Ferntree Gully Belgrave
Sooki Lounge boarded up after car incident
Local CFA’s five-figure donation works wonders
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Tuesday, 31 October, 2023
Mail Mural brightens Monbulk town centre
Real Estate liftout inside
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PROPERTY PAGE 19 GUIDE
A Star News Group Publication
PR OP ER TY
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
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Friends unite Celebrating 60 years of friendship and connections was the theme of the weekend in Monbulk. Monbulk High School celebrated its 60th birthday in the community, with several locals attending the birthday ceremony at the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre to reconnect and reminisce on the years of old. Laughs were had, memories were remembered, and stories were shared of when these locals first connected in their school years. Read more on page 12
Marg Thomson, Lolita Grande-Piana, Sibhan Downey and Marisa Downey 369906
Mustangs and vintage cars a prime target as locals left...
Feeling the sting Victoria Police are being kept busy in the Hills following a series of car thefts in the area. Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad are appealing for information following the theft of a rare and distinctive Ford Mustang from Ferntree Gully, and several vintage cars as part of a classic car collection which were stolen from a property in Devils River, near Alexandra, earlier this month.
A 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR, with the registration 900KR, was stolen from Mustang Motorsport, a car specialist located on Hayward Road, in Ferntree Gully on Wednesday 11 October at 3.45pm. The car is valued at approximately $400,000 and is the only one of its kind in Australia. Vehicles were being moved in and out of the showroom at the time, and the
key was accessible. The Mustang is then captured on CCTV heading north towards Burwood Highway. Additionally, a Monbulk woman has had her classic car collection stolen in an alleged theft at a property in Devils River, near Alexandra, earlier this month. Femke Koenders had her 1971 Mustang, 1969 Mustang and 1971 fastback Torino all
allegedly stolen from a barn on her holiday property, as well as a diesel generator and a security camera. Ms Koenders said she has owned the vehicles for more than 20 years, and that it was a shock to have them taken. Read more about the missing vehicles on page 3 and 4
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IN BRIEF Newsagency hit by thieves
Classic cars theft
Emerald Village Newsagency was hit by an early morning burglary on Sunday 29 October, with thieves breaking down the store’s front door. Store manager Peter Maloney came across the scene at around 3.45am and called triple 0. He said the thieves took a float of cash at the store and all the scratchies inside. “I couldn’t believe it,” Mr Maloney said. “I don’t expect these kinds of things to be confronted with at 3.45 in the morning. One of the local builders did a great job putting a new door in, and now I’ve got to replace the whole door of the shop, which is totally wrecked.” Mr Maloney said the newsagency was back in business “straight away” after the police allowed the door to be taken down at 7am. “It was bit of a shock to the system,” he said. “I’m busy right now cancelling all the scratchies.”
By Tyler Wright A Monbulk woman has had her classic car collection stolen in an alleged theft at a property in Devils River, near Alexandra, earlier this month. Femke Koenders had her 1971 Mustang, 1969 Mustang and 1971 fastback Torino all allegedly stolen from a barn on her holiday property, as well as a diesel generator and a security camera. Ms Koenders said she has owned the vehicles for more than 20 years, and said it was a shock to have them taken. “It’s over $100,000 worth of car gone,” Ms Koenders said. “It was all locked up and secure, but they’ve come in obviously with power tools to break the locks.“ It’s not the first time the house - which can not be easily seen from the road - has been broken into, according to Ms Koenders. “I think they’re the same person that’s been breaking in over the years because they do the same thing each time they break in. “Opening all the cupboards and turning over the couches…a few years ago they stole a quad bike and a posty bike as well. “The neighbouring property have been keeping an eye on things for us since then, and they’ve been very helpful in calling me and telling me how it looks like it’s been broken into again.” One car was seen on a trailer travelling on Maroondah Highway near Rochford Winery between 6am and 7am on Tuesday 17 October, with another sighting in Taggerty reported on the same day, Ms Koenders said. “Hopefully someone will come forward with some information,“ she said. People with any information are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call Alexandra Police Station. Alexandra Police Station has been contacted for comment on the investigation.
Truck Fire Fire Rescue Victoria crews were called to William Street in Boronia where a truck was emitting smoke from underneath around 3pm on Tuesday 24 October. FRV said the situation was under control within minutes. The situation was handed over to Victoria Police and the truck was removed from the area. Three cars from Femke Koenders’ classic collection were allegedly stolen from her holiday property in Devils River, near Alexandra, earlier this month. Pictures: FEMKE KOENDERS
Ms Koender’s 1971 Mustang, 1969 Mustang and 1971 fastback Torino were all allegedly stolen.
Young woman dies in Silvan collision A young female driver has died after colliding with a pole in Silvan on Monday 23 October. The 21-year-old from Monbulk was driving along Monbulk Road when her vehicle veered off the road around 9.30pm. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle and died at the scene. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner. Monbulk Road was closed for some time. Investigations remain ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Police Raid Police have seized more than 400 prohibited weapons, including samurai swords, zombie knives and butterfly knives, as part of investigation into youth gangs in Melbourne’s southeast. Simultaneous raids at two shops and a factory were the culmination of an investigation into the alleged sale of weapons including knives and machetes to local youth gang members. During the searches in Narre Warren, Boronia and Dandenong South, police seized 402 prohibited weapons, 111 cartons of illegal cigarettes and approximately 2kg of dried looseleaf tobacco, quantities of methylamphetamine, cannabis and prescription medication, 17,525 vapes worth $461,000 and several laser pointers. As enquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Missing from Ferntree Gully
Police are investigating the circumstances around a fatal collision in Silvan on Monday 23 October. Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Ferntree Gully girl Phoenyx. The 14-year-old was last seen at a school on Scoresby Road in Knoxfield about 9.30am on Wednesday, 25 October. Police and family have concerns for Phoenyx’s welfare as her disappearance is out of character. Investigators have released an image of Phoenyx in the hope that someone can provide information on her current whereabouts. Phoenyx is described as Caucasian, about 178cm tall with long black hair. She was last seen wearing a purple school uniform polo top with black long sleeves underneath, black pants and burgundy shoes. Anyone who sights Phoenyx or has information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Boronia Police Station on (03) 9760 6600.
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Rare Ford Mustang stolen By Tyler Wright Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad are appealing for information following the theft of a rare and distinctive Ford Mustang from Ferntree Gully earlier this month. The 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR, registration 900KR, is valued at approximately $400,000 and is the only one of its kind in Australia. Two men can be seen loitering out the front of Mustang Motorsport, a car specialist located on Hayward Road, on Wednesday 11 October at 3.45pm. The duo briefly left the area before one of the men, wearing a blue jumper, black trackpants, black baseball cap and sunglasses, walked through the gate, entered the Ford Mustang and drove off. Vehicles were being moved in and out of the showroom at the time, and the key was accessible. The Mustang is then captured on CCTV heading north towards Burwood Highway. Just prior to the theft the two men stopped at a fast-food premises on Burwood Highway, where one of the men reached behind the counter and took a drink without paying. On Friday 27 October investigators released CCTV and images of the vehicle and of two men they believe can assist with their enquiries. The first man is described as Caucasian in appearance, with a slim build and approximately 190cm tall. He is wearing a blue jumper, black trackpants, black baseball cap and sunglasses. The second man is described as Asian/Polynesian in appearance, with a slim build and approximately 160cm tall. He is wearing a blue T-shirt, black trackpants, a grey hooded jumper and sunglasses. The Mustang is charcoal in colour, with a distinctive blue stripe over the driver and passenger side doors and bearing the words ‘GT 500KR’. It also has a rear spoiler. The vehicle is a rare Shelby GT 500KR edition and has a Cobra badge on the front grill. There is also a ‘KR’ badge on the rear panel.
Craig Dean’s 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR (pictured) was stolen on Wednesday 11 October. Pictures: SUPPLIED A Mustang Motorsport sticker is visible on the top of the front windscreen. Mustang Motorsport managing director Craig Dean said it is “devastating” someone would have the gaul enter the property illegally. “I’ve been running the business since 1990, and I’ve been racing Mustangs over a fair while for 23 years,“ Mr Dean said. “I retired from [racing], so I just wanted something special. “We’ve also been sponsors of the Mustang Owners Club movement for 20 years, and they’re the major sponsors in this week’s Shelby National, so it was going to be the flagship car on Sunday [29 October] in Dandenong.“ Mr Dean had been away on holidays when the car was stolen. It had only been completed by his son, who owns Crossover Car Conversions, that day after sitting in a showroom. A staff member was moving the cars at the time of the theft, with the vehicle sitting at the front of the business with its window down and keys in it.
“It’s difficult,“ Mr Dean said. “I just sort of shook my head and thought ’goodness me’. “What do you do? You can go crook but that doesn’t solve anything, so I said ’you better find it,’ ’how much money have you got in the bank?’” Mr Dean said he is living in hope the unique car, which was imported about five months ago, is found without anything done to it. “The GT500 Shelby starts off in the Ford factory in America, and there’s very few [parts] of that car that you could swap into a local car,“ he said. When asked what he would say to the person who stole his prized possession, Mr Dean had a poignant message. “I feel sorry for your mate, that you have to do things like that. “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? That’s all I can say.”
The duo were captured on CCTV. At the time it was stolen, the car was bearing the registration plates 900 KR. Police are asking people to keep a look out for the distinctive vehicle and expect it may have travelled anywhere across Melbourne, or potentially interstate. Anyone with information on the two men in the CCTV or who has seen the vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Detective Senior Constable Michael Gatt from the Vehicle Crime Squad said the theft of someone’s “prized possession“ in broad daylight was “utterly brazen“. “This is someone with a great love of vehicles who has worked hard to build this car and has had it taken away from him,“ Constable Gatt said. “It’s an incredibly rare car, and it is very distinctive – we would encourage anyone who has seen it, or who recognises the two men in the CCTV to come forward and contact police.”
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Meet, share, reflect on your experiences Residents across the Dandenong Ranges are being urged to attend a forum in Olinda next week to discuss best ways to communicate and share information when faced with natural disasters. The Ranges Trader Star Mail has partnered with Deakin University academics and Natural Hazards Research Australia to encourage residents to share their experiences on how best to improve communication before, during and after crises such as the devastating storms that hit our region in 2021. The initiative – called Storm Talk – will culminate in a community townhall-style event for residents on Saturday 11 November at the Olinda Community House to bring people together to share and learn from their experiences.
There is hope other communities from across Australia can also benefit from the insights that Dandenong Ranges residents can offer, with researchers hoping to understand both the challenges as well as the novel approaches that can be adopted to keep people connected. Newspaper editor Mikayla van Loon said now was the time to bring people together to talk about disaster management rather than during an emergency, especially given weather forecasts predicted a hot summer ahead. She urged the community to come together and also consider ways to ensure those at greatest risk had the information they needed to stay safe. “The storms of 2021 have created some lasting scars for many in the community but talking about how best to keep communica-
tion going, for example especially when power lines are out and we lose internet, is just so vital,” she said. “We really see it as our [newspaper’s] role to help the community have this conversation because we are stronger when we pull together, share ideas and openly talk what went wrong and what went right.” Deakin researchers are also encouraging locals to complete a short survey to share their thoughts on communication needs during disaster. To complete the digital survey, click on the QR code on this page. Registration for the town hall event is essential. To attend please RSVP by Friday 3 November to Dr Gabi Mocatta gabi.mocatta@ deakin.edu.au. A free afternoon tea will be provided.
Share your storm experiences by registering for the event to be held on 11 November at Olinda Community House. Picture: ON FILE
The trauma of the young STORM TALK When disaster strikes, the impact is keenly felt by all members of a community – including young people. Twenty-two-year-old Willow Swaneveld knows this first hand. Her experiences of the 2021 Dandenong Ranges storms left her without a home, and with a new burden to carry: trauma. The storms of June 2021 were devastating to towns and communities throughout the Ranges. Homes were destroyed, roads were blocked, and households were left isolated and without power during the dark months of winter, all while grappling with the restrictions of Covid-19 lockdowns. For Willow and her family, the second round of storms in October 2021 struck a harsher blow. A huge tree fell through the centre of her family home in Cockatoo on the morning of 29 October, rendering the property uninhabitable. Together, the two storm events – the impacts of which were exacerbated by Covid-19 lockdowns – are known as compound natural hazards: disasters that happen at the same time or in quick succession. “It was hard,” Willow says of the two storms. “Everyone’s still recovering from the first storm so having a second one, it feels like people can’t really find their footing, like they haven’t had a chance to breathe.” Compounding factors can also be individu-
Willow near the fridge that may well have saved her from being crushed by a falling tree in 2021. 256628 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS al. Willow lost her father in a tragic accident in 2021, and she and her family were still grieving when their home was destroyed by the storms. In the wake of her trauma, Willow turned to art and creativity. Approached by a friend from charity organisation The Windermere Foundation, she took part in an augmented reality art installation called Hard Place/Good Place. The exhibition was held at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum in Lilydale in 2022 and gave an immersive representation of young people’s
STORM TALK: Learning better communication from natural disasters The project ‘Awareness, education and communication for compound natural hazards’ is conducted by Deakin University & Natural Hazards Research Australia, with support of the Ranges Trader Star Mail.
experiences of the storms. While the experience of the exhibition was something of a whirlwind, Willow remembers how meaningful it was to be given the opportunity to tell her story. “It’s such a bizarre feeling when you go through such a trauma because you don’t expect people to listen,” she says. “All I knew was that someone reached out to me and said, we want to hear you – we want your voice to be heard.” Willow has since spoken about her experi-
ences to first responders and council members, work that saw her recognised as the 2023 Yarra Ranges Council Young Citizen of the Year. Her story is a reminder that young people play an important role as communicators and community leaders before, during, and after a natural disaster. “After the storms happened,” Willow says, “all of the information that I was receiving was from social media. And obviously young people have grown up a little bit more engaged and they know how to navigate that online world a lot better.” She says she remembers seeing young people taking to social media in the wake of the storms to spread awareness and offer help. Children as young as 14 and 15 were sharing news and offering generators, food, hot showers, even blankets for pets. It remains important for young people to be kept in the loop when disaster strikes. To communicators trying to reach young people with information about disasters, Willow recommends using social media channels like Instagram and thinking carefully about the visual aspects of a message – bold fonts and bright colours can go a long way towards engaging a young audience, she says. Communicators can learn a lot from young people too – and not just because of their social media savviness. While young people may lack background knowledge and expertise, they bring something else to the communication process: empathy. “I think young people definitely have a fresh perspective,” Willow says. “We have the opportunity to tell people how it is, because we don’t have the background knowledge of everything that goes along with it.” And creativity remains an important way for young people to share their ideas and stories. As Willow puts it, “Having creative freedom for the story to kind of tell itself through whatever medium you’re using – I think that’s a beautiful thing.”
Did you experience the Dandenong Ranges storms of 2021?
Share your thoughts in a community forum.
Do you have perspectives on how disaster communication happened, before, during When | Saturday 11 November, 1.30pm- 4pm Where | Local venue, specified on invitation and after the storms?
We want to hear your story.
Express your interest in joining the forum at: https://forms.office.com/r/G3BFfsZGD6 or email: gabi.mocatta@deakin.edu.au You can also complete an anonymous survey here:
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Strategy goes out for feedback amid pool closure angst By Callum Ludwig Yarra Ranges Council endorsed their 10-year draft Aquatic and Leisure Strategy for community consultation at the Tuesday 24 October Council meeting, with big plans coming into play. Support was heard across the board for the Aquatic and Leisure Strategy to be approved for community consultation from councillors, but the closure of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool proving to be the sticking point in discussions and submissions from the public, with an alternative recommendation put forward by Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar. Cr Fullagar approved of the draft Aquatic and Leisure Strategy and put forward the alternative motion solely to ensure the site of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool be kept as a public park and recreational land following further community consultation. “This strategy is an in-depth evidencebased study and is measured in its approach. The aim is to balance community expectations and desires against achievable outcomes over a large geographical area,” he said. “Sometimes facts are painful but should be accepted as such and acknowledged in our decision-making. This strategy will provide a framework for that decision making over the next 10 years or more and substantial financial commitments are involved so it’s important we get it right,”
Yarra Ranges Council’s Aquatic and Leisure Strategy 2023-2033 is coming out for community consultation. Picture: ON FILE “That’s why this community consult consultation coming up is so important, and I think we’re close and therefore I’m comfortable in releasing it for community feedback.” While the Kilsyth Centenary Pool is set to be closed, the strategy outlines the retention of the Lilydale, Belgrave and Olinda Outdoor Pools, upgrades for the Yarra Centre and Monbulk Aquatic Centre, a masterplan for the Healesville Outdoor Pool and continued management and investigation of a district facility for the Jack Hort Memorial Pool (on behalf of the Department of Education and Training and Healesville High School). The Water Play Parks in Warburton, Seville and Lilydale will be retained and maintained. A long-term view for an Integrated Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Lilydale to replace the
Kilsyth Centenary Pool in the Urban area is also being investigated. Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister said the four key objectives of the aquatic strategy are around participation, inclusion and access, financial sustainability, environmental sustainability and economic benefit. “It’s a bloody hard thing to do to get that balance right, more than 2,000 people responded to our initial survey in terms of community consultation, this isn’t the start of a consultation, there has been a mammoth consultation to get us to this point with the aquatic strategy,” she said. “It isn’t constrained to Yarra Ranges council boundaries, I know there is some concern and hesitancy in whether the other facilities and other municipalities offer what our community needs,” “The only way that local government, not just us but other local governments, can continue to survive and manage assets well is to actually look beyond its borders and I appreciate the work the team have done to do that.” Yarra Ranges Council’s aquatic facilities operated at a net deficit of $2,250,675 for the 2022/23 financial year, way down from $3,640,186 over 2021-22 but still significantly higher than the years pre-Covid ($1,410,609 in 2018/19 and $1,861,530 in 2019/20.) Cr McAllister said she deson’t support a reduced investment in aquatic facilities in the Yarra Ranges.
“Our aquatic facilities are loved as we all know, whether we’ve swum in them as children, taken our own children or watched other people take their children there,” she said. “One of the only things that I don’t support in our statement in the aquatic strategy that talks about moving to a reduced investment in aquatic facilities over time and providing them for our community,” “I think fundamentally that’s the reason we’re here, people pay rates to be used for the things that matter most.” If all upgrades in the strategy go to plan: The Monbulk Aquatic Centre will receive an additional program pool, an upgrade to leisure water, an extension of the gym and a new program room The Yarra Centre will receive a new entry and cafe,an extension of the pool hall to incorporate a new warm water pool, spa and accessible change facilities, a redevelopment and expansion of the gym and program rooms and the development of an external fitness zone The Healesville Outdoor Pool will receive upgrades to improve the condition and life of the 50M pool shell, heating of the pool an upgrade to the changerooms and potentially a small interactive water play feature. The motion was carried despite Chirnside Ward Councillor Richard Higgins and Walling Ward Councillor Len Cox OAM voting against it.
Blueprint for more housing By Mikayla van Loon Yarra Ranges Council has moved forward with its draft housing strategy despite still waiting on State government reforms to be implemented. The community will be invited to share feedback on the draft strategy that provides an outlook on the future of housing in the shire over 15 years. The intention of the strategy has been cited as outlining the location, type and the design of new housing required in the municipality to cater to the expected growth of close to 23,000 people by 2041. Housing density and diversity has been noted in the strategy as key to delivering the desired quantities needed, with stand alone dwellings currently making up 93.3 per cent of the housing stock. Design and place manager Nathan Islip said there is a mismatch being created between the houses available and the people looking to live in the region. “We’re getting lots of three or four bedroom, standalone dwellings, but a lot of the demand for housing is for one or two occupants,” he said. While the largest demographic of people living in the Yarra Ranges is couples with children, making up around 35 per cent, there are emerging groups moving into the area. “Demographically, what we’re getting is much more diversity, not just family households, but we’ve got increasing number of smaller households, lone person households, single parent households, couples with children and in Yarra Ranges the ageing population is really a strong demographic feature,” principal strategic planner Ben Champion said. “All of this is really pointing to the need for more diversity, smaller housing types in well located areas near large centres, and services and parkland and shops and all the other things that large centres offer.” Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park have been identified as needing higher density housing and medium density development in the townships of Mount Evelyn, Healesville, Yarra Glen and Yarra Junction. It is estimated that the total housing share in the urban areas will rise from 69.3 per cent over 2016-2021 to 82 per cent over the period from 2021-2036. “The general position of the draft housing strategy is to focus more on the growth and development of activity centres and commercial areas in large activity centres like Lilydale and 6 MAIL
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Yarra Ranges Council will release its draft housing strategy for feedback, as it looks to grow housing density over the next 15 years. 293970 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Mooroolbark which have fixed rail and Chirnside Park,” Mr Champion said. “This hasn’t really happened before in Yarra Ranges. We’ve had more of a traditional style of commercial areas that are just commercial and surrounded by low density residential areas. “So what we’re now saying is we’re looking at more apartment and mixed use building types in commercial areas.” Mr Islip said Lilydale has a high rise limit of six storeys as per the Lilydale Structure Plan and reflects the “European model of really beautiful density”. “We believe the European model of density is really lovely. It creates not too much visual bulk, it keeps everyone close and connected to the street and activity [and] it doesn’t create big overshadowing things,” he said. This style of apartment and shop-top housing is proposed for Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park as well.
“[This] is very consistent with all the recent announcements from the State government,” Mr Islip said. “The State government announcements are all about building up density around activity centres in a way that is really oriented towards more affordable housing outcomes in particular, and that’s quite aligned with the approach we’ve taken in the housing strategy,” Mr Champion said. Diverse housing like tiny houses, cohousing, secondary dwellings and relocatable buildings will also be investigated as options for providing the necessary quantity of homes for people, especially as affordability decreases in the region. Mr Islip said the growth in each area of the Yarra Ranges is confined by the zoning, including the green wedge and urban growth boundary and is defined by four categories in the strategy as substantial, increased, incremental and minimal.
Councillor Sophie Todorov moved the motion to put the draft housing strategy out for community consultation on Tuesday 24 October. “We know this draft housing strategy to be endorsed for public consultation replaces our previous one that was drawn up in 2009 some 14 years ago and the council has seen many changes and much increase in population particularly in the urban wards,” she said. Cr Todorov said she was pleased to see the strategy “value our neighbourhood character and our places of historical significance” while addressing “the nationwide issues of housing and rental affordability”. Seconded by Cr Andrew Fullagar, he expressed similar sentiments and said “housing change is inevitable”. Airing her concerns initially with releasing the draft strategy at this time given the imminent planning changes from the Labor government, Cr Johanna Skelton said it was important to be ahead of the game. “We’re doing this in the shadow of some major planning changes at the State government level and putting this before us tonight, I was going ‘is it even worth it?’. “The rug could be pulled from under us at any stage but I think it’s still important to be steering the ship.” The Department of Transport and Planning confirmed in early October that “further details on changes will be released in later 2023.” Cr Skelton said she hopes should the State government be aware of the draft strategy, it would acknowledge the effort in the plan to provide effective and efficient use of the shire’s current planning scheme to develop extra housing solutions for the future. “We’ve really carefully identified the regions where we can have more density with the least impact. There’s so much of the Yarra Ranges that’s Green Wedge or bushfire overlays or erosion overlays and there’s so many complexities to a lot of where we live,” Cr Skelton said. “We have to acknowledge the small growth rate we have, but it’s still significant. By 2041 we’ve got an extra 22,000 people so they will have to go somewhere.” The motion was carried unanimously. Community consultation for the draft housing strategy opens on 30 October and runs until 11 December via the Shaping Yarra Ranges website, briefing sessions and pop up engagement stalls with dates and locations to be confirmed. Residents can submit feedback on individual sections or the entire strategy itself. mailcommunity.com.au
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Services ‘no longer viable’ By Mikayla van Loon The services Yarra Ranges Council delivers for its ageing residents will again be altered as reforms filter down from the Federal government. The Australian government’s Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) which has provided local councils with funding since 2015 to provide in-home care and other support has been given an overhaul after the Royal Commission into Aged Care. Having already ended some services like athome maintenance, Yarra Ranges Council proposed to cease the delivery of transport, meals and social support group services by July 2024. “It has come to a time where we have to identify that it’s no longer viable for the council to provide those services that we have historically provided,” Councillor Sophie Todorov said at the Tuesday 24 October council meeting. “We’ve been a council that has always provided proactive service to our ageing population over many, many years to support healthy ageing, social inclusion and connection.” Community support manager Guy Masters said with more providers, particularly meals on wheels type services, flooding the market, there comes a time of reassessment. “When there’s other providers available in the municipality or near to the municipality that can provide them, you have to ask the question, is this the best use of ratepayer money to provide these services?” he said. As a receiver of meals on wheels for over two years, Yarra Glen resident Noel Buchanon said it was concerning to hear the council was considering removing this as one of its services. “Most human beings, men and women, as they age do begin to experience a preference for the familiar,” he said. “When you hear in a two page letter that this is all changing, I suggest, many older people begin to worry.” Concerns about the ceasing of council provided transport were raised at the council meeting, with Vicki Williams, who has ‘mainly’ worked in medical transport for Yarra Ranges Council for five years, speaking.
Council delivered services for the shire’s elderly residents will begin to cease by the end of June 2024. Picture: PIXABY “We’ve got people at Warburton or Menzies Creek, who can’t get taxis, I myself live in Gruyere, so I can’t get a taxi if I needed one, they just don’t come out that far. I once was a taxi driver and we would never go out there to pick up anybody,” she said. “I’m just requesting that you think about keeping transport in some way, shape or form for medical purposes, for people who are isolated, for social support.” It is expected the meals on wheels service will be handed over to a not-for-profit organisation chosen by the Federal government, of which Mr Masters said the council is putting forward a request to utilise Future Fit, a meal
delivery service currently operating in Whitehorse. Cr Todorov said she was initially quite concerned herself about handing over the meal delivery function of the council to another provider but an information session calmed her worries. “I was a bit concerned about [because] it’s not just providing meals, it’s also that social connection that a lot of ageing people vitally need as well,” she said. “I felt really reassured after having those discussions in that session that we will be able to hand over to the Future Fit network, funded by the Federal government, to provide meals
and have that service at least three times a week and to offer social connection to clients as well and allowing them to have that quality time. “It was also reassuring to hear that they propose to use our existing volunteers but also look at using future local residents as well as volunteers making sure those relationships are maintained.” With the transition set to happen over the next eight months, Mr Buchanon said his only hope is that meal quality remains the same. It was, however, for the menu options that Cr Len Cox could not vote to approve the motion to suspend the council’s delivery of meal delivery and transport services. With a shift away from the delivery of services, Mr Masters said the council can redirect its focus on advocating for better outcomes for elderly residents by helping tackle ageism and elder abuse, as well as guide people through systems like My Aged Care. “We hear a lot from residents that they have difficulty understanding or working their way through the My Aged Care system,” he said. “So we’ve got a small team that’s available to provide support and advice to either elderly residents or often very commonly their family members who are trying to start the process of accessing services.” “We’re fortunate now that we see an over $800,000 budget where we can establish those ageing well hubs to provide information and navigation to support that demographic of the community,” Cr Todorov said. Consultation with the community will also be conducted over the next eight months to understand where the community would like to see the budget for ageing utilised. “There’ll be some significant engagement with the community to talk to them about what is it that will help you age in place because we know the theory, we know the kinds of things that all the evidence says this is what you need, what we don’t know is what our residents want,” Mr Masters said. An alternate motion was unanimously carried to cease meals and social group support but to consider transport options for the council to provide.
No injuries after car smashes into business front A Belgrave business has taken a hit after an incident on Saturday 28 October. A 23-year-old Bayswater woman allegedly drove into the front of live music venue Sooki Lounge, on Burwood Highway, at about 11pm. According to a Victoria Police spokesperson, the car then drove from the scene. “Fortunately no one was injured in the incident and emergency services were quickly on scene,” the spokesperson said.
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“We’ve isolated the damage, the kitchen’s open. “It’s safe to operate; the council’s been down here.” Mr Crombie said the hospitality industry is going through “brutal times“. “This is not exactly what we need, but we just get on with it,” he said. “A lot of you guys have messaged us I’m sorry if I haven’t got back to you, but we really appreciate all your support, it means a lot.”
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“A short time later police arrested the 23-year-old who was interviewed for reckless conduct endangering serious injury, criminal damage and other offences. “She was released and is expected to be charged on summons.” Sooki Lounge co-owner Stephen Crombie spoke out after the event in a video posted to social media on Sunday 29 October, standing in front of a boarded-up front window. “We’re open,” Mr Crombie said.
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Number of ‘successes’ By Tanya Faulkner The Knox City Council annual report for 2022 to 2023 was officially endorsed at the recent general meeting on Monday 23 October, and will be available for the community. Knox Mayor, Marcia Timmers-Leitch, said the report outlines a number of successes for council in the previous financial year, including the draft Boronia Revitalisation Strategy, the State Government Social and Affordable Housing Strategy, progression of the new Knox Library, and the Boronia Street Light Replacement Project in collaboration with Melbourne Water, among others. She said the council has put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes, which is reflected in this recent report. The motion to approve the report was endorsed by Cr Susan Laukens and Deputy Mayor Cr Jude Dwight, who both echoed their Mayor’s comments. Cr Laukens said the report highlights that council is way more than just roads and rubbish. “Ratepayers can see where our rates have been used for services - some are regulatory, some statutory, and some from our community and council plan, but it’s all for the com-
Knox City Council. munity,” she said. Cr Laukens said she encourages Knox residents to look at the report, which is a great snapshot of what the council has done in the past year. “It reads about successes which Mayor Timmers-Leitch spoke about, but also speaks
Picture: FILE to some of the challenges we have experienced during the year. “I am proud of what we have achieved, and we have a lot more work ahead of us. “We are all up to the task to make sure Knox is a great place to live,” she said. Cr Dwight said for her, the report showed
the work that goes on behind the scenes that locals aren’t always aware of. “It’s why we feel tired, why we find ourselves in meetings and reading papers a lot of the time. “We do a lot and it’s quite diverse,” she said. Cr Dwight said the report might sound tedious to average ratepayer, but it’s full of gold nuggets that make her love reading it. “It reports on our first full year with our new CEO Bruce Dobson, our organisational restructure and extensive EA process,” she said. As the Knox municipality moves into an election year in the near future, Cr Dwight said these reports will help those who are interested in getting into council. “As we are moving into election year, I strongly recommend anyone considering running for council to spend time getting to know this and previous reports. “It’s full of useful snapshots of demographic data and analysis, and an insight into why and how we’ve been cutting financial pie and resources pie the way we do,” she said. The full Annual Report for 2022 to 2023 will be available on the Knox City Council website at https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/
Yarra Ranges Council proud of their performance By Callum Ludwig Yarra Ranges Council has approved its Annual Report and Financial and Performance Statements for the 2022/23 financial year. The documents provide full transparency to the community on what Council has achieved, spent and whether they have achieved their goals over the past year. Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said he thinks the annual report is such an important document and encourages residents to actually take the time to read it. “Being Mayor of this incredible community, I’m honoured to reflect on the achievements and progress that we’ve made over the past year,” he said. “Together we’ve adapted to new circumstances of working collectively to create positive outcomes and the dedication and passion of our residents have been the driving force behind our accomplishments and this has reflected back into our Council by our Council plan as well,” “Yes, we’ve had many challenges over the year and I think it shows what our organisation can do in actually progressing those important items that have been brought to our attention by our community.” Yarra Ranges Council reported a $35.6 million net operating surplus, 11 per cent lower than budgeted for due to revenue from Federal Government Operating Grants being deposited early, gifted assets such as footpaths and drainage from the development of
Yarra Ranges Council approved of its Annual Report and Financial and Performance Statements for 2022/23 at the Tuesday 24 October meeting. Picture: MIKAYLA VAN LOON the Kinley Estate and an underspend in employee costs due to staff vacancies. Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister said the reports are a reminder of the diversity and amount of services and projects that are delivered right across Council.
“Some of the statistics at the front, 120,000 calls were taken by our Customer Service team, and I know there’s been a spike in those with FOGO and the rollout of our new waste but on a typical week, many thousands of calls from the community come in and hope-
fully issues are raised and feedback is given,” she said. “There’s been 700,000 library loans, a huge number of megawatt hours in solar, and all sorts of other things that it’s important to celebrate at the end of a financial year,” “The reinstatement of the Firestick program, delivery of over 120 services, 12 large sports infrastructure projects, land acquisition of 150 Cambridge Road, all really substantial undertakings on behalf of the community.” The Annual Report will be made available online and in the foyer of the Lilydale Civic Centre. Cr Child said the Council’s financial position is sound. “The timing of the capital expenditure and receipt of grants commission funding has impacted the cash position favourably,” He said. “Council’s working capital remains positive, which reflects the Council’s ability to meet its current commitments when they fall due and Council’s debt servicing and indebtedness ratios are well within the individual guidelines and in line with the council’s longterm financial plan.” Capital works projects, waste management, customer and corporate support and infrastructure (roads, drains and footpaths) were where ratepayers’ money went, with $27.97, $10.62, $10.02 and $10.01 allocated to each respectively on average for every $100 of rates income received.
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Eligible residents will receive a rainwater tank that is linked to their domestic plumbing, in exchange for remote accesses to release 50 per cent or greater, of the stored water, into the Monbulk Creek for the purpose of strategic environmental flows. 369605 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Remote technology and real-time monitoring will control release from rainwater tanks and the Belgrave Lake and Birdsland Lake reservoirs. 369605
Council moves on tank plan By Tyler Wright Yarra Ranges councillors moved to appoint contractors to the shire’s Water Tank Infrastructure Specialists panel at a meeting on Tuesday 24 October as part of the Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network (MCSWN) project. Councillors unanimously agreed to appoint BPC Projects Pty Ltd, Plumbtrax Pty Ltd, ODM Plumbing Pty Ltd. and EJ’s Plumbing Pty Ltd to the panel; helping the council meet its potable water use reduction targets. The panel is set to help install residential and non residential rainwater tanks as part of the MCSWN. The MCSWN is expected to support vulnerable platypus populations in the Monbulk Creek by regulating the water levels and reducing the impacts of peak high and low stormwater events on the aquatic ecology. The council will also invite local residents to show an expression of interest in joining the project as part of the residential and nonresidential tank delivery portion of the MCSWN project. Eligible residents will receive a rainwater tank that is linked to their domestic plumbing, in exchange for remote accesses to release 50 per cent or greater, of the stored water, into the Monbulk Creek for the purpose of strategic environmental flows.
Acting executive officer of climate and nature at Yarra Ranges Council, Sarah Bond, told councillors at the meeting that the goal is to install 100 water tanks along Monbulk Creek as part of the project. “Tanks will be used for supplying toilet water in some cases,” Ms Bond said. “It’s very variable, but it’s part of our commitment to reducing our potable water usage through our environment strategy.” The environmental flows will be regulated using remote technology and real-time monitoring controlling release from rainwater tanks and the Belgrave Lake and Birdsland Lake reservoirs. Lyster Ward councillor Johanna Skelton said she was “very excited” about the project. “I was at the Platypus Festival on the weekend [Sunday 22 October] and there were a number of residents that came down knowing that Melbourne Water and that project team were going to be there and they were saying ‘can you please put my name down? I live near Monbulk Creek,’” Cr Skelton said. “It was really exciting to see that people are looking for ways that they can support the platypus but also just the creek health and reduce runoff and flooding.” “The residents are going to get half of that
tank for use at home; they’ll be able to flush their toilets and reduce their potable water use, and for the ecology; we will have all this that benefit from storm water. “We know that all around Australia, people and communities are worried about increasing flash flooding, and we’ve certainly seen last October the effects of that crazy flash flood that we had, and if there’s incremental ways that we can improve our preparedness for that by having the rainwater from roofs collected in these tanks and stored and then slowly released or released when it’s particularly dry and those animals need it most in the creeks, there’s just going to be so many benefits.” The project is a collaboration between Melbourne Water, University of Melbourne, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Yarra Ranges Council, South East Water and the Australian Research Council. The tanks supplied under the MCSWN will be grant funded but facilitated through council. The need for the Water Tank Infrastructure Specialist Panel was triggered by the expenditure of the MCSWN prokect and future tank installations. The council’s financial input to the project was about $35,000, Cr Skelton said. “I’m just so happy that that we were chosen and able to trial this,” she said. “I think it’s going to be some-
thing that once that does put together other communities will be wanting as well, “I hope of that we can save the remnant platypus population.” Cr Skelton also said she is in favour of having a panel in charge of the tank contracts and being able to draw on people with different skills. “It’s good that we’ve been able to take that time upfront to get the right companies for the job, and I’m confident that the process of procurement that they went through was thorough and that we’ve got some good people on board.” Chandler Ward councillor David Eastham said it would be great to see a project like the MCSWN rolled out across the Yarra Ranges as well as the rest of the state. “All of this great work helps us; whether it is flash floods on one extreme or whether it’s the drier environments as well,” Cr Eastham said. “We do talk about the platypus and the creek health....there are so many other species that will benefit from this piece of work.” Cr Eastham said it is “great” the council can deliver something like this within the municipality. “The benefits are just phenomenal,” he said. “I’m sure that we’ve got the right experts involved to deliver an incredible outcome for the community and also the environment.” The motion was carried unanimously.
Hills residents urged to look up - you might save a pup By Tanya Faulkner One of the Hills’ smallest residents has been rescued from a trying situation, with others in need of locals’ help. A young grey-headed flying fox, or pup, has been rehomed at Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter after being rescued from his mother, who was electrocuted on the power line they were found hanging on in Ferntree Gully. A Ferntree Gully resident noticed the pup’s mother hanging from the powerline and called it into the shelter, not knowing the young bat - who has been named Arlo - was tucked into her wing at the time she was electrocuted. Bungalook Creek’s Emma Cash was the person who came to his rescue, with the assistance of a local power company, to carefully bring the mother and her pup to safety. She said when she went to retrieve the mother, Arlo was hard to see, and is often the case in those situations. “It really took a while to see the pup through binoculars. “Someone who hasn’t seen a pup with its mother before might not even realise they are up there,” she said. Ms Cash said with the weather patterns bringing several ups and downs, combined with the blossoming of trees - gum trees in particular - are bringing bats closer to power mailcommunity.com.au
Arlo is now safely at the Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter. Picture: SUPPLIED lines in the Hills area, and closer to danger. “When a bat makes two points of contact on power lines it can lead to electrocution. “It isn’t always fatal, but it can be. “Pups tend to miss the charge when they’re tucked in with mum, which is why they tend to survive, even if their mothers don’t. “Arlo’s mum may have been feeding on the flowering gum close to the powerline, and for some reason has come across and hit it with both of the thumbs on her wings, and those connections are what caused her electrocution,” she said.
Ms Cash said the biggest advice she could give to locals is to look up, and if they see a bat caught on a power line, not to go near it and call a rescue group. “We have specific vaccines against diseases that the bats might be carrying, and ask locals not to touch the bats. “If they’re exposed in the sun, or if it’s been wet, and you can safely cover the bat to protect it from the elements and pests with a blanket or towel without touching them, that is also helpful,” she said. When Arlo was rescued, Ms Cash said the power company was skillful in ensuring he had a smooth descent to the ground, and was then wrapped up in a momma roll with a dummy to imitate him still being attached to his mother. “When we got to him, he had cooled down a lot from the wet and cold weather we’ve had, so we had to get him warm as quickly as possible and get him back to the shelter,” she said. Ms Creek Arlo is now safely at the Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter, being fed on specialised formula and integrated with his new siblings. “We had another rescue just after Arlo who was found on the ground, so now Arlo has a little brother to grow up with. She said grey-headed flying foxes are very social creatures, who do better growing up with other bats around.
“These rescued pups will stay with us for the next 18 weeks as they grow up, learning to be bats. “It’s good they have siblings to squabble with and learn from as they grow up. “Once they reach 18 weeks with us, we take them to a bat crate with other baby bats in the area for a few more weeks to learn survival skills together and how to be a big bat, learning social structures, feeding and survival skills and make friends with the other bats. “Then we integrate them out into one of the main colonies and back into the wild population,” she said. Ms Cash said this way, the bats get used to being around other bats, and tend to stay away from people when they are reintegrated into the wild. She urges locals in the Hills area to look up, and call in any bats they see caught in power lines in the community. Ms Cash also said for those with fruit trees on their property who don’t wish to share it with bats, to use very small netting over their trees. “If you can fit your finger through the holes, it’s too large. “Even better, if locals want to buy branch sleeves, and share the rest of their trees with the native wildlife that also resides in the Hills,” she said. Tuesday, 31 October, 2023
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VCAT gives tower the tick By Ethan Benedicto and Corey Everitt A new telecommunications tower is set to be constructed on Paternoster Road after VCAT approved its permit ruling against the objections of local residents. The Cardinia Shire Council had granted a permit for the project led by Indara Infrastructures, in the Town Planning Committee meeting in October 2022. The project’s aim is to build a 43-metre monopole at 44 Paternoster Road, south side of the road near the intersection with Bailey Road. The properties of 1, 4, 6 and 23 Paternoster Road have objected to the permit, their primary concern being the landscape character, including their private view from their homes and the public view for the general community. VCAT member Rachel Naylor oversaw the tribunal, considered the matters of planning permissions, right of review, location, and weighing up the effects and benefits on the public. Obtaining a planning permission was required for Indara since the area was located in a Green Wedge Zone, as well as the fact the location is located within 100 metres of a residence. Not all objectors were within 100 metres, however all had the right to object on the matters regarding impact to the community. Three other factors were disputed over relevance to the case, including the Cardinia
VCAT has upheld the permit granted by Cardinia Shire Council for a new telecommunications tower on Paternoster Road. Picture: SUPPLIED Planning Schemes guidelines to telecommunication towers, Green Wedge Zones and Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1). At least one of the several objecting properties were found to have relevance to these issues. Lawyer Mark Bartley represented objectors referred to as ‘Crafter and others’ and highlighted their key issues as being the impact on the character of the area, the look of the proposed tower and if there are any alternative sites to be considered. Representing Indara, lawyer John Rantino contested these by stating that there is a need for this new tower as it is necessary to replace an existing facility locally. The current tower is located at 5B Paternoster Road and will be shut down on 26 October due to the water tower reservoir attached to
the property being decommissioned. Optus operate the facility, the tribunal heard from Syed M Saqib, technical specialist for Optus who described how the current tower provides for Cockatoo and the broader area and is a “fundamental technological requirement for the residents and the tourists” in the area. Crafter proposed an alternate location along Paternoster Road to the north east of the proposal. Ms Naylor did not support this alternative, primarily due to the proximity to powerlines in the site. Ms Naylor determined against alternative site, referring to ESO1 guidelines, where considering an alternative site was granted if it is about protecting and enhancing environmental landscape values.
Ms Naylor had concluded that since Indara’s proposal is near a collection of mature canopy trees, there is no impact on the environmental values. The tribunal considered impact on views of the landscape, with multiple photos submitted by the residents of possible views from the public. Ms Naylor had decided that the impact would be limited as there are no places for traffic to stop at Paternoster Road, and the 80 kilometres per hour speed limit, with the number of trees, provides a small window to see the view and the tower. Most private views from the properties, all selected by the residents, were decided to have little to no impact at all, considering the vegetation and lack of visibility of the tower. The only impacted property around this proposal, according to architect Peter Haack who appeared at the tribunal to provide visual evidence of the proposal, would be the closest property which is within 100 metres west of the site. When it came to a visual impact, Ms Naylor accepted that the property would be affected. However, Ms Naylor stated the benefit and necessity of the facility to the wider community had to be considered, and determined it outweighed the adverse effects to nearby properties. Ms Naylor upheld the permit to Indara for the telecommunications tower, which requires a development plan as well as following tree protection and earthwork guidelines.
Stir over recycling proposal By Tanya Faulkner At the Knox City Council meeting on Monday 23 October, the council decided to move ahead with its proposal to install a reverse vending machine at 100 Station Road in Ferntree Gully. The proposal caused quite a stir among council members during the meeting, with a considerable split between members who were both for and against the proposal. Council has been in discussions with Visy Industries to install the shipping container-sized vending machines where locals can recycle items like glass bottles, that wouldn’t normally go into roadside collection bins. Several concerns arose at the council meeting from both councillors and the community, including the location of the crate, the impact on local traders, and its use by Ferntree Gully locals. The current proposal seeks to remove five car parks at the site, adding up to approximately 17 per cent of the 29 parks there. An alternative motion was brought by Cr Meagan Baker not to install the reverse vending machine in the carpark of 100 station road. In her alternative, Cr Baker said “the Automated Collection Point will cause adverse amenity impacts on adjoining land uses and the public realm by way of proposed traffic movements, including truck collection and visual amenity”. Her advice for Visy Recycling is “that the land at 100 Station Road, Ferntree Gully, is owned by Knox City Council, and that council has no intention of entering into a licence or lease arrangement with Visy Recycling or any party, to facilitate the use of part of the site for a recycling Automated Collection Point”. She said she “acknowledges that Council has been working proactively with Visy Recycling on a range of locations throughout Knox for Automated Collection Points for the Victorian Government Container Deposit Scheme and will
continue that work for suitable locations, including Ferntree Gully”. Cr Darren Pearce supported his colleague’s alternative, sharing that the council has an obligation to protect the local environment. “I am very, very disappointed” “We have a climate change response plan, and we have an economic development strategy. “Here is a value adding business venture that is going to create and engage activity in Ferntree Gully village,” he said. Cr Pearce went on to describe the Ferntree Gully Village as a wasteland, and he wasn’t convinced that the community were against the Automated Collection Point. “It’s run down, it is well below its potential, has been for ages. “I’m not sold on the idea that the community or the Ferntree Gully traders are against this,” he said. He was formally warned by Knox Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch for his coarse language during the meeting. Cr Pearce, however, brought up several benefits that the Automated Collection Point may have in the Ferntree Gully community. “Ferntree Gully town centre is on a heavy rail line, it’s in the middle of a commercial area, it meets the requirements of the planning scheme, and it’s a great innovation. “The site is not owned by the Ferntree Gully traders or the community, it’s council owned land, and I think it’s a great addition to commercial activity,” he said. The alternative motion was denied by council with a six t three split between councillors, with Mayor Timmers-Leitch stating council will approve the the movement to install the Automated Collection Point, but actively work with Visy for a possible alternative location.
Artist interpretation of what the recycling station will look like. 10 MAIL
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The Burwood Highway was temporarily closed while repairs were carried out. 355920 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Smoother driving in hills By Tanya Faulkner Hills residents will have a smoother drive on one of the municipalities busy highways. The Department of Transport and Planning have confirmed the resealing of a large pothole on the Burwood Highway is now complete and open for road users. A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said crews have installed new culvert and drainage pits and laid new asphalt on the Burwood Highway at Upwey to repair road damage caused by severe forces of water underneath the road pavement. “Crews will return soon to complete further repair work caused by the water damage and we thank motorists for their patience while we carry out these important works,” they said. It came after several reports from locals across Knox and the Yarra Ranges of a ‘dangerously large’ pothole in the Burwood Highway in Upwey. In late August, the Department of Transport and Planning surveillance team investigated reports relating to potholes and cracking on the road.
Shortly after inspections, the inbound lane was closed, and warning signs were installed with a temporary speed reduction to ensure the safety of all road users. The assessments identified that severe forces of water dislodged some key drainage infrastructure and affected the layers of asphalt, leading to depressions on the road. As well as installing new culverts and drainage pits, new asphalt has been laid to provide a smoother road surface. Crews will return to complete further repairs on the Burwood Highway between Mt Dandenong Tourist Road and Mast Gully Road to help prevent water from affecting the underlying layers of the road. During these works, a temporary 40km/h speed limit will be in place. This is expected to be complete by the end of October. Members of the community who come across potholes or any other damage on roads are encouraged to report them by calling the Department of Transport and Planning customer service hotline on 13 11 70. mailcommunity.com.au
NEWS
The seven Knox CFA captains with the Bendigo Bank donation of $20,000 for their brigades. Pictures: SUPPLIED
Brigades share in $140k By Tanya Faulkner A surprise grant has left firies feeling emotional and grateful to their community. The Ferntree Gully branch of Bendigo Bank has reached into their pockets and hearts, donating $140,000 across all of the local CFA brigades in the Knox municipality. The seven brigades covering the City of Knox will each receive $20,000 to use for the support and safety of CFA volunteers. Bendigo Bank Ferntree Gully Board Chair Eve John hopes it will go some way to show the volunteer firefighters how much their service means to the Knox community. “These amazing men and women are on call 24/7 to keep us safe. “We are extremely fortunate to be so well served by such a dedicated volunteer service,” she said.
Ms John said many locals in the community are concerned with the potentially catastrophic conditions in the lead up to summer and beyond. Bayswater CFA Captain, Jamie McFarlane said the bank’s dedication to the community’s safety is truly praiseworthy. “This generous $20,000 contribution will provide the Bayswater Fire Brigade volunteers with the strength and unity needed to face the potential challenges of the upcoming bushfire season“, he said. Ferntree Gully Captain Seamus Smith also nominated training aids, education and equipment to keep the volunteers safe as the highest priority. “This generous gift from the community bank lets that happen. We were blown away with this unexpected donation“, he said. For Mr Smith, this donation will go a long
way for his brigade in particular, allowing more free time for his volunteers who dedicate their time to the Ferntree Gully community. “This means some of our volunteers, who put a lot of time and effort into fundraising efforts, can take a step back. “We strive to provide the most effective service for both the community, and for our volunteers in the brigade, with the best equipment we can. “The extra time that would normally be spent on fundraising can now go into extra training for our team, or for our volunteers to have more time to spend with their family and friends,” he said. The Basin CFA’s 1st Lieutenant Robert and Deputy Comms Officer Jim attended the night hosted by Bendigo Bank on Wednesday 25 October to receive their donation on behalf of their brigade.
In a post shared to Facebook, they said “this amazing donation will go a long way to assist us in purchasing new shorts, gloves, a washing machine, some tech, training equipment and upgrades to our station for our members to enjoy especially coming into the fire season”. Ms John said she was proud to lead a local bank that had put back into the local community almost $5Million since its inception more than 22 years ago. “This is what community banking is. “It’s about thanking our shareholders and customers for their faith and support and giving back to our community“, she said. Bendigo Bank board member Des Higginbotham said overall they gave away $350,000 at the recent grants night, including the $20,000 to each of the CFA brigades, and a further and $10,000 to several community clubs.
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NEWS
News agency bows out By Tanya Faulkner It’s the end of an era for one Ferntree Gully couple, who are closing the doors on a special chapter in the community. Des Higginbotham, and his wife Linda, are well known residents of the Ferntree Gully, and have been proud owners of the local newsagency for the last three decades. He said his time over the years has been nothing short of positive in the Ferntree Gully community, with lots of changes over the years to contend with. “News agencies have changed a lot over the years. “Ever since they took the newspaper distribution away from us, it changed the whole dynamic. “We lost a lot of traffic flow, and a lot of cash flow - we used to give tasty trucks 1200 suns a day, with serious money!” “News agents are dying, if it hadn’t been for tattslotto we wouldn’t have survived,” he said. He said it was a very different Ferntree Gully from when they took over the old post office building 27 years ago.
Des Higginbotham says goodbye to his Ferntree Gully newsagency. 369340 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS “I have to say, when I first came here there were four banks, a police station, a court house, and a major post office, but now it’s all gone. “We’ve had more stress on a strip shopping centre. “There’s a lot of strength in the local community, but areas close to railway stations are now being more developed into medium density housing.
“Our newsagency has been bought by a developer, and they’re planning on keeping the ground floor as storefronts, and apartments on top,” he said. Mr Higgenbotham said he’s always had support over the years from Ferntree Gully locals and visitors, past and present, but now is his time. “I’m 74 now, it’s time to go,” “Linda and I have been in Ferntree Gully for over 30 years. “We’re a part of the community, and we’ve loved our time here. “I’m still on the board of the Bendigo Bank, and I plan to keep community attachments here,” he said. Mr Higginbotham wasn’t always in the newsagency all these years, coming from a life in education before making the switch. “I was a teacher for 18 years. “My wife and I moved onto this, and I can’t really think of a bad time at all. “The people of Ferntree Gully are wonderful, we’ve made a lot of friends. “I’ll be around, I intend to go out among the
community,” he said. Mr Higginbotham has also developed a reputation in the Ferntree Gully as the local therapist, of which many locals took to social media wondering who they would talk to now. “They’ll probably have to go and see a psychiatrist. “I’ve done nearly everything except deliver babies around here, when it comes to solving problems. “We have an older demographic in our community, and they’re all so lovely. “I will miss them all, they’ve all been wonderful people. “But they will have to find someone else to solve their problems,” he said. Mr Higginbotham said he and his wife have a lot of plans for their retirement in the foreseeable future. “We’ll probably do a bit of travel, do a bit of repair work on the Ponderosa… and then we’ll ride off into the sunset,” he said. The final day for the newsagency is Saturday 4 November, before the doors close on the final page of the Higginbotham’s chapter.
Celebrating those who go unnoticed in Upwey By Tanya Faulkner It’s those behind the scenes who often go unnoticed, and it’s those people in the Upwey community who are being brought to centre stage. The Upwey CFA have recently held their first dinner and awards night since 2019 on the evening of Saturday 21 October, with members recognised for their service to the CFA, and several awards handed out to worthy recipients. Upwey CFA captain Cliff Pancutt said it’s great to see that the members are actually recognised for the time and effort they put in. “There is a lot of time that they put into training, community events, and community education. “It’s purely volunteer, and to be recognised for that and also for the work they do on the fire ground, within Victoria, and interstate when they go away to fight fires. “No one signs up and does this for the recognition, but it’s really good that the authority and government does honour and recognise those people for service,” he said. The CFA has four award categories for its members, including Brigade Awards, CFA Service Awards, Commendation Awards and National Service Awards. For the brigade awards, Mr Pancutt said each year they try to recognise individuals that have had an outstanding year, and go that extra mile to do something that’s above and beyond the others they’re working around. “We also try to focus on our new members that have come into the brigade, and had an exceptional first year,” he said. Mr Pancutt said the brigade has junior members, non-operational and operational
Upwey CFA award recipients for 2023. members, and a lot of non-ops do a lot in background and don’t necessarily get recognition. “Our brigade has introduced a recognition award for its non-operational members to make sure they also get the recognition they deserve,” he said. This year’s Best Fire Fighter of the Year went to Graham Brew, the Most Improved Fire Fighter was awarded to Jesse Heyman, the Best First Year Fire Fighter was shared between Diego Caldarola and Bridget Evans and the Best Non Operational Member went to Kerry McAleer. Mr Pancutt said Ms McAleer’s award was most fitting for her dedication both within and outside of the brigade. “It’s worthy noting, we knew we made the right choice when she opted not to attend brigade dinner - not realising she was up for it - but attended the function as a volunteer at the Upwey RSL. “We held awards night at the RSL, and she knew that but also said they needed workers,
Picture: SUPPLIED so she would be there in that capacity. “It was very fitting that she got the award, and she’s a great member of our team,” he said. Additionally, Mr Pancutt said the best firefighter award is for operational members that they feel have gone over and above, and have been a great fit all round through both on the fire ground, and off fire ground in assisting the brigade and how it operates. The Upwey CFA also presented Commendation Awards, which Mr Pancutt said goes to those members who don’t necessarily get recognition, and quietly doing things that they think might have gone unnoticed. Those who received the commendation awards were Cliff Westig, Brian Neal, Ken Bulkeley and Scott Kendall. Alongside the brigade and commendation awards, several CFA Service Awards were distributed to members of the Upwey brigade, several of which highlighting the dedication of its members to the CFA. Of note, Kerry O’Brien was awarded his 65
Year Medal and was named a Life Member of the local CFA, however he unfortunately passed away before being able to accept his award on the night. The award was presented to one of his family members. Mr Pancutt said these awards showcase the years of dedication the recipients have dedicated to the CFA, and also highlights the changes being experienced through its volunteers and the community. “The whole dynamics of volunteering has changed in recent years - particularly with Covid-19. “To continually see that we’ve got members that are achieving the 10, the 15 and the 20 years, and ongoing, is fantastic to see. “We had several recipients between that five and 15 year mark, and we’re hoping we can hang onto those volunteers,” he said. Several Upwey CFA members were recipients of the National Service Award for 2023; an award introduced by the government as a recognition of emergency services workers, and is applicable to operational members only that meet criteria of diligent service over their years. The National medal represents 15 years of diligent service to the CFA, with a clasp awarded to those who have already got the medal, but are being recognised for an additional 10 years of service. To wrap up a weekend full of celebration and successes for the Upwey CFA, they have also received a donation of $2500 from the Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group, and their friends at the Fat Goat also donated a further $1200 to the brigade as part of their Octoberfest and fifth birthday celebrations.
Keeping classmates close and connected 60 years on By Tyler Wright The Monbulk Living and Learning Centre was a buzz with ecstasy as past students of Monbulk High School gathered to meet decades on. Carmel Mitchell (nee Kay) has organised the 60th anniversary event to commemorate the school’s original opening. “Back in 1963 when the school opened we had a really nice school out on David Hill Road which has gone now and it’s been replaced,“ Carmel said. “Because we are in our 70s and some are coming up into their 70s, a few wanted to have a 60-year reunion.“ Carmel remembers her cohort as being mixed with quiet girls - alongside a group who were rambunctious and loud - in which she 12 MAIL
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About 70 former students attended Monbulk High School’s 60th birthday. was included. “We often got dusters and chalk thrown at us,” she said. “The math teacher - Mr O ’Leary - if you were staring out the window, he went into song.
PICTURE: SUPPLIED
“We had good teachers and not so good.” On Saturday 28 October, between 10am to 4pm, students and teachers who attended between 1963 and 1971 were invited to mark the impact of the school six decades on. The Monbulk Historical Society had a dis-
play of around 80 class photos at the venue, with attendees welcome to add any names of people captured in the photos to complete some of the society’s records. About 70 former students attended the event. “We were all like brothers and sisters, and we’ve all watched each other’s paths go by and a lot of us, my classmates, we still meet up once a month,” Carmel said. Carmel said some classmates have married their high school sweethearts; herself marrying a local and remaining in Monbulk. “There’s lots of good memories, there’s been tragic memories; we did lose some students back in those days to a really bad car accident. “You still think of those people who you went to school with...it is very special to us all.“ mailcommunity.com.au
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Tuesday, 31 October, 2023
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MAIL 13
NEWS
The sooner the better By Tanya Faulkner A local resident is encouraging elderly locals to pay more attention to their health and wellbeing. Rowville resident Mick Sharry has joined Cancer Council and the Australian Government’s National Bowel Screening Programme (NBCSP) awareness campaign, to encourage locals aged 50-74 to Get2it and take an athome bowel cancer screening test. Mr Sharry - an IT desk service manager and a lover of his family - initially dismissed the NBCSP, but completed it after some reminders and advice from a friend. He said because of his lifestyle, he didn’t think he would be susceptible to this disease. “Outside of my full-time job as an IT service desk manager, I enjoyed an active lifestyle – filling in my spare time by doing karate, going camping, and walking the dog. “I’ve always thought that my active lifestyle would prevent me from catching serious diseases so when I first received the bowel cancer screening test in the mail at the age of 50, I initially dismissed it. “However, a friend’s encouragement and a reminder letter from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) motivated me to do the test,” he said. Mr Sharry received a positive test which revealed stage 3 Bowel Cancer. Since his diagnosis, Mr Sharry has been focusing on enjoying life to the fullest.
“The test detected bowel cancer but after catching it early and a successful treatment, I’ve now been in remission for 5 years. “Post-recovery, I’ve been able to enjoy many milestone moments in my life by seeing my children grow up and achieve their goals. “We’ve been able to enjoy family trips and continue to live our lives with peace of mind,” he said. Mr Sharry said it was from this earlier diagnosis that he has been able to continue enjoying what he loves, and being with his family. “I feel lucky that the test detected my cancer sooner rather than later and am forever indebted to the NBCSP. “I encourage everyone to “Get2it“ and do the life-saving test every time it arrives in the mail,” he said. Mr Sharry is one of many who are stepping up to help increase the awareness of NBCSP and encourage locals to get checked. Iconic actor Lynne McGranger and AFL legend Leigh Matthews are urging Australians over 50 to Get2it and take a free screening test for bowel cancer. The pair, who have recently completed their bowel screening tests, added their voices to the campaign by the Australian Government and Cancer Council Australia encouraging eligible people to test themselves for early signs of bowel cancer. Ms McGranger said she realised the importance of good health when she turned 50.
“Like many others, I delayed taking the national bowel cancer screening test. “I took it for the first time last year, and it was such a weight off my shoulders to know I’d done something so easy to contribute positively to my health. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. There are still so many milestones I want to enjoy – taking the test is one way to make sure I don’t miss any of them, like my daughter’s wedding this week,” she said. The Australian Government offers free screening kits to more than 6 million Australians each year through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. However, only four in 10 of these complete the test. Despite this low participation rate, in a recent survey conducted for the Australian Government and Cancer Council, nine out of 10 people, aged 50 years or older in the survey said they took their health seriously, and four out of five knew that bowel cancer is one of the top three cancers leading to death in Australia. Almost one quarter of the survey respondents (23 per cent) said they were much more likely to prioritise their health leading up to a milestone in their lives. The National Bowel Screening Program test is quick and hygienic and can be completed at home and returned in the post. More information is available at www.cancer.org.au/bowelscreening
Mick Sharry is now enjoying a full life after an early diagnosis of Bowel Cancer. Picture: SUPPLIED
Calling all wildlife and animal supporters Locals honoured By Tara Prescott
Amaroo Wildlife Shelter and Maple Gardens Animal Sanctuary would love to welcome you to their fundraiser at Selby Community House on Tuesday 7 November for their festive event “Afternoon tea for the Animals”. Enjoy a delicious plant- based afternoon tea and entertainment for all tastes featuring live music. Hold the knowledge warmly in your heart you are supporting two worthy charities that fight for animal rights with commitment to rescue and rehabilitation. Amaroo Wildlife Shelter was established 10 years ago by Nicola Rae. She has managed it ever since working ceaselessly with her dedicated team of volunteers to care for wildlife in Emerald and the hills. Leah Folloni from Maple Gardens Animal Sanctuary 12 years ago transformed her 11acre Emerald property into a home for rescued and abused animals. She works within the Animal Justice Party continuing to educate others about the agricultural industry whilst tirelessly campaigning for animal welfare. Nicola and Leah work to take on all animals who need rescue regardless of their type and situation. “We cater for all species, filling a need for the community, taking on the animals that no one else does,” Nicola said. “Whilst funds are always so gratefully received and used to help as many animals as we possibly can, our capacity needs are always changing – this can also be seasonal as well.” Nicola said permanent inftrastructure is now an “exciting option” for the shelter. “We have already had some permits approved for a five-bay shed and have raised $12,000 for materials. We require funding for a large concrete slab and the construction of this amazing resource so we can use it for quarantining wildlife and storing hay. This shed can also be multipurpose thus extending its use and capability,” she said. “We also need a large bird aviary as we have 73 ducklings in care, and other bird species including butcher birds and magpies. This aviary can be adapted for different seasons as in spring we have a rush on gliders and possums needing rescue. In summer it is more flying foxes and wombat joeys. If anyone has usable aviaries in good condition available for donation to us, please get in touch.” Leah Folloni said hay and food are always 14 MAIL
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Nicola Rae (left) and Leah Folloni (right) say food for the ducklings is welcome. Picture: SUPPLIED needed for the animals including the new raft of ducklings. “People can just drop off hay and supplies at the Emerald nursery they are always needed,” she said. “The veterinary costs are a constant for animals that come to us injured and traumatised so donations for them are wonderful. We have an alpaca that was attacked by dogs and badly hurt. Her name is Peach and we have been treating and rehabilitating her for five months.” Nicola and Leah say their focus is always on the animals and what they can achieve for them next. “I currently work for Wildlife Victoria as a travelling vet nurse so I can’t take animals with me to work,” Nicola said. “I do get concerns that without our shed we won’t be able to house as many animals as we would love to commit to. However, I’m thrilled that this fundraising event supports our path forward and continues to help our precious wildlife. “What a wonderful opportunity for our caring community to enjoy an afternoon of celebration, vegan treats, fundraising and music
for wildlife and animals in the hills.” The afternoon will encompass live original music from folk fusion singer and songwriter Richard Ross, acoustic songs from veteran performer Mark Gardner and folk artist Wolf Arrow Rain. It will also feature a raffle with some great prizes on offer. “Afternoon Tea for the Animals” is being held on Tuesday 7 November at Selby Community House st Minak Reserve from 1.30pm to 4pm. Online early bird tickets available until 4 November via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite. com.au and search for Afternoon tea for the Animals. The cost of tickets is as follows: Adult: $15, Child over eight $8, Family of four: $40 Tickets also available at the door. Adult: $20, Child over eight $12 , Family of four: $50 For further information or for donations of supplies and wildlife help/enquiries contact Amaroo Wildlife Shelter on 0415 107 444, or Maple Gardens Animal Sanctuary via leah.folloni@farmtransparency.org or 0438 684 408.
The Emerald Village Association (EVA) was delighted to announce the new 2023 Citizen of the Year - Margie Gemmell - at the Hills Hub on Wednesday 25 October. Margie Gemmell has been an active member of Gemco Players Community Theatre since the early 1980s, performing in many plays, writing and directing the musical content for performances and working behind the scenes in committee roles, front of house and generally putting her hand up to do whatever is necessary to keep the organisation running smoothly. Margie has also been a member of the PAVE Festival committee, she is active on the committee of the uniting church as well as playing organ there each week. She has also taught likely thousands of children at Emerald Primary School and in private music lessons. The Emerald Men’s Shed was awarded the Emerald Group of the Year for 2023 at the presentation night. Congratulations to Alan Bennett and Tom Connolly and all the blokes who do so much for the local community. The men’s shed was formed about 15 years ago by Mike Allery and his mates. Over the years many local organisations have benefited by the work the blokes do in making timber products for them - including primary schools, the Glades, Cardinia Shire, the museum, EDRA, kindergartens, Puffing Billy, EVA, Echo and op shops.
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Marg being presented with her award by Deputy Mayor, Jack Kowarzik, at the Hills Hub in Emerald last night on Wednesday 25 October. Picture: PAUL BIANCO mailcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Don’t throw it away! Helping to
welcome new locals
By Tyler Wright The team at Belgrave Library and The Philanthropic Collective have teamed up to help locals learn how to put their end of life produce to good use. With the help of facilitator Rachel from Bush Edge Homesteading Australia, library staff member Jasmine Molders has organised food dehydrator workshops to help attendees turn produce into tasty snacks. Ms Molders said the first workshop, held on Saturday 28 October, was booked out. “The thing that really attracted me to it is it gives excess produce just one more chance at being consumed before it goes to waste - in a healthy way,“ Ms Molders said. “In 2020, I was the beneficiary of a food box. We were getting some support because my husband was diagnosed with a serious illness and then he was retrenched so we needed a bit of support. “We evolved that relationship into me taking compost each week [because] we wanted to divert that away from landfill, and the idea was to put that into the Belgrave Food Garden; a lot of it also ended up in my home compost systems.“ The Philanthropic Collective has loaned a 36-shelf commercial dehydrator to the library, and is donating surplus fruits from its Free Food Program for the workshops, including apples and bananas. “We want people to pivot the way they consider end-of-life projects,“ Philanthropic Collective event director Andrew Fillip-Gautier said. “You’ve got produce; ’what do I do with it?’ ’I can turn it into something else.’ “Bananas can become healthy banana chips for kids without any preservatives.“ Mr Fillip-Gautier also said participants can take their skills during the workshops back into their homes by purchasing small dehydrators for personal use, with solar dehydrators also available to the public. “The location is accessible, the workshops
By Tyler Wright
Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino (left), Philanthropic Collective event director Andrew Fillip Gautier (middle) and Belgrave Library staff member Jasmine Molders (right) with the dehydrator loaned by the Philanthropic Collective for the library to hold food dehydrating workshops. Picture: SUPPLIED are accessible and even the produce is accessible, so it’s a win-win-win all round,“ he said. “One of the really exciting things for us has always been growing things organically within the community. “We don’t know yet where those light bulb moments are going to go on within participants in the workshop, but the hope is that they will then take that away and want to keep dehydrating; they may want to run their own workshops.“ The library is planning to hold further workshops, with a waiting list for the next event already three quarters full. “We’re looking forward to doing all sorts of
other things; you could do fruit roll ups, you can make a fruit puree; fantastic berries that are about to go off, blend them up, spread it out like a paste on baking paper and roll it up,“ Ms Molders said. “You can dry herbs and make teas or dried herbs for cooking.“ Dates and times of future workshops are still yet to be decided. “We all want to feel empowered in some way to do something that negates waste, so I think that ignites things inside people to want to do something because then they are playing their part,“ Mr Fillip-Gautier said.
Brightening Monbulk’s town centre By Tanya Faulkner As the seasons slowly warm up and towns brighten with blossoms, one local Hills town centre is being reinvigorated through the gift of art. Hills artist Elizabeth Gleeson has been hard at work in the Monbulk town centre, bringing to life a mural on the North-facing wall of the Yarra Ranges Optical building, that pays homage to the towns’ history and culture. Ms Gleeson said Monbulk has a rich history of flora and fauna that inspired her creation. “Monbulk is known for its flowers. “There’s an incredibly rich history of flowers, both indigenous and immigrated through the likes of the Dutch,” she said. Ms Gleeson started installing the mural on Friday 27 October, and has been hard at work over the weekend crafting all of the elements on the wall. “People will start to see tulips, daffodils, a multitude of blossoms, a stack of wattle and crab apples in this piece. “I’ve also included strawberries, which played an important part of Monbulk’s heritage. “The Monbulk Jam Factory provided locals with jobs throughout the 70s, and I wanted to put the nod to that historical aspect of the Hills,” she said. Ms Gleeson said her family moved to Monbulk around a year ago, though she has been a local to the Hills for approximately 15 years. She has been in the arts for several years, and has such a passion for her community that she wanted to do something to contribute to the community in a way she knew best. “Doing a mural was the best way I knew to do it,” she said. With the nature of the mural being a project for the community, Ms Gleeson said she did her due diligence to make sure she got the project right. “I spoke to as many people as I could in the community to make sure I could mailcommunity.com.au
Elizabeth Gleeson is installing a mural for the Monbulk community. 369761 create the mural. “The Monbulk traders have been very supportive of the project with their approvals, and Yarra Ranges Optical have been so supportive in providing power and water for me. “I even managed to track down the landlord of the actual building to get his permission for the piece as well,” she said. A number of other local community groups were also consulted in the process. From all of the consultation, Ms Gleeson was confident that this was the piece for the community. “I made sure I covered all of my bases to make sure I was creating something that the community actually wanted and is actually excited about. “Everyone I showed the mock up to was so excited! “I wouldn’t have done it without the community,” she said. Ms Gleeson said she has always been very artistic, with murals and large-scale works being on the newer side of her career. “About six years ago I started drawing on walls at home and started painting them. “I have a friend in Selby who owns the Ranges Integrated Health, and she invited me
to do a mandala on a yoga ball. “It’s kind of all gone from there,” she said. The mural on Monbulk’s Main Road will be her 8th or 9th mural in the Hills region, developing her ever-growing portfolio of works around the world. “I did some work on the Stairs in Belgrave as part of a really big street art project with some of Australia’s biggest street artists. “I’ve also been able to do some murals in people’s private homes and studios. “I also used to live in Bali, so I’ve done a number of murals over there and also in Melbourne city. “I love it; I love it so much,” she said. Over the weekend, several locals have stopped by to say ‘hello’ and see what new creation was being installed in their town. Ms Gleeson said the response from the community over the weekend has been overwhelmingly incredible. “I’ve had hundreds of people comment on how much they love it, how amazing they think it is and it’s just what Monbulk needed. “They love what it adds to the town and countless people have said thank you to me. “I couldn’t possibly have anticipated such a positive and supportive response,” she said. Several of those locals have already taken to social media and posted photos across community Facebook groups. “Even Bendigo Bank has posted it on their Instagram this morning,” Ms Gleeson said. For the artists, it’s all about giving back to her community. “I love my community so much, and I’m honoured to be able to contribute in a way that I best know how to. “I have three children as well and they love seeing me do this kind of thing. “It’s important to see families contributing to the community,” she said. Ms Gleeson said the mural will be completed throughout the week for the community to enjoy for years to come.
The Mums of the Hills (MotHs) group held a free event at the Dandenong Ranges RSL on Friday 27 October to help new residents to Sassafras, Olinda and Ferny Creek feel connected with others in the community. MotHs founder Belinda Young said an in person event is the “best way” to find people that share you same interests and hobbies. “Even if you don’t become best mates with everybody, you see them in the street, you can give them a little nod, you raise your hand as you’re driving past and you know that they’re local and you know that you’ve broken the ice by coming to this event,” Ms Young said. “Our big goal of course is to bring the community together in a very relaxed setting, no pressure. “The second goal of course is that if we have disasters, if something happens, you are aware of who’s in your community and who has the skills; for example, who knows how to use a chainsaw, CPR, who has a trailer - and being able to band together quite quickly as a community is really important” Ms Young said while existing locals love the area and accept the risks that come with living in the environment of the Dandenong Ranges - it can be “quite difficult” to crack into the community. “It’s quite difficult to meet people, especially if your kids don’t go to a school. “It’s very hard to find those connections and those long lasting friendships, so we’re trying to give them a helping hand.” Made possible by a Yarra Ranges Council storm recovery grant, the event included a free BBQ, live music and local social, sporting and community groups providing information and sign up opportunities. A CFA expert also gave advice leading into summer. Ms Young said it is not only agencies like Victoria Police and the CFA that pass through knowledge of disasters like the June 2021 storm event, but also locals that have lived in the area for a long time. “We know that if something happens that we won’t have those services at hand, maybe for quite a long time, so we’ve got the skills and knowledge to look after ourselves for a good deal of time until those services can get in,” she said. “That can be something that can be a bit of a shock for new residents if they arrive quickly without having that chat or knowing those people and then something happens they’re not prepared for.” Ms Young said while Sassafras and Olinda are predominantly “tourist towns,” the RSL is open and holds events for residents. “We think they’re a great bunch of people and we want to link arms and recognise what they do,” she said. The Dandenong Ranges RSL is located at 1773 Mountain Highway in Sassafras.
Hills locals came together make new community connections. Picture: SUPPLIED Tuesday, 31 October, 2023
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MAIL 15
OPINION
Exciting entertainment comes to theatres
Balance is an important skill for everyone to practice.
Picture: UNSPLASH
A balancing act for us all Balance is a skill we often take for granted. That is until we lose it! To keep a human being upright, it takes a complex interplay between different balancing systems within the body. We have three main mechanisms that work together to maintain our balance: the vestibular apparatus in our ears, our eyes, and stretch receptors that live around the body that feed positional information (proprioception) back to our brain. Each of those systems can be affected by age-related changes, injuries and other diseases, meaning our balance and ability to react to unexpected knocks and bumps is reduced as we get older. This leads to an increased risk of falls, which can have devastating consequences, especially for those who might suffer from diseases such as osteoporosis. I like to think of balance as a skill, just like playing the guitar. If you want to improve on the guitar, we all know you have to practice – there’s no other way! Balance is no different – to improve our balance and reduce the effects of ageing, we must practice it. The more you practice and challenge your balance, the more your systems will adapt and respond. Your muscles will get stronger, your reaction times improve and your confidence will grow. Most importantly, your risk of falling will reduce. There are many places and people who can
Healthy
1812 Theatre Art Serge buys an expensive painting – white crosses on a white canvas. To Mart, the painting is a joke. Yvan is on the fence. Battle lines are drawn, and the trio use The Art to settle scores and push their 15 year old friendship to the limit. A Tony Award winner for Best Play and an Olivier Award winner for Best Comedy. Season: 16 November - 19 December. Burrinja Theatre Xani – An Inaccurate History of Electronic Dance Music – Live in the Lyre. Xani, the award-winning musical alchemist brings her latest album An Inaccurate History of Electronic Dance Music to the Live in the Lyre. Get ready to be transported to a limitless and timeless musical world with Xani’s string-filled genre-expanding tracks. Join Burrinja for a night of boundless dancing, soulful music and powerful vocals. Experience the music of Xani, who has been awarded Best Musician at the Music Victoria Awards and whose sound and voice have won over fans at packed theatres, small steamy jazz venues, nightclubs and even on Twitch, where she has thousands of followers. Season: Friday 17 November at 8pm Venue: Lyre Room Gemco Theatre Find Me Based on a true story follows the protagonist Verity Taylor as she is dealing with increasingly damaging mental health issues.
Kemp’s curtain call Verity’s family becomes fractured in their search for answers from a health system, at the time, that does not have answers for Verity’s particular case and so doctors and other medical health practitioners find themselves unable to advise Verity’s family. The author Oliver Wymark has employed a technique known as ’multi-characterisation’ wherein actors swap the main roles and work as an ensemble to ‘find the real Verity’ in this gripping, and emotional drama. The ensemble of eight cast will rotate roles and play a myriad of characters. Season: 3 – 12 November. The Basin Theatre The Sum of Us A widowed father lives with his son and is very supportive of him finding Mr Right, while he in turn quietly hopes for some female company of his own. The play looks at love in whatever form it takes and the importance of having love in a person’s life. We are drawn to the lives of two main characters through asides to the audience as we witness the jovial banter between father and son along with their internal monologues. Season: Thursday 23 November – Sunday 3 December.
CARTOON
living Ben Croxford
Physiotherapist, Leads the team at Form & Practice Mount Evelyn and Olinda help to improve your balance. As a physiotherapist, I regularly assess and prescribe exercises and drills to safely challenge someone’s balance. I also love the many community groups that run Falls and Balance classes amongst other things. There’s an old phrase that I think is as relevant today as ever: “Use it or lose it”. As we move through the years, it is so important that we stay active and keep moving. Our quality of life as we head into our later years depends on it. Ben Croxford is a Physiotherapist and leads the team at Form & Practice Mt Evelyn, Olinda and Chirnside Park. His writings explore his favourite health topics, challenge common myths and aim to empower you to take control of your own health. Find out more at formandpractice.com.au
Chuck-e-choose something else than this misfire Five Nights at Freddy’s Starring Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio and Elizabeth Lali Rated M 3.25/5 Based on the popular video game of the same name, Five Nights at Freddy’s has solid performances, gloomy yet nostalgic atmosphere and some moving pathos, but suffers from a sloppy script and a lack of scares. Mike (Josh Hutcherson), a troubled security guard, who is the sole guardian of his little sister Abby (Piper Rubio), takes on a nightshift job at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, an abandoned Chuck E. Cheese-like restaurant where 16 MAIL
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the creepy animatronic mascots stalk the halls at night. Five Nights at Freddy’s has two currents of
suspense that don’t mesh well. The plot has some poignant observations on childhood trauma, loss and family turmoil, but the sinister children in Mike’s dreams detract from the physical animatronic threat. Elizabeth Lail provides a sympathetic ear and shallow intrigue as Vanessa, a local police officer, there is a fleeting but cartoonishly cruel custody battle with Mike’s aunt Jane (Mary Stuart Masterson), and the restaurant’s dark backstory is very poorly-developed. The film generates some decent dread, as the animatronics exploit Mike’s grief and Abby’s trusting nature, and the second act has an unnerving sequence of the animatronics hunting a group of looters.
The FNAF games deal with fear of the unseen: much of the gameplay consists of watching monitors and pushing buttons at a desk to keep the monsters away. Ironically, this film adaptation, which has a bigger scope and more characters and action, shows the monsters too much, is more contrived than a movie about cursed animatronics should be, and just isn’t very scary. An earnest misfire in the pantheon of video game movies, Five Nights at Freddy’s is playing in most Victorian cinemas, but the very fun 2021 film Willy’s Wonderland and the chilling 2019 short film The Hug are much better alternatives. - Seth Lukas Hynes mailcommunity.com.au
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MAIL 17
PUZZLES No. 157
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
easy
4 9 1
3 7 2 8 1
3 6 2
2
8 4
9 9 4 5
8 6 4
3
2
4 1 8
2 9
9 7 3 medium
2 4 2 7
5
8 3
7 1
12 13 16 17 19 22 23 24 25 28
DOWN Dish options list (4) Soaked (9) Localities (5) US singer, Bob – (5) Japanese school of Buddhism (3)
1 2 3 4 5
DECODER
No. 157
1 3
1
6
Condiment (7) Study of animals (7) Holland (11) The lot (3) Place of confinement (6) Wind funnel (7) Singer (4) Disinfectant (10) In peril (10) Filament (4) Means of transport (7) Lubricant (6) Variety of fish (3) ‘Tubes’ or ‘boxes’ (coll) (11) Operation (7) Jersey (7)
1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 18 20 21 23 26 27 29 30
See (7) Japanese seaport (5) A caution in some sports (6,4) Doubly (5) Cheap books (10) Sister’s daughter (5) Convey (9) Cravat (7) Apple drink (5) Donates (5) Result from (5) Employer (4) Nonclerical (3)
6 8
3 4
6 7 8
ACROSS
No. 157
9
8 1 6
QUICK CROSSWORD
8 5
2 8 5
hard
3
3
4
5
6
8
10 11 12 13
K P 16
17
18
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23
24
25
26
1
2
3
4
5
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8
9
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13
9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.
T
O
Today’s Aim: 13 words: Good 20 words: Very good
E
D
R
H
4 5 3 7 1 2 9 8 6 9 8 2 6 3 5 1 7 4 1 7 6 8 4 9 3 5 2 5 4 1 3 2 6 7 9 8 3 6 9 1 8 7 2 4 5 8 2 7 5 9 4 6 3 1 6 1 8 4 7 3 5 2 9 2 3 5 9 6 8 4 1 7 7 9 4 2 5 1 8 6 3
8 5 6 7 9 3 2 4 1 2 3 4 1 5 6 7 8 9 7 9 1 8 4 2 6 5 3 5 1 2 6 3 9 8 7 4 3 6 9 4 8 7 5 1 2 4 7 8 2 1 5 9 3 6 9 2 3 5 7 1 4 6 8 6 4 7 3 2 8 1 9 5 1 8 5 9 6 4 3 2 7
N
E
N
3 LETTERS ACE AIL ALE APT DNA EKE FUN GAL GEM GIN GYM ICY IDS IMP NAY NON OVA PAN RIM SEE SPA SPY THE YET 4 LETTERS BASS DOME EDGE ENDS HEAR PAWS SEES SETS SIGH SNOB SONS SUBS YEAR YEWS
No. 157
1 ( 3 2 7 , 6 0
5 LETTERS AGILE ALPHA ARENA ATLAS ATONE ATTIC AVAIL BASTE BAWDY BEEFY BLESS BORNE BRAGS CANED CENTS CLIMB DANCE EERIE EMBED EVENT
dethrone, enthrone, ENTHRONED, ether, heed, herd, here, hereon, hereto, hero, heron, hoed, hone, honed, horde, horn, horned, hornet, nether, north, other, then, there, thereon, thorn, three, throne
9 8 5 7 3 6 2 1 4 4 7 3 9 1 2 8 6 5 1 2 6 4 5 8 7 9 3 2 6 9 5 7 3 1 4 8 5 1 8 2 6 4 9 3 7 3 4 7 1 8 9 6 5 2 8 9 4 3 2 1 5 7 6 6 5 1 8 4 7 3 2 9 7 3 2 6 9 5 4 8 1 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
9
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 words: Excellent
hard
7
15
medium
2
14
easy
1
ND B Y U R Z Q T G X F E
2 1 2 8 5 6 8 3 5 7 8 1 3 3 8 9 8 3 5 6 1 8 3 2 9 4
V H O S J M L C I AWK P
5
WORDFIT
GEESE ITEMS KICKS MOCKS NAIVE NEEDS OILED PASTS PEARL PECKS RETRY REVUE RILES RITES SALTS SAVES SEAMS SLEDS SLEET SLOPE SNAGS
SNEER SPAYS STRAW THESE THREE TWEET UNTIL WHISK WOMEN 6 LETTERS AMIDST ARISES MADAME PAPYRI
7 LETTERS DEIGNED EMBRACE MILITIA PARSNIP SPECTRA WORSTED 8 LETTERS ATTENDED HOMELAND NEPOTISM NETTLING
% 5 $ * 6 7 + ( 6 ( 3 $ 6 7 6 :2 0 ( 1 $ / 3 + $ ( ( 5 , ( ( 0 % ( ' 3 ( $ 5 / ( 9 ( 1 7 ) 8 1 6 1 ( ( 5 6 3 < < ( 7 < ( $ 5 $ 7 / $ 6 $ 5 , 6 ( 6 , & < $ & ( 5 , 0 % $ 6 7 ( 1 ( ( ' 6 3 $: 6 6 2 1 6 7 + ( $ 7 7 ( 1 ' ( ' :2 5 6 7 ( ' 0 , / , 7 , $ 6 , * + 1 ( 3 2 7 , 6 0 ' 1 $ * ( ( 6 ( 3 ( & . 6 < ( : 6 3 $ 1 $ 3 7 * ( 0 0 $ ' $ 0 ( 5 ( 7 5 < 6 1 2 % , ' 6 & / , 0 % $ , / 2 9 $ 8 1 7 , / $ * , / ( & $ 1 ( ' % 2 5 1 ( 6 $ 9 ( 6 . , & . 6 6 / ( ( 7 6 1 $ * 6 6 / ( ' 6
SUDOKU
03-11-23
William Matthews Funerals 24 HOUR SERVICE - ALL AREAS
9739 6868 45 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale www.williammatthewsfunerals.com.au 12567433-SN37-22
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PROPERTY
IMPRESSIVE FAMILY ENTERTAINER See page 20 mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 31 October, 2023
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MAIL 19
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
IMPRESSIVE FAMILY ENTERTAINER LOCATED in a highly desirable pocket of Emerald, this stunning renovated home is ideally positioned just a stones throw from Emerald Lake Park, Wright Forest, Primary and Secondary Schools and the bustling Emerald township. Set on an impressive 2,588m2 and nestled amongst established landscapes gardens that are currently full of colour. The home has been cleverly designed and tastefully renovated to create a private oasis. Stepping inside the home you are welcomed into the first open plan living area that incorporates the stunning modern kitchen that has been thoughtfully designed for the chef of the family. Boasting quality appliances including Smeg oven and Asko dishwasher, excellent cupboard and bench space, massive island bench with stone benchtops and a butlers pantry. The adjacent oversized living area opens out to the front veranda through massive sliding doors to create a seamless indoor-outdoor living zone. Continuing through the feature double barn doors you will discover a second oversized living area, complete with vaulted ceilings, skylights, cozy wood fire and access to the decked outdoor entertaining area. This is the perfect space to entertain friends and family. The ability to potentially incorporate the two living zones is ideal for hosting even the largest of gatherings. There are five bedrooms in total, the enormous master suite located upstairs boasts a stunning renovated ensuite bathroom that features two vanities, walk in shower and free-standing bath with lovely local views and walk in wardrobe. The secondary bedrooms are all complete with built in robes and are serviced by the modern family bathroom. Special features include ducted heating, split system, ceiling fans, a light and bright colour scheme with quality fixtures and fittings throughout. Outside is sure to impress, entertain in style on the massive decked and covered outdoor entertaining area. Enjoy the view while you watch the kids run and play in the spacious back yard and on their very own fort! If you have a green thumb, there are raised vegetable gardens that are waiting for next seasons seeds. For the toys and tools, there is a double remote garage with rear access, carport, excellent secure off-street parking and dual driveway. Enjoy a country lifestyle with all the modern amenities right at your fingertips. Inspection is an absolute must. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 9 Majestic Drive, EMERALD Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 garage Price: $1,150,000 -$1,250,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 and Brittany Barry 0412 861 094, BARRY PLANT, EMERALD 20 MAIL
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19 NANGANA STREET COCKATOO
1230 Pakenham Road MOUNT BURNETT
25 BUTTERFIELD ROAD EMERALD
FAMILY FAVOURITE ON 3101M2
“CHESTNUT HILL ESTATE”
INVEST IN THE BEST ON OVER 1/2 AN ACRE
4A
4A
3A
2B
4D JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781
FOR SALE $830,000-$890,000 OFI By Appointment
BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
10 D
FOR SALE $2,200,000 - $2,400,000 OFI By appointment
SUE COLIC 0421 772 610 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
1B LANA MAHER 0408 535 075
FOR SALE $750,000-$820,000 OFI By Appointment
BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
51 MOUNTAIN ROAD COCKATOO
1 SHERIFF ROAD EMERALD
25 Gembrook LaunchinG PL rd GEMBROOK
A PICTURESQUE COUNTRY RETREAT
LIVE THE DREAM IN THE HEART OF EMERALD
SPACIOUS, SUNNY & WELL POSITIONED
5A
4A
5A
2B JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781
FOR SALE $820,000-$890,000 OFI By Appointment
BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
2D
SALE BY SET DATE $870,000 - $957,000 OFI By Appointment
RILEY NICHOLAS 0488 501 218 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
4D
FOR SALE $1,420,000 - $1,490,000 OFI by appointment
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
9 Majestic Drive EMERALD
5 HOLMAN ROAD EMERALD
3 EMERALD CLOSE EMERALD
IMPRESSIVE FAMILY HOME ON 2,588M2
POSITION PLUS POTENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL BRILLANCE ON 2.5 ACRES
5A
3A
3A
2B
2D
FOR SALE $1,150,000 -$1,250,000 OFI By appointment
mailcommunity.com.au
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
1B
FOR SALE $665,000-$730,000 OFI By Appointment
2D RILEY NICHOLAS 0488 501 218 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
2D
FOR SALE $1,350,000-$1,485,000 OFI By Appointment
LANA MAHER 0408 535 075 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
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MAIL 21
HOME FOCUS
STUNNING, CUSTOM BUILT HOME WITH VIEWS THIS stunning custom designed home on 1 acre has been built to the highest standards to ensure energy efficiency and low maintenance and to make the most of the gorgeous block, private location and peaceful views. The quality features include: Mt Gambier Sandstone clad home. 9 foot ceilings throughout. Passive solar build, exceptional insulation and 6+ star energy rating. Double glazed throughout with tilt and turn casement windows. Polished concrete flooring. Chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry. 2 x Master bedrooms with walk-in robes and ensuites. 3rd bedroom/study/home office. Oversized double lock up garage with potential for conversion to 2 further bedrooms (STCA) in mind when designed. Abundance of natural light throughout. Gas ducted heating + decorative gas log fire. Heaps of storage.
· · · · · · · · · · · ·
· Fully landscaped grounds with garden shed and trailer storage/wood shed. · Romantic swing to enjoy whilst taking in the view. · Circular, sealed drive. · Plenty of room for additional shedding (STCA). · 6.6kW solar. · 1.5km walk to Gembrook township.
And many more features which need to be seen to be truly appreciated. Being offered for sale by the original owners who commissioned the build this property is immaculate and provides the ultimate in comfort, convenience, privacy and lifestyle. This property has it all so don’t miss out call to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 9 Bond Lane, GEMBROOK Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $1,150,000 - $1,250,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD 22 MAIL
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HOME FOCUS
EXCEPTIONAL PRESENTATION WITH exceptional presentation and exquisite treetop outlooks, this impressive property is the ultimate Hills retreat. Positioned for practicality steps from Baynes Park, Monbulk Aquatic Centre, and Main Road amenities, you will feel tucked away from busy life without sacrificing comfort or convenience. This spectacular residence sits atop a wide, sweeping drive with ample parking that leads to a under-house carport. Through the beautifully bright foyer with stylish study or home office space, you are led upstairs to a series of sophisticated spaces suited to growing families. Spotted Gum Timber flooring and floor to ceiling architecturally designed windows line each room, beginning in the dining area and lounge with a cosy wood fire with custom accent wall. From here, the floorplan flows into the open plan family room, meals area, and kitchen with wall oven, stainless steel dishwasher, and inviting island seating. For seamless and seasonal indooroutdoor enjoyment, this level connects to the covered balcony at the front and the open and covered decking at the rear for entertaining year-round. Keeping the focus firmly on comfort are the spacious bedrooms provided. Each bedroom is adorned with built-in robes and the main bedroom boasts a walk-in robe, elegant ensuite with claw foot tub, and private balcony. Set upon a splendid 1,434sqm (approx.) allotment with mature gardens and magnificent outlooks, this move-in ready residence makes it easy to imagine living here. Inspection will impress. Spacious and sun-filled foyer with large windows for a warm and inviting feel Open plan dining area and lounge with timber floors and cosy wood fire Quality kitchen with wall oven overlooking the meals area and family room Main bedroom with walk-in robe, ensuite with claw foot tub, and balcony Family bedrooms with built-in robes positioned near the stylish bathroom Gas ducted heating, large carport, and prime position steps from town ●
· · · · · ·
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 295 Monbulk Road, MONBULK Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: $840,000 - $920,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Suzie Brannelly 0490 506 910, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE mailcommunity.com.au
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MAIL 23
HOME FOCUS
HOME THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD SET amidst a backdrop of stunning gums and with a peaceful outlook that allows you to enjoy a beautiful array of colourful birdlife, this character filled home was originally built with an architectural flair that stands out from the crowd. Unique in every way, the floorplan extends over 2 levels and is highlighted by a mezzanine walkway that takes in stunning double height wall of windows and the greenery of the 2641m2 block. Ideal for growing families and extended living options, there are four oversized bedrooms, two of which have walk in robes and ensuites, whilst the two remaining bedrooms have excellent storage space attached and are positioned near the main bathroom. With a beautiful blend of timbers, feature brick work and sun filled windows, you will discover not only a spacious lounge with open fire place but also an extended family / dining room which is just perfect for every family. The classic timber kitchen is a time piece and an absolute joy to cook in and create your favourite dishes. A central island bench contains your gas cooktop and you can enjoy your back garden views whilst clearing up the dishes in the double sink. Along the mezzanine, a glorious sun filled sitting area will possibly be your favourite spot in the house to curl up and read, or alternatively, an ideal office space for those looking to work from home. Ducted heating, split system heating / cooling and a magnificent open fire place will keep your temperature controlled all year round while added extras like ducted vacuuming make life that little bit easier. A wide and spacious decking runs the length of the home and gives a wonderful amount of space to use throughout the warmer months and is the ideal spot to entertain when you have your moving in / house warming party. The perfect, spacious family home for those who are searching for character, size and a little bit of peace and quiet. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 57 Temple Road, SELBY Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Price: $950,000 - $1,030,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442 or Jess Lainis 0493 544 981, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 24 MAIL
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Real Estate you can trust! We ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p FOR SALE
13 Helena Avenue, KALLISTA FAMILY HOME ON THE FORESTS EDGE
$650,000 - $710,000 3A1B2C
FOR SALE
41 Leonard Street, UPWEY
$770,000 - $830,000 3A1B3C
QUARTER-ACRE PROPERTY IN CONVENIENT LOCATION
Surrounded by a lush forest setting, this 3 bedroom home offers not only a versatile floorplan but also the perfect tree change you have been searching for. Within walking distance to the eclectic Kallista Village, this property sits on 1/3 of an acre of pure Kallista paradise.
Enjoy a peaceful and picturesque lifestyle from this 999sqm (approx.) property moments from the heart of Upwey, Upwey south primary school and Danenong Ranges child care centre. Offering leafy outlooks from every window, a light and bright family home, and a hobbyists haven under-house triple garage with expansive workshop, there is a wide range of features here to admire.
Sharyn Chandler
Brad Conder
M 0439 882 442 | E sharyn@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
Jess Lainis
Daniel Steen
M 0493 544 981 | E jess@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au
FOR SALE
4 Leonard Street, UPWEY PEACEFUL - PRIVATE - PERFECT
$795,000 - $870,000 4A2B2C
Nestled privately at the end of a no thru road this charming character rustic hills home offers quite peaceful living, yet just minutes from schools, shops and transport. Set on 1,401sqm approx of landscaped gardens and meandering pathways, this delightful home offers a flexible layout of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a study.
FOR SALE
1 James Street, SELBY
$630,000 to $660,000
WHIMSICAL HOME IN WONDERFUL POCKET POSITION
3A1B2C
This whimsical residence will alight imaginations with its charm, potential, position, and 1,435sqm (approx.) property. Filled with handcrafted elements and enriched with a double carport and abundant off-street parking, this property near bus transport and local shops is a joy to behold. From the sunroom entry, the interior branches to an ample home office/ study and the open plan dining area and kitchen.
Brad Conder M 0422 639 115 | E brad@chandlerandco.com.au
Daniel Steen
Suzie Brannelly
M 0434 979 142 | E daniel@chandlerandco.com.au
M 0490 506 910 | E suzie@chandlerandco.com.au
9754 6888 1689 Burwood Highway, Belgrave VIC 3160 www.chandlerandco.com.au of fice@chandlerandco.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
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MAIL 25
HOME FOCUS
MODERN AND STYLISH EQUINE PROPERTY WHAT a fantastic opportunity. Rarely do you find a home of this quality paired with a usable nearly 5 acres of land carefully designed to maximize grazing potential and ease of care for your horses or four legged friends. The home is located less than 5 minutes to Gembrook township, and is surrounded by farming properties offering beautiful vistas. The expansive 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom family home is wrapped with a welcoming front verandah and has a grand entry. There is a formal loungeroom and a master bedroom with a large walk in wardrobe and ensuite. Conveniently located near the master bedroom is a further bedroom with ceiling fan and built in robes. The home with its high ceilings, double glazed large windows, and reverse cycle air conditioning is a delight to explore. Flow through to the central open plan kitchen/dining/lounge area to discover the hub of the home that is flooded with natural light, and offers a wood fire heater, and kitchen with a large walk in pantry. The kitchen also has a 900mm gas stove/ oven, stainless steel appliances including dishwasher and Caesar stone benchtops. At the other end of the home, there is a lovely laundry with it’s own external access, a study/office area, and then three further bedrooms, all with ceiling fans and built-in wardrobes. These bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom complete with bath and shower. There is also a handy separate toilet. Externally the acreage is divided into 5 fully fenced paddocks, fenced with either electric fencing or mesh fencing. These paddocks are connected through a central laneway which allows for ease of care by having one central hay station & water station. The main gateways are reinforced with Geohex. There is plenty of parking available making it easy to store you float for short trips out to the nearby riding trails or to the local horse riding clubs such as Gembrook Adult Riding Club and Cockatoo Pony Club. This property has it all so don’t miss out call to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 100 Gembrook Tonimbuk Road, GEMBROOK Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $1,400,000 - $1,520,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Bethany Day 0438 844 968, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD 26 MAIL
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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald
8 Berrys Road, Emerald
$900,000 - $990,000
200 Soldiers Road, Beenak
$1,000,000 - $1,100,000
If You Want to Walk to Everything this Family Home is the One for You!
An Outstanding Approx. 9 Acres, with Abundant Shedding & a 2 Storey Home!
Literally 150m from the heart of Emerald, this 4+ bedroom, family home has gorgeous views & room for all! The Master Bedroom is downstairs with ensuite & WIR, with a dressing room/potential 5th bedroom. Downstairs are 3 internal & 2 external living areas, an open plan kitchen/dining area with pantry/utility room & a spacious family room/rumpus room. There is an entertaining deck & an undercover entertaining area with built in bar. Upstairs are 3 freshly painted, robed bedrooms with new carpets, a renovated bathroom & views from every window. With gas heating, air conditioning, a split system upstairs, a study/home office & elegant plantation shutters throughout. Outside is a 6x8m lock up garage/workshop with remote door & adjacent, high bay 7x8m double carport perfect for the caravan or boat & plenty of extra parking for the trailer, guests and family.
Offering approx. 9 acres of flat to gently sloping land with an area of bush & then large cleared & well fenced paddocks with electric fencing. There is a round yard, & a scenic dam. The home is conveniently laid out, with a double car port at the front entry & then a cosy wood fire heater in the lounge room. There is a built in bar in the loungeroom & the lounge has a vaulted ceiling & is open plan with the kitchen. There are 2 bedrooms downstairs, & the family bathroom. Upstairs discover a large master bedroom with exposed rafters & Juliet balcony overlooking the well maintained paddocks. Externally is a DLUG with glass sliding doors & 3 internal rooms, one with a wood fire heater. There’s also an outhouse & numerous miscellaneous sheds & fenced dog yards. This home has mains electricity & tank water.
Samantha Scott M 0438680032
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
4
100 Woori Yallock Road, Cockatoo
A
3
B 3 C
$750,000 - $820,000
Bethany Day M 0438 844 968
3
9 Bond Lane, Gembrook
A
1
B 2 C
$1,150,000 - $1,250,000
Outstanding Outdoor Entertaining with Stylish Family Home!
Stunning, Executive Residence on Almost 1 Acre with Gorgeous Views!
The gravel driveway leads to a double carport & off street parking. Inside, discover a bedroom with a BIR. Then the home flows to an open plan kitchen/dining/lounge room with gas cooking, a generous butlers pantry with its own sink & dishwasher. Prepare dinner as your guests & family unwind by the wood fire or enjoy the split system AC. There is a lovely family bathroom/laundry with black tap wear, toilet, & a rain head shower over the bath tub. Continue down the hallway to discover 2 generous bedrooms both with ceiling fans & BIRs. At the end of the hallway is the master bedroom with BIRs & an ensuite with toilet & shower. Externally, there is a fully fenced large backyard with a large covered entertaining area with concrete flooring, workshop area, & a large garden shed. The garden beds along the retaining walls are very tidy & there is a large grassed area.
This stunning custom designed home on 1 acre features: Mt Gambier Sandstone, 9 foot ceilings, Passive solar build, exceptional insulation & 6+ star energy rating, Double glazed throughout with tilt & turn casement windows, Chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry, 2 x Master bedrooms with WIRs & ensuites, 3rd bedroom/study/home office, Oversized DLUG with potential for conversion to 2 further bedrooms (STCA), Abundance of natural light throughout, Gas ducted heating + decorative gas log fire, Heaps of storage, Fully landscaped grounds with garden shed & trailer storage/wood shed, Circular sealed drive, Plenty of room for additional shedding (STCA), 6.6kW solar, & 1.5km walk to Gembrook township. Being offered for sale by the original owners who commissioned the build this property is immaculate and provides the ultimate in comfort, convenience, privacy and lifestyle!
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032
4
A
2
B 2 C
3
A
2
B 2 C
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ABOUT US Since 2003, the Cardinia Foundation has been fundraising and supporting local communities. Between 2013 and 2022, they partnered with the City of Casey and delivered incredible work together. As we return to our grassroots at the Cardinia Foundation, it’s time for us to step up and do our part, making it easy for locals to help locals and build on the solid foundation created by almost 20 years of hard work. Now, as we’re looking ahead to the next 20 years, we are filled with enthusiasm for the future of Cardinia. The board has set a new direction and Cardinia Shire Council has provided financial support to grow the foundation over the next 5 years. ABOUT THE ROLE Our fundraising strategy to raise funds focuses on bequests, donor and corporate giving and workplace giving. The Fundraising and Partnership Manager will work strategically with businesses, local, state and federal government, philanthropic organisations, and community leaders to realise investment through effective and sustainable public-private partnerships and individual and corporate giving programmes. This strongly public-facing, highly influential role is focused on delivering tangible financial and community outcomes in ways that build a strong, healthy and diverse community and resilient environment within Cardinia Shire. RESPONSIBILITIES We are seeking a committed and driven individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially in building and maintaining positive relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. You will be responsible for generating revenue through growing and brokering relationships, partnerships and outcomes needed to enable the financial growth of the Cardinia Foundation and sustainable contributions to the Cardinia Shire community.
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Tigers fall after hard battle Though displaying plenty of the grit and determination that has led them to consecutive premierships, it was another hard fought but tough loss for the Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers as they fell to local rival Blackburn 5-3. Playing under cloudless blue skies at Billabong Park, the visiting Tigers were put on the back foot by an aggressive Burners team, who plated two runs in the bottom of the first against Upwey starter Jarrod Turner. Turner settled into his work over the next four innings, although giving up an additional two runs after a more than questionable call at 2nd base in the 5th inning which Blackburn took full advantage of. Blackburn’s American import to his credit was fantastic, stranding the bases loaded twice whilst also leaving another five runners on base as he made key pitches and found ways to Houdini his way out of the tightest of situations. To their credit, the Tigers kept putting runners on base and applying pressure, leading to a pitching change in the 5th inning as Jarrod “Sauce” Hotchison came into the game for Blackburn and continued to keep Upwey out of the game, stranding further runners while providing Blackburn the opportunity to increase their lead to 5-2 after Upwey created single runs in the 5th and 6th innings. The Tigers loaded the bases again with two outs in the 7th inning, however Josh Hendricks could not find grass with a missile of a
Andrew Kane at bat while Jack Ratcliffe takes his lead at 1st base. Picture: SUPPLIED line drive to left field which, on any other day, would likely have found grass and put the Tigers within striking distance.
Creating another run in the 8th inning through multiple hits and smart, determined at bats, the Tigers could sense a comeback win was on the cards, however Hotchison had other ideas, slamming the door shut in the 9th inning with a 1-2-3 inning to lead the Burners to their 2nd win, improving to 2-2 on the year and pushing into 8th place. The Tigers fall to 1-3 and unfortunately find themselves in 15th, but still well within contention as they are only one game out of 8th. In other results, the Upwey 2nds improved to 4-0 for the season after a strong 5-1 win behind stellar pitching performances from Tristan Mealey and Sean Meldrum. Mealey, making his first start of the season, was fantastic in his role, going four scoreless innings, only surrendering three hits and one hit batter before handing the ball to Meldrum to finish off. Working two fuss free innings, the veteran ran into a spot of bother in the 7th, as a combination of an error, a hit and a walk saw Blackburn load the bases, force across a run on a walk, before Meldrum induced the rare 3-2-3 double play to end the game. To their credit, the Tigers combined multiple hits with aggressive base running as well as taking advantage of some Blackburn errors to keep the pressure on their opponent all day, as they scored in four of the seven innings played. The result sees the Tigers in a two-way tie
for 1st with Geelong, a full game clear of Waverley, Moorabbin and Berwick who are all tied with a 3-1 record. In the 3rds, the Tigers played out a hard fought 5-5 tie with the Burners, both teams who came into the game with a perfect 3-0 record and could not be separated all day, eventually running out of time before the Tigers were able to find the winning run. Both teams improve to 3-0-1 in a tie for 2nd place, a half game behind last year’s premier Geelong, who are 4-0 in a strong start to their season. In the 4ths, the Tigers supported coach Richard Ferguson on the mound, jumping to an early lead and continuing to push runners across the plate, keeping the Burners at armslength for the remainder of the game. The win sees the Tigers improve to 4-0 in a tie for 1st place with Essendon, while the Burners fall to .500 and sit at 2-2 but still well in the race in 8th place. In the Regional Metro South game against Springvale, a volleyball game broke out, as scoring runs was the order of the day. The home squad found a way to keep scoring runs when it mattered, eventually ran out 15-13 winners in a bad game for pitchers, but a great game for boosted batting averages. The Regional Metro East game unfortunately did not go ahead, as the Tigers handed Springvale a walkover.
Successful pennant round for Monbulk’s bowlers By Jack Rollings There were strong, gusty winds and variable temperatures, but no rain, on round two of the Saturday pennant. Monbulk 1 played away against Croydon 2 on their grass green. It was a bit mossy, but not the worst. Croydon had lost their firstround match, so they were looking to get on the ladder with a home win. Whereas Monbulk had a close first-round win at home and still had to prove their worth on an away grass green. Brian Smith’s team had a close match. They won eleven ends to ten. On the first end they picked up a four, then dropped a four on the very next end. It is amazing how often that can happen. They then steadied and won the first half convincingly, with a seven-shot margin, helped by a couple of three shotters. In the second half Croydon grabbed a couple of their own three shotters and managed to level the scores on the 16th end. The scores on the composite scoreboard were also very close so the run home was crucial. Brian’s team won five of the remaining six ends and won the rink 20 shots to 17. Jim Bras’ team won fourteen of the twenty-one ends. That would normally point to a good winning margin, but the wins in the first half were all singles, whereas Croydon grabbed some multiples and were able to level on the ninth end. In the second half Monbulk again kept winning more ends, while Croydon won few ends, but they were big scores. With two ends to go, Monbulk trailed by one shot and the composite board was calling out for support. With some creative moves by the Lead, Ian Rice, and some carefully controlled draw bowling by the Skip, Monbulk won the final two ends with doubles and won the rink 20 shots to 17. Tony French’s team led all day. They won thirteen ends including some good multiples and doubles and only dropped two doubles. At the halfway mark the margin was seven shots. After that, Monbulk kept the foot down. These rink scores were crucial to Monbulk’s composite score. So it was a heart-stopper when Tony, with his last bowl of the day, bowled into the head, where Croydon was holding shot. But the Monbulk supporters breathed easy when Tony’s bowl gently arrived, rolled over and nudged out the Croydon bowl. Monbulk won the rink 24 shots to 10. Eric Markham’s team had a tough task all day and didn’t get on the scorecard until 30 MAIL
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Tuesday, 31 October, 2023
Peter Koomen in action for Monbulk. the ninth end. The Croydon team, skipped by Kevin Purvis, had a morale-boosting win last week and they were ready to defend their reputation on their home turf. In the second half, Monbulk managed to put a few wins together. They didn’t drop any clangers, which gave some protection to the composite score, but they couldn’t reduce the losing margin. Monbulk lost the rink seven shots to 20. Overall, Monbulk 1 defeated Croydon 71 shots to 64 with three rinks up. They have proven they can win on grass as well as carpet. After this week, Monbulk is still on top of the ladder and next week they will play the second-placed Mooroolbark, the only other undefeated side. The match will be on Saturday afternoon at Monbulk, and it should be a humdinger. Monbulk 2 played at home against Ferntree Gully 4. Peter Lee’s team struggled to win the mat in the first half, but one of their wins was a big four shotter and that kept them in the game. In the back half, they took some intense wins and almost levelled with four ends to go. But
Picture: SUPPLIED Ferntree Gully came home stronger and even claimed a three in sight of the finish. Monbulk lost the rink 13 shots to 18. Case Broekhof’s rink was a topsy-turvy affair. Ferntree Gully didn’t win the mat until the fifth end and then they were able to draw level by the halfway mark. In the back half Monbulk dropped back and trailed by eight shots on the 16th end. And that was when Case’s crew claimed a big five-shotter to get back in the game with some momentum. The run home was tight but Monbulk gradually pegged back the margin. Finally the teams had to settle for a draw, 16 shots all. Graeme Goller’s team had a good leading margin at the halfway mark but gave it up in the back half, where Monbulk was able to claim only three wins, all for single results. Ferntree Gully took the lead on the 14th end and managed to keep their noses in front during the tightly contested run to the finish. Monbulk lost the rink 15 shots to 18. Jim Anderson’s team had a strong start and won equal number of ends in the front half but gave up a four-shot clanger just be-
fore halfway. It was then a seesaw game, with the lead changing or level for several ends. With just two ends to go, the scores were 16 shots all. And that’s when disaster struck for Monbulk and they dropped a painful fiveshotter from which they couldn’t recover. Monbulk lost the rink 17 to 21. Monbulk 2 lost overall 61 shots to 73, with just one ladder point earned for the drawn rink. They are now seventh on the ladder, still waiting for a win. The matchup next week will be an interesting one – Cockatoo, our buddies from last season. But don’t expect any favours – Cockatoo are undefeated on top of the ladder and they will be giving away nothing. Monbulk 3 played at home against Mooroolbark 7. Maria Baas’ team had a blinder. They dropped only five ends for the day, with only one double given up. Their wins included a five, a four, three threes and eight doubles. At the halfway mark they were already 15 shots up, and in the back half they ran away with the game. Monbulk won the rink with a massive 37 shots to six. Chris Sullivan’s team played with just three bowlers for the day because a late withdrawal from Monbulk’s second side required a redistribution of players. Chris’ team started slowly and was down by six shots going into the seventh end. Then they won a big four shotter and that got the show happening. They won eight ends in a row to lead by 10 shots going into the fifteenth end. Mooroolbark fought back in the race home, but Monbulk steadied and collected the final three ends to win the rink 22 shots to 11. A great effort from an undermanned team. Graeme Godkin’s team trailed in the front half, mainly due to a four-shot clanger. Early in the back half they picked up a four shotter of their own, took the lead and increased the margin to the finish. They won twelve ends to nine and won the rink 20 shots to 14. Overall Monbulk 3 won the round 79 shots to 31 with three rinks up. They have now jumped to second on the ladder. This round’s win was a decent scalp for Monbulk to take - Mooroolbark had a big win the previous week and were on top of the ladder. Next week Monbulk 3 will travel to Healesville who will be coming off a strong away win. They will be looking to consolidate that success at home. Monbulk will also be looking to repeat their euphoric win from this week’s round. It should be a thrilling matchup. mailcommunity.com.au
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Ex-AFL player set to coach By Tyler Wright South Belgrave Football Netball Club is heading into the 2024 season with two new powerhouse signings set to shake up the league. The club announced on Friday 20 October it had signed ex-AFL player Luke Dustan. The midfielder played 121 games for the St Kilda Football Club and most recently the Melbourne Football Club. Dunstan, who retired from the elite level in 2023 after suffering a season ending ACL injury, was pick 18 in the 2013 national draft. South Belgrave Football Netball Club president Chris Huglin said the organisation is “very excited” to have a former elite football player coaching and developing the club’s midfield. “He’s also taken up the development role; he’s going to assist player pathways and junior coaches,” Huglin said. “He’s coming up with an injury; he isn’t fine to play, he’s fine to coach. “There’s a whole football network out there...our past coach Luke Galliott, who’s coached us to two flags, [has] been a driving force recruiting people to the club; not just players, but coaches, and he’s been a vital key in this development as well.” Successful former Lysterfield Junior Football Club coach Damien Newcombe will take the reins at South Belgrave as the under 19.5s coach, the club also announced recently. “He’s had success with the premier side of Lysterfield on his way through, so he knows what he’s about,” Huglin said. “He’s a very impressive individual...[and] he’s got great communication with the kids.” Newcombe’s son, Kade, made his seniors debut at South Belgrave Football Club in 2023, which drew him to the club, Huglin said. “He settled in well, he acclimatised within the walls and wanted to be a part, and we were more than happy to sit down and have that conversation with him,” he said. After the senior team moved from to the Eastern Football Netball League’s Division One in 2023 after a Divison Two premiership win in 2022, Huglin said he knew it would be a “very competitive” season. “We had a really good home and away season where we went through undefeated,” he said. “Unfortunately, in the [2023] grand final, Mitcham played the game of the year and had
Former coach at the Lysterfield Junior Football Club, Damien Newcombe (pictured) will coach the South Belgrave Football Club 19.5s. us covered for the game.” “We’ll learn from that - we’ve just got to strive to be that little bit better, come the right time of the year.” Huglin said while new signings have revitalised the club, there is already a formula in place for the club’s success. “With change comes a new environment and a new decision-making process,” he said. “[New senior coach] Heath Black will bring in his style and what he expects, he’ll have his minimum expectations.”
Ex-AFL player Luke Dunstan (pictured) is set to take on a midfield coaching role at the Belgrave South Football Netball Club. Pictures: SUPPLIED
Top weekend as cricketers relish two-day competition Two-day cricket kicked off for the first time since covid with some mixed results. Our 1s, 2s, 4s and U/16s had a win and unfortunately our 3s, 5s, Vets and U/12s had a loss but put up competitive performances. Two standout performances from two youngsters, with Ethan Knight making 50 not out in the U16s on Saturday morning. This was followed up in the 4s with Lachy Tilley taking a brilliant 5fer! A stunning display of bowling saw impressive figures of 5/27 off 11.3 overs. 1st XI - Monbulk 10/103 (B. Martin 30, A. Powell 23) def Rowville 10/87 (M. Auty 4/22, D. Cleary 3/11, D. Maher 2/28) 2nd XI – Monbulk 8/306 (B. Trinnick 147, L. Jurey 50, K. Storey 30) def Rowville 10/166 (T. Rickard 3/35, K. Storey 2/14) 3rd XI – TBC 4th XI – TBC 5th XI – Monbulk 10/110 (B. Brockwell 58) def by Silvan 1/121 (L. Hehir 1/32) Veterans - Monbulk 4/201 (D. Anderson 41*, B. Grigg 40*, T. Selby 42*, B. Haack 30) def by Upper Ferntree Gully 9/202 (J. Dixon 2/35, N. Haines 2/35) U16’s – Monbulk 4/144 (E. Knight 50*, S. Blenkiron 22*, W. Blenkiron 20) def Mountain Gate 10/65 (J. Fraser 3/12, B. Trinnick 2/11) U12’s - Monbulk 6/72 (K. Stone 14, B. McNamara 12, K. Payne 12) def by Lysterfield 4/83 (F. Crane 2/6, N. Phillips 2/4)
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Bowler Lachlan Tilley - 5/27 off 11.3 overs in the 4th XI.
Pictures: SUPPLIED
Batsman Ethan Knight - 50 not out in the U16’s. Tuesday, 31 October, 2023
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MiCare offers spacious and beautiful Residential facilities in three locations in Victoria
Victoria locations Overbeek Lodge - 736 Mt Dandenong Rd, Kilsyth VIC 3137 Margriet Manor - 722 Mt Dandenong Rd, Kilsyth VIC 3137 Avondrust Lodge - 1105 Frankston - Dandenong Rd, Carrum Downs VIC 3201 Visit www.micare.com.au to know more about each aged care facility
To know more, contact Susan Caithness M- 0498 818 045 E - susan.caithness@micare.com.au
The photograph of the Elder is for representation purpose only. 12629723-AV35-23
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Tuesday, 31 October, 2023
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