By Dongyun Kwon and Evan Wolski
By Callum Ludwig
‘No justice’ in cold case
By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
A mother is still seeking answers over her daughter’s cold case murder after a second coroner failed to determine who was responsible.
Joy Membrey, 85, on Wednesday asked Victoria’s State Coroner John Cain how she was meant to live without answers over Elisabeth’s disappearance.
“All I want out of life is my daughter found,” she told Judge Cain on Wednesday 2 July.
“I want justice for Elisabeth. That’s all I want.”
Elisabeth Membrey, 22, was last seen leaving her job in the Melbourne suburb of Ringwood late on December 6, 1994.
Police believe she returned home that night and changed into a white T-shirt before she was killed inside the property.
There were significant blood stains on the floor and walls but no signs of forced entry or disturbance.
The only items missing from the home were Ms Membrey’s white T-shirt and her doona.
Police believed she was killed by someone she knew and the perpetrator tried to clean up the evidence before covering her body in the doona and taking her away.
Her body has never been found.
A coroner held an inquest into Ms Membrey’s disappearance in 2000 but could not make findings on the person or persons involved in her death.
Police in 2010 charged Don Valley man Shane Andrew Bond with her murder, claiming he killed Ms Membrey because she rejected his advances.
After an eight-week trial in 2012, a Supreme Court jury found him not guilty of murder.
Police continued to investigate the cold case and in 2023 applied for the coroner to hold another inquest because of new forensic evidence.
They alleged the DNA of Ms Membrey’s housemate’s brother matched DNA found in her car.
The man, who was previously jailed for raping a woman interstate, told detectives he had moved Ms Membrey’s car when it had blocked his sister’s vehicle.
He claimed he was staying with his parents on the night of Ms Membrey’s disappearance.
Detectives believed the man was responsible for Ms Membrey’s murder because of the fresh DNA evidence and his decision to go to Queensland the day after her disappearance.
He allegedly told friends and family he knew what happened to Ms Membrey.
Detectives provided a brief of evidence to the Office of Public Prosecutions but it determined there was no reasonable prospects of convicting the man.
He has never been charged with Ms Membrey’s murder or any other offences related to her disappearance.
Judge Cain on Wednesday found he also could not determine that the man was responsible for Ms Membrey’s death.
“I have concluded the evidence falls just short of the coronial standard of proof,” he told the court.
He apologised to Joy Membrey and her family for failing to provide answers and closure, acknowledging the unimaginable grief and anguish they have experienced.
Mrs Membrey questioned the coroner in response, saying it was unfair and she was confident the accused man was responsible for her daughter’s murder.
“I cannot live another few years not knowing what happened with my daughter,” she said.
Judge Cain reiterated he had reviewed all of the evidence carefully and the hearing was the final stage unless there was other new evidence.
Joy Membrey, and her late husband Roger, pictured in 2011, said she wanted justice for her daughter.
(AAP/Julian Smith)
Elisabeth Membrey was 22 years old when she was allegedly killed in her Ringwood home. (Victoria Police)
Signs are not good
By Oliver Winn
Calls for improved safety measures for cyclists along the popular Donna Buang Road were rejected by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) despite cost-effective solutions being available.
Multiple near misses have been reported on the windy route, which coils up Mount Donna Buang for 16.8 kilometres on a 6.8 per cent gradient.
Eildon MP Cindy McLeish originally raised the issue with Roads Minister Melissa Horne in February this year where she was told there were no plans to implement any changes.
Ms McLeish raised the matter again on 19 June after the DTP said it would consider feedback as part of their management of Victoria’s roadworks.
“I would like to know what sort of feedback they have received, because, at the minute, the safety risks still exist.”
A DTP spokesperson said there were still no
plans to for changes along Donna Buang road but it would “consider possible upgrades” to the road in the future.
Yarra Ranges Mountain Bikers president Andrew Howieson said better awareness was crucial as many cyclists flocked to Donna Buang Road every year.
“There’s always going to be a high number of cyclists using that road for good reason.
“Anything that raises more awareness around the presence of cyclists on the road just to make drivers more aware would be good,” Mr Howieson said.
Since Mount Donna Buang attracts thousands of tourists every year, many drivers come from urban areas and aren’t used to sharing the roads with cyclists.
Mr Howieson said more signage for alerting drivers of cyclists would be a game changer to ensure drivers are aware.
“Those drivers may not be aware or as used to seeing cyclists on the road so I think it creates a little bit more awareness personally.”
He asked drivers to put themselves in the shoes of a cyclist when on the roads and practice some empathy
“Just remember that underneath that helmet behind the handlebars is someone that is a valued member of a family, workplace and friendship circle.”
Reckless driving and hoon behaviour were also highlighted as potential threats to cyclists along Donna Buang Road.
The Star Mail reported on hoon behaviour at the natural spring water collection site where burnt rubber was left strewn across the asphalt.
“The minister suggested in her letter back to me that observers report action to police or to Crime Stoppers, but really that is not very useful in preventing a cyclist being hit by a car,” Ms McLeish said.
“We need to stop accidents from occurring rather than… being reactive, because it is a matter of time.”
IN BRIEF
Info wanted on Warburton tagger
Warburton Police are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the person responsible for graffiti tags in Warburton in June.
They are thought to be responsible for covering multiple businesses and residential properties in graffiti overnight between 10pm on 17 June and 4am on 18 June in Warburton and Millgrove.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Warburton Police on 03 5966 2006 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Lost Apple watch
Have you lost your Apple watch?
An Apple watch has been handed in to the Healesville Police Station.
If you recognise these people or own the watch please contact Healesville Police.
Proof of ownership will be required.
Property reference 202506E-2286.
Plan ahead for snow trips
Yarra Ranges residents planning to travel to alpine resorts this winter are urged to plan ahead to avoid being turned away.
Police are disappointed at the number of motorists arriving at alpine resorts unprepared, with more than 80 cars turned away each weekend from Mt Buller for failing to carry required snow chains at Alpine Resorts.
With the snow season only three weeks old, police have made 50 rescues on Mt Hotham –mostly consisting of motorists who needed to be extracted to their cars due to rapidly changing weather conditions.
“Up to 80 vehicles are being turned back every weekend by resort management at Mt Buller which is concerning. It shows some travellers are still underestimating just how serious alpine conditions can be,” Eastern Region Commander Karen Nyholm said.
Despite clear laws, signage and repeated safety messages, police and Alpine resort management staff continue to intercept a large number of vehicles without snow chains – equipment that can be the difference between a safe trip and a serious crash.
Act on penalty reminder notice or risk enforcement action
Victorians who have an outstanding fine for failing to vote in the 2024 local council elections are urged to act before the matter is referred to Fines Victoria.
Victorians who failed to vote in the October 2024 elections will start receiving a penalty reminder notice this week, which carries a fee of $29.20 in addition to the original $99 fine.
“If you receive a penalty reminder notice in the mail, you have three options: pay the fine, request an internal review, or elect to go to court,” Mr Bluemmel said.
“Please get in touch with us if you have any questions or require further clarification because once we hand it over to Fines Victoria for enforcement action, we are unable to further assist.”
Non-voters have 28 days to respond to the penalty reminder notice.
The Victorian Electoral Commission encourages people who are confused about what to do to call 1300 551 575 or visit vec.vic.gov.au/voting/ fines-and-reviews.
Many cyclists flock to Donna Buang Road for an exciting challenge. (Piper Albrecht)
Inactive school gets funding
By Callum Ludwig
Three schools in the Yarra Valley have received funding through the Victorian Government’s Planned Maintenance Program (PMP), despite one not currently operating.
Chum Creek Primary School will receive $248,959.95, Warburton Primary School $422,059.18 and the inactive Gruyere Primary School $52,077.53.
“Both Warburton and Chum Creek Primary Schools are receiving funding to upgrade their Shelter-in-Place buildings and complete maintenance work including repainting, revarnishing and roofing and switchboard works,” a Department of Education spokesperson said.
“Essential roof maintenance work is being undertaken on three buildings at Gruyere Primary School to ensure the buildings are kept weatherproof and secure until a final decision about the school’s future is made.”
The program can fund maintenance work including fixing roofs, resurfacing floors, replacing windows, painting and installing outside lights and paths, which will be managed by either the government or the school itself depending on the size of the project.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence, whose district covers Gruyere, was concerned by the funding announcement for the closed school and said for years she has strongly advocated for funding to upgrade local state schools to fix faulty flooring, leaking roofs, decades-old portables, or classrooms that are no longer fit-for-purpose, to support local students and teachers.
“After the Labor Government effectively shut down Gruyere Primary School several years ago and there being no students there for years, it was surprising to see $52,000 in funding to upgrade it to a “world-class learning environment”, especially when so many currently operating schools with hundreds of students were denied any of this funding for basic maintenance and facility upgrades,” she said.
“It is disingenuous and more deceit from the Allan Government that cut $2.4 billion from public schools last financial year, with Victorian state schools receiving the lowest funding per student in the country,”
“By shutting down Gruyere Primary School then letting it fall into disrepair just shows further mismanagement and financial incompetence of the Labor Government, I will continue working with together with local school com-
munities to call on the government for school infrastructure funding that will benefit our students and teachers.”
The Victorian Government determines which projects are to be prioritised through a rolling facilities evaluation process, used to gather ‘up-to-date information’ on the condition of schools.
Warburton Primary School principal Nathan van der Monde said it’s incredibly exciting to receive this funding and it’s a real boost for the school
“Our students and staff deserve facilities that are not only safe but also inviting and functional, this support allows us to take some big steps forward,” he said.
“We’ll be upgrading our Shelter in Place building, which is crucial for emergency preparedness and safety, as well as its use as a classroom and library learning space,”
“We’re also renovating our much-loved Library room to create a more modern and flexible learning space, restoring the roof, completing critical upgrades to classrooms and other learning spaces, and refreshing outdoor areas—particularly flooring and surfaces—to make them safer and more usable.”
Chum Creek Primary School was contacted for comment.
Mr van der Monde said maintaining and improving their facilities is vital to providing a quality education.
“When students and staff walk into a space that is well cared for, it sets the tone for learning, wellbeing, and pride in our school,”
“By investing in our buildings now, we’re investing in the future of our students. We want every child who comes through our gates to feel that they belong in a place that values them.”
32 schools across the state shared in $10 million through the latest round of the program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said every student deserves a safe, modern, and inspiring place to learn.
“These maintenance grants are about making sure every Victorian school stays up to standard—because when we invest in our schools, we invest in our kids,” he said.
“We are constantly reviewing our schools’ buildings and facilities to make sure every single classroom and school building is modern, safe and engaging.”
Mixed response to hint of no Great Forest National Park
National park enthusiasts are furious while other bush users are rejoicing following recent comments by Environment and Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos.
Speaking at the Electrical Trades Union Victorian Branch’s conference on Wednesday 2 July, Mr Dimopoulos is reported to have confirmed that the Great Forest National Park proposal is not a Victorian Government policy.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said they’ve been very clear that the Great Forest National Park (GFNP) is not and never has been a government policy.
“Recreational fishing, boating and game hunting supports tens of thousands of jobs across the state, especially in regional Victoria,” they said.
“We are creating new national parks and expanding regional parks to link existing state forests, parks and reserves to ensure our great outdoors is looked after, for every Victorian to enjoy.”
The only national parks the Victorian Government is committed to were announced in 2021, creating three national parks, two conservation parks, and seven new and expanded regional parks in the state’s central west – including the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park covering more than 44,000 hectares between Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh.
Last year, the Star Mail reported on a 2024 survey by political consultancy firm RedBridge which found a high percentage of Victorians supported the creation of new national parks.
The Star Mail contacted the government for comment at the time and were directed to comments made at a press conference by Mr Dimopoulos regarding a review of Parks Victoria where he seemed to rule out the potential for a Great Forest National Park, where he said they were all that’s in the frame for national parks at
this stage.
“We committed to three national parks at Mount Buangor, the Pyrenees and Wombat-Lederberg in 2021 and it will be coming to Parliament very soon to enact and complete the promise we made to the community three years ago,” he said at the time.
“There are no new national parks on the agenda, we have two reports we’re going to respond to; one is the Eminent Panel for Community Engagement (EPCE) and the other one is the Great Outdoors Taskforce, which is yet to land,”
“The mainframe there is for more opportunities for people to get out, and enjoy the Great Outdoors… more camping, more mountain bike riding, more four-wheel driving, more bird-watching, more trail hikes, and all those other things, this is a rare opportunity to strategically plan an area which you could not previously plan because we were harvesting timber, now it’s becoming a community asset.”
Despite this, conservation and hunting organisation Field and Game Australia (FGA) and the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) have responded publicly to the latest comments from Mr Dimopolous.
“The Minister made it clear that the Great Forest National Park is not, and never has been, a Victorian Labor Government initiative,” Field and Game Australia said in a Facebook post.
“He stated they do not support and will not implement a Great Forest National Park,”
“We appreciate the clarity on this issue and will continue to represent the interests of our members in all relevant forums.”
Mr Dimopolous’ comments from the conference had not been widely shared publicly before the FGA post, with the VNPA only finding out about it from the post itself, which they said blindsided ‘conservationists, scientists, and Yarra Ranges locals who have spent more than a de-
cade campaigning’ for the GFNP.
“The Allan Government has walked away from Labor’s promise of new parks for eastern Victoria – siding with fringe interests over families, and locking Victorians out of the nature they were promised,” GFNP campaigner and Toolangi resident Sarah Rees said.
“They didn’t just break a promise, they broke faith with the public. But this won’t stop us. It’s only strengthened our resolve.”
The findings of an Eminent Panel for Community Engagement (EPCE), which began targeted conversations in late 2023, resulted in a completed report by mid-2024 but have not been made public. According to its Engage Victoria page, the report is currently being considered by the Victorian Government.
An interim report on the state forests of the Central Highlands, published by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) and which was to inform community engagement for
the EPCE, found about 300,000 hectares of state forest would be suitable to be considered national parks in the wake of the transition away from native timber harvesting.
VNPA Parks and Nature Campaigner Jordan Crook said far more Victorians visit national parks than state forests.
“National parks don’t just protect nature –they’re overwhelmingly popular and provide fair, accessible and equitable access to the bush for all Victorians,” he said.
“These bizarre attacks overturn decades of Victorian policy and put us out of step with both national and international conservation approaches,”
“The Allan Government needs to come clean and publicly release the Eminent Persons Panel report on the Central Highlands that is now nine months overdue so all Victorians can see what they are doing, instead of drip feeding information to special interest groups.”
The Victorian Government has distanced itself from the Great Forest National Park proposal. (File: 309772)
By Evan Wolski and Callum Ludwig
Firefighters disappointed
By Dongyun Kwon and Evan Wolski
Local firefighters clearly delivered their message to the state government, “Scrap the levy. Stop calling it a levy. And be upfront.”
They are concerned about the recently introduced Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
The government has introduced this legislation to raise an extra $2.1 billion for emergency services through a tax which replaces the Fire Services Property Levy from 1 July and expands coverage to other emergency and disaster response services.
The Gruyere Fire Brigade sent a tanker with several members to support the thousands of CFA volunteers and farmers protesting against the new levy at the Victorian Parliament House on 20 May.
However, the brigade remained active over those chaotic days for the sake of community safety while many other CFAs around the state chose to strike.
David Westbury, Terry Burgi, Ray Sartori and Tom Wilkinson are firefighters at Gruyere CFA with a collective experience of almost 200 years.
Mr Burgi, who has volunteered for community safety for over 55 years, said he was disappointed with the government’s decision.
“Going back to the word volunteer, we don’t do it for any compensation. If the CFA folded tomorrow and we all stayed home and watched TV, the state would burn. Fire Rescue Victoria and Forest Fire Management are good at their job, but they can’t cover the whole state,” Mr Burgi said.
“We even have to bring firefighters from interstate because we’ve gone from 50 or 60,000 active volunteers down to somewhere in 20 or 30,000 already because of age, interest, workload elsewhere, family load elsewhere, volunteerism across the board is declining.
“You don’t do it for compensation. You do it because you are community-support.”
The ESVF was projected to lift the average annual bill for residential home owners by $63 and $678 for primary producers, sparking backlash from some farmers and firefighters.
The ESVF is calculated using the following formula: ESVF = fixed charge + variable charge –concession (if eligible) - rebate or other relief (if applicable).
The fixed charge is based on the property’s classification which is divided into five different categories depending on the primary use of the land: residential, commercial, industrial, primary production and public benefit.
Mr Sartori, who has volunteered as a firefighter for over 46 years, said it’s an extra charge which people in residential properties need to pay.
“All the other services currently are being financed from consolidated revenue. Now the government’s going to keep all that consolidated revenue, therefore it’s a new tax on us,” he said.
“That extra charge would put over $1000 onto my rate bill on my 40-acre property. Currently, it’s a grazing property. You can’t run any more animals on it.
“Therefore, you have no way of increasing your income or passing on the costs. It’s just an extra charge against the costs of running a property, and it could turn a profit into a loss.
“Let’s say you’ve got a 10-acre property worth $2 million with that including the house, you’ll
pay nearly $2000 in the levy. If your neighbour’s got 10 acres next door and it’s not levied as a farm but as a primary producer, he is going to pay much less in levy.”
Mr Westbury, the third lieutenant, said it hasn’t been advertised that residential places are going to have to pay more.
“The emphasis has been primarily on primary producers. Because they own more land, their fees will be a great deal higher, but everybody’s fee will be higher,” he said.
“My family only lives on 11 acres, and our fee is going to be certainly a lot higher, and I don’t think that’s been put out to the general public.
“What the other issue is we know that all this money that they’re going to get is not purely going to be spent on the emergency services, it’s just another tax to get more money to try and pay their debt off.”
The third lieutenant said the government hasn’t funded them enough to fit their needs.
“Our brigade has paid for two of those trucks in our station. There’s only one truck supplied by CFA, and that’s a 96 model,” Mr Westbury said.
Another firefighter Mr Wilkinson said the big issue is that the levy charges the volunteers for their work they are committing their lifetime to protect the community from fire risks.
“I’ve come here under a different emergency management scheme to support them. I volunteer just not to go out in the truck. I volunteer many, many hours in respect to training, supporting the community, fundraising with the community, engaging with them so that they actually
self-manage as well,” he said.
“I am now expected to go and pay a levy for something that I actually do as a volunteer and support. If they were to actually pay the brigades, they’ll leave you the amount to go and support them to do those things, but it’s not allocated for that purpose. And we get nothing at all.
“The best they can do is probably cover us with some work cover type thing, and support us with some protection gear and those sorts of things.”
After the contentious legislation was passed at the Victorian Parliament House to come into effect from 1 July, not only voluntary firefighters but also local governments across the state expressed concerns.
Many of the councils joined a council-led revolt against the levy or at least released official statements raising worries.
Yarra Ranges Council expressed disappointment in the ESVF and joined the protest.
Mansfield Shire Council confirmed its commitment to advocating against the new ESVF tax in its meeting on 24 June.
Baw Baw Shire Council has written to the Victorian treasurer to formally oppose the ESVF, following a Notice of Motion raised by West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas at the 27 May Council meeting.
Although Cardinia Shire Council released a media release, expressing concern about the impact of the ESVF on its community and seeking clarification in May, the council decided to rule out joining any boycott or legal challenge against the controversial legislation.
Fast-tracking major projects
By Callum Ludwig
Introduced in 2020 and bolstered in 2023 as part of the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement, the Development Facilitation Program (DFP) was established to speed up the planning permit process for priority projects in the state.
Recent analysis by The Age has identified that more than 70 major projects have been approved though the DFP, with at least 40 more to be considered.
The DFP allows Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny or the Department of Transport and Planning to fast-track planning permits for housing, commercial and industrial projects, bypassing councils in the process.
To be approved for a ministerial permit, a project has to demonstrate that it will create significant economic development, be a significant residential development with affordable housing or be a great design fast track (facilitating desirable residential development).
A ministerial permit can be granted for projects in the advanced manufacturing and defence, agriculture and rural industry, digital technologies, education centre (excluding primary or secondary schools), health (private hospitals and day procedure centres), medical technology, mining and extractive industry, professional services, residential development with affordable housing, retail, visitor economy, arts and recreation facilities, warehouse and logistics, renewable energy or utility installation (other than a data centre) sectors.
One ministerial permit was recently granted in Boronia for the development of property investment firm Charter Hall’s Mountain Highway Logistics Hub, an industrial estate which will feature four separate warehouses.
Charter Hall was contacted for comment.
According to a publicly available but redacted Assessment Officer Report, the entire development will cost about $77.63 million on the 168,000 square metre site, with Stage 1 of the project including a 2081 square metre office space and 31,582 square metre warehouse as well as parking for 272 cars, 10 motorcycles and 12 bicycles. The report anticipates the first warehouse having as many as 225 staff on site at any one time.
A Knox City Council spokesperson said the Minister for Planning is the responsible authority for 1061 Mountain Highway, Boronia.
“Council was consulted as part of the Minister considering the application,” they said.
The applicant first lodged a pre-application through the DFP on 15 November 2024 with early consultation undertaken following before the final application was received on 15 April 2025, made public on 17 April and a permit granted 25 June, meaning the entire permit process took just over seven months.
Future stages of the development will include smaller warehouses, each around 10,000 square metres and smaller office spaces with extra parking. All warehouses are expected to operate continuously for 24 hours a day all week once in operation. Practical completion is expected by late 2026.
The site was formerly owned by the British multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company GlaxoSmithKline who ceased operations at the site in October 2020 and according to a 2021 article from Real Estate Source, was sold to Charter Hall for $106 million in 2021.
At the time, Charter Hall’s chief investment officer Sean McMahon told Real Estate Source that they intended to develop the rest of the site as a pharmaceutical manufacturing and business hub.
“In parallel, we will investigate other employment related uses in this zone that will complement the precinct,” he said.
“This increases our exposure to the rapidly growing life sciences sector and is a further demonstration of our ability to work with corporates to deliver efficient solutions to their property requirements.”
Yarra Valley growers ‘among worst’ for non-compliance
The Fair Work Ombudsman will roll out a fresh campaign of horticulture sector inspections targeting labour hire providers, after a three-year campaign investigating more than 500 employers revealed the Australian regions with the worst rates of non-compliance with workplace laws.
The FWO’s newly-released Horticulture compliance report shows the non-compliance rates for employers targeted for surprise inspections in 15 regional hotspots under the regulator’s Horticulture Strategy 2021-2024.
Labour hire operators had notably higher breach rates than growers in every region where both were investigated.
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley region had the highest rate of overall non-compliance, with 83 per cent of targeted employers found to have failed to meet obligations under the Fair Work Act.
Regions with the next worst breach rates were NSW’s Riverina (72 per cent); Victoria’s Sunraysia and Shepparton regions (70 per cent and 63 per cent respectively); and Coffs Harbour and Grafton region in NSW (61 per cent).
Fair Work Inspectors will return to these five least-compliant regions in the new campaign across the next two years, starting with Riverina businesses this month.
Under the completed three-year strategy, inspectors visited 360 farms and orchards and investigated 512 businesses in a rolling campaign coordinated with crop seasons.
The other hotspot regions inspected were: South Australia’s Adelaide and Adelaide Hills; Queensland’s Whitsunday Coast, Lockyer Valley, Sunshine Coast, Stanthorpe, Wide Bay, and Moreton Bay; South-West WA; and North/NorthWest Tasmania.
Under the strategy, the FWO issued $760,405 in fines to employers who had failed to meet their pay slip and record-keeping obligations, with 91 per cent of these 166 Infringement Notices going
to labour hire providers. Only 15 fines were issued to growers that employed workers directly.
Failures in record-keeping and providing workers with non-compliant or no pay slips were the most common breaches by employers across the national campaign.
The FWO also recovered $384,168 in wages for 464 underpaid workers after issuing 95 Compliance Notices: 55 to labour hire providers and 40 to growers.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the three-year Horticulture Strategy had found mixed levels of compliance.
“We found positive signs of real improvement in Queensland regions, but extreme or very high levels of non-compliance in five Victorian and NSW regions. Where we found breaches we took action,” Ms Booth said.
“Our inspectors will return to these five troublespot regions with a focus on labour hire providers, who made up 80 per cent of non-compliant employers in these locations.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman is committed to changing employer behaviour to ensure that workers in this sector receive all their legal entitlements – but we know we can’t do it on our own.
“We need the sustained investment of industry partners, including employer groups and unions, to deliver a more compliant horticulture sector.
“This includes maximising awareness and use of our free education resources.
“We will also continue and increase our successful collaboration with other Australian Government and state regulators to ensure a comprehensive approach to holding to account employers doing the wrong thing.”
The horticulture sector is a priority for the FWO, given its history of high non-compliance with workplace laws and large proportion of vulnerable workers employed on farms and orchards, particularly young people on working holidays, migrants and visa holders.
Employers assessed in Queensland’s Wide Bay and Moreton Bay regions were the nation’s most compliant, with only 18 per cent and 8 per cent respectively having not met obligations.
Factors contributing to these positive compliance rates included more direct employment by growers, the ongoing education and compliance activities of the FWO and the Queensland Labour Hire Licensing Compliance Unit (LHLCU), leadership from employer and union organisations, and the role of programs such as Fair Farms.
Across the strategy’s investigations, common themes found for non-compliant labour hire providers included lack of record-keeping, cash-inhand payments, contracted workers not knowing who their employer is, and use of ‘supervisors’ who act as intermediaries (often making identifying the true employer difficult).
In addition to the Infringement Notices and Compliance Notices issued, in January 2025 the FWO signed an Enforceable Undertaking with R J Cornish & Co Pty Ltd, a fruit grower in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, following unlawful wage deductions of nearly $127,000 from 112 employees. The company was inspected in March 2024 as part of the Horticulture Strategy.
One investigation under the strategy continues and is being considered for high-level enforcement action.
Parallel regulation
Within the Horticulture Strategy, the FWO conducted more than 96 joint site inspections with other regulators: Australian Border Force, Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Queensland LHLCU, Victoria’s Labour Hire Authority and WorkCover Queensland.
The FWO referred some businesses to the ATO for suspected cash economy operations and failure to pay superannuation.
The FWO also provided information relating to about 70 businesses to the state labour hire licensing regulators in Queensland, Victoria and
South Australia. This contributed to a range of actions by these regulators, which included in some cases cancellation of labour hire licences, conditions being put on labour hire licences, and warning letters to labour hire providers and users of labour hire providers (i.e. growers).
Overall, the FWO achieved effective parallel regulation through intelligence sharing, coordinated briefings and joint compliance activities with relevant authorities, and this will be continued in the years ahead.
Resources for horticulture employers and employees
The FWO promoted its Horticulture Showcase, which provides free information and resources for employers to better understand and comply with their obligations under the Fair Work Act and the Horticulture Award. The showcase contains in-language information and resources in more than 30 languages.
Migrant workers have the same rights and protections under the Fair Work Act as other employees in Australia, regardless of their visa status. Information, including on protections for visas, is available at our visa holders and migrants webpage.
Employers and employees can visit fairwork. gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
Issues can be reported online anonymously, including in languages other than English. Employees can also seek information from their union, if they are a member, or from their employer. Follow the Fair Work Ombudsman @fairwork_ gov_au or find us on Facebook facebook.com/ fairwork.gov.au.
Sign up to receive the Fair Work Ombudsman’s media releases direct to your email inbox at fairwork.gov.au/emailupdates.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny wields the power to fast-track major planning permits, including one granted in Boronia. (File: 374160)
Sonya Kilkenny (Minister for Planning of Victoria).
Knox City Council were consulted, but not the decision maker, in granting the permit for 1061 Mountain Highway, Boronia. (File: 471256)
Renewable energy groups welcome government plan
By Dongyun Kwon
Local renewable energy groups welcomed the Victorian government’s plan to cut gas use.
The government had initially intended to replace gas heaters as well as hot water systems with electric appliances, however, the government amended its plan, giving some exemptions as concerns had been raised.
Premier Jacinta Allan said families will pay less on their energy bills, the industry will get the gas it needs, and Victorian jobs will be protected.
“It’s good for industry, workers, renters and families – we’re on their side,” she said.
“We are not just making sure Victoria has the gas it needs – we are reserving it for industry.”
Under new regulations from 1 March 2027, when a gas hot water system reaches the end of its life, it must be replaced with an efficient electric alternative like a heat pump.
Gas hot water systems can still be repaired if they break down. Gas systems can also be temporarily removed and reinstalled during renovations.
There are no changes to heating for owner-occupiers.
There are no changes to gas cooking in existing homes.
From 1 January 2027, all new homes and all new commercial buildings (other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings) will be built all-electric.
Rewiring Australia analysis has found that the average Australian home can save $4100 per year,
over the 15-year lifetime of appliances, by going fully electric including solar panels and an electric car.
Rewiring Australia chief scientist Dr Saul Griffith said phasing out these expensive fossil fuel machines is the easy way to lower emissions and hit Australia’s carbon targets sooner.
“We call on governments across Australia to follow Victoria’s lead and deliver this climate and cost-of-living win-win to more households,” he said.
“Gas forces households to pay higher energy bills and leaves them at the mercy of volatile global energy markets.
“Electric heat pumps and space heating systems are more efficient, more reliable, don’t pollute your home and significantly reduce energy bills.”
Healesville Community Renewable Energy (Healesville CoRE) president Karen Roberts was pleased that Victoria is leading the way in phasing out gas appliances.
“It will eventually lead to lower energy bills and healthier, safer homes in our community,” she said.
“The state government is also providing significant rebates to help make the transition more affordable. Gas is no longer cheap, no longer plentiful and let’s not forget that it’s also a fossil fuel.”
Healesville CoRE supported Badger Creek Hall in replacing its heating and cooling system and improving the insulation system, thanks to a grant the organisation received from Sustainability Victoria.
“Last year, among other upgrades, Healesville CoRE removed the floor to wall gas heaters and replaced them with energy efficient electric heaters, and since then we have heard that their power bills have drastically reduced,” Ms Roberts said.
“Adam at the hall told us that the Spinners and Weavers group used to huddle around the gas heater to keep warm, but they are now ‘complaining’ that the hall is too warm.”
Healesville CoRE has run a Home Energy Efficiency Advisory program for several years, where two of the trained advisors visit people in their homes and provide advice on what they can do to make their homes more comfortable and cheaper to run.
“You can register for that on our website. Our website also has great fact sheets provided by Rewiring Australia - look for ‘Sustainable Choices’ then ‘Electrify Everything’ and you’ll see a snapshot for things such as average upfront cost, emissions saved, return on investment, rebates available etc,” Ms Roberts said.
Healesville CoRE is now planning to host another free community event, introducing the federal government’s new cheaper home battery program and how solar has become more affordable in recent years on 8 August at the Memo, Healesville.
Please visit the Healesville CoRE’s website for more information at healesvillecore.org.au/ Repower The Dandenongs, a local community group advocating renewables and electrification based in Monbulk, also welcomed the Victorian government’s move to phase out gas appliances
in favour of cleaner and cheaper electric alternatives.
“These changes will not only lower energy bills for local families but also create healthier, safer homes for everyone in our community - which is what we know that people from our community want,” Repower The Dandenongs president Neil Evenden said.
“We urge governments around the country to follow Victoria’s lead.”
Mr Evenden said Repower The Dandenongs know that locals understand the benefits of electrification and welcome the savings, from the Repower Festival in March and Sustainable House Education Day held in May.
“In our community, renters are feeling locked out of the electrification benefits. Requiring landlords to electrify their investment properties when gas appliances need to be replaced is crucial in supporting renters. Including minimum insulation standards and draft-proofing makes sense, given the state of many rentals in the Dandenongs,” he said.
“We look forward to helping the local community find practical solutions and advice on how to go all-electric without worrying about frequent power outages.
“New technology means it is now affordable and practical to phase out toxic methane gas heating and hot water, even for Hills residents.”
To check the Repower The Dandenongs’ website for upcoming events, and free advice and tips to transition off gas, please visit: repowerthedandenongs.org.au/
In-pharmacy treatment program is now made permanent
By Mikayla van Loon
The confirmation that a statewide community pharmacy pilot would become permanent and expanded was welcome news to local pharmacies.
After an 18-month pilot program, seeing pharmacists offer treatment for things like uncomplicated UTIs and resupplying the oral contraceptive pill, the initiative became permanent from 1 July.
Lilydale Amcal Pharmacy owner Frank Kazantzis said he was excited by the announcement because of “the confidence it shows in the pharmacy industry to be able to offer high-quality health services”.
“The program is in its early days, however, pharmacists have always been accessible health professionals, and so expanding our scope of practice will undoubtedly increase health service access,” he said.
The pilot was initially set up to cut out the middleman for everyday conditions like urinary tract infections (UTI), travel, or other vaccines, and mild psoriasis or shingles management.
With the permanency of the program, the State Government announced it would extend
the in-pharmacy treatment options from five to 22.
Mr Kazantzis said the expansion of services would take time to roll out, given the need for training and coordination, but that it would be possible.
“I absolutely think the expansion of the program is a beneficial thing for the community,” he said.
“How will it fold into our current pharmacy offer? I think I’ll still need to wait for more information to come out, and review accordingly.
“The training to upskill to be able to provide these services is significant and it will therefore be quite some time until we see these services rolled out. However, I’m confident we’ll be able to offer the full raft of services in due course.”
The Victorian President of the Pharmacy Guild, George Tambassis, also welcomed the expansion of the program and the commitment from the government to improve health access.
“The Government’s commitment to ensure pharmacists in Victoria can provide services for the same conditions available in other States and Territories is a huge win for patients,” he said.
“Over the next two years, following the com-
pletion of training, patients will be able to see their community pharmacist for conditions such as ear infections, asthma and acute nausea and vomiting.”
Currently, Mr Kazantzis said women make up the largest cohort of people accessing the community pharmacy program in his pharmacy, with urinary tract infection treatment the most inquired about condition.
“The fact that we’re able to assist in this area, where sometimes women can’t get into their GP in a timely manner is greatly beneficial,” he said.
But despite the general understanding that pharmacies offer increased services to the com-
munity, Mr Kazantzis said more awareness of the program specifically was necessary.
“My hope is that the government will continue to promote these to the public.”
While a number of pharmacies in the Yarra Ranges now offer services under the community pharmacy program, Mr Kazantzis said the training of staff, particularly pharmacists, “is a barrier to offering the service”.
“The training modules for pharmacists are quite in-depth and so it can be difficult to have all pharmacists able to offer the service,” he said.
“We will find over time, however, and especially now that the program has become permanent, that more and more pharmacists will be completing the training.”
In the Yarra Ranges, Mt Evelyn Pharmacy, Belgrave Community Pharmacy, Seville Village Pharmacy, Launching Place Pharmacy, Healesville Walk Pharmacy and Priceline Pharmacy Mooroolbark are just some of the participating pharmacies.
To find out more about what services are available and the location of participating pharmacies, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/community-pharmacist-program
Counts
Lilydale Amcal Pharmacy staff Chloe, Kasey, Frank, Theresa and Kareen. (Stewart Chambers: 463881)
Big news for Little Yarra
By Oliver Winn
The Little Yarra CFA brigade were “beyond excited” after it upgraded its fleet with a new 2009 tanker passed down from the Chirnside CFA.
The tanker replaced the old, yet much loved Alice, a 30-year-old tanker which had crank windows and no air-conditioning yet was loved dearly by the brigade.
Little Yarra CFA captain Peter Cookson said though the brigade was sad to see Alice go, the new tanker was a great addition to the brigade.
“It’s really sad to see Alice go, but we’re just so excited about it,” Mr Cookson said.
“It’s a great looking truck too. Although it’s a 15 year old truck, they’ve actually put all the brand new stickers on it… it really makes it look like a younger truck.”
The new tanker was dubbed a “major upgrade” by the brigade, as it had a number of new features which would significantly boost the brigade’s firefighting capability.
Boasting a 2350 litre water tank, a crew cab and built-in roll over and burn over protection, it’s a big jump when compared to the 30 year old Alice.
The tanker’s crew cab meant five firefighters could now travel inside the vehicle as opposed to having two in the front and three exposed out back.
It’s crucial for the three other firefighters’ safety, as with Alice, all firefighters had if threatened by fire while in the back of the truck was some foil blankets.
On top of that, the new tanker had built in roll over and burn over protection which would greatly improve safety of the firefighters.
“We’ve got two and a half thousand litres on the truck, but we only have used 2000 litres and we saved that last 500 litres for our protection. If we need it, we can turn the crew protection on to
save ourselves,” Mr Cookson said.
The Facebook post announcing Little Yarra CFA’s new tanker had just under 185 likes at the time of publication.
Mr Cookson said he was glad to see more community engagement with a smaller brigade like Little Yarra.
“For a long time at Little Yarra, we were there, but not a lot was happening. I became captain a year ago and I thought, ‘I’ve got to get us out there, I’ve got to get us seen and heard by the community.’”
He said showing off the Little Yarra CFA’s new truck would also instill reassurance in the community.
“They like to see that because they know we’re going to be probably at their house sometime in the middle of the night putting out a burn off out of control. Or sometimes we’ve had clothes dryers catch fire, so they love seeing that we’ve got up-to-date stuff and are going to really look after them.”
EMBC wins state’s highest honour for public buildings
By Dongyun Kwon
TarraWarra Museum of Art (TWMA) got recognition for its recently opened centre which balances technical needs with layers of built and unbuilt history, demonstrating a fundamental understanding of what it means for architecture to be a good companion.
The Eva and Marc Besen Centre (EMBC) received the William Wardell Award, the highest honour awarded annually for public buildings in Victoria.
The EMBC is a vibrant new hub used for exhibitions, performances, classical concerts, lectures, family programs and workshops which allows the TWMA to engage with broader and more diverse audiences.
It also offers behind-the-scenes tours of stored works, giving visitors unprecedented access to our collection.
TWMA director Dr Victoria Lynn said her
team were thrilled to win the award.
“This award is a wonderful recognition of the care, creativity, and vision that went into the project. It affirms the centre’s role as not only a vital new space for art and learning but also as an architectural landmark for regional Victoria,” Dr Lynn said.
“The centre was conceived as both a practical and poetic extension of the museum: a new home for our growing collection, and a space for dialogue, learning and creativity.
“The centre is fully owned and operated by the museum as a place open to all – a civic space designed to foster access, education and artistic engagement for the public.”
The award-winning architecture officially opened to the public in March to honour the remarkable contributions of the late Eva and Marc Besen, the founders of the TarraWarra Estate.
TWMA board chairman Daniel Besen, a son of the late Eva and Marc Besen, said he was hon-
oured to help carry forward his parents’ philanthropic and cultural legacy, especially through this significant new chapter for the museum.
“The centre is a deeply personal tribute to my parents. Their belief in the power of art to inspire and educate lives here. Importantly, this is not a private initiative – it is a permanent gift from Eva and Marc to the people of Australia,” he said.
“The centre embodies their legacy of generosity and public service. It provides year-round access to over 300 works from the collection through an innovative visible storage system –something they would have truly loved.”
Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA), a Melbourne-based architecture practice, designed the EMBC.
KTA principal Kerstin Thompson said the vision for the centre emphasises integration and companionship within the existing estate’s significant architectural heritage.
“Instead of competing with the museum, the design complements it through a compact arrangement of two gently curving, spooning bands. The western band includes the multipurpose learning area, reception, and staff offices, while the eastern band houses the open collection store,” she said.
“An insulated glass wall separates the archive from the learning and reception areas, allowing visitors to see and engage with the collection. This design effectively brings what was traditionally back-of-house to front-of-house.
“The subterranean centre took two years to complete, with key considerations focused on connection, security, climate stability, and accessibility. We collaborated closely with OCULUS and Wurundjeri horticulturalist Craig Murphy-Wandin to ensure that the surrounding landscape was an integrated part of
TWMA is now inviting community members to visit and explore the award-winning centre.
The new tanker was originally given to Lilydale CFA in 2009. (Supplied)A built in roll over cab is a game changer for the Little Yarra CFA.
The new tanker will provide significant safety features for firefighters.
the design.”
The EMBC is a vibrant new hub used for exhibitions, performances, classical concerts, lectures, family programs and workshops which allows the museum to engage with broader and more diverse audiences. (Supplied)
The EMBC officially opened to the public in March to honour the remarkable contributions of the late Eva and Marc Besen, the founders of the TarraWarra Estate.
Preps celebrate 100 days of education
By Callum Ludwig
Yarra Junction Primary School celebrated the end of Term Two on Friday 4 July with a special day for the Prep students.
Preps were treated to a day of fun with their teachers and buddies similar to a ‘100 Days of Prep’ YJPS and other schools have celebrated, despite the dates not quite lined up, to mark the students meeting a significant milestone in their school journey.
Foundation Curriculum Leader and Prepand Grade One Teacher at Yarra Junction Primary School Tania Scott said one part of the day consisted of students bringing 100 of their chosen item to give them a concept of how much 100 is.
“A lot of what we’ve done this week is based on reflections, so really consolidating and talking about when they came in, what they could do and then going back and looking at the work from the beginning and to now and that really instills a sense of pride,” she said.
“(The first 100 days) is definitely really important and consistency of language, we have a visual schedule, the kids, and we go through the visual schedule before they leave in the morning, so the day before they come in, they know what’s going on, they know if there’s a change,”
“Consistency of reading every day, of counting every day, doing their homework is really important as well, consistency of listening to their body language, if they’re not feeling happy, making sure that you’re on top of that, if the red (symbolising anger) zone’s there, let’s work out what we’re gonna do so that we are a safe person that can help them move from whatever they’re feeling to that green zone.”
Activities throughout the day included pictures with their parents and buddies, making a necklace out of 100 fruit loops counting up by 10s, eating ice cream they earned through their ‘values tokens’, playing ‘Race to 100’, making glasses and patterns with 100, finding the numbers up to a 100 and tricky words around the school with their buddies and other games.
In her second year of teaching, Prep Teacher Jade Fairweather she loves that Preps are excited about school because it’s all new to them.
“Prep’s really the foundation of school, so it’s exciting to see them learn so much in even just a hundred days, learning, reading, writing and just making friends, they’re all excited to be at school still which is nice,” she said.
“I think (the first 100 days) is really important, especially socially, making friends as a lot of them come from different kinders and day cares, so I think making friends and just making them love school and feel like they can learn no matter who they are, I think that’s really important.”
The Yarra Junction Primary School Prep students have certainly come a long way from their first week back in January where they explored their own classrooms, located important buildings like classrooms and bathrooms and learnt about the different school routines.
Ms Fairweather said she thinks a lot of the challenges were leaving their mums and dads
Yarra Junction kids embrace world cultures on Global Day
By Oliver Winn
The Yarra Junction Primary School took its students on a trip around the world for its Global Day event where they embraced worldly cultures. The event marked the end of the school’s cross-curricular Global Unit where students expanded their horizons through visual arts, culture, science, performing arts and physical education.
“They loved it,” physical education teacher Brooke Nisi said.
Throughout the day, specialist teachers rotated classes and cultures which gave the students plenty of engaging activities.
Students were encouraged to wear cultural attire to represent their backgrounds while other students wore the colour of their favourite flag.
“Majority of the school dressed up. We all dressed up, including the teachers, we loved it,” visual arts teacher Kylie Field said.
Ms Field taught students about Egyptian culture and tradition through making an Egyptian headband, crafting secret hieroglyphic codes and dipping paper in coffee.
Ms Nisi introduced sports from different countries.
“I did Canada and we had an ‘off-snow’ snowboarding incursion, which was super fun.
“We had Spain and we did the matadors, the running of the bulls. The kids had masks and they were running towards a red flag.”
The culture and science class looked at Indigenous Australian history where they cooked damper.
Ms Nisi said the day was a good chance to expose the students to the rest of the world.
“We’re a very Anglo-Saxon dominant school, so for them to learn different cultures and expose them helps all the kids,” Ms Nisi said.
It was the first time Yarra Junction Primary School hosted a Global Day which made good use of the time when teachers had to do their semester planning.
“Then the specialists have their kids for the whole day where they could do something special together.
“So we’ve tried to make it a big thing where we aren’t just filling in time while the teachers plan on a planning day,” Ms Nisi said.
and parents in the mornings.
“The first few weeks there was lots of tears, lots of little sad people, but I think they’re all excited to come to school now and they love if they walk across the road in the morning by themselves, they’re excited to come and say ‘I walked to school by myself’ so I think that’s a challenge they’ve overcome.
“I think just even reading simple words and simple books, I think they’ve really overcome that because at the start of the year they could hardly read, but now they’re reading small books so that’s exciting, I think they love that they can do that now and they’re excited to show their parents, friends and other people.”
Yarra Junction Primary School Preps and their buddies celebrated the end of term in style. (Callum Ludwig: 488444)
All smiles and settled in at school. (Callum Ludwig: 488444)
A Chinese dragon kicked off the day. (Supplied)
Kids eating damper. (Supplied)
COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE
Partnership powers training
A strategic partnership between two community-focused organisations is set to deliver high-quality vocational training directly to the Yarra Valley, addressing critical skills shortages in growing industries while keeping education accessible and local.
Pines Learning, a non-profit registered training organisation based in Doncaster East, has joined forces with Healesville Living and Learning Centre to offer Certificate III qualifications in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) and Early Childhood Education and Care. The collaboration represents a significant step forward in meeting the region’s workforce development needs without requiring residents to travel to metropolitan training facilities.
“There’s a growing demand for skilled workers in our region, and this partnership between Pines Learning and Healesville Living and Learning Centre is designed to meet that need through accessible, skills-based training,” Pines Learning’s CEO Sally Brennan said.
The partnership leverages the strengths of both organisations, combining Pines Learning’s educational expertise with the local community connections of Healesville Living and Learning Centre.
The timing couldn’t be more relevant, with significant demand across both the aged care sector and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), while early childhood education continues to be a growth area of the economy. These industries offer genuine local employment opportunities, making the training directly applicable to career prospects within the region.
What sets this program apart is its commitment to personalised student support. The smaller class sizes allow instructors to provide individualised support for every student, ensuring participants receive the attention and guidance needed to succeed in their chosen field.
“I struggled in the beginning because I hadn’t studied for over 10 years, but with the one-onone support from the teacher and the regular
check-in from the course coordinator, I soon found my rhythm and confidence,” Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care Student Joy said.
“I’m now halfway through my work placement, and they’ve offered me a job at the end of my qualification.”
The partnership stems from an ongoing collaboration initiated by Sally Brennan, CEO of Pines Learning, who has led the organisation
Learn Locally for In-Demand Jobs
Classes: Online 2 days per week and face-to-face 1 day per month
Location: Healesville
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Date: Thursday 24 July, 10am
since November 2022. Her vision of extending quality training opportunities beyond traditional metropolitan boundaries has found a natural partner in Healesville Living and Learning Centre’s commitment to community education. Government assistance may be available to eligible students, making the qualifications more accessible to local residents. Information sessions are being scheduled to provide prospective students with detailed course information and
enrolment guidance. Classes will be conducted in Healesville, bringing professional-standard vocational education directly into the heart of the community. This local delivery model eliminates travel barriers while maintaining the high standards expected from nationally recognised qualifications. For complete course information and contact details, refer to the advertisements featured at the bottom of this page.
Classes: Online 2 days per week and some face-to-face classes
Location: Healesville
Join our FREE info session to learn more!
Date: Monday 28 July, 10am via Zoom
RSVP: info@pineslearning.com.au or 9842 6726
A proud partnership between Pines Learning and Healesville Living and Learning Centre is delivering new educational opportunities for locals. (Supplied)
COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE
Range of classes at Woori
Woori Community House is thrilled to announce that our comprehensive Term Three program is now available, featuring an exciting blend of both brand-new offerings and beloved returning favourites.
This diverse range of classes and activities has been carefully curated to serve our vibrant community members of all ages and interests.
We’re particularly excited to introduce several innovative programs this term. New to our line-up is Wood Snake 2025 with Salwa Abboud, a unique artistic workshop thatpromises to engage participants in creative expression through this fascinating medium. The program will provide all necessary materials and expert guidance for both beginners and those with some experience. Our Seniors Morning Tea and Games session offers a wonderful opportunity for older community members to socialise, enjoy refreshments, and participate in engaging activities designed to promote mental stimulation and social connection. This relaxed atmosphere encourages new friendships and provides a supportive environment for regular social interaction.
Health and wellness take centre stage with the introduction of the NDSS Diabetes Victoria – Desmond Program, a structured educational initiative designed to help individuals better understand and manage diabetes. This evidence-based program provides practical tools and knowledge to support healthier lifestyle choices and improved health outcomes.
Safety and emergency preparedness are addressed through our new Ambulance Victoria –Parents and Carers of Young Children program. This essential course equips parents and caregivers with vital first aid skills and emergency response techniques specifically tailored for young children, providing peace of mind and potentially life-saving knowledge.
We’re also introducing Meditation classes to support mental health and wellness, offering participants the opportunity to learn various
meditation techniques, stress reduction strategies, and mindfulness practices in a calm and supportive environment.
Our highly successful exercise and fitness classes are returning with some exciting updates. The SIT2FIT Chair-Based Exercise Classes have proven incredibly popular with participants of all mobility levels, and we’re pleased to announce a new convenient time slot at 1pm to accommodate more schedules. These classes provide gentle yet effective exercise routines designed for those who prefer or require seated exercise options. Dance Fitness Classes with Rhiannon continue to bring energy and joy to our fitness offerings. Rhiannon’s engaging teaching style and carefully selected music create an atmosphere where participants can improve their fitness while having fun and expressing themselves through movement. Our very popular Dru Yoga sessions with Angie return by popular demand. These classes focus on gentle, flowing movements combined with breathing techniques and meditation, promoting both physical flexibility and mental calm. Angie’s expertise and compassionate teaching approach have made these sessions a community favourite.
This term, we’re expanding our children’s
programming with Kids Create Craft, which will now be split into two distinct and exciting sessions. The Clay Art component will allow young artists to explore their creativity through handson pottery and sculpting techniques, while the Pom Pom Making sessions will teach various crafting skills and provide opportunities for colourful, tactile creativity.
Our partnership with Bunnings continues with their return for an exciting Spring Gardening session. This hands-on workshop will cover seasonal planting, garden preparation, and sustainable gardening practices, perfect for both novice gardeners and those looking to expand their green-thumb knowledge.
Our beloved get-together groups are returning in Term 3, providing essential social connections within our community. Monday Mix offers a relaxed environment for community members to meet, share experiences, and participate in various activities. The Golden Years group specifically caters to older adults, fostering meaningful connections and engaging activities suited to their interests and needs.
The Brewers Club continues to provide a space for enthusiasts to share knowledge, techniques, and appreciation for craft brewing.
Fridays at Woori Community House offer multiple valuable services. The Yarra Ranges Flexi Vehicle Library provides convenient access to transportation options for community members, while our Co-Networking/Study Space offers a quiet, productive environment for remote work, study, or collaborative projects.
Creativewriting enthusiasts can participate in Create Your Own Writer’s Treasure Box, an innovative program designed to inspire creativity and provide practical tools for developing writing skills. This hands-on workshop encourages participants to build their own personalised collection of writing prompts, techniques, and inspiration.
We’re also continuing our popular Knitting and Crochet drop-off sessions this term, provid-
ing a relaxed environment for fibre arts enthusiasts to work on projects, share techniques, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of these traditional crafts.
Understanding the importance of financial support within our community, we’re pleased to offer Free Tax Help from July to October 2025. This valuable service provides professional assistance with tax preparation and filing, ensuring community members can access expert help during tax season.
Mark your calendars for our signature community event: Kids Fest 2025 will take place on Thursday 23 October this year. This annual celebration brings together families for a day of fun, entertainment, and community spirit. We encourage everyone to keep this date free and look forward to sharing more details about this exciting event as the date approaches.
For more information about any of these programs, registration details, or to discuss how Woori Community House can support your needs, please contact us directly.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new community members throughout Term Three.
Woori Community House. (File: 337348)
Spring gardening is one offering coming to the Woori Community House in Term Three. (Supplied)
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Yarra source story revived
By Dongyun Kwon
The past editor of the Mountain Views would like to introduce her new book to the Yarra Valley community.
Frances Henke, who worked as a Mountain Views editor from October 1986 to January 1989, published a new book The Poet and The River.
The Poet and The River is an adventure about young people seeking the source of the Yarra River. They face many challenges presented by the Australian bush and learn how to work as a team.
Mrs Henke said the book is bound up with Mountain Views, as she put her passion for seeing the source of the Yarra River into practice while editing the local newspaper.
“When I was at Mountain Views, I became interested in the source of the Yarra. And David Fleay, who was the photographer at Mountain Views, took me out to Ship Rock Waterfall to see a tributary spurting out of a rock because I had the romantic notion that’s how rivers started,” she said.
“This was a big adventure for an old polio kid because I wasn’t able to go bushwalking or any of that, but I still wanted to know about the source of the Yarra, so I was talking to Board of Works guys, and they got three four-wheel drives, and off we went up Mount Baw Baw to find the source of the Yarra River. It was just magic. It was amazing.
“I’d never been through such countryside and in that sort of environment with experts in native flora and all that sort of thing. I’d written 12 gardening books by then, so I had a bit of a handle on native plants. But seeing them out there was just phenomenal.”
Mrs Henke, living at Chum Creek at the time, wrote features on the trip for Mountain Views, and later, Melbourne’s afternoon newspaper The Herald.
Then, as her working life changed after being sacked from her Mountain Views editor position, she wrote a fictional version for young people about finding not only the source of a river but also how to cope with nature’s crises, which has become The Poet and The River.
Mrs Henke said she was sacked for disloyalty after she’d asked for a better dunny in the office.
“In those days, we were in a little old wooden shop on Maroondah Highway, and there was one dunny used by nine people. And by the end of the week, the level was getting pretty high, and we were getting stomach infections and things,”
she said.
“I asked the owners if we could improve the dunny, replace it or whatever. But there wasn’t enough money for that sort of thing, and people were getting sick. So I went to the shire and asked them to encourage the owners to improve the toilet facilities, and I was sacked with disloyalty.
“So being at home suddenly, I decided to write this story of the trip up the Yarra River, and I sent it off to various publishers, I got 26 rejections. So then the manuscript sat in the drawer for many, many years.”
A few years later, while editing Mornington Peninsula papers, Mrs Henke also studied art at Chisholm TAFE, Frankston, graduating with a Diploma of Visual Arts.
With new confidence in her drawing and painting abilities, she began illustrating her books.
One day, her husband reminded her of the Yarra River manuscript, which he’d always loved and encouraged her to dig it out.
“So I pulled out the manuscript, and I was surprised at how well written it was about 35 years ago. I did more research and began making illustrations on the iPad. I wanted the book to have the feel of the Yarra, the bush and its critters,” the author said.
“By this time, I’d written four novels, none of which publishers wanted, so my husband said to me, ‘publish it yourself’. That’s how Flying Pony Press was born, and I published my books and other people’s books as well.”
The book was officially published on 21 June, the day after her 82nd birthday.
Mrs Henke’s journey with Mountain Views began when she saw an advertisement for editing Mountain Views in 1986 after working for various companies, including The National Times and 3EA SBS Radio.
The past Mountain Views editor said she had lots of unforgettable memories with the Yarra Valley-based newspaper.
“We won an award for the Best Regional Historical Feature Story for Australia Day Awards in 1988. It was a double-page spread written by Robert Martin on Captain Cook and Aboriginal people. And on display at the reception were photographs from Mountain Views of how we celebrated Australia Day, featuring the fancy dress party at Badger Creek and the sailing of the first fleet on Emerald Lake,” Mrs Henke said.
“Another great big feature I did was arrive in a Cobb and Co coach from Melbourne through
Healesville to celebrate the centenary of the Melbourne to Healesville mail service.
“A kind of funny one, we refer to it as a Cold Night on Donna, but I write the story saying, ‘This is one of those stories over which one doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry’. And it began in December 1987, when the Casey family of Warburton decided to go for a quiet evening stroll.
“Jack Casey was 97, partially deaf and largely blind, and he wanted to walk up the aqueduct to Mount Donna Buang, so there were four of them
I think, and they started walking up Donna, and one of them had a fall and they became trapped on Donna overnight, and then getting them out of Donna was a huge story, so that was one of my favourite stories.”
Taking a trip down memory lane, Mrs Henke appreciated her Mountain Views crew back in the days.
“The wonderful team of reporters we had in my day was Kath Gannaway and Millie Donald. And the photographer was David Fleay and Ian Amiet who did the real estate photographs, and he was famous for shooting the pictures of the house out through the car window and driving off. He was very quick at his job,” she said.
“It was just a wonderful team of people to work with and I think we were very well trusted in the community because we were accessible. People could just walk in the front door and say, ‘I’ve got a story. Will you do a story about this?’
“And we had a good relationship with the Aboriginal community at Coranderrk, the Wandoon family and so forth.”
The Poet and The River is published by Flying Pony Press, available at Petersen’s Bookstore, Hastings, and from flyingponypress@gmail.com
Warburton publisher wins the ‘Oscar of cookbooks’ prize
By Oliver Winn
A cookbook published by Signs Publishing Company in Warburton was named Best in the World at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards on 19 June.
Food As Medicine: Cooking to Prevent and Treat Diabetes by Sydney-based dietitian Dr Sue Radd was awarded best cookbook in the Health Professionals Books category, beating out shortlisted books from France, Mexico, Portugal and Spain.
Signs Publishing Company manager Andrew Irvine represented the publisher at the award ceremony and said the award was a testament to the hard work put into the book by Dr Radd and the Signs Publishing team.
“There were many excellent books in this category, so this award is extra special and a credit to both Sue’s significant efforts and the work of the Signs team who were involved in publishing this book,” Mr Irvine said.
The award citation for the book labelled it an “empowering and science-backed guide” that offered a practical and inspiring approach to diabetes.
It joins the original Food As Medicine cookbook which also won a similar award in 2017.
An accredited practising dietitian and senior lecturer at the University of Sydney, Dr Sue Radd said a “huge amount of work” had been poured into the book.
“Honestly, I liken it to doing a masters, because it’s not just an ordinary cookbook,” Dr Radd said.
“The recipe development alone takes a lot of time. It also uses a lot of the latest scientific findings that we’ve acquired or we’ve gleaned about different food combinations.”
It took Dr Radd and her team several years to analyse all the literature published on food and
how it interacts with the body.
“These recipes actually have to give back. They have to love you back when you eat them,” she said.
The cookbook is packed with valuable information on nutrition, delivered in bite-sized, easyto-digest messages (no pun intended).
Dr Radd said she chose the small, Warburton-based Signs Publishing Company because she felt as if it would be good to give a smaller publisher a chance to publish something it might not have published otherwise.
“Previously I had published with large mainstream publishers in Australia and overseas,” Dr Radd said.
“Signs [Publishing] is more of a boutique publisher, and it’s a Christian publishing group, and I’m also a Christian,” she said.
Signs Publishing Company has been based in Warburton since 1906.
Mrs Henke at Hastings for the launch of The Poet and The River. (Supplied)
Fran Henke in Mountain Views wind cheater at Ship Rock Waterfall in 1987. (David Fleay)
The Food As Medicine: Diabetes displayed at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Portugal. (Supplied)
L-R: President and founder of the Gourmand Awards Edouard Cointreau, Signs Publishing Company manager Andrew Irvine. (Supplied)
DINGO EDUCATION DAY
Call to coexist with dingoes
By Professor Euan Ritchie, Deakin University
Few if any native wildlife species evoke such a range of emotions as do dingoes.
Some regard them as ‘wild dogs’, and call for their extermination. Others highlight their significant ecological role, and cultural values for First Nations peoples, and want these native canids conserved. Tragically, misunderstanding, misinformation, and disinformation is dividing communities, and we all suffer as a result, including dingoes.
Dingoes can attack and kill livestock, and we must acknowledge the harm this causes economically and for livestock producers’ wellbeing. We should also acknowledge the lack of robust data, evidence and uncertainty as to which animals are killing livestock, where and in what numbers. This is especially pertinent regarding lambs, with foxes known to consume more sheep across Victoria than dingoes typically do. There have also been incidents of roaming farm or pet dogs killing large numbers of livestock in some regions.
Dingoes perform important roles in ecosystems, as a top predator, helping to control numbers of kangaroos, wallabies, feral goats and feral pigs, among others, and they can help to reduce the impacts of feral cats and foxes on native wildlife. Without dingoes in ecosystems, herbivores and smaller predators may become more abundant and active, leading to severe impacts on the health of vegetation, pasture, and native wildlife populations.
The good news is that we have tools at hand— that have been used successfully across the globe, for centuries—to promote coexistence of dingoes and livestock production, including guardian dogs and donkeys, and small areas of strategic fencing. As with anything, if such tools aren’t used well, they can fail, but there are many examples from graziers from across Australia where such actions are working, and we must do all we can to support more education, training
Yellingbo Public Hall
and successful implementation of these tools.
Trapping, shooting and poisoning of dingoes is often ineffective and not sustained through time, and is increasingly losing social license across Australian society. Research on non-lethal solutions has shown these approaches to be as or more effective than lethal approaches, and they are sustained long-term.
Dingoes are often referred to as wild and feral dogs, with the assumption that most are hybrids with domestic dogs, but the reality is that this is simply not the case. Recent genetic studies, from two independent research labs, indicates
hybridization between dingoes and domestic dogs is exceedingly rare and most dingoes show very little or no trace of domestic dog ancestry. In a genetic sense they are dingoes, whether yellow-orange, black, black and tan, brindled or otherwise colored.
I urge people to listen to each other and move towards a shared vision of dingo and livestock production coexistence, we have the tools at hand to make this a reality. What we need more than ever is mutual respect and greater investment and support from government to implement effective non-lethal dingo management.
13th July 2025 13th 1-2:30pm
Event is on the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri People.
We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.
Speakers Include Include
Professor Euan Ritchie (Wildlife Ecology and Conservation) at Deakin University Australian Dingo Foundation PresentationMeet a native Dingo
The impact of dingoes on livestock can lead to frustration, which can result in misinformation and disinformation spreading. (Daniel Hunter: 488229)
Learning to coexist and adopt non-lethal control methods is critical for conservation of the native canid. (Daniel Hunter: 488229)
ARTWORK BY BELLA SHAW ART
Animals of the Upper Yarra
By Oliver Winn
Warburton-based photographer GRAEME EDWARDS has made another appearance - this time he showcased the wondrous wildlife of the Upper Yarra.
From shaggy sheep, delicate ducks, mischievous alpacas and curious kangaroos, there’s plenty of fauna on show.
Regional news is the canary in the coal: Health alert
By Damian Morgan, president Country Press Australia
This week, I step up as president of Country Press Australia (CPA), ostensibly to represent the best interests of independent regional newspaper publishers. But the responsibility is far greater than that.
The future of regional news publishing is inextricably linked to whether regional communities will continue to have a say in shaping the future of regional Australia.
In fact, regional newspapers are the metaphorical canary in the coal mine - their health signals the health of the voice of the communities they serve.
And both are under threat.
The toxic combination of ever-expanding corporations and surging city populations dominating our politics is reducing regional communities to branch office status, with their futures determined by powerful elites in our CBDs.
With every small business that’s bought out and “rolled up” into a corporate machine - or shut down to make way for a big-box competitor - a local business owner is replaced by a corporate manager. The profits are siphoned off in the first electronic transfer back to the city, and a small part of the soul of our communities dies.
As our capital cities grow, the weight of our democracy and decision-making drifts further away from the regions - away from where much
of our nation’s wealth is generated, by the way.
Even local government is losing its voice.
Many locally elected councillors now fear speaking out on behalf of their communities, worried they’ll be reported by bureaucratic staff to increasingly powerful, city-based governance bodies. When this happens, our democracy is weakened.
Regional news publishers are among the last lines of defence against these forces.
At our best, we rally and amplify the collective voice of our communities. We stand up to power and fight for a fair go.
There’s a saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease - but in regional Australia, it’s mostly
the silent, hardworking wheels that keep the whole country moving.
That’s why regional newspapers promote local communities and give those doing the heavy lifting a voice.
We unapologetically champion independent regional businesses - the ones who make, grow, and fix things. The ones who only sell what they believe in and are proud of.
We’re also here for the bush cops and singleteacher schools, the nurses and doctors who are always on duty, and the junior sports coaches who drive the bus three hours each way so kids can get a game on the weekend.
We’re up for the fight. But it’s getting harder.
A decade ago, regional newspapers were thriving. Classifieds, display ads, and community notices funded large local newsrooms filled with trained journalists.
But the landscape has changed.
When news went online - and we’re online too - global tech giants like Facebook quickly came to dominate the advertising market, using their monopolistic power to take an overwhelming share of digital ad revenue.
Yet these platforms don’t produce news.
They don’t employ journalists.
And they certainly don’t hire anyone in regional communities where they glean enormous profits from the attention of local people while contributing nothing back to local newsrooms or
communities.
In fact, they profit from our content, created by local journalists, without paying fairly for itundermining the very business model that sustains local news.
And big box retail corporations making huge profits from our regional communities are now choosing to advertise with these global tech giants, not with local publishers.
Like frogs in warming water, too many Australians are unaware of the growing danger of letting corporatism control our communities - and the new media platforms and AI systems that (mis) inform them.
My top priority as president of CPA is to fight for the publishers who, in turn, are fighting for their communities.
We’ll be wearing out the boot leather lobbying governments to protect our people from exploitation by tech platforms that profit from harmful content and put our children and democracy at risk.
We’ll push back against bureaucracy that strips power from local leaders.
We’ll shine a light on the creeping reach of corporatism.
We’re proud to take on these battles.
All we ask in return is that you keep buying your local paper — or subscribe online — and support the local businesses that advertise with us.
Ducks in Yarra Junction.
Cows in Warburton. Mischievous looking alpacas in Millgrove. Kangaroos in Wesburn.Two horses among a pastoral backdrop in Launching Place.
Horse in Yarra Junction. Sheep in the afternoon sun. (Graeme Edwards)
More sheep.
New CPA president Damian Morgan.
Natural medicine
Natural medicine is increasingly recognised as a safe and effective adjunct in healthcare, offering a holistic, traditional, and evidence-based approach to healing.
Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses primarily on treating isolated symptoms, natural medicine addresses the whole personbody, mind, and spirit - thereby supporting longterm wellbeing and resilience.
One of the core strengths of natural medicine lies in its holistic framework.
It considers not only physical health, but also emotional, nutritional, and lifestyle factors that influence a person’s vitality.
By restoring balance across these dimensions, natural therapies help strengthen the body’s innate healing processes, reducing the likelihood of chronic illness and enhancing quality of life.
Natural medicine also draws on centuries of traditional wisdom.
Practices such as herbal medicine, acupunc-
CARTOON
Healthy living
Tim Howden Paediatric Naturopath
ture, and nutritional therapy have been used safely and effectively across cultures for generations.
Today, many of these therapies are being validated through rigorous scientific research, bridging the gap between tradition and modern evidence-based practice.
Supporting nutritional, dietary, and emotional wellbeing has been shown to significantly improve health outcomes.
A nutrient-rich diet, tailored to an individual’s needs, can correct deficiencies, reduce inflammation, and support metabolic function.
Emotional wellness practices - such as mindfulness, counselling, or stress reduction techniques - contribute to hormonal balance, better sleep, and improved immune function.
Together, these interventions create a more balanced physiology, empowering the body to function optimally.
Importantly, when individuals feel healthier and more centred, their interaction with the world often becomes more fulfilling.
They may experience deeper connections, increased purpose, and greater capacity to engage in meaningful activities.
In this way, natural medicine not only supports physical health but also fosters emotional richness and social wellbeing - making it a truly integrative and life-enhancing part of modern healthcare.
More like Jurassic World afterbirth
Jurassic World: Rebirth
Starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey
M 3.75/5
A soft reboot of a soft reboot, Jurassic World: Rebirth is the middling seventh film in the Jurassic Park franchise.
At the behest of a pharmaceutical company, Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) and her team of mercenaries travel to a remote island populated by dinosaurs to extract blood samples from three gigantic Mesozoic creatures.
The characters are thinly-written but wellacted, and Johansson has solid chemistry with Jonathan Bailey as Dr Henry Loomis, a nerd who shows plenty of courage and therefore avoids tired stereotypes.
Detective mystery
By Christine Sun
Book review by of The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey
The Wolf Tree, by Australian author Laura McCluskey, is set in fictional Eilean Eadar, a barren, windswept island off the coast of Scotland.
The remote rock is inhabited by an isolated community of a few hundred residents, with centuries-old traditions and much hostility towards outsiders.
When a young man is found dead at the base of the island’s lighthouse, detective inspectors Georgina “George” Lennox and Richard “Richie” Stewart are sent from Glasgow to investigate.
While Richie is happy to close the case as suicide, George suspects something is seriously wrong about the island and its tiny community.
A major driver of the plot is the tension between the two DIs, which is deftly handled.
Although they have been partners for many years, George has recently recovered from a devastating injury and still relies on medication to keep various symptons at bay – a fact that she is keen to hide from Richie.
George is also headstrong and ambitious, with a fierce sense of justice and equality.
Her tendency to act on impulse and often without regard to her own safety is a sore point in her relationship with Richie, who can see such reckless and dangerous behaviour becoming a risky – if not fatal –problem.
The novel is a slow burn, with much atmosphere and suspense.
The bulk of the investigation takes place within a time frame of five days, and those readers enjoying mysteries and police procedurals will find the multiple clues delightfully challenging, especially the deliberate and determined undermining of the investigation by the islanders.
Of particular interest is the enigmatic, omnipresent priest who holds considerable influence over the community.
Other noteworthy themes include isolation vs self-sufficiency, tradition vs modernity, community vs conformity, and Christianity vs paganism.
As the plot gradually builds up in intensity and action, long buried secrets are revealed, and the conflicts between generations of islanders become increasingly clear and urgent.
These are subtly and skilfully explored by the author, who holds the pacing steady until the end.
down a river and a scuffle with a pterosaur that looks almost like a roided-up macaw run amok.
Like the first two Jurassic World movies, Rebirth features hybrids as major antagonists, and while they have some cool moments (including a really clever visual twist with a helicopter), they lack the imposing presence of past dino dangers.
This is an impressive debut that clearly demonstrates the author’s writing talents and efforts.
While not every plot twist is a surprise, the novel exceeds reader expectations in terms of the story’s structure, its characterisation and world-building, and the richness and diversity of its content.
In an interview, the author suggests that “if you have the ability and the power to weave a message into your work, then maybe you should”.
The plot awkwardly stitches together Zora’s mission with a shipwrecked civilian family and has a lurching, episodic pace with contrived setup – making heart medication using blood from large dinosaurs is loopy logic – and watch out for a functionally useless betrayal at the end of the first act.
Rebirth has a disappointing lack of practical effects in a franchise once celebrated for its puppets and animatronics, and the original Jurassic Park trilogy (and even the slasher/haunted house-esque conclusion of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) delivered far stronger horror than Rebirth, as the action carries little peril given that only the least-developed characters get chomped (and the annoying boyfriend sadly doesn’t get eaten).
The camerawork makes eerie use of the gloomy jungle setting and the film has some exciting set-pieces, including a tense T-Rex chase
A dinosaur thriller that lacks the suspense, smarts or scares of the early Jurassic Park films, Jurassic World: Rebirth is playing in most Victorian cinemas.
In the case of The Wolf Tree: “Justice is not always black and white. There are a lot of things that come into play in the context of why someone has done a certain thing.... You should ask a lot of questions and try to learn how other people think,” Well said.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Pump up for paintball fun
Looking for a thrilling and action-packed activity these school holidays?
Paintball Skirmish has you covered with experiences tailored for all ages—yes, even the younger adventurers! While traditional paintball is an exhilarating, high-intensity sport suitable for those aged 16 and over, we haven’t forgotten about our younger adrenaline seekers.
Introducing Splatmaster, also known as “Miniball”—a premium low-impact version of paintball designed for kids and teens who are itching to jump into the action.
Using a spring-loaded, shotgun- style marker instead of the usual gas-powered ones, Splatmaster delivers all the excitement of paintball with a much gentler impact.
It’s the perfect gateway to the sport, giving budding players the chance to run, dodge, and shoot their way through specially designed outdoor skirmish fields—just like the pros.
Sessions are designed with safety in mind and include a full set of protective gear.
Each player receives full-length overalls, a paintball mask, and a tactical vest as part of their package.
Additional safety equipment is available for purchase or hire, including:
• New groin guards (cricket boxes).
• Additional chest protection.
• New or hired gloves for added hand protection.
Splatmaster sessions are available any day of the week (subject to numbers), with packages starting from just $45 per player—a fantastic way to burn off some holiday energy while enjoying the great outdoors in a safe, structured environment.
So whether you’re a teen ready to try full-scale paintball, or a younger player eager to dive into the world of Miniball, Paintball Skirmish offers the ultimate school holiday adventure.
Book now and gear up for a school holiday to remember!
Gear up for Paintball Skirmish this school holidays. (Shutterstock)
Age-appropriate
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Infatuated (8)
5 Portable computer (6)
10 Separately (5)
11 Authorise (the use of) (9)
12 Colour points of a digital image (6)
13 Area of level high ground (7)
14 Death notice (8)
15 Seas (6)
18 A sheep’s coat (6)
20 Calamity (8)
21 Water well (7)
24 Clamour (6)
27 Arranged (9)
28 Silly; pointless (5)
29 Formally inspect (6)
30 Vegetation (8)
DOWN
1 Prejudice (4)
2 Keep steady (9)
3 Heading (5)
4 Revelation (8)
6 Old (7)
7 Doubly (5)
8 Forerunner (9)
9 Aid (4)
14 Obtrusive; meddlesome (9)
16 Sub (9)
17 Unruliness (8)
19 Purify (7)
22 Sucrose (5)
23 Bird’s bed (4)
25 Strong thread (5)
26 Refute (4)
No. 277
No. 245
CHARMING COUNTRY RETREAT ON 2.47 ACRES
– JUST MINUTES FROM GEMBROOK
LOCATED only a short drive from the thriving Gembrook township, escape to your own private haven on a picturesque 2.47 acres.
Bursting with character and period charm, this impeccably presented property blends timeless elegance with modern comfort.
At the heart of the home, the cozy lounge room features a charming fireplace to keep you warm through the cooler months.
The adjoining dining area includes a splitsystem for year-round comfort.
For the chef of the family the well-equipped kitchen boasts a 800mm stainless steel freestanding oven, dishwasher, leadlight pendant light fixtures and extensive cupboard and bench space with direct access to the outdoor entertaining area.
The spacious master bedroom is a true sanctuary, featuring French doors opening onto return verandahs, a decorative fireplace, ample built-in storage, and a luxurious renovated ensuite with high-quality fittings.
The two additional bedrooms are generously sized and conveniently located near the main bathroom, complete with a classic clawfoot bath. Timber floors, decorative cornices, ornate ceiling roses and picture windows add to the country charm.
Outside, enjoy resort-style living, an expansive decked and covered entertaining area is the perfect place to entertain friends and family year-round.
During the warmer months, the solar heated swimming pool will keep you cool and the kids entertained.
A 10 x 10m barn offers an additional entertaining space, home office, kids retreat or additional accommodation for guests; boasting a bathroom, kitchenette, wood fire and mezzanine storage.
For the toys and tools, there is a double garage/workshop with a double carport and additional wood storage.
There is also a circular driveway and excellent off-street parking.
This picture-perfect property truly must be seen to be fully appreciated.
Don’t miss your chance to secure a slice of country paradise.
BRAND NEW TOWNHOUSE IN THE HEART OF TOWN (OFF KINGS ROAD)
ONLY 2 years young and still under builders’ warranty, this beautiful modern townhouse is perfect for those looking for a low maintenance lifestyle right in the heart of town.
Step into luxury with beautiful presentation and the knowledge that all you need to do is move in and enjoy the wonderful lifestyle on offer. Offering contemporary living at its finest, this property boasts soaring high ceilings, 2 separate living areas and modern furnishings that exude both elegance and comfort.
Walk to everything you need with ease or enjoy time surrounded by nature at Emerald
Lake Park or Pepi’s land and revel in the fact that all the hard work has been done here so you as the lucky purchaser can reap the rewards.
Perfect for downsizers craving easy low maintenance living, first home buyers looking for a stylish yet affordable entry into the property market or investors who value a fantastic location! Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to live in one of the most sought-after areas, located just off Kings Road, Emerald.
Contact us today to arrange a viewing and make this stunning townhouse yours.
HOME ESSENTIALS
Address: 5 Regal Close, EMERALD Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $999,000 Inspect: By appointment
Contact: Lana Maher 0408 535 075, BARRY PLANT EMERALD, 5968 4522
Meet our Board Directors
Healesville & District Community Enterprise Ltd. (HDCEL) is the company that owns the Bendigo Bank franchise located at 205 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville.
The company is guided by a volunteer board, which is the major difference between banking with a Community Bank and banking with a ‘regular’ bank. Instead of profits going to executive bonuses and corporate retreats, HDCEL redirects this money back into community projects and organisations in Healesville and Yarra Glen.
When you open an account with us, you know your money is staying in the community; and it makes a big difference!
Dave Hill
David has returned to the HDCEL board now completing his 7th year as a voluntary Director and is the current Chair of the Finance & Audit committee.
Dave brings a wealth of past professional experience including hon. member of the Victorian Public Service Board, serving member of the Victorian Administrative Tribunal along with speciality Nursing Qualifications. Dave has a history in corporate audit compliance and coordinating Workplace OHS including Work Cover.
Now retired Dave most enjoys dancing, being a team member of the worldwide JT Swing Team (WCS), Rock & Roll and the occasional Lindy Hop.
BUILDER’S OWN MASTERPIECE WITH RESORT-STYLE LIVING AND DUAL ACCESS
WITH every detail of this one of a kind 55m2 home carefully considered and crafted to perfection, this builder’s own, double-storey sanctuary offers exceptional space, quality and lifestyle in equal measure. Set opposite the tranquil Koolamara Waters Conservation Park and backing onto Allambie Ct with dual garage access, this quality residence sets a new benchmark in design and liveability.
You’ll immediately appreciate the uncompromising craftsmanship and high ceilings along with the flexible floorplan of 5 bedrooms, home office and three distinct living zones whilst at the heart of the home lies a chef’s dream kitchen – complete with high-end appliances, integrated coffee machine, oversized pantry, and a stonetopped island bench, all designed to bring people together for both indoor and outdoor entertaining.
Outside will feel like your very own private resort with the fully tiled, heated, in-ground pool that is framed by lush, low-maintenance tropical landscaping, whilst the alfresco outdoor entertaining space makes every weekend feel like a tropical holiday.
Additional highlights include:
• Dual walk-in robes, oversized ensuite and private balcony in the luxurious master suite
• Extensive built-in storage throughout
• Dual garages – Both double & single with access from both Koolamara Blvd and Allambie Ct
Three mtr ceilings throughout ground level living and 2.7 mtrs in all upstairs rooms 6kw solar electric system for house
• Solar heated, fully tiled pool with in-floor cleaning system
• Spotted Gum hardwood timber floors
• Directly opposite parkland views and walking trails along Waterford Valley Golf Course
Homes of this calibre and location are incredibly rare. A true statement of design, comfort and convenience – this is not just a home, it’s a lifestyle. Inspect and fall in love. ●
SPACIOUS LIVING ON OVER 3 ACRES
NESTLED on just over 3 acres of highly sought after land, this immaculately presented home enjoys a peaceful and private setting surrounded by picturesque farmland. Offering a seamless blend of comfort, generous proportions, and exceptional functionality both inside and out, this property promises a relaxed lifestyle with space to grow and entertain.
Thoughtfully designed with a spacious and flexible floorplan, the home features multiple living zones ideal for families of all sizes. Step inside to discover a large formal living and dining area, great for hosting guests or unwinding in elegant comfort. The home’s four bedrooms are all appointed with built-in robes and while the privately positioned master suite at the rear offers a tranquil retreat, complete with a walk-in robe and stylish ensuite.
The expansive kitchen showcases a contemporary design with neutral tones, generous bench space, and an abundance of cupboards, a dream setup for the home chef.
Comfort is assured year round with a combination of split system air conditioning, evaporative cooling, and a cozy wood fire, catering to every season.
The inclusion of internal garage access adds versatility, providing the opportunity to create a home office space. A separate rumpus room enhances the home’s appeal further, offering a fantastic space for children, guests, or family movie nights.
Outdoors, the property continues to impress. A substantial carport and a separate powered garage with a concrete floor provide ample storage, workspace, or parking for trades, hobbyists, or those with larger vehicles and caravans. The wide horseshoe driveway ensures easy access and plenty of off street parking.
Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee on the verandah or taking in the sweeping rural views, you’ll enjoy the serenity and privacy that only a Yarra Valley lifestyle can offer all while remaining conveniently close to town amenities.
This is a rare opportunity to secure a slice of country paradise with all the comforts of modern living.
FamilyLivingin aConvenientLocation
PositionedjustminuteswalktoYarraJunctions’towncentrethischarmingpropertyoffersallthe convenienceatyourfingertips.Offering3 goodsizebedrooms,largefamilysizeliving/loungearea leadingoutto acoveredentertainingareaanda securelyfencedbackyardit’stheidealspotfor thekidsandpetstoenjoyandexplore.Thekitchenspaciousandhasplentyofbenchandcupboard spaceplusa separatemeals/diningarea,thelargefrontdeckingoffersextraoutdoorlivingand entertaining.Amplecaraccommodationwith alargedoublecarportandextracarspace, agreat propertyin aconvenientlocationandjust ashortstrolltolocalschools,shopsandtransport.
SolidHomeinPeacefulSetting –WalktoYarraRiver& Shops!
Whetheryou’rea savvyinvestororsearchingfortheperfectplacetocallhome,thisbrickhome deliversspace,comfort,andgreatvalue.Newlyrenovatedkitchenandbathroommeanthebig ticketitemsarealreadydone.Paintedthroughoutthehomehaslovelynaturallightandfeatures agenerousloungeandthreewell-proportionedbedroomsidealforfamiliesorthoseneedingextra space.Timberfloorsandsoftcarpetaddswarmth.Splitsystemwillcoveryourheatingandcooling needs.Thetranquilbackyardiscertainlythewelcominghubforeverydayliving.Outdoors,you’ll find alevel,lowmaintenanceyardand ahandyshed,greatforstorageortinkering.Nestledina quiet,familyfriendlystreet,thispropertyisjust ashortstrolltolocalshops,publictransport,andthe picturesqueYarraRiver.
TheCharmof aMudbrickina FernyOasis
Nestledonapproximately1,600m²oflush,greenlandandsurroundedbyvibrantnativegardens andserenadedbylocalbirdlife,thispropertyoffersstunningmountainviews,freshcountryair,and theultimateinoutdoorliving.Rusticandfullofcharm,thehomefeaturesthreegenerouslysized bedrooms,eachwithbuilt-inrobes.Theopenplankitchen,dining,andlivingareaboastsbeautiful timberbenchtopsand afreestandingmainsgasoven.Withsoaringceilingsandthenaturalthermal benefitsofmudbrickconstruction,thehomemaintainsa stabletemperatureyear-round.Outdoors; asinglegarageandcarport, acoveredentertainingareaidealforsummerbarbecues,andevena designatedchildren’splayzone.Thisuniqueandheartwarminghomeblendsrusticcharacterwith functionalcomfortsetinoneofWarburton’smostpicturesquepockets.
CharmingHomein aSensationalLocation
Aqualityhomeand averyspecialWarburtonpropertywith alittlebitofmusicalhistoryatthis wellknownaddress,simplystunninglocation,thisbeautifulhomeistheidealplacetosecureyou littlepieceofWarburton.Walkoutyourbackgateandyou’rerightonthewalkingtrailandin Warburton’smainstreetwithinminutestoenjoyallthemainstreeteateriesandattractions.The classicweatherboardhomeisverywellpresented,wellmaintainedandlovedandcaredforfor years,offering 2bedroomsplusa separatebungalowidealfortheB&B ortheextraweekendguests. Thelounge/familyroomisjustthespottositbackrelaxandenjoythecolorfulviewsandsurrounds andideallysituatedwiththeYarraRiverandgolfcoursejustovertheroadit’stheidealplacetocall home.
THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE ON OVER 15 ACRES
POSITIONED on an elevated setting surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens this impressive home is the perfect blend of country lifestyle and modern comforts.
The home has been lovingly constructed using recycled Jarra to create a warm and inviting home.
You step inside into the vast living space where vaulted ceilings and solid timber beams give you a sense of grandeur. For the cooler nights there is a coonara and a gas log fire that create a cozy ambience.
The huge timber kitchen has been designed for the chef of the family, featuring stainless steel appliances including a 900mm free standing oven, dishwasher, huge island bench, breakfast bar, an abundance of storage and adjoining spacious dining area to ensure you can entertain comfortably.
A second separate lounge room offers the potential for an additional living space, kids play room or whatever you need.
For growing families there are 6 spacious bedrooms all with built in robes, upstairs you will find the master suite that boasts a gorgeous sunroom with picturesque garden views.
Bedrooms two and three are also both upstairs and are all serviced by the spacious family bathroom. An open study and retreat with a built-in bookshelf complete upstairs. The remaining bedrooms are located downstairs along with the second family bathroom. Hardwood floors, striking timber features and garden views throughout create a charming country home. To keep the bills down there is a solar array with two batteries and a generator switch for when you need it.
Outside there is a spacious decked and covered entertaining area ideal for hosting your friends and family. In the cooler months there is cafe blinds to keep the weather out.
Surrounding the home, the gardens have been meticulously designed and maintained to create a parklike setting with mudstone features, established plantings and expansive lawned areas for the kids and four-legged family members to run and play.
For the toys and tools there is a huge 12m x 20m shed with a 5.4m x 20m carport and a 4.2m x 20m carport either side for additional storage should you require it, with the added bonus of three phase power this is the man cave of all man caves.
The balance of the 15 acre property is your own private park, with tracks
meandering through ready for you and the kids to explore. Located just a few minutes from the
Gembrook township and within easy access of Pakenham, this property offers the country lifestyle you have been searching for with all
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Peter Fox win
By Ron Hottes
The V.V.Vs:
Due to the weather and course conditions, there were no ladies who played on this Monday.
Hopefully, we will see better conditions next week, and plenty of our lady members out enjoying our great course.
Wednesday 2 July:
Again, due to the weather conditions this day, there was no midweek competition held.
This is the first time for many a long time that members have experienced two Wednesday washouts in a row.
The M. McGrann bag day qualifier will now be held next Wednesday 9 July.
Saturday 5 July, Stroke and Monthly Medal:
After a particularly wet week, members certainly appreciated fine weather and a drying course.
Those who appreciated the most included Robert Ferguson, because Rob grabbed the med-
al for July and the top prize in B grade.
This was due to his excellent nett 64, which turned out to be the best nett score on the day. Good shooting, Ferg.
The B grade runner up was an old mate, Craig Staggard, as he returned a very impressive nett 66.
In A grade, our winner was Peter Fox, who posted his best round for quite a while, with a superb nett 66.
The A grade runner up, who also had a claim to fame, was previous multiple club champion, Paul Mason.
The superintendent’s nett 67 was the result of a fine 71 off-the-stick, which also trumped all other off-the-stick results, by a margin.
Great shooting, partner.
The ball rundown extended to nett 70 - but on a countback.
All five NTPs on offer were claimed, and went home with David Lever (both the 3rd and 15th).
Other winners were Paul Osbourne (5th), Brendan Creedy (9th) and to Josh Hin (12th).
Horse talk membership
By Anita Prowse
A reminder this week for Pony Club members, the six month membership designed to change our timing back to the financial year has now ended.
You are not insured to compete or attend any rallies until your 12 month 2025-2026 membership has been paid.
Like everything, fees have increased quite sharply for the insurance side of things, I hope clubs are being supportive and helpful to any finding it hard, and registering your club with the Victorian Government to be a provider for
the “Get Active” sporting grant means eligible members can apply for $200 per family back.
Just released is the full program for Wesburn Park’s weekend of showjumping, with pony club running a freshmans on Saturday 23 August with entries on the day starting at 30centimetres.
Following that up is the adult riders showjumping day Sunday 24 August, entries are open at event sec.
Camping available for those doing both days, looking forward to a fun weekend. Happy riding everyone.
The six month membership designed to change the timing back to the financial year has now ended. (Supplied)
Two Wednesdays have been called off in a row due to bad weather. (File)
Healesville soccer juniors are UK-bound
By Dongyun Kwon and Evan Wolski
Two Healesville soccer prospects will represent Australia in the UK in September through a sport they love.
Gordon Koel and William Watson are excited to play against pro academies in England during the trip.
At the showcase in January, both youngsters proved their potential and were selected for the U16s squad.
Koel said he felt extremely proud of himself.
“Before the trials, I trained more than I’d ever had before. I really wanted to give it my best shot. So I’m extremely proud that I’ve managed to grab this opportunity,” he said.
Koel has played for the Healesville Soccer Club for about five years, and he is well-known by his teammates and coaches for his consistent hard work and passion for improving his skills.
Thanks to his effort, Koel was able to get an opportunity to represent Victoria at the Christian Football Federation Australia National Titles last year where he succeeded in collecting a gold medal.
He took another challenge at the beginning of this year, moving up his position from defender to centre midfielder.
“It was definitely difficult at first but I found I enjoyed it a lot more. I enjoy getting the ball on my feet a lot more and being able to be part of the play for most of the time,” Koel said.
“I feel like it gives me more independence and a way to control the ball how I want it.”
Koel has supported Manchester United for three years because he looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary No.7 for the club.
He is hoping he could play against his favourite soccer club’s U16s team on the trip.
“If possible, I’m definitely the most excited to play against Manchester United,” Koel said.
The Australian squad doesn’t have any organised training before they fly to the UK.
“But we’re expected to improve a lot individually and then hopefully just bring it all together in England,” the centre midfielder said.
Watson heard about this opportunity from his cousin who’d previously participated in the program.
Watson plays for any positions at the front line, striker, winger or central attacking midfielder.
“Those were the positions where I have been
thrown in since I was really young,” he said.
Watson was born to be a Chelsea Football Club supporter which is his family tradition.
“The first gift I was given was a Chelsea soccer ball,” Watson said.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure who we’re going to verse yet but it would be really nice if we could play against Chelsea (in September).”
Asked about the role model, the 15-year-old prospect said “his grandfather on his mum’s side” without hesitation.
“He got me into the sport and it has stuck with me ever since,” Watson said.
“I’m super grateful that my family is connected to the sport because of my granda.
“He has given lots of advice on the game, con-
Giving hope and joy in the NT through football
By Dongyun Kwon and Evan Wolski
Yarra Glen’s senior football coach is asking the Yarra Ranges community members to support his special trip to the Northern Territory.
In October, Jason De Graaf is going to travel to communities up north to give them Australian rules football opportunities.
The coach said he is going to host footy clinics and donate footy equipment to the communities.
“They love it. Football is priority number one up there. They walk around in their football jumpers all the time, kicking the footy all the time. Every minute of the day they can, they’ll play a game of football. They watch football as much as they can, sitting on iPads,” he said.
“To be able to go up there and take some more equipment, and to also give an opportunity to have a kick around, do some drills and some matches, they love it.
“It doesn’t take long as you roll into town, the word gets around and they come from everywhere, the boys and the girls. And it’s not just juniors, it’s seniors as well. They love a different face getting up there and doing things for them.”
Over the two-week journey, De Graaf is aiming to visit a few communities in the Northern Territory which don’t have a football structure program or exposure from the AFL.
“I haven’t mapped out a specific plan yet,” the footy coach said.
“I worked in Borroloola, and I know people there, some elders, teachers and students. So I’ll be going there.
“Robinson River is another place that I’ll be going to.”
De Graaf’s journey to support the Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory via the sport of football started in 2012 working with the AFL as a regional development manager but he’s not collaborating with the AFL anymore as he’d like to reach out to the communities overlooked by the league.
“Ever since then (when I first started working with the AFL in 2012), I’ve been off and on working in communities with the AFL or with sports and rec or community development,” he said.
“I’ve seen first-hand how much or how little the kids have up there. They go without a lot.
“It was just a progression to go from just helping where I could, to reaching out to the communities to maybe throw in a little bit more and take up some equipment when I went up there.”
sidering he played years ago at a good level. All that advice made me the player I am today.”
Watson has pursued his dream of reaching the professional level through two local soccer clubs, Healesville and Mooroolbark registered in the different leagues.
He is now looking forward to the upcoming experience.
“We’re training individually or with our local clubs. I go to team training for the Mooroolbark team and train with Healesville on Wednesday nights,” Watson said.
“I might be doing a pickup game or some ball work on the other off days.”
Star Mail contacted Global Football Network UK.
De Graaf is encouraging the Yarra Ranges community members to support this initiative.
“(I need) pretty much just donations and exposure. I know the more equipment I can take up there, the more kids are going to benefit from it,” the footy coach said.
“The more people hear about it, obviously, is going to allow me to be able to get more equipment, whether it be football jumpers, footballs, footy boots.
“So the more people that know about it, it creates the opportunity to get bigger and bigger. And I’d like to be able to do that each year.”
People who wish to support De Graaf’s journey or donate football equipment are welcome to contact him via email at remoteaflfooty@gmail. com
Koel plays for the Healesville Soccer Club. (Supplied)
Koel (left) and Watson are looking forward to the upcoming trip. (Supplied)
Maningrida football team at the Burunga Festival in 2018 with Jason De Graaf. (Supplied)
Burras roll Yarra Junction
By Alex Wood
Away game on the weekend, being hosted by Yarra Junction.
The u18 boys took on Seville at Seville first up. It was a bit of a tough game for the boys, as Seville came out strong.
The final score was 24.16-160 to 2.1-13.
Nate Lucas, Reece Irvine, Pat Crunden, Brody Urquhart, Brodie Westlake and Max Crunden were top performers.
Reece and Brayden Tamme both kicked a goal each.
D grade netball started the day at Yarra Junction.
They got a nice start of 4-13 at quarter time and kept the momentum going throughout.
The final score was 14-45 with Izzy Maurici, Tayah Humphrey and Tiahn Syme being top performers.
Mel Hancock and Tayah Humphrey both shot 18 goals each and Tiahn with nine.
C grade took the court next, and they too had a solid start of a 4-13 first quarter.
Yarra Junction grabbed a few goal in the second but Burras were too strong and continued throughout to achieve a final score of 26-41.
Top performers were Cam Partel, Tayla Ferguson and Nicole Winzer. Tayla Ferguson shot 25 goals, Cam Holland with 12 and Sienna Muir with four.
B grade had a slightly closer start to their match with only a two goal lead at the first break. They managed to grab a bit more of a lead but junction weren’t far behind.
The second half was more to Burras favour and they secured the win 32-56.
Top performers were Monique Lee, Zoe Timoney and Aleigha Walters. Tanner McCurdy shot 43 goals, Alyssa Walker with seven and Monique Lee with six.
A grade finished off the netball for the weekend.
They also had a closer start to the match with a five goal lead heading into the second half. They managed to push out the score as the game progressed and secured a 43-54 win.
Bianca Daniels, Indi Pinnock and Morgan Wyatt were top performers with Bianca putting up 29 goals, Karly Wappett with 15 and Ally Langdon with 10.
Reserves took the field for Dale Morris’ 300th game. They had a mega first quarter with a score of 0.0-0 to 10.1-61.
The game continued much the same with a final score of 2.2-14 to 26.9-165.
Tim McKail, Josh Read, Dale Morris, Liam Barnard, Tarkyn Nicolandos and Tom Campbell were best on ground for the game.
Josh Read kicked seven goals, Dale Morris got a five for his milestone match, Stuart Irwin, Marcel Kocher, Kyle Ferguson, Cody Ladewig, all secured two each.
Tim McKail, Liam Barnard, Jackson Jones, Tyler Bert, Ash Bremner and Jamie Nelson all grabbed one each.
Seniors finished off the day on field.
They had a three goal lead at the first break but managed to stretch it heading into half time with a score of 2.2-14 to 11.5-71.
The second half was much to the Burras way finishing the day with a final score of 5.4-34 to 22.10-142.
Nelson Aldridge kicked seven goals, Bailey Humphrey with four goals, Lachy Hewitt with three.
Liam Westlake and Caelan Flynn both kicked two and Tom Marr, Jack Farrugia, Tom Baker and Michael Read all secured one each.
Nelson Aldridge, Tom Baker, Dylan Walker, Brayden Woolridge, Jack Farrugia and Ben Pretty were all top performers.
Home game next weekend for our First Nations Traffic Indigenous Round against Seville.
Unlucky draw with Yea for Yarra Glen’s senior netballers
By David Ball
Yarra Glen hosted Yea in another must win for the senior footy team.
In sunny conditions, Yea had first use of the wind that favoured the River end.
Jack Rennex was causing problems for Yarra Glen up forward as he kicked two early goals for Yea.
Yarra Glen controlled the midfield and defended well but they couldn’t connect when going forward.
At quarter time, Yea held just an one-goal lead. The second quarter saw the game open up and Yarra Glen’s forwards capitalised to kick six goals and head into half time 13 points ahead.
Sadly, Yarra Glen lost Ben Ashton and Trent Russell before half time to injury.
Kicking with the wind, Yea was able to close the gap with forward Corbin Sutherland kicking goals from everywhere.
At three quarter time, Yea held an one-point advantage.
The last quarter was frenetic as both sides tackled hard and ran hard.
Some great goals from Nick McKenzie helped the River Pigs to be 19 points up with about four minutes to go.
Not to be denied, Yea kicked the final three goals, the last levelling the scores with just 30 seconds remaining.
It was one that got away for Yarra Glen with scores locked at 14.10 a piece at the final siren.
Best for Yarra Glen, Aussie Smith, Jayden Capuano, Blake Binion, Kurt Raymond, Sam Wood, Dan Christian. Goalkickers, Kurt Raymond 3, Sam Wood 2, Nick McKenzie 2, Heath Chamberlain 2, Noah Battle 1 Aussie Smith 1, Max DePina 1.
The Yarra Glen Reserves were started kicking into the wind and with the help of some of their veteran players were able to hold Yea to just two goals for the quarter.
Yea lifted in the second as Yarra Glen failed to capitalise on having the aid of a strengthening wind.
Yea were proving to be too quick for the River Pigs as they controlled the game to be 45 points up at the last break.
To Yarra Glen’s credit, they matched it with Yea with both sides adding two goals.
to Yea 10.13
Best players, Tom Matthews, Ben Strong, Dayne Downward, Sheldon Smith, Ethan Murdock, Kyle Kime. Goalkickers, Josh Valadon 2, Tom Matthews 1, Matt McKenzie 1.
The Under 18’s was a 16 a side contest with both sides having reduced numbers.
Yarra Glen had beaten Yea in their previous encounter but struggled early as Yea banged on four first quarter goals with the aid of a stiff breeze.
The second quarter saw an improved effort from the Yarra Glen boys as they outscored their opponents.
The third was a carbon copy of the first, Yea handing the ball better and adding four goals to Yarra Glen’s solitary point.
The last quarter was a battle of the backlines with Yarra Glen scoring the only goal for the quarter.
Yea proved to be too good on the day as Yarra Glen went down, 2.6 to 8.13.
Best players: Sam Gloury, John Pavic, Alastair Lowrie, Brody Adams, Lachlan Rutherford, Callum Saunders. Goalkickers Jake Ferris 1, Robert Pavic 1.
The Yarra Glen netballers also hosted Yea with the Yarra girls looking to repeat the clean sweep as per their earlier encounters.
The Yarra Glen A Grade girls put on a great display of disciplined netball.
Moving the ball well with their shooters converting most of their shots. Georgia Crundale finished with an impressive 59 goals.
The defence was tight throughout as Yarra Glen extended their lead each quarter after a great 22 to four opening stanza.
The Yarra girls went on to win convincingly, 82 to 30.
Best Players, Georgia Crugnale, Alana McGurgan, Gemma Ryan.
Yarra Glen B Grade faced a competitive Yea but were able to take an early lead that they were able to extend each quarter.
Leading 31 to 11 at half time the Yarra girls effected a number of turnovers, rebounding well from defence to finish with a strong 56 to 31 victory.
Best Players: Kayla Collins, Skye Corrigan, Georgia Crundale.
The Yarra Glen C Grade girls got off to a great start to be ahead by 12 goals at quarter time.
They maintained their pressure and clean ball
Except for D Grade, all Yarra Glen netball teams won against Yea. (file)
handling throughout the game and did not allow Yea to gain any momentum.
After an unexpected loss last week, the girls showed great commitment as they overpowered Yea to win well, 53 to 22.
Best players were: Tayla Pinkster, Ash Shanks, Abbey Page.
With D Grade starting the day for Yarra Glen in sunny but windy conditions, they recovered from a shaky start to hold a three-goal lead at half time.
Despite Yea being lower on the ladder, they showed great spirit in the second half.
In a dominant third quarter, they added nine goals to two.
Yarra Glen fought hard in the last but couldn’t close the gap to end up losing, Yarra Glen 16 to Yea 22.
Best players: Phoebe Boot, Lily Dove, Ashleigh Wallace.
Next week all the Yarra Glen netball and senior football teams will travel to Yarra Junction to compete in the First Nations Round.
The Under 18’s will travel to Alexandra and the Vets have a bye.
It was Dale Morris’ 300th game for the reserves. (File)
Final Scores Yarra Glen 4.2
U10 Reds storming home for the win
By Sarah Bailey
Cracking results for the Senior Men and Women and junior teams the U16 Hurricanes, U10 Red Storm and U10 Falcons lit up the last weekend before the school-holiday break.
Healesville Senior Women 1-0 Knox
After two tight affairs where Knox took home the chocolates, the Senior Women got their revenge.
The first half had some chances, but it was cagey, with both teams defending well.
Healesville battled a dipping sun and strong wind in the face to keep it 0-0 at half time.
The second half was a different story.
Healesville were strong defensively, moving the ball into attacking areas and posing a threat all over the park.
With about 15 minutes to go after a Healesville kick hit the crossbar and the team missed a couple of close ones, Ava whipped in a corner. That led to a scramble, and Tess tapped it in to take the lead for the Reds.
From there the team calmly proceeded to lock out Knox.
Special mention to Caera D, Courtney C and Sarah C, and welcome to Isla Campbell, making her debut this weekend.
Healesville Senior Men 2-1 Waverley City
Missing five players from its usual starting line-up, Healesville faced a tricky game against Waverley on a synthetic pitch in windy conditions.
Pip M was called upon to make his firstteam debut and gave a sterling performance.
David M gave the away side the best possible start with a goal from outside the box in the opening minutes.
Chances were few and far between for the rest of the half, but Waverley began to control possession.
Stu P in the Healesville goal didn’t have a save to make, however, whilst Ben M fired over from inside the box for the Reds.
The second half began and the same pattern ensued. Daniel T collected a through ball by David T, beat his player and finished well with 20 minutes to go.
It looked like this would be the final score, but Healesville conceded a goal from a needless free kick with five minutes remaining, giving them a few nervous minutes.
Nonetheless, the Reds held on for another three points.
Healesville U16 Hurricanes 5-1 Mooroolbark Phoenix
The Hurricanes cemented their second-place position on the ladder with a commanding win over bottom-placed Mooroolbark Phoenix on a brisk morning at Don Road. Despite the apparent gap between the two teams on the table, the match opened in unexpected fashion.
A scrappy and congested first half saw the Hurricanes struggle to find their rhythm, with passes going astray and urgency lacking.
Mooroolbark capitalised on the home side’s slow start, earning a penalty following a Healesville handball to cancel out an earlier own goal and send the teams into the break at 1–1.
Emerging with renewed focus and intent after a half-time reset, the Hurricanes took control in the second half, stretching the game and finding the width that had been missing early on.
This tactical shift paid off as goals flowed from open play, with Evie T, Ava H, Isla C and Olive B all hitting the scoreboard in a clinical attacking display.
The result keeps Healesville in the hunt at the top end of the ladder and shows that, even on a sleepy day, the Hurricanes have the depth and discipline to get the job done.
Healesville U10 Red Storm 5-0 Maroondah United
The team had a great win at home at Don Road, with scorers Louis A (2), Hayden H (1), Jensen R (1) and Spencer B (1) helping the team to victory.
Healesville U10 Falcons 3-1 Lilydale
An early start didn’t faze the Falcons, who began the game sharp and passed the ball well. Colton finished off a great move to take the lead.
Not long after, Ben pounced on a kickout from the keeper and gave the keeper no chance with the finish.
Healesville kept the pressure on, and Ethan S scored after a great passing move that started in the Falcons’ box.
Playing into the wind in the second half, Healesville kept the ball moving, but with the mercy rule in play they struggled to extend their lead.
Lilydale pulled a goal back late on, but it was
Women dominate at home
By Hannah Chappell
It was another action-packed weekend of footy for the club, with Coldstream women’s team delivering a commanding win at home and Coldstream men taking on a tough opponent away at Oakleigh. At home, the women faced off against Mitcham and came out firing.
The game started with a bang as Sophie Stark lit up the first quarter, kicking three goals and setting the tone early.
The team carried that momentum through the match, maintaining control and finishing with a dominant 59–18 victory.
Chany Underwood was named Coldstream Brewery Player of the Round after a standout performance across the half-back line and midfield.
Her relentless effort and composure under pressure played a key role in the team’s success.
With the win, the Coldstream women now enjoy a well-earned week off before turning their focus to a crucial top-of-thetable clash against Heathmont.
It promises to be one of the matches of the season.
Meanwhile, the Coldstream men made the trip down to Princess Highway Reserve to take on Oakleigh.
In a tough, physical encounter, both the senior and reserves sides showed plenty of heart and grit. While the scoreboard didn’t swing in the Coldstream’s favour, the effort, work rate, and team spirit were there across the board.
Austin McInerney was named Reserves Player of the Round after a gutsy performance, showcasing his consistency and drive throughout the game.
In the seniors, Mitchell Edmonds stood tall and was awarded the Yarra Valley Steel Seniors Player of the Round.
His determination and impact around the contest were clear, earning praise from both teammates and coaching staff.
Both teams continue to build resilience and depth as they move into the business end of the season.
There’s plenty to be proud of, and they take learnings from this weekend.
Seniors:
Coldstream: 10.6.66
Oakleigh: 27.21.183
M Edmonds. 4, D. Carrigan. 1, J Hammen. 1, J Voss. 1, D Fritsch.1, A Chandler. 1, B Fenton.1
Reserves:
Coldstream: 7.6.48
a good day for the Falcons.
A special mention for Ben, who while playing into goals ran the length of the park and was unlucky not to score.
Other results:
Healesville U16s 0-2 Blackburn
Healesville U12 White Wolves 1-3 Blackburn
North Crocodiles
Goal: Ardi C
Healesville U11 Ninjas 1-2 Lilydale Eagles
Goal: Levi
Oakleigh: 8.10.58
A White.1, A Rankin.1, T Griffin.1, A McInerney.1, S Kollosche.1, R White.1, S Bennett.1
Womens:
Coldstream: 9.6.60
Mitcham: 2.5.17
S Stark.4, A Broughan.2, M Stark.1, K Hamilton.1, N Moate. 1
U10 Red Storm swept to a 5-0 victory against Maroondah. (Supplied)
The U10 Falcons triumphed 3-1 over Lilydale. (Supplied)
Mitchell Edmonds was awarded the Yarra Valley Steel Seniors Player of the Round. (Supplied)
A tough day for the Bloods
By Steve Ebbels
This weekend’s games saw Healesville at home again hosting Mount Evelyn.
First up was Healesville’s Senior Women taking on the dominant force that is Mount Evelyn.
With a number of players unavailable and few out sick, Healesville were reduced to playing with only 15 a side which was always going to be tough ask for the women especially playing on such a large ground.
The first quarter and Healsville girls did extremely well restricting Mount Evelyn to just 1.2 whilst scoring just a single behind.
Next quarter and Mount Evelyn started to exert their dominance more putting on 2.3 and keeping Healesville scoreless.
The score at the main break Mount Evelyn 3.5.23 Healesville 0.1.1.
The second half saw Mount Evelyn continue their dominance putting on 6.10 with Healesville again not managing to get on the scoreboard.
A really valiant effort by the Healesville line up but in the end Mount Evelyn once again showing why they are the benchmark in women’s football in Outer East running out comprehensive winners 9.15.69 to 0.1.1. Best for Healesville A.Bryan, I. Stock, A. Frazzetto, S. Crossman, M. Cianci, K. Thomas.
Next up, Healesville U18’s looking to improve on the 75-point loss to Mount Evelyn when they last played back in round 3.
Much like Healesville women, the Under 18’s were also plagued with few injuries, sickness and some players senior duties.
As a result, they only managed to get together 17 players.
The first quarter was a real arm wrestle with both sides struggling to get on the scoreboard and the score at first break was Mount Evelyn 0.1.1 Healesville 0.0.0.
At the next quarter, the even battle continued with scoring proving hard for both sides.
The score at half time all tied up 1.2.8 to 1.2.8 and the game set up for a cracking last half.
Despite an awesome effort from Healesville lads, Mount Evelyn managed to slowly gain the ascendancy in the game to pull away and eventually come out on top with the final score Mount Evelyn 7.5.47 to Healesville 3.5.23.
An amazing effort from Healesville boys and what was most impressive was how some of the younger players stepped up when the team needed them to the most.
So much to like about this group and the club is really looking forward to seeing how they develop into senior players.
Best for Healesville R. Bode, L. Frazzetto, B. Collins, L. Senti, T. Brayden, J. Barclay.
Over to Healesville High School and the Healesville B Grade netballers took on second place in the competition, Mount Evelyn.
Another tough day on court for Healesville with Mount Evelyn girls taking control of the game from the start.
The B grade ladies set themselves a task in back half of the season to improve on the results of each game from the first half of the season and to their absolute credit, they managed to
achieve this with the result this time around being Mount Evelyn 97 to Healesville 13 compared to round 3 which was 101-3.
Best for Healesville E. Gommers, A. McMaster, S. Maile.
Following on from this, Healesville A graders took on top of the ladder Mount Evelyn.
At the first quarter, it was evident why Mount Evelyn are top of the A grade competition controlling most of the play to lead 24-10 at first break.
Second term played out in much the same way and the score at main break, Mount Evelyn 46 Healesville 24.
At the third quarter, despite Healesville girls’ best efforts, Mount Evelyn extended their lead going into last term with a 69-30 lead.
Another great effort Healesville lineup yet again proved they well and truly belong at the premier level, but in the end, Mount Evelyn was way too strong taking the game 88-41.
Best for Healesville K. Ryan, A. Stanley.
Back up to the Don Road Complex, Healesville Reserves prepared to take on the second place on ladder, Mount Evelyn.
This was always going to be big undertaking for the Healesville boys, especially given that once again they were going to relying heavily on seven of the U18 players backing up for their
Monbulk Hawks stun Wandin
Monbulk beat Wandin on Saturday 5 July in a shocking defeat that nobody saw coming at Wandin’s home ground.
The Hawks put an end to the Dogs’ 11 game undefeated run this season with a victory scoreline of 66-82, which will surely leave Monbulk feeling quite proud of themselves.
The first quarter was a close battle with Wandin kicking four goals to Monbulk’s two, which would’ve left the Dogs’ cautiously pushing for more in the second quarter.
But Monbulk turned up with an attitude and intensity that everyone in attendance wearing maroon and gold should be so proud of.
Heading into the second quarter, the Hawks were looking fierce, bringing with them a clear plan on how they could win.
Mullett kicked a goal to kick off the second, but after that Monbulk knuckled down and took control with four goals of their own, courtesy of Hervern, Spencer and Rak.
It put Monbulk in front with a scoreline of 4136 at half time.
Wandin usually shifts gears in the later stages of the game, but this time it was Monbulk that put its foot to the gas.
Beecroft was outstanding on the ball, driving it forward every turn of play to feed it through to the forwards, while Lachlan Sheppard was dominant behind the ball feasting on Wandin’s poor ball use forward of centre.
Monbulk kept the pressure up and though Hodgett nabbed one for Wandin, it wasn’t enough to reconcile the lead the Hawks had established.
Coming into the fourth with a scoreline of 4367, Wandin needed to make some action happen fast.
But two solid shots from Monbulk early on was all the Hawks needed.
Though Wandin continued on and managed to kick three more goals, it wasn’t enough to make up the margin. Final scoreline was 82-66.
How Wandin respond will be intriguing.
Monbulk’s best players were Robert Savory, Lachlan Sheppard, Lochlan Beecroft, Josh Wentworth, Campbell Evans and Adam Banks.
Wandin’s best players were Cayden Black, Chayce Black, Leiwyn Jones, Macauley Beckwith, Aaron Mullett and Todd Garner. For the First Nations round, Wandin play Emerald at Emerald this weekend while Monbulk face off against Upwey at Monbulk.
game.
The first half saw Mount Evelyn well and truly took complete control of the game and placed enormous pressure of the Healesville midfield and defensive lines.
At the main break, it was Mount Evelyn 10.8.68 to Healesville 0.2.2.
At the third quarter, the ever-resilient Healesville managed to rally and through some great defensive work finally got some connection happening and managed to restrict Mount Evelyn to just 1.4 while finally getting their first major on the board.
At the last quarter, with the efforts of the Healesville boys starting to show in some tiring players, Mount Evelyn ran away with the game to win comprehensively 16.7.113 to 1.3.9.
Best for Healesville D.Ebbels, D.Plozza, A. Crossman, M.Donegan, D.English, B.Sheldrick.
To the last game of the day and Healesville Senior Men looked to consolidate their position in the top 5 whilst Mount Evelyn, sitting just outside the top 5 in sixth, would be desperate for a win to keep their finals hopes within reach.
The expectation leading in to this game was that it was going to be a hard physically contest, and from first bounce, it was evident that was certainly going to be the case.
Healesville got the first major of the game just
two minutes in but then Mount Evelyn turned up the pressure having the next six scoring shots and the score at first break was Mount Evelyn 3.4.22 Healesville 1.1.7.
At the second quarter and for the first half of the term, Healesville got the game slightly back on their terms with next three scoring shots but only converting one of these into a major score, before Mount Evelyn countered to this to kick the next two goals and increase their lead to 20 points at the major break.
At the third quarter, Healesville scored two goals in the first five minutes to get well and truly back in the game.
With Mount Evelyn only managing one major for the term and Healesville getting another late in quarter, Healesville had reduced the lead to just eight point going into the last term and setting up what looked like being a thrilling last quarter.
Unfortunately for Healesville, this wasn’t going to be the case and Mount Evelyn’s relentless pressure proved too much for the Healesville boys holding them scoreless whilst putting on 3.4 themselves to run out winners 9.11.65 to 5.5.35.
Best for Healesville C.Warren, L.Daly, N.Mende, S.Donkin, T.Van Driel, P.Murray.
Next week all teams up against Woori Yallock on their home turf.
in shocking 16-point upset
Healsville Seniors in action against Mount Evelyn. (Steve Ebbels)
Monbulk’s win over Wandin is the Dogs’
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