Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 19th May 2026

Festival fun

By Tanya Steele and April Stevens

If you happened to be travelling through Yarra Glen over the weekend, you may have tripped into another world as the first-ever Melbourne Renfair descended on the region.

From historically accurate figures of the Renaissance to a myriad of mythological creatures from another realm, the Yarra Valley was a hive of activity on 16 and 17 May.

Dressed as an adventuring pirate elf, Tanika from Healesville said attending over the weekend was liberating, simply because the fair creates a space where you don’t have to be yourself.

“You can commit as a character as much or as little as you want,” she said.

With upwards of 14,000 people and volunteers dressed in their finest attire, the Melbourne Renfair was attended well on both days, with rain not dampening the enthusiasm as people travelled from all over Australia to be a part of the festival.

Read more on page 12

Locals lose trust

By Gabriella Vukman

Yarra Ranges locals are voicing concerns surrounding free healthcare services in public schools.

For Launching Place mother Steph Hawker, leaving her 6-year-old son Mason at school for the day has become an exercise in anxiety.

After Mason received another child’s treatment without her permission, Ms Hawker said she felt “gut-wrenched.”

“My whole mother instinct was to go and grab my son and bring him home,” she said.

“I hadn’t given any permission for Mason to be treated at all.”

Ms Hawker maintained that due to privacy protocols preventing the school staff from being aware which students the dental staff were permitted to treat, the incident was not the fault of her son’s school.

“The school did everything they possibly and legally could to protect my son,” she said.

“We drop our kids off at nine and pick them up at 3:30 pm, thinking the school has the power to protect our kids, the same way that we would as parents, but in actual fact, because of privacy

laws, they can’t do anything.”

Yarra Ranges mother Caroline Langan-Minca has lost all faith in all government-provided free in-school healthcare services after her son Jack was falsely diagnosed with five fillings and recommended stainless steel caps for treatment in 2025.

After receiving the X-rays, which Ms LanganMinca’s dentist described as ‘unneeded’ , from the in-school health provider, Ms Langan-Minca took her son to their family dentist for another opinion.

“Our dentist looked at my son’s teeth and said

he had one cavity that is not worth doing anything about,” Ms Langan-Minca said.

“The dentist said even if he did have five cavities, you would never do stainless steel caps on a five-year-old, because his teeth were going to fall out anyway.”

Ms Langan-Minca is concerned about health providers charging by item number.

“There was no reason for my son to have an X-ray,” she said.

“I feel like they just do anything to any kid just to get paid. I don’t trust it at all now.”

Archie the jester entertains the crowds at the Renfair. (April Stevens: 554053)

Cameras finally installed at Seville War Memorial

By Oliver Winn

Two CCTV cameras were finally installed at the Seville War Memorial on 10 May, offering protection for the celebrated structure and the souls of the soldiers whose names are engraved on it.

The installation bookends 12 long years of the war memorial project and its left Seville War Memorial Committee chair Anthony McAleer OAM feeling immense pride.

“The CCTV cameras were the last part of the project that the Seville War Memorial Committee had set out to achieve. It has taken us 12 years, but we feel very proud of what we have achieved,” Mr McAleer said.

It also gives the committee a much needed sense of assurance following the horrific act of vandalism in September 2023, which saw its panels smashed by criminals.

“The worst moment was when we finally had the memorial unveiled and then two of the panels were damaged by vandals requiring $25,000 to replace them,” Mr McAleer said.

Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi said he commended the Seville War Memorial Committee for their diligence in establishing the memorial and securing CCTV at the site.

“These cameras now provide peace of mind that our history is being protected, and they serve as a clear warning that anyone seeking to deface these sacred sites will be identified and held to account,” Mr Violi said.

The cameras were secured in November last year after two local businesses offered their labour and money to have cameras installed.

Security company Advanced Security installed the cameras and will monitor them for free, while security system suppliers Provision

ISR donated the cameras themselves.

The new cameras aren’t just any ordinary, consumer-grade products either — they’re commercial-grade cameras with 60-metre infrared lenses.

Head of Advanced Security Grant Tucker told the Star Mail in November 2025 the cameras would provide clear, high quality vision.

“They’ve got a 60-metre infrared and they’re pointed directly at the war memorial, so I’m putting two cameras in, one either side of it, so we’ll see them coming in and see them going.

“Having that longer lens on them, that’s the key to be able to get the image. A lot of cameras

only have a 25-metre IR, but I’m getting a longer-range one through my supplier,” Mr Tucker said.

Since the memorial was unveiled in 2021 the committee has installed lighting, flagpoles, signage, commemorative seating and now finally, CCTV cameras to monitor and protect the memorial.

But it wasn’t smooth sailing for the committee.

Over the 12 years, they’ve contended with cost blowouts, met with “mad contractors” who clashed with community groups and wrangled with rumours over misappropriated funds.

Acting director of built environment and infrastructure Vincenzo Lombardi said the Yarra Ranges Council “worked with the group to provide access to the infrastructure for mounting and power supply”

Mr McAleer said it took a long time for the committee to get permission from the Yarra Ranges Council to use its nearby power supply to install the cameras, citing privacy concerns as the Seville Water Play Park is situated close by.

But Mr McAleer said the committee reassured the council the waterpark won’t be in the camera’s field of view.

“We’ve worked out with the shire, the cameras aren’t going to be aimed at the water play park, they’re going to be aimed at the memorial itself.”

Mr Tucker said the CCTV cameras’ contents are only accessible by the technician and Victoria Police, as the network isn’t connected to the internet.

“It’s actually a localised system. So it doesn’t have any internet connection.”

Mr Violi said if the Liberal and Nationals are elected in November, it would legislate a specific offence for the “vandalism and desecration” of war memorials.

“This will go a long way towards further protecting our local war memorials,” Mr Violi said.

Mr McAleer thanked all those who were involved in supporting the Seville War Memorial project.

“At the completion of the project we thank all of those volunteers who served on the committee, all of those whose efforts ensured the memorial happened and all of those clubs, individuals and businesses who donated towards it.

“They also can feel rightly proud of what has been achieved for the Seville township,” he said.

Your Library joins calls for growing investment need

Your Library Limited has highlighted the need for stronger and more sustainable investment in public libraries following the release of the 2026/27 Victorian State Budget, as communities increasingly rely on libraries for literacy, digital access, learning and workforce capability.

Chair of Your Library Limited, Cr Kylie Spears, said public libraries are playing an increasingly important role in helping communities navigate rapid technological, economic and social change.

“Public libraries are no longer simply community hubs — they are essential civic infrastructure,” Cr Spears said.

“Across our communities, we are seeing growing demand for support with digital access, online government services, job seeking, literacy development, lifelong learning and digital confidence.

“The rapid emergence of artificial intelligence is accelerating this demand, with many people seeking trusted, free and accessible support to understand and safely engage with new technologies.

“Libraries also play a critical role in helping communities navigate misinformation, develop research and critical thinking skills, and access trusted information and knowledge at a time when these capabilities are needed more than ever.”

Your Library Limited is a not-for-profit public library service operating across Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges, serving more than 440,000 residents through branches, outreach services and digital platforms.

In 2024/25, Your Library recorded more than 1.7 million visits; over 3.4 million loans; 143,000 program attendees; and more than 517,000 public Wi-Fi users.

The organisation has continued to innovate in response to emerging community needs, including launching a successful loanable laptop program, expanding literacy initiatives such as Reading Buddies, and increasing access to digital collections through the Boobook consortium.

“These initiatives demonstrate the important role libraries play in supporting education, employment, digital inclusion and community par-

ticipation,” Cr Spears said. Public Libraries Victoria has highlighted that library services across the state continue to ex-

perience increasing pressure from population growth, cost-of-living challenges and rising expectations for free learning and technology access, while funding has not kept pace with demand.

Your Library Limited is calling on the Victorian Government to: introduce a sustainable, needs-based public library funding model; increase recurrent investment in public library services; restore and expand Living Libraries Infrastructure funding; and recognise libraries as essential literacy, digital and social infrastructure supporting Victoria’s future workforce and community capability.

“Public libraries remain among the few universally accessible public spaces available to all Victorians, regardless of age, income or background,” Cr Spears said.

“They are safe and trusted places where people learn, connect, create and develop the skills needed for the future. Continued investment in public libraries is an investment in literacy, workforce participation, social inclusion and community wellbeing.”

Locals encouraged to be counted for 2026 census

By Oliver Winn

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is encouraging outer east locals to prepare for the largest collection of data on Australians later this year.

Taking place on 11 August, the 2026 Census is a compulsory survey that takes place every five years.

The Census is an important tool for outer east communities, as it shows what local areas need to help them grow, including transport, schools, healthcare, roads and buildings.

It identifies gaps in services for major growth areas such as Lilydale and regional towns such as Warburton and Gembrook.

Completing the Census is mandatory for everyone in Australia, including even international students, visitors, visa holders and babies.

Census National spokesperson Emily Walter said in the census, every answer mattered.

“The Census provides some of the country’s

most valuable statistics. It’s a snapshot of who we are and how we are changing, informing what we need now and into the future,” she said.

“For people in regional towns and remote communities, taking part ensures that local services and infrastructure are planned using accurate and recent data.”

The ABS has made a concentrated effort to give support to Yarra Valley residents completing the census this year.

“The ABS will provide a range of ways for the public to complete the Census this year, includ-

ing online or via a paper form,” Ms Walter said.

“If you are in a small country town you can visit us at a Pop-up Hub or call us to ensure you have the support you need to be counted.

“Additionally, Census staff will be available in remote communities from July to help people participate,” Ms Walter said.

This year’s Census will include two new questions for people aged 16 and older which will help provide further information about a region’s demographic.

The questions are: ‘What is the person’s gender?’ and ‘How does the person describe their sexual orientation?’

Census data on sexual orientation and gender will fill data gaps on the LGBTQ+ population that other surveys cannot address at the level of detail required.

Data on this new topic will inform policy, planning, resource allocation and service delivery for an estimated 4.5 per cent of the population – around 900,000 people.

L-R: Seville War Memorial Committee members Anthony McAleer OAM, Jackie Butler, Derry Aulich, Graeme Black and Sue McMurdie. (Supplied)

Your Library’s Chinese Technology Support Program participants at Knox Library | Ngarrgoo. (Supplied)

Thieves steal from River Valley Church

By Oliver Winn

Thieves broke into the River Valley Church sometime in early May, stealing valuables and leaving members of the church disheartened.

Two computers, food vouchers and donated cash were stolen from the Millgrove-based church between midday 5 May and 8.30am 10 May.

River Valley Church pastor Adam Killeen said it was a “kick in the guts” for the small church congregation.

“We’re a very small church congregation, we’re doing our utmost to try to fill as many needs in the community, to try to keep people’s heads above water… If we can’t sustain ourselves and continue, then we can’t help anybody else either,” Mr Killeen said.

Upon arriving at the church to prepare for the Sunday 10 May morning service, he found the church’s office door jemmied open.

“I went in expecting to find a massive mess but they didn’t destroy anything. They just went in and they’ve had a good look around and they’ve taken our two computers. There was nothing of any use to anyone else there,” he said.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said investigators were notified and are now looking for information surrounding the incident.

“Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detec-

tives are investigating a burglary at a church in Millgrove.

“It is believed unknown offenders gained access to the locked premises on Cavangh Road… A laptop, desktop computer and a small amount of cash was stolen before the offenders fled,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Mr Killeen said the thieves were stealing from the community’s most vulnerable.

“They took a cup in a drawer that had a little bit of money in it that had been donated by people who visit our Wednesday caravan outreach in Millgove Park.

“They’re real battlers as well. When they come along and manage to put a couple of bucks in a jar to try to help make sure that that program can be sustainable and keep running,” he said.

It made for a difficult Sunday service as the computers held music and other things crucial to putting on the service.

Mr Killeen said it “leaves a bad taste in people’s mouth” when the cash they donate to the church is stolen.

“In Millgrove, we try to be a little community that looks out and supports each other. When you

start doing this sort of stuff to the people that are out there helping, well then people lose faith in giving and donating,” he said.

The crime also puts the church in a “fragile and dangerous” position financially.

“In amongst all of that, we need to pay our own bills and insurance and all that sort of stuff as well,” Mr Killeen said.

But, he didn’t blame those who committed the crime, and said if they were struggling, they could come forward and ask for help.

“I have no angst against them, I understand that we’re all battling and get that people are desperate at the moment.

“But if they need help, come and see me. Even if they turned up, we’d happily help them.

“But just be careful who you’re robbing from because if we were gone, your options for getting help would be much limited,” Mr Killeen said.

Thefts like these not only impact the church financially, but it also chips away at the community morale.

“It’s the community spirit that’s damaged and lost,” Mr Killeen said.

If you would like to support the River Valley Church, you can reach out on 0487 381 378 or send them an email: reception@rivervalley.org. au.

BRIEF

Unlicenced learner caught going 74 km/h over speed limit

A 31-year-old male rider was caught travelling at 156 km/h in an 80 km/h zone by police on Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream, on 14 May.

At about 6pm, highway patrol members found the rider to be an unlicenced learner and his vehicle was immediately impounded at a cost of $1060.

The man told police he had driven from the city to have a ride through the Yarra Valley because it was a “nice day”

He will be invited along to the magistrates Court to explain his actions in due course. Yarra River levels to temporarily rise due to Melbourne Water release

Melbourne Water will increase water flows to the Yarra River Birrarung today (14 May), resulting in a slight rise in river levels throughout the Yarra Valley and beyond.

Around six gigalitres of water will be released into the Yarra River from the Upper Yarra reservoir today followed by a further release from O’Shannassy reservoir on 17 May.

It will result in an estimated 30 centimetre rise of river levels at Millgrove.

The release is being delivered to take advantage of improved flow conditions resulting from last week’s rain, forecast rain in the coming week, and a current planned shutdown at Yering Gorge pumpstation.

These conditions will allow Melbourne Water to significantly reduce water demands for the duration of the release.

The release will cease from the reservoirs on the 29 May.

Courts closed for maintenance at Yarra Centre

The Yarra Centre is closing some of its courts due to maintenance works in May.

New backboards and curtains will be installed.

Works will begin from Monday 18 May, with contractors working one court at a time to minimise disruption where possible.

Court One is closed from 18 May to 21 May.

Court Two is closed on Friday 22 May, and again from Monday 25 May to Wednesday 27 May.

Both Courts will be closed from Thursday 28 May to Friday 29 May.

Contact the Yarra Centre team if you have any questions: 5967 1675.

Emergency group for Warburton locals

Locals of the 3799 area are encouraged to attend an emergency planning meeting to learn how to best prepare for natural disasters.

Hosted by the Warburton Emergency Planning Group, the meeting will take place at the Mechanics Hall on Tuesday 26 May from 6pm to 9pm.

At the meeting attendees can give feedback on the group’s draft Warburton Resilience Plan to help develop it further.

This plan was developed by the group’s members over several months, using feedback from over 80 Warburton residents in response to its survey.

The plan considers Warburton’s strengths and areas of concern, as well as opportunities to better prepare for an emergency.

Donations made to the caravan outreach were stolen. (File)

Locals wary of free healthcare

By Gabriella Vukman

When Yarra Ranges local Steph Hawker sent her 6-year-old son Mason to school on 16 March, she trusted he would be in safe hands.

Little did Ms Hawker know that later that afternoon, she would receive a phone call from a Smile Squad dental van service announcing that her son had mistakenly received another child’s treatment…without her permission.

Ms Hawker said she felt “gut-wrenched” upon first receiving the call.

“My whole mother instinct was to go and grab my son and bring him home.”

“I hadn’t given any permission for Mason to be treated at all.”

“I told my son and the school that we were going to do our own appointment with our dentist,” Ms Hawker said.

The school dental visit was a part of the Victorian Government’s free Smile Squad dental program, which offers free dental care for all children in Victorian government schools and low-fee Catholic and Independent schools.

Smile Squad staff are required to obtain three points of identification from each student prior to examination.

Despite this policy, Ms Hawker’s son was incorrectly treated at Launching Place Primary, a school of approximately 150 students.

Ms Hawker said, “There are three Masons in the school, and essentially, my Mason had another Mason’s dental procedure.”

“Surely several protocols have been missed or broken for that to happen.”

“It’s put a shiver down my spine.”

The procedures Mason received included X-rays and a fissure sealant.

Ms Hawker maintained the incident was not at the fault of her son’s school and said, “The school did everything they possibly and legally could to protect my son.”

In an email received by Ms Hawker from the Department of Education, it was stated that, due to privacy protocols, the school staff were not aware which children the dental staff were following up with when they visited the school.

“I want to advocate for schools to have the power they need to step in as an authority and protect our kids,” Ms Hawker said.

“We drop our kids off at nine and pick them up at 3:30 pm, thinking the school has the power to protect our kids, the same way that we would as parents, but in actual fact, because of privacy laws, they can’t do anything.”

“I feel like I can’t protect my son, and the school also hasn’t been able to protect him.”

Suggesting the implementation of a Health and Well-being officer that can oversee student treatments at each school, Ms Hawker said it was important to have an advocate for the students when they are behind closed doors.

Thankful that her son received only minor treatments, Ms Hawker said the situation could have been a lot worse.

“I am constantly thinking ‘what if he had been given a needle and had a reaction?’ or what if this happened to another child with a serious allergy?”

According to Ms Hawker, treating Mason

without her permission was not the only protocol that was broken on the day.

“The Smile Squad was supposed to let their senior management know and the school, but instead they got my number from the school office to call me.”

“I told them they had no permission to even touch Mason and rang the school straight away.”

Having also informed her kids that they were not to be taken into the Smile Squad van, Ms Hawker said Mason tried to tell the dental service that he was not supposed to have an appointment.

Six-year-old Mason told Star Mail, “I tried to tell them I wasn’t supposed to go with them, but they didn’t even listen.”

After having his procedure reversed later that day by the Smile Squad, Ms Hawker took Mason to see their family dentist and was surprised to find that the procedures Mason received should not even have been a consideration for him.

“Our dentist said they wouldn’t recommend doing what they did to Mason due to the fact that his teeth aren’t fully through his gums yet,” she said.

In response to questions surrounding Mason’s treatment, CEO of Oral Health Victoria, Susan McKee, said, “We understand the con-

cerns raised by the family and apologise for the distress this incident has caused.”

“We took immediate steps to notify the family, review the circumstances surrounding the incident, and reinforce existing procedures with staff when the error was identified,” she said.

“We have taken steps to improve our processes and provided additional training to Smile Squad staff to ensure this doesn’t occur again.”

According to other parents in the Yarra Ranges community, Mason’s case of improper treatment is not the only one.

Yarra Ranges mother, Caroline Langan-Minca, has a similar story.

“My son was seen by the Smile Squad in late November 2024 when he was in kinder,” Ms Langan-Minca said.

“They said he has maybe one cavity, but that it was nothing to worry about, and nothing unexpected at his age.”

“They said to just keep brushing his teeth and doing what we were doing.”

Having had a positive experience with the Smile Squad, Ms Langan-Minca signed the online consent form allowing her son Jack to be treated again by the Smile Squad in March 2025, just four months later.

After the outcome of her son’s teeth check

Narcolepsy drug inches closer to market

By Oliver Winn

to stay awake for the majority of his life.

Each day is a battle against an overwhelming tiredness, leaving him with only a few functioning hours to work with.

He’s diagnosed with narcolepsy, a chronic, disabling neurological disorder that disrupts the sleep–wake cycle and severely affects day-to-day functioning.

For 30 years, the first-line treatment has been stimulant medications which have limited effects. But, a new, first of its kind medication known as oveporexton could change that.

On 2 April, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted priority review for Takeda Pharmaceutical’s application to have the drug put onto the Australian market.

Though it’s not a guarantee the treatment will become available in Australia, it’s a step closer to a “game changing” medication for people living with narcolepsy like Mr Taylor.

“It would be magical. I’m struggling to get through every single day and often having days where I just can’t be functional at all, so it would be fantastic [to get this treatment],” the 48-year-

old said.

Dr Aaron Schokman lives with narcolepsy type one and has been spearheading advocacy efforts for oveporexton.

The research fellow at the University of Sydney said the decision had restored hope to those living with narcolepsy.

“I mean, it’s a huge game changer. It’s given myself and the community real hope that there may be actually some sort of improvement or benefit to people’s lives as a whole,” Dr Schokman said.

While no decision has been made, the development is a major step forward in securing life changing treatments for the debilitating disability that affects an estimated 12,000 Australians.

Produced by Takeda Pharmeceuticals, oveporexton is designed to address the underlying cause of specifically narcolepsy type one.

A spokesperson for the pharmaceutical company said the decision could represent an advance in treatments.

“We are pleased that the TGA has granted priority review and orphan drug designation to oveporexton for the treatment of narcolepsy type one.

“These regulatory pathways recognise med-

just four months prior, Ms Langan-Minca was shocked to receive a notification that the Smile Squad needed to talk to her about urgent care needed for Jack.

“They called me and said Jack had five cavities and he needed stainless steel caps on his teeth, and I was like, really? - He was only seen four and a half months ago. Why would he suddenly need that now?” she said.

“I thought it was strange. How could things have gone downhill so fast?”

After asking some questions, Ms Langan-Minca was told by the Smile Squad team that her son’s cavities “could not be seen by the naked eye, so we had to do an X-ray.”

Ms Langan-Minca did not trust this explanation and said, “I asked them, ‘if you couldn’t see the cavities with the naked eye, why would you X-ray him?’”

“I kept asking the lady on the phone about why they would X-ray him if they couldn’t see the cavities, and she said, ‘We just had a feeling.”

“I asked if they get paid by item number for services, and she admitted that they do.”

Upon asking for copies of the X-rays to be sent to her Ms Langan-Minca’s request was initially denied by the Smile Squad.

“They wouldn’t send them to me until I threatened to go to Facebook and the media,” she said.

After receiving the X-rays, Ms Langan-Minca took her son to their family dentist for another opinion.

“Our dentist looked at my son’s teeth and said he had one cavity that is not worth doing anything about,” Ms Langan-Minca said.

“The dentist said that even if he did have five cavities, you would never do stainless steel caps on a five-year-old like we were recommended, because his teeth were going to fall out anyway.”

Ms Langan-Minca confirmed that her family dentist could not see five cavities on the Smile Squad’s X-ray, which she had sent through.

“I don’t trust the Smile Squad at all now.”

“They have lost all credibility for anything now.”

Sharing similar concerns to Ms Hawker about schools not being able to step in, Ms Langan-Mica said, “Our kids have nobody to advocate for them when they are treated by these services because there is no adult in there with them.”

“The kids aren’t going to know if they need a procedure or not, and they don’t have an adult in there with them to help.”

According to Ms Langan-Minca, losing trust in the Smile Squad has also had a knock-on effect for other free, government-provided health services.

“Now parents have lost trust in eyesight testing, vaccinations and any other health thing the school is offering, because no parent who has had these negative experiences wants their kid to be seen by any other health service the government is offering.”

“We don’t know if our kids actually need glasses or not, or if these services are just charging item numbers to get paid for services that aren’t needed.”

Star Mail contacted the Department of Health for comment.

icines that, if approved, have the potential to address serious, rare conditions like narcolepsy type one and could represent an advance in treatment.”

On top of the priority review, the TGA also gave oveporexton an “orphan drug designation” that subsidises application costs for sponsors of medications that treat rare diseases.

Dr Schokman said this is important because it can cost pharmaceutical companies millions to register a new medication in Australia.

“The reason this orphan drug designation is super important is because in rare diseases, the market for treatment options is very small, which obviously makes it uneconomical for pharmaceutical companies to bring it to market,” Dr Schokman said.

A TGA spokesperson said the drug orphan designation helped “make these medicines available to patients who would not otherwise be able to access them”

Thus, pharmaceutical companies can keep its medication prices low as it’s not compelled to compensate for the application cost.

Sleep Health Foundation board member Dr Linda Schachter said it was a “major step forward” in addressing narcolepsy.

Treatment for narcolepsy has lagged behind in Australia. (File)

“I’ve been a sleep physician for 30 years and this is very exciting, everyone’s very excited. I think all sleep physicians are really excited about this area and so want to be more very involved with it.”

Like a large portion of those living with narcolepsy, Mr Taylor said access to the new treatment would have a “fantastic effect on [his] mental health”

But Mr Taylor’s 13-year-old son may also have narcolepsy, and he said oveporexton would let his son chase his lifelong dream of becoming a scientist.

“As a dad who’s watching a kid grow up, you always want them to reach their potential. I think this could be what makes the difference between him going, ‘This is too hard…’ and him living his life to his full potential.”

Yarra Ranges parents raise concerns over free in-school healthcare services. (Jon Tyson, unsplash).

Yarra Ranges local Mark Taylor has struggled

Benwerren celebrates new renovations

By Oliver Winn

Within the walls of its newly built dining room, the people of Benwerren celebrated the completion of its building renovations on 17 May.

Benwerren volunteers, guests and community members gathered at the Yarra Junction based organisation to officially launch the new dining room.

Benwerren chief executive officer Nicole Kelly said it was lovely to complete the project.

“It’s super exciting, it’s been a lengthy project.

“We had our first meals there actually this week around the table… we sat around the table in the dining room in the new space and it just felt so good. There was this beautiful informality about it, and at Benwerren it’s all about that feeling.”

Volunteer-run Benwerren is a not-for-profit organisation that provides stays in a caring and nurturing environment for women and children in need, allowing them to take a break and heal from life’s challenges.

Ms Kelly said they decided to extend the dining room as it had “always been a bit of a squish”

“It’s quite a small space at times. During school holiday programs, we have to fit up to 24 people in there. So, you know, that’s always been a bit of a squish.”

“So we started to dream about the possibility of extending the dining room.”

But Benwerren have also tacked on some ad-

ditional renovations, which included an accessible bathroom, an indoor fire sprinkler system and an outdoor deck.

“So the dining room extension, which was the original plan, that will be increasing in size by about 40 per cent, but we also have some additional spaces as well.

“All of the changes have been keeping with Benwerren’s country home style, and we want our guests to feel just as welcome and at home as they did before,” Ms Kelly said.

Upper Yarra Enterprise Centre (UYCE) chair Rod McKail attended the opening, alongside State Eildon MP Cindy McLeish among others who helped the project.

Ms Kelly thanked the many organisations who donated money towards the project, such as the Andrews Foundation which donated $20,000 and the UYCE which provided sponsorship of $50,000.

“We’ve also had some generous individuals and some local churches that have donated amounts, both big and small.

“The project has had the support of community from beginning to end and there’s no way that we could have achieved what we have without the time, skills and efforts of so many.”

Ms Kelly noted the significance of the old dining room and acknowledged how it held a lot of meaning for some.

“For some people, that change can be difficult and so we understand for some these spaces

have been really significant or have really supported them during difficult times in their lives.

“Those walls have held lots of important con-

versations and where people have gone through difficult and challenging times. So we just want to acknowledge that as well,” Ms Kelly said.

Grant funds crucial planting equipment at Yellingbo nursery

By Oliver Winn

The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater (FOHH) have restocked important planting equipment using funds from an Australia Post People of Post grant. It enabled FOHH’s indigenous plant nursery to replace over 4000 individual tubes and 400 planting crates to ensure the volunteer-run organisation can continue to host its much-loved community planting days.

FOHH volunteer Virginia Wallace said because of the grant, the nursery will be able to keep operating smoothly.

“Having equipment that isn’t broken or cracked will enable us to be more efficient in propagating plants and it will also be easier for volunteers and better for the plants.

“We’re excited to be able to use this new equipment in our nursery, it will help us and our volunteers,” Ms Wallace said.

The nursery propagates over 80,000 plants each year which support the community planting days attended by community members, landholders, volunteers and young people including students and children.

“While we make every effort to reuse our plastic tubes and carry crates and they are used multiple times, some get broken and others are not always returned to us after planting.”

“We therefore need to replace up to 10 per cent of these each year. One of our volunteers spends time cleaning and removing broken tubes to maximise our reuse efforts,” Ms Wallace said.

The Australia Post’s People of Post grants

awarded almost $500,000 to 251 grassroots organisations across the country in 2026, supporting initiatives focused on mental health, disaster support, literacy and the environment.

The People of Post program is an employee-led initiative empowering its 64,000 team members to nominate local community groups for a grant of up to $2000.

Since launching nine years ago, the program has delivered more than $2.4 million in grants to over 2400 not-for-profit community organisations nationwide.

Australia Post general manager of community Nicky Tracey said the program demonstrates the power of employee-led giving.

“What makes People of Post grants so impactful is that it enables our team members to support local organisations that are making a real difference in their community.

“Our research shows employee-led giving strengthens workplace culture and engagement, while delivering meaningful outcomes for communities, which is something we see reflected across our own team members,” Ms Tracey said.

FOHH has hosted many planting days over the years which have provided crucial habitat regen-

eration for the critically endangered helmeted honeyeater.

In September last year, FOHH joined with Wildlife Carers for Protection of Habitat continue the revegetation efforts along the important Liwik Barring Conservation Area (LCA).

Just under 40 people planted 500 plants at the Burrungma Biik (Misty Lands) to help transform it from pasture grass to a new home for the two critically endangered species.

The events were so well received that attendees requested for the event to be run again in 2026.

Supporters of the project and friends of Benwerren enjoying the new dining room. (Supplied)

Benwerren guests Sara and Lily enjoying the new children’s room. (Supplied)

L-R: Volunteer Project Manager Trevor Ingamells, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Justin Simpson, retired Benwerren CEO Dawn Develyn, current CEO Nichole Kelly. (Supplied)

AusPost joined FOHH for a planting day back in 2024. (Supplied)

The grant will enable the nursery to continue its popular planting days. (Supplied)

YOU CAN TEACH IN REGIONAL VICTORIA

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Shelter gears up for winter, more volunteers needed

By Mikayla van Loon

The warm autumn weather so far experienced in May might deceive some that winter’s far away, but for those at Stable One and partnering churches, preparations are in full swing for the coldest months.

From 1 June, the Yarra Valley Winter Shelter will open its doors to those without a home or place to sleep for the three months of winter.

Stable One chief executive officer Katherine Kirkwood said the organisation was in the midst of recruiting volunteers, finalising venues and hosting information sessions.

The heavily volunteer-based initiative aims to have a pool of 150 people to cover shifts, transport goods, and help organise the shelters.

While many have already signed up as volunteers, Ms Kirkwood said, “We’re always looking for more”.

Group orientation sessions were scheduled for Saturday 16 May and Tuesday 19 May to provide new and existing volunteers with essential skills and information before stepping into the role.

“Even if you’ve been volunteering for many years, we call it reorienting ourselves to be fresh again, to remember why we’re doing it, and we have some guest speakers this year as well, on topics of addiction and trauma,” Ms Kirkwood said.

People who couldn’t make it to these sessions don’t miss out on the training or the induction process, but it will be conducted in a more oneon-one scenario.

Stepping into a space that may be unfamiliar to people, where conversations and experiences may be complex, Ms Kirkwood said, is understandably nerve-racking, but Stable One has really strong procedures and policies, as well as employed support staff.

“When you’re caring for people who don’t

have a home, it’s often not just the lack of a house that’s the underlying issue. It’s very, very complex,” Ms Kirkwood said.

“There are often other things at play, and for volunteers to be able to understand those things, that’s one of our goals to help that understanding, because understanding produces empathy,

“It breaks down the stigma and the judgment, and people are a lot more compassionate and empathetic to the people that we need to help.”

Grant funding from the St Andrew’s Foundation and the Sisters of Charity has ensured that operations coordinator Sharon Jacob and welfare coordinator Jarrod Poupard can support volunteers throughout the whole process, whether with rostering shifts or expediting a guest’s case to the appropriate services.

Not all volunteer positions are front-facing, with people needed to transport equipment or do laundry also essential to the smooth running of the Winter Shelter.

The overnight shifts are typically the hardest to fill, with two people required to stay awake from 11pm to 6am, and Ms Kirkwood encouraged anyone over the age of 18, whose schedule allowed it, to put their hand up.

This year, one partnering church has introduced an afternoon shift, which may cater to other people looking to volunteer.

Ms Kirkwood said the need for emergency accommodation and assistance via the Winter Shelter is expected to be great this year, with many “people living on that edge”

Partner organisation, Anchor Community Care, which assesses and refers guests to the Shelter, Ms Kirkwood said, were “completely overrun” and “don’t have enough resources, sadly, to cover the amount of need that they’re seeing”

“The difficult thing about the winter shelter is that, because 90 per cent of it is volunteer-run, we can’t help everyone.

Healesville’s biggest morning tea

By Gabriella Vukman

Elbows will be up and pinkies raised at Le Pine Funerals in Healesville for their annual morning tea fundraiser.

Open to all members of the community, the morning tea will take place at 10am on Wednesday 20 May, with a $5 donation upon entry.

A mix of sweet and savoury bites will be provided on the day for all attendees, and the event will include raffles, games and prizes for all who wish to take part.

Manager at Le Pine Funerals, Healesville Jenny Smith is looking forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of hosting the fundraiser in conjunction with the Tarrawarra branch of the Country Women’s Association.

“The morning tea is a lovely get-together for people, whether it is friendship groups or the local community, and we always have a great day.”

Officially called ‘Maria’s Morning Tea’ after an ex-branch member of the CWA who died of cancer, the morning tea is part of the Cancer Council’s ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’ initiative, which has raised over $2 million in 2026 alone.

Last year, over 50 people attended Healesville’s morning tea.

“This year we are hoping for 60 to 80 people, but we are definitely open to more,” Ms Smith said.

“We would like to raise a thousand dollars if we can.”

Raffle tickets will be sold for $2 each, and all proceeds from the morning tea will go towards funding cancer research.

The morning tea will be catered by the Tarrawarra Country Women’s Association (CWA), who are hand-making and baking all of the goods.

“There might be some people in way more complex situations than we can actually care for, and that’s really sad. But we help who we can help. I’m hoping we can at least make a difference in quite a few people’s lives.”

The Winter Shelter, Ms Kirkwood said, is a form of “radical hospitality” , with community people, from all backgrounds, who just want to help, “ready to show care and no judgement”

“On the ground, what makes the biggest difference is just people, ordinary people, showing radical hospitality, and this is an opportunity to do that.”

And as Stable One’s Winter Shelter network continues to expand, both locally with Montrose Church of Christ signing up this year, and a new affiliate on the Gold Coast to add to the interstate movement, Ms Kirkwood said it’s a “real collaborative effort” to make a difference.

“You can make a difference even if you’re just one person, and we’re very much into the one-person thing, because even if we as a group make a difference in the life of one person, then we think it’s worth doing.”

The partnering churches this year include Lilydale Baptist, Mt Evelyn Christian Reformed, Outer Eastern Lutheran, Montrose Church of Christ, Zac’s Place, Yarra Valley Anglican and Wandin and Seville Anglican.

A generous donation from Community Bank Mount Evelyn also funded the purchase of new stretcher beds and inflatable mattresses to make guests more comfortable.

To find out more about volunteering and to sign up, visit: stableone.org/yarra-valley-winter-shelter/

The group orientation session on Tuesday 19 May will be held at Lilydale Baptist Church, corner of Swansea Rd and Hull Rd, between 7pm and 9.30pm.

Branch President of the Tarrawarra CWA, Helen Calvert, said the morning tea created a chance for the CWA to raise money for a “worthy cause.”

“We love coming down and working with Jenny, who has been doing a wonderful job over the years to raise money for the Cancer Council,” she said.

“The biggest morning tea is also a great way to get the community together in Healesville.”

“We like to do community things at the CWA, and it’s been wonderful this past decade of getting together to encourage people to participate. It’s really special for us.”

Muffins, cakes, tarts, and scones, among some other savoury items, are on the menu for Wednesday’s shin dig.

According to Ms Calvert, members from the Tarrawarra CWA, which also includes Healesville and Yarra Glen, will be up at 8 am on Wednesday, preparing their goods and setting things up.

Stable One chief executive officer Katherine Kirkwood said the 2026 Winter Shelter preparations were in full swing. (Mikayla van Loon: 553254)

The community are encouraged to head over to Le Pine Funerals Healesville at 10am for some fundraising fun. (Gabriella Vukman: 553359).

Jenny and Helen are excited to be working together for another event. (Gabriella Vukman: 553359).

Nine years of leadership with Dawn Hartog

By Gabriella Vukman

There is a change in the air at Toolangi CFA, as their leadership election scheduled for Wednesday, 20 May, draws closer.

Toolangi CFA Captain Dawn Hartog is ready to step down from her role after a dedicated nine-year stretch.

“I figure nine years is a good long stint, and it is time for a new person to come in with fresh ideas,” she said.

“It will be nice and refreshing for the membership to have a change of guard.”

Initially joining the CFA as an employee, Ms Hartog’s background in education, engagement and volunteerism saw her managing recruitment, training and onboarding.

It wasn’t long before her love of volunteering drove her towards becoming a CFA crew member.

“I had volunteered in different capacities in my life before, and the more I got to know about what the CFA does and what our firefighters do, the keener I was to give it a try,” Ms Hartog said.

“I absolutely love it, and wish I had done it 10 years earlier than when I did.”

Coming into the brigade, Ms Hartog wanted an active role where she could directly help the brigade and the community.

Starting as a lieutenant, Ms Hartog’s leadership skills were quickly identified, and she was approached by the captain at the time to consider putting her hat in the ring for captain in the Brigade’s next election.

While Ms Hartog loves many of the elements of being Toolangi CFA’s captain, her favourite thing is the sense of community connection within the brigade.

“The sense of camaraderie and the team coming together is just wonderful,” she said.

“I really enjoy anytime we have community events, group trainings, and even going out to the January fires, where we had everybody going out there, working as a team, and trying their best for our local community.”

“I love to see the brigade come together.”

When describing her leadership style, Ms Hartog stressed the importance of working to empower others and share the decision-making and leadership responsibilities.

“I am a firm believer that being in a position of leadership does not make your opinion the most important, so I have always tried to bring that to my leadership and use the skills, thoughts and ideas of the wider team.”

Promoting a ‘fun’ environment has been another aspect of Ms Hartog’s leadership over the years.

“What we do is very serious and dangerous at

times, so it is important to lighten the mood and bring some jokes to the situation where we can.”

In terms of wishes for the brigade’s future, Ms

to grow and thrive.

“We are in a really small community, so we are

very reliant on the community being a part of the CFA and or doing their part to help us through maintaining their own properties and safety and awareness in high-risk season.”

Despite stepping down from the captaincy role, Ms Hartog will be sticking around as a firefighter member.

“I enjoy it too much to leave altogether,” she said.

“I will still be an active member for sure.”

Serving as captain for her nine-year stint is something that Ms Hartog confirmed would always remain close to her heart.

“It has been one of the biggest pleasures of my life to be able to serve the memberships of the Toolangi Fire Brigade and the communities of Toolangi and Castella,” she said.

“I will miss it, but I am looking forward to following the next leadership of the Brigade.”

CFA elections are held every two years, and members must first be nominated for leadership positions before they can be elected. Along with choosing a new captain, the brigade’s whole management team will also be elected.

A member from the District 12 CFA will come and oversee the process on election night.

While the election is scheduled for 20 May, the new leadership cycle will not commence until 1 July.

Shankly takes the captain’s wheel at Yellingbo CFA

By Oliver Winn

Yellingbo CFA handed the hose to its new captain-elect Neil Shankly after the brigade’s elections on 6 May.

Mr Shankly looks to expand on the positive culture established by former captain Jeremy Hardy, promising purpose-driven leadership during his term as brigade captain.

He said Mr Hardy had left “big shoes to fill”

“We’ve had good management and leadership at Yellingbo through Jeremy Hardy and previous to that, Paul Spinks. I think I’m coming into a brigade that’s been well run and well managed,” Mr Shankly said.

Having been a part of the Yellingbo CFA for 23 years, Mr Shankly has a deep knowledge of the brigade.

He said he aims to use his experience to continue the positive work done by his predecessors.

“In the captain role, I’m really looking at helping complete some of the projects that Jeremy has well and truly started. We’re looking at a couple of new vehicles, we’re earmarked for our new tanker as well as for a placement on our rehab.

“There’s been a lot of work done in the last few years, so they [the new vehicles] are pretty much across the line. Even if I’m just assisting, to finish off that process will be good.”

With an emphasis on increasing membership, Mr Shankly’s looking to keep the brigade “viable and relevant” into the future.

“As we all are, we’re busy with our own jobs

and our own lives, so we’re building our membership so we do have that increased coverage,” Mr Shankly said.

Key to the brigade’s succession plan is also ensuring its positive culture remains strong.

“I think we’ve got a really good group of people at the moment. We’ve got a nice mix of young and old and male and female and we’ve got a very good culture at Yellingbo,” Mr Shankly said.

“I’d say that is part of what I’d like to do, is just maintain that positive culture and build on it.”

Yellingbo CFA’s lieutenants rose up in the ranks too at the elections, with Paul Spinks moving into the first lieutenant position.

Following behind him is Fiona Pettigrew, Jo Hardy, Emily Hardy and Kaitlyn Spinks.

Mr Shankly said it was a nice feeling to be backed by the brigade.

“It’s certainly nice, it’s a nice progression and it’s nice to be nominated and voted in. It gives you that sense of you’ve got a bit of an endorsement from people.”

Mr Shankly aims to develop every member’s individual capabilities to strengthen the brigade under his leadership.

“I’d like to build the skills of everybody in the brigade so that we’re all a team rather than just being led by a captain,” he said.

But a brigade isn’t just defined by the people who run it — Mr Shankly said he will also make sure the tools are just as good as the people using them.

“We gotta make sure that our equipment stays up to date and there are certainly some challenges around that.”

Having moved to the area around 30 years ago, Mr Shankly knew he’d eventually want to volunteer for the local CFA brigade.

Once the time was right, he said he had to choose between Macclesfield and Yellingbo CFAs.

“We live in between Macclesfield and Yellingbo and felt that at the time Yellingbo was probably a brigade that needed a few more people.”

He thanked his family for supporting his CFA journey and said they were a “big factor” for his success as a volunteer firefighter.

“My wife has been there in times when you have to put things on hold because there’s a fire call. That sort of understanding from a family is what makes it possible,” he said.

Hartog said she wants to see the Brigade continue

Dawn celebrating with some of her Toolangi CFA Team at the Brigade’s annual awards dinner. (Dawn Hartog).

Dawn and Firefighter Max Franchin during the Longwood fires in January (Dawn Hartog).

Neil Shankly brings 23 years of CFA experience to his new role as brigade captain. (Stewart Chambers: 553320)

The brigade is earmarked for a new tanker and rehab vehicle under Mr Shankly’s tenure. (553320)

Lilydale RSL honours tragic military past at Ambon

By Oliver Winn

Two Lilydale RSL members travelled to an island in Indonesia for Anzac day this year to commemorate a highly significant, yet little-known event in Australia’s military history.

Anthony McAleer and Peter Paterson travelled to the island of Ambon where they visited the site of a horrific prisoner of war (POW) camp run by an oppressive Japanese military during World War Two.

But, the trip also represented the strong relationship between Australia and the people of Ambon.

As a result, the Lilydale RSL committed to a donation towards aid projects on the island.

Japanese forces invaded the island of Ambon in 1942 and captured over a thousand soldiers, seven of which were from the Yarra Valley.

Mr McAleer said 1131 Australians were captured but only 352 survived the POW camps. Despite this, what happened in Ambon remains relatively unknown to many.

“There’s very few Victorians that are aware of it either. And they should be, because it was a significant amount of our guys that went on there, a significant amount that didn’t survive,” he said.

Seven soldiers from the Yarra Valley were captured in Ambon, and only one made it back home.

Two soldiers died in the Laha Massacre — one of Australia’s worst wartime massacres which saw the Japanese military execute 300 people by sword.

Private John McDougall from Lilydale and Private Ray McKenzie from Gruyere were among those executed.

Mr Paterson said having their names on the war memorial immortalised their spirit and sacrifice.

“We can go and look at the names and then explain the stories of each of those names.”

“It’s a focal point to bring the young ones and then to explain the background of those names and why they’re there and what happened to them. Otherwise those names are forgotten if you don’t have a memorial,” Mr Paterson said.

In December 1941, the Australian Government sent 1150 troops, known as “Gull Force” , to Ambon to help Dutch soldiers who were stationed there at the time to protect the island from a Japanese invasion.

When the Japanese military invaded a year later, the island quickly fell and Australian soldiers were captured. But, the Australian soldiers’ kind and compassionate nature to the local Ambon people meant

locals were risking their lives to help the Australians.

Mr Paterson said their kindness towards Am-

Healesville’s past, protected by volunteers

By Gabriella Vukman

As National Volunteer Week illuminates the efforts of volunteers across the country, one dedicated archive team has quietly spent years preserving history for future generations. - All in their own free time.

Meeting once a week, the Archive Volunteers carefully catalogue photographs, newspaper clippings, guestbooks, signs and memorabilia to protect stories that might otherwise be lost with time. Their work is meticulous, often painstaking but deeply important.

Some members of the team are well into their 80s, bringing with them decades of knowledge and lived experience.

Among them is Yarra Ranges local Kevin Mason OAM, whose connection to Healesville Sanctuary spans an extraordinary 65 years.

“I worked at the Sanctuary for 50 years,” Mr Mason said.

“And when I retired in 2010, I still kept on.”

Mr Mason first began working at the sanctuary on 16 May 1960 after growing up nearby and attending Badger Creek Primary School.

“We had free entry to the Sanctuary in those early years,” Mr Mason said.

“I knew the layout and I knew the people working in it from very early on.”

Starting as a keeper during a transformative period, Mr Mason would then go on to become part of one of the Sanctuary’s most significant conservation milestones.

“In 1967 they successfully bred lyrebirds for the first time in captivity anywhere in the world under my care.”

But Mr Mason’s passion extended far beyond

caring for animals. Over decades, he quietly began collecting pieces of history that otherwise would have been discarded forever.

“Whenever the Sanctuary were getting rid of things, I would bring home anything I thought was of interest, like old tickets and other information, some books which were going to be burnt,” he said.

“Just for my own interest, I collected a lot of those things.”

Today, those rescued artifacts which included old signs, posters, guidebooks, photographs and newspaper clippings, form part of a growing heritage collection.

Walking into the archive room with Mr Mason is like stepping through time.

Tucked away in carefully labelled folders and boxes are black and white images of keepers from decades past, original admission tickets and stories from the sanctuary’s earliest days.

From zookeeper David Flay making the news by bringing 120 snakes to the Sanctuary in 1932, to readers in London hearing about the first ever platypus hatched in captivity in Healesville in 1944, the Sanctuary is a place of milestones, and Mr Mason has recorded them all.

“I believe in our history, and it should be managed and saved and then presented to the public,” Mr Mason said.

“Ther has been a lot of development here at the Sanctuary over the last decade and I can guarantee that in 20 or 30 years time, there will be questions asked about those developments.”

“If we don’t retain that information, those photographs, the people that were involved, and the contractors, you can’t tell much of a story.”

For Mr Mason, preserving history is about

All kinds of files can be found in the

more than nostalgia.

“Withoutourimmediateendeavoursandfocus on present and future projects and programmes, we give little thought that these achievements will be tomorrow’s heritage,” he said.

“Our history is important. We need to preserve it.”

The volunteers meet weekly from 10 am to 4 pm, carefully documenting every item that enters the collection.

“If a photo comes in, we need to file it according to whether it is black or white, or in colour,” Mr Mason said.

“We measure it and all of that information is put with the photo and we write down where it came from, who donated it, whether it was purchased or a gift.”

The work is detailed, but the team knows its value.

Supporting Mr Mason is a small but passion-

bon locals hasn’t been forgotten and the people still show extraordinary respect for Australians today.

“While we were there, we met a lady historian and the question was put to her, ‘Why did the Ambon people help the Australian soldiers at the risk of their own peril?’”

“Her grandmother had told her stories about the Australian soldiers, how they were polite and kind to the Ambon people,” Mr Paterson said.

The Ambon people risked their lives providing help to Australian POWs underneath an oppressive Japanese rule and many were killed as a result.

Mr McAleer said Ambon locals would go to “extraordinary” lengths just to smuggle in food or other essentials to Australian POWs.

“A lot of them were captured smuggling food and stuff to the prisoners and were executed by the Japanese. Others had given over their fishing boats and things like that so that they could escape,” Mr McAleer said.

Mr McAleer and Mr Paterson went to Ambon as part of an annual pilgrimage by the Gull Force Association, which provides aid and supports communities in Ambon.

Started by surviving former POWs, the Gull Force Association aims to repay the Ambon people for the kindness and generosity shown to them during that time.

“They are doing a lot of aid projects for the local people. They support schools, they support an orphanage… they helped soccer teams and they prepared a meal for the hundred poorest people in the village,” Mr McAleer said.

“They’re perpetuating the memory of the men of the second twenty-first by giving that ongoing assistance.”

ate team of volunteers who each bring their own expertise to the archives.

Stephanie Foot joined the team in 2019, after retiring from a long career working in IT systems and databases for Monash University Library.

“When I saw this job after I had retired, I thought ‘oh that is perfect’,” Ms Foot said.

“I can combine my interest in the environment with my knowledge of IT systems.”

Ms Foot helps manage records through Victorian Collections, - a cloud-based archiving system that protects important historical information digitally.

“What I can bring to the team is that knowledge of how databases work and how to record things,” she said.

“Each of us has our own specialities.”

As National Volunteer Week celebrates the people who generously give their time to the community, the small archive team is continuing a decades-long commitment to ensuring important stories are never forgotten.

L-R: Lilydale RSL members Anthony McAleer and Peter Paterson at the Lilydale War Memorial. (Oliver Winn: 553281)

Saunders, McKenzie and McDougall from the Yarra Valley were POWs who died in Ambon. (553281)

Volunteers Marion, Kevin and Shen Pen gathered in the archives for a picture.(Gabriella Vukman : 553055).

archives. (Gabriella Vukman : 553055).

Renfair magic decends on the valley for debut event

By Tanya Steele and April Stevens

If you happened to be travelling through Yarra Glen over the weekend, you may have tripped into another world as the first-ever Melbourne Renfair descended on the region.

From historically accurate figures of the Renaissance to a myriad of mythological creatures from another realm, the Yarra Valley was a hive of activity on 16 and 17 May.

Dressed as an adventuring pirate elf, Tanika from Healesville was a first-time Renaissance Faire attendee and she said attending over the weekend was liberating, simply because the fair created a space where you don’t have to be yourself.

“You can commit as a character as much or as little as you want,” she said.

Jousting, dancing, role-playing, feasting and more, upwards of 14,000 people and volunteers dressed in their finest attire attended the Melbourne Renfair.

Delicately crafted handmade garments, SFX makeup, coloured contacts and old English banter were seen and heard amongst LARPers (Live Action Role Playing) as roaming Celtic musicians and creatures worked their way through the crowds.

Featuring live action combat and jousting, collective oohs and aahs rang through the audience as they sat to watch specialised horsemanship come to the fore as knights went up together in combat for the ‘Tournament of the Golden Laurel.”

A neurodivergent family from Selby said attending the renfair was very significant for them.

“The event was an extraordinary escape, where everyone was kind, inclusive and supportive,” said parent Kylie.

“Finding ourselves in what genuinely felt like another realm,” she said.

A family of creatives, Kylie teaches drama at Ranges Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA), which is a not-for-profit youth creative hub in the Dandenong Ranges and said a massive highlight of the day was meeting a YouTube cosplay creator, Miss Twisted, whose costume methods inspired the wings her daughter Annabelle wore

at the fair.

“A little cherry on top of the magical day,” she said.

Tickets to the event sold out through Instagram within around twenty-four hours, indicating a high demand for this style of festival in Melbourne.

One of the lucky ticket holders, Tanika, said it appealed because she had been wanting to go to one for some time.

“Having it be so close to home felt like the perfect opportunity,” she said.

In the end, Tanika said her costume evolved more towards a pirate on the day

Coming from across Australia to role-play and attend, many people travelled through public transport, catching courtesy buses from Lilydale. Locals may have spotted people dressed up all over the Yarra Ranges on the weekend as they made their way to the fair and headed out for dinner after it finished.

So what’s the big appeal in a Renaissance fair anyway? Designed to be an immersive, outdoor festival that recreates historical, often fantasy-inspired, European village settings, they function as giant, interactive costume parties.

Hugely popular in many other countries, Australia has quite an active role-playing and renaissance fair community, but this event was the first of its kind in Melbourne. Across industries, dancers, improv performers, food and craft vendors, as well as a huge contingent of volunteers, created the lively atmosphere.

Tankia said the day was truly magical.

“I’ve been having so much fun being here,” she said.

Many attendees remarked on the high level of organisation, and the venue at the racing tracks seemed well-suited.

“You could feel the passion and dedication,” said Tanika.

“They’ve done an amazing job.”

Festival fun in Healesville over Mother’s Day

By Gabriella Vukman

Healesville sprung to life over the Mother’s Day Weekend as thousands of people filled the town for the second annual Healesville Festival, transforming the town into a vibrant hub of music, art and community connection.

Held across Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May, the two-day festival featured free workshops, a jazzy venue-hop, live music, markets, rides and plenty of family activities.

Organisers estimated around 2000 people attended Sunday’s Family Fun Day alone at Queens Park.

Festival Founder and Healesville local Rose Herring described the weekend as “an incredible two days.”

“People kept saying the town just felt alive and that’s how I felt too,” she said.

“Everywhere I went there were so many people in the streets listening to music in venues.”

“It is just really beautiful to see the whole town come out.”

Saturday’s program began with six workshops held at The Memo and the Healesville Library, covering everything from looping and songwriting to creative collaboration.

One standout moment came when musician Tessa Devine joined members of the Tuck Shop Ladies for an impromptu collaborative workshop after her own session finished.

“Group participation is one of the beautiful things about festivals,” Ms Herring said.

“People come together and there were three artists that hadn’t met before and yet they ended up making a great friendship and hanging out and doing a workshop all together,”

As the Saturday progressed, festivalgoers moved through Healesville’s main street for the popular Venue Hop, with performances spread across venues including My Little Kitchen, Watts River Brewing, Payten and Jones, Four Pillars Gin

Distillery and the Healesville Hotel.

Community flags created by local students over the decades were displayed outside venues to guide visitors through the festival trail.

“They were beautiful homemade and hand painted flags by school students about 30 years ago,” Ms Herring said.

“It was really nice to have them appear again at our community event.”

The festival atmosphere continued well into the evening with headline performances at The Memo, before crowds gathered for a lively afterparty at Herd Bar.

Ms Herring said Tessa Devine’s performance was one of the most emotional moments of the weekend.

“There was not a dry eye in the entire theatre,” she said.

“People were coming up to me after that concert saying they had never been moved by music in the way they were moved by Tessa’s set.”

“The way she interacted with the audience and told stories about how her songs were written was incredible.”

Festival organisers also introduced a shuttle bus service, sponsored by McKenzie buses in Healesville, helping patrons move safely between venues throughout the town.

“It was great to see people jumping on and off the bus throughout the town,” Ms Herring said.

Sunday shifted the festival into a family-focused celebration at Queens Park, where rides, food trucks, market stalls and live performances created a relaxed Mother’s Day atmosphere.

“There was a rock climbing wall and a chair swing and the kids had a great time,” Ms Herring said.

“The rock-climbing company we hired said they had all five climbing ropes going from the time they opened, to the time they closed.”

Families spread out across the park enjoying food, local wines and live music, while children

performance was an emotional

played with toys supplied by the local toy library.

“It was just really beautiful,” Ms Herring said.

“There are so many things happening in our world right now that are not nice, so it was so nice to see so many people from all different backgrounds, cultures and different lives all in one place, all dancing to the same music together.”

The event concluded with a performance by Ganga Giri, with crowds dancing into the evening as autumn sunshine broke through the clouds.

“People didn’t want it to end,” Ms Herring said.

Relying heavily on volunteers, sponsors and local businesses, the festival took the donation of time from dozens of community members.

Ms Herring extended her gratitude to all who helped out on the weekend.

“We had so many mums helping on Mother’s Day,” she said.

“It is the day for the mums to rest, but so many of them were out there helping us sell raffle tickets, helping with the kids’ wristbands or making sure venues had support.”

After committee members personally contributed funds to launch the first festival last year, Ms

Herring said organisers were relieved that this year’s event is expected to at least break even financially.

“Everything everyone has helped with like sponsors, people donating their time, business donating prizes, - It has all got us across the line, which is fantastic.”

With strong attendance, enthusiastic crowds and widespread community support, organisers have already confirmed Healesville Festival will return next year.

A Knight of the realm goes to combat. (April Stevens 553986).

Amy and Tanika from Healesville attended the Renfair and had a great time. (April Stevens: 553986).

Mollie from the Australian Courtly Arts taught attendees historically accurate court dancing. (April Stevens: 553986).

A packed grandstand for the joust. (April Stevens. 553986).

Locals and visitors enjoyed dancing at the Healesville Festival. (Synthesis Productions).

Crowds gathered at Queens Park to enjoy music and activities. (Synthesis Productions).

Tessa Devine’s

one for audiences at the MEMO. (Synthesis Productions).

Customer first, always

Providing customer satisfaction has always been the engine of Supagas’s growth. Which is probably why Supagas has won the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customer Award for LPG six years running.

Canstar – an independent research, analysis, and rankings firm providing unbiased awards across thousands of brands and hundreds of categories – is the gold standard for commercial product comparison. And Supagas, with its ‘Yes We Can’ ethos, is emblematic of the kind of company that wins Canstar’s prestigious awards.

When Supagas won the award earlier this year for the sixth time in a row, Canstar Data Insights

Director Sally Tindall noted the award meant Supagas performed best in the areas customers most care about when selecting an LPG provider.

“Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Awards are determined by the feedback and opinions of thousands of customers based on the factors that matter most,” Tindall said.

“Supagas received high ratings across all categories, including value for money and ease of sign-up, the two biggest drivers in customer satisfaction when it comes to buying LPG, as determined by Cansar’s analysis.”

Not a company that rests on its laurels, Supagas is this year doubling down on its customer-service efforts,

with a new website and CRM due to launch this year – both of which will deliver greater ease of use to customers.

As Supagas MD Erol Arican recently put it:

“Our ‘Yes We Can’ ethos is about being responsive and agile with a customer-first approach – whether that’s clear onboarding when

customers sign up, dependable delivery scheduling, or support when their needs change. This Canstar recognition belongs to our teams across Australia, and we’re grateful to customers for the trust they place in Supagas. At the same time, we’re not standing still. We’re continuing to invest in better engagement and an even stronger customer experience.”

Cooking with gas

There is a reason people still love cooking with gas. It feels immediate. Turn the knob, spark the flame, and the heat is there. No waiting. No guessing. Just a visible flame and a level of control that makes cooking feel more intuitive.

For local households, LPG can bring that same cooking experience to homes that may not be connected to the mains gas network. Whether it is a busy family kitchen, a country weekender, a farmhouse, or a home a little further out of town, bottled LPG can help keep the kitchen running without overcomplicating things.

And the appeal is not only practical. Cooking with gas has a certain rhythm to it. The quick sizzle of onions hitting a hot pan. The easy shift from a rolling boil to a gentle simmer. The ability to bring heat up or down in a second.

In other words, it puts the cook in control.

Of course, good cooking still depends on the basics: proper installation, regular appliance maintenance, and sensible use. Gas appliances should always be fitted and serviced by qualified professionals, and used for the purpose they were designed for.

But when everything is set up properly, LPG can be a simple, reliable part of the home.

A hot breakfast on a cold morning. Soup simmering on a Sunday afternoon. Dinner on the table after work.

Not every kitchen needs to be complicated. Sometimes it just needs a good flame.

DID YOU KNOW?

LPG is heavier than air, which is why cylinders must be stored outdoors and upright for safe ventilation.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Mooroolbark local’s show a meditation on migration

By Oliver Winn

An inventive arts exhibition exploring cultural identity, memory and materiality is on at the Warburton Arts Centre until August.

Titled Mukhauta (Hindi word for mask), this exhibition showcases a series of papier-mâche masks crafted by Mooroolbark-based artist Toshi Singh.

She said Mukhauta reflects her journey migrating from her home in India to Australia.

“I often wear different masks in daily life, sometimes to belong, sometimes to assimilate, and sometimes to create distance.

“I’m still trying to figure out this place, the people, culture and everything. So sometimes I’m trying to fit in, sometimes I take a step back, sometimes I’m just observing,” she said.

The hand-crafted masks are bold and expressive, drawing on the “visual density” of India and providing a modern twist on traditional masks commonly seen in India.

“Basically there are these [masks] that are put outside the home to ward off the evil eye. They are very bold, very expressive, with different bright colors.”

“This is me revisiting that. I wanted to give it a different spin, looking at it through the contemporary lens,” she said.

When Ms Singh applied to have her art exhibited, she said she had no expectations as her background is in watercolour painting.

“It was wonderful because I did not expect it at all because this is also not a medium that I usually work in so I was also a bit nervous.

“I would have been okay if it did not get selected, but actually, people really appreciate it. They liked the project so I was very happy.”

Teeming with texture and colour, these masks transform humble, reclaimed materials

into expressive, tactile forms.

She said each mukhauta is a one-off piece that is hand-formed and then intuitively painted without any prior design or planning.

“It takes about 12 to 15 days to complete one. The process is effort and time intensive (including collecting, shredding, soaking, pulping, kneading, sculpting, drying, painting, more drying, varnishing), but the result is so satisfying and worth every bit of it.”

Ms Singh said back in India, art is everywhere and every surface is decorated — these masks are “just another canvas” to express herself through.

But the idea for the masks originated quite naturally with her 3-year-old son last year.

“Last year, around this time, my son fell sick and we were just at home and we were trying to

Young local talent pens debut novel for 2027 release

By Claudia Mather

At 19, most of us were freshly out of school, standing on the doorstep that leads to the rest of our lives, getting our first breath of post-high-school freedom.

But for Yarra Junction local Jackson Wetherall, he was busy writing his debut novel, Pariahs.

A high school set in rural Victoria, in a town inspired by the Yarra Valley, with a newly discovered hidden room and two missing students - it has all the ingredients of a front-page headline.

This young-adult, comedic mystery was set in the fictional town of Woods Peak, heavily inspired by Jackson’s hometown of Yarra Junction.

“Wood’s Peak is basically a representation of my entire experience living in Yarra Junction and the Yarra Valley as a whole,” he said. He explained that the main setting was “pretty much a one-for-one recreation in my head of Upper Yarra Secondary College, and a lot of the scenery and imagery is just all different locations across here.”

Jackson began writing Pariahs during his final year of school in February 2024. Since then, it has developed into a story with over 350 pages and has been read by publishers at Penguin Random House as part of their 2025 Penguin Literary Prize.

The competition was open to anyone of any age, and contestants were asked to submit a full manuscript of their book as well as the synopsis. The winner received $20,000 and a publishing deal with Penguin.

“I went through one of my teachers at uni, she put me on to the competition. Obviously, I didn’t win it,” he laughed, “but it was a very, very surreal experience actually giving someone my own creative work and being like, ‘hey, look, this is what I’ve spent years of my life doing, what are your thoughts on this?’ It was very strange.”

Jackson has only taken this opportunity as fuel to feed his fire of creativeness, “the feeling of just, ‘wow, I’ve actually been able to get this far’ . I want to see how far I can eventually take it.”

Growing up immersed in the pages of various

Stephen King novels, Jackson was able to draw inspiration from his favourite books to create Pariahs.

“I love how King’s able to put all of that gruesome imagery into words like that. To me, that is a remarkable skill.

“I’ve been a big fan of mysteries and thrillers and what they’re able to do to people’s minds,” he said.

Although mysteries can veer towards being gruesome and gritty, Jackson focused on keeping the narration style goofy and humorous, aiming to give Pariahs its own unique identity rather than focusing on its grittiness.

During the writing process, Jackson understood the basic timeline and had a rough idea of how he wanted Pariahs to play out, “but it’s trying to fill in that middle. It was a struggle.”

“Oh, there were plenty of phases of writer’s block. Very much so, it was an issue, at least for me,” Jackson said, “and the issue was trying to develop the ideas enough to make them substantial and actually become a full story.”

When he sat down to write, Jackson knew how it was to end and the major plot twist, “the journey is trying to figure out how to get from that beginning to that endpoint.” He shook his head.

“There have been lots of points where, and I don’t know whether this is a normal thing, where it’s just like, ‘I’ll say this just to explain something small’, and then it turns into something massive, and it’s like, ‘oh boy’

“And you have to try and rein it back in, but I think I did it well enough, emphasis on the think.

“I think surreal is the word that captures this whole thing,” Jackson said as he smiled.

“It’s just kind of insane to me what I’ve been able to do coming from pretty much nothing. It’s just amazing seeing everything that is available and everything that can happen.”

Jackson’s goal for the rest of the year was to work on the final copy of Pariahs and search for a publisher who could give his story an opportunity to print. He aims to release his debut novel in 2027.

keep him engaged and we would play a lot with card boards and make toys and things.

“We were just having a play, creating things out of cardboard and paper and stuff.”

Drawing on her tertiary studies back in India, Ms Singh started crafting papier-mâche masks without intention at first.

“At the time there was no particular idea about Mukhauta. I was just having fun, but later on I thought I could actually make faces out of these.”

Now, she enjoys working on her masks, while her son fiddles with his own piece of cardboard by her side.

She said her son “absolutely loves” the masks and he was “so happy” to see them exhibited.

The masks are an exploration of cultural identity and memory. (Supplied)

Ms Singh’s masks began as a playful project with her son last year. (Supplied)

Each mask is hand-formed, textured, and retains visible traces of making. (Supplied)

Jackson Wetherall, 19, with his completed debut novel, Pariahs. (Supplied)

Winter proof home

With the fifth anniversary of the devastating June 2021 storms approaching and winter on the horizon, residents across Knox and the Yarra Ranges are being urged to plan ahead, not just physically, but by ensuring they are also legally prepared.

The June 2021 storm caused widespread damage across the region, leaving homes destroyed, power out for days and communities facing long recovery periods. While many households were still rebuilding from that event, the February 2024 storms struck, highlighting how quickly severe weather can disrupt daily life and compound existing problems.

As winter approaches, Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is reminding residents that preparation should go beyond clearing gutters and securing outdoor items.

It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of households may be underinsured, a gap that can lead to significant financial stress after a disaster.

“Being prepared isn’t just about protecting your home physically, it’s about making it easier to recover financially and avoid legal problems,” said Anita Koochew.

Top tips to stay ahead:

Check your insurance cover. Make sure your policy includes your home, contents and any outbuildings, and reflects current rebuilding costs.

Compare insurance providers to secure the most suitable coverage, noting that costs can vary significantly between policies.

Understand your policy type. “Sum insured” policies cap payouts and can leave you underin-

Mortal Kombat

3.5/5

Mortal Kombat II is a dumb and poorlypaced but savagely enjoyable action movie.

Has-been action star Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) reluctantly joins a team of champions to fight warlord Shao Khan (Martyn Ford) for the fate of Earth in a multidimensional tournament.

Mortal Kombat is known for its largerthan-life characters and ridiculously gory action, and Mortal Kombat II slacks on the former but excels on the latter.

Most of the characters are blandly functional, motivations change on a dime, and prior villains Shang Tsung (Chin Han) and Bi-Han/Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) are both wasted. However, Urban is highly entertaining as Johnny Cage, a cocky Van Dammestyle washed up-action hero way out of his depth, and Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), Shao Khan’s adopted daughter, has a decent arc of finally standing up to Khan’s tyranny.

The fight scenes are dynamic, gory and wonderfully over-the-top like Mortal Kombat should be (though there are a couple of moments that oddly obscure the action with blinding light). The best action sequences are Liu Kang’s (Ludi Lin) creative duel with his buzzsaw-hat-wearing brother Kung Lao (Max Huang) and a hilarious characterbuilding brawl between Johnny and the toothy ogre Baraka (CJ Bloomfield).

As Johnny rises to the heroic cause with little friction and the champions takes a long detour, Mortal Kombat II carries very little tension, exemplified by Shao Khan and the paradox of immortality.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Legal matters

Anita Koochew Eastern Community Legal Centre

sured if costs rise. Ask your insurer about safety net buffers or total replacement cover.

Read the fine print in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Don’t rely on insurers to highlight exclusions. Check what’s covered for storm versus flood damage, as well as temporary accommodation and clean-up costs.

Consider your risk factors. Bushfire Attack Level ratings, location and building materials can all influence rebuilding costs and insurance needs.

Create a home inventory. Photos or a video walkthrough of your belongings can make a big difference when lodging a claim.

Store documents safely. Keep important paperwork secure and backed up digitally where possible.

Extreme weather events can bring a range of legal issues, from insurance disputes and tenancy problems to debt and access to financial support; and many people don’t realise they have a legal

CARTOON

problem until well after the event.

Extreme weather events can also heighten existing inequalities, such as gender inequality, increasing the likelihood of family violence occurring. Experiences of family violence cause further harm and distress to victims, and can significantly disrupt people’s ability to recover from a disaster.

ECLC has been supporting communities through disasters since 2009 and continues to respond to increasingly frequent severe weather events linked to climate change. Through its Climate Justice team, ECLC works alongside councils and local services to help people through their recovery.

The Centre has also developed practical tools to support residents, including an Insurance Health Check, guides to identifying underinsurance, and a Disaster Legal Help Check to help people spot issues early and get the right support. You can find these documents here: https://eclc. org.au/what-we-do/partnerships-and-projects/ climatejustice/#ECLCResources

ECLC is particularly concerned about the impact of disasters on communities already experiencing disadvantage, as they are often hardest hit and face greater barriers to recovery.

Free legal help is available for people affected by severe weather or related issues. Visit eclc. org.au/help or call 1300 32 53 00 or use the online appointment form here: eclc.org.au/help If you need access to an interpreter, this can be arranged.

Ahn Do’s story live in theatres

Burrinja Theatre

Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee Live

Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry, described by Russel Crowe as “the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.”

Anh’s stage show takes a step further, combining stand up comedy with real life stories, photos, and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story.

When one of Australia’s most talented comedians delves deep onto his own life’s joys and sorrows, the result is an unforgettable night at the theatre that leavestheaudienceupliftedandquitesimplyexperiencing happiness.

• Season: Thursday 2 June at 7.30pm.

Eltham Little Theatre

The VDL One Act Play Festival

• Festival Adjudicator - Louse Siverson (The VDL Patron)

The VDL One Act Play Festival will be held at Eltham Little theatre.

The festival will be a mixture of short and one act playsandisopentoindividualsanortheatrecompanies to enter.

Applications close Monday 8 June 2026, season times are limited, so early applications are recommended.

Length of Productions:

• Short Plays - 10 minutes up to a maximum of 15 minutes.

• One Act Plays – 15 minutes up to a maximum of 40 minutes.

No Monologues.

Contact Festival Coordinator Robyn Kelly, at: oapf@vd.org.au or by phone on: 0438 724 664.

• Performancedates:1August2pmto5pmand7pm to 10pm. 2 August 3pm to 4pm.

The 1812 Theatre

The Ladykillers. Isablackcomedythatfollowsthehilariouscapers of a group of small-time crooks taking on more than they can handle in the form of a sweet elderly landlady, Mrs Wilberforce.

• Season: 21 May to 13 June.

Verdict: Proactive debut novel

PASSION FOR PROSE

Honey is a provocative novel by Imani Thompson, a British author of Scottish, Irish and Jamaican heritage.

Described by British Vogue as “the UK’s most hyped thriller” , the story follows beautiful and smart Yrsa, who is experiencing a sort of “writer’s block” in her PhD research on Afro-pessimism.

Scholars see Afro-pessimism as a way to observe how the ongoing effects of “racism, colonialism and historical processes of enslavement” have been impacting the Black people in every aspect of their lives.

The view is indeed pessimistic, seeing even today’s civil society as being dependent on “anti-Black violence”

Yrsa – whose name is of Old Norse origin and means “she-bear” or “fury” – is sick and tired of those self-entitled and hypocritical men in her life.

When she discovers a professor has not only manipulated her best friend but also stolen the latter’s research, she takes action – which leads to that professor’s death by bee allergy.

Somehow the incident awakens something in Yrsa – a sense of thrilling control, a sweet and even sexy feeling of being able to take justice into her own hands.

Increasingly emboldened, she decides to take on those sexist, misogynistic and abusive men that she thinks are aplenty both online and in everyday society.

As Yrsa becomes more unhinged, trying to justify her “violence against violence” approach as a new “theory/methodology in action” that fulfils feminist and racial justice, her life sinks further into chaos.

The character’s struggle to intellectualise her action is precisely the reason why she slowly but surely drifts towards the immoral path, forgoing precious opportunities to find love and hope and edging towards self-destruction and despair.

Yrsa is certainly not a likeable character. However, this story is not about badass women fighting and punishing bad men. Nor is it an endeavour to psychologically profile the rise and fall of a serial killer, investigating their past trauma and probing the dark corners of their mind to elicit sympathy and even forgiveness.

Instead, to this reviewer, Yrsa’s story is a diligent and occasionally tedious exploration of Afro-pessimism.

By portraying the character’s intersectional experience as a Black person in a white people’s world, as a Black woman in a white man’s world, as a Black woman in a white woman’s world, and as a Black woman in a Black man’s world – the story is an ambitious attempt to illustrate the complex and layered power dynamics, stereotypes and patriarchy that Black women (and women of colour in general?) have to endure.

In this sense, Yrsa’s boredom can be interpreted as having derived from a profound sense of helplessness and hopelessness in her pathetic and futile resistance against the oppressive system.

Having tried all she can but still failing to find way out – because there is no exit at all – her world can only implode.

The story’s abrupt and ambiguous ending is therefore understandable. Highly recommended.

Mortal Kombat Starring Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph and Martyn Ford MA15+

Serving beyond the network

When Robert first moved to the Yarra Valley from Ferntree Gully, joining the Seville CFA brigade was simply a way to get to know the community.

Seventeen years later, it has become one of the biggest parts of his life.

Robert has spent more than two decades in the energy industry, starting as a 17-year-old apprentice before building a career as a truck leader and glove and barrier lineworker.

Across both his work in the industry, now part of the One Distribution team and his time volunteering with the CFA, one thing has remained consistent; staying calm under pressure and helping people when it matters most.

His decision to join the Seville CFA was highly influenced by his experience working during the tragic 2009 events of Black Saturday.

At the time, Robert was part of crews helping respond to faults and restore power in fire affected communities.

He spent weeks working in and around devastated areas, often entering places still very much in emergency response mode.

“It was pretty confronting; you saw things that stay with you,” Robert said.

The experience also made him realise how closely the work of lineworkers and emergency responders overlaps.

Both involve working outdoors in difficult conditions, making quick decisions and relying on your team to stay safe.

Not long after Black Saturday, he signed up to his local brigade. Over the years, Robert has gone from being a firefighter on the back of the truck to leading strike teams responding to major incidents across Victoria.

Along the way, he has completed extensive training and built experience responding to bushfires, structure fires and emergency events.

He said many of the skills from the energy industry transfer directly onto the fireground.

“You learn to stay level-headed,” he said.

“When conditions change quickly, you can’t panic. You just focus on the job, work

the problem and look after the people around you.”

That mindset became especially important during the most recent fire season, when major bushfires burned close to home.

With many crews already deployed elsewhere, Robert made the decision to access

emergency services leave for the first time so he could support his local community when resources were stretched.

“My Zinfra team was really, really supportive about it,” he said.

“Taking this leave meant I could focus on helping the brigade and the community with-

A better retirement lifestyle

out stressing about work.”

For Robert, volunteering has also created friendships and connections that extend far beyond emergency response.

What started as a way to meet people after moving to a new area has become what he describes as a “second family”.

Now, his daughter is beginning her own CFA journey as a junior member, something he says makes him incredibly proud.

As we recognise Volunteer Week, Robert’s story is a reminder of the role volunteers play in keeping communities safe and the impact people can have when they step up to support others, both on and off the job.

Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy the Facilities

Close to all amenities - health professionals,

Supermarkets, public transport

Village volunteers can assists you around the house

Village bus for shopping excursions

Monthly calendar of events

24 Hour Emergency Assistance

Fully equipped gym

Heated indoor pool

Hairdresser, Massage & Podiatry services

4-rink Bowling Green

Entertainment Lounge

Library and Computer Room 9735

Last summer, Robert accessed emergency services leave so he could support his community during the bushfires. (Supplied)

Robert joined the CFA after he worked to restore power in communities affected by the Black Saturday bushfires. (Supplied)

A door always open for all the men in Yarra Glen

Yarra Glen and District Living & Learning Centre will be aligning with Australia to bring awareness to Men’s mental health this June 2026 by providing a physical wellness space from the 15th until the 21st.

With a strong focus on relevant health challenges Australian men and boys face, including but not limited to mental health, this campaign creates a precedent for men to recognise their health and continually heal along their journey of life.

The community group will begin acknowledgement by hosting a collaborative Drop In Morning on Thursday 11 June. Mental Health specialists and experts will be joined by the OM:NI group (Older Men, New Ideas) with an invitation to men of all ages in the local community to come for a chat, receive free health consultations and refreshments.

Men are encouraged to sit, have a chat and have a warm drink as they simply connect and hold space for themselves and each other.

The OM:NI group, a program of COTAVIC (Council on the Ageing Victoria), meets once a month at the Centre. OM:NI is a meeting point for men as they approach retirement age. They get to meet, talk and laugh with men of similar age, share about things of importance, discuss a topic set by the group and also teach and support each other during this time.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals (Department of Health) provides support for Victorians aged 26 years plus who are experiencing mental health or wellbeing concerns. Men and boys experiencing stress, loneliness, or any complicated feelings are invited to Yarra Glen and District Living & Learning Centre, where they will be received kindly and without judgement.

You do not need to register to attend.

The ‘Drop In Morning’ will be located at the Living Learning Centre, at 12-14 Anzac

Avenue in Yarra

will be open to welcome you from 9.30am to 12pm on Thursday 11 June. If you have any enquiries, please

email ygdllc@bigpond.com or call 9730 2887 to speak with Sandra or Lisa.

Glen. They

OM:NI representative Tony. (Supplied)

Healesville welcomes volunteer showcase

By Gabriella Vukman

As Volunteer Week rolls around, Healesville Interchurch Community Care Incorporated (HICCI) will assemble the town’s own volunteer organisations for a showcase on Saturday, 23 May.

With the intention of showing locals the many ways they can participate in their community, the showcase will run from 11 am to 3 pm in the Healesville Uniting Church.

HICCI President Libby Prentice is looking forward to the showcase and said the idea was born out of discussions she had with the community in December.

“I am excited about people having the opportunity to see the organisations that make our community run, and about giving people the opportunity to find out about them and become involved.”

“In my mind, you don’t just live in the Yarra Valley, you are a part of it, and I think when you are volunteering, then you are engaging and really being a part of it all,” she said.

According to Ms Prentice, the showcase will be a relaxed environment for locals, with over 20

organisations displayed on the day.

Community members are welcome to approach all stalls to ask questions and chat about opportunities to help out in the local area.

Ms Prentice said, “There are a lot of different types of volunteering that people can become engaged with.”

“Some places, like the CFA, will be more full on and you will have to do training, but there’s something for everyone.”

“It’s important for people’s mental health, and in general, to think outside of themselves and to contribute to the community around them.”

The showcase is the first one of its kind for HICCI

“Part of the reason why we thought about having the showcase was that the council has often done volunteering days, but we often found that the organisations that the council introduced people to were often far away,” Ms Prentice said.

“We decided that it would be good to have something really local”

“The Valley is a very large place, so you want to contribute to somewhere that is close by.”

Ms Prentice hopes the showcase will connect

organisations with each other and the local community.

The showcase also comes amidst a changing market and dips in volunteer numbers.

According to Ms Prentice, volunteering today is very different from what it was 30 years ago.

“People used to regularly volunteer multiple hours a week, but now with people being so time poor, organisations have to think differently about how they have people volunteer.”

“I am hoping that the organisations will have

an opportunity to be able to tell people that there are different ways of volunteering, whether it be one-off events, or whether it be task-related, and it doesn’t have to be a consistent, every-week commitment,” she said.

HICCI has also had to change the way it manages its volunteer base.

The organisation now has flexible arrangements, where volunteers are able to choose when they volunteer and how many hours they offer their services.

Ms Prentice said, “With our transport programme, we have drivers who can only drive a certain number of f times a week, or they might be able to volunteer for one day a month, or they can turn around and say, I’d love to drive for you, but I really only want to drive locally.”

“There are lots of different opportunities in, for instance, our transport programme and with each of the different programmes, there are different opportunities, whether they’re small, large, whether they’re engaging with people, or whether they’re picking up produce.”

“There are all sorts of ways that people can engage.”

The HICCI Team are excited to see Healesville’s volunteer organisations come together on 23 May. (Gabriella Vukman : 553210)

HICCI volunteers Alison Gommers and Libby Prentice stand by their showcase sign. (Gabriella Vukman: 553210).

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku

ACROSS

1 Office of the Pope (6) 4 Understood by a select few (8)

9 Fault (7) 11 Reindeer (7) 12 Quality of being experienced (11)

13 Determined (3)

14 BLT, e.g. (8)

16 Become liable to (5)

19 US city (5)

20 Tissue death (8)

22 ‘Born’ (3)

24 One who studies the development of words (11)

26 Tsar’s wife (7)

27 Flyer (7)

29 Faith (8)

30 Biological molecular catalyst (6)

1 Boll (3) 2 Baltic region (9)

3 Made well (5) 5 Football (6) 6 Defeating soundly (9) 7 Picture puzzle (5)

8 Fake (money) (11) 10 Jerk (6) 12 British parliament (11) 15 Bleaching (9)

17 A physical science (9)

18 Buddhist temple (6)

21 Electrical generator (6)

23 Cyber message (5)

25 Commonly used edible bulb (5)

28 Cereal (3)

the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY LIVING

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AMIDST a beautifully maintained garden on a 1,740m2 approx. block, this expansive Hamptons style residence boasts the makings for an exceptional family lifestyle with its timeless character, refined craftsmanship and outstanding versatility.

Surrounded by a tranquil leafy setting, in a family friendly community, the property will be a welcome tree change whilst remaining moments from every modern convenience.

Rich in warmth and appeal, the home showcases soaring ceilings, polished timber flooring, detailed period finishes and a striking combustion wood fireplace, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and comfort throughout.

Bedroom comfort is equally impressive, with five substantial rooms serviced by two beautifully enhanced period-style bathrooms, including an upper level main bedroom complete with ensuite, walk in robe and additional loft storage.

Designed for large scale family living and entertaining, the home offers an expansive formal lounge with open fireplace, complemented by multiple informal living and entertaining zones that seamlessly caters for all occasions. Gas ducted heating and refrigerated cooling runs throughout the entire lower level and there is the addition of a split system heater/cooler for the main

suite upstairs.

At the heart of the home, the beautifully appointed kitchen features an impressive fit out that includes F7P pyrolytic 900mm oven, stone benchtops and island bench, superbly positioned adjacent to the generous rumpus and separate dining area.

Outdoors, the low-maintenance landscaped grounds create a serene setting for year-round entertaining, featuring sweeping verandahs and a superb alfresco area with built in BBQ / kitchenette with dishwasher plus heated swim spa, all designed to enjoy year round.

Adding further flexibility, a separate studio with bathroom provides the perfect solution for extended living options, a premium work from home space or creative retreat.

The home’s enchanting street presence is matched by exceptional practicality, with beautiful front fence, remote gate, and a sealed driveway with ample space for multiple vehicles, caravans, trailers or recreational equipment.

Positioned within close proximity to quality schools, Birdsland Reserve, public transport and convenient access to Wellington Road and EastLink, this outstanding family property presents a rare opportunity to secure an idyllic family lifestyle where character, space and community unite in perfect harmony. ●

EASY ACCESS TO TOWN IN A QUIET COMMUNITY

A great option for those wanting to simplify without compromising on comfort, this over-55s unit sits on a manageable 179m² allotment and delivers an easy, low-maintenance lifestyle in a quiet and convenient setting.

The layout has been designed with practicality in mind, offering two bedrooms with built-in robes and a centrally positioned bathroom that also connects to the main bedroom. The living, dining, and kitchen space comes together as one, creating a relaxed area to unwind or entertain, with plenty of natural light throughout. The kitchen itself is well set up with stainless steel appliances, good storage, and ample bench space for everyday use. A second toilet and separate laundry add extra functionality.

Outside, the courtyard provides a private spot to enjoy some fresh air, whether that’s a bit of gardening, a place for a pet, or simply somewhere to sit and relax.

A single garage with remote access and direct entry into the home adds convenience, while ducted heating and a split system ensure comfort all year round. There is also visitor parking and shared outdoor areas within the complex.

With Gembrook township just a short walk away, you can easily access local shops, cafes, and day-to-day essentials without needing to travel far. ●

HOME FOCUS

PERFECT FAMILY LIVING IN AN IDEAL LOCATION

NESTLED within one of Upper Ferntree Gully’s most tightly held and family focused pockets, this impeccably presented four bedroom home delivers the perfect balance of contemporary comfort, quality craftsmanship and the relaxed, community friendly lifestyle we have all come to know and love in the Foothills.

Beyond the elegant front gates and beautifully landscaped gardens of this 983m2 block, the home immediately establishes a sense of warmth, sophistication and privacy. Inside, quality Tasmanian Oak timber flooring flows throughout, enhancing the home’s character and impressive floorplan.

Designed with family living in mind, the thoughtfully considered layout offers generous proportions and multiple living zones both indoors and out.

Privately positioned, the master suite is complemented by a beautiful ensuite and walk in robe, whilst three additional bedrooms with built-in robes are serviced by an equally stylish family bathroom and separate toilet.

A spacious formal lounge and adjoining dining area, warmed by a classic wood heater, creates an inviting space during the cooler months, while the expansive open plan living area provides exceptional flexibility for growing families and effortless entertaining.

At the heart of the home, the stylish galley style kitchen showcases stone benchtops, a sleek glass splashback, stainless steel appliances and abundant storage, perfectly catering to both everyday functionality and large scale entertaining. Bi-fold doors create a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, opening onto an impressive covered entertaining deck with heater and ceiling fans that truly embraces the essence of Hills living.

Purpose built for entertaining, the expansive decking features a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, generous seating areas and a private spa - creating the ultimate setting to relax, entertain and enjoy the peaceful leafy surrounds year round.

The substantial backyard provides ample room for children and pets to enjoy, while rear roller door access via the laneway offers versatility for additional vehicle accommodation including caravans, boats or trailers.

Additional features include:

Double remote garage plus parking for multiple extra vehicles

Ducted heating and refrigerated cooling throughout plus wood fire

• Three water tanks, 2 clotheslines and solar

• Multiple garden sheds and mains gas built in BBQ

Positioned within walking distance to local shops, cafes, train transport, buses and parklands, the location also offers exceptional convenience to UFTG Primary School, St Joseph’s College and the Angliss Hospital. For those who appreciate nature and outdoor recreation, the renowned 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk and the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges are also only moments away.

Combining quality, lifestyle and a genuine sense of Hills serenity, this outstanding family home presents a rare opportunity to secure a premium property in one of Upper Ferntree Gully’s most sought after settings. ●

A WARBURTON MASTERPIECE WITH VIEWS

THIS newly built exceptional home has been designed with style and sophistication that will appeal to all. Sleek, modern, and meticulously furnished, its simplicity allows the home to be the highlight, with majestic mountain views as a backdrop. Perched high with privacy as a priority, you won’t want to leave.

This home features premium efficiency throughout, boasting a 6.5 star energy rating, double glazed windows and doors, low energy LED lighting, and natural gas hydronic heating. Every inch of the home feels warm, with an additional level of comfort provided by three split systems. The versatile layout includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus study.

Upstairs, the master bedroom features quality carpets, a large walk in robe, and a sumptuous ensuite. The kitchen serves as the centerpiece of the home with ample space, stone benchtops, seamless and extensive cupboards, quality appliances, and a butler’s pantry, a delight for the chef in the family.

The home features hybrid flooring throughout and an open plan living and dining area with high architectural ceilings that add to the bright modern vibe. The expansive, zero maintenance composite decking offers the best seat in the house, overlooking the golf course and spectacular views of Mount Little Joe. Two additional bedrooms and a large family bathroom complete this level.

Downstairs offers a fabulous setup with a double garage spanning around 56m², a storeroom, and a studio/bathroom with its own patio and access to the gardens. This turnkey property presents an opportunity for an executive buyer looking for a grand weekender, an Airbnb for the up and coming bike tracks, or a home with nothing left to do except enjoy. A superb location with easy access to walking tracks, the pristine Yarra river, shops and cafes - not to mention a wander across the road for the morning round of golf. ●

RelaxedCountryLifestyleWithFantasticViews

Situatedonjustover10picturesqueacreswithamixtureofundulatingpastureandscattered bushit’stheidealspotcomeandlivetherelaxedcountrylife.Thehomeissuperbandjustafew yearsoldoffersthegrowingfamilyafantasticsemirurallifestylewithselfsustainableoffgridliving withalternativesolarpower.Beautifullypresentedandoffering3bedroomswithaluxuriousmain bathroomandensuiteinthemainbedroom,thekitchenisstunning,lightandbrightwithquality appliancesandfixturesthroughoutwithamplebenchandcupboardspace.Welcometheoutdoors inwiththemainliving/loungeareasperfectlysituatedtositback,relaxandenjoytheeverchanging YarraValleyvista.Immerseyourselfintheoutdoorswithestablishedgardensandloadsofspacefor thekidsandpetstoexploreandenjoy,afantasticsmallacreagepropertyinabeautifullocation.

ComeHometoSerenityandNatureonover9acres Setonapprox.9.1acres,(3.69ha)thefamilyhomeisthoughtfullypositioned,framedbyopen paddockstothefrontandrear,creatinganexceptionallevelofprivacy.Inside,thehomefeatures amodernkitchenwithgenerousbenchspace,electricoven,andawelldesignedbutler´spantry. Threewell-proportionedbedrooms,allwithbuilt-inrobes,enjoyingpeacefulviewsacrossthe surroundingforestandpaddocks.Alargemodernbathroom,andthebonusofanadditionaltoilet offthelaundryaddspracticalityforfamilyliving.Outdoorlivingisastandout,withthefrontdeck capturingsweepingviewsacrossopenlandandtreetopsperfectforquietmorningsorsunset relaxation.Completingthepropertyisalargepoweredshedofferingamplespaceforvehicles, storage,andrecreationalequipment,alongwithwatertanksandestablishedvegetablegardens.

SpaciousBrickBeautywithRenovatedStyle&VersatileLiving Positionedinaquietcourtonaleafycornerblock,thiselevatedbrickhomeoffersawonderful senseofspacewithlargewindows.Aninvitinghome,combiningcomfort,functionalityandtasteful modernupdates.Renovatedkitchenwithplentyofbenchspaceandstorageoptions,lookingout overthewellfencedgarden,updatedbathroomalsodesignedtocomplementthecharacterand eraofthehome.Downstairsfeaturessecureunderhomeparkingwithadoublegarage,including rollerdoorsandoneremotecontrolledaccessdoorforaddedconvenience.Upstairsoffersthree wellsizedbedroomsandacentralbathroom,whiledownstairsincludesaversatilefourthbedroom thatwouldmakeanidealhomeoffice,studio,orteenager´sretreat.Outsideprovidesasecure spaceforchildrenandpetstoenjoyandsurroundingpeacefulmountainvistas.

Theultimatebroadacreagelifestylepropertyonagrandscalesetonapprox.64sensationalacres. Offeringamultitudeofpossibilitiesandpotentialwitharound25to30acresofpasture,withthe remainderbeingscatteredbushandtrees.Thesubstantialfamilyhomeispresentedtoperfection andwillaccommodatethelargestoffamilies.Consistingof6bedrooms,4withbuiltinrobes,2with walkinrobesand2withensuites-plusamainbathroom.Plentyofspaceforthegrowingfamilywith alargeloungeroom,familyroomandlivingroom.Agreatsizekitchen,wellappointedandwith qualityappliancesandamplebenchspace.Thislargeacreagelifestylepropertyisperfectforthe

FLEXIBILITY PLUS, IN A GREAT LOCATION WITH LARGE STUDIO

WELL positioned in a quiet location, this property offers great flexibility with a large 4 bedroom home and separate large 4 room studio complete with bathroom and 2 bedrooms.

On a sealed road with ample parking onsite and out the front, this home offers wrap around verandahs from which to enjoy the filtered westerly views. The home consists of 4 robed bedrooms including master with ensuite. The central kitchen has ample storage and high quality with blackwood timber cabinetry and granite bench tops. Adjoining the kitchen is a large meals area with separate lounge offering cozy nights next to the wood heater. Comfort is also provided with ducted heating, evaporative cooling and ceiling fans.

Special features include a cat run that has to be seen to be believed, huge under house storage with great head clearance and a lovely flat area to utilise in the back yard.

Out the back, there is an AMAZING studio, with 2 bedrooms, central bathroom and large living area, ideal as a sleepout, or for visitors, or perhaps you just have a large family. Features include beautiful polished floorboards and a verandah with a split system and gas log fire. ●

Thisinvitinghomeoffe sanexceptionaloppo tunityandpotentialfo fi sthomebuye s tosecureapropertyinasought-afterareajustmomentsfromBelgrave.Positioned onagene ous1300sqmusableblockwithaci cula d iveway,thislightfilledhome offe sfloo boa dsth oughoutthegene ousloungea ea,sepa atedining oomandan enclosed ea deck.Outsideyouhaveafullyenclosedya dandampleoff-st eetpa king withadoublega ageaddingfu the p acticality,cate ingfo multiplevehicles.

JanBrewster 0409558805

SETINAQUIETCOMMUNITY

Agreatoptionforthosewantingtosimplifywithoutcompromisingoncomfort,thisover55slight&airyunithasbeendesignedwithpracticalityinmind.Setonamanageable 179sqmallotment,includesBIR’s,acentrallypositionedbathroomwithensuiteeffectto master,openplanliving,kitchenwithS/Sappliances&plentyofstorage,secondtoilet &separatelaundry,GDH,S/S,privatecourtyard,singlegaragewithremoteaccessand directentryintothehome.Visitorparkingandsharedoutdoorareaswithinthecomplex.

MickDolphin 0429684522

ErinDavies 0494175410

OVER4000sqmTOWORK&GROW ***CLOSINGDATEFOROFFERS4pmMonday1stJUNE(unlesssoldprior!)*** Privatelylocated&awayfromneighbours&onlymomentsfromtown,thisbrickveneer, steelframedhomeandaseparatestudioofferstheperfectbalanceofpracticality& comfort.Withqualityupdatescompleted&extraspacebothinside&out,it’sthekind ofpropertythateasilyadaptstomostbuyertype.Featuresinclude,slateflooring,a renovatedkitchen,updatedensuite,zonedGDH,fireplace,solar,2sheds&O/SParking.

0429684522 CaitiEllis 0493136937

LIKEABIGOLDCOUNTRYFARMHOUSE

She’sgotheartandit’srightintheheartoftown!Abigrambling4bedroom“hills”home withoutallthemaintenanceissues.Brickhomesteadwithwrap-aroundverandahsand onconcretestumps.Separatelounge,diningroom,aswellastheopenkitchen/family/ tvarea.Allthebedroomsarehuge,somewithbuilt-inrobes.Centralbathroomandtwo toilets.Asecureyardandampleoutdoorlivingonthistotallyusable741sqmblock.Evena lock-upgarageunderroofline.

GrantSkipsey 0418528102

Burras’ multiple wins

By Alex Wood

It was a beautiful day in Olinda as we took on another tough opponent. A nice day on the netball court and mixed results in footy.

NETBALL:

A Grade:

• FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Olinda: 37 - 39.

• Best: Ally Langdon, Monique Lee and Bianca Daniels.

• Goals: Lara Nathan (11), Bianca Daniels (21) and Ally Langdon (five).

B Grade:

• FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Olinda: 45 - 37.

• Best: Gabby Woods, Tanner McCurdy and Emily Biddle.

• Goals: Tanner McCurdy (21), Cam Holland (19), Emerson Woods (five).

C Grade:

• FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Olinda: 45 - 35.

• Best: Alexandra Woods, Teagan Adams and Layla Ata.

• Goals: Alexandra Woods (16) and Mel Hancock (25) and Tiahn Syme (four).

D Grade:

• FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Olinda: 35 - 25.

• Best: Nicki Cole, Maisy Toy and Nikita Aldridge.

• Goals: Maisy Toy (15), Amarli Weir (10), Tayah Humphrey (10).

U17:

• FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Olinda: 62 - 8.

• Bests: Lili Gentiluomo, Maisy Toy and Kaylee Feim.

• Goals: Miami Rowland (9), Kaylee Feim (14), Arabelle Syme (10) and Maisy Toy (29).

FOOTBALL RESULTS

U18s:

• FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Yarra Glen: 10.16 (76) - 4.6 (30).

• Best: Zane Wunhym, Kai Harrison, Blayden Tamme, Max Crunden, Patrick Crunden and Romanee Martin.

• Goals: Zane Wunhym (one), Reece Irvine (one) Brody Urquhart (one), Max Crunden (one), Mason Poile (one), Romanee Martin (one), Archie Griffiths (one), Ryan Gibson (one), Jedd Mormeneo (one).

Reserves:

• FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Olinda: 10.7 (67) - 12.9 (81).

• Bests: Dale Morris, Zayden Crunden, Harry Rothwell, Kai Harrison, Brody Urquhart, Blayden Tamme.

• Goals: Zane Wunhym (one), James Iacono (one), Brody Urquhart (two), Matt Sidari (two), Harry Rothwell (one), Dale Morris (two), Ben Gray (one).

Women’s:

• FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Olinda 8.11 (59)3.2 (20).

• Bests: Skye Comer, Steph Thomas, Emelia Robin, Madi Ward, Ruby Ross, Shae Bextream.

• Goals: Lilian Pagels (one), Jasmine Enever (two), Jade Mewburn (one), Scarlett Henderson (two), Emerson Woods (one), Shae Bextream (one).

Seniors:

• FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Olinda 6.6 (42) - 17.19 (121).

• Best: Nelson Aldridge, Aiden Westlake, Jack Lee, Max Blunt, Tom Barr, Mitch Gordon.

• Goals: Nelson Aldridge (one), Mikey Read (one), Tom Barr (three), Bailey Humphrey (one).

Another mixed result, one loss in netball and Reserves and Senior also had a loss.

Our Women’s Footy remain undefeated and our C Grade sit on only on one loss. Another tough weekend approaching as we host Officer. See you at the nest.

Brutal best

With several big names out, Wandin still delivered a dominant performance in tough, windswept conditions at Healesville.

The first quarter started out strong for the Bulldogs with two goals off the bat.

But Wandin were kicking themselves as they failed to convert any more goals from the five points scored through the rest of the first term. A strong defensive display though limited Healesville to just a single point.

Come second quarter, and Healesville came out the gates with a point as they tried to establish some control over the match.

But the Bulldogs quickly stamped out any hopes with a point and a goal in reply.

They managed to kick another two goals in the second quarter.

After the big break, both teams no doubt got a rousing from their coaches, with Wandin and Healesville kicking between the big sticks in the third.

Healesville’s Tyler Barclay and Max Donegan were responsible for Healesville’s two goals. Mitch Upton impressed on debut with two goals, while Pat Bruzzese was outstanding through the midfield, well supported by Cayden and Chayce Black.

In the last quarter, Wandin’s team defence was too strong, limiting Healesville to just one goal at the start of the term.

goals.

Mitch Upton impressed on debut with two

(File)

Tom Baker makes a tackle for the Seniors. (Supplied)

A weekend of mixed results and a few ambulances

By Sally Cunningham

In its biggest season yet, Healesville Soccer Club is fielding an incredible 25 teams across all age groups, including three senior men’s teams.

The Healesville Reds (Men’s thirds) ventured out to East Kew, scrambling to make the kick-off and having to start with 10 on the pitch.

The match was an all-important contest of pressure, a knockout round of the Parry Cup with the opposition MDFC, fielding a strong youthful squad, including a bench of four players.

It was on from the whistle, with notable mention of Tristan making his senior debut at just 15 years old.

If he was nervous, it didn’t show as very early in the game, Tristan sent an extremely wellplaced corner into the area, allowing James to head it into the net!

Healesville were up 1-0, and finally with 11 players on the pitch, the game shifted up a gear.

Moments later MDFC replied with a corner converting into a goal in a similar fashion.

Within the first twenty minutes, the game was 1-1, and that is where it stayed.

The Reds played hard in defence to ensure another goal was not conceded.

With Tristan and Declan on the wings, young Max and Andy up front, the team was held together by Grant and Chris B in the middle.

The Reds could have easily been one or two up, but the game went to nail-biting penalties.

Thanks to another intimidating effort from Jonny in goals, the reds won with goals scored by Andy, James, Jonny, (not just a goalie)’ and Chris.

Determination all over the park and a glimpse of the soccer clubs future made for a memorable day.

The Healesville Men’s Premier League Firsts and Reserves ventured to Deepdene in the East to play against Old Camberwell Grammarianswith a 3-0 loss for the firsts, and 1-1 draw for the Reserves - with the addition of a Goal finished by young Harry.

The Healesville Senior women fielded one team for the Gwen Wright Shield game against Knox City SC on Saturday at home in the sunshine.

But excitement spilled over into stress as not one, but two ambulances were called for our players Tess, who took a big and bloody knock to the nose and Paige, with a heavy tackle breaking her wrist as she landed on the grass in a very painful display.

The game had to be abandoned as extended stoppage time dictates and all we can do now is wish Tess and Paige a speedy recovery.

The U14s Girls Red Dragons vs Berwick United resulted in a 0-4 loss.

The girls went into this game knowing it was going to be a tough task against ladder leaders Berwick.

There was some fantastic defending and a number of great goalie saves from Hannah kept the score 0-1 at half time.

Berwick eventually wore Healesville down, putting three more in the back of the net.

There was relief as the final whistle blew, and the girls were completely gassed from giving it their all.

A superb effort from the team.

U13 Boys BSSC Hammerheads vs Healesville Panthers resulted in a 3-1 win.

The Panthers started strongly but were unable to capitalise, with the scores remaining locked at 0–0 at halftime.

It was Ben who finally broke the deadlock early in the second half after earning a free kick just

YVSC u15s through to next stage

The Yarra Valley Soccer Club had two teams advance into the second round of the cup, with the YVSC Seniors toppling the Northern Eagles 4-2 and the u15s beating Berwick on penalties.

Seniors:

Round One of the cup saw Yarra Valley travel to Wattle Glen for a game against the Northern Eagles Football club, a team that’s in the division above the club currently.

With a reinforced midfield and some pace on the wings for this game, the club looked poised to come back stronger after being winless in four games.

The game started strongly with two quick goals in the first twenty minutes to Winjo Williams and Gus Vukman, with the club peppering shots at the keeper and having a third ruled out dubiously.

Going into the second half with a two goal cushion, we looked to strike home our advantage with the club again scoring quickly when Eamonn Kinsella was positioned perfectly to receive a cut back from Gus Vukman.

Northern Eagles quickly scored after this with a 30 yard screamer but Yarra Valley returned their three goal advantage when Eamonn Kinsella scored his second from a stray back pass.

Northern Eagles were able to get one more goal but the Yarra Valley team were strong and repelled all other attacks to advance to round two of the cup, with the final score of 4-2.

U15s:

Yarra Valley Soccer Club U15s progressed to the next stage of the cup after an entertaining and hard-fought 4-4 draw against Berwick, eventually taking the win in a penalty shootout at home.

It was a well contested match throughout, with both sides battling hard in a physical and sometimes scrappy contest. Yarra Valley showed

plenty of resilience, especially after conceding a late equaliser in the dying moments to send the game to penalties.

Fletcher opened the scoring in style with a superb free kick from outside the box after earning what looked a likely penalty opportunity. The strike gave the keeper no chance as it sailed into the top corner. James added two goals for the day, while Archer also found the back of the net in an impressive team attacking display.

The second half also featured several outstanding saves from Leven in goal, helping keep the boys in the contest when Berwick were pressing hard.

In the penalty shootout, Yarra Valley got off to the perfect start by converting their opening two penalties to take early control, before holding their nerve to secure the win and send the boys through to the next round.

A great effort from the whole squad in a match that had plenty of drama right to the final whistle.

outside the box, and he buried the ball in the bottom left-hand corner of the net to give the Panthers a deserved 1–0 lead.

The Hammerheads then went on the attack, creating a quick succession of three goals.

A game of two halves that didn’t go Healesville’s way.

U12s Boys Healesville SC Goats vs Yarra Valley SC resulted in a 1-0 win.

A new week and a challenge for some of our new players up against their old club and friends.

We started with Rory in full back, Chase as sweeper and Tommy in goal, making some big if not unconventional saves.

Nicholas, Oscar and Ethan controlled the middle of the park, shutting down their attacks and providing lots of drive for Fred and Ryan up front, who toiled away. Half-time 0 – 0.

Finally, Eddie scored a breakthrough goal, and as he ran past the bench celebrating, Fred thought he looked a little hot and squirted him with his water bottle.

A win at the whistle and one very relieved coach.

U12s Girls Healesville Diamonds vs Blackburn resulted in a 2-1 win

Blackburn really had momentum in the first half.

They continually put the Healesville defence of Anja, Sam and Esther under pressure and Maddie saved a number of shots on target with Blackburn scoring the first goal of the game leading 1-0 at halftime.

The Diamonds managed to hit the back of the net with 2 goals, by Jess and Lucette.

It was a thrilling game, ending with big smiles from the team, chuffed with the winning result.

U10s Girls: Blackburn SC Snow Leopards 0 v  Healesville SC Dingos 6

The age-old battle of cats vs dogs played out in Healesville’s favour as a determined and goal-hungry team of Dingos battled against the Snow Leopards, on a beautifully warm morning at Mirrabooka Reserve.

A goal from Addison in the first few minutes set the young gun up to threaten throughout the game.

Eleanor and Ayda kept the Blackburn goalie

busy throughout the first half, with young Ayda scoring her first goal in her second match.

With strong support in the back line by Romilly and Shiloh as well as another couple of goals from Addison saw Healesville 4 – 0 at halftime.

The second half saw the mercy rule in play, so a few goals were disallowed, but Addison scored her fourth goal followed by another from Shiloh ending with a 6 - 0 victory.

U9’s boys Millgrove Reserve, Yarra Valley SC 1 – Healesville SC 5

Healesville started strong, pushing from the first whistle of the game and within three minutes James managed to score from his corner kick- the stuff of dreams.

By half-time, Healesville were up 3-0, and the mercy rule had been enacted.

Special mention to Harry, who, after being a rock in defence in the first half, jagged goal in the second.

Tom played his best game ever, nearly scoring from a free.

Will and Luca controlled the ball, Jarli was exceptional again from defence into attack, and Auggie and Axel excelled in goals.

A great game again with a win and superb team spirit.

U8’s Girls, U8’s Boys Rascals & U8’s Puma’s

Another dominant display with all of our U’8’s teams winning their games at home on Saturday. Notable mention of the Rascals winning by more than 10 goals.

Horse Talk

By Anita Prowse

This Saturday we were lucky enough to have the Fifth Pony Club Victoria Mounted Games Clinic at Wesburn Park.

This was the last clinic in Victoria this round, with participants coming from all over the state to practice their skills, from Victorian Squad members, to first timers and those just having a go.

It was a little cold and gloomy to begin with, but it actually turned out to be a nice day.

There was plenty of coffee and cake consumed and smiling faces everywhere.

We are very thankful to have one of these days available to our local kids as we don’t often get them this close to us.

In other news, the Yarra Valley Horse Show was originally scheduled for Sunday 13 December, however with HRCAV’s announcement of using that date for TTT Showing 2026, we have officially changed the date to the week before, Sunday 6 December to allow for a practice beforehand.

Work will begin on the program shortly. Happy Riding everyone!

A very happy group of U/10’s Dingo’s celebrating their win away on Saturday.(Healesville Soccer Club).

Some of the U/8’s rascals celebrating their win with cheers and Lollies. (Healesville Soccer Club).

Excellent team work resulted in some beautifully put together goals by the Yarra Valley Soccer Club. (Supplied)

The u15 boys had a hard fought win against Berwick. (Supplied)

The win takes them to the next stage of the cup. (Supplied)

By Matt Munro and Aden Kerridge

The Fifth Pony Club Victoria Mounted Games Clinic was hosted at Wesburn Park. (Supplied)

Yarra Glen carries on a tradition of inclusivity

By Gabriella Vukman

Yarra Glen Football Club was abuzz with action on Saturday, 16 May, for their tenth annual Pride Cup event.

What started in 2014 as an initiative to celebrate diversity and inclusion has turned into a social movement that is recognised across the nation.

Treasurer at the Yarra Glen Football Club David Ball said it all began when his son Jason Ball became the first Australian Rules football player to openly come out as gay to the national media in 2012.

“The AFL Players Association were running a ‘say no to homophobia’ campaign during the finals, and they spoke to Jason, and he agreed to come out publicly as a gay footballer.”

“He became a part of their campaign, and we had all sorts of media come out to the club during our finals round to focus on the fact that there was a footballer who had come out as gay.”

Deciding to rally around Jason’s campaign, the Yarra Glen Club held their first Pride Cup event, painting the 50 metre arches in rainbow colours.

Later named VIC Young Australian of the Year for his ongoing work as an anti-homophobia campaigner and mental health ambassador in 2017, Jason co-founded the Pride Cup non-profit, an organisation that provides education and resources to sports clubs to promote inclusivity.

Mr Ball said the Pride Cup celebrates diversity and inclusion in sport and promotes the fact that “everyone should feel safe at the footy.”

It wasn’t long before annual Pride Cup jumpers were introduced, and a process for selecting a different opposition team to play each year for the event was finalised.

“We pick a different team to play against every year so that we can help communicate the message of making sure that everyone feels safe and welcome at the footy,” Mr Ball said.

“There were some really alarming statistics about young gay boys committing and attempting to commit suicide, where the rates were six times that of what a straight kid was doing.”

“There is also a real mental health and wellbeing message that we want to get out there with the Pride Cup.”

Since introducing the Pride Cup, the Yarra Glen Football Club won the VicHealth Sport Award for mental health support in 2016, and has been nominated multiple times.

“I am very proud of the Club,” Mr Ball said.

“None of this would have started if Jason didn’t have the support of his teammates and the Club rallying around him.”

Despite becoming an advocate for inclusivity in sports, according to Mr Ball, coming out publicly was still a weighted choice for Jason.

“For a number of years, Jason felt he was hiding his sexuality, and he found it quite exhausting trying to keep secrets from people,” Mr Ball said.

“It was great that when he came out, his teammates and the club supported him, and it was a weight off his shoulders, and it made me feel much more comfortable about having a gay son, knowing that 95 per cent of the people around the club and the community weren’t concerned about whether he was gay or not.”

“I felt a lot more comfortable and supported

Glen and Emerald Football Club donned rainbow-coloured jerseys in the name of inclusivity. (Gabriella Vukman : 554061).

knowing that.”

This year’s event saw a tremendous turnout, with former AFL player Mitch Brown, local MP Aaron Violi, representatives from the Department of Health, and Deputy Mayor Gareth Ward all in attendance.

A shared lunch was served for the room, and attendees heard from an array of speakers before heading outside to watch the Pride Cup match against Emerald.

“The day went well, and the weather was good,” Mr Ball said.

“Mitch Brown was tremendous, and his messaging was great.”

“I think we did a good job of making it all about educating people and getting the message through that it is so important to understand and accept people for who they are so that no one has to hide their true selves.”

As the first AFL player to come out publicly as bisexual, Mitch Brown said Yarra Glen’s Pride Cup was an event he held close to his heart.

“When I played AFL, I was a closeted player. I never voiced who I was and my sexuality,” Mr Brown said.

“To have something so visible with the Pride Cup and for both teams to be wearing those rainbow colours on their jerseys, it says to a possible closeted player, supporter or community member that this is a safe place for them.”

“To have days like this, especially in a grassroots-level football club, means the world and has more impact than anyone will ever know.”

Mr Brown recalls seeing Jason on the news and said the Yarra Glen football player inspired him to openly be himself.

“I remember when I was playing for the West Coast Eagles, I had no quer role models, especially inside the AFL football industry,” Mr Ball said.

“When Jason came out, it made big news, and even though I was on the other side of the country, I felt seen for the first time.”

Some wins against Emerald

By David Ball

In the Netball all the Yarra Glen teams faced Emerald. The A Grade team, playing in the Pride Cup game started slowly and at half time trailed by 6 goals.

The girls really lifted in the third quarter to get control of the game.

They were just 2 goals down going into the last, but found the Emerald girls hard to contain, and ended up down, 32 to 41.

Best players were: Kim Williams, Georgia Crundale, Alana McGuirgan.

B Grade got off to a solid start and were able to outscore Emerald in every quarter to record a 9-goal victory.

They moved the ball well and, with a tight defence, had a good win 49 to 40.

Best players were: Katelyn Vanderkolk, Jasmin Wood, Jacqui Hibberd.

C Grade had a real battle on their hands as they went goal for goal with Emerald from the start to the finish.

Down by 1 at quarter time and 2 at half time, the Yarra girls responded to everything Emerald threw at them.

Locked at 30 all going into the last quarter, the Yarra girls edged in front at the right time to win a thriller by 1 goal, 41 to 40.

Best players were: Ellie Estcourt, Ash Shanks, Abby Page.

D Grade started poorly, failing to convert anything in the first quarter.

They got back into the game in the second scoring 10 goals to match it with Emerald.

After another bad quarter in the third, they showed great spirit in the last to outscore Emerald, eventually going down 23 to 37.

Best players were: Melissa Page, Phoebe Boot, Jasmin Williamson.

“I didn’t know Jason, but the moment it represented and the courage that it took to come out publicly gave me hope that I can maybe one day be proud enough to share who I am inside.”

Mr Ball described being back in Yarra Glen, at Jason’s former club, where it all started, as a “full-circle moment” for him.

Chief Executive Officer of the Pride Cup Organisation Heyley Conway attended the luncheon and was one of the key speakers.

“Our organisation helps similar clubs do what Yarra Glen has done. We take that model and spread it across the country,” Ms Conway said.

“The next steps for us as an organisation are always about how to keep supporting more community sport clubs to be as inclusive as Yarra Glen is.”

The Pride Cup organisation focuses on rural and regional sporting clubs.

“Forty per cent of our Pride Cup clubs are regional community clubs, and that’s the core of who we are,” Ms Conway said.

“Itisnotaboutgoingwhereitiseasyandwhere there are already dozens of LGBTIQ services or organisations, but to go somewhere where there might not be services for people.”

“A lot of our staff live in regional locations, and we put regional communities first because they typically get the least amount of help.”

Ms Conway first heard about the Pride Cup when Jason came out.

“I was living overseas at the time, and I just saw this story about an Australian footy player who had come out publicly and was the first one in history in Australia to do so,” she said.

“I was working in LGBTIQ rights overseas with people from all sorts of countries who were facing challenges sound homosexualirt, so just to see someone like Jason in a sport like footy coming out was such a massive global story.”

So far, there have been 122 Pride Cup events held across the country in 2026 alone, and the organisation is only planning on building on that number.

From grassroots to nationwide change, Yarra Glen Football Club continues to set the standard for inclusivity across the country.

For mor information about the Pride Cup Organisation, visit their website at www.pridecup. org.au/ .

Pride Cup match is back again

By David Ball

It was Pride Cup day at Yarra Glen with the River Pigs taking on Emerald in a battle between two evenly matched combatants.

Kicking with the wind in the first quarter, Yarra Glen finished the quarter just 14 points ahead, with Emerald breaking even in the contests and defending well.

The second quarter saw the River Pigs take control on the scoreboard with their quick ball movement providing clean entries forward, allowing Yarra Glen to add 6 goals into the wind.

Whilst Emerald were more than competitive coming out of defence and through the midfield, their kicking for goal let them down as they kicked 1.8 for the quarter.

Being 40 points up at halftime, the home team had a chance with the wind to put the game out of Emeralds reach.

It was not to be, however, as Yarra Glen mirrored Emerald’s goal kicking to miss a number of set shots, scoring just 0.6 for the quarter.

Emerald changed the momentum with their strong-bodied midfielders taking advantage of a dominant ruckman, and with their goal kicking improving, they added 5 goals for the quarter to reduce the margin to 12 points going into the last quarter.

This momentum and midfield dominance continued, as did Yarra Glen’s set shot woes. With just minutes to go Emerald moved out to a 7-point lead.

The River Pigs responded with a goal to get within 1 point when a time-off call from the umpire wasn’t activated by the timekeepers.

The siren sounded during time off, so the umpires added time, just enough for Yarra Glen to have a shot after time was called, to win or tie the game. With a point resulting, the game was tied at 10.19 each.

Best Players were: Jared McCann, Daniel Reid, Luke DeGoldi, Ben James, Josh Oultram, Jake Oultram

Goalkicker weres: Jared McCann 4, Noah Battle 2, Sam Wood, Travis Cloke, Josh Hawkins and Luke DeGoldi 1 each.

The Yarra Glen Reserves faced a much fitter and more skilled opposition with Emerald putting on a 10-goal-to-nil clinic in the first quarter.

A lift in intensity and effort in the second quarter from the River Pigs limited Emerald’s dominance.

This all fell apart in the second half as the Yarra Glens wore themselves out chasing and were well and truly overrun by a much better team.

Final Scores were: Yarra Glen 4.2 to Emerald 30.13

Best Players were: Josh Tilley, Jobe Hanna, Matt McKenzie, Luke Smith, Michael Evans, Dylan Jarvis

Goalkickers were: Matt McKenzie 2, Luke Smith 2.

The Yarra Glen Under 18’s started against Warburton Millgrove with their first realistic chance of a win for the season.

After an even battle in the first, with the Burras just 7 points up, they remained competitive in contests but couldn’t string possessions together when moving forward.

Their turnovers allowed Warburton, who was just a bit better across the ground.

Final scores were: Yarra Glen 4.8 to Warburton-Millgrove 10.16

Best Players were: Jai DeGraaf, Alex Toscano, Lachlan Rutherford, Alistair Lowrie, John Pavic, Xander Dalton.

Goalkickers were: Alex Toscano, John Pavic, Dylan Shambrook, Hunter Beers.

The Vets started Pride Round, travelling to Wandin on Friday night.

The boys started well and continued to control the game through each quarter.

Four goals up at half time, they dominated the third but failed to convert, kicking 1.7 for the quarter.

Wandin had run out of legs in the last as the River Pigs dominated to add 4.3 to nil in the last.

Best Players were: Matt Holland, Bobby Walker, Chris Capuano, Brad Deed, Richard Gurney, Terry Rattray.

Goalkickers were: Richard Gurney 5, Dayne Downward 2, Booby Walker 2, Matt Holland 1, Brad McKenzie

Yarra

Former AFL player Mitch Brown spoke at the event. (Gabriella Vukman :554061).

Next week the Vets start the round travelling to Olinda on the Friday night. All other teams head to Alexandra in a must win contest.

A goal being scored for the River Pigs. (Gabriella Vukman : 554101).

They are successful in local business... but what do our Tip-Stars know about Footy? Follow them every week and give them the feedback they deserve...

FIXTURES - ROUND

1. What emoji do you use the most?

Laughing Emoji

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

Machete, Matches and a Volleyball (Wilson)

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

Egypt

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

Datsun 200B “The Datto”

5. Where would you like to retire?

Greek Islands

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

Fish Head Soup and it was delicious!

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

Time Travel - I’d go forward and see next week’s footy results.

8. What movie title matches your job role

The Great Dictator

9. Which historical figure would you most like to date, and why?

Cleopatra. She was not only beautiful, was a scholar and spoke 9 languages but most appealing to me- she famously formed a secret drinking club called the “Inimitable Livers.” Dating her would not be without risk however - as none of her lovers or husbands lived long after getting offside with her.

10. What is the craziest thing you believed as a child? That our federal politicians had a solid vision for the future of our country or an actual clue what they were doing.

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

I’d ask my daughter’s rabbit why it hates me so much and attacks only me, every chance it gets. My girls find it hilarious but I’m the one who’s tasked with regularly feeding it and cleaning its hutch...It’s a nightmare!

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