violi’s family story. His grandparents arrived in Australia from Italy in 1953, where they settled and built their new life on a farm in Silvan. Their story reflects the hard work, determination and passion that continues to define our local farming community today. While Mr Violi doesn’t believe his grandparents could have imagined their grandson becoming a Member of Parliament in their new home of Australia, he is proud to serve as the Federal Member for Casey, representing the place he calls home and the communities that make the region so special. The strong sense of community that defines the region is always on full display at the Wandin Silvan Field Days, which continue to bring together farmers, growers, exhibitors and local families year after year. The Field Days are so much more than an agricultural event. They are a celebration of the people, families and industries that have shaped the community for generations and continue to drive it forward. They recognise the strong contribution of the farmers, with more than 11,000 hectares of land in Casey dedicated
to agricultural production - growing everything from wine grapes and strawberries to cherries, apples and vegetables that help feed Australians from the rich soils of the Yarra Valley. And while you can usually count on those two days in October to be wet and muddy, the weather has never stopped the crowds from getting out to support local industry and see firsthand the latest technology, machinery and equipment driving their work. Whether you’re interested in farming, local produce, machinery, livestock or simply spending a day out with the family, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Mr Violi will once again have a stall at this year’s Wandin Silvan Field Days and looks forward to speaking with locals.
Celebrating and supporting the agricultural heritage of Casey is important to Aaron Violi. (Supplied)
ADVERTISEMENT
AARON VIOLI Federal Member for Casey
See you at the Wandin Silvan Field Days www.AaronVioli.com.au | 9727 0799 Authorised by A.Violi, Liberal Party, 110 Main St, Lilydale VIC 3140. 12803645-GS41-25
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Yarra Valley Toyota, like the Field Days event, has been part of the community for over five decades. (Supplied)
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WANDIN SILVAN FIELD DAYS
Croydon Toyota will be joining the Yarra Valley Toyota team at the 2026 Wandin Silvan Field Days event.
Toyota here for the locals For more than five decades, Yarra Valley Toyota has been part of the local landscape, with its history in the region dating back to 1968. Over the years, the dealership has grown alongside the Yarra Valley community, becoming a familiar name for generations of local families, businesses and industries. Being a local dealership is about more than providing vehicles and servicing. It is about understanding the people who rely on their vehicles every day and the important role those vehicles play in keeping the region moving. From families and small businesses to tradies, growers and primary producers, Yarra Valley Toyota has built its reputation around supporting the people who
live and work locally. That commitment to the community is shared by Croydon Toyota, which has also maintained a long standing presence in Melbourne’s east. Together, the two dealerships have developed strong relationships with generations of customers, many of whom have returned over the years as their vehicle needs have changed. Today, both Yarra Valley Toyota and Croydon Toyota are part of the family owned Peter Kittle Motor Company. While being part of a larger automotive group brings additional resources and experience, both dealerships continue to maintain their strong local identities and, importantly, the relationships they have developed within
their communities over many years. Supporting the local community has always been an important part of that relationship. From involvement with sporting clubs and community groups to supporting local events and initiatives, Yarra Valley Toyota understands that strong communities are built by people supporting one another. The Wandin Silvan Field Days are a great example of that community spirit. For more than 50 years, the Field Days have brought together people from across the Yarra Valley and beyond, providing an opportunity for local businesses, agricultural and horticultural industries, primary producers, families and visitors to connect, share
ideas and showcase what the region has to offer. For Yarra Valley Toyota, being part of the Field Days is a natural extension of its long standing connection to the region. It is an opportunity to get out from behind the dealership, meet local customers and members of the community, and celebrate the industries and people that make the Yarra Valley such a special place to live and work. After more than five decades in the region, Yarra Valley Toyota remains proud of its local roots and the relationships that have been built along the way. Because when you have been part of a community for generations, being here for the locals is more than a slogan. It is simply part of who you are.
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WANDIN SILVAN FIELD DAYS
A Queensland Fruit Fly laying eggs on an apple. (Supplied)
All the top tips ready Thanks to some interim funding from the state government for 2026, Bron will be outside on the main oval at site G6, Drop in and check over your Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) preparedness plans and check out some insect netting displays. Is QFF really in the Yarra Valley? Yes, QFF is here in the region. Since the first detections in Seville, Healesville and East Warburton in 2018, QFF have shown up in about 30 townships in the Yarra Ranges. The highest QFF trap detections have occurred in Lilydale, where limited action is a likely issue, and where there are many unmanaged blackberry weeds. Other areas such as Silvan, Yellingbo, Monbulk, Yering, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Gruyere and Kilsyth, have experienced QFF at varying levels – indicating that QFF shows up randomly, but it can be managed if detected early and multiple land managers actively contribute to the control. Why is so much being invested in preventing QFF? QFF has changed from “exotic pest’ status to “established pest” in Victoria. QFF can affect individual fruit growers fruit harvest quality, it can disrupt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, and it can impact interstate and international fruit trade. If QFF is detected, controls are required to prevent the QFF from damaging the fruit. Treatments can be expensive, including labour, machinery and chemicals. Early intervention is the best option for QFF management, keeping the treatment minimal and targeted to just QFF, reducing the interference to beneficial insects used in fruit production. If QFF is missed or not treated promptly, treatment involves broad spectrum insecticide applications. Unfortunately, this can also wipe out the beneficial insects, which is a lost asset for fruit growers in the management of other pests and in pollination, plus beneficial insect programs are expensive to reestablish. When QFF is a possible threat to fruit production, either fumigation or irradiation of the fruit is required to ensure that no QFF risk is transported to the destination region that does not currently have QFF e.g. Western Australia, Tasmania, or other parts of the world. This is an additional cost for fruit growers, and the treatments are not ideal for fruit longevity and quality. Who needs to act? The QFF cannot survive the Yarra Valley Winter months in dormant fruit trees and berry plants. Researchers have determined the QFF female is apt at overwinter survival in home gardens, where evergreen trees (such as citrus) and buildings provide shelter and warmth. The QFF female can carry her fertilised eggs, and as soon as the warm weather comes, she can lay her eggs in the first fruit of the season – typically lemons and loquats. Everyone needs to prevent and manage QFF.
26 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
A trap with Queensland Fruit Flies caught on the sticky card. Home gardeners, hobby fruit growers and community gardens typically need to control QFF because their fruit is growing year-round. In many area-wide studies, it is proven that QFF populations move from small ‘fruit salad’ gardens and hobby farms into larger commercial production
orchards just as the fruit are starting to ripen – and the QFF cause destruction everywhere they are left unattended. Some properties host weeds that fruit (like Blackberries and Wild Tobacco). These weeds can allow QFF to move from infested areas to commercial orchards. Agencies, local council
and state government are also a part of the equation when it comes to area wide management of QFF. Any property that hosts fruiting weeds (private or publicly managed) needs to concentrate on removing the QFF host risk as a part of the landscape management of this destructive pest.
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WANDIN SILVAN FIELD DAYS
B.W. Machinery returns Following a hugely successful exhibition in 2025, B.W. Machinery is excited to return to the Wandin Silvan Field Days in 2026, bringing an even bigger showcase of outdoor power equipment, machinery and leading brands for homeowners, acreage owners, farmers, contractors and professional operators. This year, you can find the team at Sites G1–G3 on the Front Oval, in the same location as last year. Last year’s Field Days gave the team a fantastic opportunity to meet customers from across Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and regional Victoria, demonstrate machinery and talk directly with people about finding the right equipment for their property or business. After the strong response received, B.W. Machinery are delighted to be returning again this year. Discover the extensive BWM Products Range A major focus of the 2026 display will once again be the BWM Products brand. Over the years, BWM Products has grown into an extensive range of outdoor power equipment and machinery designed to provide a strong combination of performance, reliability, practical features and value for money. Whether you are maintaining a suburban property, several acres, a farm, commercial site or contracting business, the BWM Products range offers machinery for a wide variety of applications. The range includes ride-on mowers and mini riders designed to make lawn and acreage maintenance faster, easier and more efficient. With options suited to everything from larger residential blocks through to acreage properties, customers can choose from compact mini riders for tighter areas through to larger ride-on mowers offering greater cutting widths, power and comfort for bigger mowing jobs. Different deck sizes, transmission options and engine configurations are available to suit a wide range of property sizes, terrain and mowing requirements. For firewood and property maintenance, BWM Products offers an extensive selection of log splitters, ranging from entry-level models through to larger heavy-duty machines for customers processing significant quantities of timber. With a choice of engines from Honda, Briggs & Stratton and Loncin, along with different splitting capacities and machine configurations, customers can select a log splitter that best suits their individual workload and requirements. The wood chippers and mulchers are another popular part of the range, providing practical solutions for branches, garden waste, pruning material and general property clean-up. Models are available for both residential acreage and more demanding applications.
BWM Products ride-on mowers — built for reliable performance and effortless mowing. (Supplied) The BWM Products range also includes a comprehensive selection of petrol high-pressure washers, designed for everything from general property cleaning through to demanding commercial work. With a variety of pressure ratings, Honda-powered options and professional accessories available, there are models suited to cleaning machinery, vehicles, concrete, workshops, farms and commercial facilities. Visitors will also be able to discover blower vacs, providing convenient solutions for leaves and garden debris, as well as our range of plate compactors for landscaping, construction, paving and ground preparation work. Across the BWM Products range, the aim is to offer customers practical machinery that performs well, is supported locally and represents excellent value. At the Field Days, customers will have the opportunity to see many of these machines up close, compare different models and speak directly with the experienced team about which machine is best suited to their property, workload and budget. B.W. Machinery also be offering exclusive Field Days specials, package deals and discounts across selected products — available only to customers who visit the display during the event. Don’t miss the chance to secure a great deal while seeing the machines in person.
The Ringwood store is conveniently located on Maroondah Highway. (Supplied)
28 MAIL | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
STIHL, Honda and Other Leading Brands Alongside BWM Products, there will also be a showcase equipment from two of the most recognised names in outdoor power equipment — STIHL and Honda. Visitors will be able to explore a selection of STIHL equipment including chainsaws, brushcutters, blowers, battery equipment and other professional outdoor power tools. Honda is also an important part of the B.W. Machinery range, with Honda engines powering many of the machines supplied. Honda’s reputation for reliability makes it a popular choice across pressure washers, log splitters, chippers, compactors and other professional equipment. The team will be available throughout the event to discuss the differences between models, engine options and applications, helping customers choose equipment that best suits the work they need to complete. Meet the Ringwood Mowers Team This year, B.W. Machinery will also be proudly promoting Ringwood Mowers, part of the B.W. Machinery group and conveniently located at 50 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood. Ringwood Mowers provides sales, service and spare parts for a wide range of leading outdoor power equipment brands. For customers
throughout Ringwood, the Yarra Valley and Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, the store provides convenient local support backed by the wider B.W. Machinery team. B.W. Machinery’s experienced staff understand that buying machinery is about more than simply choosing a model. Whether it is a chainsaw for property maintenance, a log splitter for firewood, a ride-on mower for acreage or commercial equipment for everyday work, the team can help customers compare options and select equipment suited to the job. See the Machines Up Close One of the great advantages of the Wandin Silvan Field Days is the opportunity to see machinery in person. Customers can inspect the build quality, compare different machines, discuss their individual requirements with our team and get a better understanding of which equipment will work best for their property or business. After such a successful event last year, the team are looking forward to returning in 2026, catching up with existing customers and meeting plenty of new ones. Come and visit B.W. Machinery and Ringwood Mowers at Sites G1–G3 on the Front Oval at the 2026 Wandin Silvan Field Days, and discover the extensive range from BWM Products, STIHL, Honda and other leading brands.
B.W. Machinery is excited to showcase its products at Wandin Silvan Field Days. (Supplied)
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 29
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Volume (4) Helper (9) Conical tent (5) Revenge (11) Backside (3) Falls on the US-Canadian border (7) Sound (5) Obstinate (10) Great playwright (11) In peril (10) Tradesperson (9) Pariah (7) Citified (5) Combine (5) Frozen flakes (4) Deity (3)
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7 LETTERS BLATANT FERTILE FORELEG PANCAKE STIMULI TOTALLY
6 LETTERS CRAFTY OTTERS PIGEON ROASTS
8 LETTERS ALLOCATE HONOURED HYGIENIC LOADABLE
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To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
QUICK CROSSWORD
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Robbie, Gavan and Janet
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 31
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
PREMIUM CONTEMPORARY LIVING WITH SPACE, STYLE AND QULITY SHOWCASING quality, space and modern sophistication, 386 Glenfern Road presents a premium opportunity in one of Upwey’s most convenient locations. Only around five years old and finished to an impressive standard throughout, this beautifully presented home combines contemporary design, generous proportions and effortless family living on a fantastic flat block. From the moment you step inside, there is an immediate sense of space and quality. High ceilings, timber flooring and a light contemporary palette flow throughout the main living areas, while the thoughtfully designed single-level floorplan provides excellent separation between the bedrooms and living zones. At the heart of the home is the expansive open-plan kitchen, dining and family area, designed with both everyday living and entertaining in mind. The beautifully appointed kitchen features stone benchtops, extensive cabinetry, quality appliances, a large central island and a separate butler’s pantry, providing excellent preparation and storage space. The adjoining living and dining zones open through wide sliding doors to the covered alfresco area, creating a seamless connection between indoors and out. Overlooking the private rear garden, the flat and highly useable backyard offers established greenery, a generous lawn area and plenty of space for children, pets and entertaining. A separate front lounge adds another valuable living zone, complete with a feature fireplace and enough space to incorporate a home office or study area if required. Accommodation is equally impressive, with four generous bedrooms and two stylish bathrooms. The standout master suite is exceptional in scale, offering a true sense of luxury and privacy with a walk-in robe and beautifully finished ensuite featuring twin vanities and a large walk-in shower. The remaining bedrooms are privately positioned and serviced by a stylish family bathroom. Further highlights include a well-appointed laundry, excellent storage throughout, ducted heating and cooling, quality window furnishings, landscaped gardens and an oversized double garage with internal access. Modern, beautifully finished and completely move-in ready, 386 Glenfern Road represents a premium offering for buyers seeking space, style and quality without compromise. Positioned within easy reach of Upwey’s township, schools, cafes, train station and everything the Dandenong Ranges lifestyle has to offer, this is an exceptional family home in a highly regarded location. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 386 Glenfern Road, UPWEY Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,395,000-$1,534,500 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115 and Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 9754 6888
32 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
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HOME FOCUS
WHERE COUNTRY CHARM MEETS CONTEMPORARY COMFORT TUCKED away at the end of a peaceful no-through road, this beautifully presented property offers an idyllic Hills lifestyle surrounded by nature. Set on approximately half an acre, the home enjoys a wonderful outlook across lush green pasture, magnificent established trees and distant ranges, while an abundance of native birdlife adds to the sense of tranquillity. At the heart of the home, the Caesarstone kitchen is perfectly equipped for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring an abundance of bench space, soft-close cabinetry, a Bosch dishwasher and quality cooking appliances. The north-facing living and dining areas are filled with natural light, while a set of double doors opens seamlessly onto the full-length deck. Whether enjoying your morning coffee surrounded by birdsong or unwinding in the evening with a glass of wine, this is a space designed to embrace the beauty and privacy of its surroundings. Thoughtfully updated throughout, the home is ready to move straight in and enjoy. Character features including timber floorboards and double glazed double-hung windows are complemented by contemporary fittings, downlights and quality finishes, creating a stylish yet welcoming environment. Comfort is assured with split-system heating and cooling. Three well-appointed bedrooms each feature built-in robes, with the master bedroom enjoying ensuite-style access to the central bathroom. Outside, the beautifully landscaped gardens have been carefully designed, offering a wonderful mix of native gums and deciduous trees to create a picturesque setting. Perfectly positioned for a peaceful Hills lifestyle without sacrificing convenience, this is an exceptional opportunity to secure your own private slice of country living, while remaining within easy reach of major arterial roads and just a short drive from the centre of Emerald. Enjoy the area’s welcoming community, schools, local shops, cafes and renowned eateries, all while coming home to your own private sanctuary. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 5 Duke Street, EMERALD Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Justin Barrot – 0438 683 781 and Brittany Barry – 0412 861 094, BARRY PLANT EMERALD – 5968 4522 mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 33
HOME FOCUS
A TRULY SPECIAL LIFESTYLE PROPERTY SET in what could be seen as one of the most idyllic settings throughout the Dandenong Ranges, this much loved, large family home sits on over half an acre of fully useable land and looks out onto the nearby valley, offering stunning views and a very special lifestyle. Spacious and versatile, the floorplan has been well created to accommodate extended family, growing families, work from home options etc with each room being generously proportioned to allow each family member a bit more peace and privacy. With four living zones plus dedicated formal dining room, the layout is one to be desired. Spanning over two levels, there are four bedrooms (two acting as master suites if needed), three bathrooms, open plan kitchen with meals area, lounge and a sun drenched sitting space adjoined: perfect to take in the surrounding garden colour. Year round comfort is assured with gas ducted heating along with a charming wood fire. Add to this a large decking, a Juliet balcony on the second level and a pretty paved courtyard, all allowing separate, scenic spaces where you can feel the breeze of the warmer weather that’s to come. Outdoor storage has been well considered also with great shedding, a double carport and dual driveway access to the property. Combining space, flexibility, breathtaking surrounds and an unbeatable location, this is a truly special lifestyle property and a dream opportunity for the next lucky family. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 12 Georges Road, THE PATCH Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,030,000 - $1,130,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442 and Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 9754 6888
34 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
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Real Estate you can trust! We’re here to help.
69Kallista-emeraldrd,ThePatch
4/12Bayviewave,Upwey
20Belgrave-Gembrookrd,Belgrave
3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1545m2
2 Bed | 1 Bath | 2 Car | 519m2
3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1 Car | 1655m2
For Sale $690,000 - $740,000
For Sale $696,000 - $730,000
For Sale $720,000 - $780,000
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328
12Georgesrd,ThePatch
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
11lyndallroad,BelgraveSouth
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328
386Glenfernrd,Upwey
4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2 Car | 2023m2
5 Bed | 3 Bath | 2 Car | 1003m2
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car | 965m2
For Sale $1,030,000 - $1,130,000
For Sale $1,300,000 - $1,395,000
For Sale $1,395,000-$1,534,500
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
03 9754 6888 office@chandlerandco.com.au 1689 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Vic 3160 mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 35
HOME FOCUS
ARCHITECTURALLY DESIGNED WITH A PEACEFUL OUTLOOK SET on a generous 2,025m² allotment, this architecturally designed residence offers a unique Hills lifestyle where thoughtful design, generous living spaces and a peaceful outlook come together beautifully. Spread across two levels, the home has been cleverly considered to embrace its natural surroundings, with an abundance of decks and outdoor spaces providing the perfect places to sit back and relax, entertain or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the setting. The lower level forms the heart of the home, featuring a generous living room with a feature fireplace, adjoining dining area and well-appointed kitchen with walk-in pantry. Large windows flood the home with natural light and create a strong connection with the surrounding landscape. A spacious bedroom with built-in robes, ensuite and private deck provides a peaceful retreat. Upstairs, a second bedroom also enjoys its own private deck and peaceful outlook, accompanied by a family bathroom, laundry and spacious sitting area. A carport and a garden shed provide practical storage and parking, while the established grounds create a wonderfully private and calming setting. With its distinctive architectural design, generous half an acre allotment, multiple living zones and abundance of outdoor spaces, this is a home that offers something truly special - a private Hills sanctuary designed to be enjoyed throughout every season. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 32 Seaview Road, COCKATOO Description: 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Justin Barrot - 0438 683 781 and Brittany Barry – 0412 861 094, BARRY PLANT EMERALD – 5968 4522
36 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 37
HOME FOCUS
NEAT, COMFY AND LOW MAINTENANCE LIVING PERFECTLY positioned on a low-maintenance 419sqm block within walking distance of Gembrook’s vibrant Main Street, this inviting three-bedroom, two-bathroom home combines a practical floorplan, quality finishes and everyday convenience. An undercover verandah welcomes you inside to the carpeted formal lounge, providing a comfortable second living space away from the main hub of the home. Two bedrooms are positioned at the front, each featuring built-in robes and easy access to the family bathroom and separate toilet. Privately located at the rear, the master bedroom includes a walk-in robe and ensuite. The heart of the home is the spacious open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, enhanced by beautiful Ironbark timber flooring and 9ft ceilings. The well-appointed kitchen features a gas stovetop, dishwasher, walk-in pantry, excellent bench space and plenty of storage, while the adjoining lounge is warmed by a woodfire heater. From the dining area, doors open directly to the enclosed rear yard, creating an easy connection between indoor and outdoor living. Plantation shutters add a stylish finishing touch, while gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout provide yearround comfort. Outside, the low-maintenance fully enclosed backyard offers a private space to relax, while residents can also enjoy access to a communal fruit and vegetable patch, adding a lovely community element. Downstairs, a double garage with workshop space provides secure parking, complemented by valuable under-house storage for tools, garden equipment and those extra household items you want neatly out of the way. There is also 5+ immediate off street parks for family & friends. With Gembrook’s shops, cafes, schools and local amenities all within easy walking distance, this is an appealing opportunity for families, downsizers or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed Hills lifestyle with convenience close at hand. This property has it all so don’t miss out call to arrange a prive 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: 1B/3 Banks Smith Drive, GEMBROOK Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $700,000 - $770,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032, BELL REAL ESTATE, EMERALD
38 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald
18 Lenne Street Upper Beaconsfield
$895,000 - $970,000
15 Hazel Street Cockatoo
$700,000 - $770,000
Charming, Light-Filled & Full of Character.
Easy Family Living in Cockatoo.
Set on 1,144sqm in Beaconsfield Upper, this light-filled 3-bedroom home offers comfortable living, character & a welcoming backyard. The lounge features timber flooring & a woodfire, while the adjoining dining area includes a split system & direct garden access. The charming kitchen offers timber benchtops, a farmhouse sink, electric cooking, dishwasher, large pantry, skylight & ample storage, with an incorporated laundry. Down the hall, 2 carpeted bedrooms with built-in robes are serviced by the central bathroom & separate toilet, while the master bedroom is privately positioned at the end. Outside, the fully fenced backyard provides room for children & pets, complemented by an undercover entertaining area & separate home office/study. A single garage with workshop, front & rear access, double carport & enclosed garden shed complete this appealing property.
Set on a flat 1,012sqm block along a sealed road, within easy walking distance of town, this wellpresented 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfortable living & a practical floorplan. Floating floors flow throughout, with a separate lounge featuring a split system & gas ducted heating throughout. The kitchen & dining area includes gas cooking, dishwasher, ample storage & bench space, plus an internal servery window connecting to the lounge. 2 bedrooms feature built-in robes & share the central bathroom, while the master bedroom is privately positioned at the end of the hall, complete with built-in robes & ensuite. Outside, the fully fenced, level backyard provides plenty of room for children & pets, complemented by an undercover entertaining area. A 6m x 6m powered shed with concrete floor offers excellent storage or workshop space.
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
3
71 Ambrose Street Emerald
A
1
4113m2 Clear land 878m2 Approved Building Envelope Endless views Gas, electricity, water & NBN available for connection Private, sealed court location Front gates installed Design your home and you’re are ready to go! Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032
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B 3 C
$850,000 - $935,000
Emerald’s Highest Point – 1 Acre, Stunning Views & Approved Building Envelope! • • • • • • • •
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
3
25 Rainy Hill Road Cockatoo
A
2
B 2 C
$750,000 - $820,000
52 Acres to Dream, Design & Discover - 52 Acres (approx) - Mains Services Available - Privacy - Wildlife Haven -Build Your Dream Home (STCA)
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
B
bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 39
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SPORT
All Abilities tennis milestone Ferntree Gully Tennis Club’s All Abilities players finished Term 3 in style, taking to the courts for games, skills and drills before enjoying pizza and receiving ribbons recognising their efforts. This concluded another enjoyable term, supported by the club’s coaches and volunteers, whose encouragement helps players build skills, confidence and friendships each week. Now celebrating five years, the club’s awardwinning All Abilities program has grown and evolved and welcomes players of all ages and abilities. Weekly sessions provide opportunities to learn tennis, enjoy friendly competition and connect with others in a supportive environment. To mark this milestone, the club will host a special celebration during Tennis Australia’s All Abilities Week on Thursday, 22 October, from 5pm to 7pm, proudly sponsored by Bupa. Anyone with a physical or intellectual disability is welcome to join us on court and give tennis a try. Families, carers and support workers are also encouraged to come along and discover a fun, social sport that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The celebration will feature on-court games, skills and drills, prizes, giveaways, a free barbecue and special guests. Visitors can explore the facilities, meet the club community and learn more about the program. The event will be held at Ferntree Gully Tennis Club, 2A Glenfern Road, Ferntree Gully. For further details or accessibility information, contact Club secretary, Rebecca Redfern on 0413 374 388.
Jack (pictured with his ribbon) with coaches Mark and Milan, and committee member Mark. (Supplied)
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SPORT
Sherman starts new role By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Former AFL player Justin Sherman is looking forward to his new role at the Monbulk Football Netball Club as its senior coach. Mr Sherman, who played for the Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs, said the people and culture at Monbulk made him feel at home from the outset. “Ever since I stepped into the club, it just felt like the right fit,” he said. “I’ve been welcomed with open arms from the community and everyone around the club, which has been terrific to see. They’ve been not only great for me, but great for my family as well.” With Monbulk reaching finals in each of the past two seasons, Mr Sherman said strengthening the playing list would be a priority as the club looks to take the next step in the Outer East competition. “We’re looking to bring in people that are going to strengthen the positions we need to be able to take the next step,” he said. He said recruitment would be about finding not only the right players but also people who fit the club’s values and culture, with hard work, accountability and preparation central to his approach. Originally from Tasmania, Mr Sherman moved to Melbourne in 2010 and has since settled in the city’s northern suburbs. He said he was drawn to Monbulk by the community feel of country football and the strong connections it builds between clubs, players and coaches. Having previously coached in the Riddle League, he values the relationships built between players and coaches, both on and off the field. “There’s obviously a battle on the ground, but for me it’s about common respect. It should go
Justin Sherman with his wife and children. (Supplied) both ways,” he said. Mr Sherman hopes to build a club culture where players look out for one another, take re-
sponsibility for their actions and stay grounded, with trust and care at the heart of the team. “I want to try and connect with all the playing
group. I want to build trust with them. I want to show them I’m there for them,” he said. Mr Sherman is also keen to bring through Monbulk’s younger players while adding experience to the senior side. The club is looking at bringing in a player development coach to help guide players aged 18 to 20 as they work towards regular senior football. He said the focus would be on identifying individual areas for improvement, from fundamental skills to contested marking and goal-kicking, while helping young players see a clear pathway within the club. “We want to show these kids that this is their club, this is their pathway, and this is how they’re going to get there,” he said. For Mr Sherman, helping young players progress is also a way to give back to the game and the mentors who have shaped his coaching career. “I’ve just got the opportunity now to come and pay it forward, and do everything that everyone’s done to me,” he said. Looking ahead to 2027, Mr Sherman said Monbulk’s goal was to return to the finals and go further than in previous seasons, with winning a final a key measure of progress. “Our goal is simple: we want to play finals footy again, but we want to go as deep as we can,” he said. “We don’t want to just go there and make up the numbers. If we get there, we want to be able to hopefully take that next step and win a final.” For now, Mr Sherman’s focus is on recruiting the right players, putting his coaching team together and planning for pre-season, with the aim of getting the group on the same page ahead of 2027. “I’m just really excited to get into it, meet everyone and start on the journey over the next few years and see what the club’s capable of,” he said.
Waters’ eighth century equals Upwey club record Jackson Waters equalled Upwey Cricket Club’s record with his eighth 1st XI century on Saturday, 10 October, helping the Tigers defeat South Belgrave by 30 runs in Round 2 of the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association season. His 139 from 89 balls featured 10 fours and 10 sixes, providing the centrepiece of Upwey’s 8/298 from 40 overs at the Recreation Reserve’s East Oval. The milestone gave the club an individual achievement to celebrate alongside the victory. Upwey welcomes its players, families, volunteers and supporters to the 2026/27 season. Last season ended with agonising grand final losses for both the 1st and 2nd XIs. Familiar faces and new arrivals now come together for another summer of cricket. English recruit and new captain Martin Weightman made an immediate contribution on his 1st XI debut, scoring 40 from 25 balls before taking 5/45 from seven overs and two balls. Fellow English import Nicholas Kirkwood and Harry Brown also made their 1st XI debuts, with Brown contributing 25. Damian Berenato added 47 at the top of the order, while Waters and Brown shared a 131-run stand for the third wicket. Weightman’s four sixes helped Upwey build on that foundation. Waters’ contribution continued with the ball and in the field: he took 2/63, held a catch and was involved in a run-out. Darcy Whitten returned an economical 1/29 from eight overs as Upwey completed the victory. The 2nd XI lost to South Belgrave by five wickets at Belgrave South Recreation Reserve, but there were worthwhile performances and a determined response to a difficult position. After Upwey slipped to 2/21, Florian Todd and Atticus Todd supplied the backbone of the innings. Florian made 41 and Atticus 36 in a 71-run partnership, batting with composure, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Late runs also proved valuable. Adam Bronsgeest contributed 17, Benjamin Casey 11 and
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M. Weightman and N. Kirkwood. (Supplied) captain Jordan Tailby finished unbeaten on 17, helping Upwey reach 165 before being bowled out in 31.5 overs. Defending that total, Upwey fought back after a strong opposition opening stand. Young Archer Greenberg led the spinners with 2/25 from eight overs, Casey took 2/46 and Steve Gannell returned 1/26. Greenberg and Gannell each bowled three maidens. The fielders supported their efforts, with Brenton Hurst contributing a catch and a stumping. Florian Todd, Asher Caldow and Gannell also held catches. Although the result went against Upwey, its response with ball in hand offered encourage-
A. Greenberg Bowling. ment for the weeks ahead. On Upwey’s West Oval, the 3rd XI secured a 32-run win over The Basin. Chris Jewell led the batting with 85 from 77 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes, accounting for almost half of Upwey’s total of 175 all out in 33.5 overs. Rick Lizza added 25 and Zac Millsteed struck an unbeaten 16 from six balls. Millsteed followed with 3/25, while Darren Buck took 3/15 from six overs, including two maidens. Noah Hewitt held two catches to round out a productive team performance. The 4th XI is yet to begin its season, and the Senior Women’s team had a bye.
Upwey has also introduced a senior Vets side this year, although its match was washed out. Over winter, Benjamin Casey and his partner Samantha welcomed Cooper, while Harry Brown and his partner Zoe welcomed their daughter Billie. The club congratulates both families. Upwey’s junior teams include Fast 9s, Super 7s and the Tigers Under 12 mixed side. The Blasters program also returns this year. Families seeking any junior information, including Blasters, can contact Bec Jewell via the clubs Facebook page
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Will takes ancient challenge By Oliver Winn A Gembrook local will lunge, dive, duck and tag as he represents Australia for its return to the ancient Indian sport of kabaddi. Will Burchill was selected for Australia to compete against 14 nations in the Inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 from 21 to 31 October. The 22-year-old has been training alongside teammates before they head out to Ahmedabad in India for the championships. He described this recent life development as a “massive sidequest” that happened because of a chance linkup between his footy coach and the head coach of the AusKabaddi team. “My football coach at Whitehorse Pioneers Football Netball Club is mates with the head coach of the kabaddi team… they were looking for some extra players to go along, and he recommended me. “So I went down to a training and loved it,” he said. But wait – what even is kabaddi? Kabaddi is a physical contact sport between two teams of seven players that take turns “raiding” each other’s halves. The attacking team sends a raider who holds their breath and shouts “kabaddi, kabaddi” as they try to tag opponents to score points. Meanwhile, the defenders try to wrestle the raiders to the ground. It lasts for 40 minutes and the team with the most points wins. The sport is said to have originated some 4000 years ago in India as a form of combat training and exercise. AusKabaddi head coach Matthew Kos said the sport was an intense and physical game of “cat and mouse”. “It’s pretty exciting. There’s a lot of tackling, there’s a lot of tactics… You’re trying to touch people and not get tackled at the same time, so
L-R: AusKabaddi secretary Sheila Nguyen, consul general Shri Anish Rajan, AusKabaddi president Sudip Chakraborty.
A number of players are new to kabaddi, so they’re training hard for the competition. (Supplied) it’s pretty exciting to watch. “You don’t exactly know what’s going to happen next… it was just really physical,” Mr Kos said. It’s not Mr Burchill’s first time hearing about kabaddi, nor is it Australia’s first time competing. In 2016, Australia competed in the Kabaddi World Cup with a team that boasted the likes of former AFL players Campbell Brown, Stephen Milne and Adam Schneider. Mr Kos too was on the original 2016 team and he said he wasn’t planning to coach this year. “I thought I’d try and come back and play when I was aware that the sport was going ahead, but realised maybe my playing days were beyond me a little bit, physically. “I’ve kind of become coach because I’m probably best suited to maybe educating the other guys on how to play and how the games are run,” he said. Australia’s participation in kabaddi was made
possible through the support of the Consulate General of India in Melbourne. The partnership aims to pave the way for stronger cultural connections between India and Australia, honouring kabaddi’s heritage while building a welcoming Australian club culture that connects communities. For Mr Burchill, who’s never travelled overseas in his life, the opportunity to go to India with all expenses paid is an exciting one. “It’s going to be a very interesting experience and I’m very keen to see what it is like over in another country. “I’m sure it’ll be really good and I just can’t wait,” he said. The AusKabaddi team will be relying on Mr Kos’ guidance as quite a few of the team’s players, including Mr Burchill, haven’t played the sport before. Mr Burchill said it’ll be “interesting” to see
Will Burchill pictured training for the upcoming championship. how Australia fares against a “well-drilled” Indian side. “Especially [because]... we have a few new players that haven’t played it before really.” But of course, in typical Australian fashion, the boys aren’t going to make it easy for their opponents. “As Aussies we never really die wondering, so we’ll see how we go,” Mr Burchill said.
Monbulk wrap up season and look towards 2027 By Armin Richter It has been a big week at Monbulk as the club farewelled the 2026 season and prepared for 2027. On October 3 the Hawks announced Justin Sherman as the new senior football coach after Matt Cunningham had decided to retire after three years at the helm. Justin has played at the highest level, representing Brisbane 2005-2010 and Western Bulldogs 2011-2012 for an AFL career of 138 games and 106 goals. He was a Rising Star nominee in 2005, runner up in Brisbane’s Best & Fairest in 2006 and also represented Australia in International Rules that year. He has since honed his coaching career with an impressive resume across multiple levels of football. Last Tuesday Monbulk held their AGM and the stability of the club was on show as the entire executive committee under president Guy Calcagno was re-elected along with the majority of the general committee. PJ Donald and Chris Mitchell will again act as vice-presidents, Nan Cleven secretary (for the 22nd consecutive year) and Bec Turpin returns as treasurer. On Saturday it was time for the annual Jennings and Broekhof Awards Presentation Night which was held at York On Lilydale. A highlight was Lochie Beecroft claiming his club record equaling fourth Jennings Family Medal as senior Best & Fairest. Lochie had previously won in 2021, 2023 and 2024 and was only narrowly beaten in 2022 and 2025 when he came runner up. He now stands alongside Vin Dunstan (1997, 1998, 2007, 2008), Tim Wragg (1999, 2001, 2002, 2012), Shannon Koole (2003, 2009, 2011, 2013) and Shane Williams (2015-2018) as a four time winner. Jamie Sands won the D Grade Best & Fairest and has also been nominated for League Life Membership after passing 300 senior grade netball matches during the year. The award recipients were: Football Seniors Best & Fairest - Lochlan Beecroft Runner Up (equal) - Caleb Quirk Runner Up (equal) - Will Henderson
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L-R seniors: Josh Spencer, Josh Dawson, Lochie Beecroft, Caleb Quirk, and Will Henderson. (Supplied)
• Best First Year - Joshua Dawson • Coaches Award - Oshua Spencer Reserves • Best & Fairest - Finn Horsfall • Runner Up - Karl Ravenhorst • Third - Daniel Banks • Most Improved - Jacob Defina • Coaches Award - Lachlan Urquijo Under 18s • Best & Fairest - Finley Ede • Runner Up - Thomas Hill • Third - Arley Gray • Most Determined - Isaac Mullinder • Coaches Award - Myles Koelewyn Veterans • MVP - Jared Major • Runner Up - Michael Langworthy
Netball A Grade Best & Fairest - Grace Scott-Thomas Runner Up - Peri Reid Coaches Award - Peri Reid Best In Finals - Jorja Wragg B Grade Best & Fairest - Dayna Walsham Runner Up - Catherine Braniska
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• Coaches Award - Chloe Baker • Best In Finals - Chloe Carmichael C Grade • Best & Fairest - Laura Del Biondo • Runner Up (equal) - Grace Sands • Runner Up (equal) - Maddy Buckland • Coaches Award - Zali Utting D Grade • Best & Fairest - Jamie Sands • Runner Up - Katrina Wragg • Coaches Award - Caitlin Utting • Best In Finals - Bronte Passingham Under 17 Gold • Best & Fairest - Bridie McCormick • Runner Up (equal) - Stevie Mullinder • Runner Up (equal) - Kaitlyn Summers • Coaches Award - Kaia Stewart Under 17 Maroon • Best & Fairest - Isla Stubbs • Runner Up - Shiloh Koole • Coaches Award - Milla Puddy Under 15 Gold • Best & Fairest - Ruby Irwin • Runner Up - Amelia Magarry • Coaches Award - Ella Longo • Best In Finals - Eden Murphy
L-R Under 17 Maroon: Tiana Mancarella (coach), Milla Puddy, Isla Stubbs, Shiloh Koole, and Liz Cutting (coach).
President’s Award: Tiana Mancarella and Katrina Wragg. Under 15 Maroon Best & Fairest - Isabelle Kos Runner Up - Olivia Dalman Coaches Award - Grace Gaunt Best In Finals - Jessica Verheyen Best Club Person - Jessica Whitworth and Adrian Passingham President’s Award - Tiana Mancarella and Katrina Wragg
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Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 | MAIL 43
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