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Mountain Views

Mail Covering the foothills of the Yarra Ranges & Murrindindi Shires

5 Tuesday, 1 October, 2019

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Looking to future By Jed Lanyon

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and White and is currently in the tendering process. Ms Fotia is hopeful for construction to begin by the end of the year and for the project to be completed by 12 months. "The students are very excited. We brought them in to some of the meetings with the architects because we wanted to get their thoughts on it. "The part they were most excited about was

about the creation of the town centre, where we're looking at some landscaping of a section with some indigenous plantings ... I'm pretty proud that it's something that they have noticed." Lilydale Heights College is heading towards receiving their second star from Sustainability Victoria recognising their sustainability efforts. Ms Fotia described the theme of sustainability as the school's identity as students have takne the initiative of designing and creating

guard rails that are placed over the schools drains to help prevent plastic from entering the waterways. "Is it going to impact what happens in the classroom? No, it's the quality of teachers and the program that impacts that. "But will it make the students have a little spring in their step and will give them bit more pride about what's happening in their environment? Absolutely, and that's a win for everyone."

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Education Minister James Merlino, principal Rosina Fotia and Lilydale Heights College students celebrating the funding announcement in their old sports stadium last year.

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Lilydale Heights College is going all in on sustainability as the school plans to construct a sustainability learning hub as well as a sports stadium, new canteen and a town centre. Principal Rosina Fotia said that sustainability is a major focus for the project and that the older buildings will be re-purposed for the new facilities as opposed to being demolished. "We're not knocking down a building, we're repurposing a building and the idea is that you model to the students that this is how you can reuse and repurpose facilities. "It's not just about creating something brand new all the time ... We're quite excited about that as a concept. "The fact that we're not having to knock down walls and dig up concrete and dump that somewhere, because you can use the structure that's already there. "I think it sets a really good example for all of us." The sustainability hub will feature solar panels and will overhaul the entire school's heating system, which features the original boiler room from when the school opened in 1969. "They have obviously been converted from oil to gas, but it's a significant cost to the school to run the heating system," Ms Fotia said. "It's fine because we need to have a warm environment for the students but this upgrade is going to save not only on terms of efficiency but to costs. One feature of the stadium will be that it will also serve as a new bus shelter for students awaiting their ride home. "A brand new state of the art sports facility is awesome for the kids. We've been playing in a gym that probably has no runoff, is quite dark. "It's served its purpose during the time but it's long overdue for an upgrade." Ms Fotia welcomed the $8 million funding from the state government in what she said will be the first major funding projected injected into the school since it was first built. "Anything for state education is a win as far as I'm concerned ... Every child has the right to access the best resources and facilities. "It's long overdue and absolutely applauded." The project has been designed by Harrison

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IN BRIEF

Jane’s a top carer By Sarah Booth Family day care educator Jane Thomas has been named a regional winner of the 2019 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards for the third time. The Chum Creek resident took out the prize for the Yarra Valley and High-Country area, having previously won in 2013 and 2017. But Ms Thomas, who is registered with Murrindindi Family Day Care, was quick to share the praise with the parents who nominated her for the award. "It's a team effort. All the parents back me, so it's really great," she said. She described her family day care, where she typically looks after four children at a time on her one-acre property as a 'modern bush kinder'. The former organic farmer is passionate about sharing her love of the outdoors with the children and teaching them that not 'everything comes from a shop shelf'. As spring rolls around, the children tend to the garden, helping to plant, water and harvest vegetables, which they can then bring home with them. Ms Thomas also teaches them cooking, using their produce to make sun-dried tomatoes or pots of fruit jam. The children can then take any food scraps to the worm farm, which is a popular activity. "The fascination of peering over the lid and watching all the worms is something the children never tire of," Ms Thomas said. When they're not busy in the organic vegetable patch or kitchen, the group can be found out bushwalking.

Jane Thomas was named a regional winner of the 2019 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards. Picture: JED LANYON They learn to identify different types of frogs, flowers and animal tracks, and collect leaves, gum nuts and other items to use in their art projects. "I really hope they take away a love of the outside and appreciate what we have and learn how to care for it. I hope they notice the small things in life," Ms Thomas said. Ms Thomas has been working as a family day care educator for the past nine years, but she doesn't see it that way. "To me, it's not like working." "I just really enjoy what I do. I love the great outdoors. I love sharing everything I know, and experiences and adventures with the children. I'm very fortunate to do something that I really enjoy." Family Day Care Australia CEO Andrew Pat-

erson said the award recognises Ms Thomas' dedication to her work. "It also underscores the relationship that Jane has with the children in her care," he said. As a regional winner, Ms Thomas is now in the running for the National Family Day Care Educator of the Year Award. A record number of more than 5000 nominations were submitted. National finalists will be announced on 14 October, with the winner revealed at a Family Day Care Gala Dinner on the 23 November in Hobart. If you would like to enquire about Ms Thomas' Family Day Care, contact her on 0407 841 561. Ms Thomas has one vacancy left on a Friday next year.

Upper Yarra road sealing blitz By Jed Lanyon Over 730 kilometres of dirt roads throughout the Yarra Ranges will be sealed over the next decade as part of a major road construction program as councillors supported a motion which listed numerous priority roads across the region. Townships along the Warburton Highway will be a major beneficiary to the decade long project as council released their road priority list, as council released a list of priority roads at the 24 September council meeting. The initial focus ? for the first two years ? will be on unsealed roads that have schools, preschools and key community facilities on them. Once these have been completed work will start on roads within townships and the urban growth boundary. Cavanagh Road and Moore Crescent in Millgrove, Junction Street in Yarra Junction and Prospect and Rue De Gare roads in Wandin North will be be some of the early recipients as the first stage of sealing works are expected to begin by the end of this year, to be completed by 2021. Speaking at the council meeting, councillor Jim Child said it was a great outcome to see

Cavanagh Road, which borders Millwarra Primary School, listed as a priority road. 39 roads in Warburton were listed for the upgrade, as well as 24 in East Warburton. Yarra Junction featured 20 roads, Seville 19, Wandin North 17, and 13 each in Millgrove and Seville East all aimed at being sealed over the next decade. Yarra Ranges Mayor Tony Stevenson spoke of the 17 soldiers from Seville who lost their lives fighting in World War I and how little the roads had changed from 100 years ago. "If those 17 soldiers returned today, they would see the roads as the same," he said. He said that the population in Seville had changed from 300 to 4000 since then but the roads had been untouched. The motion stated that a Special Charge Scheme will be implemented to construct the roads within urban areas. This would see residents adjacent to relevant roads contribute a fixed amount of $7000 per development unit rather than the previous cap of $15,500. The ramp-up in road sealing efforts comes after the Yarra Ranges Council received $150 million in federal funding to seal roads within the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas.

YVACCA Observe highly skilled artisan craftsmen at work including blacksmiths, wood-turners and silversmiths.

As part of the funding, the council is required to construct unmade roads that service schools and community facilities, are within heavily urbanised regions, support bushfire risk and emergency situations and support growth and tourism. According to Yarra Ranges Council, there is about 730km of unsealed roads across the region, with 200km of those within urban areas. Casey MP Tony Smith said that without the funding, thousands of residents would not have seen their roads sealed. "The $150 million I pledged before the election to seal local dirt roads is being delivered in full and on schedule," he said. "It is a massive win for our community. "As Council utilises this significant funding it will end the days of dust and potholes for so many residents. It will improve liveability and safety." Now that priority roads have been determined, the council said it will hold a community consultation process to give relevant landowners the chance to accept or reject the proposals. To find out more about the list of priority roads visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Drink, drug drivers disappoint Police disappointed by results of road operation. Drink and drug drivers have been a headache for Yarra Ranges highway patrol this long weekend as police cracked down on impaired and dangerous driving. For the Yarra Ranges highway patrol, driver behaviour had been good overall but there were plenty of concerns that people were not obeying the road rules. Overall, Police detected 110 offences in the Yarra Ranges. Over the four days, police issued fines to nine people who were caught drink driving and another eight with drugs. As part of the four-day operation, police cracked down heavily on driver impairment, particularly drink and drug driving, speed, distraction, mobile phone use, seat belt offences and driver fatigue. The operation has run from Thursday to midnight Sunday.

Drink driving bust A Coldstream man has lost his license after recording a blood alcohol concentration of 0.128. Yarra Glen Police intercepted his vehicle driving along the Melba Highway in Yarra Glen at 8.20pm on Friday 27 September. The offender's license was suspended for 12 months and his vehicle impounded for 30 days at costs of $1280. The 45-year-old received a summons to appear in the Ringwood Magistrates Court at a later date in relation to the matter. He will have to make an application back to court and will have an alcohol interlock fitted to his vehicle.

Lost property Warburton Police are looking to identify the owner of some hiking and camping equipment that was lost along Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road in the vicinity of Woori Yallock on 7-8 September. The equipment fell off a box trailer being towed by an unknown vehicle, before being handed in to Warburton Police Station. Anyone who has any further information about the owner of the equipment is encouraged to contact leading senior constable Firns on 5966 2006.

Yarra Valley Arts, Crafts, Collectibles & Antiques Expo and Fine Wine & Beer Pavilion.

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Young and old and in-between will appreciate the entertainment on offer. Whether it be the face painters, pony rides or animal farm for the littlies, the singers, jugglers, and buskers on site there will be plenty of excitement at YVACCA. For more info: www.yvacca.com.au | Email: info@yvacca.com.au | Phone: 9555 9475

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Exhibitors/Stall holders please note a limited number of vacancies available. BOOKINGS NOW OPEN FOR AUTUMN YVACCA MARCH 2020 Tuesday, 1 October, 2019

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Come and browse thousands of antiques, collectibles and vintage items offered by sellers from Vic and interstate. You will find antiquities from Georgian, Victorian & Edwardian times along side Art Nouveau and Art Dec pieces. Your taste buds will be tempted by the offerings from a select group of wineries and beverage producers featured in the Fine Wine & Beer Pavilion.

MAIL 3

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Probiotics might not suit

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Paediatric Naturopath – Healesville been taking probiotics and still feel unwell. The gut can suffer collateral damage for many reasons including poor diet, prolonged stress, medications, illness, time in hospital

Bush Tucker Class Come along for a Bush Tucker class hosted by teacher Peter Lorback. The class will be held at Badger Creek Old School at 5pm on Tuesday 15 October. Learn about the abundant native plants, which can be foraged, cultivated and harvested in our local area. $10/$5 conc. Bookings essential. Inquiries : 0400 494966 or doris. pozzi@dorianwelles.com.au

The next Yarra Valley VIEW Club lunch will take place at the Yering Meadows Golf Club at noon on Tuesday 29 October. Inquiries: 0419 007 728.

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The Carers Hub will be a space were carers can come along, recharge, connect. Monthly activities include crafting and collecting information about disability services from Sunday 13 October 1.30pm at the Healesville Living

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Tickets on sale outside Coles Healesville till end November. For corporate book sales, phone Don on 5962 6550

SUMMER HOUSEHOLDER’S SUPER DRAW A project launched by the Rotary Club of Healesville in cooperation with Rotary District 9810, Rotary Australia World Community Service and The Rotary Foundation. Our appreciation for assistance is extended to RideOn Mower Sales of Healesville and The Good Guys at Nunawading.

244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville, 3777 General Enquiries Tel: 5957 3700 Fax: 5957 3777 Email: enquiries@mailnewsgroup.com.au Distribution Enquiries Tel: 1300 654 910 Advertising Group Advertising Manager – Tracey Aitken Editorial Editor – Casey Neill Email: editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au Classifieds Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Deadlines: Display Advertising: 4PM Wednesday Trades: 4PM Thursday Classifieds: 4PM Friday Sports Results: 9AM Monday Managing Director: Paul Thomas

BRAZZEN R U R A L

The Healesville Ladies Probus Club meets every third Friday of the month at 10am in the Senior Citizens Hall. Attendees can enjoy making new friends who will enrich their life in retirement. There’s no fund-raising involved and new members will be made very welcome. Inquiries: 5962 3713.

Soulsville Soulsville is an uplifting gospel style choir and an eight week project that will culminate in a performance at the Healesville Music Festival on Sunday 17 November. Those wishing to join the free choir must commit to rehearsal sessions, which take place at the Healesville Senior Citizens Club. Inquiries: catherinenolan@bigpond.com

45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale

Mount Evelyn and Yarra Valley Art Society is hosting the Yarra Valley Observed exhibition at the Warburton Arts Centre from Friday 6 September to 15 October.

Probus welcome The Valley Ladies of Healesville Probus Club meets every third Monday of the month at 11am in the seniors club rooms at River Street, Healesville. Probus clubs are for semi or retired people looking to keep their minds active and expand their interests. Inquiries: 5962 1890.

Probus for men The Men’s Probus Club of Healesville meet every Third Thursday of the month at 9.30am at St Brigid’s Church Hall. Enjoy fellowship and interesting guest speakers with like minded people. Inquiries: 0409 930 750.

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whole but evaluated in key sections. Stomach acid and digestive enzymes need to be adequate, absorption in the small intestine needs to optimal and metabolite production in the large bowel provides a feedback loop to your brain which helps regulate immune, energy, detoxification and other key functions. Probiotics affect that last aspect, and if there are issues further upstream that have not been resolved it is unlikely they will provide relief. Start with your diet and begin with paying attention to what you eat, how you eat and when you eat. Developing mindfulness around what goes in your mouth can be enlightening.

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and C-Section birth. I frequently help patients repair their digestive system and I do so in a very particular manner because there are typical issues like toxicity, inflammation, poor absorption and germ overgrowth that can not be corrected with stand-alone probiotic treatment. Until gut health is returned to a state of balance, popping probiotics is like thrown lawn seed onto a weed-covered, desiccated patch of earth. It's unlikely to give you the beautiful results displayed on the packet. How to work out what your gut needs can be overwhelming. The digestive system should be treated as a

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Probiotics can be excellent for your health, but they may be the last thing you actually need. When it comes to fixing your digestive problems it's likely there are other priorities to address first before taking probiotics. My patients make great healthy choices that enhance their wellbeing. When it comes to buying probiotics or any supplement for that matter it's important to ask yourself a few questions. 1. Do I need it? 2. Is it going to give me the results I desire? 2. What type should I get? 3. Is it going to suit my individual needs? New patients arrive and tell me they have

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Brightening the palliative care patient experience By Jed Lanyon

Ben Moore from Ben's Bee's foiled the bees grand theft auto attempt and told the Mail that this type of occurrence was particularly rare.

4500 bees swarm car

Palliative care patients at Healesville Hospital and Yarra Valley Health will have access to two beautiful hand-crafted quilts thanks to a kind donation the Fireside Crafters quilting group on Wednesday 25 September. Nurse Unit Manager Christine Wittkopp said the donation is a great way to lift the spirits of the patients, their families and staff on the ward. "It's lovely to have the support of our local community and we are extremely grateful for their contribution," Ms Wittkopp said. The Fireside Crafters started as a self-help group following the Black Saturday bushfires. The original members created the group as a way to reconnect with the community, to share their stories and recover from their own tragedy after losing everything to the bushfires. The group meets every Wednesday at Miller's Reserve in Yarra Glen and use donated materials for their quilts. Member Cheryl Deighton said the group is

extremely caring, and had donated quilts to various organisations over the years. "We have sewers, knitters, weavers, spinners and embroiders - there's a diverse range of skills amongst the group. We've even learnt how to do silk dying and made scarves," Ms Deighton said. Ms Deighton made the recommendation to donate to Healesville Hospital and Yarra Valley Health as her husband receives infusions at the hospital every 28 days as part of his cancer treatment. "It's fantastic to have the service so close to home, and the staff are always wonderful," she said. The group received support from Jennifer's Patchwork Quilt Shop who provided the use of the industrial quilting machine free of charge. "It really is a group effort and there are many ladies who have put in many hours of work towards these quilts, and we are really pleased to be able to support the community and local patients," Ms Deighton said.

By Derek Schlennstedt

Ben's Bees removed the odd 4500 bees that decided to create a hive on a car at Healesville Hospital. 4,500 bees.” Ben eventually managed to clear the bees from her car, and everyone remained unharmed. Except, of course, for beekeeper Ben, who was stung twice for his troubles. “It was a bit time consuming as they were really up inside the car.” “I had to use the smoke, as smoke calms them and makes them move and that managed to flush out a whole bunch from inside the grille.” “I got stung twice, which is all part of it.. at this point I’m completely immune to it,” he joked.

LOW COST TRAVEL FOR SMALL GROUPS The Rotary Bus continues to be invaluable as a safe group travel asset for groups, clubs and care organisations within the Healesville and Yarra Glen District. The bus is serviced regularly, checked in accordance with Victorian Transport Regulations. Its hire price and low running cost are just the answer for small groups looking to arrive and return safely together without blowing the budget. Bookings can only be made at Mark Gunther First National office, 189 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville. Call in to their office or phone them on 5962 3030 Charges are in 3 categories A: $50 per day (inc. GST) for Not-for-Profit organisations, welfare, church and community service groups. B: $75 per day (inc. GST) for Sporting, school, social and community groups. C: $125 per day (inc.GST) for Businesses and individuals. User must be 25 years of age and under 75 years with current licence. No probationary licences and must not have been refused motor vehicle insurance. Drivers must not have drugs or alcohol pesent in blood or breath immediately before or while driving the bus.

Users are asked to care for the bus by: • Checking oil & water. • Cleaning after use • Reporting faults and damage etc. • Completing details in bus log book • Filling with fuel on return.

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Cheryl Deighton, Nurse Unit Manager Christine Wittkopp, Lorraine Odell, Carol Hyde and Margo Youngberry. Picture: DEREK SCHLENNSTEDT

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How many bees is an acceptable number to have living on your car? For me, a number doesn’t immediately spring to mind, as I’ve never had to ponder that question before. Two bees? Sure. There’s nothing scary about two bees. Five? That doesn’t sound so bad either, but 20 or 30 bees? That’s the point where you start becoming a little anxious. I know for a fact 4500 bees is definitely too many - that is something I can say with full unambiguous confidence. If someone told me that 4500 bees had set up shop on my car, I would head out immediately, and while bees might be absolutely vital to the continuation of our global ecosystem, nobody wants thousands of stingy bois swarming directly outside your car. That is exactly what happened on 24 September when a nurse at Healesville Hospital returned to her parked car to find, yes, around 4500 bees on her car. Ben Moore from Ben’s Bee’s foiled the bees grand theft auto attempt and told the Mail that this type of occurrence was particularly rare. “They made their home inside that car,” he said. “They go searching for a new home with the queen and because of the slight cool inclement weather for whatever reason - probably as it was warm - they made their way into the front grill part of the car.” “There would have been approximately

For your free brochure Please call 5774 7066

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MAIL 5

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Engaging the young

CARTOON

By Derek Schlennstedt A new pilot program developed in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is building relationships between young people leaving outof-home care, and locals who can help them achieve their goals. Brighter Futures Outer East is led by local community service Anchor with support from thirty other groups ranging from councils, community groups and small businesses, to the local football league. Anchor CEO, Heidi Tucker told the Mail that they were currently working with 25 young people in and around the Yarra Ranges, and in their first year had already seen great results. "In Brighter Futures Outer East, we sit down and listen to each young person and then help them make the right connections," she said. "Things like playing sports, exploring interests and getting work, the simple things all kids need a hand with." "Every young person is different and we start with that understanding. There is no onesize-fits-all when it comes to someone working out what they want to do with their life. "This is something that many young people who have been in foster care, residential care or kinship care are missing. We are restoring something that other young people get from their birth families and family friends - but that young people who have been in out-ofhome care are often missing out on." The Brighter Futures Pilot is an initiative that comes from a collaboration of the Outer Eastern Melbourne Children and Youth Area Partnership.

From left, Aleksei Bondarenko-Edwards Community Development co-ordinator at Belgravia Lesuire, Dyaln Langley Youth Ambassador for Brighter Future, Chris Waixel Community Connections for Brighter Futures and Jill Wellett Operations Coordinator at Kilsyth Pool where one of the Brighter Futures program is run. 198327 Youth Leader, Dylan Langley said community Connectors work with teens to help them identify their strengths, passions and goals. They then look for ways to connect the young person with local individuals, businesses or groups that can help them pursue and achieve their dreams. Examples of outcomes include learning about cars, getting work experience or their first job, doing a photography course, playing sport, developing their confidence and just getting more involved in local activities and community life He said it was great to see young people driving a change in the way services operate. "You can do the hard work yourself, but you need your community behind you to really succeed," Mr Langley said.

WHATâ€™S ON AT THE YORK

Check out website for all information - www.yorkonlilydale.com.au 12428765-RC41-19

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Sign language is upfront By Jed Lanyon Healesville Sanctuary celebrated the National Week of Deaf People from September 21-27. A wide range of their wildlife shows and presentations featured Auslan interpreters to enhance the viewing experience for those who are hearing impaired and to raise awareness about the language. Auslan Stage Left interpreter Sarah Swilks stood beside the platypus tank to sign the entire presentation for Tales from Platypus Creek. "The National Week of Deaf People is a week where we celebrate what is that comes with being deaf," she said. "It's about making people more aware of the disability and I guess some people don't sort of see it as a disability. "I feel very privileged as an interpreter to be a part of that community." Following the presentation, instead of running up to the glass to get a peek at the unique aquatic creature, some children ran to Ms Swilks and asked to learn more about sign language. "They just wanted to ask me how to sign the alphabet, so I just went through the letters for them and it was absolutely gorgeous. "And that's what this is about, creating the awareness for this beautiful language," Ms Swilks said. Auslan Stage Left is a not for profit community organisation that organises Auslan interpreters for theatre and the stage. Ms Swilks said she had received great feedback regarding Auslan Stage Left's work and hopes to see the Healesville community embrace the work of Auslan interpreters on a regular basis. "I'm hoping this will be the start of something for Healesville." Auslan interpreters were featured along-

Auslan Stage Left interpreter Sarah Swilks at Healesville Sanctuary. 198408 Pictures: JED LANYON side Healesville Sanctuary's daily shows such as Spirit of the Sky, Tales from Platypus Creek, Kangaroo Keeper talk, Wombat Keeper talk, Koala Keeper talk and the Australian Wildlife Health Centre talk. Healesville Sanctuary visitor engagement team leader Lottie Liddell said, "We deliver a lot of our information verbally, so to be able to have more people be able to receive that information gives us a buzz.

"It's like some of our staff members who are bilingual, it just adds to the experience." Healesville Sanctuary is currently hosting Bushland Explorers throughout the spring school holidays. Activities include a nature play zone where children can use natural elements to create their own artwork and huts within the sanctuary. The second week of the school holidays will

Some audience members were keen to learn more about Auslan after Tales from Platypus Creek. 198408 see the arrival of Ants, by Polyglot Theatre. This interactive roving performance has giant ants bringing children together in a gentle and intriguing landscaping project. Bushland Explorers runs until 6 October and is free with admission to Healesville Sanctuary. For more information about Auslan Stage Left, visit http://www.auslanstageleft.com.au/

Aboriginal communities take historic step toward treaty By Jed Lanyon Aboriginal communities are taking a historic step forward in the treaty process as Victorian Aboriginal communities begin to vote in the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria election. The assembly will play a powerful role in supporting Aboriginal communities through the treaty process as the vote will determine which Victorian Traditional Owners are elected to 21 of 32 assembly seats. The other 11 seats are guaranteed for formally recognised Traditional Owner groups and additional seats will be created if more groups are recognised. While the assembly is not being set up to negotiate a treaty, the assembly will help create the framework for negotiations, which will set how treaties can be agreed in Victoria. "Our Ancestors have been demanding treaties for hundreds of years. Today, we take a big step towards making it happen," said Treaty Advancement Commissioner and Gunditjma-

ra woman, Jill Gallagher. "You cannot underestimate how significant this moment is," she said. "Australia is one of the only Commonwealth nations without a treaty with its First Peoples. That is so wrong. And we are slowly but surely setting it right." Mutthi Mutthi Wemba Wamba woman Vicki Clarke is the Local Aboriginal Community Leader for the North West region of Victoria. Ms Clarke believes the election of the First People's Assembly of Victoria is a great step for Indigenous Australians in Victoria. "With the elections happening now, people are looking at who are the best persons or the warrior as I call them, to negotiate the terms of what a treaty would look like," she said. "We will see some diverse ideas and opinions but we would have a consensus about what we as Aboriginal people in Victoria want. "Another reason why the treaty is important is that anything that has been developed over

Surround yourself with those who make you happy.â€?

the years has come from a deficit position. "It has come about because we are over represented in the prison system, from youth issues or poor housing conditions. It's always been coming from a deficit model. "This is different. This is coming from a positive model and it will give us the opportunity to move away from managing welfare and moving into managing economic development." To vote, eligible Aboriginal community members must enrol, face to face or online at www.firstpeoplesvic.org Once enrolled, people can vote face to face, via post or online. Yarra Ranges community members will be able to vote at the Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association (HICSA) at 1A Badger Creek Road, Healesville from 10:30am-5:00pm on Friday 4 October. For more information, or support, call 1800 87 32 89.

Mutthi Mutthi Wemba Wamba woman and Local Aboriginal Community Leader for the North West region Vicki Clarke.

Free weekly activity starting Friday 4th October

Are you over 60 and looking to connect with others? Meeting every Friday at Cire Community Hub, Yarra Junction for a cuppa, chat or even a hand of cards. Weekly activities include music and movement, board games, crafts, bus outings and a free light lunch each week.

Call 5967 1776 today or drop on by

earn, conne ol

A place t

CLUB - JOIN TODAY

and belong ct

...

Seniors activity

Cire Community Hub - 2463 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction Fridays 11.00am to 1.00pm - for further information visit

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Tuesday, 1 October, 2019

MAIL 7

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Discovery Dog an amazing race Canine competitors congregated at Wandin Park in Gruyere on 22 September for the inaugural discovery dog event. The epic adventure saw teams locate checkpoints. At each check point they needed to complete a challenge these may involve eating competitions, construction tasks, cryptic puzzles and creative photo challenges, all while keeping an eye on the time and trying to get to the finish line as quickly as possible. Mail photographer Greg Carrick captured all the competitive canines and their owners.

Julie Pirani with Sarah and Stacey Witting of the Basin enjoyed the day out with Ollie and Sunday.

Peter Murray of Emerald coaxes his dog Zoe over the jumps.

Matt and Emma Haynes of Seville got Jax and Olie to stretch their legs over the hilly course.

Andre Campbell of Mount Evelyn treated her dog Milly to a great day out.

Pool safety in the spotlight Owners of private swimming pools or spas will need to register with Council from 1 December this year, under a State Government law to improve safety and reduce the risk of children drowning. Yarra Ranges Mayor, Tony Stevenson, said that under the new laws, which at the time of publication have yet to pass Parliament, pool and spa owners will be required to engage a registered building surveyor or building inspector every three years, to certify that their safety barriers are compliant. "Over the last 20 years, 27 children have drowned in Victorian backyard swimming pools and spas. For every fatal drowning, there are about six more non-fatal incidents, with about 20 per cent of these resulting in longterm behavioural and learning impairment. "Drowning is the most common cause of preventable deaths of children under the age of five, and the registration and certification in this proposed law will help us as a community to reduce this risk. Children should always be supervised around water, and young children should never be out-of-reach of a parent or carer, especially while in the water." Under the proposed law, Councils will take charge of the mandatory registration scheme from 1 December, 2019, with all swimming pool and spa owners required to contact their local Council to register. Compliance certificates for pool and spa safety barriers will be required every three years. Suggested due dates for compliance certificates are staggered depending on the age of the pool or spa, with all pools and spas statewide expected to be compliant by 29 October, 2021. "We'll be spending the next few months preparing for the introduction of the registration scheme. Registration and certificate lodging will be at a capped cost," Mr Stevenson said. More information about the registration scheme will be posted on Council's website as it becomes available. For more information about safety barriers needed for backyard pools and spas, visit Council's Pools, Spas and Safety Barriers page.

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8 MAIL

Tuesday, 1 October, 2019

mailcommunity.com.au

BEECHWORTH BAKERY BIRTHDAY FEATURE

Thatâ€™s country hospitality Nothing says welcome quite like the smell of fresh baked goods mingling with the aroma of great coffee. Throw in warm smiles that greet you from behind the counter, a relaxed atmosphere and the promise of an endless cup of tea, and you have country hospitality at its best. This year Beechworth Bakery is celebrating 13 years in Healesville, having opened in September 2006 with the aim to bring a muchloved brand, delicious products and amazing customer service, to the people of the Yarra Valley. Beechworth Bakery's Healesville manager, Kylie Bray, said the bakery benefits its customers with a terrific product range and a loyalty card that helps them save money. "Our main products and services are our huge range of yummy pies, scrumptious cakes, great coffee and other beverages, and fresh food options from our salad bar," she said. "While we know we have great product, it is actually our people that make the Beechworth Bakery so special. "More and more people are looking not just for a purchase but for an experience, and we love nothing better than to provide an experience for our customers that will have them walk away smiling. "Our birthday week gives us the chance to not only thank our community and customers, but also go all out and really ramp up the fun." From 7 to 13 October, visitors can make the most of the bakery's famous 10 cent pie sale. Whenever a Beechworth Steak Pie is purchased, customers can get a second one the same for just 10 cents. But visitors can still head into the bakery any day of the week to choose from the wide range of baked goods.

The Beechworth Bakery in Healesville. 198229

Pictures: ROB CAREW

The bakery has a wide range of goods on offer. 198229

The bakery claims its products are baked fresh, using the finest ingredients and traditional recipes, meaning sweet and savoury goods proudly retain their old world charm. "We like to keep it real and simple," Ms Bray said. "We pride ourselves on making all our products in the traditional way - by hand, with dedication and love. "This means a lot of hard work, but we be-

lieve it's worth it because you can taste the difference." Beechworth Bakery is a family-owned business with nine stores located in regional towns across Victoria, which have all been specifically chosen for their scenic beauty and historical background. Beechworth Bakery's managing director, Marty Matassoni said the company is not a franchise nor "some mega-brand funnelling money out of the community."

"We love getting involved in community initiatives in all our locations, and regularly contribute sponsorships and donations to local organisations and sports groups wherever we are." Beechworth Bakery also continuously works on its green credentials, striving to do its best to reduce waste. The bakery has banned plastic straws and also offers discounts to customers that bring their own cup.

to our 13th Birthday Celebrations Mon 7 - Sun 13 Oct 10c Pie Sale - buy one regular Beechworth Steak pie and get another one the same for just 10 cents Free bottomless cuppa - for a companion or another visit whenever you buy one Plus on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 Oct Free Facepainting & Balloon art Live Music Pyjama Party (feel free to join us in your jammies... if you dare )

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mailcommunity.com.au

Tuesday, 1 October, 2019

MAIL 9

ENTERTAINMENT

The Seeds of Creation By Jed Lanyon Hearth Galleries has unveiled a new spring exhibition titled Seeds of Creation that explores plants and their seed in Aboriginal Dreaming Stories. Curator Christine Joy said she's looking forward to highlighting a different perspective of our local flora and fauna. "In western culture we view plants as a resource and something to be used without really thinking about the plant as a living being. We tend to take or make money from it as a resource," Ms Joy said. "Whereas in Indigenous culture, plants can be a creator and that's why this exhibition looks at plants in their capacity as sacred entities that are actually creating country. "This exhibition picks up on the ideas of reciprocity and the belief of giving back, in that if you take something, you've got to give back. "I think until we start to learn from some of these habits or ways of thinking, we're not going to be prepared to respond to some of the ecological crises happening around us." The exhibition display Indigenous artwork, basketry from local Wurundjeri woman Kim Wandin, as well as jewellery made from natural elements and more. Hearth Galleries specialises in local Aboriginal art and Aboriginal art from the Central and Tanami Deserts, Northern Territory, along with other fine contemporary arts that demonstrate collaboration with Aboriginal artists or promote Aboriginal culture. Hearth Galleries is located at 208 Maroondah Highway Healesville and the exhibition will be open until early December. For more information, visit https://www. christinejoycuration.com.au/

Doors open to view studios where artists work wonders the Maroondah Highway Open Studios around Healesville will be able to visit 16 artists around the Melba Highway, who will be very happy to share how they create their artworks. Melba Open Studio artists are Caz Rogers (textile art), Margaret McLoughlin (painting, prints), Ernst Fries (stainless steel sculptures), Amanda Lithgow (equestrian and animal drawings), Ted Secombe (master potter celebrating 40 years), Julie Merrigan (acrylic paintings) and the Steels Creek Art Group (various by 10 artists). The studios are open and free to visit from 10am-5pm on 12 and 13 October - follow the orange Open Studios signs and flags. Or visit the Open Studios Melba Group Exhibition at Art at Linden Gate, 899 HealesvilleYarra Glen Rd Yarra Glen on until 28 October - 10am-5pm Thursday-Monday. For more Information on the YVA Open Studios 2019 program and the artists, visit https:// www.yarravalleyarts.org.au/openstudios2019

By Jed Lanyon The Yarra Valley Arts Open Studios 2019 is the perfect way to explore the beautiful Yarra Valley and be inspired. The artist's studio can be a mysterious place - from vibrant and stimulating, to quirky and chaotic, from orderly and contemporary, to functional and free. Artists tell their stories or their social message using many different materials from oil paint, acrylics, pastels, watercolour, pencil, paper and ink, clay, metal, wood, photography, fabric and thread, and anything in between. Over time, the Yarra Valley has become home to many artists who are drawn to its inspiring and beautiful natural environment, its stunning vistas and its friendly and supportive community. Yarra Valley Arts organises the Open Studios program where you are invited to visit an artist's studio over three weekends. Locals who missed the opportunity to view

Things the dead donâ€™t do

Movies at Healesville and Warburton Thu 3 October - 9 October

For more information and to book tickets: 1300 368 333 or culturetracks.info The Memo, Healesville

Arts Centre, Warburton

235 Maroondah Highway

3409 Warburton Highwa

Lion King

Aurore (YRFS screening)

Fri

4-Oct

Tue