YR Local - Spring 2022

Spring 2022

Edition : 46

YR LOCAL

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Water play parks opening

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Local bike trails providing freedom on two wheels

A word from the Mayor

Spring is a wonderful time to be in the Yarra Ranges.

There’s plenty to do and see as the region comes into bloom after a chilly and rainy winter. It’s a great time to explore one of our 55 towns, or spend time in your own backyard visiting a local café or restaurant, or heading out into our parks and reserves for a catch up with loved ones.

At Council we have plenty on – from projects to build new community assets, roads and footpaths; events and exhibitions at our cultural venues and some community engagements on things that impact all of us – our pets, and our bins.

I’d encourage you to visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au to help shape the work we do, and yarraranges.vic.gov.au/events to see what’s happening in your neighbourhood.

In this newsletter, we’ll be telling a few stories of things we’ve achieved this year, and what’s coming up.

We’ve made some changes to the format – so we can share more from around our big and varied part of the world, in a more interesting way.

Instead of separate editions for our hills, valley and urban regions, we’ll be sharing news from around the Yarra Ranges in one edition coming out every season. We’ll share stories about things being built, community initiatives we’re proud to support and things our community can get involved in.

We’re one community here in the Yarra Ranges, and the work we do in each one of our 55 towns is there to benefit us all.

I’d encourage you to share your thoughts about the newsletter – what you liked, or what you’d like to see more of – in our survey linked below.

A big thank you to Brigitte from Kilsyth and other community members who suggested a change, and we hope you like reading this edition.

Cr Jim Child, Mayor of Yarra Ranges

A word from our Youth Advisory Group My Name is Thomas Hobley, and I am a 17 year old student who studies, works, and volunteers in the Yarra Ranges – I have always been passionate about our local community.

I am passionate about our local history and geography, particularly when it involves my greatest interest – the Victorian Railways! In my spare time, I volunteer at the Yarra Valley Railway and love exploring the bus and rail network, visiting wonderful country towns throughout Victoria.

I am excited for the future of the Yarra Ranges that my generation will inherit. I often feel, however, that youth voice is missed when decisions are made for the area’s future. So, I was delighted to hear about the Yarra Ranges Youth Advisory Group (YAG) and the role it plays in embedding youth voice in local decision-making. It was actually at a Council consultation event in Chirnside Park where I first heard about the program and was encouraged to apply!

I was invited to join the new 2022-23 YAG and we met for the first time in June. This year, the group has 17 diverse young people aged between 13 and 25, selected as representatives of young people in the region. We meet regularly to discuss issues and map out areas that need improvement. Later in the year, we are hoping to launch an online Youth Survey, to help us better learn about the experiences of young people in the Yarra Ranges.

I am very excited for the future of the YAG, and looking forward to working with Council to explore our future together. We are particularly enthusiastic to look at ways we can improve some underutilised or potentially unsafe areas for the region’s youth.

Help shape our newsletter

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To find out more about the youth programs, the YAG and the work that we’re doing, please visit: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/YAG

Reefton CFA Captain coordinating local recovery For Sue Jack – first female Captain of the Reefton Fire Brigade – helping the community is a value that she takes into every hour of every day.

Alongside her work at the fire brigade, spanning nearly 14 years, and volunteer roles in the community, Sue is Council’s Recovery Centre and Outreach Coordinator.

Having been elected to the position of captain by her peers, Sue said she hopes her captaincy would inspire more females to take up leadership positions “CFA is a great way to meet people, see places, and be part of your community and to assist your community,” she said “There’s connectedness and camaraderie, and you can always call on somebody if you’re in trouble.”

“To see women in any leadership roles in the Upper Yarra is really good and

there’s now three female captains in that region. For us to stand up and be counted and have an acceptance that we’re in a leadership role is really good and is rolemodelling for other women,” she said.

Drawing on her knowledge in emergency management, Sue has overseen Council’s outreach program, which saw the team connect with nearly 500 storm impacted residents.

Like her volunteer roles at CFA and Red Cross, Sue said a big part of the outreach was focused on finding out how Council can improve recovery response, particularly toward our most vulnerable community members “The experience I’ve learnt from volunteering at CFA and Red Cross benefits my community and it also challenges me and gives me the chance to develop new skills which I can then use in my role at Council,” she said.

“This role at Council gives me the same opportunities to use those skills, as I’m tackling similar issues and continuing to help people.”

Mayor Jim Child acknowledged Sue’s accomplishment and said over 70 percent of council staff live in the Yarra Ranges.

“At Yarra Ranges Council we appreciate the dedication that our staff invest in their jobs to positively help the community, and it’s no surprise that many staff volunteer or contribute to their community in their personal lives too.”

“Often we don’t hear or share the personal triumphs of our staff as much as we really should, but this is a impressive achievement by Sue and is another great example of how so many of our staff are working for their community while being part of that community too.”

Art Walk open in Sassafras Community members and visitors can enjoy new, temporary artworks between Sassafras and Olinda as part of the RidgeWalk trail.

RidgeWalk is one of our major Ridges and Rivers Projects, including the Yarra Valley Trail and the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination.

Earlier this year, Council commissioned Peter Mcilwain and Renate Crow to create temporary public artworks along this first section the path, which has been newly landscaped.

When finished, it will span 39 kilometres across the Dandenongs, inviting us to explore the natural wonders, rich histories and cultural offerings of the region.

Peter’s Pathmarker Birds and Renate’s Tawny Frogmouth can be found along the forest trail.

Find out more at shaping.yarraranges. vic.gov.au/ridgewalk Thank you to Laki Sideris Photography for these images from our opening event.

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Gardens for Harvest Gardens for Harvest is a partner program run by Yarra Ranges and Knox Councils. When you join the program you’ll receive a comprehensive guide to growing your own food which includes garden management tips, growing calendar, how to manage pests and more.

You’ll also receive a monthly email newsletter, invitations to events and access to our Gardens for Harvest Facebook group where you can connect with other food

gardeners for advice and share your journey.

Home grown food can help reduce your grocery bill, is fresher and tastes better than store bought and allows you to control the use of pesticides. Additional benefits include increased outdoor exercise and a reduced burden on our environment.

Sign up for the Gardens for Harvest Program at yarraranges. vic.gov.au/gardensforharvest

Local history on display in Lilydale Many of the Community will be familiar with our region’s Museum on Castella Street, Lilydale, which opened in 2011.

Recently, the museum team installed the 20 new objects into the Connections Gallery chosen from the museum’s collection, the gallery’s most significant change since 2016.

The newly displayed objects range from the jersey of AFLW player Emerson Woods to boomerangs made at Bill Onus’ Aboriginal Enterprises in Belgrave.

Discover these and other fascinating objects on display at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, 35-37 Castella Street, Lilydale.

Hours Wed-Sun 12pm-4pm.

Enquiries 03 9294 6511 or boxoffice@ yarraranges.vic.gov.au

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A Rising Star While women had played amateur football for decades, they could only compete professionally when the AFLW was formed in 2017. Originally a basketballer, Emerson Woods started playing football at 16. She starred for Mt Evelyn, Eastern Ranges and Hawthorn VFLW before debuting with AFLW Carlton in 2019. She was one of only two women from the Yarra Ranges region in this league.

Memo Opened in 1924 by Governor General Lord Forster, the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall was central to community life in Healesville. Built with money raised by the community, the multipurpose building was used as a cinema, dance hall, billiard room, library, Council chambers and theatre. Redeveloped in 2012, The Memo as it’s now known, is still a popular community venue today.

All Aboard!

In 1913, Harry Tutt and Leslie Storrie brought the first motorised bus to the hills. The bus ran from Ferntree Gully Station to Sassafras and Olinda, much to the concern of W.E. Clarke, who ran a rival horse-drawn carriage service.

Harry is seen here driving the bus and Leslie’s 13-year-old brother Stanley is one of the passengers.

Discover Yarra Ranges Regional Museum’s full collection of 13,000+ items at yrrmuseumcollection.com and its current exhibitions yarraranges.vic.gov.au/YRRM Follow the museum on Facebook by searching Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, or on Instagram at @yrrmuseum

Solar delivering savings for community members When Beth and Ian signed up to Solar Savers, they were worried about who to trust to buy and install solar panels from.

The Millgrove couple said there was uncertainty about where to go – and how to avoid scammers with enticing offers.

“Like most people, you can get a bit worried or a bit concerned that it’s not as good as it sounds,” Beth said.

Solar Savers will also help in applying for State Government funding assistance, and pensioners may be eligible for a lowinterest bank loan for installation, through Bank Australia.

Ian and Beth were among the first to sign up for the program, when it was only open to a few people in Yarra Ranges.

“We were encouraged that it was backed up with the Council – that was the green light for us. We looked at the numbers and thought it was a really good program.”

“We were interested in Solar because we obviously wanted to save money on power bills, and also we were very interested in saving the environment for future generations so this seemed the most practical way of going about it,” Ian said.

Since signing up, Beth and Ian said they’ve saved money on bills, and their meter usage drops significantly during sunny days, removing the worry about using appliances.

“It seemed a really good deal at the time – we saw the offer advertised, and it seemed well monitored, well-installed. It went really smoothly and we were impressed – it was diligent.

Yarra Ranges Council – along with 10 other Councils – have partnered with Solar Savers to deliver affordable, quality and trusted solar systems onto houses since 2019.

“It’s been terrific. We have a power app installed, so you can check – when the sun comes out, the energy meter usage just disappears.

When applying through Solar Savers, we check that solar is right for your household, before arranging a trusted installer to prepare a quote. If you approve, a 10% deposit is paid and the installer then guides you through the process until after installation, and we check to make sure it’s working for you.

“It’s had quite a big impact on our bills. I’m sure we’ve saved a heap of money.”

“This is more relatable now than it was five years ago, with the problems with the energy restrictions occurring across the world,” Beth added.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said that Council had received positive feedback from community members over the years they’ve been partnered with Solar Savers.

“I think one of the best measures success for any program or project in the community is simply, are people happy with this?,” Cr Child said.

“I’m proud to say that we’ve received extremely positive feedback from people who have taken part in Solar Savers.

“With more people working from home, and solar technology becoming more accessible, we’re seeing more people able to dramatically reduce their electricity bills.

“At Council, we’ve installed more than 4000 panels on 60 community facilities, and the results are speaking for themselves, with significant savings and a dramatic reduction in our emissions.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in solar to get in touch with Solar Savers, to see if it could work for them.”

For more information, visit solarsavers. org.au

“I think people are more aware of the cost benefits of solar.”

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Water play parks opening Community members and visitors are invited to explore and play in Council’s water play parks in Lilydale, Seville and Warburton, when the season begins in mid-September.

“I’d encourage everyone in our community, particularly our families, to plan a picnic or grab some food from their favourite local restaurant or café, and head down for a day of water play and fun in the sun.”

“Our water play parks are very well loved, but this also means that we get a tremendous amount of tourists and locals flocking when the temperature rises,” he said.

From 17 September, water jets will be active at Seville Water Play Park at the recreation reserve, Lillydale Lake splash pad and Warburton Water World.

Water play park jets turn on between 8am-10am, depending on location and are turned off at 8pm.

“If you arrive and see a full carpark or too many people, have a backup plan in mind – another water play park, or a playground you can visit, or a community outdoor pool when they open through November and December.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said the parks provided a fun space to meet with friends in the warm weather.

“In the spring and summer months, there are few better places to be than with your friends and family at a water play park, a pool, or a leafy, shady park,” he said.

“Our water play parks are extremely wellvisited – and for good reason. The jets, the equipment and the scenic surrounds make for a wonderful day out.

“I’m excited that the water jets will soon be starting up again, giving our community a space to cool off and make the most of the warmer months.

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On days where weather is forecast to be 35 degrees of higher, the water jets at our play parks will stay on for an extra hour – usually finishing at 9pm.

When visiting water play parks and splash pads, sun smart behaviour is a must – make sure to apply sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses and clothing to reduce skin exposure, and take breaks in the shade. Bring water and snacks for everyone with you, and watch out for sun burn or exhaustion.

Cr Child encouraged community members to have a back-up plan when visiting water play parks on warm days, weekends and public holidays.

“Please, be covid safe and do not visit a water play park if you or anyone in your family is feeling unwell or displaying symptoms.”

On days of Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings, water play parks will not be active.

For more information on your local water play park, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ waterplay

Big mental health events coming to Yarra Ranges A world-leading arts festival inviting people to explore mental health, trauma and recovery will be heading to the Yarra Ranges from September.

alongside events running in the CBD and other parts of Victoria.

With exhibitions and events running from 8 September through to 27th November, The Big Anxiety will use creativity and art to promote a cultural approach to mental health – creating spaces for the community to learn from those with lived experiences of trauma and emotional distress.

• Edge of the Present – a virtual reality experience for suicide prevention, inspired by research into memory and imagination at Arts Centre, Warburton, from 8 October to 27 November (bookings recommended)

Artists, researchers, clinicians, health and community workers will be brought together for events and exhibitions in Naarm / Melbourne and in the Yarra Ranges – with the goal of starting conversations about mental health in the community.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said he was proud to be hosting several localised events as part of The Big Anxiety.

“Mental health is a key issue in the Yarra Ranges,” Cr Child said.

“We have a large, varied and beautiful region, which we’re all proud to call home. But it can be hard to access services locally and we’ve had a traumatic few years in our community - recently, through the pandemic and storms, and further back in the aftermath of the 2009 bushfires.

Local events include

• Hard Place/Good Place: Yarra Ranges – a storm-recovery exhibition featuring augmented reality stories, developed by local young people impacted by the 2021 storms, at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum from 28 September to 27 November.

• Lost in Serenity – an exhibition by Lucinda Makin, exploring her own lived experienced and the benefits of her artistic practice at The Memo Gallery in Healesville, from 8 September to 27 November.

• Sincerely Survivor – a film screening and Q&A. The film depicts dancers exploring old asylums and will be screened at Burrinja Cultural Centre on 4 October (bookings required).

“The Big Anxiety will explore how the arts can improve our individual and collective mental health. It will provide a place for us to hear about other peoples’ experiences and see how they resonate with our own.”

• To the Fallen Trees – a site-based performance work by Marnie Badham and Tammy Wong Hulbert including the reading of letters to fallen trees, drawing attention to ecological loss and responding to the eco-anxiety of extreme weather events. This will occur at One Tree Hill in Tremont on 9 October (bookings required).

A number of local events will be held,

• Daniel Regan Photography Workshop –

an outdoor workshop where the camera lens looks inward, as well as out. This will be held at Arts Centre Warburton on 14 and 15 October (bookings required, Sold out).

Cr Child encouraged community members to visit an exhibition or event locally, to head into the city to take part in the full program, and talk about their own experiences.

“No matter where you are in Yarra Ranges, an event will be close by,” Cr Child said.

“I look forward to the conversations this event will start about anxiety, mental health and wellbeing in our communities.

“I encourage all of our community to come along to an event, take part and, of course, to chat with people around you about how you’re feeling.”

This festival has been organised by RMIT University and University of New South Wales, with collaboration from Yarra Ranges Council.

For more information about The Big Anxiety visit thebiganxiety.org For Yarra Ranges programs, events, and bookings visit; yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ biganxiety Lifeline Australia is a 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention hotline. Call 13 11 14 to talk to someone. Lifeline also has a 24-hour live website chat and text message support options.

Spring events in Yarra Ranges For more information on these events, or to book tickets, call 1300 368 333 or visit culturetracks.info Date

Location

Event

9 Sep – 27 Nov Throughout Yarra Ranges

The Big Anxiety– festival of lived experiences. A program of art, ideas and transformations curated by Yarra Ranges Regional Museum throughout the region partnering with RMIT and UNSW. Yarraranges.vic.gov.au/biganxiety

Wed 21 Sep 11am

Healesville

Djirri Djirri School Holiday Dance Workshop - under 13 years. Learn how to dance and sing in the Woiwurrung language. The Memo, Healesville.

27 Sep

Warburton

Bunkasuarus a raucous all-ages adventure for kids! Slapdash puppetry, theatrical wizardry and riveting illusions! Arts Centre Warburton.

30 Sep

Montrose

Laura the Astronaut musical and animation experience for families. Inventi Ensemble perform ‘The Planets’ as Laura accidently flies into a black hole! Montrose Town Centre.

8 Oct (Seniors Week)

Mooroolbark

Australian Arm Band Melbourne swing, jazz, rock and roll, classical and concert band ceremonial music. Mooroolbark Community Centre.

15 Oct

Healesville

ABLAZE - Tiriki Onus travels Australia chasing stories of his grandfather - possibly the first Aboriginal filmmaker. The Memo, Healesville.

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A word from our Councillors In July, I attended the First Nations Indigenous round of footy, between the Warburton-Millgrove and Powelltown Football Netball Clubs.

It was an amazing event, bringing people together in the spirit of reconciliation and respect, and a fantastic initiative. I was heartened to see the turnout of locals and visitors to the game, and proud we could provide some support from Council through our monthly Small Grants, to help fund the artwork – including one by Wiradjuri woman, Cindy Mills.

I’d like to thank Nelson Aldridge – who we’re lucky to have in our Indigenous Development Team – for his work in his footy club to help organise this event.

I’d encourage any community member with a great idea to visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/grants to see if we can help with a Small Grant.

Cr Jim Child, O’Shannassy Ward Councillor and Yarra Ranges Mayor

I’d like to give a big shout out to all the amazing volunteers who work tirelessly for our Community. I had the privilege of recently meeting the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve Committee, who have looked after this Reserve for decades!

Well done, and thank you.

Two more active groups, the Kalorama Collective and the Hills Creative Alliance put on the recent Hills Regrowth and Renewal Festival, plus the “Reflections on the Storm” art festival.

Despite the weather, I saw plenty of people turning up to admire the artworks, and to enjoy all the activities. It was clear how much effort had been made behind the scenes, which was much appreciated by all who attended.

Cr Andrew Fullagar, Streeton Ward

It’s never a dull time in Lyster Ward. It’s been really heartening to see the arts flourishing, with the Selby DarkArts Monbulk College exhibition, Aunty Janet Turpie Johnstone and Katie Robert’s Yarra / Birrarung – Spirit in the City of Melbourne exhibition at Burrinja and the Youth Art therapy sessions put on by the Olinda Community House and Lilydale Youth Hub. I’m so pleased to see the new, temporary artworks by Renate Crow and Peter McIlwain along the RidgeWalk trail in Sassafras. I’d encourage our community to walk along this first section of the path and take in the beauty of our little corner of the world.

Our Hills Regional Community Recovery Committee has grants opening, and I can’t wait to see what creative projects are funded to connect our communities. Data tells us that neighbourly trust and connections are protective factors for wellbeing after a disaster – anything we can do to help forge and strengthen those connections will benefit us all greatly.

Cr Johanna Skelton, Deputy Mayor and Lyster Ward Councillor

I’m proud to see our first bike lanes in Lilydale, which were installed along Anderson Street, Lilydale, in July.

The new lanes will provide a safe area for community members and school students, encouraging people to see their communities on two wheels.

This project will encourage more people to ride and do physical activity locally and reduce congestion. As an added benefit, the surface of one lane has been made using recycled glass.

Thank you to Sustainability Victoria for their funding for this project, and I look forward to seeing more projects in Billanook Ward over the coming months.

In particular, I’m looking forward to the Lilydale Street Fair, which will start at 11am on Saturday, 3 December. This event will be a celebration of the township, townsfolk and visitors of Lilydale, with entertainment, art and activities. I hope to see you all there.

Cr Tim Heenan, Billanook Ward Councillor

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In August, I had the privilege of unveiling new lighting and a multi-purpose training space at Kimberley Reserve in Chirnside Park.

Previously, the reserve had no lighting for their netball courts. The club improvised and moved their training to the carparks, making the most of the streetlights, but that’s no way for a club to have to operate, and it ruled out the possibility of evening games.

The State Government provided some funding through their Local Sports Infrastructure Fund for Female-Friendly Facilities, and we were able to install Australian-standard lighting, so now winter and evening training and games are possible.

The new multi-purpose space will benefit all the clubs who call Kimberley Reserve home, and I’m proud that we were able to improve this space for our community, our clubs and visitors playing at Kimberley Reserve.

Cr Richard Higgins, Chirnside Ward Councillor

Earlier this year, we spoke to our community in Coldstream about a new pump track, at the former Coldstream Station site.

The station sits along the Yarra Valley Trail, which will one day connect Lilydale and Coldstream with Yarra Glen, Healesville, and out to the Warburton Trail.

More than 200 people shared their thoughts about the pump track, and a jump line technical loop – a fast-paced and technical track, won the public vote.

Our teams also listened to feedback, and adjusted the design to include a space for beginners. This track will be accessible for bikes, scooters, skateboards and most things on wheels.

I’m looking forward to construction starting in September, and seeing our community make the most of the new track when it opens.

Cr Fiona McAllister, Ryrie Ward Councillor

Council recently endorsed the Lilydale Structure Plan, which is the result of extensive engagement with our community over the last two years.

The plan maps out what we want the future of Lilydale to look like – how the town will shape and grow, while major developments and changes come along.

One of the major features of the plan is an action to advocate to the State Government, for the delivery of a Lilydale Bypass – which would give through-traffic an easier journey past town, and residents and visitors an improved, pedestrian-focused main street where they can spend time.

This was one of many, many parts of the Structure Plan – including advocacy for a better Mooroolbark Road / Hull Road intersection. Now the document is done, I’d encourage everyone to have a read at shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au to see what else we’ve got planned.

Thank you so much to all of our passionate community members, who have given us extensive, detailed and thoughtful feedback on this since 2020 and earlier.

Cr Sophie Todorov, Melba Ward Councillor I was pleased to hear that works to redevelop the Seville Oval will continue over spring, getting the surface improved and play-ready by late-2022.

It’s been difficult to work on the site with recent wet weather, but drainage and irrigation works have been just about sorted, and turf for the oval is being grown locally. Placing the turf in early spring removes the risk of frost damage.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the community come together to meet and play and watch games on the new oval when it’s open, and I’d like to thank the Council staff working hard on this important project.

Cr David Eastham, Chandler Ward Councillor

There is a tremendous amount of work happening, and about to happen, at Pinks Reserve, to improve spaces for our community members, our sporting clubs and visitors.

We’ve been working over the year to deliver court covers. Material supplies and the wet winter has made this difficult, but the works are on track to finish later this year.

We’ll soon be breaking ground on the Gary Tait Pavilion works at Pinks Reserve, which when finished will deliver a top-ofthe-line facility for our clubs and their members.

Pinks Reserve is a beloved community hub for sporting and recreation, and I’m extremely thankful for the State Government and local clubs for their contributions, which have helped make these projects a reality.

Cr Len Cox OAM, Walling Ward Councillor

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Art, music and environment on display at SelbyFest sustainability – there’s organic food, we have a composting system and we’ve just partnered with Terracycle,” she said.

Community members are invited to support local food vendors, listen to music and learn more about the environment at this year’s SelbyFest.

The festival – which runs from 2-8pm on Saturday, 26 November – will see local food and craft stalls, music and art performances and environmental information all on display at Selby Community House.

Community House Community Engagement Coordinator, Jordan Sibley, said that SelbyFest had been a beloved event for many years.

“Everyone loves it. Due to COVID, people have been isolated; coming to these events, you get to be part of your community again,” she said.

“You can see who you live near, what they make and what they do. It’s a familyfriendly event and, this year, we’re really focusing on inclusivity.

“This isn’t an adult festival that kids are allowed to come to; SelbyFest is for everyone.”

Ms Sibley said that sustainability and environmentalism were major themes of the 2022 festival.

“There’s quite a large focus on

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“We know many community members use single use household items. They can drop off items that can’t be recycled in household bins, including oral care items like Colgate toothbrushes, all shaving razors, skincare and beauty tubs and bottles and even writing instruments yearround. These items are then sent off to Terracycle to be recycled.”

SelbyFest received funding through Council’s 2022 Grants for Community round.

Ms Sibley said the grant funding and support from Council’s teams helped lock SelbyFest into the calendar.

“Each year, we couldn’t do this without the grants that we’re very generously given,” she said.

“We could make it work with 100 or so volunteers, but without the funding, we would have no arts program, no cultural program, no ability to provide shade, and we couldn’t support the environment groups that help restore Minak Reserve.

“The grants process was quite streamlined, and there’s always been someone to talk to. Having humans you can talk to and get suggestions from is incredible.”

Lyster Ward Councillor, Johanna Skelton, encouraged everyone to head along to SelbyFest.

“Gathering with people from our wider community to celebrate local art, music and food sounds like a perfect way to

start winding up the year and there will be plenty of outdoor entertainment for people concerned about Covid risk to enjoy too.”

Cr Skelton said.

“I’m proud that Council has been able to support SelbyFest with Grants for Community funding. This kind of funding support gives groups certainty that they can turn their ideas into reality, without over-extending themselves just to try and make the ends meet.

“SelbyFest is always a great representation of local values. Artistic talent and creativity, micro businesses and friendly community groups and an obvious love for the environment and community. I’m looking forward to this year’s festival and seeing lots of familiar and new faces from around Yarra Ranges” Selbyfest will be held from 2-8pm on Saturday, 26 November, at Selby Community House, 2/1 Minak Road, Selby.

For more information, visit selbyhouse. org.au For more information about Council’s grants, including monthly Small Grants, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/grants

Local bike trails providing freedom on two wheels Silvan resident, Max, experiences total freedom when he’s out on his bike in the Yarra Ranges.

And this is more important to Max now after being seriously injured in a traffic collision in 2018.

That crash resulted in Max spending 10 weeks in hospital recovering from a broken back, left leg and right ankle, collapsed lung and blood transfusion rejection.

Physio continues to this day with riding being a big part of that.

“I’ve been riding since I was about three or four and we live close to the trails in Silvan Dam so I could always be found there riding my bike,” he said.

“Sport was a big part of my life and I enjoyed playing soccer and I attended Rowville Sports Academy up until my car accident.

“I was balancing soccer and mountain bike riding and in January 2018 I entered my first race.

“Then came the accident and riding my bike again was something that I wanted to get back into but with so many injuries that was hard. I worried about getting hurt again and it has taken up to now to get my fitness and ability back close to where I was four years ago.

and flat and not too hard. This slowly built up to now being able to get back into the Silvan trails.”

“I really enjoy being out on my bike – I need it for my fitness, my rehabilitation and my wellbeing. I enjoy exploring the bush, being with nature – the trees the ferns, the wildlife and just that feeling of independence.”

Read more of Max’s full story at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/news

“To start with I would ride along the Lilydale to Warburton trail because it’s nice

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Find your next job in Yarra Ranges

Find Your reason Yarra Ranges businesses are dealing with staff shortages across all industries, from manufacturing to hospitality, health to education.

employers who recognise that valuing their employees is key to their success, and gives job seekers a reason to come and work in the Yarra Ranges.

commute in the right direction.

Council is passionate about positioning Yarra Ranges as a region of choice for employment. That’s why we’re working with our business community to celebrate

With value-driven employers, a huge variety of industries, opportunities for both career progression or convenient casual work, and of course, spectacular scenery and a

To see how you can become part of our Region of Choice, visit our website below.

Printed on Impact recycled, carbon carbon Printed on100% Impact 100% recycled, neutral paper. vegetable based based neutralPrinted paper. using Printed using vegetable inks and inks carbon ISO9001:2008 andneutral carbonprocess. neutral process.

ISO9001:2008 Quality Management Systems Cer�fied.

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Why would you work anywhere else but Yarra Ranges?

yarraranges.vic.gov.au/roc

1300 368 333