By Callum Ludwig
It’s
growing contingent of players.
Last year, the university partnered with North Geelong Warriors Football Club to explore what playing soccer means for girls aged 11–17, finding that the growth in the game is translating to “meaningful social and mental health benefits for teenage girls.”
By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
A large crowd gathered for Isla Bell’s vigil near Melbourne’s State Library on Saturday 16 May.
Rally-goers were encouraged to wear orange, a colour associated with activism to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
Ms Bell’s mother Justine Spokes took to social media on Thursday to call on the community to hold a peaceful rally in honour of her daughter.
“Isla never got her vigil,” she said in a video posted to Instagram.
“I really want to welcome people into this space with no judgments in their mind.
“It’s not about thoughts. It’s just about arriving in that space with an open heart.”
Ms Spokes urged people to remain peaceful, saying she had spent the past few years being angry and rallying.
“I’m tired - I’m so tired,” she said in the video.
“And that anger, I know it catalyses change, but underneath all that anger is just so much sadness and grief.”
Read more on page 3
In line with Female Football Week, the Star Mail reached out to local soccer clubs to ask what their players enjoy about playing soccer and whether they feel those benefits themselves, and a number of Monbulk players have spoken of the satisfaction in playing on a soccer team and the connection it provides.
U16s player Maebh said she has played for five years and most enjoys seeing friends, improving each game, the competition and the satisfaction of scoring or playing well.
“It makes me feel like I’m part of the community,” she said.
“It’s a very fun sport and everyone is very welcoming to beginners, it’s a good hobby because it’s enjoyable and also improves your fitness at the same time.”
RMIT’s research found that wellbeing outcomes were consistent across different levels of competition, with quality of the environment, including through relationships with coaches and teammates, the greatest indicator of a positive experience.
Some 15-17-year-old girls who have stepped up to the Senior side also shared their experiences.
“I would 100 per cent encourage any girl, at any age, to go to their local club and give it a go, there are so many friendships and skills to take away from playing a team sport, and you’re never too young or too old to put yourself out there and learn,” one player said.
Read more on page 32
By Callum Ludwig
Knox City Council has undergone a review of its Amenity Local Law, with a new draft approved for consultation at the Monday 11 May council meeting.
A total of eight issues were identified from the 2020-adopted law regarding private land, animal management, environmental concerns, council assets and compliance, enforcement, and infringements of the local law.
At first, a drafting issue regarding a section on open-air burning was recommended as it could have been interpreted as allowing certain open fires on declared Total Fire Ban or Smog Alert days, where no fires are permitted.
Dinsdale ward councillor Robert Williams said a lot of homework has gone into the review.
“We’ve reached some 2644 people through our campaign on social media, and it’s also gone out to 10,000-plus subscribers,” he said.
“Noting that 660 people viewed the online survey, and understanding that this has been consulted both with councillors and also the community around a lot of policies, including the CFA, as noted in regards to the open air burning.
“It’s a job well done, there’s a lot of homework and a lot of resources gone into amending this to make sure we’ve got an up-to-date and current policy that meets the guidelines and I fully support the officers’ amended recommendation.”
Under the reviewed law, there will be a provision for property manager to be liable for rental property and for ‘Unsightly property’ to be redefined, making it clear and understandable for the community and eliminating ambiguity, such as using the word “excessive” when describing vegetation growth as an example.
Sticking with private land, the municipality will be divided into two areas, private land located within the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) and private land located outside the BMO, for Open Air Burning permits. The former will be allowed to burn without a permit (subject to conditions) while those outside the BMO can only burn with a permit. Cultural burning will also be added in.
Tirhatuan ward councillor Glen Atwell said that local law does a lot of heavy lifting and the changes are significant for a couple of reasons.
“Most councillors get phone calls from residents from time to time about matters that deal with the local law, so it’s a particularly important piece of work for us,” he said.
“I think the election signage one is a good one and it was good to see that the overwhelming majority of the respondents to our survey supported managing election signage with a priority of keeping public spaces safe and tidy, so the changes that this proposes will bring Knox into line with every other council in the state.
“Animal management, open-air burning and
some stuff around how we manage dilapidated properties are all important work and I think will hold us in good stead if we get to the other side of the public notice period and eventually get this into place.”
In regards to animal management, proposals have been put forward to amend the land area for excess animal permits to include all land and not land less than or equal to 4,000 square meters, add a new clause a person may have an assistance dog or assistance animal on land and to regulate fencing of animals (specifically dogs) on private land to combat issues with dogs escaping their properties and attacking people and other animals.
Knox City Council mayor and Chandler ward councillor Paige Kennett said the consultation, both internally and externally (which also included community pop-ups and Zoom meeting), was very thorough.
“Most importantly, when I’ve spoken with residents, I’ve heard about the importance of man-
aging graffiti and unsightly lands, so I’m particularly happy to see that the Amenity Local Law is strengthening those particular clauses,” she said.
“That part of the community consultation did return at an important point, which is included in the report, and it does say, overall, the findings indicate a community seeking a balanced approach that protects the amenity and safety without imposing unnecessary or inequitable regulatory burdens, which I think is where we’ve landed.
“I think strengthening these provisions is going to be really helpful for officers to be able to manage those issues, but also so residents can feel that there’s some resolution to their complaint.”
The council has also:
Proposed new clauses regulating behaviour on Council land and access to Council buildings, expanding on specific behavioural issues that might impact the safety of the community and council staff on council land.
Revoke a clause regarding election signage,
which is to be treated like any other signage, so there are no pre-approved sites and all signs will require a permit.
Propose a new clause to regulate construction during certain times to reduce ‘construction nuisance’.
Propose to add a new clause to enforce against the owner of a vehicle due to the difficulty for council officers in ascertaining who committed an offence when a vehicle is involved.
Propose to add a new clause that will comply with the right to due process, which allows an offender an opportunity to ask for a review of any legal notice.
Propose to differentiate between a natural person and a corporation regarding penalties.
Amend the value of a penalty unit in alignment with the new Local Government Act 2020, which is a key reason why there is a reduction in penalty units, as the standard penalty unit is around double the previous amount under the current Local Law.
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, including 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.
By Tara Cosoleto,
Dozens of people have rallied to remember a 19-year-old woman whose body was found in a rubbish dump, amid calls for the government to intervene after charges were dropped against her alleged killer.
Isla Bell’s body was located at a Dandenong tip in Melbourne’s southeast in November 2024, six weeks after she was reported missing by her family.
Police originally charged Marat Ganiev, 55, with her murder, claiming he killed the teen in the early hours of 7 October 2024, before hiding her body in a fridge.
The charge was downgraded to manslaughter as the case entered the Victorian Supreme Court, but prosecutors withdrew that offence on Tuesday 12 May, citing insufficient evidence.
Ganiev has instead been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, with a new trial date yet to be set.
A large crowd gathered for Ms Bell’s vigil near Melbourne’s State Library on Saturday.
Victorian Greens MP Anasina Gray-Barberio
said the community was calling on state Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny to intervene in the case.
“Absolutely heartbreaking, the sorrow and grief that these families continue to bear at the hands of a legal system that refuses to centre the experiences of victims and survivors and their families,” she said in a social media post after the rally.
The Victorian government must reform the broken legal system that does not protect women and children, she said.
“Enough is enough,” she said.
Ms Bell’s mother Justine Spokes took to social media on Thursday to call on the community to hold a peaceful rally in honour of her daughter.
“Isla never got her vigil,” she said in a video posted to Instagram.
“I really want to welcome people into this space with no judgments in their mind.
“It’s not about thoughts. It’s just about arriving in that space with an open heart.”
Rally-goers were encouraged to wear orange, a colour associated with activism to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
Ms Spokes urged people to remain peaceful, saying she had spent the past few years being angry and rallying.
“I’m tired - I’m so tired,” she said in the video.
“And that anger, I know it catalyses change, but underneath all that anger is just so much sadness and grief.”
A second man charged in relation to Ms Bell’s death had his case discontinued on Tuesday.
Eyal Yaffe, 59, was originally accused of assisting an offender and attempting to pervert the course of justice, but prosecutors withdrew the two charges and he walked free from court.
Residents are invited to meet with local police at the upcoming Knox Police Service Area Neighbourhood Policing Forum next month.
Hosted by Victoria Police, the forum will be held at the Knox City Council Civic Centre in Wantirna South on Thursday 11 June, from 3pm to 6pm. Bringing together community members and a panel of local police to discuss issues affecting the Knox area, with questions welcomed from the audience throughout the afternoon.
Topics set to be explored include current crime trends, crime prevention strategies, family violence, issues involving young people, drug and drug-related crime, and road policing.
Attendees are required to register online before the event and present their ticket on arrival. Doors open at 2.45pm for a 3pm start, with refreshments to be provided.
The forum will be held at the Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South. Head to eventbrite and search “Knox PSA Neighbourhood Policing Forum” to find the booking online.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact: KNOX-PSAMANAGER-OIC@police.vic.gov.au
Increased danger to delivery drivers
Yarra Ranges Council are seeing an increase in reports of delivery drivers encountering unsafe situations involving pets.
If this continues, Yarra Ranges have said that delivery partners may choose to suspend delivering to private addresses due to safety concerns.
Dogs are naturally protective of their homes, so a postie, delivery driver or visitor arriving can easily be seen as a threat. Because deliveries don’t always happen on a schedule, everyday containment is a simple way to help keep everyone safe.
When you’re expecting a delivery (Uber Eats, parcels, groceries and more), take a moment to make sure your pet is safely secured. What might feel like a friendly greeting to your dog can be intimidating — or even unsafe — for someone just trying to do their job.
A secure fence, latched gate, or designated area in your yard means your dog can relax — and so can you — even when you’re not home. It’s also an important part of being a responsible owner, with penalties possible if a dog rushes or injures someone.
Community meeting this Thursday
A community forum for locals who are feeling uncertain about what lies ahead is approaching this Thursday in Belgrave called Our Hills, Our Future. The forum is placed for open talk on the challenges ahead and the practical ways the community can support each other through them.
Guest speakers listed include Federal Casey Member Aaron Violi, State Member for Monbulk Daniela de Martino, Elliot Bell, Paul Rogers, Craig Mulan, Belinda Young, Jermony Angerson and Owen Watson.
The forum will be at Inspiro Belgrave on Thursday 21 May, from 6pm to 9pm.
Attendance is free. Head to the Mums of the Hills website at https://www.mumsofthehills.com. au/ for more information.
Under the old oak trees at Glen Park Community Centre, which have stood against the test of time, a gathering of people came together to commemorate and reflect for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
As the golden light of the afternoon filtered through the dense foliage of the oaks on Wednesday 13 May, chief executive officer Heidi Butler-Moore acknowledged the emotional and challenging reason for coming together.
The second annual purple ribbon event held by the community centre, Ms Butler-Moore said, was “a symbol of our support” for members of the centre and the broader community who have experienced violence either directly or indirectly.
“By putting these ribbons on the trees, we’re bringing it out into the light. We’re saying that in this community, we see you, we believe you, and you don’t have to carry this alone,” she said.
Ms Butler-Moore said the statistics of family and domestic violence were staggering to say the least, especially the growing use of coercive control and manipulation of people in the LGBTQIA+ community.
“The harm ripples out to everyone. It hits the kids living in those homes, the pets that are caught in the middle and the friends and family who are constantly worried sick,” she said.
She also drew attention to the impact of violent homes on young people and their mental health, risk of homelessness or using violence themselves later in life, as well as the rate of sexual abuse against women aged 18 to 24. Each ribbon tied to the branches of the oak
trees was a recognition of those lives impacted by domestic and family violence, and all forms of abuse.
“We tie these ribbons for the people who can’t be here today, those who have already lost their lives and those who are still trapped in the silence.
“They aren’t just statistics. They were our neighbours, our colleagues and our mates. That’s why we’re turning this tree purple to show that our community is a place where that silence ends.”
Calling on men, both those present and in the community, to be “role models who know
that real strength is about kindness, respect and trust”, Ms Butler-Moore said, “we need you to stand up for our community, our women, our children”.
As attendees found a branch to tie their ribbons, there was both a sense of reflection rippling through and a sense of camaraderie, of help, and of understanding.
After the formalities, guests enjoyed afternoon tea supplied by the social enterprise program Hungry 4 Success Catering.
A raffle was drawn, awarding five prizes to those who purchased a ticket. All the funds raised through the raffle and donations were
being collected and directed to Safe Steps. And to finish off the afternoon, community garden volunteer Aenea demonstrated plant propagation.
Any person who is worried about their safety or the safety of someone else can contact Safe Steps at any time by calling 1800 015 188 (24/7), emailing safesteps@safesteps.org. au (24/7), or through live chat at safesteps.org. au/live-chat (24/7). Safe Steps provides immediate, confidential support and can connect people with the right resources, including multilingual support.
By Tanya Steele
Blossoming into a community space in just a few short months, it’s May and the volunteers at Foothills Community Care are busy as always.
The hub, tucked away in Upwey officially opened on 10 April and after over 24 years of moving from space to space, CEO and Founder of Foothills, Stephen Barrington said it was a long time coming.
“We’ve been open since February, but the official opening was last month, it’s been absolutely fantastic,” said Mr Barrington.
On a regular Thursday morning, a troupe of people are in full swing preparing meals and the space is alive with smiles and chatter.
Outgrowing the space they had, Mr Barrington said that the move to the hub in Upwey took a lot of planning.
“We really wanted a place that we could be at all the time and this place ticked lots of boxes,” he said.
“The location is amazing, right in the heart of Upwey and close to public transport.”
Troupes of volunteers rotate through the new space all week, running the op shop, serving up hot coffee and preparing and delivering meals. There is also a Mum’s Connection Space running on Fridays from 10am to 2pm.
Other community groups are also joining in the fun, with Foothills and Belgrave Rotary hosting the first of a three part monthly winter Bingo night at the hub on Friday 1 May, with funds raised going back into community supports.
“The bingo is also about providing a fun night in the local community for people to come along have a cheap, good, hearty dinner and have a fun night together.” Mr Barrington.
Junior sports teams have also got on board, with Upwey-Tecoma Junior Football and Belgrave Junior Football Clubs coming in to volunteer on a Monday night and local Scouts and Guide groups have also popped into lend a hand and Mr Barrington said they have had lots of community and community groups getting involved.
“They really want to look outside their sphere as well, do food collections for us and get the young people involved and it’s predominantly, like 10 to 14 year olds coming in,” Mr Barrington
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 participation,” Cr Spears said.
Public Libraries Victoria has highlighted that library services across the state continue to experience 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.”
foothills of Knox and up into the Dandenong Ranges.
Mr Barrington said he hopes to use the space more and more, planning to expand their catering options and use parts of the building for community meetings.
“We want to utilise the space for groups, to be able to come in and use it for meetings, for dinners and all that, so that’s really exciting,” he said.
“We’re not just a charity offering handouts, but it’s offering a place where people can contribute and belong.”
“True community happens when we all pitch in together and support each other.”
said.
Foothills is a grassroots not-for-profit Christian organisation that began in 2002, connecting and helping people in their communities across
Foothills Community Care Hub is open Monday to Saturday and offers a range of services to those in need and is located at 62-64 Main Street, Upwey 3158 - enter from the rear carpark.
Selby Family Clinic is grateful to have received a grant of $28,443 from the AusNet Energy Resilience Community Fund to install a solar battery back up power solution at the clinic. This important upgrade will allow for near instant restoration of power throughout the clinic during outages, protecting essential services including the vaccine fridge, phone lines and computer systems. Most importantly, it means the clinic can continue caring for our community during blackouts, particularly when severe weather events disrupt life for all of us living in the Hills.
After serving the Hills community for 31 years, the team at SelbyFamilyClinicunderstandsthechallengesthatcomewith storms and power outages in the area. The clinic welcomes the opportunity to continue providing reliable support when it is needed most, ensuring local families can still access essential healthcare services during times of disruption.
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 one-onone 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.
“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.
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By Callum Ludwig
Residents were invited to a walk and talk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park on Saturday 16 May, to see how the area has recovered from the June 2021 event, as well as explore a new potential threat.
The walk was led by the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), local filmmaker Lewi Haskins and local ecologist Alex Maisey.
There has been growing concern among nature conservation groups that fire management practices were causing more harm than good in forested areas and national parks, whether through slashing, mulching or planned burning.
VNPA parks and nature campaigner Jordan Crook said they wanted to explain to local people, not just people who live in the Dandenongs, but to all Victorians and Australians, what’s happening to their national park.
“There’s long-term impacts that this is going to have on the wildlife that live there, the production of water and the storage of carbon that the park gives to the public,” he said.
“We’re trying to show the public that in the long-term, we’re creating more problems here than we’re actually fixing by using this very heavy-handed approach.
“Even (if) folks who don’t agree, once they get out there and see the damage that’s being done, it changes quite a lot of minds.”
In a recent submission for the inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, the VNPA supported fuel management practices, such as slashing closer to assets, for fire reduction efforts, as opposed to large-scale mitigation methods on crown land, such as national parks. The submission cited works from a variety of academics in Australia and overseas.
Mr Crook said the campaign has been going on for five years to try and get better results, but also show folks that it’s happening across other parts of the state.
“The issues conservationists have had are not with the clearing of the fire tracks and the walking tracks that was all done in 2021, this is extra work on top of that, going deep within bushland areas to remove logs to sell them, to give them away as firewood,” he said.
“While they do that they’re taking away important habitat, important carbon storage and essentially burning it either by firewood or mounding it up and burning it, so there’s a big climate impact as well as impacts on threatened species.
“We reckon there’s better ways of going about it that have been seen across other parts of the world…we’re doing a lot of damage to the park with big, large, heavy machines rolling around on their roots, creating future hazards and then the removal of native vegetation and logs, which is
essentially removing habitat.”
Over 100 people gathered at the Olinda Falls Picnic ground on Saturday 2 September 2023 to oppose ‘log extraction’ in the park when Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) was set to clear large debris up to 40 metres off roadsides near the Silvan dam and Bartlett Track.
Following the completion of the works in June 2023, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) chief fire officer Chris Hardman said the action allowed them to resume planned burning at the sites in the future, limit ground disturbance within the park and protect environmental values.
“This work will enable safe firefighter access and egress in these areas whilst conducting planned burns or responding to bushfires in the area, and ensure that DEECA can fulfil its obligation to manage bushfire risk in the storm-impacted areas of the Dandenong Ranges National Park,” he said.
Mr Haskins recently accompanied Mr Crook into the Dandenong Ranges National Park to film
some of the impacts of the works, following up on a documentary called Forest Country, which he premiered at Cameo Cinema in August last year.
“We also packed out Cinema One, 320 people filled a cinema to come and not only experience the Dandenongs on a big screen, but also to digest some of the information in a more palatable and emotional way,” he said.
“I’m actually presenting the film in the Victorian Parliament now through conservation organisations and it seems that this way of curating information and adding it to the visuals, especially here where people are so passionate and love the forest, has been a really productive method of raising awareness.
“I’ve always been really into nature, and some of what I have found out over the past couple of years has really shocked me… and just through becoming informed on these things, not only am I more aware now of the consequences to biodiversity and the places that I love, but actually a really big part of this is community safety.”
In April 2024, the Warburton Environment Group was among a number of environmental groups to peacefully protest fire reduction efforts in the Yarra Ranges National Park which they said targeted hollow-bearing trees. FFMVic said at the time they worked within existing fuel breaks, treating trees that are structurally compromised and are a threat to firefighter safety and clearing encroaching vegetation. Tensions ramped up a month later when an endangered greater glider was found dead at the site of FFMVic works.
In December 2025, Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) sought federal approval for its forest fire management works, with a strategic assessment underway.
DEECA anticipates that if the strategic assessment is agreed to, it will ‘streamline approvals for bushfire management activities, give the community more clarity about how DEECA manages impacts on MNES (Matters of National Environmental Significance) and support the delivery of timely planned bushfire management activities.’
Melbourne Water, in partnership with the Australian Government, University of Melbourne, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Yarra Ranges Council and South East Water, is rolling out a first-of-its-kind ‘smart water’ project in Melbourne’s outer east to help to reverse the critical decline of platypus by actively managing stormwater and flows in Monbulk Creek.
With $4 million from the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, plus Victorian Government support, Melbourne Water are installing a network of connected rainwater tanks across suburban backyards and public reserves along Monbulk Creek.
Sensors in the creek, tanks and adjacent urban lakes relay real-time water level data to inform remotely operated water releases.
Tanks and lakes release stored water to maintain minimum creek flows during dry periods.
Ahead of heavy rain, tanks empty to capture incoming stormwater runoff from rooftops, slowing peak flows in the creek, reducing bank erosion and lowering local flood risk in the catchment.
“This real-time, adaptive approach means we can fine-tune creek flows for platypus all year round,” said Rhys Coleman, Melbourne Water Manager of Waterways & Wetlands Research.
“It’s an exciting demonstration of how cut-
ting-edge technology can deliver healthier waterways and empower local households to play a greater role as custodians of their creek.”
The platypus is a unique and iconic mammal that occupies many of our local waterways, in-
cluding near the city of Melbourne. Still impacts such as habitat loss and fragmentation, urban stormwater and climate change have pushed their numbers to vulnerable levels across Victoria. Monbulk Creek hosts the last platypus pop-
ulations in the Dandenong Creek catchment in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Without intervention, low summer flows reduce food availability and sudden high flows in wet weather during spring-summer threaten young in their burrows.
The project is currently in stage two, where new pipes are being installed at key points along Monbulk Creek at Belgrave Lake. Eventually, these pipes will connect to the new ‘smart’ tanks.
Participating households receive a tank at no cost, along with hands-on guidance on harnessing rainwater for household use (e.g. toilet flushing), which helps reduce mains consumption and bills.
“Through this partnership, we’re not only giving platypus a fighting chance, but also forging stronger connections between communities and their local waterways,” said Mr Coleman. This work forms part of the statewide Platy Patch project, jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, the Victorian Government, and Melbourne Water, under the guidance of the Arthur Rylah Institute.
The Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network is delivered in collaboration with Melbourne Water, the University of Melbourne, Yarra Ranges Council and South East Water, and is supported through a partnership with the Australian Research Council.
Boronia Station shut down operations from Friday
8 May, until spring later this year, as the planned upgrades continue, with shuttle buses set to run between Bayswater, Boronia and Ferntree Gully stations to connect passengers.
Major works on the Boronia Station Upgrade are well underway, with the project set to improve accessibility across the precinct and deliver a new landscaped community plaza.
During this time, trains will not stop at Boronia Station, with shuttle buses operating between Bayswater, Boronia and Ferntree Gully stations to connect passengers to train services.
Some bus stops in the Boronia Station bus interchange will be relocated to the station car park north of Chandler Road, which will remain closed until later this year. Passenger parking is available at Erica Avenue, Chandler Road and in the multideck car park.
Crews have cleared the area for the new plaza, which will connect the station forecourt on Lupton Way with Dorset Road, and are continuing to install retaining walls and undertake drainage works, with Lupton Way temporarily closed to enable these works.
Works are also underway on the foundations of the new ticket office and protective services officer building, including installing steel for the walls and roofs.
When completed in spring, the modern new station forecourt will feature a striking canopy inspired by flora from the nearby Dandenong Ranges, and an expanded concourse to improve con-
nections over the rail line.
A new pocket park near the Boronia Junction Shopping Centre will include garden beds, trees, seating and a nature play area, creating a welcoming green space for the community.
Theupgradewillalsoaddmoregreeneryacross the precinct, with more than 50 new trees and about 3000 plants and shrubs to be planted across the station area, Boronia Station Reserve and the new plaza between Dorset Road and the station.
Accessibility will also be improved with an updated pick-up and drop-off zone on Lupton Way, upgraded footpaths to both station entrances, and more bike hoops and better connections for cyclists.
For more information and to plan your journey, head to Transport Victoria’s website.
City of Knox residents are being encouraged to donate blood and plasma as part of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s annual Local Government blood drive.
The blood drive, which runs from April 1 –June 30 will see local government staff and community members donate over three months, making a life-changing difference to patients.
Mayor of Knox City Council Paige Kennett’s reason to donate is a personal one.
“My Dad had an autoimmune disorder and needed plasma transfusions every four weeks for many years. When Dad passed away, I decided to start donating and made my first plasma donation on the 6-month anniversary of his passing,” she said.
“Now, it’s just something I do to give back to the community, and I’ve donated 45 times so far.
“Give it a go - it’s a pure act of kindness. You don’t know where it’s going but you know it’s going to help someone.”
The local government blood drive comes as Victoria heads into the colder months when many donors need to cancel or reschedule appointments due to colds and flu.
Lifeblood spokesperson Gen Dobson said local government organisations always come together to show they are the heart of our community.
“We know Knox City Council staff care in-
The hills got a special treat last week as the Olinda Probus Club welcomed special guest speakers to honour the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels of Kokoda.
The Probus Club of Olinda was specially honoured with a visit from Soccer and Robyn Kienzle, from Cairns, on Wednesday 13 May, Soccer, or Soc as he is known, is the youngest son of the famous Bert Kienzle CBE, who was responsible for organising all the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels during the battles of Kokoda and Isurava during World War II.
Soc’s wife, Robyn, has written the book, “The Architect of Kokoda”, about the life of Bert Kienzle and the enormous amount of work that he did, not only during the war, but in the postwar period in helping to develop Papua New Guinea and prepare it for nationhood.
Soc and Robyn presented a wonderful talk about the history of Kokoda and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels to Olinda Probus Club members and invited guests from local RSLs, as well as descendants of soldiers who fought along the Kokoda trail areas.
These soldiers helped to protect Australia from an impending Japanese invasion during World War II.
The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were men from tribes all over Papua, the southern part of New Guinea, which was, at the time, under Australian administration, and Bert and his brother Wallace owned and ran a rubber plantation at Kokoda.
An essential part of the evacuation process for wounded soldiers, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were honoured for their bravery and service to the Australian military here in the Yarra Ranges.
There is a memorial cairn at the top of the 1000 Steps, the Kokoda memorial, that begins in the Ferntree Gully National Park and ends in the One Tree Hill picnic ground.
David Webb, a former President of Olinda Probus Club, is one of the Kokoda Trail soldiers’ descendants and present for the talk; his father was active during the Kokoda campaign, and he keeps in touch with many of the diggers’ kids.
The special historical talk came about through Soc and Robyn’s connection with Helen Holliday, Foundation President and current Secretary at the Olinda Probus Club.
Helen is Soc’s first cousin, so Soc’s mother was Helen’s aunt, Meryl Kienzle.
Released in August 2017, The Architect of Kokodabookhaspersonalinsight,asRobynnot only had access to all of Bert Kienzle’s private papers, but also knew Bert and Meryl Kienzle very well, as well as Bert’s brother Wallace and his wife Ailsa (who was also Meryl’s sister).
Bert’s adored wife was, in the late 1920s, an aspiring young singer, studying in Melbourne with no less a superstar than Dame Nellie Melba.
When the Great Depression hit Australia, Meryl returned to the family in Sydney and took up nursing, which is where she met Bert Kienzle when he was down in Sydney on leave from Kokoda.
The family story was that they met on a blind date, and he wouldn’t let her out of the taxi on the way home unless she accepted his proposal of marriage.
Soc himself is one of the youngest people to have walked the infamous Kokoda Trail, from Port Moresby to Kokoda, over treacherous mountains and rivers and lots of mud, at the age of 13, and he’s still the fastest, in 33 hours. He also ran, for several years, a trekking company to lead people along the Kokoda Trail.
Having been brought up at Kokoda, he speaks Motu, the local language, and, of course, knows the descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.
Soc said he has lost count of how many times he’s actually walked the trail. For most people, once is a major event in their life.
See story, page 13
credibly about their community and we hope they will save even more lives this year through donation. Every drop counts and all it takes is an hour of time,” she said.
“With one in three people needing blood in their lifetime, you never know when it might be a family member, a neighbour or someone from your community who needs it.”
A blood donation appointment takes about an hour, with the donation itself only lasting up to 10 minutes. Donating plasma is like donating blood but takes a little longer, with donors encouraged to set aside 90 minutes for their appointment.
Cancer patients are the most frequent recipients of blood products, but donations also go to women giving birth, people with blood disorders or autoimmune conditions, trauma victims and many more.
“Whether you work for a local government organisation, volunteer for one, or live within a local government area, there are three Australians out there that will benefit from your blood donation,” Ms Dobson said.
The demand for blood products is increasing as the population continues to grow. Every week, Lifeblood needs 33,000 blood donations to meet patient needs. To make an appointment to give blood call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com. au or download the Lifeblood app.
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.”
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.
By Tanya Steele
Taking a morning to step back in time, locals gathered with a special duo visiting from Cairns on Thursday 14 May.
Direct descendant and youngest son of Bert Kienzle, Soccer and his wife and author Robyn Kienzle, made a special visit to both the Kokoda Memorial Walk or 1000 Steps and the One Tree Hill Picnic ground.
Members of the Olinda Probus, representatives from the Battalion Associations across Victoria and Australia, some who are direct descendants of Kokoda Trail soldiers, and Member for Monbulk Daniela de Martino, met with the duo last week, talking candidly about the intense history of the Kokoda Trail.
Discussing a lived history from Soccer or Soc as he is known, the group visited the World War II memorial that commemorates the Battalions involved in the Kokoda campaign.
Soc and his partner had never been to the sites before and said the cairns were in good condition compared to the originals, which have been painted white.
“They should be natural river stone,” said Soc. Representative for the eastern states of the 2/16th Battalion Association and a former President of Olinda Probus Club and one of the direct descendants of the Kokoda campaign, David Webb, said meeting Soc was critical to the history of the Kokoda Trail in the Dandenong Ranges.
The 2/16th Battalion Association operate a special service at the Kokoda Memorial Walkway (1000 Steps) every year for Anzac Day. Attendees this year included 415 students from four secondary schools and nine primary schools, 46 principals and teachers.
Wandering the displays both at the base of the trail and the cairns at One Tree Hill, Soc chatted with the group at length, offering a personal and unique link to the history of the trail, which he has trekked so many times.
“I was shown a lot by the Fuzzy Wuzzys,” he said.
Soc’s father, Bert Kienzle, arrived in the Australian-administered Papua in about 1927, and he established a rubber plantation and worked as a mine manager in the Yodda Valley near Kokoda.
During the Second World War, his organisational skills helped the Australians defeat the Japanese. Robyn Kienzle has also written a book, The Architect of Kokoda: Bert Kienzle – The Man Who Made the Kokoda Trail, on the life and legacy of Soc’s father.
The Probus Club of Olinda was very honoured by the visit from Soccer and Robyn Kienzle, and the group went to lunch after the tour of the site.
By Tanya Steele
Continuing his work of telling untold stories of migrants across Australia, a local author and entrepreneur will launch the first volume in a book launch at the MCG, along with an inaugural awards event in early June.
Celebrating in style, the black-tie gala will celebrate the official release of Migrants LifeVolume 1: Tales of Global Belonging, by Yarra Ranges resident author Divesh Sareen and also award the first round of winners for the 2026 Migrant Life Awards.
Mr Sareen said so far, the project of collating and writing the book has been one of the hardest he’s undertaken, reaching out across Australia to find people who both support and inspire other migrants.
“I would spend nearly 10 hours with each person,” he said.
In the book, the interviews focused on the challenges of moving into another culture, what life is like in Australia, and what lessons they could share with others.
Living in the hills for over a decade now, Mr Sareen came to Australia 18 years ago and has already authored a two-volume memoir, The Indian Mate: A Journey from Namaste to Howrya.
The entrepreneur, author, and technology professional is the founder of After The Why, Migrants Life and The Leader Speaks, which are online platforms dedicated to using technology, fostering personal growth, advancing leader-
ship, and empowering migrants.
Mr Sareen decided to begin writing his latest book as a personal challenge, wanting to help
other migrants tell their stories.
“I learned a lot out of this,” he said.
Mr Sareen’s event will also host some special
guests like former Australian cricketer Simon Katich and international author Saroo Brierley, whose life story inspired the Academy Awardnominated film Lion.
I saw Saroo’s movie eight years ago, I was so inspired, and I never thought I would share the stage with him ‘ said Mr Sareen.
Along with the planned dinner, the launch will have panel discussions, performances, networking and celebration.
The event will also host the first-ever Migrants Live Awards, designed to recognise people who have embraced Australia and made significant contributions to community life.
The awards will recognise individuals nominated whose journeys reflect courage, resilience, and meaningful contribution to society, and categories include Person of the Year?, Rising Leader, Community Impact, Bridge Builder (open to both migrants and nonmigrants building cultural connections)?and Lifetime Legacy.
More than 60 nominations have been received from across Australia, with finalists to be selected by an independent judging panel.
Launching at Melbourne Cricket Ground on 6 June, Mr Sareen’s book brings together 14 deeply personal stories from individuals who left their home countries to build new lives in Australia, and he said the project was deeply personal.
“This book is about making sure those stories are remembered,” he said.
By Claudia Mather
It can be difficult for local, independent musicians to find a comfortable, accommodating venue to perform in, but Hills locals, Sorcha and LiliViolet, have challenged the status quo with their free event series, The Moving Mic.
The Moving Mic is a series of eco-friendly, outdoor ‘van gigs’ organised by Platform Event Management, a local female-run event management project that focuses on empowering independent artists by providing a platform to share their art.
Platform has had two successful Moving Mic gigs up to now and is hosting its final event of the series in Emerald, at the Puffing Billy Place Reserve on Saturday 23 May.
“The Moving Mic series was developed to encourage local communities in the South-East to support independent artists, in a really accommodating, inclusive and convenient way,” Sorcha said.
It is an accessible, all-ages event that is set to run from 12pm to 3pm and will showcase a lineup of six different local acts, including Caisha Sprout, Kat Greta, Samantha Sharpe, Guntaas Oberoi and Alice Isabella.
“We’ve been really fortunate that Cardinia Shire have been so supportive, in particular,” said Sorcha.
Highlighting that the council’s support has enabled them to create the atmosphere they wanted, anywhere the van could take them.
Through their own experiences as independent creatives living in the South-East, the girls wanted to create a community where femmefronting artists felt like they could be themselves and stage their talent.
“The series started in June of 2025, and the idea came from when I was wanting to put on a single launch for my own personal music project in 2024,” Sorcha said.
“There weren’t very many venues that accommodated to my needs in the South-East.”
Sorcha and Lili established that these shows were a great way to host meaningful, accessible and authentic concerts while still staying local.
The Moving Mic is an outdoor picnic-style event, inviting attendees to bring their own chairs, food and drinks. Sorcha’s Renault van, also known as Reggie, will be uniquely curated into the stage and is sustainably solar-powered.
Running this series has allowed Sorcha and Lili to draw a focus on what typical music venues, at times, cannot provide.
“One of the main reasons we took to the van was because at our first Platform event, at Twelve Bar in Belgrave, there were so many hidden tasks that you don’t get with running a van gig. Like making sure we sell a certain amount of tickets,” Lili said.
Making The Moving Mic a free event has relieved those initial pressures of selling enough tickets and has encouraged more people in the community to attend.
Additionally, they were also aware that some venues were not accessible to everybody. Many music venues have an age limit of 18 plus and can tend not to be wheelchair friendly.
Sorcha and Lili wanted to make sure their events could be easily accessible to anyone.
“Our main goal with The Moving Mic is finding somewhere flat and hopefully near public transport,” Lili said.
“Everyone is our target audience, really,” Sorcha laughed.
Not only is The Moving Mic accessible for just audiences, but artists too, “Through these gigs we’ve been able to connect with different photographers, videographers and various people for content,” Lili said.
She explained this meant that it’s been an effective way to create relationships for the artists that they can take to future shows and expand their network of local creatives.
So far, the final Moving Mic event has had the best response with 90 per cent of the available free tickets already sold. “Which is like insane compared to our other events!” Lili said.
“The moving mic was supposed to be a series of four gigs, but we’ve combined the last two to do one big show. And that’s actually gotten the best reception, this gig is gonna pop off!” Sorcha laughed.
“We’re gonna need crowd control!” They both laughed.
Though this will be the last show for The Moving Mic series, it will not be the end of the ‘van gigs’ for Platform.
“We definitely love putting on these shows, so it’s definitely not an end to them, it’s just, we’re having a break to reanalyse how we want this to look in the future so we can bring the best show possible.”
There are still tickets available for anyone looking to attend what will hopefully be a memorable, final Moving Mic show.
Tickets available at: events.humanitix.com/ platform-presents-the-moving-mic-sty9z9ca
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.
A first-time Renaissance Faire attendee, dressed as an adventuring pirate elf, Tanika from Healesville 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.”
Close to all amenities - health professionals,
Supermarkets, public transport
Village volunteers can assists you around the house
The future is calling, and we need your help to educate the next generation. With secondary teaching scholarships, employment-based degrees, and a range of supports to help get you into the classroom, there’s never been a better time to become a teacher in Victoria.
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-
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
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
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.
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 havehadinyears.”
Anh’s stage show takes a step further, combining stand up comedy with real life stories, photos, and filmedpiecestoretellhisamazingstory.
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 leavestheaudienceupliftedandquitesimplyexperiencinghappiness.
• Season:Thursday2Juneat7.30pm.
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 ElthamLittletheatre.
The festival will be a mixture of short and one act playsandisopentoindividualsanortheatrecompaniestoenter.
Applications close Monday 8 June 2026, season times are limited, so early applications are recommended.
Length of Productions:
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.
• Short Plays - 10 minutes up to a maximum of 15 minutes.
• One Act Plays – 15 minutes up to a maximum of 40 minutes.
NoMonologues.
Contact Festival Coordinator Robyn Kelly, at: oapf@vd.org.auorbyphoneon:0438724664.
• Performancedates:1August2pmto5pmand7pm to10pm.2August3pmto4pm.
The 1812 Theatre
TheLadykillers. Isablackcomedythatfollowsthehilariouscapers of a group of small-time crooks taking on more than they can handle in the form of a sweet elderly landlady,MrsWilberforce.
• Season:21Mayto13June. Kemp’s curtain call
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.
As the year winds on, a Bayswater community gathering place is in full swing running free programs for locals to pop into.
Every Monday morning during school terms, Elm St Mission is running a free arts and craft session, for people in the community to feel welcome, supported and inspired while they get crafty.
The sessions are led by facilitator Kim who encourages everyone’s interests: from painting to basic mosaics to origami, mindful colouring and more.
“Art and craft are wonderful ways for people to express their creativity, be in the moment and have fun – without judgement,” said Ethne Pfeiffer, Program Coordinator.
“We are so happy to have Kim in our team at Elm St Mission, she’s fun, compassionate and keen to support people,” she said.
Elm St Mission provides a safe and inclusive gathering place, while participants enjoy painting, drawing, wool crafts and nature-based creative activities in a relaxed and friendly environment.
The sessions are designed to encourage self-expression, build confidence and create meaningful social connections.
“Our participants and volunteers say the program helps reduce loneliness and gives people a sense of belonging,” said Ethne.
“Alongside arts and crafts, we also offer games, music, gentle exercise and shared meals, creating a community atmosphere where everyone is welcome,” she said.
“Whether you’re looking to rediscover your creativity, meet new people or simply enjoy a cuppa and conversation, the arts and craft sessions offer a warm and welcoming place to begin a connection.”
Elm St Mission also runs Care4Carers on Thursdays (10.30 am – 12 pm) for women carers and 50s+ Friends on Thursdays, a social group for men and women aged 50+ (1 pm – 2.30 pm).
The programs at the mission are free and lunch is provided on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12 pm. For more information phone: 0428 330 873 or email: info@elmstmission.org.au
Elm St Mission is located on 654 Mountain Highway, Bayswater.
By Maria Millers
The whole theatrics of the Budget: the inevitable strategic leaks, the dramatic lock up of journalists and the performative delivery by both Government and Opposition, flanked by a Greek chorus of the faithful on both sides, has now been played out.
The final act will be staged in the Senate.
But the budget debate is not just technical economics. It taps into an old philosophical question: What does a society owe its next generation? That question sits underneath philosophy, poetry, and politics alike and is one of the oldest moral questions humans ask.
Different traditions answer it differently, but most serious philosophies converge on one idea: a society owes the next generation more than mere survival.
At minimum, it owes them the conditions to live as full human beings rather than permanent inheritors of narrowing possibility.
For most, interest in the entrails of the Budget revolves around how it will benefit them or how it will hurt them, depending on their circumstances, age and living conditions.
More than likely they will judge it through a personal lens.
Philosophers would however judge it through very different lenses, not just on its economic effectiveness but in context of broader questions such as “What is government for? What counts as justice? And central to last week’s Budget: What obligation exists between generations?”
Reaching back to the classical tradition Aristotle would probably approve of its aims of strengthening social cohesion and civic stability and whether the budget promoted the common good.
Aristotle believed extreme inequality destabilised society and at present we are witnessing waves of crimes here and across many countries played out against the growing inequalities and subsequent alienation felt by so many, but particularly our youth.
He was deeply suspicious of societies where wealth concentration destabilised political life.
Housing becoming unattainable for younger citizens would likely look to him as corruption of the polis.
For someone like 17th century philosopher Thomas Hobbes order and stability were all important.
He famously said that without a strong government life would “be solitary, poor, nasty and brutish and short,” a line often misquoted by students by placing British in place of brutish. Living in unsettling times like us, Hobbes
cared primarily about order and stability.
He would have supported fiscal management that prevents social breakdown, state intervention that reduces generational anger, and policies preventing political and social fragmentation.
The Utilitarians on the other hand were philosophers who argued that morality should be judged primarily by consequences — specifically by how much happiness, wellbeing, or reduction of suffering an action produces.
Their core idea is often summarised as: The greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Utilitarianism became one of the most influential moral and political philosophies of the modern world, shaping: economics, public policy, law, and .welfare systems, Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mills and John Locke were its chief proponents.
Bentham’s utilitarian test is simple: he believed that pain and pleasure govern our lives. But he would have wanted more empirical evidence on say the Budget’s initiatives to improve housing affordability and availability.
Does it maximise and aggregate happiness? And he would pose the question; Do more people benefit than suffer?
He would not care much about tradition or investor expectations if the net welfare gain is positive.
Fellow Utilitarian John Stuart Mill is surprisingly relevant today because he supported markets, but also inheritance taxation, He would likely view: housing speculation, and tax distortions favouring passive asset gains as economically and morally unhealthy.
Mill’s liberalism believed societies should progress morally and institutionally rather than merely preserve inherited arrangements. So, he would have probably supported: reforms increasing social mobility, Alfred Tennyson’s poem Ulysses reflects this
sentiment: “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
For John Locke, property was justified if acquired through labour and when enough remained for others. He might have become uneasy if inherited tax advantages permanently lock younger people out of ownership. Still, he would worry about: excessive state interference, and retroactive punishment of investors.
If Karl Marx was asked about the Budget he would not see it as structural transformation.
Marx would regard housing crises as inevitable in asset-based capitalism, where shelter is viewed not just a human right but as a financial asset.
He would say that governments intervene mainly to preserve legitimacy and he would interpret tax reforms, migration policies and housing initiatives through the lens of maintaining capitalist accumulation
Contemporary philosopher John Rawls is probably the philosopher most aligned with the Budget’s moral framing.
For John Rawls, justice requires that life chances should not depend overwhelmingly on accidents of birth.
He would undoubtedly view the proposed reforms in the Budget as a step in the right direction, a fair starting point.
For Rawls society owes the next generation genuine access to education without life crippling debt, political equality and fair access to basics like housing and healthcare.
A society becomes unjust when inheritance outweighs effort and young people are locked out of the social contract.
This is why housing has become morally central, affecting whether people can imagine a future at all.
He believes we have a duty to future generations.
Poet Seamus Heaney captures this in The Curse of Troy History says, Don’t hope On this side of the grave.
But then, once in a lifetime
The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up
Rawls would most likely view the Budget as ethically justified and probably overdue, though perhaps too cautious.
Harvard professor the late Robert Nozic would be one of the sharpest critics of the Budget He believed redistributive taxation is morally suspect if it violates legitimately acquired property rights. He would likely oppose: targeted penalties on investors, and state attempts to engineer social outcomes. To Nozick, even desirable social goals do not automatically justify coercive redistribution.
His views would align with the many property investors who feel they are unfairly targeted for working hard.
However, French economist Thomas Piketty would likely say the Budget finally acknowledges: that wealth inequality matters more than income inequality, and criticizes how housing has become the central engine of inherited advantage. He would probably support the direction strongly but regard it as too incremental.
The most distinctive ethical feature of the Budget is that it implicitly treats: housing access and intergenerational opportunity as a moral problem requiring state correction, rather than merely outcomes of market competition.
That’s a substantial philosophical shift in Australian economic rhetoric, even if the policies themselves remain cautious.
Many and sadly a growing number of our youth are feeling spiritual exhaustion beneath modern systems and the emptiness of a purely economic life. Societies where workers enrich others while remaining insecure themselves will always face social discontent and unrest. As English poet Shelley said so long ago: The seed ye sow, another reaps;
The wealth ye find, another keeps.
That could almost be read as a poetic critique of asset inflation economies where labour income falls behind property wealth like what we are witnessing happening in Australia.
Coming back to Aristotle he would emphasize that the purpose of politics is to create conditions that would allow the flourishing of virtues, friendship, participation in civic life and time for contemplation, and he would see the Budget as an instrument towards achieving those goals. If an economic system leaves people anxious, isolated, cynical and unable to access affordable shelter, have families and take part in civic life, then even a society as wealthy as ours may be failing ethically. A society may materially prosper while denying its next generation becoming not just consumers or merely taxpayers but involved citizens
That is why debates about: housing, debt, education, climate, and wages feel deeper than economics. Seamus Heaney wrote of moments when the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up. We must continue to make sure that this can be achieved without disruption to our social fabric.
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
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)
Boll (3)
Baltic region (9)
Made well (5)
Football (6)
Defeating soundly (9)
Picture puzzle (5) 8 Fake (money) (11)
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)
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. ●
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.
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 builtin 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.
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. ●
FAbULOUSSOUGHT-AFTERLOCATION
Thisinvitinghomeoffersanexceptionalopportunityandpotentialforfirsthomebuyers tosecure apropertyina sought-afterareajustmomentsfromBelgrave.Positioned on agenerous1300sqmusableblockwith acirculardriveway,thislight filledhome offersfloorboardsthroughoutthegenerousloungearea,separatediningroomandan enclosed rear deck.Outsideyouhavea fullyenclosedyardandampleoff-streetparking with adoublegarageaddingfurtherpracticality,cateringfor multiplevehicles
Janbrewster 0409558805
Agreatoptionforthosewantingtosimplifywithoutcompromisingoncomfort,thisover55slight &airyunithasbeendesignedwithpracticalityinmind.Setona manageable 179sqmallotment,includesBIR’s, acentrallypositionedbathroomwithensuiteeffectto master,openplanliving,kitchenwithS/Sappliances &plentyofstorage,secondtoilet &separatelaundry,GDH,S/S,privatecourtyard,singlegaragewithremoteaccessand directentryintothehome.visitorparkingandsharedoutdoorareaswithinthecomplex.
MickDolphin 0429684522
OvER4000sqmTOWORk &GROW
***CLOSINGDATEFOROFFERS4pmMonday1stJUNE(unlesssoldprior!)***
Privatelylocated &awayfromneighbours& onlymomentsfromtown,thisbrickveneer, steelframedhomeanda separatestudioofferstheperfectbalanceofpracticality& comfort.Withqualityupdatescompleted& extraspacebothinside &out,it’sthekind ofpropertythateasilyadaptstomostbuyertype.Featuresinclude,slateflooring,a renovatedkitchen,updatedensuite,zonedGDH,fireplace,solar, 2sheds &O/SParking.
ErinDavies 0494175410 RIGHTINTHEHEARTOFTOWN!
$850,000 -$915,000
A 1 B 2 C
She’sgotheartandit’srightintheheartoftown! Abigrambling4 bedroom“hills”home withoutallthemaintenanceissues.Brickhomesteadwithwrap-aroundverandahsand onconcretestumps.Separatelounge,diningroom,aswellastheopenkitchen/family/ tvarea.Allthebedroomsarehuge,somewithbuilt-inrobes.Centralbathroomandtwo toilets.A secureyardandampleoutdoorlivingonthistotallyusable741sqmblock.Even a lock-upgarageunderroofline.
GrantSkipsey 0418528102
SET on a generous 2,021sqm within walking distance to town, local schools and public transport, this well-presented three-bedroom brick home with double lock up garage & sealed drive, offers comfort, practicality and a relaxed lifestyle in a highly convenient location.
An undercover entry welcomes you inside to a light-filled lounge where large windows offering elevated views invite in an abundance of natural light, complemented by timber flooring, a split system and gas ducted heating throughout for year-round comfort.
The kitchen and dining area is wellequipped for everyday living, featuring a gas stovetop, integrated oven, dishwasher, fridge recess, skylight, excellent bench space and plenty of storage.
Privately positioned down the hallway, the master bedroom includes a walk-in robe, split system and ensuite, while the two additional bedrooms are both fitted with split systems, one also offering built-in robes. A central family bathroom with separate toilet and practical laundry complete the interior.
Outside, the fully fenced ¼ acre+ backyard provides a secure space for kids and pets to enjoy, while a double garage and plenty of off-street parking add further everyday convenience. All set on a sunny block close to everything the township has to offer.
This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today.
Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●
Charming1950sWeatherboardwithSpace,CharacterandConvenience. Setona 1,855sqmcornerblockwithdualaccess,thismuch-loved1950sweatherboardhomeoffers timelesscharmwithinwalkingdistancetoAvonsleighStore,BamBamRestaurant,schools& public transport. Anorth-facingfrontverandahwelcomesyouinsidetoa warmloungewithhardwood floors,woodfire &gasductedheating.Thespaciouskitchenfeatures adishwasher,walloven,gas stovetop,amplebenchspace &storage,whiletheformaldiningroomisperfectforfamilymeals& entertaining.Threebedroomswithbuilt-inrobesareservicedbyanupdatedcentralbathroom,with themasterenjoyinglargelight-filledwindows. Alaundry,mudroom &secondtoiletaddpracticality. Outside,establishedtreescreate apeacefulgardensetting,complementedbya rearverandah, singlecarport,singlegaragewithworkshop,gardenshed& plentyofroomtoenjoytheHillslifestyle.
SpaciousHillsLivingwithDualAccessandFlexibleFamilyLayout. Seton6,236sqmin asought-afterEmeraldpocketwithdualaccess &leafyviews,thisspacious double-storeyhomeoffersflexibilityforfamiliesofallstages.Twomastersuitesmakeitidealformultigenerationallivingorguests.Downstairsfeaturesa privatezonewitha mastersuite(ensuite,walk-in robe,splitsystem),plustwobedroomswithbuilt-inrobesservicedby acentralbathroom.Upstairshas beenfullyrenovated,withlight-filledlivingcentredaround astrikingdouble-sidedwoodfireshared withthemainmasterretreat,completewithwalk-inrobe &luxeensuitewithfreestandingbath& oversizedshower.Theopen-plankitchen& diningincludestimberbenchtops,farmhousesink,double ovens&alargeisland.Slidingdoorsopentoanundercoverentertainingarea.Freshpaint,new carpets& ampleparkingcompletethisprivate,lifestyle-focusedproperty.
EasyFamilyLivingwithPlentyofRoomtoMove. Seton1052sqminbeautifulGembrook,thisdouble-storeybrickhomeoffersflexiblefamilylivingwith spacetorelaxinside &out.A circulardrivewaywelcomesyoutotheproperty,wherethethoughtfully designedlayoutunfoldsacrosstwolevels.Upstairs,thekitchen/diningareaformsthehubofthe home,featuring awalloven,gasstovetop,dishwasher &excellentstorage.Thediningspaceopens to abalcony,whiletheadjoiningloungeisfilledwithnaturallight,a splitsystem &slidingdoorstothe undercoverentertainingarea.Themasterbedroomisalsopositionedonthislevel,completewitha walk-inrobe& ensuite.Downstairs,threecarpetedbedroomsareservicedby acentralbathroom withseparatetoilet, asecondlivingareawithsplitsystem &accesstothedoubletandemcarport. Outside, adeckedentertainingarea,gardenshed &5000Lwatertankcompletetheproperty.
AaronDay M 0407365994
BrennanMileto M 0422996451
DualDrivewayAccess. Setona fullyfenced1,003sqmwithdualdrivewayaccess,this3/4bedroom,2-bathroomhome offersflexiblefamilylivingwithineasyreachofCockatootownship,schools& publictransport.An undercoverentryleadsto
By Rebecca Redfern
Wet weather played a major role in this week’s tennis, with a number of matches across the region washed out.
Despite the challenging conditions, volunteers at Ferntree Gully Tennis Club worked hard to mop the courts and prepare surfaces so several home matches could still go ahead.
In the Midweek Eastern Metropolitan Region Ladies’ Tennis Association, Section 6 saw St Celia’s defeat Ferntree Gully 4-2.
There was a strong result in the Knox District Night Tennis Association, with Tuesday Section 1 (AI) recording a dominant 6-0 win over Belgrave Heights.Unfortunately,ThursdaySections5,7and 8 were all washed out due to the wet conditions.
In the Ferntree Gully and District Ladies’ Tennis Association, Thursday Section 4 had a bye.
Waverley Tennis Association competition proved challenging this week, with Wheelers Hill defeating Ferntree Gully 6-2 in Section A1, Narre Warren North winning 6-1 in Section A7, and Knox City recording a 6-0 win in Section A8.
Junior players in Eastern Region Tennis also experienced mixed weather fortunes. Rubbers 25 and 31 were washed out, however Rubbers 34 enjoyed a strong 5-0 victory at home over Mooroolbark Heights.
JOSD8 continued the winning form with a convincing 6-0 result at home against Selby.
In Junior Development Competition, Yarra Glen defeated Ferntree Gully 2-1 in JDC 2, while JDC 3 had a bye.
Away from competition, the club’s All Abilities program enjoyed another positive session this week, with players continuing to improve their serves and develop their match-play skills in a fun and supportive environment. Andre on the courts. (Supplied).
By Callum Ludwig
New research from RMIT University has highlighted the positive impacts that the world’s game is having on the growing contingent of Australian girls who play.
Last year, the university partnered with North Geelong Warriors Football Club to explore what playing soccer means for girls aged 11–17, finding that the growth in the game is translating to “meaningful social and mental health benefits for teenage girls.”
In line with Female Football Week, the Star Mail has decided to reach out to its local soccer clubs to ask what their players enjoy about playing soccer and whether they feel those benefits themselves.
U16s player Maebh said she has played for five years and most enjoys seeing friends, improving each game, the competition and the satisfaction of scoring or playing well.
“It makes me feel like I’m part of the community… Monbulk is trying really hard to get more girls to play and have good programs for us,” she said.
“I think it’s very important to encourage girls and everyone as well to try their best and improve in a supportive environment.
“It’s a very funs sport and everyone is very welcoming to beginners, it’s a good hobby because it’s enjoyable and also improves your fitness at the same time.”
Monbulk Rangers has girls teams from Under 8s right through to Senior Women, ensuring local girls can stay with their club right the way through.
U14s player Calise has spent a year at Monbulk and said she feels like she’s constantly im-
proving and making new friendships.
“I feel that even though I had doubts about joining soccer, it is one of the best things that has happened to me,” she said.
“It’s such a fun and interesting sport and I don’t think I could get sick of it.”
RMIT’s research found that wellbeing outcomes were consistent across different levels of competition with quality of the environment, including through relationships with coaches and teammates, the greatest indicator of a positive experience.
Coaches were described as trusted role models, helping cultivate team culture environments where girls felt supported and valued. Female coaches and club leaders were also important for for setting an inclusive club scene.
Fellow U14s player Aoife has been playing
Monbulk Rangers travelled to Lyndale Secondary College on Saturday for a clash with fourth-placed Lyndale United. Monbulk were looking for an eighth consecutive win in what has been an amazing start to the season.
Lyndale, meanwhile, were aiming to continue their hot form after scoring 10 goals across their previous two games.
Monbulk Reserves faced a tough challenge against a Lyndale Reserves side that appeared to have mastered the difficult conditions. Lyndale controlled the game well, with the final result ending 4-0 in their favour.
The Reserves will be hoping to bounce back with a strong performance and return to winning ways next week.
For the Monbulk Seniors, the conditions set the game up to be a scrappy and physical contest.
The patchy, bobbly surface meant both teams opted to go long for most of the game. Both defences had to work hard, dealing with barrages of long balls moving around in the wind.
They were up to the test, though, with not many chances falling either way in the first half.
Lyndale came closest to taking the lead,
with a curled effort striking the post.
The second half was a similar story. Not much football was played along the ground, and chances were few and far between.
However, Monbulk took their chance and ran with it. A midfield pass found its way to Daniel Biondo, who broke down the righthand side and crossed a low ball nicely to Steve McRae, who buried his chance for his sixth goal of the season. This gave Monbulk half an hour to defend their lead. Lyndale began applying more pressure and made attacking substitutions in an attempt to level the game.
Monbulk’s defence proved too strong though, keeping their third clean sheet in a row to edge out Lyndale in a 1-0 win. Another gritty victory for the Rangers, who were happy to take the win any way they could, given the conditions.
The result makes it eight wins on the trot to start the season, sending them four points clear at the top of the table.
They are back at home this Friday night under the lights against Noble Hurricanes.
for five years and said she loves the competition and the satisfaction of scoring.
“It makes me feel like I am in a big community and playing soccer makes me feel happy and all my worries go away,” she said.
“I think Monbulk is a very supportive place to pay and this is extremely important, it’s very important to feel safe and supported.
“There will always be a spot on a team for you and if there isn’t, we will make one.”
According to Football Victoria, national participation in the sport increased by 16 per cent between 2023 and 2024, with Victoria recording a further 14 per cent rise in 2025.
U14s player Jade said she’s been playing for three to four years and that she enjoys the feeling of a scoring a goal with your team, especially your first ever goal.
“It makes me feel like I’m in one big community and my team feels like my second family,” she said.
“I would say (to anyone thinking of playing) to just do it, it doesn’t matter if you are really good or really bad, when you get that first goal you feel like a new person.
“The more you play, the better you get, who knows you may just be the newest Matilda.”
Other Monbulk junior girls indicated that soccer is their happiest place, somewhere to develop teamwork and sportsmanship and a place where they could learn from the Senior Women players how to be confident and take up space for themselves.
One girl came down to the club to watch her brother try out and decided to join in and loved it, while others highlighted the great coaches and the hard work they do on their skills.
Some 15-17-year-old girls that have stepped up to the Senior side also shared their experiences.
“I would 100 per cent encourage any girl, at any age to go to their local club and give it a go, theres so many friendships and skills to take away from playing a team sport and you’re never too young or too old to put yourself out there and learn,” one player said.
“I’m only answering because of (coach) Sam (Wilson) and what she does for the club and us: offers a great platform for us to connect and play with like-minded people...best coach we’ve ever had, we love you,” another player said. “(I enjoy how everything fades away into the background when I play, I love feeling strong, in control and being around like-minded people that love soccer as much as I do,” another player said.
RMIT also highlighted the important role of families in club life. When families are actively involved, the sense of community and belonging increases but negative sideline behaviour or pressure at home can increase anxiety and detract from the positives of participating.
Even at Monbulk, there’s room to improve.
“They (Monbulk could improve on giving equal attention to the women’s matches and acknowledging their importance a little more, as they do for the men’s, as well as overall not diminishing us lower than the men’s, and start thinking of us at the same level,” one player said
“I think that Monbulk and other clubs like it are somewhat supportive but also have room to improve, particularly for girls, because it’s a much smaller player pool and because of this, we need the support to keep and get as many people playing as possible.”
By Armin Richter Football Seniors
Another perfect autumn day welcomed Mt. Evelyn to the Monbulk Recreation Reserve on Saturday. The Rovers are one of the big improvers of 2026, and they burst from the blocks, kicking five goals to none in the opening quarter.
A serious leg injury to Ryan Burleigh coincided with a lift in intensity from the Hawks as they fought their way back into the contest to trail by two goals at the main break.
The margin of around two goals was maintained by the Rovers for most of the second half as every time Monbulk threatened, the Mt. Evelyn team would find a steadier. The Hawks attacked strongly to the end of the match but ran out of time and opportunities.
Monbulk 11.10.76 def by Mt. Evelyn 13.8.86
Best: Lochlan Beecroft, Dylan Werts, Joshua Spencer, Lachlan Sheppard, Patrick Snoxell, Riley Finlay
Goals: Lochlan Beecroft 2, Joel Wensley 2, Taylor Joyce 2, Patrick Snoxell 2, Ben Hughson 1, Josh Wentworth 1, Joshua Dawson 1 Reserves
Mt. Evelyn are the undisputed flag favourites in the Reserves, being undefeated and with a percentage of around 500. The Hawks welcomed back their playing coach, Johnathon Hevern, after he had overcome his pre-season knee setback.
As hard as Monbulk tried, they were unable to match Mt. Evelyn’s dominance with the ball.
Monbulk 6.7.43 def by Mt. Evelyn 19.13.127
Best: Finn Horsfall, Lachlan Smith, Aaron Smith, Coby Passingham, Karl Ravenhorst, Matthew James
Goals: Aaron Smith 2, Johnathon Hevern 1, Finn Horsfall 1, Dale Ross 1, Lachlan Smith 1 Under 18s
Monbulk and Pakenham entered the match with two wins apiece, and an even contest was anticipated.
The Hawks started full of running and soon had a handy buffer but were unable to shake the Lions, who remained in striking distance. Two early goals by Pakenham in the final quarter got them within a couple of kicks. Monbulk then put on the afterburners and slammed on seven goals to close out the match with an emphatic win. Monbulk 15.14.104 def Pakenham 9.4.58
Best: Finley Ede, Jed Fraser, Myles Koelewyn, Thomas Hill, Darcy Spry, Jonah Van Seters
Goals: Finley Ede 4, Charlie Seamer 2, Jonah Van Seters 2, Lachie McConchie 1, Isaac Mullinder 1, Arley Gray 1, Jed Fraser 1, Ben Pratt 1, Darcy Spry 1, Thomas Hill 1 Veterans
After a four-week break, the second instalment of
the returning Veterans drew another large crowd on Friday night.
Monbulk again had a full complement of 28 players with six emergencies as more new signings of past players swell the playing list to 40 members.
The Hawks controlled proceedings against the winless Rovers to record a solid win, the only sour note being a dislocated elbow to Greg Van Berkel.
Monbulk 12.8.80 def Mt. Evelyn 2.3.15
Best: Michael Langworthy, Michael Fulton, Shannon Koole, Tate Seamer, Steven Koelewyn, Steven Nuutinen
Goals: Michael Langworthy 5, Michael Fulton 2, Tim Wragg 1, Shaun Brooks 1, Tate Seamer 1, Steve Koelewyn 1, Chris Mitchell 1
Netball
A Grade
The two unbeaten sides met in this clash at Monbulk to determine premiership favouritism. The Rovers controlled play for most of the match as they pounced on any loose passes by the Hawks.
Monbulk 24 def by Mt. Evelyn 65
Best: Grace Scott-Thomas, Rihanna Kelly, Paige Whitworth
Goals: Peri Reid 15, Dayna Walsham 5, Nicole Macdowell 4
B Grade
The Hawks were jumped early in this match and found themselves 16 goals in arrears at halftime.
Greater intensity saw them win the second half however, the margin was too big to claw back.
Dayna Walsham played her 100th game, and Madison Doran made her club debut.
Monbulk 50 def by Mt. Evelyn 64
Best: Georgia Wilson, Alice McCormick, Chloe Baker
Goals: Chloe Baker 25, Jorja Wragg 21, Dayna Walsham 4
C Grade
Monbulk and Mt. Evelyn may be at opposite ends of the ladder, and the scores might reflect that; however, the Hawks competed very hard throughout and were just unable to get reward for effort.
Monbulk 12 def by Mt. Evelyn 49
Best: Maddy Buckland, Laura Del Biondo, Zali
Utting
D Grade
The Grand Final replay produced a titanic struggle between these fierce rivals. The Rovers got in front by a couple of goals in the first quarter and maintained a narrow margin for the remainder of the match.
Monbulk 24 def by Mt. Evelyn 28
Best: Michelle Steele, Katrina Wragg, Jamie Sands
Goals: Jamie Sands 21, Ella Flynn 2, Shayne Broekhof 1 Under 17s
Monbulk Maroon played a superb game against Wandin, where they led for the first half.
A lapse in the third term proved critical as they went down narrowly by 2 goals. Monbulk Gold
met the strong Mt. Evelyn team, and while they battled hard they were unable to translate that on to the scoreboard. Stevie Mullinder played her 50th game.
Monbulk Maroon 33 def by Wandin 35
Best: Chelsea Ferguson, Isla Stubbs, Shiloh Koole
Goals: Chelsea Ferguson 28, Isla Stubbs 5 Monbulk Gold 15 def by Mt. Evelyn 51
Best: Jessica Verheyen, Kaitlyn Summers, Kaia Stewart
Goals: Kaitlyn Summers 6, Summer Kuppers 5, Chelsea Ferguson 4 Under 15s
Monbulk Gold and Pakenham Maroon went into this match as unbeaten ladder leaders. In a tight struggle, it was Monbulk’s early break that proved decisive in allowing Gold to claim a four-goal win. Monbulk Maroon met Pakenham Gold and also registered a four-goal win, which had been set up in the opening term.
Monbulk Gold 28 def Pakenham Maroon 24
Best: Amelia Magarry, Daphne Mitchell, Indiana Kirk
Goals: Amelia Magarry 14, Eden Murphy 14
Monbulk Maroon 26 def Pakenham Gold 22
Best: Olivia Dalman, Isabelle Kos, Maeve Rademaker
• Goals: Isabelle Kos 21, Jessica Verheyen 4, Grace Gaunt 1
By Armin Richter
Round 6 Outer East Football Netball League
Results
Football
Premier Division
• Seniors: Wandin 12.22.94 def Healesville 3.3.21; Upwey-Tecoma 17.10.112 def Woori Yallock 7.13.55; Officer 22.11.143 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 4.11.35; Mt. Evelyn 13.8.86 def Monbulk 11.10.76; Olinda-Ferny Creek 17.19.121 def Warburton-Millgrove 6.6.42
• Reserves: Wandin 8.10.58 def Healesville 7.2.44; Upwey-Tecoma 13.9.87 def Woori Yallock 11.7.73; Officer 17.12.114 def GembrookCockatoo 2.4.16; Olinda-Ferny Creek 12.9.81 def Warburton-Millgrove 10.7.67; Mt. Evelyn 19.13.127 def Monbulk 6.7.43
• Under 18 (combined): Officer 18.9.117 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 5.5.35; Olinda-Ferny Creek 8.8.56 def Seville 8.7.55; Healesville 4.10.34 def Mt. Evelyn 4.2.26; Monbulk 15.14.104 def Pakenham 9.4.58; Woori Yallock 10.8.68 def Upwey-Tecoma 6.9.45; Warburton-Millgrove 10.16.76 def Yarra Glen 4.6.30; Wandin 26.14.170 def Alexandra 3.6.24
• Women (Div 1): Mt. Evelyn 9.6.60 def Healesville 2.0.12; Warburton-Wesburn 8.11.59 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 3.2.20; Belgrave 11.9.75 def Pakenham 2.4.16; Upwey-Tecoma bye
• Veterans (Over 35 - round 3): Yarra Glen 11.13.79 def Wandin 2.4.16; Monbulk 12.8.80 def Mt. Evelyn 2.3.15; Upwey-Tecoma 6.7.43 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 3.5.23; Gembrook-Cockatoo 11.8.74 def Officer 4.10.34; Belgrave bye Division 1
• Seniors: Yarra Glen 10.19.79 drew Emerald 10.19.79; Pakenham 14.12.96 def Belgrave 13.3.81; Alexandra 39.20.254 def Powelltown 4.2.26; Yea 14.24.108 def Yarra Junction 2.3.15; Seville bye
• Reserves: Emerald 30.13.193 def Yarra Glen 4.2.26; Pakenham 17.15.117 def Belgrave
3.9.27; Alexandra 19.21.135 def Powelltown 5.4.34; Yea 22.14.146 def Yarra Junction 4.6.30; Seville bye
• Women (Div 2): Officer 12.12.84 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 0.0.0; Seville 14.15.99 def Thornton-Eildon 0.1.1; Emerald 16.15.111 def Woori Yallock 4.0.24; Yea 6.3.39 def Wandin 0.4.4
Netball
Premier Division
• A Grade: Wandin 71 def Healesville 35; Woori Yallock 89 def Upwey-Tecoma 21; ROC 72 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 26; Olinda-Ferny Creek 39 def Warburton-Millgrove 37; Mt. Evelyn 65 def Monbulk 24
• B Grade: Wandin 49 def Healesville 21; Woori Yallock 83 def Upwey-Tecoma 27; ROC 73 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 30; Warburton-Millgrove 45 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 37; Mt. Evelyn 64 def Monbulk 50
• C Grade: Wandin 54 def Healesville 8; ROC 34 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 21; WarburtonMillgrove 45 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 35; Mt. Evelyn 49 def Monbulk 12; Woori Yallock bye
• D Grade: Wandin 46 def Healesville 24; ROC 40 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 12; WarburtonMillgrove 35 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 25; Mt. Evelyn 28 def Monbulk 24; Woori Yallock bye
• Under 17: Wandin 35 def Monbulk Maroon
33; Woori Yallock 40 def ROC White 27; ROC Blue 71 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 5; Warburton-Millgrove 62 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 8; Mt. Evelyn 51 def Monbulk Gold 15
• Under 15: Monbulk Maroon 26 def Pakenham Gold 22; Woori Yallock 27 def ROC White 20; ROC Blue 35 def Wandin Red 10; Monbulk Gold 28 def Pakenham Maroon 24; Wandin Blue bye Division 1
• A Grade: Pakenham 78 def Belgrave 28; Alexandra 44 def Powelltown 38; Yarra Junction 52 def Yea 43; Emerald 41 def Yarra Glen 32; Seville bye
• B Grade: Pakenham 79 def Belgrave 25; Alexandra 39 def Powelltown 23; Yea 53 def Yarra Junction 42; Yarra Glen 49 def Emerald 40; Seville bye
• C Grade: Pakenham 43 def Belgrave 26; Powelltown 29 drew Alexandra 29; Yea 43 def Yarra Junction 18; Yarra Glen 41 def Emerald 40; Seville bye
• D Grade: Pakenham 59 def Belgrave 21; Yarra Junction 27 def Yea 19; Emerald 37 def Yarra Glen 23; Powelltown + Seville bye
• Under 17: Seville Blue 92 def Yarra Junction 2; Seville White 36 def Alexandra 34; Emerald 45 def Pakenham Maroon 16; Pakenham Gold bye
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...
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!
