YourYARRA RANGES
Your Yarra Ranges – Winter 2025
A word from the Mayor
and Water Saving Kits available!
Community members can test their home to make sure they’re getting the most out of their energy and water use, with free kits available at local libraries.
The My Energy and Water Saver Kits contain a thermal imaging camera, power meter, stopwatch, thermometer and instruction guide, and can be used to see if there are water leaks, high energy items, energy intensive behaviours or other factors that can contribute to energy bills.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said the kits
Welcome to this special edition of our Your Yarra Ranges newsletter, all about sustainability and climate action to mark what we’re calling our Sustainability Spotlight.
When people think of sustainability, many things come to mind – solar panels and composting, maybe. But the truth of the matter is that sustainability can be found in everything we do.
When we began our change to our food and organics waste (FOGO) bins more than two years ago, it was more than a switch to a new type of bin – the behaviour change required a change of thinking, a flow-on to everything we do as a community.
When it comes to bins, everything we throw away goes somewhere – if we put things in our landfill bin, they get buried and have a burden on the environment that the next generation will inherit.
It is not just necessary but critical to make sure that we buy and use things that can be recycled, or in the case of food, composted and used to make something new.
This is easy to think about when it comes to bins, but the thinking has to apply everywhere – everything we do has a ripple effect. The amount of power we use. The drinking water we use. Where we get energy from. The plastics we buy. The way we dispose of what we’ve used.
Because the reality is, that we in the current generations of adults aren’t the ones who will deal with the consequences of our actions – the next generations, and the ones that follow, will.
Our choices now will shape their lives and now, more than ever, we have the tools to shape a good one for them.
We often hear from our community about how much the Yarra Ranges natural environment means to them , so in this newsletter you’ll read about some of our sustainability initiatives and even how you can get involved in some of them.
Change is never easy, but we have dedicated experts at Council, and a passionate community of volunteers to help lead the way. I hope you’ll join us.
Cr. Jim Child, Mayor of Yarra
Ranges
had already helped hundreds of locals get the most out of their properties.
“These kits have been in such high demand, at one point the wait list was almost a year,” Cr Child said.
“Thankfully, with our partners at Knox and Maroondah Council, we have purchased more kits over the years, so the wait list is shorter. The kits are tremendously easy to use and can help you make small improvements that will save money in the long run.
“The additional benefit is that by addressing leaks and energy inefficiency, we can have a more positive impact on the environment, make our homes more comfortable, while also saving on household bills.”
There are currently 22 kits available at local Your Library branches. The loan period is for one week. Find out more at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ energykits
Sustainability Report
2023-24
Our annual Sustainability Report provides insight into how we are tracking with our Environment Strategy goals and how we’re supporting plans such as the Liveable Climate Plan and Community Waste and Resource Recovery Plan.
Below are the 2023-24 highlights with 2025 stats coming at the end of the year.
Biggest planting year ever
Gardens for Wildlife program
100,000+ plants in the ground
Bushland Revegetation Program
213 additional participants
41,200 seedlings planted in 94 bushland reserve sites throughout the municipality.
Climate Resilient Buildings
103 garden visits
37
Scan to read the full Sustainability Report
Reusable nappies
Partnering with 13 Victorian councils, Yarra Ranges Council encouraged over 1,000 families to use reusable nappies.
80% of participants adopted reusable nappies part or full-time by the project’s end.
Ribbons of Green program
14 projects focused on extending or improving vulnerable vegetation communities. schools participated in revegetation and habitat education.
Thanks to the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, we have been able to implement thermal improvements, energy-resilient upgrades, LED lighting, insulation, solar panels, and battery installations at:
• Healesville Memorial Hall
• Yarra Glen Memorial Hall
• Olinda Sporting Pavilion
• Yarra Centre Pool
Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning
EASL is comprised of seven member Councils from Melbourne’s east (Boroondara, Knox, Monash, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges). EASL provides professional development, learning and networking opportunities for early years, primary and secondary schools throughout the year.
$861,060
EASL’s eastern region schools saved through energy efficiencies including:
3,136,7056
Yering Billabongs Project
The Yering Billabongs Project involves restoring a large expanse of publicly owned floodplain along Olinda Creek in Yering. Situated adjacent to Spadonis Reserve in the Yarra Valley, this project site is part of a larger wetland system that includes waterways, billabongs and floodplains.
The restoration efforts involve weed control, revegetation and reconnecting Olinda Creek to the floodplain. This will help improve water quality as well as enhance habitat for local species.
To reinstate the floodplain, a water gate has been installed in Olinda Creek. During high rainfall the gate can be opened to disperse water on to the floodplain, creating short-term wetlands. During dry seasons the gate will remain closed to retain water in Olinda Creek.
Council is working closely with Melbourne Water, Wurundjeri and the community to ensure this project is a success.
yarraranges.vic.gov.au/yering-billabongs
Repower Festival 2025
The Repower Festival 2025, held on 23 March in Monbulk, was a vibrant and inspiring celebration of sustainability, electrification, and community resilience.
Organised by local community groups including Repower the Dandenongs, Healesville CoRE, and MADCOW—with support from the Yarra Ranges Council, Monbulk Primary School, and Community Bank Monbulk & District—the event drew over 500 community members from across the Yarra Ranges for a day of inspiration and action.
The festival offered a dynamic mix of activities designed to engage people of all
ages. Attendees explored electric vehicles and e-bikes on display, listened to expert talks on electrification, home energy efficiency, and sustainable home design, and enjoyed live performances from local acts like the Incredible Cucumbers.
Children were kept entertained with electric go-karts, pedal-powered smoothies, face painting, and other hands-on activities that made sustainability fun and accessible.
One of the festival’s standout features was the Repower Marketplace, where local businesses showcased innovative products and services focused on energy efficiency and electrification.
Adding to the forward-thinking atmosphere, students from Monbulk Primary School presented imaginative models of what a sustainable Monbulk could look like 25 to 50 years from now—offering a hopeful glimpse into the future through young eyes.
The success of the Repower Festival 2025 reflects the growing momentum in the Yarra Ranges toward practical climate solutions and stronger community resilience. To learn more about upcoming events or to get involved in planning the Repower Festival 2026, visit repowerfestival.au.
By Allie Stone and Rebecca Wolske
by Request
Fri 29 Aug 7:30pm
The Memo Healesville
$77.50–$142.50
A show where the audience plays an integral role in reaching every corner of DIESEL’s 3+ decade catalogue of songs, forming the set list for the night – they decide on the song choices making for a night of music ‘requested’ by the audience.
Women of Wit
Sat 23 Aug 7.30pm
Arts Centre Warburton
$20– $32
A big night of laughs.
Featuring Alex Ward, Jordan Barr, Tor Snyder and Freddie Arthur. With special guest Patti Fawcett.
Since 2018 Women of Wit has showcased the best emerging and established women in stand-up comedy. Produced by Comedy Victoria.
Classic Concerts Collection Mooroolbark Community Centre
We’ve curated two extraordinary performances that promise unforgettable afternoons filled with sublime melodies and shared experiences.
Melbourne Welsh Male Choir
Mooroolbark Community Centre
Sat 26 Jul 3pm
$27.70/$24.50
Sat 30 Aug 8pm
The Memo Healesville
$54.90 Full $49.90 Group 10+
‘Akmal is an explosion of laughter and entertainment.’
Telegraph Mirror
Akmal returns with a smash-hit tour after a spiritual journey to India to find himself. Unfortunately, when he got there, he couldn’t find himself anywhere, after all India is a big place…
Victoria Concert Orchestra
Mooroolbark Community Centre
Sun 12 Oct 2pm
$16
MUSIC
Imagine Live
By Jolyon
James, based on the book Imagine by Alison Lester
Sat 19 Jul 11am
The Memo Healesville
$16.25 –$23
Magical and meaningful, IMAGINE LIVE is a celebration of creativity, friendship and our precious natural world as this iconic book springs into life before your eyes.
A Sense of Touch
Until Sun 31 Aug
Arts Centre Warburton Free entry
By Allie Stone and Rebecca Wolske
Step into a world of colour, texture, and transformation with this sensory-focused exhibition celebrating the power of touch.
The Owl’s Apprentice
by
Mon 14 Jul 10am
Followed at 11am by Playing with Light: Shadow Puppetry Workshop
Montrose Town Centre
$10–$16
A young owl named Poot Poot is sent to study at Owl school. He’s not like the other owls: he misses his family, he just wants to go home. He knows the only way he can go home is by gaining “wisdom,” but he doesn’t know what that is yet.
The best of cinema, close to home
Image
Anand Kumar
Art Quilt Australia 2025
9 Jul–12 Oct 2025
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Free entry
Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about quilts! Everyone’s favourite textile exhibition returns to Yarra Ranges Regional Museum with Art Quilt Australia 2025 and Expressions: The Wool Quilt Prize
Monbulk Microgrid, connecting the Monbulk Sporting Pavilion and the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre
PUBLIC ART
Empowering Youth Through Art: The Monbulk Microgrid Mural
Local artist George Manioudakis collaborated with Monbulk’s youth to create a vibrant mural on the new community battery shipping container.
8 Aug–12 Oct 2025
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Free entry
Changemakers: Crafting a difference
Changemakers: Crafting a difference is a travelling exhibition from the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, sponsored by Commonwealth Bank as part of CommBank Next Chapter, a program helping victim survivors of financial abuse achieve long-term financial independence.
Party like Melba
20 Jun 2025 6pm –9pm
Yarra Ranges
Regional Museum
$28pp or $50 for two 18+ only
The museum comes alive after dark with a party fit for the Queen of Song. Enjoy exclusive performances, behind-the-scenes talks and playful Melba-inspired experiences.
We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People as Custodians of this land and its waterways. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge ensures the continued protection of Country and culture.
The area we know today as Yarra Ranges has a deep and rich Aboriginal heritage extending beyond 40,000 years ago. This continuous culture is reflected in our community, organisations, festivals, celebrations and art.
@baysidegaller y @baysidegaller y @CultureTracks @CultureTracksYarraRanges
A workshop at Monbulk Primary School.
Image: Linda Steele Moroccan Magic 2023 © the artist
Image: Tal Fitzpatrick, Activist banner 2021 Museum of Australian Democracy Collection © the artist
Become an Enviro Volunteer!
Council works with approximately 60 environmental volunteer groups/ entities who operate within the Yarra Ranges. These include ‘Friends of’ and Landcare groups, Gardens for Wildlife Garden Guides, community gardens, Indigenous nurseries and renewable energy community groups.
Environmental volunteers do a range of things from weeding and revegetation within bushland reserves, visit private property to help residents create habitat for wildlife, grow and care for indigenous plants and provide others with advice and knowledge on how to live more sustainably. If you’re interested in becoming an environmental volunteer visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/envirovolunteer
Council delivers emissions-saving infrastructure
$6 million investment in community resilience
A major $6 million upgrade across 21 community facilities in the Yarra Ranges is cutting emissions, slashing energy costs, and helping the region transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future—all while boosting resilience during emergencies.
Supported by funding from the Federal Government’s Preparing Australian Communities grant, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, the upgrades include solar panels, battery storage systems, generator plug-in points, energy-efficient lighting, and HVAC improvements.
These changes are already reducing greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing reliance on fossil fuelbased energy and allowing more community infrastructure to operate off-grid when needed.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Jim Child said, said the environmental benefits of the upgrades are just as critical as their emergency response capabilities.
“We’re not just preparing for storms and power outages—we’re actively reducing our carbon footprint,” Cr Child said.
“Every site with solar and battery
storage, LED lights and more helps keep our community facilities running in a cleaner, more cost-effective way, which ultimately benefits the clubs and sporting groups that use these sites”
The impact is already being felt on the ground and local sporting clubs are also seeing the benefits.
“It’s an exciting thing for our club and our broader community. We have over 1,000 members who use this pavilion and facility—playing cricket, or football, and the energy savings we make can be passed on,” said Montrose Cricket Club President, Damian Ford.
Cr Child said this is a turning point for the region.
“This is about giving our community cleaner, more reliable energy—while also strengthening our climate resilience,” he said.
This project is a cornerstone of Yarra Ranges Council’s broader efforts to reduce emissions, support local climate action, and ensure communities are better prepared for a changing climate.
Learn more: www.yarraranges.vic. gov.au/ResilientBuildings
Highlights of the emissions-reducing upgrades include:
• Monbulk Microgrid – The first of its kind in the region, enabling two neighbouring facilities to share solar and battery power and remain operational during outages, without relying on the grid.
• Healesville Resilience Hub – Enhancements to the library and Link building include backup batteries, ensuring continuity of service and reduced diesel generator use during outages.
• 21 facilities now have generator plug-in points, offering low-emissions backup options where solar and batteries can’t meet full demand.
• Three mobile generators purchased to reduce dependency on fossil fuel-powered backup in emergencies, allowing flexible deployment and smarter energy use.
• Solar and battery installations across key community hubs—such as Olinda Pavilion, Steels Creek Community Centre, and Wandin North Pavilion— ensuring emissions are cut while keeping these spaces operational during outages.
Our sustainable trails
As beloved as these trails are for recreation, they play an important part in residents’ ability to make more sustainable choices. Increasingly more Yarra Ranges locals are using our trails to walk and ride to work, school and other daily activities, allowing them to reduce their reliance on driving.
One of Council’s key trails infrastructure projects is ngurrak barring | RidgeWalk. The initial impetus for this project was to connect the many trails that run through the Dandenong Ranges into a cohesive network allowing for easier walking between townships.
Belgrave local, Megan uses the upgraded Bleakly Track between Belgrave and Kallista regularly.
“Since the track upgrades my kids and I have made it a goal to walk to school at least once a week. We don’t always make it! But whenever we do, we’re so grateful to get to start our day this way, with time in the forest and not in the car.”
Seeking Montrose People’s Garden stories
Community members, former locals and visitors are invited to share their stories of the Kevin Heinze People’s Garden in Montrose, as Council and the Montrose Township Group work to revitalise the space.
The garden, a former private garden donated to Council in October 2005, is at the rear of the main Montrose shops in Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd. The garden features a picnic table, sprawling paths and gardens that wind through this beautiful quiet space in the Centre of town.
How it all began
In 1967, legendary gardener, Kevin Heinze, bought land in Montrose and cultivated gardens. They eventually moved into their new Montrose home just before Christmas 1968.
About the same time, they started filming Sow What, a gardening television program that spanned 21 years. The gardens became famous around Melbourne and Australia through the show, and many people
Did you know Yarra Ranges Council manages over 200kms of trails across the shire?
came to visit the private space.
Kevin’s son-in-law, Steve Shortis, said that later in life, the family discussed what the best thing was to do with the garden.
“One family member came up with the suggestion why don’t we donate it to the Council, so they can look after it, and they (Kevin & Jill) could still enjoy it and things would go on.
“The family subsequently gifted the garden to Council, for it to be maintained in perpetuity. Kevin passed away on 1 September 2008.”
Stay tuned to shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.au for an opportunity to share your ideas or connection to the gardens, with feedback to be used alongside input from Montrose community groups to create a plan for the garden’s future.
Donation basket trial on local bins
Community members are encouraged to pop their bottles and cans in baskets attached to a selection of local bins, as part of a trial to connect people with the Container Deposit Scheme.
Donation baskets will be installed on 100 local bins in late June-early July as part of a pilot project, in partnership with VicReturn, the State Government department managing the Container Deposit Scheme.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr.Jim Child, said that the baskets will mean that locals and sporting clubs can easily collect cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles and other eligible containers, take them to a drop-off spot, and collect the refund for themselves.
“We know that a lot of recyclable items get put in local bins – plastic bottles and
aluminium cans, mostly – and that these are unnecessarily sent to landfill,” Cr Child said.
“We also know that many people have taken up the State Government’s Container Deposit Scheme, which is a terrific way to make sure drink containers are recycled and earn a little bit of money along the way.
“Other states, including Western Australia and New South Wales, have introduced baskets like these, to public bins with great success.
“The idea is simple – if you’re enjoying a drink while out and about, pop the can or bottle in the basket when you’re done. Anyone passing by can then collect the containers, take them to the deposit drop-offs and get the 10c return.”
How are we tracking with FOGO?
Most towns in the Yarra Ranges will have at least one donation basket installed as part of the pilot project.
Information about the baskets will be published on Council’s website at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/waste
This October will mark two years since Food and Garden Organics collection, otherwise known as FOGO, began in the Yarra Ranges.
We have been excited by the response by the Yarra Ranges community since the introduction of this new service, and acknowledge that it was a big change for everyone, so we appreciate the effort you’re all making in diverting as much waste from landfill as possible.
The amount of food and garden waste sent to landfill has decreased by 29%, which is a great start, but there are still some improvements that we can make to drive that number even higher.
Contamination of FOGO bins (items that shouldn’t be in there), has remained low at 0.49%, however that number has stabilised of late, so we’d love to push it even lower!
If you’re not already using FOGO, give it a go! Check the list of what can and can’t be put into your FOGO bin on our website.
Organic waste that decomposes in landfill creates methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to around onethird of the climate warming we’ve experienced in the last 200 years.
Putting your food and garden waste into your FOGO bin is the easiest way to reduce your impact on climate change.
Placing only accepted food and garden waste into our FOGO bins means that clean compost can be created to use in gardens and farms, helping to retain nutrients and water in soil.
So, whether you’re yet to give FOGO a go, or you’re a seasoned user, check our website for more information on how to FOGO correctly. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Environment/Waste/What-can-I-put-in-my-bin
Revegetating Yarra Ranges
Each year over 180,000 plants are planted on public and private land across Yarra Ranges by volunteers, community members, Council staff, school students and contractors.
Landholders of properties of over one hectare can apply for the Ribbons of Green Program which provides indigenous plants to restore habitats and create green corridors. The program works with TreeProject – a notfor-profit organisation – who host volunteer planting days on private property.
Our Gardens for Wildlife Program provides information to residents who want to create habitat for wildlife and offers a small number of indigenous plants to participants who book a visit with a volunteer garden guide.
To learn more about these programs, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
Acknowledgement of Country Yarra Ranges Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri and other Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of these lands and waterways.
We pay our respects to all Elders, past, present, and emerging, who have been, and always will be, integral to the story of our region.
We proudly share custodianship to care for Country together.
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