Tuesday, 14 January, 2025
Emergency service funding to boost SES and CFA
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence assumes new spot
Chateau Yering exhibition a go
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Vale to icon By Callum Ludwig Nearly 600 mourners gathered to remember a pillar of the Yarra Ranges community on Thursday 9 January. John William Anker, owner of Wandin Park Estate and a familiar face in a number of community groups and the equestrian scene, died on Boxing Day 2024. Hosted in the new Grand Marquee at Wandin Park Estate by Tobin Brothers Funerals of which Tom Tobin was John’s nephew, the hundreds in attendance came to celebrate John’s life and show their love and support to his wife Angela, children Emily, Sarah-Jane, Rebecca and William and extended family and friends. John’s son William, who he worked closely with on Wandin Park Estate up until his death, said the family were truly blown away by the turnout. “I had no idea and I don’t think Dad ever would have had any idea how many people, my cousin Tom Tobin, the organisers, thought they had nearly 600 or at least they think close to,” he said. Turn to page 6 for more
The Anker family assembled at the front of the Grand Marquee during the service held at Wandin Park Estate. (Rob Carew: 452861)
Feeding frenzy By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Dandenong Ranges’ Grants Picnic Ground has been a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers, however, concerns have arisen about the feeding of native birds, particularly cockatoos, by tourists. Local resident Lola Diaz first noticed the issue in 2017, observing tourists, especially those on bus tours, feeding the birds sunflower seeds, which she believed harmed the animals and dis-
rupted the local ecosystem. Ms Diaz said the lack of multilingual signage made it difficult for non-English-speaking visitors to understand the risks associated with feeding the birds, and despite her repeated complaints to Parks Victoria, the issue persisted. Her concerns were twofold: feeding could lead to birds becoming sick or overly reliant on human food, and the lack of clear communication led to confusion, particularly among inter-
national tourists. In 2020, Parks Victoria introduced a ban on feeding birds, acknowledging the problem but noting that enforcement remained a challenge. While rangers patrolled the area and signage was updated, Ms Diaz felt more action was needed to protect the wildlife. Experts warn that feeding native animals across Australia can lead to health problems and
disrupt natural behaviours. Ms Diaz’s efforts reflect a broader frustration among locals and conservationists who believe that better enforcement, multilingual signage, and stricter regulation of bird feed sales are essential to protect the wildlife at Grants Picnic Ground and ensure a sustainable balance between tourism and conservation. Read more on page 2
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