Yarra Ranges Local - Summer 2022-23

Summer 2022

Edition : 47

YR LOCAL

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Gardens for Wildlife

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Women keep the flag flying

Catch up with a friend, support a local trader or enjoy some art at your local parklet, like this one in Seville.

A word from the Mayor On Tuesday, 8 November I was humbled and honoured to be re-elected as Mayor.

It’s been my honour and privilege to have led as Mayor throughout 2022 and to be re-elected for a second consecutive term for 2023 is particularly special.

It’s a challenging time we find ourselves in and while our collective patience has been tested many times this year, the people of our municipality have shown their incredible resilience each time in the face of every challenge.

As 2022 draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on a year that has been full of surprises and challenges, but I do look forward with anticipation to 2023 and the many opportunities it brings for Council to deliver new and longstanding projects that strengthen our community.

Together in the coming year we’ll be delivering more than 120 services to our community, and we’ll be delivering them with a passion and nuance to keep costs down while still meeting the needs of our 150,000 residents, thousands of businesses, and countless visitors to our region.

We’ll be doing all this while navigating the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and assisting and facilitating the storm and flood recovery.

We’ve got an incredible variety of projects that will benefit the community over the coming year, and at the top of that list is the delivery and continued progress of our Ridges and Rivers Projects – including the Yarra Valley Trail, Ridgewalk and Warburton Mountain Bike Destination – which will be so important to delivering jobs, bringing tourism to our region, and providing first-class outdoor experiences for community members.

Of course, my role is to support our communities and I’ll be here to listen, to assist and to represent the wider municipality with my deputy Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov.

As we enter the summer period, I hope the holiday season is a chance for all Yarra Ranges residents, as well as the many visitors that are joining us in the seasonal festivities this year to catch up with family and friends and take a break while enjoying all our region has to offer.

Cr Jim Child, Mayor of Yarra Ranges

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A word from our Youth Ambassador, Sarah Miles I have lived in, and loved, the Yarra Ranges for as long as I can remember. Its beautiful wilderness, wildlife, communities, and people have shaped who I am. I am someone who cares deeply about nature, animals, expression, and equality. My life experiences as a neurodiverse individual, someone with a disability, and a witness to discrimination has also influenced who I am. For these reasons I am a passionate advocate for environmentalism, animal rights, neurodiversity, accessibility, LGBTQ rights, and freedom of expression. Becoming a Youth Ambassador for the Yarra Ranges Council has given me the opportunity to advocate for what I’m passionate about to people who are actively listening.

I became a Youth Ambassador because I want to make the world a kinder place to be, and to get there, voices need to be used in a positive, productive way. The work that all of the Youth Ambassadors have accomplished has been influential. Our input isn’t taken for granted. People actually want to hear what we have to say and the Council has given us a wonderful platform to do this on. It has been extremely validating to be heard and appreciated.

An event that I recently attended as a Youth Ambassador was Yarra Ranges’ first Pride Formal.

This was hosted by the Lilydale Youth Hub (who I also do some work with), and supported by Defrosted Events - Council’s FReeZA program.

It was for LGBTQ teens and it was a massive success. It was an absolute privilege to be there and see so many amazing and quirky young people feel entirely safe to be themselves.

Another event that’s coming up is the Celebrating YOUth Awards Night. I’m on the committee of young people organising it. We wanted to highlight young people by recognising their contributions and accomplishments as community members of the Yarra Ranges. It is being held at the Mooroolbark Community centre on the 7th of December from 7:30pm. More details are on the Yarra Ranges Council website or you can register to attend here: https://www.trybooking.com/ CDDZY . I hope to see some of you there!

Grants for the community –

by the community Creating a safer, secure future for the community with an emphasis on support and local recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2021 Storm is at the heart of the Regional Community Recovery Committees Community Recovery Grants.

Round One of the Community Recovery Grants concluded in November with almost $274,000 being allocated to groups around the Yarra Ranges.

The committees, formed in December 2021 with funding from Yarra Ranges Council are separated into the Hills, Urban, Valley and Upper Yarra.

Each committee called for grant applications earlier this year with 17 Groups in the Valley, 13 in the Upper Yarra and 12 in the Urban region receiving funding for their projects, along with another 16 in the Hills.

Mount Dandenong Preschool was one of

those 16, receiving $5000 to go towards a healing garden, wellbeing teepee and registered music therapy.

Catherine Yeaman, Victoria Clarke and Jo Dixon, early childhood Teacher and Educators at Mount Dandenong Preschool, said this funding will assist in building a home for the kids at the temporary site in Olinda.

“Having come through the storm and having lost our kinder we felt that it was something our community would really benefit from,” Catherine said.

“The kinder is currently operating from the temporary location of Olinda Primary School, but for the children currently attending, this will be the only preschool they know, so we want to create two new special outdoor spaces for them to enjoy here.

“The outdoor playground and garden at the original kinder was engaging and

beautiful and we want to bring some of this magic to the Olinda site.”

Hills Recovery Committee Chair Gareth Hart said the grant program funded by Yarra Ranges Council and supported by the Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation had received a fantastic response.

“The reality is that for many in our community, the personal toll of the pandemic on so many fronts, has been unquantifiable and with this in mind, our decisions have been framed by recognising the needs of our community across the board,” they said.

Council’s Regional Community Recovery Committees are undertaking second round grant applications. For more information visit: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ recovery/Community-and-wellbeing/ Regional-Community-RecoveryCommittees

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Gardens for Wildlife heroes share their gardening success secrets Over the past 15 years, Debra Arbuthnott and Kerry Conolly have transformed their traditional suburban lawn into a gentle garden featuring a tapestry of Australian and exotic plants and trees.

With a knowledge of indigenous plants that informed their plant selection and design, and the help of Yarra Ranges Council’s Gardens for Wildlife program to fill in any gaps, the two have added more and more to their garden and built a haven for wildlife.

“We’ve used this house as an experiment and mixed exotic with indigenous plants,” said Deb. “It’s nice to be able to look at your window and see some greenery and the lorikeets, black cockatoos, honey eaters, and even frogs that call the garden home.”

Kerry and Debra have more than 30 plant varieties in their garden, with different textures, sizes and shapes, providing a range of habitats for wildlife.

Logs and rocks also provide important sunbathing sites for reptiles and the couple have built three ponds planted with native

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vegetation, which offers a home to frogs, birds, dragonflies, and other insects.

“Much of gardening is a war against nature but if you want to attract wildlife, the secret is to garden less for perfection and to add a variety of layers – think of ground layers, under storey shrubs, mid-storey shrubs and trees, and canopy trees.”

“By having a range of habitats, we’ve attracted a whole range of birds, insects, possums, and even lizards and frogs.”

“If you are new to gardening, start small.

Much like life, gardening is a journey. We make mistakes, change our minds, the garden is ever evolving. Enjoy the process and remember to stop and observe , its amazing what you find.”

While the two are naturally keen gardeners, they attribute some of the success of their garden to the knowledge and advice provided by Council’s Gardens for Wildlife program.

This program is once again taking registrations after a pause during Covid restrictions.

Yarra Ranges Council Sustainability

Officer, Chelsea McNab said the program is a network of community groups and Council contacts working together to care for native plants and animals in the Yarra Ranges.

“We live in such a diverse region and many of our flora and fauna is rare or endangered so gardens can really help protect and nurture these plants and animals,” said Chelsea.

“After a two-year hiatus, it’s great to reopen registrations for this program as it is a fantastic way for our community to learn from each other and progress towards a greener future.”

“The variety of activities, free items, and knowledge sharing gives residents many ways to kick-start their garden journey and be inspired by new and innovative ideas to reduce waste, reuse materials, create their own garden haven and help the environment.”

For more information on the Gardens for wildlife visit: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Environment/Sustainable-communities/ Gardens-for-Wildlife

World-class mountain bike project approved for Warburton Work to deliver the mountain bike destination at Warburton will soon begin after the project was given the green light by the planning minister on 31 October.

“I’d sincerely like to thank everyone who has supported us throughout this process, right back to 2013 when the initial feasibility of the project took place.

In reaching the decision, The Victorian minister for planning offered conditional support for the project, approving most of the proposal but removing the signature ‘ Drop-a-K’ trail.

“As is the case with any major project, there will be some members of the community who will be disappointed that the project is proceeding but we hope that the modifications that have been made to the project have helped at least alleviate some of those concerns and can have confidence that this incredibly thorough process will ensure the project is delivered in a way that protects the natural, cultural and social environments of this unique area.”

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, said it was an exciting time for the Yarra Ranges following the announcement.

“We are really pleased to now have a response and a way forward for the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination and know this will be welcomed by our community”, Cr Child said.

“Not only is the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination designed to deliver a world class mountain biking destination, but it will help revitalise the region and deliver significant social and economic benefits to Warburton directly.

The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, together with the Yarra Valley Trail and ‘ngurrak barring’ Ridgewalk in the Dandenongs, is part of Council’s Ridges and Rivers project, a $30 million investment funded between Federal and State Governments, Council, and Bendigo Bank (Warburton and Yarra Junction).

Despite the removal of the ‘Drop-a-K’ trail, Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child remains confident the project as approved will meet its objectives of becoming a world class mountain bike destination, providing ongoing economic stability to the region and generating hundreds of jobs for the community.

“There’s a lot of things to do between now and when we can get on the ground but from an approvals perspective, essentially all statutory approvals need to consider the advice of the minister through the EES assessment, so that should happen fairly quickly,” “We’re hopeful that we can get on the ground in about six months and then, hopefully around a year from now, we’ll be able to open the first couple stages of trails and the new trails will finally be rideable.

To keep up to date with the progress of the WMBD project, visit www. rideyarraranges.com.au

Draft Waste Plan consultation closes Council’s Draft Community Waste Plan consultation recently closed after two months of community engagement. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to read it and leave their feedback.

Council will now consider those submissions and finalise the Community Waste Plan in early mid 2023.

You can still read the draft plan and a whole host of information about the upcoming changes via Council’s

Shaping Yarra Ranges website at: www. shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/draftcommunity-waste-and-resourcerecovery-plan One of the most frequently asked questions during consultation was about how to dispose sanitary items waste.

Council is currently looking at ways to reduce sanitary item waste and a reusable nappy feasibility study was completed in mid-2022 with an update from the findings

expected shortly on the Shaping Yarra Ranges page and Council’s website.

Further funding has been awarded for this project to continue to an implementation phase, testing out some of the recommendations from the study in 2023.

Council will work with other councils to look at the most effective ways to promote the use of reusable sanitary and incontinence products for young people and adults.

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Women keep the flag flying as South Belgrave Junior Football club racks up 50 years As South Belgrave Football Junior Club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, new female teams are giving the club renewed life.

Shae Cosgrave, president of South Belgrave Football Junior Club said the local female teams have experienced a surge in popularity since joining the competition in 2017.

With her daughter playing in the first female Under 12 team, Shae is one of the club’s biggest supporters.

“We introduced an under 12 team in 2017 that my daughter was actually a part of and that was a very liberating and exciting moment in the club’s history.”

“You’ve only got to look around and see the people, that we’d have never seen at the footy club before that are here now,

and it all gels well for our future,” he said.

To ensure that the club remains inclusive a number of changes were undertaken, including introducing a new female coach, and changing the logos to a boy and a girl, to better represent their values.

Shae said she is excited by what the competition will mean to girls growing up with a love of football today.

“Gender equality in a sporting organisation is so important because it reflects the broader society.”

“When our players and families see women participating in sport as well as leading and contributing in an official capacity, that just provides inspiration and It provides young girls with the knowledge and understanding that that’s something that they can do, they can aspire to do.”

Make the most of your annual hard waste collection this January and March.

Every household in the Yarra Ranges will have a collection of hard waste, metals and whitegoods, and it’s an opportunity to dispose of bulky items that you’d normally have to pay to take to the tip.

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Community members can place up to three cubic metres of hard waste, including: • Unwanted furniture that cannot be donated or reused by others • Metals • Whitegoods (fridge doors must be removed)

As the club grows so too has the need for facilities and Yarra Ranges Council has been working closely with South Belgrave Junior Football Club to ensure it has all it needs to thrive, including new change room facilities.

“Upgrading facilities is so important because this is a place where people come and they need to feel safe, they need to feel valued, and they need to feel that they have equitable access,” said Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child.

“Sport, including football, is a big part of the Yarra Ranges culture and it is important we invest in projects such as this one to that ensure all those who want to can enjoy the facilities and opportunity to participate.”

• Electronic waste – anything that uses a battery or an electrical cord • Mattresses • Bundled branches To find out your property’s collection week, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/WasteDates For a detailed list of what can – and can’t – be put out for the hard waste & bundled branch collection, visit yarraranges.vic. gov.au/HardWaste

Helping Local Business Communities Bounce Back Business and Trader groups play an important role in our communities, which is why Council’s Business and Trader Group Relief and Recovery Grants taps into local business knowledge to strengthen the resilience of our business community.

From forming new groups and updating digital channels, to expanding marketing possibilities and creating events, the grants go towards activities that build business and trader groups’ capacity to support their local communities.

First round grants were delivered to; Belgrave Traders Association, Healesville Street Traders, Lilydale Business and Trading Group, Monbulk Traders Association, Tourism Network Yarra Valley, Villages of Mount Dandenong, Woori Yallock Business Group, Warburton Valley CEDA, Yarra Valley Business Network, and Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group.

that we’ve got will be able to help us do some of the Christmas promotions and other promotions throughout the year,” said President of the Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group, Geoff Earney.

“We represent all the traders in the town and hopefully we give all the traders a voice. We have 150 odd traders in the town, so it’s our job, we think to be able to give the traders a voice.”

Many of the recipients are newly formed Business and Trader Groups, and Mayor Jim Child said it was wonderful to see townships forming new groups.

“Being a part of a networking or trader group is a terrific opportunity to get involved, and really advocate for your business community.”

“They’re a vital voice into what our communities and businesses need,” he said.

A second round of Business and Trader Group Relief and Recovery Grants is expected to be announced and you can keep informed by visiting www. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Home.

Council has a dedicated Trader Group Officer to assist you in forming a group.

Please get in touch via business@ yarraranges.vic.gov.au

“We are very happy to say we were awarded the grant by Council. The grant

Hiring with diversity When it comes to hiring new people Yarra Centre Manager Lesley Grimes, understands a workplace should reflect the people that use its services or facilities.

By listening, learning and experimenting, the Centre has become a diverse and inclusive workplace, where age, religion, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, class, disability, and nationality is not a barrier.

The current workforce at Yarra Centre is a diverse mix of people from different backgrounds and includes a number of different generations, all with differing opinions, needs, and desires.

“We all know it’s hard to get staff at the moment and it’s so easy in employment to pigeonhole people, but it’s not a one size fits all.”

“When you pair older workers with younger, it equips them with leadership skills, and their experience means they can help guide younger employees, and by the same token the younger generation may not be as experienced as their older counterparts, but they are able to bring fresh new insight into technology and current media.”

“For us as a leisure centre we’ve embraced having a range of people of all ages and abilities working here and it is fantastic because it’s mirroring what our community looks like.”

As employers we do also need to open ourselves up and challenge our assumptions, because you open yourself up to a broader spectrum of people and you’re bringing people on board who

otherwise you may not have had an opportunity to employ.”

Council is committed to working with our business community to address the staff shortages across our industries.

One of the ways we’re doing this is with our Region of Choice project. A part of this is celebrating our businesses, like the Yarra Centre, that have diverse hiring practises, and supporting our businesses to tap into these employment pools.

If you’d like to find out more about how your business can be a apart of Region of Choice, get in touch with our economic development team via business@ yarraranges.vic.gov.au

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A word from our Councillors I’d like to take to say that I am pleased a final decision has been made on the future of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project, providing assurance to the community and a way forward for this important regional initiative.

I welcome this decision and would sincerely like to thank everyone who has supported Council throughout this process.

The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, together with the Yarra Valley Trail and ‘ngurrak barring’ Ridge walk in the Dandenong’s is part of Council’s Ridges and Rivers project, a $30 million investment funded between Federal and State Governments, Council, and Bendigo Bank (Warburton and Yarra Junction) and will help position the Yarra Ranges as a world-class trail-based tourism destination and provide a significant social and economic boost to the region.

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

As 2022 draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the year.

For Streeton Ward, it’s been a year of transition, recovering from the June 2021 storms and emerging from COVID. I learned how resilient, yet fragile our wonderful townships and communities are.

But what a shock our recent rainstorms have been. Many homes in Upwey and Tecoma flooded, which of course brings the stress and anguish of damage and repair, both physical and mental. Please remember that we Councillors are community members too, and keen to help where we can.

2022 has been a year of change and surprise, so let us now look forward to a more normal and most importantly, safe and enjoyable 2023.

Cr Andrew Fullagar, Streeton Ward

La Nina has certainly kept Council Officers and the broader community busy this year, but it’s been incredible to see not only Council but residents rising to the challenges that we’ve faced.

Improving roads and drainage remains a top priority for Council amidst seemingly non-stop rain and we have kept up conversations with State Government about potholes and drainage on roads, investigating what avenues we have at our disposal to address some of these concerns.

The wet weather hasn’t dampened our spirits though and it has been great to see so many people attending events like Selbyfest and Halloween on the Green, which not only brings great mental and physical health benefits, but also an economic boost for small businesses, across the region.

I am taking a leave of absence from my Councillor duties at Yarra Ranges Council, effective from Wednesday 3 August to Sunday 27 November 2022 inclusive due to my candidacy in the upcoming state election.

Cr Johanna Skelton, Lyster Ward Councillor

As a community, we have faced devastating flood events over the past few months, and we are still recovering.

While we know year has challenged us, we also know how resilient our community is and that has already been displayed by how the Mount Evelyn community banded together to assist each other following these flash flooding events.

I thank all of those who gave up the comfort of their own homes and donated their own time and energy to respond to these events and want to reassure resident that no matter what the years ahead bring, we’ll be here to help, to lead, to guide and, most importantly, to listen as we go down the road together.

I know it’s been a difficult year, but we are undertaking recovery efforts and I’ll certainly be leading the chorus on how we find ways to build resilience into our local infrastructure.

Cr Tim Heenan, Billanook Ward Councillor

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While It’s been a colder start to summer than we anticipated, things have been heating up at Council as a range of projects are coming to fruition.

From putting the finishing touches on the Kimberley Reserve Pavilion to new lighting being installed along Maroondah Highway there’s lots happening.

The Kimberley Reserve pavilion is closing in with an expected finish date of January. External doors, windows and roller doors on the bar/canteen and storage rooms have all been fitted.

There has been a power of work here as the pavilion has been in need of a refresh for quite some time and these upgrades will address the provision of female friendly sporting facilities across the municipality as well as responding to the growing sporting demands.

Cr Richard Higgins, Chirnside Ward Councillor

Despite the challenges we’ve faced this year, it’s been heartening to see so many people in the Valley reconnecting with friends and family.

As a Co-chair of the Valley Community Recovery Committee, I have relished the opportunity to engage with our community, as we tackle the long-term effects of COVID lockdown and the 2021 storm together.

From little to big projects that incorporate people of all ages in the valley, our Community Recovery Committee have done an amazing job of supporting important resilience building projects.

I’d also like to give a big shout out and thank you to all the people who have given a substantial amount of time to this process. We have some amazing community groups, Council staff and individuals who work tirelessly for the benefit of our community.

Cr Fiona McAllister, Ryrie Ward Councillor

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Councillors for their votes and the confidence they have put in me to take on the role of Deputy Mayor over the next 12 months, but also I’d like to thank the community who elected me as their representative Councillor in 2020.

I know there has been some difficult times over the past few years and we’re facing some tough times, but by getting on the front foot and working together, we’ll overcome current and future challenges that we face.

Now more than ever, we must look out for the most vulnerable in our community and think locally in every decision we make.

Cr Sophie Todorov, Deputy Mayor and Melba Ward Councillor

Happy new year to everyone in the Chandler Community.

Firstly, I’d like to say that as a community, we have battled our way through storms, floods, and wind, but I continue to be in awe of our community, for the way in which we come together and support one another during challenging times.

I experienced an example of this recently, when, in October, I had the privilege of attending a dinner put on by the Monbulk Tribe Youth Group, who support young people in accessing counselling services, work experience and even permanent housing.

It was a pertinent reminder of the impact COVID has had on our youngest and most vulnerable and how we have an important ongoing role to play in supporting services that assist our younger members of the community.

Cr David Eastham, Chandler Ward Councillor

As we enter the summer months, it’s great to still see so many people around the Walling ward supporting our dedicated traders and shopping local.

Our Buy Local initiative is in full swing and is a great reminder to locals that the Yarra Ranges has everything you need in your own backyard.

Speaking on the importance of enjoying local places and spaces, I had the privilege to view the new Luke Polkinghorne Play Space recently.

I already saw children and parents making most of this new play space and it’s a great reminder that having fun, engaging play spaces close to home helps people to feel more welcome in their community.

Cr Len Cox OAM, Walling Ward Councillor

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Burrinja Bienalle After two previous Burrinja Climate Change Biennales in 2015 and 2017, and one postponed in 2019 due to gallery redevelopment and then COVID pandemic, Burrinja Cultural Centre is presenting its third instalment from 3 December 2022 to 25 February 2023.

This year’s Climate Change Biennale is delivered in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council, Yarra Ranges Regional Museum and Your Library, where together, the focus is on region-wide action and conversation throughout the entire Yarra Ranges region building on Council’s commitment of taking action on climate change.

Aptly called ‘THE HEAT IS ON’, the event provides a platform for creative and critical responses to one of the most pressing topics of our time – climate change.

For Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan, winner of the 2017 Biennale the return of the Biennale is also a return to exhibiting her repurposed crockery in a public forum.

“I’m really looking forward to this exhibition in particular as I feel by exhibiting our work together and collectively we can express and highlight some really significant issues like climate change.”

The Biennale works to harness the creative power of the arts to inform, engage and view how local and global perceptions, representations, and actions around climate change shift over time.

Jessie’s own work revolves around

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repurposing broken crockery, incorporating them into inspiring works and engendering once-loved relics with new purpose.

“I think together and collectively, we can express and highlight some significant issues that are brought up by the theme of ‘the heat is on’ and I feel that it’s in our role and everybody’s role to do something about climate change.”

“I can in my practice upcycle and recycle things and try and minimize or reduce my waste, so if I can make art that also makes people celebrate nature and reflect on how precious and fragile that is, then I feel I’ve succeeded in perhaps changing someone’s perceptions.”

As a French-Australian artist and Fine Arts educated on both shores - Jessie’s work also reflects her personal narratives of migration, belonging and cultural heritage For the Bienalle Jessie has created a large two metre merged mosaic of a red-tailed and yellow-tailed black cockatoo.

“My response to the theme has been about habitat destruction and how precious it is, and we’ve seen that in the 2020 bushfires, but also just recently in the 2021 storms that devastated the Dandenong ranges,” she said.

“During the 2020 fires, there were images of birds falling from the sky and habitat charred and burnt. For me red-tailed and the yellow-tailed cockatoos are a real significant marker of place so to see these

birds displaced was devastating and I felt moved to make this piece.”

From the scientific to the fantastic, the cultural to the creative, the Burrinja Climate Change Biennale is open for visitors from 3 December 2022 to 25 February 2023 at the Burrinja Cultural Centre.

For more information visit:exhibitions. burrinja.org.au/

Explore, connect and move around Lilydale Explore the natural beauty of Wurundjeri Country and experience Art and Sole’s nine mapped walks that connect with other well-known trails and local services around Lilydale.

and Deputy Mayor, Sophie Todorov said the project highlights the importance of walking on Country, connecting with our history, while also nurturing our body, mind and soul.

Opened in November these mapped walks combine a feature public artwork by local Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Kim Wandin and Christine Joy with wayfinding signs to provide the community with opportunities to explore, connect and move around Lilydale West in ways they couldn’t before.

“In the Yarra Ranges we want walking and cycling for transport to be safe, enjoyable, accessible, educational, and linked,” Cr Todorov said.

The appropriately named Art and Sole is a VicHealth funded joint project between Yarra Ranges Council, Inspiro, key community stakeholders, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Aboriginal Corporation and the Lilydale Historical Society.

At the opening, Yarra Ranges Councillor

“Art & Sole aims to increase walking in Lilydale using creative approaches and provides the community with opportunities to explore the local area, connect with community and move for good health.”

Starting at Poyner Reserve, residents can explore and experience the Wurundjeri story of Bour-deet and can use seven wayfinding signs to explore the nine local walking trails of various lengths and levels.

These walks connect with other wellknown trails while also providing opportunities to learn about Lilydale’s rich indigenous culture and history.

“Art and Sole is a great opportunity for our community to get out walking and enjoy the journey around Lilydale West, while reading or listening to Lilydale’s rich Wurundjeri Wandoon stories,” said Cr Todorov “I urge our residents to get out this summer and take advantage of this incredible project, because it’s such an amazing opportunity and has given me a greater knowledge and respect for all things Country.”

Summer Events in Yarra Ranges Date

Location

Event

Sat 3 December

Healesville

With a pandemic proportioned organ, Australia’s favourite organ salesman, Barry Morgan, is back on the road, bringing his safari suits and walking socks to Healesville.

First Sunday of each month

Warburton

The Warburton Valley Market is set along the banks of Birrarung (Yarra) River in the centre of Warburton behind the Arts Centre! Enjoy a wonderful day out for the whole family with live music in beautiful Warburton.

Sat 17 Dec

A Christmas tradition for Mooroolbark Community Centre, the acclaimed Melbourne Mooroolbark Welsh Male Choir returns to ring in the festive season with its booming 50 voice ensemble.

Thurs 5 Jan – Sun 29 Jan

Healesville

Children and families can enjoy free art activities at The Memo Healesville, Arts Centre Warburton and Yarra Ranges Regional Museum this January 2023 as part of the NGV Kids On Tour.

Sat 3 Dec– Sun 26 Feb.

Upwey

Global in nature, national in scope and local in action, the Burrinja Climate Change Biennale provides a platform for creative and critical responses to one of the most pressing topics of our time.

Sat 18 & Sun 19 March

Wandin North

Test your taste buds at the eleventh annual Herb and Chilli Festival, a two-day event in the Yarra Valley the perfect day out for any chilli lover.

For more information on these events, or to book tickets, call 1300 368 333 or visit culturetracks.info 11

Yarra Ranges Council

in the Yarra Ranges

However you celebrate, you’ll find your reason to make your memories right here. From berry picking to picking the perfect gift, you’ll find it all in Yarra Ranges this season.

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