Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 25th November 2025

Dandenong Ranges

This is Waffles. He’s just one of many awaiting a permanent home through adoption from Animal Aid.

The six-year-old Siberian Husky is described as the fluffiest drama king around, thinking he’s part wolf, part comedian, and part professional singer.

If that super smiley face doesn’t win you over, then the crystal blue eyes might just have you racing down to Coldstream.

Each year around 6000 animals find their way to Animal Aid through no fault of their own.

As you’re dusting off the decorations, planning festive feasts and cherishing time with family and friends, why not add a donation to the list of things to do these holidays.

Do something a little different this year and give the gift of giving by visiting the shelter or their website.

RANGES TRADER FERNTREE GULLY BELGRAVE

CHRISTMAS IN COCKATOO Cockatoo comes alive

Cockatoo Country Market has been running for an amazing nine years, providing a family friendly, low-cost local event that brings the community together every month.

Excitement is building in the lead up to the main event of the year, the Christmas Twilight Market on Saturday 6 December from 3pm to 8pm at Alma Treloar Reserve, Cockatoo, proudly supported again by Ranges First National, Cockatoo and Belgrave.

With over 60 stalls offering a huge range of local products perfect for Christmas shopping, food trucks to delight your taste buds, family-

friendly entertainment plus free live music – the Christmas Twilight Market has something for everyone!

Remarkably, Cockatoo Country Market is wholly volunteer-run with 60 plus volunteer hours devoted to each monthly market, covering advertising, bookings, administration of the grants program, monthly committee meetings and market-day operations.

Now accredited in traffic management to comply with safety requirements, market days are even busier for the volunteers!

As well as supporting local business, the mar-

ket provides opportunities for local community groups to fundraise and attract new volunteers and participants for their programs.

A community barbecue is provided for community groups each month, adding to the fundraising and networking opportunities.

The market also contributes to the ongoing support and development of local community groups by offering Community Support Grants.

Over the past 10 years, the market has awarded over $30,000 to local groups for a variety of projects. Groups that have successfully received

a grant include youth, sporting, conservation/ environment, history and heritage groups, kindergartens and schools.

Kick start the festive season with a trip to Cockatoo and visit the wonderful Christmas Twilight Market on Saturday 6 December at Alma Treloar Reserve, 73 Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Cockatoo. Right next to the children’s playground!

Check out the Market’s social media pages for the latest event updates - facebook.com/@ cockatoocountrymarket/ and instagram.com/ cockatoocountrymarketinc/profilecard/

CHRISTMAS IN UPWEY/TECOMA

Deck the halls and windows

Businesses across the Yarra Ranges are being urged to get into the Christmas spirit by decorating their storefronts, as part of the council’s annual Christmas Window Competition.

The competition, which is now open for entries, aims to find the most festive store window via public vote.

Entries for businesses opened on Wednesday 5 November and will run until Wednesday 3 December, while public voting will open on Tuesday 25 November until Wednesday 10 December. If you are a business and want to be part of the fun:

• Upload your entry on the Yarra Ranges Christmas Window Competition 2025 Shaping Yarra Ranges page with a picture and a short description of your display.

• Make sure you include your business/shop name and suburb in the title.

• The shop with the most votes (or likes) for its window, at the end of the competition, will be one of four winners.

For residents wanting to support local business:

• Follow the Yarra Ranges Christmas Window Competition 2025 Shaping Yarra Ranges page (you need to be registered to Shaping Yarra Ranges), you will get a reminder email when voting opens.

• View the entries and vote by ‘liking’ to support your favourite.

• Be in the running to win one of four $150 vouchers by logging in/registering and leaving a comment on your favourite display.

The Shaping Yarra Ranges page can be found at shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/yarra-rangeschristmas-window-competition-2025.

Get in the festive spirit by entering or voting for your favourite Christmas window. (File)

CHRISTMAS IN UPWEY/TECOMA Lights galore for the Hills

Rolling through the streets and looking at the lights in December, leading up to Christmas, is a time-honoured tradition, and the hills are no exception.

From big to small, the lights are getting set up and here are a few of the top spots you can visit from Upwey into the outer east, leading into the foothills and beyond.

Coasting down Glenfern Road, Upwey will all see a number of houses all lit up in time for Christmas, and if you head into the township, the two regular solar fairy tree lights will soon be a little more Christmas themed.

Falls Road in Mount Dandenong, Wicks Road in The Basin, Forest Park Road and Moxhams Road in Monbulk, and Bayview Road in Emerald are also top spots.

A few trips to the local hardware store and the back of the shed will see yards and houses slowly fill with the creative bonanza of the Christmas Light display, and there may also be lights at Amphlett Avenue in Cockatoo, Fernglade Drive in Emerald and Harrison Street and Verbena Avenue in The Basin.

Further down the Mad Mile, Ferntree Gully is a bit of a hot spot, with lights on Hope Court, multi-

ple houses on Blucher Street, Salina Rise, Paringa Drive, multiple on Blackwood Court Road, Cutler Close, Rona Street, Chestnut Avenue, Hutton Avenue, Pearl Place, Kelvin Drive, Clyde Street, Richborough Grove and multiple on Cinerea Avenue.

Many houses pledge their displays to good causes, so it’s worth stepping closer to either scanning a QR code or donating a gold coin or two.

Some residents have been doing their displays for over 20 years and love every minute, with the lights on every year throughout the whole of December.

In Boronia, the places to be are Gertonia Avenue, Rathmullen Road, Medway Crescent, Denby Court, Army Road, Rawdon Court, Beresford Drive and Torresdale Drive.

From inflatables, walk-in displays, Christmas statues and more, head for a drive around the Hills to get into the spirit this year.

The lights can be programmed to music, so for some houses you can tune your radio in to listen from your car or walk up and listen from the street!

Look out for the light bulbs that actually sing along to the songs too!

CHRISTMAS IN EMERALD Santa is coming to Emerald

Emerald Fire Brigade is planning to run its exciting annual Christmas tradition, the Santa Run, on Sunday 21 December from 5pm to 6.30pm.

Santa will be distributing lollies to kids in the area, and there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase the famous Captain Koala.

The brigade’s social and events coordinator, Bianca Walker, said the team is excited to share the annual Santa Run with the community.

“We can’t wait to bring festive cheer to families across our community,” she said.

“This event is one of our favourite traditions, and we’re thrilled to continue it once again this year. Keep an eye out for the big red truck.”

Santa will start in Emerald at the corner of Poplar Cr and Nobelius St at 5pm, before heading to Chandler Reserve in Avonsleigh at about 5.20pm, and making his third stop at the Pepis Land carpark at 5.40pm.

His sleigh (truck) will make its fourth stop at the Gemco Theatre at 6pm, before making its final stop at St Marks Church at 6.15pm.

team at Bell Real Estate Emerald thank you for your support throughout the year and wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas and

CHRISTMAS IN EMERALD

Eight bins but one mission

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

This Christmas, Emerald Secondary College’s Year 8 SEAL class is stepping up to spread some festive cheer by leading a “Reverse Advent Calendar” project with the help of staff member, Katie Ryan.

The initiative, inspired by the students’ recent study of A Christmas Carol, encourages the community to donate non-perishable items at dropoff points in Emerald in the lead-up to Christmas and all donations will be packaged and delivered to the Foothills Community Centre in Ferntree Gully by 15 December.

“In Year 8 SEAL, we were reading A Christmas Carol, which is a story all about Scrooge and how horribly miser he is. And when talking about themes of the character redemption arc, students were talking about how they redeem themselves,” Ryan said.

“And one of the things that came up was, “oh, we could be helpful”. So we looked for ways to be helpful and one student, Jenna, came across the Foothills Community initiative for the Reverse Advent Calendar.”

The project has been entirely student-led, with the class creating posters, writing campus posts, emailing year-level leaders, and liaising with print classes to reach the broader community.

Ryan said she has loved watching the students take charge.

“It has been wonderful to watch the students lead in the learning, they have come alive through applied study and this project will sustain fixing itself into the curriculum for next year as well,” she said.

Eight donation bins have been set up across the school and in the wider Emerald community, including at Woolworths and IGA, which are partnering with the school.

“It’s a complete coincidence the Year 8s with their eight bins - the universe is speaking to us,” she said.

The Year 8 students took the school minibus into town to personally drop off the bins and meet the teams at Woolworths and IGA.

The initiative has also provided students with practical opportunities to develop communication and leadership skills.

“In today’s world, you often see kids on social media or inside…it was really nice to highlight them and spend time talking with them about how they could move outside of themselves into the community and support community initiatives,” Ryan said.

“Quite honestly, to care for others and to communicate is super important…seeing them talk to

people about something that has nothing to do with ‘what can I get?’ but instead, ‘what can we give to someone else?’ is such a nice shift.”

The project started about three weeks ago, with collections underway for the past week.

Ryan said it’s been heartening to see the school community embrace the initiative.

“We’ve got lots of donations, all my office is full of non-perishables,” she said.

“We’ve got a bin in all of our spaces. The library has taken one on, wellbeing is involved, all of the senior school office, the junior school office, and the main office, and then, of course, offsite and the canteen. The canteen lady brought in a lot of donations, and they’ve got some stuff going on in their bin.”

“It’s been really fantastic project so far.”

For student Ella Pearton, the project has made classroom study feel tangible.

She said it made her learning “real” and allowed her to “learn more and give more to people that need that.”

Ryan hopes the project continues to be an annual part of the Year 8 SEAL curriculum.

“I’m also teaching Year 8 HCL next year, so we’ll end again with A Christmas Carol, and we’ll talk through the redemption arc and end with the project again next year. It’s been quite successful, and it’s nice to get the kids out of the classroom and into the community,” she said.

Members of the community are encouraged to drop off donations of non-perishable food, clothes, or Christmas gifts at the school or participating supermarkets before 15 December.

CHRISTMAS IN EMERALD

Young Scouts do their bit

The Emerald Scout Group is aiming to make the festive season a little brighter for local families facing hardship, launching an ambitious Christmas hamper donation drive in partnership with the Fernlea Community House food bank.

The initiative, which is part of the Scouts’ Creating a Better World special interest area, is being driven by the Cub section. According to Scout Group registrar Lee-Arna Fitch, the project provides a valuable learning experience for the children.

“Having heard from Kerry at the Community House, it was really grounding for the kids to understand what some families are going through this time of year and the work that’s being done locally to address it,” she said.

“It helps them conceptualise what a family might need on the dinner table over Christmas and what might make someone’s Christmas a little bit more special.”

Fernlea Community House manager Kerry McGregor said this partnership with the Scout Group was “the perfect example of collaboration within the town”, the House would like to expand and see more of, to ensure it becomes a “shared community space” that “everyone has some ownership of”.

The Community House has identified at least 20 local families who regularly rely on the community food pantry and who would greatly appreciate a little something special over the festive season.

The Scouts have already enthusiastically started collecting donations from their own families, and are now reaching out to the wider community and local businesses, seeking non-perishable food, personal care items, and toys for the hampers.

They are particularly looking for “special” Christmas items like puddings, shortbreads,

jams, and chutneys, as well as easy-to-prep meal packages for families with limited cooking access.

“We are appealing to local businesses and any other interested community groups to support us with further donations or a financial contribution so that we can ensure the hampers are perfect for families at Christmas,” Lee-Arna said.

“We’ve already received some promising support from Emerald Newsagency and the Emerald Rotary group and look forward to collaborating with as many local businesses as we can.”

The Emerald Scout Group will also use their biggest annual fundraiser, the Christmas Tree Sales, as a collection point for the hamper drive.

Starting next weekend, from Saturday 29 November, through to Sunday 14 December, fresh Christmas trees will be sold every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 1pm at the Emerald Scout Hall.

When you buy your tree, you can also:

Bring along non-perishable food or personal care product donations for the hampers.

Make a monetary contribution, which will be used to buy essential hamper ingredients.

The tree sales are crucial, with the funds going towards subsidising camp fees for Scouts and maintaining essential gear like tents and equipment throughout the year. The group offers a selection process, allowing customers to choose the size and type of tree that suits their needs, with home delivery available.

Lee-Arna also stressed the ongoing need for support at the Community House food bank, which is currently under significant pressure from regular users.

“They’re helping people every week,” she said.

“Anything people can do to help those families would be amazing this time of year, especially when many services take Christmas leave.”

ALEXANDER NEIL and Associates Pty

Accounting

• Management & Financial Accounting

• GST Consulting

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• Book Keeping Services Taxation

• Individual Tax Returns

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We work jointly with our clients to achieve financial outcomes.

Thanking all our clients for their support during 2025, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year from the team at Alexander Neil.

Our last day for 2025 is December 23 & we reopen on January 7, 2026

To all our loyal customers, Darren & the team would like to thank you all for your support & look forward to seeing you all again in 2026. We will close for Christmas from December 23 & reopen for 2026 on January 5.

CHRISTMAS IN EMERALD

Festive family fun in town

Emerald families are invited to enjoy a magical day of Christmas fun as Emerald Co-op Mitre 10 teams up with Fernlea Community House to host a special children’s event designed to bring joy to the local community.

Created as an accessible and heartwarming alternative to the often costly shopping centre photo sessions, this family-friendly celebration promises a festive atmosphere filled with activities that children will love.

Young attendees can look forward to colourful face painting, creative arts and crafts, exciting gift bags, and the chance to take photos with Santa and Mrs Claus—memories sure to be treasured long after the decorations come down.

Parents are encouraged to bring along gold coins for the lucky dip, drinks, and BBQ, with all contributions helping to make the event even more special and to support the ongoing work of Fernlea Community House.

Tickets are just $5 per person, with free entry for children under two, making it a wonderfully affordable Christmas outing for families.

As an added bonus, one lucky ticket-holder will take home a special prize drawn on the day, adding even more excitement to the festivities.

Organisers hope this event will grow into a much-loved annual tradition for Emerald, bringing neighbours and families together to celebrate the magic of the season.

They also hope the day will give locals an opportunity to experience the warm, welcoming environment that has been created at Fernlea Community House—a space dedicated to supporting local families in whatever ways they need.

The team’s vision is for Fernlea to continue evolving as a trusted community hub, one that people can rely on throughout the year.

Event Details: • When: Sunday 7 December – 11am to 3pm

• Where: Fernlea Community House, Emerald

• Cost: $5 per person | Children under two free Come along, meet your neighbours, and en-

CHRISTMAS IN MONBULK

It’s your chance to win big

The festive spirit is in full swing at Monbulk Bowling Club as we get ready to bring some Christmas cheer to our wonderful community. This year’s Christmas Prize Draw promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with more than $2500 worth of prizes up for grabs. Whether you’re joining them for a meal, an end-of-year catch-up, or a few relaxed drinks, every visit gives you a chance to win.

From now until draw day, members and guests will receive one entry for every $20 spent on food or beverages in a single transaction. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy the club’s warm hospitality while building your chances of taking home an amazing prizejustintimeforChristmas.Withafantasticselection of items on offer – from premium home appliances to summer essentials – there’s something for everyone to get excited about.

The draw will take place on Wednesday 17 December at 5pm, and they’d love to see the club buzzing with locals as the winners are announced. Bring your family, gather some friends, and soak up the festive atmosphere as they celebrate another great year at Monbulk Bowling Club.

Looking for a fun and memorable way to celebrate the season with your workplace, sporting team, or social group? The Christmas Barefoot Bowls functions are the ideal end-of-year activity. For just $15 per person, you’ll enjoy a relaxed and entertaining session on the greens, complete with help from one of our experienced bowlers and all equipment provided. It’s a fantastic way to unwind, share a few laughs, and try something a little different.

To make your event even easier, catering options are available, allowing you to tailor the day to suit your group’s needs. Bookings are essential, so they encourage you to get in early to secure your preferred date.

For enquiries or bookings, please contact the club on 9756 6183.

Celebrate Christmas the Monbulk way – with community spirit, great company, and the chance to win big!

SEASONS GREETINGS

Christmas is just around the corner and I wanted to say thank you, and that it has been a pleasure working with you again this year.

Wishing you and your family all the best for the new year.

Jenni Nash jenni.nash@fletchers.net.au I 0498 147 355

fletchers.net.au

CHRISTMAS IN MONBULK

Santa stops at Monbulk

Monbulk CFA will be running its annual Santa Run on Christmas Eve, 24 December, from 1pm to 6pm.

Santa will be sitting on the back of the tanker as he goes around the streets of Monbulk, spreading the sweetness of Christmas with bags of lollies for the young ones.

The brigade’s captain, Glenn Hickingbathom, said locals can live-track Santa’s truck from their Facebook page.

“It’s always great to see all the smiling faces and people waiting out the front of their house or on the street corner for the truck to come when they hear the siren,” he said.

Hickingbathom said the Santa Run has become a yearly tradition that many families look forward to.

“It’s great to see kids, parents and families all out being happy and enjoying their time,” he said.

“There’s conversations that occur between our brigade’s volunteers and locals; because we are also part of our local community, it’s a great time for us to connect and put a face to the people who might help them one day.”

CHRISTMAS IN MONBULK

End year with festive cheer

As Christmas approaches, with less than a month to go, there is a sense of positivity and hope for an enjoyable 2026.

At Monbulk and District Community Enterprises Limited, we are proud to be a community-owned company operating on a profit-for-purpose model. This means that the revenue generated from customer banking, whether through loans or deposits, is reinvested back into the local community through grants, sponsorships and donations.

Since 2012, Community Bank Monbulk and District has contributed over $1.5 million back to our community and has grown to be one of the largest sources of community funding in Monbulk. An achievement that speaks volumes about the dedication of everyone involved. However, there is always more to be done, and we know that the continued success of our efforts depends on the support of the community banking with us. If you don’t already, we invite you to come along and meet our friendly, caring staff and see how we can help you.

This year, we’re excited to once again be the major sponsor of the Merry Monbulk Christmas Street Party, which will take place on 5 December, a magical evening with free family fun including rides, Santa’s grotto, Elves workshop, donkey rides, face painting and petting zoo, Twilight Christmas Market, brought to you by the Monbulk Produce Market, covering stocking fillers and Christmas gifts, local produce and food. Be delighted by Christmas carols and songs performed by local school choirs and bands. Continuing the Christmas theme will be local performer Kieran Galloway. We invite you to join us in celebrating the festive season with family, friends and neighbours. Additionally, the Open Door Community Care wishing tree will be available in-branch from early December, where you can select a tag and help a local child in need this

Friday5thDecember 5pm-8pm

CHRISTMAS IN MONBULK

A community that cares

In a world often defined by hustle and hardship, Monbulk’s Open Door Community Care reminds us all what it means to truly care. Nestled in the heart of Main Road, this not-for-profit organisation - powered by the Monbulk Care Network (MCN) is quietly transforming lives through compassion, connection, and community spirit.

With the recent acquisition of a second shopfront at 92 Main Road, Open Door is expanding its reach. Clothing, shoes, jewellery, and luggage will soon move across the road, while the original Op Shop will continue to offer books, homewares, craft, and produce. This thoughtful reorganisation isn’t just about space, it’s about creating a more welcoming, accessible shopping experi-

ence for everyone. The new store is expected to open just before Christmas, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers whose dedication is nothing short of inspiring.

But Open Door’s mission goes far beyond retail. As the festive season approaches, their focus shifts to ensuring no one in Monbulk feels forgotten. The annual Christmas Hampers and Wishing Tree Appeal are already underway, inviting locals to donate non-perishable treats and gifts. Whether it’s plum pudding, bon bons, or a toy for a child or even a present for an adult every contribution helps weave a stronger, more inclusive community fabric.

Donations can be dropped off at the Op Shop or placed under the Wishing Tree at Bendigo Community Bank Monbulk and District. It’s a simple act with profound impact: a reminder that generosity doesn’t require grandeur, just heart.

Open Door will also join in the Merry Monbulk Christmas celebration with late-night trading on Friday, December 5th. Shoppers can find festive decorations, tableware, and platters at prices that make giving easy and joyful.

This season, Open Door Community Care stands as a testament to what’s possible when a town rallies together. Their work is supported not only by volunteers but by local businesses and

the Monbulk Bendigo Bank, whose partnership amplifies the reach of every kind gesture. To all who give, serve, and support - thank you. And to the entire Monbulk community, may your Christmas be happy, safe, and blessed. Shop Hours:

• 9.30am -4.30pm Monday – Friday.

• Saturday: 9.30pm -1pm

• Closed from Christmas Eve 1pm

• Reopens on Monday 12 January Christmas at Open Door Community Church:

• Sunday 21 Dec 10am Carols Service

• Thursday 25 Dec 9.30am Christmas Day

CHRISTMAS IN BELGRAVE Support the growing need

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Each year in the lead-up to Christmas, the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS) becomes a quiet lifeline for families across the hills who would otherwise go without during the festive season.

The organisation is once again calling for donations of non-perishable food items and unwrapped gifts for children aged 0 to 17 to ease the pressure on families facing hardship at the end of the year.

DRERS chief executive officer Tania Bevan said the donations help parents and caregivers who have reached out for support throughout the year to still experience some joy at Christmas.

“We invite them along to our Christmas program in December, and they can choose the gifts they know their children would love,” she said.

“This is why we seek them unwrapped, so the parents can actually choose the gifts.”

While the toys and presents are vital, Bevan said the demand for food has grown even more sharply.

“There are people in our community that don’t need gifts, they don’t have children or young people in their lives. They just want food to share at Christmas. Socialising with others is a very important part of Christmas,” she said.

The families who come to DRERS are in a wide range of circumstances, and Bevan said every person’s situation is unique.

“The thing they have in common is they’re seeking assistance. It can be severe financial hardship, it could be stress because of family violence. There’s so many different reasons why people need help,” she said.

“There’s more people coming to us who actually have mortgages now. We never used to see people seeking assistance who had mortgages. The cost-of-living is affecting people across the board.”

Moments from the Christmas program stay with the team long after the season has passed.

Bevan recalled the visible relief people feel when they realise they’ll be able to give their children something special, or contribute to a family gathering.

“You can see it when their shoulders lift up and they know that Christmas is going to be a little bit easier,” she said.

One year, a donated bicycle happened to be

the exact gift a child had been hoping for.

“When the parent came in and saw the bicycle, they were overwhelmed, because that is what their child had asked for,” she said.

“It was one of those moments that you remember.”

Bevan said families with disabilities - whether parents or children often feel the strain more heavily at this time of year.

“Gift cards for the teenagers, because we all know teenagers can be difficult to get things for,” she said.

“Sporting goods are wonderful for the sevento-twelve age group, and the little ones are always easy, books and sporting equipment are great for all ages.”

Bevan said the community’s generosity is widespread - from individuals, families, and a range of community organisations and schools.

“There’s just so, so much support in the community, and we are so lucky to be the go-between the supporters and the people who need support. It’s a very privileged position that we’re in,” she said.

The Christmas program is also a welcome boost for the volunteers and staff who work yearround in emergency relief.

“It can be very hard work, and sometimes you hear some really sad things,” she said.

“So the Christmas program is a time where we get a lot of joy, it’s a wonderful program to be involved in.”

Bevan believes people in the Dandenong Ranges are already deeply aware of the needs around them.

“I think the people of the Dandenong Ranges are very switched on. I’m sure everybody knows somebody who’s struggling,” she said.

“If people don’t know how to help, or it’s beyond them, it’s good to tell others they can come and get help here, our service is confidential - it’s free.”

Donations of non-perishables and unwrapped gifts are accepted until DRERS closes for the year on 22 December, before reopening on 15 January.

Online donations can be made at any time through the DRERS website.

“We can’t do it alone,” Bevan said.

“Every time someone helps us, it goes a long way, and we’re really grateful.”

Carols on Mountain is 21

It’s our 21st year of Carols on the Mountain, and we look forward to our wonderful community joining this very popular annual highlight for the Hills!

Held in the beautiful natural amphitheatre of the Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve in Hilton Rd, Sassafras, the event this year is on Saturday, 13 December.

Gates open at 6pm, with Carols starting at 7pm.

Performers include a great line-up of local choirs, school show bands, local dance groups and students from the local primary schools.

Come down with the family for some Christmas Cheer.

The barbecue will be fired up, with sausages, hamburgers and veggie burgers available at modest prices. Cold drinks will also be available, along with a coffee van to keep the grownups caffeinated.

The Sassafras-Ferny Creek CFA Community Safety team will also be there to field questions you might have about the upcoming fire danger period.

A booklet with the full program of carols will also be available for sale.

As always, Santa will be arriving on the fire truck in plenty of time (a little earlier this year), so little ones will be able to get home to sleep off all the excitement.

Free parking is available in the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society gardens, so just follow directions from the event organisers.

This is a community event brought to you by the Sassafras Ferny Creek CFA, so your goldcoin donation at the entry gates would be greatly appreciated in support of the brigade.

The brigade would like to acknowledge our major event sponsors, which include Bendigo Bank, Daniela De Martino MP, Mountain Ash developments, Arthur Daley’s FTG, Parkers Real Estate, Dine Divine and Divine Pantry, Willis Conveyancing, ISA Building and Construction, Kerry Kulken’s Magic Shop, Ferny Creek Horticultural Society, Ranges First National Real Estate, Code 1 Services, Discount Animal Supplies Lysterfield, Bell Real Estate, Dandenong Ranges RSL, VIQ Financial advisors.It’s coming up for the 21st year of Carols on the Mountain, and the volunteer team are looking forward to seeing the wonderful community come along to the very popular annual highlight for the Hills!

CHRISTMAS IN BELGRAVE

Santa rolls through on 21st

Belgrave CFA will run its annual Santa Run on Sunday 21 December, the weekend before Christmas, from 9am until around midday.

Santa will be travelling through Belgrave on the back of the fire truck, waving to residents, handing out lollies, and spreading festive cheer to local families.

The beloved tradition gives the community a chance to see Santa up close while celebrating the hard-working volunteers who keep the town safe.

The brigade’s community safety coordinator, Bryce Mazzarella said the event is just as meaningful for the firefighters as it is for the families who greet them along the way.

“We love our community’s support, and this is our way of saying thank you to everyone,” he said. Mazzarella is encouraging the community to listen out for the fire truck’s sirens.

“Keep an eye on your streets and come outside to share a wave with Santa and the brigade as we make our way through the town,” he said.

CHRISTMAS IN BELGRAVE Support scouts, buy a tree

1st Selby Scouts Group is a growing local community group. Kids participate in fun and challenging weekly sessions at the old mud-brick Scouts Hall at Menzies Creek Reserve, plus occasional weekendoutdooradventureactivitiesandcamps.

Joeys and Cubs are challenged to try their best whilst learning new skills as they grow towards becoming Scouts. They acquire leadership and teamwork skills and learn about other local community groups like the SES, CFA and RSL. The ultimate aim is to empower kids to become the courageous, respectful, confident and creative leaders of tomorrow.

Selby currently offers Joeys, Cubs and Scouts groups. Joeys is for children aged five to eight years and is held on Wednesdays from 6-7pm. Cubs is for children aged eight to 11 years and is held on Wednesdays from 7-8.30pm. Scouts is for teenagers 11-14 years of age and is held on Thursdays 6.30pm - 8.30pm. If you are interested, please email gl.1stselby@scoutsvictoria.com.au.

The group’s major fundraiser is the annual Christmas tree event, where they deliver to customers’ homes throughout the hills. Trees are $90, including delivery, on Saturday 29 November, and Saturday 6, 13 and 20 December. You can preorder your tree via SMS on 0477 516 840 or email on 1stselbyxmastrees@gmail.com by the Wednesday prior to your chosen delivery date.

The Joeys and Cubs have lots of fun delivering the trees in their uniforms (with a touch of festive flair!) and customers love seeing who they’re supporting directly!

Finally, 1st Selby Scouts Group couldn’t run its annual Christmas tree fundraiser without the support of its group’s families, and Ranges First National Real Estate in Belgrave, who sponsor them every year by providing an advertising board in Menzies Creek. The Scout Group also gives its heartfelt thanks to the loyal customers who order a tree every year; they appreciate the ongoing support!

Ranges

Welcome to Clovelly Cottage. Nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges but still within close proximity to the Boronia Junction shopping precinct and amenities, it is a place our residents are proud to call home. Featuring abundant indoor and outdoor spaces with a choice of private sanctuaries and communal living, we are dedicated to delivering excellence in care and services that enable residents to live well and celebrate the autumn years of their life.

Tears flow as hundreds mourn Ben

Ben Austin, a miracle baby, made every second of his 17 years count while working towards becoming a PE teacher.

A talented athlete, his life revolved around sport. Heartbroken family and friends are in shock after the young man, full of promise, died following a freak accident at cricket training.

Hundreds of mourners packed the Junction Oval grandstands for his funeral. His parents remembered him as an endless source of pride and love.

Read more on page 4

Jace Austin and Tracey Austin, parents of Ben Austin and children, look on as the procession begins. (AAP Image/James Ross)

Forty and fabulous

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Emerald Secondary College celebrated a major milestone on Friday, 21 November, marking 40 years of learning and community with a gathering of past and present staff, as well as former students.

The get together day was filled with nostalgia, from campus tours and displays of old photographs and memorabilia to a slideshow presentation and afternoon tea.

Guests arrived from 3pm for tours of the campus before a welcome from principal James Barut in the EPAC, accompanied by short speeches.

Guests enjoyed a trip down memory lane, with many sharing stories with one another as they spotted familiar faces in old photographs.

Around 5pm, cakes were cut by two of the longest-serving staff members, Shane Closter, teaching since the school opened in 1985, and Melissa Stephens, who joined in 1997.

Vice president of the school council and one of the organisers, Kara Montoneri said she wanted the anniversary to bring people back together.

“It’s a great opportunity for current staff to see how strong the community this college has…and for people to come back, reminisce and catch up,” she said.

Former teachers also reflected fondly on their time at the school with Bev Williamson, who taught from 1987 to 2018, spoke of long-term home groups and school productions, while Ka-

Benoiton, who retired in 2023, remembered working with students with special needs and taking them on overnight camps.

Benoiton described the day as “nostalgic” and “uplifting.”

Montoneri said the celebrations showed just how strong Emerald Secondary College’s sense of community remains and hopes future students will enjoy the same lifelong connections.

Read the full story on page 9

Unique map gives big regional insights

By Tanya Steele

Key community players across the Yarra Ranges gathered in Belgrave on 14 November to participate in a unique exercise being run nationally on disaster preparedness.

The Yarra Ranges Council (YRC), in partnership with Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), hosted representatives from Warburton to Upwey and over 80 stakeholders, some from opposite ends of the Yarra Ranges, gathered for the session.

Clad in their socks, the groups began the day with introductions, then people began to walk across a printed fabric map of the region they live, work and respond in.

A representative from Disaster Resilience Australia led quite open conversations to draw out local information from several different perspectives.

Yarra Ranges Council Director Communities, Leanne Hurst, said on the day, the simulated scenario of a catastrophic fire event sparked some really rich dialogue on roles and responsibilities in an emergency, as well as how decisions are made across the response, relief and early recovery phases of an emergency.

“The Big Map provided us with a unique perspective of the hazards and risks we all live with, so it’s a powerful tool that is linking agencies with the community, to help strengthen those relationships while also building awareness,” she said.

Community members, including Upwey High School students, contributed great insights on their recovery priorities and asked direct questions of agencies.

With a large contingent of people having freshly moved to the Yarra Ranges in the last five years, it means some people haven’t been through major bushfire or flooding events at all - the number given was around 35 per cent of the population.

Representing CFA in Kalorama, long-term fire brigade member Virginia Porter said she thought it was an excellent exercise and highlighted the extent of our risk areas across the ridgetop.

“The communication between the various agencies and community groups was paramount and highlighted the different priorities in an emergency situation,” she said.

With the bigger picture being the recurring theme, organisations like CFA, SES, Yarra Ranges Council and more, ran through the scenario, with smaller non-government-led agencies like township groups, radio stations and food relief groups chipping in with their own priorities and

the realities of things that could be happening on the ground.

“The exercise showed that, as agencies, we need to focus more broadly and connect with the community to increase the benefits of the work we all do,” said Ms Porter.

The whole day continuously touched on the mental strain that is placed on the community when big climate and emergency events happen, and the necessity of having a safety net and proper coordination between the council, emergency services, and community groups to ensure effective response and support.

In the first days of an event, it was asked, How would people communicate? Check on their neighbours. Would family violence go up? Would schools go back? How are vulnerable and single-parent households coping?

Vice President of the Millgrove Residents Action Group (MRAG), Phil Pomaroff, said the exercise was a unique and interactive way to gain a better understanding of the place community lives.

“Importantly, the surrounding areas as well,” he said.

“Placing dots across the location of critical infrastructure around us, such as roads, bridges, telecommunications, emergency services, and community assets, the map gave insight into precious resources that could be drastically impacted by fire and flooding in extreme weather events,” he said.

“We learnt how all the emergency management services need to work together and how the community can play its part in a mock disaster scenario.”

Anecdotally, the facilitator mentioned that in times of disaster, there will always be community members who will step up and naturally create support for others.

Belinda Young from Mothers of the Hills was

Key community players across multiple organisations walked through a bushfire scenario, in turn bringing about vital connection and conversation. (Tanya Steele).

present on the day and said via social media that being part of this community-wide conversation was an important step in strengthening how our local families prepare and connect.

Lilydale SES Unit Controller Shaun Caulfield said the Big Map was an excellent way for community and emergency services, as well as support agencies such as the council.

“To connect with each other, in a unique way – it gives a unique perspective to the landscape, and was well facilitated, and ensured a wide range of community voices were heard by those that respond in different ways to emergencies and crises,” he said.

“It gives communities a sense of empowerment during a time when they can be at their most vulnerable.”

“The Big Map is a useful tool to engage with the community and help them better plan and prepare for any potential disaster,” said Mr Pomaroff.

Ms Hurst said, having now run this session with agencies and other stakeholders, Yarra Ranges has identified some enhancements that will be incorporated into a session for community members in the future.

The exercise hopefully creates real, actionable opportunities that will, in turn, be used to strengthen disaster resilience and improve emergency planning at a local level. Established in 2016, Disaster Relief Australia is a veteran-led not-for-profit that brings together the skills and experience of veterans and other dedicated volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters.

Big Map will hopefully be run for all community in early 2026 and will offer anyone who lives in the Yarra Ranges to learn and connect in a safe and productive way.

“We encourage anyone interested in learning more to keep an eye out for future events and to get involved,” said Ms Hurst.

Preparation and fire prevention key: Police

By Callum Ludwig

With the Fire Danger Period imminent for the Yarra Ranges, local police are urging residents to be prepared and aware of the dangers of fire season.

Planning is key to surviving a fire event but police also want residents to understand the consequences for any reckless or intentional behaviour that causes fires.

Local area commander for the Yarra Ranges, Inspector Lee Coulthard-Clarke, said they’re expecting the fire danger period to start in the Yarra Ranges in late November or early December, and it’s really important that people understand that fires are likely to start, especially in hot, dry or windy weather.

“We all need to be aware of our surrounds in respect of fire, Victoria Police is committed to the ‘You Light It, You Own It’ campaign which is being run by Crime Stoppers and it’s important to know that any spark can start a fire,” she said. “There is a penalty for recklessly starting a fire and that’s up to 15 years imprisonment and police will take action for those who recklessly light fires or deliberately light fires. We have a zero tolerance approach around that.”

Residents need to be wary of causes of fires such as sparks from farm machinery or power too, leaving campfires unattended or burning off without a permit.

Inspector Coulthard-Clarke said she’d also like to ask people that if they see behaviour that could lead to a bushfire, they report it to their local police, Triple Zero or Crime Stoppers either by phone or online.

“The details that you should include or look to include in your report are the time, the place, the age of the person or persons, weight, height, hair colour, clothing and any vehicle description and police will then use that information to make relevant inquiries to identify those people,” she said.

“Going back to the Montrose fire, it was the observations of the local community that led us to identify those responsible. Locally in the Yarra Ranges, we’ll be running a dedicated fire patrol during the fire danger period, which uses an intelligence-led approach to identify areas of interest or persons of interest who have previously been known to deliberately light fires in our community.”

Police encourage all residents to refresh themselves on their fire plan and if they don’t yet have one, to make one now. Inspector Coulthard-Clarke said if the Fire Danger Rating is extreme or catastrophic, you are risking your life if you wait and see if fire is coming.

“We can’t guarantee the presence of police or other emergency services during an evacuation time and we can’t always ensure that we can evacuate you so please look at the warnings and leave early,” she said. “I would encourage everyone to download the VicEmergency app so that you can be proactive in keeping your eyes out for those warnings… the Montrose fire was so unexpected, being extreme and in the middle of the night, it caught everyone unaware.”

“Our main remit is around traffic management and evacuation, and we support the control agency to do those things as best we can… we are in constant communication with our other agencies, so we can be absolutely prepared as possible for any emergency, whether that be flood, fire or otherwise.”

IN BRIEF

Police procedures probed after death

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Trigger warning: this article contains references to suicide, if you or someone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

A Ringwood woman, who died by suicide while being held at the Knox Police Station, was left unobserved for one hour and 26 minutes, despite police identifying that she required frequent checks, a coroner’s court has found.

The 40-year-old woman died in hospital the following day after police discovered her unresponsive in her cell on the evening of 2 December 2021.

During the hearing in Melbourne on 12 November 2025, Coroner Audrey Jamieson ruled her death was “preventable” and that a series of delays, missed welfare checks and failure to follow risk-management procedures contributed to the fatal outcome.

According to the Coroner’s findings, Victoria Police was aware of the woman’s heightened risk.

Her vulnerability was documented in LEAP and E-Justice warnings, which recorded her of being at “risk of suicide or self-harm” and this information was known to the officers responsible for her care and despite this, Coroner Jamieson found that completion of her Dynamic Risk Assessment was “delayed.”

Although police policy recommended a sui-

cide-resistant blanket for detainees assessed as being at risk, the Coroner found that police issued her a ‘standard’ blanket.

Further Coroner Jamieson’s findings showed that from around 6.30pm, the woman required Level-Three observation, meaning in-person checks and engagement every 30 minutes, however, no physical checks were carried out between 6.32pm and 7.58pm.

During this period, she made two earlier attempts to harm herself before passing away between 7.11pm and 7.13pm.

“Any (Level-Three) physical check conducted approximately 30 minutes after the last (at 6.32pm) was likely to have disrupted her self-injurious activities,” Coroner Jamieson said.

Instead, she remained unresponsive and unnoticed in her cell for 45 minutes before officers entered the cell and commenced CPR.

While the Coroner could not say whether earlier intervention would have changed her clinical outcome, she found the delay deprived her of a chance at earlier assistance.

The custody supervisor on duty was found to have “failed to ensure custody staff undertook the tasks required to ensure (her) health, safety and welfare” during the critical period.

Coroner Jamieson said it was unclear whether this failure resulted from inadequate handover, unclear tasking, competing operational demands, or a combination of factors.

Broader systemic issues were also identified within Victoria Police policies and practice guides.

Coroner Jamieson stated key terms relating to mental health and self-harm, including “risk of suicide or self-harm,” “self-inflicted trauma,” “likelihood of self-harm or suicide,” and “imminent risk of suicide or self-harm,” were not clearly defined.

The absence of clarity, she said, may affect officers’ understanding of risk levels and appropriate responses.

Coroner Jamieson also highlighted a lack of guidance on what qualifies as “new information” that should trigger a revised self-harm rating and emphasised that demeanour and denial of suicidal ideation are “unreliable” indicators of safety.

To prevent similar deaths, the Coroner recommended that Victoria Police display required observation levels for each detainee within the Watch House, clarify mental-health-related terminology in the Victoria Police Manual and practice guides, provide further training on assessing risk and seeking CHAL advice, and improve the recording of handovers to ensure all relevant information is communicated.

“Given the cumulation of failures and delays identified above, I find that [her] death could have been prevented,” Coroner Jamieson said.

Teenager charged with armed robbery

Police charged a teenage boy following an attempted armed robbery at Lilydale Railway Station on Sunday afternoon, 23 November. It is alleged the victim, an 80-year-old Lilydale man, was in the railway station carpark off Main Street when he was approached by a male on a scooter about 1.50pm.

The boy allegedly produced a knife and made demands for the victim’s wallet. When the victim refused, the boy allegedly slashed him with the knife before fleeing. The man was transported to a medical centre with non-life-threatening injuries. The 16-year-old from the Yarra Ranges area was located on Main Street a short time later and arrested. He has since been charged with attempted armed robbery, recklessly causing injury, intentionally causing injury, possession of a controlled weapon and common law assault. He was remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Early afternoon accident in Ferntree Gully

The early afternoon of 20 November saw one person end up in hospital after multiple emergency responders attended the scene.

Ambulance Victoria paramedics responded to reports of an incident in Ferntree Gully at about 1:25pm near the intersection of Commercial Road and Wattletree Road.

Victoria Police and one CFA unit from Ferntree Gully attended the scene, alongside VICSES, FRV, Ambulance Victoria and Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic road crews.

“One person was transported by road ambulance to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition,” said a media spokesperson from Ambulance Victoria.

Crews declared the scene under control by 1:33pm and deemed safe at 1:44pm.

Precious medals stolen

Knox Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a burglary in Wantirna South earlier this month.

Releasing stock images to hopefully find out more, the alleged theft has seen personal items and two medals taken from the property.

Police say that it is understood an unknown offender gained access to a residence on Buchan Court sometime between 3pm on Wednesday, 5 November and 7pm on Thursday, 6 November.

No one was home at the time. A number of personal items were stolen, including The Order of Australia medal and the distinctive Tobruk Rats medal, which was awarded in 1941 and is only one of 20 ever made. Investigators have released sourced images of the medals in the hopes that someone can provide information on their whereabouts. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Timely reminder for hikers

Yarra Ranges National Park is an amazing place for camping and hiking - but are you prepared for when nature calls?

19 November was World Toilet Day and the Conservation Regulator Victoria has reminded park-goers of appropriate bush poo etiquette.

“If you don’t dispose of human waste properly, it can pollute water, spread disease, and impact native wildlife,” they said. Try to go before you go (hiking) and help keep our beautiful Yarra Ranges National Park clean.

Editorial

Tears as teen cricketer Ben Austin farewelled

By Rachael Ward, Aap

Still learning to drive and working towards becoming a PE teacher, Ben Austin was a miracle baby who made every second of his 17 years on earth count.

His heartbroken family and friends are still in shock that a young man so full of promise never came home from cricket training after a freak accident in which he was struck in the neck by a ball.

Hundreds of mourners in football and cricket guernseys packed grandstands at Junction Oval in Melbourne for his funeral, tears streaming down their faces.

A talented young athlete, Ben’s life revolved around sport and the year 11 student had his sights set on becoming a physical education teacher and AFL boundary umpire.

His parents Jace and Tracey remembered their firstborn as an endless source of pride and love, a cheeky boy who was their entire world.

“Most people count their years, but you made your years count,“ Mr Austin said at Thursday’s ceremony.

“Thanks for choosing mum and me to come on your tour, what a tour it was.

“Great knock Benny, well played son.“

Ben was batting in the nets in Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s east, on October 30 when he was struck in the neck with a ball.

He was wearing a helmet at the time and the bowler was using a “wanger“ - a plastic instrument used to sling a ball, witnesses said.

Mr Austin described it as a tragic accident which was no one’s fault, encouraging his son’s mates to continue playing cricket.

Tracey Austin thanked her “darling boy“

for making her a mother after she was told she wouldn’t be able to have children.

“How do I do life without you? This is just like a bad dream that I can’t wake up from,“ she said in a tribute read by a family friend.

Ben always put others’ interests above his own and would never be forgotten, friend Hudson Reid said.

Mate Cooper Wood described him as more of a brother than a friend.

“Loyal, funny, caring and always there when you needed him, he had a way of making you feel like you mattered,“ he said.

Ben loved to watch cricket at Junction Oval but never got to play on the field.

Instead his hearse completed a lap around

Cardinia Shire

Cardinia Shire Council is excited to present the 2025 Cardinia Shire Carols by Candlelight. Join us for an evening filled with music, fun, and activities!

Saturday 6 December from 4:30pm

Toomuc Recreation Reserve, Pakenham

For more information, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/christmas

Stay updated on the latest news from across the shire by following us on Facebook and subscribing to our Connect+ e-newsletter! www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/connect

the ground in his honour before he was laid to rest at a private burial.

A Collingwood tragic, Ben’s coffin was emblazoned with the AFL club’s logo and a premiership cup was also on display at the service.

A ripple of laughter erupted at the end of the solemn funeral as mourners were asked to sing the Pies song, instantly lifting the mood and bring a smile to grieving faces.

Family friends and coaches described him as the heart of his teams and, despite his competitive nature, someone who never hesitated to help anyone else out.

“The siren has gone, the stumps are drawn, but Ben, your spirit still plays on,“ friends said in a poem.

HaveYourSay

shape Cardinia Shire’s rating system

Cardinia Shire Council invites community members to express interest in joining a panel that will help shape how rates are applied across the shire.

A group of 30 residents will be independently selected to form a representative panel of ratepayers from different property categories. The panel’s input will play a vital role in Council’s review of its rating strategy.

To ensure an equitable and transparent process, it’s important that the community panel represents all ratepayer categories and that our community has a voice in shaping the review.

Expressions of interest are open until 5pm on 9 December. Applicants must be aged 18 years or older.

An independent facilitator will support the panel through the deliberative engagement process, which will involve two half-day sessions on Sunday 8 February and Sunday 22 February.

For more information, or to register your interest, visit cardinia.vic.go.au/haveyoursay

Local perspective of optics, treatment of women in politics

By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP

From the first woman elected to the Victorian Parliament in 1933 to the first female Premier in 1990, this year marks a significant and historical moment for the Victorian Liberal Party.

Kew MP Jess Wilson being elected as the leader of the Liberals marks a new chapter for the major party, and irrespective of political alignment, it’s a positive step forward for women in government.

Politically engaged Yarra Ranges resident and former council candidate Amy Muratore said, optically, having two female leaders is positive but women are not “necessarily exclusively (recognised for) their experience and leadership qualities”.

“I think Jess Wilson is going to be an excellent opposition leader. She’s incredibly intelligent and she’s a great communicator, and obviously has a wealth of experience,” she said.

“However, we need to acknowledge that the goalposts and the way in which women in positions of leadership are judged is far different to the way men are judged.”

Ms Muratore said she would hope the tropes and stereotypes that are typically rolled out when women are in “positions of power”, like their age, whether they have children and what they’re wearing, can be left behind.

Drawing comparisons between the election ofSussanLeyasFederalLiberalPartyleaderand Ms Wilson, both rising to power during times of unsteadiness, Ms Muratore said it would take the full backing of the party to ensure Ms Wilson was respected for her leadership.

“When it comes to women in positions of leadership, it takes the people who stand behind them, and also the men that are in the

room, when that leader, who is in charge is making the decisions and calling the shots, that they stand by their leader.

“She’s a young, 35 year old, very new MP. Yes, she’s experienced. Yes, she worked for the treasurer. But it will be really interesting to see how the senior men in the Liberal Party respond to having to take orders from her.”

Describing Ms Ley’s appointment as that of “a sacrificial lamb”, Ms Muratore said she felt that her role was undermined by a need to rebuild the party brand.

It could also be a “glass cliff” scenario, a term coined by Australian National University gender equality expert Michelle Ryan and her research partner Alex Haslan, the idea of women and people from minority groups, being thrust

into leadership roles during times of crisis.

With more than two decades of parliamentary experience under her belt, Ms Ley was “incredibly qualified” for the job, Professor Ryan said.

“But the timing definitely suggests that it’s somewhat of a glass cliff,” she told AAP in May.

“The fact that they’ve come out of an unprecedented loss at an election, and this is the first time a woman is leading - I don’t think those two things are unconnected.”

Jacinta Allen, who was elected as Labor Party leader after the resignation of Daniel Andrews, Ms Muratore said was “surrounded by a great group of senior and experienced women who are part of the optics and part of the messaging”, making the two parties “apples and oranges”.

She hoped Ms Wilson had the same support network.

As for the outward encouragement for more women to join all levels of government, Ms Muratore said it would “come down to how both women are treated in the media” and just treated in general. It would require less “gendered rubbish” and a focus on good policy to shift the tide.

Five years ago Ms Muratore ran for council and one of the most asked questions was how she was going to “juggle it with being a mother”, something she doubted male candidates were asked.

“If people are looking to our two senior women leading the state, and they’re actually criticised and critiqued based on leadership and policy, maybe (it will encourage more women).

“But the global trend of women in politics, it’s really depressing. More and more women are not entering because they don’t feel safe to do so, and the women that are, are behaving like

men to get to the top.”

With a historic number of women elected to Federal Parliament in the 2025 election, Australia’s reportcard in the global ranking system jumped 11 places to be 13th out of 146 in the Global Gender Gap Index.

In Victoria, 50 per cent of parliament representatives are women. The Liberal Party has 12 female MPs across the upper and lower house from the 32 MPs, including Ms Wilson.

“I’m hopeful that perhaps it will influence the next generation of kids that are politically activated,” Ms Muratore said as a teacher by trade. “It’s going to be a really interesting time having two women against each other. I think the optics of a young, let’s face it, conventionally attractive, good communicator in the Liberal Party against Jacinta Allen, who has been framed as older, tired, all this kind of stuff will be an interesting thing to watch.”

Women For Election was also contacted for comment and perspective. A response is being prepared.

Libs leader welcomed by Eildon MP Cindy McLeish

By Mikayla van Loon, with AAP

The Victorian Liberal Party has seen its third change in leadership in under 12 months but this time, in a historic step, a woman is at the helm.

Opposition Leader and Berwick MP Brad Battin lost the top job to Kew MP Jess Wilson on Tuesday morning, 18 November, after a successful spill.

The 35-year-old is the state party’s third leader in 11 months after John Pesutto was dumped and replaced by Mr Battin in late December.

The first-term millennial MP is the first woman to be elected leader of the party, helping also make history with both Labor and Liberal now led by women.

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish congratulated Ms Wilson on her appointment and said it is a positive step for women in politics and the Liberal Party, noting several positions held by women.

“The election of Jess Wilson, the first female leader of the Victorian Liberals, speaks volumes,” she said.

“The Liberal Party now have a federal and state leader which are positive steps.”

Ms McLeish also pointed to the Northern Territory’s Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, and newly appointed State Director of the party, Alyson Hannam, also the first woman to hold the position.

Bringing the state budget back under control, ending the “crime crisis”, boosting healthcare and increasing home ownership were among Ms Wilson’s top priorities heading into the November 2026 election.

“Victorians have a clear choice,” Ms Wilson said.

“A choice between a tired, out-of-touch Labor government or a new generation Liberal team.”

Supportive of both Ms Wilson as a person and a leader, Ms McLeish was pleased to see Ms Wilson take the reins.

“Jess is an amazing talent who has an incredible work ethic. She understands the need for a clear vision so that the state can get ahead. She has a policy focus and a strong grasp of the miserable state of Victoria’s economy,” she said.

“Complexity isn’t a deterrent; rather, it’s a challenge. At the same time, Jess has a young family and knows what it is like to juggle a career

and motherhood.”

Portfolio changes haven’t yet been established but some key positions have been decided.

Former tennis ace turned MP Sam Groth fended off David Southwick to remain the party’s deputy leader.

Bev McArthur replaced David Davis as the party’s upper house leader, with Evan Mulholland retaining his upper house deputy position to round out Ms Wilson’s leadership team.

The leadership coup sets up a head-to-head battle between Ms Wilson and Premier Jacinta Allan to run the state. Former opposition leader Michael O’Brien said Ms Wilson was the premier’s “worst nightmare”.

Ms Wilson is viewed as a more electorally potent challenger to Labor as a member of the party’s moderate wing and a young mother with business savvy.

The former staffer to ex-federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg has previous experience as a Business Council of Australia executive and was immediately elevated to the key portfolio of education after entering parliament in 2022.

Mr Frydenberg immediately thrust his backing behind Ms Wilson, declaring she “has what it takes to lead the state”.

“I have seen first-hand her ability to get across complex policy and to communicate ideas effectively and with empathy,” he wrote on social me-

dia.

Ms Allan, who took over from Daniel Andrews as premier after his retirement in September 2023, deflected when asked if she faced a tougher election fight with Ms Wilson as Liberal leader. “No matter who is the leader of the Liberal Party, they’re still a Liberal,” she said. The coalition will need to gain at least 17 extra seats to form a majority government. The Liberals and Nationals have been out of power in Victoria for all but four years since the turn of the century.

Tensions within the Liberals have simmered since a crushing defeat at the 2022 election, spilling into a defamation lawsuit launched by firstterm MP Moira Deeming against Mr Pesutto.

BUSHFIRE PREPAREDNESS Preparing for fire season

By Gabriella Vukman

With the arrival of a bushfire season that is forecast to be particularly potent in the Yarra Ranges, preparation is key to protecting the local area and its people.

While each region of the Yarra Ranges is affected differently by bushfire and therefore has its own set of actions specific to each individual landscape, there are some universal initiatives that can be taken by all residents to preserve their own safety, as well as that of the local area. Have a Bushfire Plan

When it comes to preparing for fire season, it is common knowledge that it is better to get out as early as possible. But what do you do if you don’t have much warning?

According to the Country Fire Authority, a bushfire plan should answer the following questions;

1. Which Fire Danger Rating is your trigger to leave?

2. Will you leave early that morning or the night before?

3. Where will you go?

4. What route will you take - and what is your alternative in the event that a fire is already in the area?

5. What will you take with you?

6. What do you need to organise for your pets and livestock?

7. Who do you need to keep informed of your movements?

8. Is there anyone outside your household who you need to help or check up on?

9. How will you stay informed about warnings and updates?

10. What will you do if there is a fire in the area and you cannot leave?

Vice President of the Millgrove Residents Action Group Phil Pomaroff said, “bushfire preparedness is having your plan, and these days the advice is to have a resilient property plan, but also that you have a ready-to-go-box with items such as a battery operated radio, key documents and key information.”

“You should leave as early as you can. You sometimes don’t get a lot of notice about fire advancements or the change of wind directions that can occur. So having a simple plan to get out as soon as possible and keep aware of what’s going on is important,” he said.

Mr Pomeroff also suggested that residents download the VicEmergency Application on their phones.

What To Do With Pets

No one likes to think about what to do with their pets in the case of a bushfire, so Community Safety Coordinator at the Kalorama CFA, Virginia Porter, has done the thinking for the community.

Focusing on dogs, Ms Porter wishes to prompt the community to plan where they will go and what they will do with their pets on days with severe fire warnings.

Finding that many people feel as though they cannot leave the area, due to having pets, Ms Porter sought to address this issue.

“What we found is that a lot of people won’t leave because they can’t take their dogs with them,” Ms Porter said.

“We want to make sure everyone can leave, as soon as possible, before a fire strikes. We want people to leave on an extreme or a catastrophic day when there’s no fire in the area so that they’re out before something happens.

“Especially up in the Dandenongs, if a fire starts up there on one of those days, it’s going to impact people very, very quickly. So we want their plans to be that they’re going to leave before there is a fire.”

Ms Porter has compiled a list of dog-friendly activities and places to visit on extreme fire danger days.

“There’s dog-friendly cafes, there’s dogfriendly pubs and bars, breweries, there’s paths and beaches that you can take them to,” she said.

“You can take your dog to work with you, if you have that discussion with your employer beforehand.

“You can go down to Studley Park Boathouse, hire a rowboat and take your dog for a row on the Yarra River. There are whole sections of dogfriendly shops in South Yarra and all sorts of different things people can do.”

Ms Porter’s list of dog-friendly destinations in-

cludes parks and beaches, various activities, dogfriendly accommodation, cafes, breweries, shops, pubs and bars.

The full list can be found on the Kalorama Fire Brigade’s Facebook page.

In terms of other pets, Ms Porter suggests purchasing carriers for cats and other small animals, and securing access to large open areas with water sources for livestock and larger animals. Making Your Home More Fire Resilient

While property owners are always advised to leave in the instance of a fire, there are ways to mitigate fire damage to property.

First among Vice President of Millgrove Residents’ Action Group Phill Pomeroff’s list of property protection types is guttering.

“You have got to install fire guards in your guttering. That is priority number one,” he said.

“Most fires occur through ember attack, so the fire might be five kilometres from you, but the

embers can fly over, and if they get into your roof or under your house, they can start their own fire.

“It is essential to have your roof protected from anything getting into it, which can be done with guttering, but it is also important to have venting and guards to protect underneath the house, through allowing air to flow and stop the embers from getting in.”

Ensuring gardens, wood and trees are cut back from, and moved away from the house is another suggestion of Mr Pomeroff’s.

Member of Healesville Community Emergency Group, Graeme George, suggested other actions on top of fuel reduction for rural areas outside of townships.

The Healesville Community Emergency Group has created a plan for whole landscapes that takes weather patterns and terrain into account.

The plan recommends a tripartite approach

to the mitigation of impacts from fire, including fuel reduction, the protection of forests that are regenerating and landscape modifications that slow wind speeds, provide heat shields and trap embers to protect assets.

Mr George told the Star Mail in October, “We live in a very fire-prone environment, but our problem now with climate change is that fires are more frequent, they’re more intense, and in combination with past logging practices and prescription burning, there’s too much fire in the landscape and it’s doing too much long-term damage to ecosystem resilience.”

“The critical amount of fuel is the fuel within 100 metres of an asset. Houses are most likely to burn down if there’s fuel within 100 metres of them,” Mr George said.

Finding that the risk of fast-moving fires on open farming landscapes where original tree covers have been removed has been overlooked, the Healesville Community Emergency Group’s Bushfire Mitigation Plan recommends the installation of wind breaks on open landscapes.

Situated away from assets, these windbreaks can be formed from native vegetation and, along with slowing strong winds, can double as habitats for local wildlife.

Mr George said, “there’s shelter belts that can be designed with a slope to them so they can lift the wind over assets that you want to protect, such as livestock in a refuge paddock, or a house or other farm infrastructure.”

“The shelter belts need to be species that are less flammable than our native vegetation, which means moving away from the stringy barks, pine trees, conifers and tea trees, which can lift the fire into the canopy very quickly,” he said.

According to Mr George, keeping paddocks closely grazed is another action landowners can take to mitigate bushfire damage.

When it comes to bushfire preparedness and protection, Mr George insisted that the community is key.

“The government and the CFA’s approach to making communities safer is that community involvement is critical to getting good outcomes,” Mr George said. “We can’t rely on agencies to do all the work for us. The community has to get behind it, they’ve got to support the agencies, and particularly landowners have got to do their bit.”

Mr George encourages locals to go along to the Healesville Community Emergency Group’s meetings, attend events such as forums and trivia nights and help out.

BUSHFIRE PREPAREDNESS

Keeping up with the literature and being in touch with the local fire brigade were also among Mr George’s recommendations.

Chair of the Kalorama Mount Dandenong Fuel Management Group, Virginia Porter, noted that when it comes to property maintenance, it is important that everyone takes responsibility for their own property, for themselves and for the sake of their neighbours and local community.

According to Ms Porter, efforts that individuals need to implement include maintaining their properties and creating their fire plan.

Ms Porter said, “What we’re telling people in Kalorama and Mount Dandenong might differ from what people are being told in Sassafras and Ferny Creek, so they need to go to their local brigades. And most of the local brigades that I know of are having community events in the lead up to summer.”

“Kalorama-Mount Dandenong Brigade actually has a service called Property Advice Visits where trained people will go out and walk around the property with the property owner and give them advice on what they need to do.”

The Kalorama Mount Dandenong Fuel Management Group meets every second month and will be hosting drop-in sessions where the community can bring their fire plans in for discussion.

Ms Porter said, “We’re also always looking for people who are keen to come along and give us a hand when we need it.“

Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Director Forest and Fire Operations for Port Phillip Region, Tamara Beckett, noted that the responsibility of fire preparation and risk management does not fall on home-owners alone.

Along with property maintenance such as trimming trees, keeping up to date with information and having a fire plan, Ms Beckett said, “Businesses, community organisations and agencies all need to work in tandem to prepare and minimise risk.”

The installation of water sprinklers on roofs is also highly recommended.

Check in With Your Local CFA

Due to the varying topography, flora and fauna, and climates of the Yarra Ranges, there are specific fire preparedness and risk mitigation practices that are suggested for individual suburbs.

Member of the Warburton Emergency Planning Group Gordon Buller said, “The best advice I can give the local community in terms of bushfire preparedness is to chat to their local CFAs and go to their open days.”

“They have got heaps of written information that you can take home in the form of a handful of brochures,” Mr Buller said.

“They have got all the information you need on how to prepare your house, how to prepare yourself, how to leave early and what to take, what to do with your kids and your dogs and your animals and horses or whatever you’ve got.”

“The CFA guys are always happy to talk and help out, so people should really go and make use of that.”

According to Chair of the Kalorama and Mount Dandenong Fuel Management Group, Virginia Porter said, “What we’re telling people in Kalorama and Mount Dandenong might differ from what people are being told in Sassafras and Ferny Creek, so they need to go to their local brigades.”

“And most of the local CFAs are having community events in the lead up to summer.

“Kalorama-Mount Dandenong Brigade actually has a service called Property Advice Visits where trained people will go out and walk around the property with the property owner and give them advice on what they need to do.”

Environmental Scientist Graeme Lorimer confirmed that every location in the Yarra Ranges is affected by fire differently.

“Each particular location has its own unique aspects and vegetation, and subsequently, needs to be considered on its own merits,” he said.

“There is a lot of online information that can guide people so that they get more specific information that’s tailored to them.”

Mr Lorimer used Montrose environmental features as an example.

“In Montrose, there are north-facing steep slopes, there are south-facing slopes, there are urban areas, there are larger properties, including some of the ones that got burnt last March and each of them has different requirements,” Mr Lorimer said.

“Everybody though, should be paying attention to what the official guidance is for a property like theirs and they need to be aware that things are changing almost year by year, not just because each season is different from the last but because climate change has completely changed the way

that we have to manage bushfires.”

The Yarra Ranges - A Changing Landscape Mr Lorimer noted that new weather patterns are among the effects of climate change, and alter the patterns of bushfire.

“Going back 20 years ago in Montrose, we’d always say you need to be principally concerned about the strong northerly winds after a very dry period, and also the south westerly change after one of those northerly winds so you should be looking to your north, particularly and looking to your southwest,” Mr Lorimer said.

“Now we get really strong winds from the northeast and that’s changing. Almost yearly, we’re seeing a trend towards different wind directions, such as more winds like over recent weeks.”

“We have had so much more strong wind than historically and fuels are changing, vegetation is changing in response to climate change, and so people need to be alert, firstly to what the guidance is online from the authorities like the CFA and CSIRO but they also need to keep up to date and understand how things are changing.”

Professor in Bushfire Behaviour Trent Penman noted that climate change is already negatively impacting ecosystems and could lead to increased risk of fire and severe weather.

“We really need to have some hard conversations about what environments we are wanting to keep around in the future and what that means

Chair of the Kalorama Mount Dandenong Fuel Management Group, Virginia Porter noted that all kinds of people have attended the VR workshops thus far.

“We have had new residents, people with young families, empty nesters, and some experts who had been in the CFA for over 55 years attend sessions.

“At the beginning, I was a bit concerned about how these different participants would find the workshops, but so far, most people have come away going ‘wow,’” Ms Porter said.

“Everyone that we’ve put through the session so far has said that they will be going away and reviewing their bushfire plan, so it’s got them all thinking, which is amazing.”

The program’s main message is not just about having a good plan.

Ms Porter said, “The sessions are also about how one’s ideas, judgement and mindset can change under pressure.”

“The program is terrific and it is going to save lives,” Ms Porter said.

The Virtual Reality program is funded by a foundation and was created by x and y, who have experienced the devastation of bushfires firsthand during Black Saturday.

Ms Porter hopes that the program will soon be taken up by local CFAs and other community groups.

“I would like to see this virtual reality program embraced across the board in the future because after the first session we had, it was clear that everybody living in a bushfire area needs to do this,” Ms Porter said.

“We have had virtual reality for things like gaming for ages. We should have been doing this years ago. It is good we are catching up now.

“It’s great that there is funding to do this because it is a really expensive process to put together.”

Tecoma local and mother of two Tanya Steele shared her perception of the immersive fire experience.

Tanya’s Experience

“I’m a 41-year-old, with two kids, two cats and a partner, living in Tecoma. I grew up in a town in the north west of WA, so I have memories of getting ready for potential cyclones every year - luckily, my town was never hit too badly, but I have a healthy respect for the weather,” Tanya said.

“I wasn’t prepared to think about some of the questions in the workshop, but they were vital ones, like who would be likely to take charge in an emergency.

“I couldn’t quite get my head around why people would want to stay to defend a property, my family’s plan has always been to leave.

“But hearing and experiencing the realities of how quickly fire can move - I now think we really need to get off the mountain first thing in the morning.”

Tanya said the VR itself wasn’t super realistic, but it was enough, and that she could hear a radio playing and a family and other background noise.

“What struck me about it was the increase in volume, embers hitting the roof and the wind picking up; it really bothered me,” Tanya said.

“I know now to be aware that noise is a major stress trigger for me.

for fire,” he said.

“If there’s species or ecosystems that are under severe threat from climate change, and the interaction with fire, will the state invest in protecting those, or will we have to accept that there are communities that are not going to be viable under climate change. If so, should we place our efforts elsewhere?”

New Technology and Local Bushfire Preparedness Events

Virtual reality (VR) has been brought to the Yarra Ranges, and features among new technologies designed to assist bushfire preparedness.

The VR program runs as a series of two-hour, free immersive workshops and provides an opportunity to strengthen emotional preparedness, sharpen decision-making under pressure, and help protect local neighbourhoods this fire season.

Participants answer a series of questions about household emergency planning and preparedness before donning a heat jacket and VR headset equipped with noise-cancelling headphones.

Titled Heat of the Moment, the virtual reality experience aims to prompt participants to think about their action plans in the case of a fire.

The Kalorama-Mount Dandenong Fuel Management Group is the first community group to try out the new fire safety technology, and the response has been positive.

“Watching the scenario and hearing the family interact, become stressed and try to leave - I hadn’t considered how everyone’s stressed versions of themselves could really slow down leaving. I found myself panicking a little for them. Why weren’t they gone already?

“I want to go through it with my family properly and do a rehearsal, so they know and so they can help on the day.”

Tanya said the experience of it will stay with her and it has given her a healthy respect for getting prepared.

“I am trying to think about my bushfire plan and practice as kind of like a first aid course. We’ll practice, refresh regularly and hope we’ll never have to use it, but when you do, perhaps it will be automatic,” Tanya said.

“I would also like to know what my neighbours will do and let them know what we plan to do.”

Anyone can attend the VR sessions and the next three are scheduled to take place at the Fernlea Community House at 356 Belgrave-Gembrook Road in Emerald.

The dates for the upcoming sessions are: Tuesday, 25 Nov 2pm to 4pm.

Sessions are free and there are twelve spots available per session.

Register at www.ibe.org.au/sign-up-consent

For more information on bushfire preparedness, visit the Country Fire Authority and the Yarra Ranges Council websites.

Celebrating 40 fine years

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Emerald Secondary College marked a major milestone celebrating its 40th anniversary with past and present staff, as well as former students on Friday, 21 November.

The nostalgic reunion event was complete with campus tours, displays of old photographs and memorabilia, presentation and an afternoon tea.

The afternoon began with guests arriving for campus tours from 3pm, followed by a welcome from the principal, James Barut, in the EPAC, accompanied by short speeches and a slideshow showcasing four decades of the school’s history, with many attendees enjoying the trip down memory lane.

After the presentation, around 5pm, the cakes were cut by two of the longest-serving staff members: Shane Closter, who has been teaching since the school opened in 1985, and Melissa Stephens, who has been employed as a teacher since 1997.

The vice president of the school council and one of the main organisers, Kara Montoneri said she wanted to make the anniversary a special occasion.

“When I found out it was the 40th anniversary of the school, I didn’t really want to let it go. It would be a really nice opportunity to bring some of the staff who were getting a little bit older back. It’d be nice to bring everyone back together,” she said.

Montoneri said the event was important for retired staff and the wider college community.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for current staff to see how strong the community this college has, the history the college has, and I think it’s just a great thing for people to be able to come back and reminisce and see their friends and catch up,” she said.

“Being in the room with the display and just seeing everyone interacting with the old photographs and pointing each other out, really taking that trip down memory lane, it’s been really, really great to watch. It’s been very nostalgic.”

Bev Williamson, who taught at the school from 1987 to 2018 in textiles and junior home economics, described the day as a wonderful opportunity to reflect on her career.

“One of the biggest highlights was having a home group that went from Year Seven right through to Year 12 with the same group of people. You just built such a bond with the group of students,” she said.

She also recalled being involved in the school’s Rock of Stedford productions.

“Doing the costumes and working with such an awesome group of teachers, it was wonderful,” Williamson said.

“It’s amazing to look back in the history. We have done so much. It’s just an amazing school, and it does good to be able to see it all again.”

Williamson said she enjoyed reconnecting with former colleagues and studnets.

“The group of teachers, we had lunch together before we came here, and just to see so many people turn out, and the memories that you have back with those was absolutely amazing,” she said.

Another teacher who attended the ceremony was Katrina Benoiton, she taught at the school from 1999 until her retirement in 2023.

the impact that has on not just their family but the wider community and being able to include those students,” she said.

“It was a really wonderful experience to do that for them, especially, and to be part of that, enabling them to do that,” she said.

She also reflected on the personal lessons the school instilled.

“It taught me empathy, compassion, being able to work with children with special needs and

“Extremely satisfying work with lots of beautiful children and lots of wonderful staff,” she said. Benoiton’s highlights included school camps and overnight visits to the Melbourne Zoo for her students.

Benoiton described the anniversary as “nostalgic” and “uplifting.”

“From the last, it’s been wonderful. I was anxious about it this morning. It’s just been great stepping back. Colleagues who always looked out for you - it was fabulous,” she said.

Montoneri said the strong sense of community at Emerald Secondary College was evident throughout the event.

“The school still has a strong sense of community, and I’m just really committed to building that so hopefully students can have that same experience and connections. This is something that you would hope continues to do in the coming decades,” she said.

Pharmacy gets power back-up

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Emerald Village Pharmacy (EVP) has received $47,260 to install a three-phase trailer-mounted diesel generator integrated with a smart inverter and battery system, to help strengthen its ability to continue supporting the pharmaceutical needs of the community during power outages.

The funding comes from the third round of AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund, which distributed close to $900,000 across 28 councils and community groups in Victoria.

EVP owner Louisa Lammers said the grant enables them to operate continuously during power outages, and provide vital healthcare support to the Emerald community.

“This funding enables Emerald Village Pharmacy to continue operating during prolonged outages, supporting the pharmaceutical needs of the broader community,” Lammers said.

The new generator system will improve the pharmacy’s ability to serve patients in multiple ways.

“It provides a secure supply of medications, keeps medicines at the correct temperature, safeguards restricted drugs like morphine and fentanyl, ensures uninterrupted access to prescriptions and weekly dosage packs, and reassures patients that they can consult their trusted pharmacy during urgent or time-sensitive health needs,” she said.

Previously, EVP relied on a solar backup system that could run for only eight hours, which was insufficient for the pharmacy’s needs.

“This grant reflects the importance of EVP during extreme weather,” Lammers said.

“The generator ensures full facility functions, including IT systems, refrigeration, dispensary equipment, lighting, and continuity of care, as well as access to lifesaving medications. It also allows us to set up a reliable energy solution before forecast events, avoiding blocked roads and reducing the need for residents to travel to other pharmacies.”

Executive general manager distribution, Andrew Linnie, said the grants are designed to support projects that build long-term community energy resilience and assist communities during severe weather events.

“We know how important energy is to our communities and customers. When emergencies happen, this becomes even more critical,” Linnie said.

“Through these grants, we’re helping create energy resilience hubs and infrastructure so communities can stay connected and safe during prolonged outages.”

Lammers highlighted the significance of the system for vulnerable residents.

“Many of our patients are elderly, disabled, or disadvantaged and ensuring uninterrupted access to medications reduces stress and trauma and eases the burden on support services,” she said.

The trailer-mounted generator, recommended by Buffalo Stand-alone Power Solutions, can also be borrowed by other local pharmacies to help protect the vulnerable across the hills.

“This is a vital investment for EVP and the

Olinda Community House — where to next?

The Olinda Community House Committee of Management is very pleased to announce that Dr Belinda Young has taken on the role of House Manager for the Community House.

Belinda has over a decade of experience leading community initiatives, most notably as Founder and President of Mums of the Hills Inc. (MOTHs).

Over the years, Belinda has organised and collaborated with Olinda Community House through MOTHs, and her PhD focused on community engagement in sharing responsibility and disaster prevention of human-caused bushfire ignitions.

In 2023, Belinda was recognised as the Australian of the Year (Victorian Local Hero) for her contribution to community connection and inclusion.

Belinda brings her leadership, coordination, and community-building experience to Olinda Community House, helping to ensure it thrives as a welcoming and vibrant hub for our region.

A warm invitation is extended to local residents and anyone interested in the community house to attend the OCH AGM at 7pm Thursday 27 November 2025, at the OCH, 79-81 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda (next to the swimming pool).

The focus of the AGM is to share ideas for the future of Olinda Community House, to assist in its vision to enrich the quality of life and build community in the Hills.

In conjunction with Belinda, discussion will be led by guest speaker, Gus Seremetis, CEO, Cire Services. With over 30 years of executive experience in corporate and not-for-profit sectors, Gus blends strategic vision with a genuine passion for people, grounded in expertise in human resources, governance, and leadership. And there will be plenty of opportunity to chat with Belinda, Gus and members of the OCH Committee over supper.

Please register your attendance by emailing contactus@och.org.au or phoning 97511264.

surrounding community, enhancing energy resilience for our pharmacy and other small to medium medical facilities in at-risk areas,” Lammers said.

The pharmacy has experienced with extreme weather in the past.

“Our area has a history of catastrophic bushfires and storms that have caused prolonged power outages. With this diesel generator, EVP can now provide the essential medications and healthcare our community relies on,” Lammers said.

She said the system aligns with EVP’s commitment to providing reliable healthcare services under all conditions.

“The generator ensures we can maintain a high standard of care during emergencies, in-

cluding secure storage of critical medicines, uninterrupted service, and continued support for our community during prolonged power outages,” Lammers said.

The grant is expected to bring immediate benefits to give the community confidence in the pharmacy’s ability to continue its operations even during extreme weather events.

“The community is relieved and excited that EVP will now be able to provide essential healthcare services during major power disruptions,” she said.

“Residents can be confident that their prescriptions and medical needs will not be interrupted, which reduces stress and allows them to stay safe without needing to travel to other pharmacies.”

Drainage improvements on Monbulk Road in the pipeline

The State Government is investing $2.9 million towards the design and construction of drainage improvements on Monbulk Road, between Emberson Road and Perrins Creek Road to give Kallista residents in the Dandenong Ranges additional protection from flooding.

As part of the works, the existing drainage system on Monbulk Road will be upgraded, and new drains will be installed.

“We’ve listened to the local community and Kallista Floodwatch Group about their concerns when heavy rain falls through their area, which is why we’re taking action to design and construct drainage improvements on Monbulk

Road,” Monbulk Member, Daniela De Martino said.

“This investment of $2.9 million to improve drainage on Monbulk Road will reduce the likelihood of flooding during times of major rainfall.”

The project will also include the construction of new kerbs and channels with stormwater drainage pits. These improvements will reduce the likelihood of flooding in Kallista when there is excessive rainfall in the Dandenong Ranges. Following detailed planning and preconstruction activities, it is expected crews will be on site to commence these works in March and be completed by mid-2026.

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12 Days of Christmas at Dandenong Market

Free festive fun for families – crafts, music, Santa photos & more!

This December, Dandenong Market is bringing the magic of Christmas to life with 12 Days of Christmas. Running on Market days from Tuesday 2 December to Sunday 21 December the Market will come alive with festive cheer, creative workshops, and joyful entertainment for kids of all ages. Whether you’re a local or visiting from across Melbourne, this is your chance to make unforgettable holiday memories – all for free! In partnership with the Dandenong Community & Learning Centre, our 12 Days of Christmas program is packed with hands-on fun.

Activities include; Christmas crafts and card making, Cookie decorating, Face painting and

hair braiding, Music circles and sing-alongs, Online DIY tutorials for at-home fun

Also, every Tuesday and Friday enjoy Christmas Card Making Station and Santa’s Colouring Station.

Plus, don’t miss your chance to meet Santa himself and post your letter straight to the North Pole!

This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy familyfriendly Christmas events in Melbourne without breaking the bank. With something new each Market day, there’s always a reason to come back and experience the festive spirit again and again.

Kids Fun Run is back

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Rotary Club of Emerald and District’s Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy returns to the Puffing Billy Railway Station in Gembrook on Sunday, 30 November.

The popular event designed for children aged three to 12 has brought many families together in the past for a day of running, colour and community spirit.

This year’s fundraiser will help create a ‘Healing Mural’ for the Children’s Ward at Eastern Health Foundation, William Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully.

The mural will be painted by Artist Tess Dawson, who created a similar artwork for the Children’s Ward at the Box Hill Hospital.

Rotary treasurer Shalini Penny (2025–2026) said the project was chosen because of the difference it can make to young patients.

“Children entering hospital can be quite traumatised by the experience and by having a distraction that they can interact with brings calmness,” she said.

“They have the ability to improve patients outcomes and studies have shown that they reduce reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and promote a sense of well-being.”

The club invited several local hospitals to apply as this year’s beneficiary and Penny said William Angliss Hospital’s proposal stood out after members were able to view the Box Hill mural and see its effect firsthand.

“The application from William Angliss was different and allowed us to view the Box Hill one and gauge whether suitable by seeing the patients there interacting favourably,” she said.

Over the years, the Fun Run has evolved into a major event on the local calendar.

“Over the years we have become experienced at running a comprehensive event that all the family can enjoy, whilst the runs are restricted to a specified age group the remainder of the family can enjoy the added value attractions of Stilt people, bubble blowing, market and food stall,” Penny said.

“The aim is to raise funds for the charity whilst giving the attendees a fun packed day without having to spend a fortune and a realisation that a rotary club has orchestrated this. If rotary can inspire the public that they too can become involved in the process then our job is well done.”

Penny said community engagement, including help from the media, plays a vital role.

“Without being able to spread the word

and generate interest we are unable to hold a viable event, the Communities needs are always in mind and we have to use whichever channels are available to achieve a successful outcome,” she said.

Support has already been strong, from both families and local businesses.

“Registrations are over 300 currently and the local businesses have again got behind the event and we ensure that we promote the fact that we have generous sponsors and include them in our flyers and social media,” Penny said.

For many children, the Fun Run is a milestone.

“In some cases this is the first time a child will have taken part in a sporting event and when they have completed their run they are thrilled to bit and their parents are very proud,” she said.

“Lookers on love to see the reactions. For those who have attended before, they have an idea of what to expect, however there is always something different each year – ie this year there will be a Teddy Bear hospital included. Overall, it provides fun and is a satisfying day out.”

The funds raised will directly support the new mural project to bring comfort and a sense of calm to young patients and their families.

Penny said her motivation remains simple.

“It is what we do, rotarians want to help the community and every cause that we work on is special to us. Seeing the end goal in place and hearing positive feedback from recipients makes it worthwhile,” she said.

Soul and story-telling treat

By Tanya Steele

Yarra Ranges are in for a treat as iconic duo Tex Perkins and Matt Walker gett ready to bring their iconic sound to Upwey next week.

No strangers to the Hills, the duo are set to play co-written originals along with heartfelt cover versions and classics from Tex’s back catalogue.

Star Mail journalist Tanya Steele caught up with Tex over the phone in the weeks leading up to their show in Upwey.

“It can get quite intimate and delicate, and the songs can be quite moving,” said Tex.

“But also there’s a lot of joyous moments,’ he said.

Not giving away too much, Tex said, there might be a little bit of storytelling and possibly some loud, epic moments in store for the audience.

Stating he has been around for a while now, Tex jokes a little and said he thinks some of the lyrics he has been writing have gotten better.

“They’ve sort of come out fairly instinctively and quickly – but there’s a little more depth to them,” he said.

With new material in store, Tex said he and Matt have been writing new songs and might present a few of those, with the aim of recording a new album in the next year.

Tex and Matt are both keen to start road testing their newer material, and with a friendship stretching back into the 90s, Tex said, working in a duo with Matt is one of his favourite things to do.

“It’s very easy and very productive when we do get together, “he said. “When I started playing with Matt, I realised we could play pretty much any style, and it sort of really opened up the whole spectrum of what we could do.”

Selby Folk Club darling and musician from the age of 14, to say Matt Walker is an icon of the hills music scene would be an understatement.

With his blues and improvisational origins, Matt used to open with Ash Davies for the Cruel Sea, then later, Tex said they came together to perform in the Johnny Cash tribute show ‘The Man in Black’, which ran for a massive 18-month stint in 2017.

Stretching from raw and intimate to quite epic material, Tex said there is great flexibility in playing the way they do.

“There’s nothing in my back catalogue that Matt can’t play and can’t sort of bring new life into, and there’s a very broad dynamic range of the material we play,” he said.

Tex and Matt released the self-titled album Tex Perkins & The Fat Rubber Band in November 2021, which they wrote and produced together and it was then followed by the band’s second album Other World in 2023.

Later in 2023 saw The Cruel Sea saw their reunion for the 30th anniversary tour of the “The Honeymoon is Over” album.

Matt Walker, stepping in for the late James Cruickshank, has brought a fresh dynamic to the band, and Tex said he was the logical person to step in.

After their little mini-stint in Victoria, the Cruel Sea join the Red Hot Summer tour and will be quite busy from then on.

Looking forward to how the age of digital technology and AI is unfolding through the music scene, Tex said that there is still quite a big music scene happening for younger artists in Australia, with his own children now writing and performing in their own right.

“In this age where everyone is fixated with their phones and fixated with online gaming and all this stuff that’s actually not tangible – I think it’s good to see young people who have something tangible, something that’s not connected to the internet, that they’re creating and that they’re passionate about,” he said.

Stating that being a working musician is something he doesn’t take for granted, and that

connecting face to face and playing is more important than ever, quite earnestly, Tex said that connection through playing is a key part of being an artist.

“It’s really priceless – whether it leads to success or any kind of career is kind of beside the point at this stage,” he said.

Luke Watt, a folk/blues singer-songwriter and guitar player, is the support act for Tex and Matt’s gig and will kick off at the Burrinja Cultural Centre on Saturday 29 November.

No strangers to Upwey, Tex said he’s looking forward to stopping by with Matt.

“We love playing there and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone “, he said.

Poets gather in Emerald to celebrate the spoken word

By Tanya Steele

2025 has seen another huge outpouring of literary art take shape in poetry submissions of all kinds from near and far at the annual Woorilla Poetry Prize.

The community gathered in person and online to honour the shortlisted entries for the coveted poetry prize in Emerald on Sunday 16 November.

Celebrating the spoken word in a number of ways, founder Maria Millers gathered with volunteers to present the winners officially and said the afternoon was lovely and people really enjoyed the readings and performances.

“The bush poets, Mel and Susie, were a nostalgic addition,” she said.

Andy Jackson, a poet, essayist, creative writing teacher and mentor at the University of Melbourne and Patron of Writers Victoria was the judge of the open section this year and attended to read out the winners.

In the open section, Edie Popper took out the main prize, with the submission ‘Stream of Consciousness at the Blood Donation Clinic’, with a poem ‘Fifty Famous Views’ from Belgrave local Emille Zoey Baker, awarded Runner-up.

Several Victorians were shortlisted for their poems, with highly commended and commended for their submissions to the open section, along with a few poets from New York.

With more than 900 quality entries, not just from across Australia but also from overseas, Spain, UK, USA and India, the Woorillia Prize has grown steadily year by year, from a small local prize to one of the major literary prizes in Australia.

“The wide range of topics in both categories, from the intimate, domestic to the political and philosophical, strengthens my belief that poetry is so relevant to today’s issues and because of its form, suits today’s frenetic lifestyles,” said Ms Millers.

In the Youth Section, Lara Chourman from Toronto, Canada, won the award, with runner-up awarded to Haven Cha from Seoul, for

their submission, Binary Fission.

Ms Millers said the Louise Rockne Youth Section was ‘sensational’ this year and the section was judged by Gaylene Carbis, who is an Australian/Chinese/Irish/Cornish writer.

Ms Carbis noticed several themes in the youth submissions, from family identity pressures and expectations, to personal struggles with issues from climate change to gender

identity. Poets drew on a variety of poetic influences – many dedicating their poems to poets like Anne M Carson, Mary Oliver, Stephanie Chang, Marguerite Duras and Bob Hicock.

The youth division did not see as much local engagement this year, and Ms Millers said that it was most heartening to see so many fine young poets emerging, but sad that so many prizes went to overseas entrants.

“We do not foster poetry in Australia as much as in other countries,” she said.

“Australia has no Poet Laureate as yet, though one was promised by 2025.”

A not-for-profit organisation, Woorilla has welcomed The Lions Club of Emerald as a major sponsor for the Youth Category.

A way to process and express, Ms Millers hopes that Woorilla brings an awareness of poetry to those who may have had poignant school experiences. “Business should realise that survey after survey shows that a community where the Arts are nurtured thrives economically,” she said. “We also thank all the other businesses that supported us.”

The Woorilla Poetry Prize was initiated in the 1980s by founders Maria Millers and Louise Rockne, who were editors at Woorilla Magazine, where it grew to become a celebrated national competition.

Woorillia will continue on, and next year the group are hoping to add a new category, an Ephractic poem, which is a poem inspired by a work of art and would like to have an annual weekend across the Hills of poetry of all kinds People can watch the highlights on the group’s social media pages and follow along for more updates heading into 2026.

Farewell to one of a kind

By Kevin Jones

When the remarkable Ray Yates died last week, Monbulk was left to mourn the loss of one of its greatest champions. Ray truly was one of a kind.

On top of a 54-year teaching career, 38 years of which were spent at Monbulk Primary (28 as principal), Ray also had an active career in local politics and was a tireless worker for the arts, for the elderly, in regional planning and in the establishment of the local Bendigo Bank.

My wife and I first met Ray when we enrolled our two kids into Monbulk Primary School in 1994. We had already been “hillbillies” for five years in Belgrave but were happy to move to friendly Monbulk and find our niche. People like Ray were key to that. It is not as though my wife and I were VIPs but he made us feel that way and immediately put our kids at ease with his friendly, comfortable approach.

He made it clear that he was massively proud of his ramshackle “little school that could” and that he was happy to work tirelessly to further it and the community that it lay at the heart of. And further it he did. The school now, 11 years after Ray’s retirement, is transformed and is as fine a Primary School as you will find in Melbourne’s South-East. Part of that is the handsome arts centre there, which now bears the name of the Raymond Yates Arts Centre. Ray may have finished his teaching career but he worked tirelessly behind the scenes for his beloved school and I was delighted that this was acknowledged. Ray knew back in the 90s that I worked as a senior journalist for The Age in the city and always loved to talk about the big stories of the day with me, whenever I saw him at the school or bumped into him on Main Street. That continued for years.

Time passed, our kids grew up, moved schools, grew up some more and became adults themselves, with their own children. Each time I would bump into Ray, the first

Ray Yates was always active in the Monbulk community. Here he is pictured with members of MADCOW, the Monbulk and District Community Working Group, Jill A’Vard, Paul Bennet, Robyn Jans, Carmel Mitchell and Wendy Mildren (64108)

thing he would ask was how the kids wereand he would always refer to them by name, even though almost 30 years had passed since he first met them. This always astonished me. I later found that he would do this over and over, with so many mums and dads, so many former students.

He had an encyclopaedic recall of people and their lives.

I hadn’t bumped into Ray for a year or two before I heard of his passing but even that last time - again, a chance Main Street meeting - showed how fiercely proud he was of Monbulk’s community spirit. I never knew Ray personally; didn’t know his family but he always made you feel that you did.

Vale Ray. You were one of the good ones and I hope that Monny gives you the public send-off that you deserve. Thanks.

CSIRO cuts are a dereliction of duty to next generation

By Maria Millers

Protons, neutrons, electrons, fees

Spin, charm, and strange, all have their place

In one atom’s snug mysteries,

Ode to the Atom by John Updike

This is again the time of the year when many young school leavers are thinking of what path to take next.

In recent years there has been a concerted campaign by government encouraging students to choose STEM subjects over humanities to the detriment of humanities teaching, both in schools and universities.

Last week it was announced that the CSIRO will slash up to 350 full time jobs to address rising costs. It comes on top of more than 800 positions already made redundant in the past 18 months.

It’s understandable that many feel frustrated, or even cynical, when they see cuts to revered scientific institutions like the CSIRO and when at the same time they had been steered towards careers in science, technology and research.

First, a question stirs the quiet air, A tremor in the stillness of the mind. A shape half-formed, a possibility That waits for evidence to make it shine. We guess—but guessing isn’t where we end. We test. We measure. Doubt becomes a friend. For only what survives the trial of truth Can be the seed from which our knowledge grows.

The Hypothesis

Despite a relatively small population, Australia has made global-scale contributions in a number of domains: medicine, materials, communications.

Think medical application of penicillin; the black box flight recorder; spray on skin for burn victims; polymer banknotes; WIFI wireless networking components and cochlear implants.

One wonders how Donald Horne would have responded to the current cuts.

In Donald Horne’s The Lucky Country (1964), his main argument was that Australia’s success has come largely by luck, not by the skill, intelligence, or vision of its leaders. In his usually misunderstood and misused quote that Australia is a Lucky Country run mainly by second rate people who share its luck, he argued that Australia’s elites were complacent, unimaginative and resistant to innovation.

He may well have added lacking in vision beyond the next election.

He warned that unless Australia developed better leadership, cultural maturity, and economic planning, its luck would not last.

Horne would very likely have been strongly critical of the CSIRO cuts.

He’d have interpreted them not as a financial necessity, but as a worrying sign that the country is failing to invest in its future intellectual and scientific capacity and in its youth.

He would despair to see Australia relying again on its natural “luck,” instead of building the deep, resilient institutions that can sustain long-term national development.

He might even have changed his ironic ‘Lucky Country’ view of Australia to a blunter assessment of it being a Stupid Country that continues to follow short term goals at the expense of future generations.

Harsh as it sounds, we are indeed stupid to accept an economic model that relies heavily on exporting raw minerals we dig out of the ground, shipping them to where they are value

added and then returned to us at a high price.

So we export iron ore rather than steel, lithium concentrate rather than batteries, raw agricultural products rather than manufactured food and gas for which we end up paying through the nose for the refined products.

Meanwhile our best and brightest follow that well-worn path to countries where their talents are welcomed.

What’s happening is better understood as a long-running tension between political priorities and investment in science, innovation, and other long-term planning.

Even before the cuts we were employing fewer people in STEM manufacturing and research than other comparable countries.

So what incentive is there for young school leavers to aspire to science and research?

In the crucible of time, Where elements collide and combine, The catalyst of change whispers, And new paths unfold

The Catalyst

Moreover we are at the whim of what happens overseas and the health of budgets no matter what party is in power, is dictated by what we get for our raw materials.

Add to that the unhealthy presence of lobbyists from resource companies lurking in the corridors of our Parliament looking for favourable treatment from our elected representatives.

So when money tightens that’s when governments panic and start cutting back, Invariably, the first casualties are science, higher education, welfare and of course research.

There are few votes in research.

This vicious cycle has been repeated under multiple governments of both major parties.

And those newly minted school leavers struggling with decisions of what career path to follow may consider that we employ fewer people in STEM manufacturing and advance d technology than other countries.

It seems strange why we have managed our bountiful resources in such a profligate way and become captive to a cycle that repeats time and

time again.

This aligns with Horne’s warning about over-reliance on what is immediately profitable or politically expedient, rather than building a mature, intellectually resilient nation.

And yet other resource rich countries have taken a different path.

When North Sea oil wealth was discovered, Norway established a sovereign wealth fund to channel surplus revenues into long-term savings rather than immediate consumption.

This allows its citizens a high standard of living without being exposed to volatile resource pricing.

Norway can afford to deliver strong public services in health, education, welfare, pensions.

Botswana was once among the world’s poorest nations but since Independence in 1966 as the world’s largest diamond producer has channelled the diamond revenue into education, healthcare, infrastructure, rather than purely consumption.

It has had current account surpluses over long periods and has transformed itself into a middle income nation.

A great example where the resource sector has not been allowed to distort politics or the economy.

This is directly in line with Horne’s belief that real national leadership should recognise that institutions like CSIRO are not just a line item — they are foundational to Australia’s future.

This keeps Australia dependent on exporting dirt while importing expensive finished goods — the opposite of how advanced economies build wealth.

This aligns with Horne’s warning about over-reliance on what is immediately profitable or politically expedient, rather than building a mature, intellectually resilient nation.

The cuts should not be seen just as cost-cutting, but as symptomatic of a broader strategic failure: not enough investment in institutions that matter.

And a dereliction of duty to the next generation.

CAR PARK SALE

New look for an old name

If you have travelled along York Road, Mount Evelyn recently you may have noticed changes happening at Yarra View Nursery and Yarra View Garden Centre. It’s a new, but old name all at the same time.

Knoxbrooke was established in the 1960s to provide support and opportunity for people living with disability. Knoxbrooke established Knoxbrooke Nursery in the late 1980s as a pioneering social enterprise during the era, which provided employment and training options. In 2000, the name changed to Yarra View Nursery when Knoxbrooke acquired the current York Road site and today Knoxbrooke Nursery employs over 130 people from the local region, producing over two million plants per year.

“Returning to our original name is about recogniding the strength in all of Knoxbrooke’s services from school-leaver education to community access programs and of course, employment through our varied social enterprises,” general manager Scott Buckland said.

It’s a new (old) name, but has the same amazing products and great service that Mount Evelyn locals have come to expect. And of course, every purchase you make helps continue to support jobs for people of all abilities.

Knoxbrooke Nursery Car Park sale commences on Thursday 27 November and continues until Sunday 30 November. Open from 8.30am to 4.30pm every day during the sale.

Decades of service, quality

For more than 35 years, Sheen Ferntree Gully has proudly supported the community it calls home.

What began as a local workshop dedicated to quality repairs has grown into a trusted name known equally for its workmanship and its unwavering commitment to the people of the foothills.

Beyond the workshop floor, Sheen Ferntree Gully has long believed in giving back. Their support of local sport and family events is a core part of who they are, with ongoing sponsorships of the Upper Gully Football Club, Ferntree Gully Football Club, and the ever-popular Ringwood North Primary School Fete. Their involvement is far more than a logo on a banner – the team shows up, lends a hand, and continues to support the clubs and families that bring the community together.

Inside the workshop, the same spirit of care and commitment drives everything they do. With more than 350 Google reviews and an outstanding 4.8-star average rating, Sheen Ferntree Gully has built a reputation based on trust, consistency, and genuine customer service. Every repair reflects their high standards, with the team using genuine parts, offering a wide range of accident

replacement vehicles, and standing behind their work with a lifetime guarantee.

A major contributor to their long-term success has been their investment in developing skilled, passionate staff. Training, mentoring, and supporting their team has always been a priority, ensuring they stay at the top of their trade. This dedication was recognised in a significant way this year when their paint apprentice, Dom, was awarded Apprentice of the Year – a milestone achievement that reflects both his talent and the workshop’s culture of learning and excellence.

For Manager Zane, the workshop’s approach is simple and grounded in community values.

“The Sheen Ferntree Gully team are all locals, that’s why it’s important for our work to be spot on,” he said.

“Because it’s not just fixing cars, it’s helping a neighbour or looking out for a mate. It’s locals who look after locals.”

After more than three decades of service, Sheen Ferntree Gully continues to grow with its community, invest in its people, and deliver the quality repairs customers can rely on.

If you’ve had an accident or need a repair, call the team on 9758 9877 or visit them at 892 Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully.

REV IT UP

one priority.

“We keep our customers and their families safe in roadworthy, reliable cars,” they said.

Bringing bountiful experience to the job, no vehicle is too big or small, and extensive service options are available for all kinds of cars and 4WDs.

Licensed Vehicle Testers for VicRoads (RWCs) and VACC-approved repairers, New Belgrave Motors also has two courtesy cars that can be reserved free of charge when booking a service.

Founded in the ‘90s, Shane has been with New Belgrave since 1998 and enjoys working on older vehicles.

Sharing his passion, Cindy said many mechanics shy away from older cars.

“We love them!” she said.

Cindy started with New Belgrave in 2007, doing the books on the weekends and the pair bought the business in 2010, relocating from Belgrave to Ferntree Gully in 2018.

“Nearly all of our amazing customers still travel down the hill to see us for their servicing and repairs, and we are so very grateful for this support,” Cindy said.

Thoughtful touches like iconic lolly bags for the ride home and key rings with bottle openers highlight the team’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

The team will keep you updated via phone calls and texts, and there’s a comfy couch, coffee machine and free wifi.

Trading hours are 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday, with an RDO every third Monday.

Pop in today and meet the crew at 19 Kevin Avenue, Ferntree Gully.

Book now and get a free quote on 03 9125 6362.

A second chance

By Mark Menze

As the year winds down and calendars fill up, it can be hard to find time for the things that really matter.

That’s why Animal Aid Coldstream is opening its doors after hours on Friday 28 November, giving the community a chance to meet the animals waiting for a second chance, at a time that works.

From 4.30pm to 7.30pm, the Coldstream shelter will host a Twilight Adoption Evening, inviting locals to discover the joy of adoption in a calm, early evening setting.

With shelters at capacity and kitten season already in full swing, this event is about making

aid Animal

Mark Menze

Animal Aid CEO

it easier for good people to meet great animals, and maybe take one home.

There’ll be free microchipping, practical advice from our vets and trainers, adoption spe-

cials, and some tasty food and sweet treats on offer.

You can even bring your own friendly, vaccinated dog along to meet a potential new mate. If adoption has been on your mind but hard to fit in, this is your chance.

The team will be there to help you find the right fit - no pressure, just genuine conversations and real opportunities to open your home to a new furry family member.

Twilight events will also run in Sale and Bairnsdale.

Twilight Adoptions: Friday 28 November | Coldstream Shelter open until 7.30pm.

CPP Community Theatre

Cosi Set in a psychiatric facility, Cosi is a play about friendship, romance, community and difference. It’s 1971 and Australia is protesting the war in Vietnam.

But inside the facility, the resident patients are listening to Mozart, learning their lines and occasionally skipping their medication - it’s art, it’s mayhem.

It’s a wonderful roller coaster all the way to opening might.

CPP Community Theatre will be holding an information night, where you can come along to meet the director, hear about the vision for the production, partake in some readings of the script and sign up for an audition.

It’s highly recommended that you attend if you are interested in auditioning for Cosi, as this is the start of the Company’s audition process.

Even if you are not planning to audition, come along anyway – there are plenty of other ways to get involved.

Information Night:

• Tuesday 25 November at 8pm (doors open from 7.30pm).

The Factory – 71 Bayfield Road East Bayswater.

Auditions:

• Sunday 30 November 30.

• Tuesday 2 December.

• By appointment only – You will have an opportunity to book an audition at the Company’s information night.

• Please note, for this production the Company will be looking to cast those aged 18 years and over.

Performances:

• April 10 – 18 2026.

Inquiries:

The Information Night, or have any further questions, if you are unable to attend and have any further questions, please email auditions@cppcommunitytheatre.com.au.

Burrinja Art Fair:

Join us for a vibrant day of art, music, food and community as Burrinja transforms into a festive marketplace celebrating local activity.

This special event is set to be unmissable, perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves handmade, original art.

Wander through Burrinja and explore more than 40 artisan stalls, take part in hands-on activities, enjoy live music performances, and discover unique gifts – all lovingly created by local makers.

No imports. No mass production, just true artisan craft.

The perfect place for Christmas gifts. Every stall is unique – making this ideal opportunity to find something special for a loved one or to spoil yourself.

• When: Sunday 6 December 10.30am – 4pm.

How wicked was it?

Wicked: For Good

Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

Rated M

3.5/5

Wicked: For Good, the second part of John Chu’s epic film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, won’t win over nonfans (largely due to the messy plot), but For Good will delight fans for the same wellacted, beautifully-produced reasons as last year’s Part One.

Erivo is still a sensitive, commanding force as Elphaba, a freedom fighter branded a public enemy by Oz, and Grande is a ditz of deep pathos as Glinda, a beloved public figure in a regime she secretly abhors. The musical numbers are joyful and lavishly-staged, the art direction is still stunning, and For Good has a darker, more mature tone.

The oppression of Oz’s talking animals is a major focus in the first Wicked film but almost an afterthought here. I felt little sympathy for Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), who strips the Munchkins of their rights out of spurned love, and as a dictator who supports (albeit reluctantly) a worse dictator, I can’t shake the impression that Nessarose is essentially Oz’s Mussolini. A contrived love triangle emerges between Elphaba, Glinda and Captain Fiero (Jonathan Bailey) in the rushed third act, along with an incredibly obvious twist about Elphaba’s origins, and even with the bad guys deposed and displaced in the end, it troubles me that Glinda retains her power and prestige by preserving the oppressors’ deceptive narrative.

Moreover, much like that mediocre Dark Tower movie from 2017, For Good is less interesting when it draws directly from L. Frank Baum’s novel and the 1933 Wizard of Oz film, with cameos from Dorothy (whose face is never shown) and a poignant but inconsequential subplot about the creation of her companions.

Lively, vibrant and moving but sloppilyplotted, Wicked: For Good is like the title – good, not great – and is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Grit, Soul and Musical Alchemy – Tex Perkins and Matt Walker

Two of Australia’s most revered musicians unite for a raw, powerful live show, blending new material, timeless covers, and iconic classics. Tex Perkins has been around for a while now, The Beasts. The Cruel Sea, The Dark Horses, The Man In Black, to name a few.

Tex has built his reputation on a restless sense of adventure, an ability to evolve and adapt, a dark sense of humour, and a knack of teaming up with uniquely talented players who help to bring out the best in him.

Matt Walker is one such player, long established as a respected singer-songwriter and much sought after guitarist.

He’s worked wit many great people over his 30-year career.

Tex and Matt finally released the self-titled album Tex Perkins and The Fat Rubber Bad in QQAQ while they wrote and produced together, and was followed by the band’s second album, Other World, in 2023.

• Season: Saturday 29 November at 8pm.

GRAND FAMILY ESTATE WITH DUAL LIVING ON 12.25 ACRES OF SCENIC EMERALD LAND

SET in one of Emerald’s most exclusive pockets, this stately, fully rendered brick residence delivers space, style, and flexibility on a grand scale. Melbourne, CBD is an easy hour away—yet here, you’ll feel a world apart.

From its elevated position, the home captures sweeping views across 12.25 acres of beautifully cleared land. Inside, the main residence offers four spacious bedrooms (all with WIRs), including a luxurious master suite with a superb ensuite. Multiple living zones— formal lounge and dining, family, meals, and rumpus—ensure comfort and room for the largest of families.

The gourmet timber kitchen is a chef’s delight, featuring granite benchtops and quality stainless steel appliances. Large, lightfilled windows frame the countryside views, while ducted gas heating and reverse-cycle air conditioning ensure year-round comfort.

A triple garage links the main home to the second, fully self-contained residence—ideal for extended family, guests, or even as an Airbnb income stream. Designed for complete independence, it offers two bedrooms (BIRs), a spacious living area, central kitchen, and large bathroom—all with separate utilities for ultimate privacy.

For the equestrian or hobby farmer, the property features eight fully fenced paddocks, each with water and electric fencing, plus a huge six-bay powered shed with lockable storage and hay bays. An extra-height 15m x 9m powered shed with drive-through access is perfect for trades, storage, or serious hobbies.

Outdoors, relax or entertain in the covered alfresco area, surrounded by immaculate gardens and sweeping lawns—ideal for summer cricket or family gatherings.

This is a rare opportunity to secure a premium lifestyle property just 4km from Emerald’s charming township. Grand, flexible, and beautifully maintained—homes of this calibre seldom come to market.

THE PERFECT BLEND OF HILLS LIFESTYLE

BEAUTIFULLY positioned on a tranquil nothrough road just moments from the heart of Belgrave, this exceptional property combines modern updates, flexible living options, and a true connection with nature. Set on a picturesque 1,220sqm (approx.) block with Monbulk Creek gently meandering by, it’s a home that perfectly captures the relaxed Hills lifestyle.

From the moment you arrive, the home’s striking street presence impresses - a sealed driveway, double garage, and stylish steel balustrades lead the way to a residence that is both sophisticated and welcoming.

Across two thoughtfully designed levels, this home delivers outstanding versatility. The lower level features a stunning open-plan living zone warmed by a wood fire, anchored by a gourmet kitchen showcasing Smartstone benchtops, 2-pack cabinetry, a Bosch dishwasher, gas cooktop, and stainless-steel oven. Entertain with ease thanks to the seamless flow out to a covered alfresco area and a lower deck complete with pizza oven - all overlooking lush gardens that roll down to the creek’s edge. Upstairs, the clever retention of the original kitchen (with gas cooktop, wall oven, and dishwasher) adds impressive flexibility - ideal for multi-generational living, guest accommodation, or growing families. A cosy lounge and meals area with a second wood fire and reverse-cycle heating/cooling ensures comfort year-round. Four adaptable bedrooms, two stylish bathrooms, and an additional living zone complete the layout, ensuring there’s room for everyone.

Every detail of this property reflects thoughtful design and quality living, from the inviting indoor spaces to the serene outdoor zones perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the sounds of the creek.

Homes offering this level of versatility, privacy, and beauty are a rare find - and this one delivers it all. ●

FAMILY ENTERTAINER IN THE HEART OF COCKATOO

1/3 Carawa Street, Cockatoo

STYLISH FAMILY ENTERTAINER IN THE HEART OF COCKATOO

TUCKED away in a peaceful pocket of Cockatoo, this beautifully presented home combines family comfort, modern functionality and exceptional outdoor living. Designed with family life and entertaining in mind, it offers generous proportions, multiple living areas and a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout.

At the heart of the home, a spacious openplan living zone showcases a stylish kitchen with stone benchtops, quality finishes and a large butler’s pantry. The adjoining dining and lounge area is the perfect place to gather, complete with a cosy woodfire (with the added bonus of a Turboheat heating system) for the cooler months, while a separate rumpus room provides a versatile second living space to suit all ages and occasions.

Accommodation includes four generous bedrooms, with the master suite offering a private retreat featuring a walk-in robe and ensuite. The remaining bedrooms, each with built-in robes, are serviced by a sleek family bathroom, and a dedicated study provides the option for a fifth bedroom if required. Comfort is assured year-round with ducted heating and evaporative cooling. To help keep the costs down, there is an extensive solar array connect to a 9.8kwh battery.

Step outside and discover the impressive alfresco area that flows seamlessly from the main living zone, ideal for relaxed entertaining or weekend gatherings. Beyond, the inground pool and spa create a resort-style ambience, surrounded by neatly landscaped gardens and lush lawns. A double carport, large 6m x 6m shed/workshop, wood shed and additional side access add practicality and convenience to the property’s appeal.

This home offers the perfect balance of lifestyle and comfort. Just moments from local schools, shops, parks and the charming township centre, it presents an exceptional opportunity to secure a spacious, stylish home designed for modern family living.

• Justin Barrot 0438 683 781

• Brittany Barry 0412 861 094

• Barry Plant Emerald – 5968 4522 ●

A BRIGHT AND WELCOMING HILLS HOME

SET on a generous 1,143sqm in the heart of Selby, this well-presented three-bedroom home delivers easy living with a brilliant blend of indoor comfort and outdoor appeal. With local schools, Belgrave township, and Wellington Road all within easy reach, commuting and day-to-day convenience are a breeze.

A covered single carport leads to the tiled entry, where the bedroom wing occupies one end of the home. Here you’ll find the master bedroom with built-in robes, two additional bedrooms also with built-in robes, and an updated family bathroom featuring a floating vanity and skylight that welcomes warm natural light.

The upper level reveals a bright open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space with floating floors, large windows, and excellent yearround comfort thanks to gas ducted heating, split system, and a wood fire heater for those cool Hills nights. The kitchen includes an electric cooktop and dishwasher, while sliding doors open out to an expansive undercover entertaining area complete with an outdoor kitchen — perfect for weekend gatherings, long lunches, or simply enjoying the leafy surrounds.

Outside, the fully fenced rear yard provides plenty of space for children and pets to explore safely, while a garden shed and a second single carport add welcome practicality.

A relaxed, well-located home with great character and even better outdoor living — ready to move in and enjoy.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall 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. ●

ABright,PracticalHomewithBigBackyardAppeal.

Setona generous1,888sqm,thisinvitingthree-bedroom,one-bathroomhomeoffersspace, practicality,andrelaxedHillslivingjustmomentsfromCockatootownship.A circulardrivewayleads to asinglecarportandtheentryofthehome.Inside,thelight-filledkitchenanddiningzoneincludes anewdishwasher,900mmfreestandingelectricovenwithgasstovetop,andgreatstorage,while theadjoiningloungefeaturesfloatingfloorsandslidingdooraccesstothebackgarden.Gasducted heatingprovidesyear-roundcomfort.Downthehallwayisthemasterwithbuilt-inrobes,twofurther bedrooms(onewithrobes),anda centralbathroomwithseparatetoilet.Outdoors,theexpansive yardincludes acubbyhouse,threegardensheds,anda 20,000-litrewatertankforthegardens.A peaceful,practicalpropertywithplentyofroomtoenjoynowandpersonaliselater.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

Private10AcrePropertyOfferingDualLiving& LifestyleIncome. Tuckedawayon10privateacres,thisdouble-brickhomedeliversspace,comfort &lifestyleinone invitingpackage.Theopen-planliving& diningareafeatures awoodheater,whilethekitchen shineswithwhitecabinetry,darkbenchtops,stainless-steelappliances,largepantry &a servery windowtotheelevatedalfrescodeckwithglassbalustrading &leafyviews.Fourbedroomsinclude amasterwithwalk-inrobe &ensuite,whilethemainbathroomservestherest.Downstairs,a huge garageoffersparkingformultiplevehiclesplusextraundercoverspaceidealforconversion.A separate2-bedroom,1-bathroomstudiowithitsownentertainingareaaddsdual-livingpotential. Theacreageblendsnaturalbush& establishedgardens,withHydrangeassupplyinglocalnurseries, multiplesheds,coolrooms,ampletankwater &double-glazedwindows.

ArchitecturalElegancewithPanoramicViews! Perchedon2,671sqminpeacefulAvonsleigh,momentsfromEmerald’stownship,schools& shops, thisstriking4-bedroom,2-bathroomhomeblendsarchitecturalflairwitheverydaycomfort &breath takingtreetop &valleyviews.A wideverandahwrapsaroundthehome,leadinginsidetosoaring ceilings,timberfloors&astunningcentralatriumthatfillsthespacewithnaturallightbyday& frames thestarsbynight.Thestylishkitchenfeaturesstonebenchtops,integratedappliances &a

outlook —perfectforrelaxedliving& entertaining.Themastersuiteenjoysverandahaccess,walk-in robe &ensuite,while 3furtherbedroomsareservicedby afamilybathroom.Freshlypainted& fitted withgasductedheating &evaporativecooling,thehomealsoincludesanundercoverentertaining area,doublegarage,carport& leafygardens —a trueHillssanctuary.

M 0438680032 AaronDay M 0407365994

‘AmberCottage’ –Charm,Light &HillsSerenityon1,012sqm Welcometo‘AmberCottage’, acharacter-filledthree-bedroom,two-bathroomhomesetona sunny1,012sqm.A shelteredverandahintroduces awarm,invitinginteriorwithpolishedfloorboards, gasductedheating,and awell-designedkitchenwithgasstovetop,integratedoven,and dishwasher.Downthehallisthefirstbedroomandupdatedfamilybathroom,whileupstairsthe masterfeaturesbuilt-inrobesandanensuite.Thethirdbedroomincludesitsownrobeandnookfor studyorplay.Freshlypaintedwithsoaring9ftceilingsandelevatedviews,thehomefeelsbright, spacious,andreadytoenjoy.Outside,a sealeddrivewayleadstoa doublecarport,under-house storage,watertank,anda fullyfencedyardwithfruittrees,a veggiepatch,andplentyofroomfor kids,pets,andevena futureshed —a charmingsliceofCockatooliving.

CHARACTER FILLED HILLS HOME

BRIMMING with charm and overflowing with opportunity, this expansive two-storey hills home offers versatility, space and unforgettable character, all in a superb Upwey location. Perfect for large families, multigenerational living, home based businesses, or those simply seeking room to grow, this property promises a lifestyle rich in comfort and flexibility.

Set across a generous block and with an inviting wrap around verandah, the home features multiple living areas and inviting entertaining spaces, providing an adaptable floorplan that can easily shift with your family's needs. Four large bedrooms are thoughtfully positioned throughout the home, accompanied by a spacious main bathroom. The master suite includes a walk-in robe and full ensuite, offering a peaceful retreat for parents.

Large and spacious, the kitchen allows for everyday cooking with its huge amount of bench space, cupboards and practicality whilst two great dining spaces have been well designed for formal and informal gatherings.

One of the standout original features is the exquisite, pressed metal ceilings: A beautiful period detail that adds so much warmth and timeless charm.

At the rear of the property lies a beautifully tiered, landscaped garden complete with terraced flat lawns that are perfect for children, pets and outdoor gatherings. A paved entertaining area with a convenient outdoor toilet elevates alfresco living even further. This home excels when it comes to flexibility:

A separate home office or teenage retreat includes its own modern bathroom and kitchenette, ideal for extended living requirements or business use.

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265

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.

ACROSS

1 Australian tree which bears yellow flowers (6)

4 Not representative of a type or group (8)

9 Notions (5)

10 Doom (9)

11 Zest (5)

12 Offering (9)

13 Dodge (8)

15 Resident doctor (6)

16 Oppose (6)

18 Omission represented by three periods (8)

23 Opinion (9)

24 Writing material (5)

26 Result of a taipan attack; cocktail (9)

27 Sugary (5)

28 Observation (8)

29 Against (6)

DOWN

1 Complains (coll) (7)

2 Layers (5)

3 Classes (7)

5 Ditch (6)

6 Modern Iranian language

7 Skinny wind instruments (9)

8 Source of light (7)

10 Deputised group (5)

14 Dilapidation (9)

16 Amends (7)

17 Wise (7)

19 Liquid measure (5)

20 Way that has no outlet (7)

21 Impish persons (7)

22 Hanger-on (6)

25 Newspapers (5)

or

Hills star Taylor’s a Giant

By Tanya Steele

The GWS Giants have selected Upwey-Tecoma and South Belgrave junior Oskar Taylor with pick 15 in the 2025 AFL Draft.

Drafted after a premiership year with the Eastern Ranges, the medium defender and midfielder celebrated live on social media, with a cross to the young footballer’s lounge room streamed by the AFL.

The livestream saw a lounge packed with love and excitement as friends, family, and the family pooch envelop Oskar in a congratulatory hug as his draft was announced.

“It feels unbelievable”, said Oskar.

“Congratulations, Oskar Taylor, we are so proud of you! ” read a post from the Upwey-Tecoma Junior football club.

“LET’S GO OSKAR!” read the Outer East Footballs social media page.

TheGiantsgaveanodtoOskar’sfamilysupport, releasing a photo of Oskar crouched in the family’s cupboard with some next-level preparation - balloons and scarves to cover all team options.

Twenty-five players were selected in the first round of the AFL Draft, which was held at Marvel Stadium on 20 November, with ten Victorian teens in the first pick.

With a listed height of 183cm, Giants Head of Talent Adrian Caruso said of all players in this year’s Draft pool, Oskar is the most ‘Giants-type’ of player.

“His speed off half-back is unparalleled, and while he still has a long way to go on the development curve, we feel we can build up his strength and fitness to take him to another level in time,” he said.

“I think I am courageous for my size,” said Oskar to Giants media.

With bios stating Oskar is a medium defender capable of also playing on ball, the 18-year-old played a key role in the Eastern Ranges premiership-winning side in the Coates Talent League this year.

Oskar averaged 20.5 disposals across 17 match-

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es to finish runner-up in his side’s best and fairest.

At the National Draft Combine this year, Oskar clocked the fastest 20 metre sprint at the combine with a time of 2.82 seconds, also ranking second on the agility test with a time of 7.84 seconds.

Giants Head of Talent Adrian Caruso said it was another successful draft for the club as they prepare to welcome Oskar, along with Riley Hamilton and Finn Davis.

“We draft on traits and skill set, and the three players we have selected definitely have the traits, skill set and potential for the GIANTS system,” Caruso said.

With a few days left before heading off to Sydney, Oskar looked excited and happy to be heading off to wear the Orange and Charcoal.

Bowlers celebrate in style

By Rob Wilson

The club activities went to a whole new level this week with the Bowling club celebrating its 60th year. Many past players and current members attended an event at the club to remember past performances and catch up with old friends, over a BBQ lunch and a few drinks. Along the way a social game of bowls broke out where some of the competitive spirit of past battles provided fuel for reminiscing and exaggerated stories. That atmosphere on the green provided not only some terrific spirit but also acted as the perfect pivot for the day around which was lunch and some recognition rewards.

Five “outstanding recognition awards” were presented on the day to those members in attendance for outstanding service to the club, either for their playing representation or service to board or committee. Eric Furby, Klaus Eisele, Case Broekhof, Eric Markham and Jenny Holmes were in attendance to be present with awards.

In a unique touch, a commemorative medallion was struck and placed alongside some other items in the clubs time capsule.

The day was supported by visits from both Federal member for Casey Aaron Violi and State member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino to present some awards and mix with the members, both of who’s visit was appreciated by the attendees. Both members acknowledged the role that community clubs such as the Monbulk Bowling club play and they were both thrilled to be invited to participate in the day. They also echoed the sentiment that if people were looking for a community club to become involved in then The Monbulk Bowling club would be a great option.

President Peter Dowsett delivered an inspiring address to the members that reflected the importance of the day and praised his committee and volunteers for their level of preparation and work in highlighting the club’s history. There were old club minutes, documents, past pennant records, historical uniforms on display and a memorial for former members that had passed away. Peter said, “that a club with such a great history and prominence within our community deserves its story to be told and I am proud of the club for doing such a good job of honouring that history today. I would also like to give a big thankyou to all our sponsors in helping make the day a success with a specific mention to Coolwyn Nurseries for their generous donation of plants which made for very popular prizes in a fundraiser”.

Midweek Pennant results round 4

Team 1 Division 1 v Whittlesea away def 4/12 61/62

• Brian Smith (7/27) Jenny Holmes, Anne Ward, Rob Espernberger.

• Jim Bras (28/17) Eric Markham, Greg Myers, Tony French.

• Rob Wilson ( 26/18) Karen Wilson, Irma Turner, Craig Ward.

Team 2 Division 3 v Bayswater away def 0/16 30/90

• Andy Smith (6/33) Peter Lee, Martin “ Grumpy “Williams, Louise Thomas.

• Don Barnetson (10/34) James Anderson, Andrew Thomas, Peter Koomen.

• Ray Pike (14/23) Graeme Goller, Andrew Mackie, Raymond Aarts.

Team 3 Division 5 v Chirnside Park Home def 2/14 57/64

• Graeme Seymour (20/19) Ann Philpott, Patricia

Ray, Brian Henderson.

• Ron Bishop (17/24) Desmond Ray, Darren Ward, Mick Hastings.

• Bruce Cockerill (20/21) Yvonne Cowling, Peter Dowsett, Kaye Lee

Saturday Pennant round 5

Team 1 Division 2 v Heathmont Home def by 5/13 78/83

• Rob Wilson (20/18) Karen Wilson, Chris Clerici, Ray Pund.

• Jim Bras (12/31) Eric Markham, Irma Turner, Tony French.

• Brian Smith (28/16) Jenny Holmes, Anne Ward, Kylie Bailey.

• Dion Addison(18/18) Rob Espernberger, Calvin Connell, Craig Ward.

Team 2 Division 5 v Heathmont away def by 2/16 75/82

• Don Barnetson (20/24) Mark Johnston, James Anderson, Ivan Baric.

• Peter Lee (21/14) Martin “ Grumpy” Williams, Rick Giurini, Klaus Eisele.

• Andy Smith (16/25) Mark “Candles Hoefer, Peter Higgins, Ray Aarts.

• Graeme Goller (18/19) Norma Clerke, Case Broekhof, Peter Koomen.

Team 3 Division 8 v Chirnside Park / Eastwood Golf away def by 1/15 52/62

• Mike Harris (19/24) Brian Henderson, Frank Mileto, Kaye Lee.

• Ron Bishop (15/20) Brendan Griffiths, Perter Dowsett, Tristan Berry.

Mixed results for Mt Evelyn

A mixed bag of results for the Mt Evelyn Cricket Club over the weekend with four of the six senior games going down to the wire, making for exciting cricket for onlookers in fantastic conditions.

The Community Bank - Mt Evelyn 1st XI were set the monumental task of chasing down East Ringwood’s explosive total of 6/367 which was made in quick time, considering an early declaration still gave them 18 overs to bowl on day one. The Mounters crawled to 2/33 overnight, and with the key wickets of openers Adam Smith and Jesse Fraser, East Ringwood had a clear advantage entering day two.

Nightwatchman Caleb Hrabe would fall soon upon the resumption of play. Sensing they need to get themselves into the contest, and with many overs up their sleeves, the 1st XI initially cautiously went about their business knowing wickets in hand later in the day would prove pivotal. Alex BrisbaneFlynn’s contribution with the bat will go largely unnoticed, but the time he spent at the wicket and the quality bowling he absorbed, opened the game up for the rest of the batting order.

Jake Blackwell and Daniel Giblin would be the initial beneficiaries of the cautious approach as they were able to start striking back at the Kangaroos and giving them some headaches. The pair would put on a 152-run partnership for the fifth wicket, and although the run rate wasn’t at its normal rate of knots for the home team, there was plenty to like about how the game was starting to break open for the Mounters. East Ringwood would finally break the partnership in the 73rd over, prising the wicket of Giblin for another solid contribution of 67, a crucial wicket with Mt Evelyn still requiring 154 runs off the last 25 overs with half the batsmen back in the shed.

Giblin’s wicket brought Jett Hartman to the wicket and some scoring intent in pursuit of an unlikely victory. Hartman would put together a blustery run-a-ball half-century to put the pressure right back on the confident Kangaroos line-up. Blackwell would get caught up with the Hartman whirlwind, and would subsequently increase his intent at the wicket, sensing victory wasa real possibility, especially if he could remain at the wicket. Blackwell would raise the bat for the 1st XI’s first century of the season, and was duly applauded by all and sundry, for his innings had breathed life into a team looking for inspiration. Blackwell and Hartman would put on 66 runs inside 11 overs before Blackwell would be dismissed for 121, an incredible innings.

Due to game circumstances on both days, captain Campbell Mole entered the game at lowly number eight, and it proved to be an opportune time for the hosts. Mole’s calm, calculated and thoughtful approach to the run rate would be pivotal in continuing Blackwell’s effort. At 6/327 with just over six overs remaining, the game was well and truly in Mt Evelyn’s grasp, but at a required run rate at still a run-a-ball, they would have to earn it. Hartman’s enterprising innings would end on 55, and when Mike Mawson followed shortly after, East Ringwood breathed life into their tiring efforts, knowing that now with only two wickets in hand, the Mounters had to balance the risk of losing the last two wickets against the need to continually tick the scoreboard over.

Mole and Bohdie Jones would ensure the game would go down to the last overs as they pushed the final equation to 15 runs off the last two overs with still two wickets in hand. The silence around Gary Martin Oval was deafening. The hush before each ball was gripping. After knocking off a couple of singles, Mole sensed the time was now for a boundary to ease the tensions. A swipe to midwicket looked to be on target for a maximum. With Bailey Anderson balancing himself for a catch on the boundary, it became apparent that the game rested on the shot as time stood still during the ball’s journey. Anderson would flirt with the boundary as the ball approached, and sensing he would be taken over the line, flicked the ball up upon catching it, stumbled back a step, regained his place in the field of play, and completed a remarkable catch, and all but clinched the victory.

Jones and Lachie Morrow would give it their best shot to chase the remaining runs, but the East Ringwood attack would keep their composure and would bowl the Mounters out with two ball to go for 361, seven runs short of victory. Blackwell would be awarded the Remembrance Day Medal for his stoic century leading to the epic finish. The loss is a two-edged sword for the Mounters who are now desperate for wins. The loss leaves them struggling to rise above the relegation race with three teams in the gun this season. On the flip side, the resilience, effort and ability to stay in the chase should give the team some confidence heading

into some crucial matches in the lead up to Christmas break.

TheProfessionalsOuterEast2ndXIenteredday two of their clash with Seville needed to chase 254 for victory. The chase was on target early with experienced campaigners Luke Jones (44) and Jamie Shaw (61) setting a sturdy foundation on which the chase could be built. Unfortunately for the Mounters, there would be limited contributions from the rest of the batting order in a disappointing display from a team looking to feature at the pointy end of the season. The visitors were bowled out for 198 in the 70th over, a game they could’ve, and in many ways should’ve, won. Two losses on the trot have seen the 2nd XI slip to 4th on the ladder, a precarious position considering the closeness of the competition. A refresh, and a determined focus, is needed to reverse this short form slump if it’s not to extend into something more significant.

The Rhead Group 3rd XI found themselves in a tight tussle against Templeton. After day one, and each team’s first split, the Mounters would resume their innings at 4/96, in pursuit of chasing Templeton’s 5/119, and extending on to a defendable total. Despite no significant individual contributions with the bat, the Mounters would be able to scramble to a decent total of 189. Not a brilliant total, but defendable none the less. The total quickly became a lot bigger on the back of some brilliant bowling from Alex Whiting (4/49). Whiting would collect three quick wickets as the Taipans would lose 4/15 in quick time to turn the game completely in the Mounters favour. Unfortunately for the visitors, they couldn’t find the final wicket despite every effort made. Chris Allen and Arun Nair would expertly navigate their team through to victory with an impressive 57 run unbeaten 10th wicket partnership. The loss is a bit of a kick in the guts for the Mounters, as a win would’ve seen them on top of the ladder, the loss however now sees the 3rd XI in a log jam in the middle of the ladder. The stint up to Christmas is now vital to the 3rd XI’s chances of featuring in finals action.

The Hop Hen Brewing 4th XI’s contest with Yarra Glen reverted to a one-day clash this weekend after the unfortunate injury of Alastair Churchill on day one. Yarra Glen would open the contest

with the bat and would compile a useful score of 8/217 with a steady and consistent approach with the bat. The Mounters wouldn’t be too disappointed with their efforts with the ball as most bowlers would contribute to the team’s efforts.

Zeke Tressider, Campbell Manser and Craig Steele would all net two wickets apiece. Lachie Robertson’s brilliant knock of 81 would ensure the Mounters were always a step ahead in the chase. A steady flow of runs, and wickets in hand, would prove vital. Campbell Manser was a useful ally early with a handy innings of 36 contributing to game defining 86 run opening partnership. A steady flow of wickets through the middle of the innings would give the Riverpigs some hope, but Chase Missen (40 not out) and captain Chris Doyle (27 not out) would close the door on any thoughts the visitors had of victory cruising to the total with six wickets in hand and some four overs in the bank. The win is the 4th XI’s third on the trot as they now make strides up the ladder and put themselves in a position to take full advantage should they have some favourable results leading into the Christmas break.

The Lilydale Tyres 5th XI dominated day one against North Ringwood with Mt Evelyn’s score finishing at 3/225 in reply to North Ringwood’s 9/166. The only questions of interest heading into day two were, could young star Ezra Joyce post his maiden century, how many runs do Mt Evelyn need to chase outright victory, and could the Mounters secure vital outright points. Unfortunately Joyce’s fantastic innings would be wrapped for 83, although a disappointing end, the innings showed the maturity and class of this young cricketer, and the promise of many more runs, and opportunities for centuries will always be there. It’s only a matter of when, not if. Captain Jason Dunstone would elect to push the score well beyond enough as he would post a blistering 68 not out, along with an equally dominant 53 not out from Mark Kuhne pushing the score to a mammoth 7/402. A lead of 236 and ample runs should they take the last Bulls wicket promptly and enforce the follow on.

North Ringwood’s innings would be wrapped up for 167, leaving the Mounters over half the day to capture ten wickets to secure outright victory.

At 4/6, the outright result looked an inevitable result, but as is quite often the case, the Bulls batting order dug in their heels to avoid the ignominy of an outright defeat. The middle to late order of the Bulls line up would muster the internal fortitude to resist the Mounters advances and would hold out until the final ball reaching 8/104 when stumps were drawn. Ben Dunstone would be the pick of the bowlers taking 4/18 whilst his opening partner, Mark Kuhne, would take 2/28. The win has the 5th XI humming, and all but the beating they received from ladder leaders Boronia, things have been on the up for the Mounters in their quest to feature in finals after rising two grades in the offseason.

The Flowtec 6th XI have been consistent in their effort and approach all season despite not chalking up too many wins. This weekend they travelled to Croydon Ranges in a game that would prove to be a tight affair. Croydon Ranges would bat first, and the game would start with a real arm wrestle as tight bowling from the Mounters would be matched by some defiant batting from the Ranges. At drinks, the hosts would by 1/51 a score they could build on, but by no means out of hand for the visitors. The second half of the innings panned out somewhat as expected as the Ranges would capitalise on wickets in hand extending the total to 5/197. Noah Bell would be the pick of a disciplined bowling attack taking 2/21.

The Mounters would make a fair fist of the chase with a similar approach to that of their hosts. Steady to start with, keeping wickets in hand. Opener Luke Thomson would be the pick of the batters making an impressive 42, whilst contributions from Lucas James and Shane Cantelmi would keep the innings moving forward. Matt Bell would produce his best innings of the season making 31, and the Mounters looked set to challenge the total. Bell’s run out would prove to be the handbrake despite the best efforts of Chris Anderson (45 not out) and Liam Glover. Eventually, the Mounters would run out of deliveries, and when stumps were drawn, they were agonisingly short of the victory target finishing on 7/185. Despite their lowly ladder position, spirits remain high amongst the team with the reward of victory not too far around the corner.