Mail - Ferntree Gully Star Mail - 2nd December 2025

Kids on run for a cause

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Rotary Club of Emerald and District’s popular Kids Fun Run returned to Puffing Billy Railway Station in Gembrook over the weekend, Sunday, 30 November.

The annual event designed for kids aged three-12, brought families together for a fun day filled with running, colour, and a great sense of community spirit.

All proceeds from this year’s event will go towards a special project called the ‘Healing Mural’ at the children’s ward of William Angliss Hospital in Ferntree Gully.

The mural will be painted by artist, Tess Dawson, who has already created a similar mural at Box Hill Hospital.

To see more pics of happy feet running the Fun Run, turn to page 19

Vale, Mr Monbulk

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Raymond Leslie Yates, known as “Mr Monbulk,“ was farewelled on Monday, 1 December, after he peacefully passed away on 18 November at the age of 86, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

A memorial service to celebrate his life was held at Tatra Receptions in Mount Dandenong, with a livestream available for those unable to attend.

Mr Yates was a beloved educator who spent 38

years at Monbulk Primary School, including 28 years as principal.

Under his leadership, the school transformed from a struggling institution into a thriving educational hub.

Monbulk Primary School Principal Estelle Alder praised his deep connection with students, remembering their names even years after they left.

In addition to his work in education, Mr Yates was a central figure in the Monbulk community.

He founded the Raymond Yates Arts Centre at

the school and played a significant role in local organisations, including the Monbulk RSL, Rotary Club, and the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

Mr Yates also served as a Shire Councillor and Mayor of Lillydale for 21 years and was instrumental in establishing the community bank in Monbulk. His impact extended beyond Monbulk, inspiring countless people through his leadership, dedication, and service to the community.

His commitment to arts education and his support for students and teachers alike made a lasting impression on those who worked with

him. Mr Yates is remembered not only as a leader but as a cherished husband, father, and grandfather. His passing is deeply felt by his family and the broader Monbulk community, which gathered to honour his memory at the memorial service.

In tribute, students at Monbulk Primary School created drawings for the memorial, and the school’s iconic Bell Tower rang 38 times to mark each year he served as principal. Full story page 6

Salvos’ solar farm opens

A solar farm has officially opened in The Basin, four years after planning first began.

The 11,000 700-watt bifacial solar panels have been positioned on land that has been owned and operated as a farm by The Salvation Army since 1890.

As an eight-hectare solar farm, it did receive some negative community feedback during the consultation period to change the zoning in late 2024.

The Salvation Army said the solar farm was the result of years of work to reinvent this unused space to create a positive environmental, economic, and social impact.

National Leader of the Salvation Army, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, said at the launch of the project on Friday 21 November that this was a milestone in The Salvation Army’s efforts towards environmental sustainability.

“This project is important to The Salvation Army because of our ‘Creation Care’ ethos, a belief to be honoured by treading lightly on the planets resources and doing our utmost to ensure that operations cause the least harm to the environment,” she said.

“This solar farm is a bold step towards doing our part to reduce our contribution to climate change and fight for justice for the most vulnerable in our communities who are most significantly affected by its impacts, while also generating savings that can go right back into the services that help these communities.”

Construction began in early 2025, and the solar farm is expected to be switched on in early December. Once on, it is expected to generate savings of approximately $1.5 million per year that can be funnelled back into The Salvation Army’s core social services.

Alongside the many rooftop solar systems installed on Salvation Army properties, the solar farm will effectively eliminate The Salvation Army’s electricity emissions in Victoria, reducing overall emissions by over 7000 tonnes per year and contributing significantly to their national goal of 90 per cent reduction of all emissions.

Some residents had concerns about the proposed changes that ranged from worries about the extent of the land use, interrupted views of the Dandenong Ranges, the bypassing of Knox Council, the future of the cattle that were grazing there and some of the changes proposed for areas of vegetation on the property.

Knox Environment Society president Richard

Farrager told Star Mail in December last year, that while KES is generally in favour of solar farms they had some concerns around the space.

“There is the importance of this landscape view to the community looking out across the rural landscape to the magnificent backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges,” he said.

“We have a concern that once the precedence has been set then more development on this site may take place.”

Resident Lynette Hayhurst also said at the time of consultation that her and others had con-

cerns centring around the way the engagement took place and wanted more constructive communication so that the community felt heard.

“Fellow residents have told me that this is a major change in this town, but they’re not letting everybody know about it,” she said.

The Salvation Army said great care was taken by the organisation to ensure the farm was constructed in such a way to minimise interference with the views of local residents or disturbance to the ground and any potential artifacts preserved in the soil.

Angry posties bite back against dog-related attacks

By Mikayla van Loon

owners across the outer east are being urged this holiday season to secure their pets as postie safety concerns continue to rise.

Mooroolbark remains the highest-ranked suburb in Victoria for dog-related postie attacks, followed by Sunshine West and Essendon Fields.

Despite Victoria ranking fourth and far below New South Wales’ total number of incidents at 342, the 179 across the state remain a great concern for Australia Post.

More than 1190 dog-related incidents have occurred nationwide in the past six months, with growing fears these numbers will rise as deliveries surge during the busy sales and Christmas season.

This equates to 46 posties a week falling victim to dog-related attacks, averaging nine incidents per day.

Injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, scratches, and bites. In other instances, Australia Post General Manager Safety, Russell Munro said posties have been knocked off their bikes.

“We’ve had posties ending up in hospital recently, one of our posties was attacked by a dog, knocked to the ground. She received serious bite wounds to her legs, arms and chest,” he said.

“Many of our team members also suffer long-term psychological impacts. Posties need safe access to the property without being attacked, chased, or harassed by your dog.”

Senior delivery officer Wayne Cleary said he had to have surgery after a dog bit down on his hand.

“I came upon this house, and I knew there was a dog there at this particular time. The lady was coming towards the door, so I held out my hand so I could deliver it to her, and then the dog got up and grabbed my hand,” he said.

“It wasn’t actually biting at the time, but then the lady freaked out…That’s when the dog bit down and pierced the webbing of my hand.”

One in three incidents occurs on customer property at the front door or when the postie is approaching or leaving to deliver a parcel.

A further 62 per cent occur on the street, with more than 80 per cent of those involving dogs escaping a property or roaming freely without an owner present.

A third of street incidents involved a postie being chased by a dog, highlighting the real and immediate danger faced by frontline team members.

In June, Australia Post rolled out citronella spray for all posties to carry as “a last line of de-

fence”.

The deterrent has been effective in 90 per cent of cases, causing dogs to retreat and giving posties crucial time to get to safety, but Mr Munro said “it’s not a magic fix”.

Mr Munro said simple actions from dog owners can make a critical difference during the busiest delivery period of the year.

“Our Posties want to be able to deliver for our customers without fear of being attacked or chased by a dog. Regardless of breed or temperament, we urge all owners to keep their dogs safely contained when expecting deliveries,” he said.

“While the rollout of citronella spray has helped in many situations, we’re still seeing far

Posties are continuing to experience lacerations and bites despite ongoing messaging about dog-related incidents. (Supplied)

too many cases of aggressive dog behaviour, and unfortunately, we can’t prevent all incidents from occurring.

“We’ve seen the number of cases increase over the past six months, which shows there’s still more work to be done to keep our Posties safe.”

Mr Munro said that if you’re expecting a parcel delivery for a certain day and time, ensure your dog is secured in another room or behind a gate.

He encouraged people to use the Australia Post app, as it makes it easy for people to stay up-to-date with expected delivery times and now displays a reminder about securing dogs.

Australia Post reports all dog-related incidents to local councils to ensure proper enforcement is undertaken and the risk is mitigated. Deliveries will cease to a property or street if a postie is threatened or injured by an aggressive dog.

Prevention in the first instance is key. Australia Post advises dog owners to follow the three PAWS for delivery steps: Sit, Stay, Secure.

IN BRIEF

Funding welcomed by local advocates

The Kallista Flood Watch Group and Community (KFWG) has welcomed the Victorian State Government’s commitment of $2.9 million for the design and construction of essential drainage upgrades along Monbulk Road in Kallista, marking a major milestone in the community’s nearly threeyear advocacy campaign for safer, more resilient infrastructure.

The KFWG was initiated by residents in 2022 when a second flash flooding event that year again deluged the homes and properties along the 700 metres of Monbulk Road. After decades of flooding with no relief, it was clear the drainage infrastructure was inadequate and antiquated. For years residents had cleaned and maintained the culvert drains but eventually their efforts could no longer support the substantial changes and volumes in the storms. What was noted too, was that the flash flooding events were now every two to three years.

Gathering together experiences, videos and photos, the Group with the help of the local cinematographer Michael Schoell, created the Flood Watch Video. It illustrated the extreme weather events and impacts the residents endured. Armed with this valuable record, the KFWG Advocates met with former Monbulk MP James Merlino. Mr Merlino took their concerns to the Hon Ben Carroll MP, then Minister for Roads. Shortly after a “timeline” was developed for works through the Department of Transport and Planning. Surveys were conducted and a Business Plan developed that was initially submitted to the Department of Treasury and Finance in February 2023 which was unsuccessful. The Business Case was submitted again and funding granted. In the meantime, the Department of

Transport and Planning supported Kallista with berms and minor temporary works to mitigate ongoing issues.

Further, the Yarra Ranges Council delivered better and more comprehensive drainage to Emberson Street and Gleghorn Road along with bitumen aprons to support the unsealed roads. Importantly the Yarra Ranges Council resurfaced and upgraded the footpath from Sherbrooke Road to Rivington Avenue to manage the flows down this passage and divert it into larger and more efficient spoon drains. The YRC works have concentrated on the water flows from Emberson Street and Gleghorn Road - the two primary sources delivering the floods to Monbulk Road.

This additional work was so essential to the outcomes of the $2.9 million Drainage Project to be delivered to Monbulk Road, Kallista commencing in March 2026 and scheduled for completion by mid 2026.

“These planned works are the first meaningful upgrades to our drainage network in around 80 years,” Karen Kestigian, the KFWG Advocate said. “This recent announcement is the result of diligent community advocacy inspired by hope and a real need to resolve the issues. Our community has been living with outdated drainage infrastructure for many years.”

The Yarra Ranges Council over the past three years has delivered approximately $300,000 in valuable infrastructure to Kallista. With the Monbulk Road Project, the Council has included in their 2025/2026 budget footpath surfacing along Monbulk Road from Rivington Avenue to Perrins Creek Road and the much-needed surfacing of the footpath track from Gleghorn Road to Emberson Street.

These infrastructure works are substantial and will have significant daily impacts on the traffic flow along Kallista’s 700 metres of Monbulk Road. Traffic volumes off peak are approximately 8600 vehicles per day rising to above 15,000 during special events.

Local traffic and the surrounding Hills communities use it daily. It is also a major corridor for large transport and tourism and attracts traffic from Gippsland, the Peninsula, Melbourne Metro and across the agricultural and horticultural areas beyond Monbulk to the Yarra Valley regions.

With the announcement of this major drainage project, it is vital for the community across the regions to expect delays and to consider alternate routes during construction. Monbulk Road, Kallista is a very important corridor as it supports local traffic, tourism and the economic needs. Leading up to the commencement of the project, updates will be circulated through this publication, Facebook pages and the Department of Transport and Planning.

The Kallista Flood Watch Group and Community appreciate the support provided by the Yarra Ranges Council and Minister for Roads Melissa Horne, for scheduling of this drainage project. Importantly, acknowledgement is given to the early attention provided by Mr Merlino and Mr Carroll. Their advocacy and support led to a Business Case to Treasury resulting in the $2.9 million funding.

“This funding has been a long-awaited critical step,” Ms Kestigian said. “We thank the Ministers past and present who listened, engaged, and helped bring us to this point. Our community can now look forward to a more sustainable and resilient storm water drainage infrastructure.”

Seven arrested in Knox weapons operation

Seven people were arrested, and two weapons seized during a targeted operation at a Knox shopping centre on Thursday, 27 November.

More than a dozen police and PSOs conducted searches as part of an effort to deter crime and detect illegal weapons.

The operation resulted in a 38-year-old Bayswater man being charged with weapon and drug offences after being found with a box cutter, methylamphetamine, and other items.

A 19-year-old Ferntree Gully man was issued a penalty notice for carrying a controlled weapon and received a drug diversion.

Three others were arrested on outstanding warrants for various offences, while two additional individuals were arrested for drug and resisting police charges.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to improve public safety and prevent crime across the state.

Mower stolen in Upwey

Police are investigating the theft of a Yard Man ride-on lawnmower from a carport in Upwey on 25 November 2025.

The mower, valued at $1500, has distinctive yellow spray paint touch-ups on the front bonnet.

A similar model is pictured below.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Belgrave Police Station at 9754 6677, quoting Incident Number 250490822.

Auslan emergency app launched

Expression Australia has launched a new Auslan Emergency Interpreting App, offering live video calls with qualified Auslan interpreters for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community.

The app enables users to access Triple Zero (000) services 24/7, 365 days a year. This initiative aims to improve emergency communication and accessibility. For more information, visit Expression Australia’s post here.

Get ready for summer boating

As summer approaches, it’s important for boaters to review safety guidelines for different waterways and vessels.

Each waterway and vessel has its own set of rules, and ensuring both you and your vessel are prepared for the conditions is crucial. Before heading out, take a moment to get “Back to Basics” and learn how to stay safe on the water. For more information, visit safetransport.vic. gov.au/back-to-basics.

Last resorts

As the 2025-2026 bushfire season approaches, Yarra Ranges residents are reminded of designated places of last resort for emergency refuge. While early evacuation is preferred, these locations are available for those who choose to stay.

At the Yarra Ranges Council meeting on 25 November, a motion was passed to confirm 19 places of last resort, including Belgrave Recreation Reserve, Belgrave Alexanders Carpark, Monbulk Recreational Reserve, Seville Recreational Reserve, Upwey Recreation Reserve, and Upwey’s Dandenong Ranges Community Cultural Centre.

Additionally, three Community Fire Refuge (CFR) sites have been confirmed for the fire danger period: Millwarra Primary School (East Warburton), Ferny Creek Primary School, and Wesburn/Millgrove CFA Fire Station.

These locations are essential for providing shelter in the event of a bushfire emergency.

YRC updates its advocacy priorities

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council has updated its advocacy priorities at the Tuesday 25 November council meeting.

The council updates its advocacy agenda each year, identifying key items they wish to raise with state and federal governments going forward.

O’Shannassy Ward councillor Jim Child said he thinks the proof is in the pudding.

“We’ve been down this path in regards to advocacy priorities in the past and we have been successful in the past, I think we just have to look at the advocacy priorities set for the previous year and the outcomes there,” he said.

“They’re well and truly written in the report in regards to the wins that we had out of the last federal election, but going into the future we’ve got a state election next year.

“I think we’re well and truly acquainted with these priorities and I think in today’s financial climate in regards to state and federal government, we’ve actually got to get out there, we’ve got to do the hard yards and that’s what we will be doing.”

Yarra Ranges Council’s priorities for the next two years consist of: strengthening youth services, funding for 10 safer crossings, ‘funding fairness’ for communities, sustainable transport, developing a ‘Greenprint’, funding to design and build a modern aquatic and leisure centre, affordable housing and funding for the Birrarung/ Yarra River crossing on the Yarra Valley Trail project.

Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said they’ve learnt and have a wonderful team who continually remind them that a focused effort and being in unison about the things that matter most for our community now are important.

“In fact, critical if we’re actually going to get money in an environment where both state and federal government are giving us less and less money by every week, not just every year, but ev-

ery week,” she said.

“I did, however, want to point out that and maybe it’s to reassure many in our community who will look at this and go ‘Where is the thing that is most important for me that’s not on this list’, that there is a huge amount of other advocacy that we do.

“This is our core list, looking for substantial amounts of money that we need to make a difference on some really critical projects but it doesn’t mean all of those other things we aren’t still advocating for and writing to ministers and looking for results for our community.”

Some of the key asks from the Yarra Ranges priorities include:

Expanding the Mental Health & Wellbeing Local, particularly to the Upper Yarra and Yarra Valley.

Upgrading dangerous crossings in Kallista, Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Olinda, Sassafras, Seville East, Wandin North, Yarra Glen and Yarra Junction.

Restoring funding programs such as Roads for Community and the Growing Suburbs Fund while considering removals or exemptions from the Emergency Services Volunteers Levy and Windfall Gains Tax.

Review and upgrade bus services, continue upgrades of Belgrave Station and duplicate the Lilydale Line between Lilydale and Mooroolbark.

Provide $1.5 million over four years to develop and deliver ‘a strategic model to map, prioritise and reconnect fragmented habitats, restore ecological corridors and strengthen resilience’.

$1 million for a business case and then $20 million each over time from the state and federal governments for an indoor aquatic and leisure centre in the urban region.

Ask the Victorian Government to implement a new state planning provision mandating affordable housing when land is rezoned for residential use or when large-scale housing developments are approved.

Knox council swears in new mayor

Knox City Council has a new Mayor, announcing the news via their website and social media on Friday 21 November.

Cr Paige Kennett has been elected Mayor of Knox City Council, with Cr Chris Duncan to serve as Deputy Mayor for the next year. Cr Kennett shared via Knox council media that she was humbled and honoured to have the opportunity.

“Thank you Councillors for the faith you have put in me to lead over the coming year,” she said. “I am looking forward to serving our community and achieving great outcomes with my colleagues.

“Community engagement is one of my passion areas. I will use my time as Mayor to encourage more community engagement with Council to better understand the issues that matter to the people we serve.”

Cr Kennett was first elected to represent Chandler ward in 2024. She has lived in Knox for over 20 years with her husband and three children.

Cr Kennett thanked the outgoing Mayor Cr Lisa Cooper and Deputy Mayor Cr Glen Atwell for their service.

“Together you have helped us create a better city based on what our community wants.”

The new Deputy Mayor, Cr Chris Duncan was first elected to represent Collier ward in 2024.

For more information about councillors, residents can visit the Knox City Council website.

Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan said everyone is plainly aware these days that local government cannot do it alone.

“It’s all very well to say that you know we have a certain amount of time, that we have a particular amount of money to run a program and has always been the case for local government, particularly here at Yarra Ranges, the years I’ve been,” he said.

“It’s gone along fine for many years and we lose that seed funding or we have a change of government or we have a change of minister or someone you know has another thought bubble and we haven’t got that funding and we’re left holding the baby.

“We have so many needs and you’ll see by the advocacy list, as Cr McAllister mentioned, it’s quite long, in depth and all of these things are important and critical to Yarra Ranges.”

Some recent successes from the council’s advocacy program have included a $5.76 million allocation from the federal Thriving Suburbs Program to rebuild the pavilion at the Don Road Reserve in Healesville and an additional $3 million for the Warburton Bike Park to complete the southern network as an election commitment from the Albanese Government.

Cr Heenan said he sincerely hopes the Yarra Ranges gets a decent lot of the pie in order for their projects, programs and services to go ahead.

“State and federal governments need to understand that we can’t just stand there like a young child begging for lollies when we need tens of millions if not hundreds of millions of dollars in the future in order to maintain all of what we have here in Yarra Ranges,” he said.

“We have a very, very big shire, the fifth largest in the state of Victoria, which means that we should be looked at much more favourably by both sides of politics.”

Cardinia council to meet once a month

By Corey Everitt

The council will meet only once a month and an hour earlier starting next year, with Cardinia Shire following a statewide trend to opt out of dedicated meetings for planning matters.

At Monday’s Annual Statutory Meeting, 24 November, the council unanimously supported a new schedule for 2026 that cuts the number of meetings by half.

Where the council currently meets around two times a month on an alternating schedule of general meetings and town planning meetings, the latter will now be integrated into the former next year.

The meetings will begin at 6pm instead of 7pm, as this year’s general meetings have often stretched well into the night.

Town planning meetings this year have involved smaller and smaller agendas, while the general council meetings have become longer, both changes aim to streamline council procedures.

“We had town planning meetings where there was sometimes one item. Some nights there were no items,” Cr Ross said.

“It was brought to our attention that many councils have the two of them together.” Casey and Greater Dandenong once had town planning meetings, but have made similar changes recently.

A final town planning meeting will be held on Monday 1 December, as well as a general council meeting on Monday 15 December.

Both will begin at 7 pm.

The new changes will be in place for meetings in the new year.

Support after trauma in Selby

By Tanya Steele

* Please be aware that this article discusses youth suicide, and some readers may find this distressing.

A local community house has organised a FREE and vital mental health support session ahead of the festive season, scheduled for Tuesday 9 December 2025.

Selby Community House will host the event, Supporting Each Other After Suicide - A community conversation to understand local services and supports, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the community house at 1 Minak Road Selby.

A representative of the house said the event is aimed at supporting local families following several recent youth suicides that have deeply affected the community.

Bringing together three key mental health organisations — Headspace from Knox and Lilydale, the Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health Service (ICYMH) from Eastern Health, and StandBy Support After Suicide, the evening is being hosted to deliver practical help to the community.

StandBy Support After Suicide is an Australian Government initiative, established in 2002 to meet the need for a coordinated community response to suicide and one of Australia’s leading suicide postvention programs dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide.

Headspace and Eastern Health Child & Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS are both arms of free services available for children, adolescents and young people up to 25 years of age, their families and carers.

It is hoped that the event will help parents, carers, and community members understand what support services are available and how to access them.

“It is not a counselling session, but a safe and supportive space to learn, connect, and receive guidance,” said a Selby House representative.

“This session is not suitable for children — it is specifically for adults who want to learn how to support one another and how to best support the young people in their lives.”

The planned event comes as national news breaks about a recent study from the University of Melbourne of more than 14,000 Australians, which has found people aged between 16-25 were more likely than their older counterparts to report suicidal thoughts, self-harm harm and suicide attempts and that those behaviours were emerging earlier in life.

Australians for Mental Health is urging the federal government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, after the new research revealed younger Australians are more likely to report suicidal thoughts, self-harm harm and suicide attempts than older generations.

“After a decade of noble efforts to reduce the rates of distress among our young people, the problem is getting worse. It is time for a radical overhaul of how we tackle the mental health crisis. That must start with good policy, placed as a top priority at the centre of government,” Australians for Mental Health Executive Director Chris Gambian said.

“If we want to keep our young people well, we must start by listening, and responding, to their needs, whatever those might be,” he said.

At a local level, this year has seen many community groups rally to support and educate, as the shockwaves of several youth deaths impact the Yarra Ranges.

Supporting Each Other After Suicide - A community conversation at Selby House has been arranged to continue to offer vital support.

“We would be grateful for your support in helping share this information with our community, given the urgency and importance of the topic, especially heading into the Christmas period when many services close and vulnerabilities increase,” said a representative from Selby House.

Event details:

■Tuesday 9 December

■6:30pm–8:30pm

■Selby Community House

■ Gold coin donation appreciated but not required

■ Bookings are essential - Book online www.selbyhouse.org.au or call 9754 2039

Victoria joins the encouraging trend of women in power

By Mikayla van Loon

The selection of a female to lead the Victorian Liberal Party into 2026, an election, and hopefully beyond, has been welcomed as a positive step by the leading advocacy body Women for Election (WFE).

WFE chief executive officer Licia Heath said Jess Wilson’s appointment as party leader was both positive “for the party and also for political representation more broadly”.

“Plus, the fact that she’s under 40 is also a great demonstration of the capability of, and need for, younger politicians in Australia,” she said.

Ms Heath did note, however, that while having two female leaders was something new for Victoria, other states and territories reached the milestone much faster.

Five years ago, Queensland’s Labor and Liberal parties were led by Anastasia Palaszczuk and Deb Frecklington, respectively, during the state election. In 2021, New South Wales followed suit, with Gladys Berejiklian and Jodi McKay as party leaders.

Last year, both major parties in the Northern

Territory were also led by women, being Lia Finocchiaro for the Country Liberal Party and Eva Lawler for the Territory Labor Party.

“The more women we see in politics, and within leadership positions within politics, the more it’s normalised. I can’t wait for the day when our federal leaders are all women,” Ms Heath said.

As more women join and are more present in the Australian political landscape, Ms Heath said “acceptance of female party leaders has improved and become normalised”.

But she did say that more women from diverse backgrounds and communities were needed in all levels of government to have a truly representative system.

“That greater representation of women is still needed, particularly for women from politically under-represented communities such as First Nations communities and women from diverse multicultural backgrounds,” she said.

And despite the progress Australia has made both nationally and internationally as a leading example of empowering women to join the political sphere, Ms Heath said the country still falls short in some aspects.

“There’s no question that women are still judged more harshly than their male counterparts in politics (and in all other roles as well),” she said. “But the higher visibility of politics, and the presence of media commentary, means that women still receive ridiculous commentary relating to their appearance or their family life.”

Ms Heath does believe “the public are getting better at calling this out” when they see or hear it but one of the major reasons women don’t run for election is because of online harassment and safety.

As both an advocacy platform and a train-

ing ground for women to pursue politics at all levels, Ms Heath said a far too common issue raised by the Women for Election community is online abuse.

“While the office of the E-safety commissioner is doing extensive work on curtailing online harassment, we want to see harsher penalties and greater consequences for perpetrators of online trolling, so that women feel empowered to run for public office and serve their communities,” she said.

A little under a year away from a state election, Ms Heath encouraged women to join a WFE event across Victoria in early 2026. The events are designed to “inspire and equip” women to run in the state election, and look ahead to federal and local government elections.

“I’d encourage readers to visit our webpage and register for the events or share with a woman you would like to see run in the future. Our events are open to all women, whether they want to be a future candidate, or perhaps just want to understand more about Australia’ political process.”

To find out more, visit: wfe.org.au/events/

Remembering Mr Monbulk

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Raymond Leslie Yates, also known as “Mr Monbulk“, peacefully passed away at his home on Thursday, 18 November, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

A memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy was held on Monday, 1 December at 2pm at the Tatra Receptions in Mount Dandenong, Anyone who couldn’t make it in person, could take advantage of a livestream service available at Selwyn Allen Funerals.

Mr Yates was a beloved dedicated educator, leader, and community member whose influence was felt across all corners of the town.

His 38-year tenure at Monbulk Primary School began as a teacher and he spent 28 years of it as the school’s principal.

Monbulk Primary School Principal Estelle Alder said during Mr Yates’ tenure as principal, he transformed the school from a struggling institution into a lively and thriving educational centre.

“Ray wasn’t just a principal, he was a part of every student’s life,” she said.

“He always remembered their names, even years after they had left the school, he did this because he simply cared about everyone and had a genuine interest in every individual.“

Beyondhisworkineducation,Yateswasapillar of the Monbulk community, where his passion for the arts led to the creation of the Raymond Yates Arts Centre at Monbulk Primary, which still continues to provide children with valuable opportunities in music and the arts.

The former chairwoman of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council, Beverley McAlister OAM, said Mr Yates was always ready to learn and lead with calmness and politeness and he always used evidence-based research to make decisions.

“He was a man of integrity, clarity, and strength,” she said.

“Ray’s commitment to community and arts education was truly exceptional, he supported both staff and students with unwavering dedication, and his legacy continues to inspire those who were fortunate enough to work alongside him.”

Mr Yates’ influence extended far beyond the school grounds, He served as a Shire Councillor for 21 years, including a term as Mayor of the Shire of Lillydale.

His work in local government was matched by his dedication to various community organisations, including the Monbulk RSL, Rotary Club, and the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

Mr Yates was instrumental in founding the Japara Community House, in Kilsyth and was a key figure in establishing a community bank in Monbulk, which continues to serve the area to this day.

The team at Bendigo Bank Monbulk and District closed their office on Monday afternoon to attend Mr Yates’s memorial service to pay their respects.

In a heartfelt speech delivered in Parliament and posted on his Facebook page, Casey federal MP Aaron Violi spoke fondly of Mr Yates, praising his profound impact on the Monbulk community and his dedication to service.

“Ray was truly immersed in community life. He wasn’t just a member of our town; he was an architect of community life as we know it,“ Mr Violi said. “He gave so much to our community, and my

condolences go out to his wife, Catherine, their family, friends, and all those who were privileged to know him.“

“His legacy will live on in every organisation that he touched and the strength that he left them, in the connections that he helped forge, and the countless lives that he improved.“

Mr Yates’ love for his community was matched only by his deep love for his family. He was the cherished husband of Cathie, and a loving father to Richard and Samuel. He was also an adored stepfather and Poppa to Clare, Marcus, and their families.

He was the son of William and Avis (both deceased) and the much-loved brother of Barry and Loris.

His family remembers him as a kind and generous man who always put others before himself.

Mr Yates’ passing has been deeply felt by the Monbulk community, which has come together to honour his legacy.

In tribute, students at Monbulk Primary School have created drawings that will be displayed at his memorial service, and the school’s iconic Bell Tower was rung 38 times on Monday, 1 December, once for each year Mr Yates served as school principal.

“Ray was a rare man, with a rare commitment to children, education, and his community,” Monbulk Historical Society’s projects and events coordinator, Jill A’Vard said.

“He always got the job done and did it straight

away, he was a true champion of Monbulk.” Mr Yates’ contributions to education, local government,andcommunitylifearefar-reaching,and his impact will continue to be felt in Monbulk for many years to come.

Tomanywhoknewhim,hewasn’tjustaleader; he was a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration. His legacy is woven into the very fabric of Monbulk, from the school he helped build into a point of pride, to the community organisations he helped shape, Mr Yates leaves behind a community stronger and more connected than it was before. Always remembered. Always cherished. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Pankind, a charity supporting those affected by pancreatic cancer.

Anzac funding confirmed

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Rotary Club of Boronia has received a $3120 grant from the State Government’s Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and Victoria Remembers programs to support its annual Anzac Day service for Grade 5 and 6 students from local schools in the Knox Council area.

The service, which has been a community staple for over a decade, provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with Australia’s ANZAC history in a meaningful way.

This grant will help fund transportation for the students to and from the event, which takes place at the Tim Neville Arboretum, in Ferntree Gully.

A member of the Boronia Rotary Club and coordinator for the event, Lance Deveson said the Anzac Day service, which has been running since 2015, is the only one of its kind in the Knox area specifically designed for primary school students.

“We started this because there was nothing for primary school children in our district,” Deveson said.

“It’s important to us that kids understand the history behind Anzac Day, especially as they begin to develop a sense of connection to their country’s past.”

The funding is part of the Victoria Remembers Grant Program, which aims to support commemorative events and educational projects across the state.

Boronia Rotary Club will use the grant to cover the costs of bus transport for students attending next year’s service, the club also covers other costs through its own fundraising efforts, such as wreaths, music, and chair hire.

“We’ve been doing this for a while now, and it’s a real challenge to fund the service without grants like this,” Deveson said.

“The bus transport is the biggest cost, so this funding is a huge help.”

The service, which typically includes a guest speaker, music from local school choirs, and a

moment of silence, aims to engage students with Anzac history in a personal and meaningful way.

For the 2026 service, the guest speaker will be a veteran who served in submarines and now works in submarine design to give students a connection to both the past and present.

“The students really connect with the ceremony,” Deveson said.

“They often tell us they’ve learned something new about Anzac Day, and some even go on to attend other services on Anzac Day itself.”

The Anzac Day service for Grade 5 and

6

For more information about the Victoria Remembers Grant Program, visit vic.gov.au/victoria-remembers-grant-program

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

Mums rock for activism

By Tanya Steele

Mums of the Hills Inc (MOTHS) turned up the volume on gender equality at the Director’s Cut Premiere of their MOTHer ROCKers Documentary on Sunday 30 November.

The MOTHs community gathered in Belgrave to share moments and reflections on the formation of an all Mum-rock band that came together to rock out at the Sooki Lounge earlier that year for the Parents Battle of the Bands.

“I can see a lot of familiar friends and family in the audience who understand just how much this band has really meant to us,” said MOTHs founder Belinda Young on the day.

The Cameo in Belgrave hosted the film screening event with MOTHS as part of the global movement for 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence.

Giving thanks to a Yarra Ranges Council Grant

and the screening opened with a joint statement on the prevention of family violence, with Mums of the Hills partnering with Single Mums of the Hills and Mountain Men.

The trio of community groups released the statement earlier this year and has partnered with local sporting clubs in the hills to tackle the big issue.

“Partner violence is not just a private issue. It’s a community crisis — and our area is not immune,” the statement reads on the Mums of the Hills website.

“Partner violence is when one partner physically, emotionally, psychologically, mentally and/ or financially abuses the other. It can happen in any type of relationship — married, de facto, dating, separated or divorced.”

Turning to stereotypes, Ms Young said before the screening that the problem with family violence and partner violence is that it’s hush-hush.

“You see something that just isn’t right, but you turn a blind eye because you don’t want to intrude – but we need to call it out as a community, as a village together,” she said.

“We need to say that it’s not okay, we need to break down the gender stereotypes.”

Ms Young said that MOTHs is also excited to announce that they raised $1254 at the Parents Battle of the Bands (PBOB) event on July 31.

PBOB is an Australian Registered Charity that uses the power of music to build community, strengthen social connections, and support wellbeing. As part of its mission, PBOB redistributes event proceeds to the music and performing arts programs of public primary schools.

“The funds raised by MOTHs will be directed in this way, supporting our local schools and their creative program,’ she said.

The documentary was filmed by Dr Robyn Mansfield and edited by Damien Rundell and

captures the story behind local mums picking up instruments and claiming back some of the space that had been taken up by motherhood.

Ms Mansfield said at the premiere that being part of the band compelled her to tell the stories of the Mother ROCKers.

“This was not just a rock band; this was so much more, not only for them, but for their families,” she said.

“We’re proving that mums can be the band,” said Ms Young.

“Wecanuseachainsaw,wecanplaycricket,we can play football, we can be anything we want to be,” she said.

“By breaking down those stereotypes, we hope to help our sons, our daughters, realise our worth in the community, and therefore change the culture for generations to come.”

Unite and grow together over these16 days

Access Health and Community (AccessHC) is proud to support this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign from 25 November to 10 December. The 16 Days of Activism is a global movement that raises awareness and inspires action to end gender-based violence and inequality.

This important campaign encourages everyone to call out harmful gender stereotypes and helps build a safer, more equal society for all. In Australia, statistics remind us why this work matters, with one in four women and one in 14 men experiencing violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15. Too often, violence begins with disrespect.

AccessHC has created an initiative called United We Grow. Like growing a tree, meaningful change takes time, trust and the right environment. Together, people can nurture conversations that promote respect among friends, families and communities – creating safe, supportive spaces where everyone can thrive.

“We invite all members of the community to visit one of our Unite trees during the campaign and attach a leaf sharing what respect, unity or kindness means to them,” AccessHC senior health promotion officer Megan McInerney said.

“Blank leaves and leaves with prompts will be available alongside the trees. For our younger community members, these reflections may be in the form of a picture.”

For those unable to visit the trees onsite but still wanting to participate, an online link has been created for the community to share their thoughts. The link is available on the website accesshc.org.au, search for ‘16 Days of Activism’.

from 20 November through to 15 December

“As the campaign unfolds, we would love

United We Grow is proudly supported by a

Join AccessHC this 16 Days of Activism.

United, we are stronger! For further information, visit accesshc.org.au or contact healthpromotion @accesshc.org.au Inspiro is delivered by Access Health and Community.

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

Sharing helps with healing

By Oliver Winn

Thanks to the courage of an Inner Wheel Club of Wandin member, the Parliament House in Canberra was illuminated in orange on 25 November to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

When Maree Budweg wrote a letter sharing her experience with abuse as a child, she had no idea of the impact it’d have on hundreds of other women in the Inner Wheel community.

She sent the letter to International Inner Wheel president Kay Morland in October and it’d eventually be shared by the International Inner Wheel Committee during the global UN Women-led campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

“Whilst I was sitting up in bed with a cuppa, reading a hard copy of the International Inner Wheel newsletter, November 30, 2007, little did I know how this article I was reading back then… would change my direction in life,” Ms Budweg said in a speech on 18 October.

The newsletter covered a program led by an Italian Inner Wheel club called Unspoken Words, which centred around the secretive shame and burden carried by women who’ve suffered abuse as a child.

“My reaction was, ‘Oh my god.’ My eyes filled with tears. This is me,” she said.

Ms Budweg’s act, along with the advocacy of the Inner Wheel Club of Wandin, led to Parliament House in Canberra being illuminated in orange to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November.

The club’s advocacy continues as Australia participates in the global UN Women-led campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

On 2 December, the Inner Wheel Club of Wandin will hold a lunch to spread awareness

more information.

The newsletter was a catalyst for Ms Budweg, and she shared her unspoken words with others, beginning a healing process she’d denied herself out of the shame associated with her past trauma.

Inner Wheel Club of Wandin president Jill

broader Inner Wheel community.

“I was very proud of Maree for speaking up because it wasn’t her intention. She sent a little letter to our international president, who lives in Berwick, and she picked it up.

“The impact of that led on to it being shared with the International Inner Wheel Committee,

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is a reminder of a terrible reality lived by far too many women in Australia and around the world.

The statistics themselves couldn’t be more upfront in showing this: In Australia, one in four women (2.3 million) have experienced at least one incident of violence by an intimate partner, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Personal Safety survey.

On average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner, and men are more commonly the perpetrators of physical violence, sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Federal member for Casey Aaron Violi, who helped push for the Inner Wheel Club of Wandin’s request to have Parliament House glow orange, spoke in Parliament on the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and called on men to call out inappropriate behaviour.

“The reason I’m standing here to speak is that it is not just the women of this parliament and the women of Australia who have a role to play. The leaders of the country, the men in this place and the men in communities have a role to play.

“We need to call out any inappropriate behaviour made by our friends, our colleagues and our workmates. We need to make sure that all men understand that violence is not acceptable in any circumstance,” Mr Violi said.

Ms Lloyd said it was essential for men to speak up against others who show disrespectful behaviour against women.

“If they don’t speak up when they see their footy mates or whoever they are, speaking disrespectfully to women, it will always continue.”

Meanwhile, Ms Lloyd noted how it’s crucial for women to share their experiences with one another and rely on the support available to them.

“Women do carry that shame for years and I think it’s really important that we share our sto

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

Sun shines on walkers

By Callum Ludwig

Supporters gathered at Lillydale Lake on Thursday 27 November for the third annual Walk Against Family Violence.

Aligned with the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and run by the Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS), a great turnout gathered for the walk just as the rain cleared and the sun started shining.

Aunty Julie Coombes started the day’s proceedings with a Welcome to Country and also said honoured to be there as a First Nations woman and as a family violence advocate.

“We stand as one in solidarity with victim-survivors, this walk is not only about raising awareness, it is about building a community that is safe for all, where everyone is treated equally and with respect,” she said.

“Violence can be prevented if we choose to change the culture, educate mindsets and shift the attitudes and behaviours that allow it to continue, we need advocacy for stronger laws which can help ensure the person choosing violence is held accountable to the survivors, to the community and to themselves, and this includes programs to affect permanent positive changes.

“Today is a time to put our thinking caps on and look into the gaps we have in our systems and how what we can do for better outcomes, the Walk Against Family Violence is a significant event for us all as we continue striving for a Victoria and Australia free from family violence.”

A smoking ceremony was next, started by Chris Hume, who invited elders to smoke themselves before all attendees took the time to waft themselves with smoke.

Mr Hume said as a young man himself, he had been both a victim and a perpetrator of family violence.

“It all came around from disconnecting myself from culture, disconnecting myself from community… I was looking for connection and belonging and I found it with drugs and alcohol, and unfortunately that was no way to fix the issues that was going on within my body, my soul and my head,” he said.

“The connection that brought me back to who I am today has been a good 10, 15 years now, where I’ve actually brought myself back to the point where I’m able to be a role model in community, I understand the way we speak to people, the way we speak to our family, the way we speak to our children, the way we speak to our loved ones, can be hard sometimes because we got these emotions going on in our head and sometimes we speak those words that we don’t mean to speak.

“We need to fix ourselves as Aboriginal men to be strong role models for our young children, when we’ve got strong men in community, we have strong families, once we’ve got strong families in community, we will have a strong community.”

MC for the event Steve led the walk around the lake, with periodic stops to discuss the issue of gender-based and family violence and to invite speakers from local groups and organisations.

Steve said this year’s campaign is focused on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse, which is digital violence against women and girls, including anything from a post on Facebook to using AI technology to degrade women.

“When I was a school kid, I thought violence was just an act in the school ground when it became fisticuffs, when it ended up being violent physically, but it can be any controlling behaviour,” he said.

“I’m a father and I know what it is to control your children and to do it right and to do it wrong, to get it right, I’ve got a loving wife and I’m blessed to have a beautiful wife that I have not always treated well, so I’ve been a perpetrator of it and I’ve also seen growing up how it’s been showcased to me and I’ve exampled that.

“I’ve had to learn to name violence more than just being a physical act, I’ve had to learn that anyone who suffers intimidation in my presence is an act of violence… and digital violence is also one that is very real for many, many people.”

Alongside community members were representatives from St John’s Ambulance, Ngwala Willumbong, BWAHS, Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency, Anglicare, Women’s Health East, Eastern Health, Eastern

Community Legal Centre, Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, Yarra Valley Water, Migrant Information Centre, FVREE and Access Health and Community were among the attendees.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence runs annually from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day. 2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a resolution adopted by the United Nations at the end of the Fourth World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995, a progressive plan to support the rights of women and girls which was signed by 189 countries.

Knitters warm Ukraine hearts

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Based in the Dandenong Ranges, the Australian Crafters’ Aid Network (ACAN) is a group of knitters who collect and distribute hand-crafted items to bring warmth and comfort to children affected by the war in Ukraine.

ACAN, which works in partnership with Good Neighbours Australia (GNA), an organisation that ships a container of aid to Ukraine every year, has been sending ACAN’S hand-knitted clothing, toys, and personal cards to children facing the unfortunate fate of war.

Tecoma resident and one of ACAN’s five moderators, Jennifer O’Brien said the organisation began in 2019, when they initially sent garments to Syrian refugees.

“We met online through Ravelry, the worldwide knitters’ website, and decided to form a group of Australian charity knitters,” O’Brien said.

“Over time, we found a sustainable partnership with Good Neighbours Australia, who send containers to Ukraine where the goods are distributed to orphanages and families who are struggling, and just two weeks ago, we shipped off our 12 months’ worth of donations to Sydney, and they’ll be sent from there to Ukraine.”

This year, ACAN’s 2025 campaign shipped 741 sets of clothing, a significant increase from 412 sets in 2024.

Each set typically includes a jumper, hat, mittens, socks, toy, and a handmade card.

“Initially it was adults, mostly women, knit-

ting and crocheting and sewing garments, and we would pack them into sets, each for a particular age group, but some of us were making our own cards, and we thought it would be lovely to have school children involved,” O’Brien said.

“We have visited local schools and Girl Guide meetings, giving the children a short talk about the plight of the people in Ukraine and the impact of the war. We then invited them to make cards, and some of the older children even used Google Translate to write their messages in Ukrainian. The messages on the back of each card are often in English, Ukrainian, or both.”

“It is deeply rewarding, because when we receive photos from Ukraine of a child holding the set they received, we can see exactly who made the garments, cards, and toys, and the experience creates a powerful sense of connection and achievement for everyone involved.”

At Mater Christi College in Belgrave, students have enthusiastically embraced the project supporting children in Ukraine.

The college’s social justice coordinator, Con Sarris, said a central part of the ethos of the college, inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan, is to recognise and respond to areas of need in social justice.

“Jenny O’Brien from ACAN approached me last year to see if any of our students would like to participate in the project,” Sarris said.

“She presented to our Year 11/12 Catholic Action Program, and our students immediately embraced the idea, creating cards with Australian

imagery to accompany the knitted outfits sent overseas. The cards were designed as heartfelt gestures of love and solidarity for the children.”

Students also attempted to knit teddy bears, and when this proved challenging, O’Brien provided a template to create stuffed felt bears.

Sarris said workshops were then run with Year 9 students as part of their Service in Action program.

“The students thoroughly enjoyed the process and produced an impressive number of bears and cards,” he said.

He said projects like this give students a deeper understanding of the impact of their efforts.

“When students are engaged in a project with tangible outcomes, guided by the passion and commitment of someone like Ms O’Brien, they truly connect with the purpose of their actions and understand the significance of doing good works,” Sarris said.

O’Brien said the community-building aspect of ACAN is especially important for elderly knitters, who might otherwise experience isolation.

“We support local knitting groups, many of whom are elderly and sometimes housebound,” O’Brien said.

“A grant from a Croydon-Mooroolbark Lions’ Club has enabled us to provide knitters with pure wool yarn, which is essential in the European winter because wool retains warmth even when wet, is fire retardant, and far warmer than acrylic yarn.”

“When someone creates a jumper, hat, mit-

tens, toy, or socks and sees them become part of a set for a child, they feel connected to something larger than themselves.”

“This provides a genuine sense of community and inspires more people to continue contributing.”

ACAN’s operations are based in the Dandenong Ranges, where members meet regularly at Belgrave Library for knitting and packing sessions.

Beyond the work for Ukraine, the organisation also maintains a permanent campaign sending handmade clothing and baby blankets for newborns and mothers in the remote Papua New Guinea highlands, via the Melbourne-based humanitarian organisation, the Highlands Foundation.

O’Brien said the group hopes to continue growing.

“We’ve just shipped the 2025 donations, and people are already knitting for the 2026 shipment. We want to attract more knitters, crocheters, and volunteers to join us, either in person at our local groups or by sending their creations from anywhere in Australia. It’s a slow, continued growth, and the rewards are enormous - for both the children who receive the items and the people who make them,” she said.

Interested? Find more information on their Facebook page under the name Australian Crafters Aid Network (www.facebook.com/p/Australian-Crafters-Aid-Network-100083418618005/) or contact the Belgrave Library.

Free Puffing Billy rides for locals to celebrate its 125th

Puffing Billy, Australia’s most beloved heritage train and one of the world’s best preserved steam railways, is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a special Community Open Day dedicated to the local community.

To mark this milestone, the railway will offer complimentary train services to residents living within a 10-kilometre radius of any Puffing Billy Railway station and throughout the day, various local community groups will host a range of engaging activities for all attendees to enjoy.

Chief executive Stephanie Straub said celebrating 125 years of Puffing Billy Railway is more than marking a milestone.

“It’s about honouring the deep and lasting

connection we share with our local community. Puffing Billy has always been more than a train; it’s a living part of our region’s story,” she said. “As we look to the future, our vision is to create a connected heritage corridor where vibrant villages and iconic rail history inspire wonder, discovery, and authentic local experiences- celebrating community, culture, and nature.

“This inaugural Community Open Day is our way of saying thank you to the people who continue to support and inspire us, and of reaffirming our commitment to a railway that belongs to everyone.”

Originally launched on December 18 1900, Puffing Billy is a treasured remnant of

a more leisurely era. Built to carry goods and passengers through Victoria’s mountain district, the historic railway was a vital lifeline for the region. The line, which ran between Upper Ferntree Gully and Gembrook, faced

numerous challenges. By the early 1930s, it had become a financial burden for Victorian Railways, and following a major landslide in 1953, the decision was made to close the line in 1954. However, a series of farewell trips in 1955 sparked public interest and community efforts that eventually led to the line’s revival. Tourist services resumed in 1962 between Belgrave and Menzies Creek, with extensions to Emerald in 1965, Lakeside in 1975, and finally Gembrook in 1998. Since its reopening, more than 11 million passengers have experienced the magic of Puffing Billy. For more information, please visit puffingbillyrailway.org.au/events/community-day2025/.

SENIOR LIVING Retirement living with heart

Where the Yarra Valley meets the Dandenong Ranges, Lilydale Valley Views offers more than a place to live, it’s a vibrant community where retirement is enjoyed to the fullest.

For over 15 years, the village has grown into a welcoming environment where residents feel at home. With 139 residences, including semi attached two and three bedroom units and cosy terraces, there is a style to suit every preference.

Whether it’s sweeping valley views or the ease of low maintenance living, each home is designed for comfort and connection.

Lifestyle is at the heart of Lilydale Valley Views. A heated indoor pool and spa provide year round relaxation, while Tai Chi, dancercise, and other group activities keep minds and bodies active. The village bus makes shopping stress free with convenient door to door service.

A strong sense of community sets the village apart. The resident social committee organises a calendar filled with outings, celebrations, and casual get togethers, ensuring there are always opportunities to connect. Friendships form quickly and newcomers are warmly welcomed,

making it easy to feel part of the community from day one.

The location adds to the appeal. Doctors, supermarkets, and the train station are all within walking distance, while the nearby Warburton Trail offers scenic walks and bike rides. On site, a thriving veggie and flower garden brings people together in the simple pleasure of growing and sharing.

It is this blend of convenience, activity, and companionship that makes Lilydale Valley Views such a special place. Here, retirement is not about

slowing down, but about enjoying life surrounded by people who value the same.

We invite you to experience it for yourself. Discover the comfort of terrace living, the beauty of the views, and the warmth of a truly connected community.

For more information, visit us at 471 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale, email manager@ lilydalevalleyviews.com.au, or call 03 9735 5944 to speak with our manager, Rosemary Seymour. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.

A better retirement lifestyle from $590k

Be part of a vibrant Community and enjoy the Facilities

• Close to all amenities - health professionals, supermarkets, public transport

• Village volunteers can assist you around the house

• Monthly calendar of events

• 24 Hour Emergency Assistance

• Fully equipped gym

• Heated indoor pool

• Hairdresser, Massage & Podiatry services

• 4-rink Bowling Green

• Entertainment Lounge

• Library and Computer Room

Chewing on matters of life and death

By Tanya Steele

A Dandenong Ranges community house has been quietly offering regular support for people to broach the subject of the death of a loved one, with a recent workshop held on 21 November.

Connection through a cuppa, a nibble, and a topic that can be hard for some to talk openly about – the Death/Life Cafe has been running every term at Selby Community House for some time.

Often present as a facilitator at the cafe, Melanie, a representative of the Melbourne East Doula Hub, said they invite people to come along, and they can just listen, or they can contribute as much or as little as they want.

“It takes a little while, but a group will usually get comfortable within around half an hour,” she said.

The group settle into the unspoken comforts and rituals of eating and drinking and introducing themselves.

“If they choose not to introduce themselves, that’s fine as well,” said Melanie.

Based on a global movement called the Death Cafe, the aim is to breach what is usually considered a taboo and difficult subject over food and

drink - usually tea, coffee and cake.

The idea has been linked back to a Swiss sociologist and anthropologist who organised the very first Cafe Mortel in 2004.

Later, a UK web developer known as Jon Underwood brought the idea to London in 2011, launching a website and a global movement. Mr Underwood sadly passed away at 44 years of age in 2017, and his family now continues his work.

Being a little further out in locality, Melanie said Selby participants sometimes come back to participate in the cafe again.

“It’s semi-regional, so we have had a couple of repeat attendees now, which is really lovely that we’ve seen some familiar faces,” she said.

“To me, that signifies that people feel comfortable there – they feel welcome.”

“I love that it is held in the hills, and so we’re bringing it to them, instead of them having to come down the hill to access these things.”

In Australia, talking about death, even with close family and friends, can be quite a challenge.

Melanie said so far at Selby Community House, the feedback they’ve had has been good and encouraging, with some people saying they found it really uplifting or not as scary as they thought it would be.

Push to fund animal assisted programs

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

As Christmas approaches, the Petstock Foundation’s annual Christmas Project is urging Knox residents to donate to support life-changing animal-assisted programs.

This year, the foundation has partnered with two leading organisations, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Australia and Story Dogs, both of which use animals to provide comfort and support to thousands of people nationwide.

The aim of this year’s project is to raise more than $520,000 Australian-wide to help expand access to vital services that enrich the lives of over 3000 Australians every week.

Co-founder and managing director of Story Dogs, Janine Sigley said the demand for their services is continuing to grow, with more schools across the country reaching out for help.

“We’re hearing directly from schools that need extra support for children who are struggling with their confidence and reading,” Ms Sigley said.

“Each week, more than 2900 children participate in the Story Dogs program, and teachers tell us the program provides a safe, calm space where children can relax, make mistakes, and build their confidence.”

Despite the program’s success, the waiting list remains a major challenge and according to the Petstock Foundation, more than 500 schools are currently on the waiting list.

“This waitlist means that thousands of children are missing out on the opportunity to build their confidence and improve their literacy skills,” Ms Sigley said.

“For those on the list, it’s a significant delay in getting the help they need.”

Ms Sigley said the Story Dogs program has a huge impact on children’s lives, especially when it comes to building their confidence.

“Our Dog Teams provide a non-judgemental and safe space for children who are struggling with reading,” Ms Sigley said.

“Children often feel more relaxed, knowing they can make mistakes without being judged. In fact, we’ve seen that children work harder and are more motivated to improve because they want to make a good impression on the dog.”

“Teachers have told us that, as a result, students’ confidence increases, and in some cases, absenteeism decreases because students are eager to return to school to read with their Story Dog.”

The Christmas Project is an opportunity for Knox residents to help ease the pressure on the waitlist and to bring more Story Dogs to local schools.

“A lot of people find it very difficult to find someone to talk to about this,” she said.

“It’s different every time, and it can go off in a different direction - every time I’ve held one, I find them really enjoyable.”

Whether it is talking to someone older or younger, Melanie said, people can find a great sense of relief when they find someone with whom they can talk about this topic.

“But let’s face it, it’s going to affect us all, so let’s be more comfortable with it,” she said.

As the end of the year approaches, Christmas can stir up feelings of grief along with the joy of the holidays.

Lifeline offers tool kits online that can help people learn tips and practical strategies for coping with grief, managing emotions, and taking care of their well-being. Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support service is available 24/7. Anyone in Australia can speak to a trained Crisis Supporter over the phone, any time.

Selby Community House will continue to run the program come the new year, and the first term Death / Life Cafe will be held on Wednesday 25 March 2026 from 12.30pm - 3.00pm.

Registrations can be taken by contacting Selby Community House on 9754 2039.

Ms Sigley said a small donation of just $2 can make a big impact and allow the program to reach more schools and children in need.

“Even a modest donation can go a long way,” she said.

“Whenyoumultiplya$2donationacross a community, it can make the difference in getting a new Story Dog into a school, allowing more children to benefit from this valuable service.”

Ms Sigley said more funding this holiday season would help expand Story Dogs’ reach in Knox and other communities still waiting for support.

And with more donations, Story Dogs can move schools off the waitlist and open new regions to ensure hundreds more children gain access to the program’s life-changing benefits.

“If we can secure more funding this Christmas, we can help more children in Knox and beyond,” Ms Sigley said.

“Additional funds would allow us to move schools off the 500-school waitlist and help more kids access the reading support they desperately need.”

To donate, visit any Petstock store or head to petstock.com.au.

Save the daydream for the couch.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Echidna seeks dream home

By Tanya Steele

It’s not every day you see an Echidna waltz into a real estate office, but Olinda’s Fletchers staff in their office in the Yarra Ranges have seen exactly that.

A spiky monotreme with an agenda popped in, possibly to check the house listings for sale in its local area this week, with staff quite tickled by the visit.

“Look who waddled into our Olinda office today!” read Fletcher’s social media on 26 November.

“Sadly, we’re all sold out of echidna-sized real estate… but our prickly little friend is welcome to pop by for inspections any time!”

A picture showing the unflappable visitor waddling back out of the office has captured the hearts of many echidna enthusiasts across the region.

Usually known for being quite shy, the shortbeaked echidna paid staff a visit in their Olinda office, investigating the room, sunning itself on the deck for a while and then heading back out into the sunny day.

Echidnas can grow up to 40 centimetres long and seven kilograms in weight, but most are between two and five kilograms.

With a very keen sense of smell, useful for locating mates, detecting danger and snuffling for food, seeing echidnas out and about is always a joy.

Community can admire from a distance and let the animals be, as they have an internal GPS, and it’s not advisable to move them unless they

are in immediate danger.

If the animal looks unwell, the community can call local wildlife carers for assistance and

in summer, you can leave a small shallow dish of water out in your yard.

Usually found in open heathland, forests,

The Mums that rocked and connected

By Tanya Steele

MOTHer ROCKers premiered at the Cameo in Belgrave this rainy Sunday 30 November, and Star Mail were invited along to experience a never-before-seen Director’s Cut documentary telling the heartfelt story behind an all-Mum band that formed in the Yarra Ranges earlier this year.

Shot primarily on mobile phones, the documentary was filmed by Dr Robyn Mansfield and edited by Damien Rundell and tells the story behind local mums answering the call to arms at what seemed like an outlandish idea at firstan all-mums rock band.

The 1.5-hour film included deleted scenes and culminated in the MOTHer ROCKers performing at the Sooki Lounge in July.

In the film, we discover MOTHS Founder Belinda Young drove the idea at first, speaking through social media to the large online community about an idea to perform an all Mum gig at an upcoming Parents Battle of the Bands event, which in the past had often been domi-

nated by some very cool muso Dads, but … not very many Mums.

With moments of vulnerability shared over a cuppa, the film delves into parenthood and identity and the real-life stories of local parents who, to varying degrees, have found themselves lost in the grind of bringing up their kids.

Carving out time on Sunday, the Mothers began to pick up instruments long left behind and tap into their creativity together, coming from a variety of backgrounds.

Some were new to the Hills and looking for connection, while others were in transitional moments in their lives.

As a parent myself, I could relate to a lot of the stories told in the film, and found myself wanting a little more directness - don’t skate around the topic, ladies, let me have it!

Motherhood does put the brakes on a personal project or two, and it was a joy to see the women come together and realise that doing something for themselves not only helped them, but everyone around them.

woodlands, scrublands and grasslands, among vegetation or in hollow logs, echidnas are known to shelter in poor weather under bushes or burrow into the soil.

You will most likely see them during early morning or late evening, as they avoid extreme temperatures and wander over their large home range.

Echidnas’ main threats in nature are feral dogs and foxes, and they are also affected by habitat loss from land clearing and development.

A frequent casualty on local roads in the Yarra Ranges, residents can try to take care when driving in bush areas and keep an eye out for echidnas and other wildlife to keep our wildlife safe.

It is illegal to pick up or move an echidna from its natural surroundings, and while sometimes they can make their way into backyards, a real estate office may be some kind of first!

An advice sheet from Wildlife Victoria states that if you happen to have an echidna wander through your yard, let it be and move on in its own time.

“It is likely that the backyard is next to a habitat where the echidna belongs.”

People can also report any suspected illegal activity relating to Echidnas to the DELWP Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.

All wildlife is protected in Victoria, and people can visit the DELWP website for more information regarding protected wildlife www.wildlife. vic.gov.au

As to why Olinda Echidna was visiting their local realtors? That might have to stay a mystery!

Help shape Cardinia’s rating system

Community members are invited to express interest in joining a panel that will help shape how rates are applied across Cardinia Shire. Thirty residents will be independently selected to form a representative panel of ratepayers from different property categories. The panel’s input will play an important role in Cardinia Shire Council’s review of its rating strategy.

Through the development of Council’s Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–29, it was identified that there was a need for a deeper review of property rating classifications across the shire. The review will look at factors such as financial pressures, taxation benefits, investment impacts and the services provided to different property types.

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.

This will involve two half-day sessions to be held on Sunday 8 February and Sunday 22 February 2026.

I was touched by the smiles and solemn moments offered as the Mums confessed the fun of connecting, learning and creating with other people who understood what parenthood was about.

The mothers spoke about identity loss, ageing parents, neurodiversity and more, touching on growing older and being overlooked in today’s world.

Overcoming nerves, the group got to opening night and clad in gold, glitter and black performed arrangements of the well-known pop songs, Valerie by Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse, Rover Deep, Mountain High by Tina Turna and U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.

Getting up on a stage and performing is no small feat, and the MOTHer ROckers should be proud of themselves.

Hopefully, we can see them perform again in the future.

I give the film a solid 5 MOTHer ROCkers out of 5…

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

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Valley Dental Family Clinic is an all-female clinic based in Lilydale.

The clinic is owned by Dr Rupali Prabhu and Dr Sonali Prabhu.

Rupali graduated from dental school in 1999. She has worked in private and public community clinics both in, and around Melbourne. She has also lived out of the city, spending a period of time in Benalla in rural Victoria.

Rupali is passionate about providing high quality dental care and takes pleasure in sharing a story and a laugh with her patients. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and always strives to provide dental treatment in a relaxing and comfort-

able environment.

Rupali believes her practice and approach to dentistry creates an experience that will change your notion of what a trip to the dentist is. Outside of work she loves to spend time with family and her young children, sharing her passion for reading and travelling with them at every opportunity.

Sonali graduated from dental school in 2003. She has worked as a dentist in both community and private practices. She has also worked various roles within the dental industry. Sonali believes that your mouth is the gateway to better wellbeing, and that a great healthy smile will leave a great lasting impression on people.

Sonali loves interacting with patients and ensuring they are comfortable and at-ease. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry. She particularly loves working with older clients. In her spare time, she loves cooking delicious Indian dishes and enjoying time with her family and friends.

The third dentist joined the Valley Dental team two years ago and has been an integral part of the team ever since.

With over 10 years of experience, Merhaz believes that world-class dentistry should be delivered to each and every patient. Mehraz has a keen interest in aesthetic dentistry and is studying a certificate of Cosmetic Dentistry to introduce lip

and cheek fillers to the clinic for our Valley Dental patients.

Rupali said being an all-female team patients were treated with care and compassion.

“Staff are very approachable and compassionate making everyone feel at ease coming to the dentist,“ she said.

The clinic offers a wide range of dental services, including general dentistry, fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers.

Take advantage of current specials, including a check-up, clean and two x-rays for $195, and inchair whitening $450.

For an appointment phone: 9737 6453

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Revisions unique, immersive

By Tanya Steele

Sunday 23 November saw the Yarra Ranges community experience a unique and immersive art experience, which featured tours and artist talks to reflect on a decade’s worth of work.

Revisions: made by the Warlpiri of Central Australia and artist Patrick Waterhouse, has settled into its space at Burrinja Cultural Centre this month, settling in with and celebrating with a special Community Program Day

The day began with a Welcome to Country by proud Wurundjeri woman and curator Stacie Piper, which was followed by a gallery tour and artist talks by Warlpiri artists visiting from Central Australia and UK-based artist Patrick Waterhouse.

Stacie Piper said the day was very nourishing and that she enjoyed the company of the visiting Warlpiri artists and the curators, alongside the welcoming hosts at Burrinja.

“It was a lovely event, very relaxing and calm atmosphere,” she said.

“It was a really beautiful community event.”

Celebrating the exhibition’s new home, Patrick Waterhouse presented a screening of True Story, followed by a Q&A with artists, including Wendy Nungarrayi Brown, who is the current Chairperson of the Warlukurlangu Artists.

Mr Waterhouse felt the day was quite special and important for the work to be shown.

“I’m really glad it’s here showing at Burrinja,”

he said.

Running until 1 March 2026, the exhibit was curated at the Warlukurlangu Art Centres in Yuendumu and Nyirripi, bringing together works on paper, photographs, moving image and archival material.

It began when Waterhouse travelled to Warlpiri Country with a growing archive of historical materials collected over many years, along with photographs he had made while working in Central Australia.

290 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs, Warlukurlangu is one of the oldest Aboriginal-owned art centres in Central Australia and is named after

a Dreaming site west of Yuendumu.

It means “belonging to fire” in the Warlpiri language.

Otto Jungarrayi Sims, the Former Chairman of Warlukurlangu Artists, has said of the Revisions exhibition that when white explorers created their maps, they dissected this land with arbitrary lines and imposed state borders.

“They didn’t understand the diversity of nations and tribal people inhabiting this country,” he said.

“They did not know we had our own stories, songlines, boundaries, and nations”

“Ancient tribal stories criss-cross all over this continent, tracks of totems belonging to different clans and language groups of the land they called Australia.”

The community day allowed audiences to gain rare insight into the stories behind the works and how the collaboration began.

Locals who live or work in the Yarra Ranges can still see the exhibition until March next year and enjoy a five-dollar ticket entry to the Australian premiere of Revisions on Wednesdays. Burrinja Cultural Centre will be closed from 22 Dec and reopens 14 January 2026.

Mural artist Gleeson steps up to put youth art in focus

By Tanya Steele

Youth art is firmly in focus, with a local mural artist unveiling big plans, stepping forward to give local teens the spotlight alongside the creative community of the inaugural Burrinja Art Fair this coming weekend.

With plans to later live auction and donate funds from a piece assembled on-site, mural artist Elizabeth Gleeson will paint live, with a team of local young artists beside her on Saturday 6 December.

“I’ll be painting a mural live on a large, transportable wall that I created at my home studio, at the Burrinja Art Fair,” said Ms Gleeson.

“Throughout the day, I’ll be mentoring aspiring artistic youth by guiding them in painting alongside me, talking through the mural creation process in detail and answering all the questions about the industry and my process that they come with,” she said.

The finished mural will be auctioned early next year to raise funds for Burrinja Visual Arts programs.

“These programs, such as the long-running Dandenong Ranges Open Studios, give so much to the public and artistic community in the Hills by way of inspiration, ingenuity and integrating the magic of art into our everyday lives,” said Ms Gleeson.

With over 17 years in the Hills now as an artist, Ms Gleeson said when the opportunity to apply for a spot at the Burrinja Art Fair came up, she wanted to do something innovative and engaging.

“Empowering youth with artistic skills and career advice, insights into the industry and getting to involve them in the creative process of painting murals, has been a truly wonderful experience for me, and I believe it is for them also,” she said.

Acting as a youth mentor in the last few years, she has been working with various high school students and painting collaborative murals with them and has now taken the work further, inviting them to be a part of a larger scope project at

the fair.

“I thought that giving teens the opportunity to live paint in front of the public whilst under my guidance would give them the invaluable experience of a true taste of what it feels like to be a mural artist,” she said.

Brent Dakis from the newly formed Forge Institute will also be present at the fair and said that the community event will give their not-for-profit a chance to connect directly with the young creatives in their own community and also launch their first issue of a publication created to celebrate emerging voices and spark new ones,

The publication is named ‘Fever Dream’ and Mr Dakis said they’ll be chatting with local youth about what they want from future workshops, sharing our vision, and inviting them to help shape it.

“The Forge Institute is building a space where teens feel seen, supported, and inspired, and having conversations face-to-face is a huge part of that,” he said.

A newly formed Not-for-Profit youth arts or-

ganisation, The Forge Institute is dedicated to providing engaging, relatable and inclusive platforms for creative exploration for kids aged between 13 to 20.

“This weekend is all about listening,” said Mr Dakis.

Ms Gleeson said she finds the insights and perspectives from her young students on the world they’re growing up in invaluable to her own understanding of how unimaginably challenging it is to be a teenager in this day and age, and what the next unique generation of artists will bring to the world.

“It’s so clear to me that the world needs art, now more than ever,” she said.

Mr Dakis said that being at the Burrinja Art Fair lets them hear directly from local teens about the kinds of creative spaces and workshops they want.

“Their input is shaping every part of The Forge’s programs,” he said.

To pre-prepare, assemble and transport the mural on the day, careful planning and preparation are essential to ensure everything goes smoothly.

“The fun, colourful painting that happens on the day is always the tip of the iceberg in terms of the amount of work that goes into each project

like this,” said Ms Gleeson.

This is Ms Gleeson’s first time at the Burrinja Annual Art Fair, and she hopes there will be many more to come.

“Part of why I wanted to volunteer my time and expertise to do live mural painting is to help support the event,” she said.

“I’ve done lots of live painting in the past, but it’s also part and parcel of being a muralist.”

“Many mural jobs I paint are in the public domain, where you can easily meet 100 people in a day, and I really cherish this part of my job, connecting with the community.”

The first time Burrinja Art Fair event will take place over the course of a whole Saturday on 6 December from 10am to 4pm, with over 40 local artists, live music from Jenna Campbell and Tony J King and an indigo dyeing demonstration by fellow Jude Craig.

There are also plenty of fun things for some of the younger kids, with free displays and activities from Festive Tribe and Ruccis Circus.

As the fair swiftly approaches, Ms Gleeson said she is inspired by the incredible local community, especially the artistic community and encourages people to come say hello.

“It’s a very special place that we get to live in that I value wholeheartedly,” she said.

Fun run sparks community

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

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

The popular annual event designed for children aged three to 12 brought the community together for a day of running and community spirit.

This year’s fundraiser supported the creation of a ‘Healing Mural’ for the Children’s Ward at William Angliss Hospital, painted by artist Tess Dawson.

Rotary treasurer Shalini Penny said the mural would help reduce stress and anxiety in young patients.

With over 300 registrations and strong local business support, the event was a success.

What’s AF and all that jazz?

STAYIN’ ALIVE

KEVIN JONES

ja I remember when I first noticed it... a fluttering sensation in my chest and a not-unpleasant, light-headed giddiness. I looked over at my lovely, smiling wife of 43 years and thought: “Ahhh. How about that? She’s still got it“.

Then, after a minute or so, as beads appeared on my shaven head, I had second, less rosy, thoughts... “Hmmm. What if something is wrong?“ I felt fine... apart from those damn sweats.

Thankfully, my lovely wife is a nurse. Hence, she is super-practical and matter-of-fact on demand. Next thing I know - no arguments - I am lying down, blood pressure machine attached to my arm while she monitors my pulse, takes my blood sats, and applies a stethoscope to my chest.

I had it confirmed later by doctors after an electrocardiogram (ECG) and the use of a Holter monitor, but my better half picked it at the time .... I had atrial fibrillation, also known as AF or AFib. It turns out I had probably had AF for quite a few years but had never noticed it before. Never felt a flutter. I felt OK at the time, apart from having that bout of the sweats, and have felt fine each time I have had a subsequent episode of it, but AF falls into the theme of my occasional lifestyle columns under the banner of Stayin’ Alive (because it beats the alternative): There are some silent killers out there.

Thus far, I have discussed hypertension and sleep apnea in these articles. AF sits with them because it puts you at risk of blood clots, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiac complications. So, the disclaimer to start: I am a journalist, not a doctor, but I know what I am talking about. However, if you suspect you might have what I have, see your doctor ASAP, and don’t take my word for it.

OK, so what is AF? It is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm, AKA, an arrhythmia. If your normal heartbeat is like a rock song - steady 4-4 time - you move into jazz-fusion territory with AF. Your heart’s upper chambers, the atria, beat chaotically and out of sync with your lower chambers, your ventricles. Some people get shortness of breath and dizziness and the feeling that their heart if pounding out of their chest. Others, like me, can be blissfully unaware that their ticker is

doing its best Buddy Rich impression. So, what can be done to fix you? AF treatments may include medicines, therapy to shock the heart back to regular rhythm and procedures to fix faulty heart signals. First cab off the rank is generally the drug route... I was quickly put on a blood thinner called apixaban to lessen the risk of blood clots. Other blood thinners include warfarin and rivaroxaban.

For more severe cases, other treatments may include cardioversion to restore a normal rhythm, catheter ablation to fix the source of the problem, or a pacemaker. Treatment depends on a person’s symptoms, risk factors, and other health conditions. Lifestyle changes are also recommended. Yes... groan.

Electrical cardioversion involves an electric shock to reset the heart’s rhythm. It is done under general anaesthesia. Pharmacological cardioversion uses medication to restore rhythm. A catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure where catheters are guided to the heart to “burn“ or “freeze“ the heart tissue causing the irregular rhythm.

Lifestyle changes such as managing weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing other conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can also help.

So, AF is not necessarily a life-changer - unless you count the annoyance of having to take apixaban twice a day like me - but it is not something you should take lightly. Since I was diagnosed, I have cut down on alcohol, lost 10 kilos, keep my blood pressure and cholesterol well down and do all I can to avoid diabetes.

Who knows... at this rate, I might make my wife’s heart flutter?

The meaning of Christmas not confined to religion

By Maria Millers

December has arrived, bringing promises of warmer weather, summer fruits and of course the countdown to Christmas.

Many have nostalgic memories of Christmases that were less commercialised, less hectic and more meaningful. For some, the wars still unresolved in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine temper their celebrations as they feel the disconnect between the holiday’s message of peace and the reality of a troubled world.

And in despair I bowed my head;

‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said, ‘For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men.’”

From Christmas Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

For practising Christians, Christmas retains its religious significance—the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Australia’s Christian communities, both long-established and migrant-based (e.g., Filipino, Samoan, Greek, and African churches), often have rich Christmas traditions that contribute to the nation’s cultural mix.

But the religious context of Christmas has been abandoned by many, as have some of the inherited traditions of a northern white Christmas. The church nativity play is now a rarity, the advent calendar a curiosity and thankfully some of the traditional Christmas fare has been replaced by lighter, more climate-appropriate food.

Australia recognises and celebrates many festivals now — Lunar New Year, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, NAIDOC Week, and more. Christmas now sits alongside these rather than above them.

Most people in Australia get time off for Christmas, regardless of their beliefs. For some, it’s religious, for others it’s cultural, and for many it’s simply a summer break. It has become a shared public holiday without being a shared belief system.

Traditions shift, families disperse, and the holiday can feel less magical than it once did. But whether it’s worth holding on to depends on what you’re holding on to. The essence — connection, generosity, rest, reflection, still matter to many people. The form just doesn’t always match the meaning anymore.

Christmas is more commercialised, more

laughing, full of glee;

She has made a shining wonder of a wretched little tree.

WOORILLA WORDS

hectic, sometimes more performative than meaningful. And Christmas is a mega retail event that has become synonymous with big sales, gift-buying, and consumerism. Retailers market Christmas as the ‘season of giving,’ but in reality, it’s about getting people to spend more money than they might otherwise.

From early November onward, brands bombard consumers with Christmas-themed ads, framing the holiday as the time for shopping, eating out, or upgrading their homes. Christmas is marketed as a time of excess— in terms of food, gifts, decorations, and experiences.

The tradition of giving gifts has been commercialised to such an extent that it’s now seen as an obligatory, sometimes stressful, part of the holiday. This has shifted focus away from meaningful, personal gifts toward ‘stuff’ that’s marketed as a necessity.

Christina Rossetti’s well-known poem A Christmas Carol has a critical undertone about the commercial and materialistic aspects of Christmas, despite its festive tone. In the poem, Rossetti emphasises the deeper spiritual meaning of Christmas, urging people to look beyond the material aspects of the season.

What can I give him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man

I would do my part,

Yet what I can I give him:

Give my heart.

Even Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments are big business. Every year, new trends in decor emerge, and companies profit from encouraging people to decorate bigger and better.

The children gather round her, bright-eyed,

For the mother’s heart is striving, though her purse is light and bare,

Henry Lawson The Christmas Tree

It seems that over the last few weeks, streaming services have dumped a truckload of Christmas-themed films to get us in the mood to spend Christmas in many different ways. This is a perfect example of how entertainment intersects with consumerism. There’s a whole industry around Christmas-themed movies, music, and events. From Christmas albums to blockbuster holiday films, Christmas has become a brand in itself. People are marketed the ‘experience’ of Christmas — the magical feeling you’re supposed to have when you’re surrounded by festive music, food, and lights.

Many Christmas films focus on a very specific, idealised version of the holiday — family togetherness, magical moments and the quest for happiness, love, or redemption. This often includes material elements like gift-giving, decorating, and the purchase of Christmas-related goods. These films, while often heart-warming, are also a vehicle for promoting consumer behaviours — by reinforcing the idea that Christmas is about buying presents, going on shopping sprees, and indulging in festive consumer culture.

Some Christmas films are built around a very specific emotional hook — nostalgia. For example, films like Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, or A Christmas Carol tap into cultural memories of Christmases past. They often idealise family, togetherness and giving, which makes us more likely to buy into the larger Christmas experience.

In a way, Christmas movies don’t just reflect consumerism; they help build it. They frame the ideal Christmas in a way that aligns perfectly with the consumer-driven activities of the season: buying presents, decorating, indulging in festive food, and keeping up with all the trends of the holiday season.

Similarly, supermarkets fill our screens with images of tables groaning under the weight of sumptuous meals of glazed hams, prawns, lobsters, pavlovas and other festive treats. Ironically, at a time when many families are relying on food banks.

On the other hand, Christmas movies can

provide joy, nostalgia, and meaningful experiences for people. They help create a sense of tradition, provide comfort, and they often promote messages of kindness, generosity, and family.

However, they’re also embedded in a culture that promotes materialism. By placing so much emphasis on the perfect holiday, and by centring so many of these films around the act of gift-giving, these movies arguably reinforce the idea that Christmas is a time of consumption. Perhaps, this is a bit ethically problematic if we consider the environmental, financial, and social implications of an over-commercialised holiday season.

You could argue that not all Christmas movies are overly materialistic — some, like The Grinch Who Stole Christmas or A Charlie Brown Christmas, focus on themes of love, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas, which are counter to the consumerist culture.

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,

Stood puzzling and puzzling: ‘How could it be so?’

It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!”

Gift-giving in itself isn’t inherently ethically wrong, but the consumerism and waste associated with it raise concerns.

Sometimes Christmas becomes painful — due to loss, loneliness, stress, financial pressure, or memories that don’t feel good anymore. If the holiday feels heavy instead of comforting, it’s natural to question its value. In that case, it might not be about letting go of Christmas entirely, but instead letting go of your expectations around it..

Christmas is still widely celebrated but it doesn’t define Australian identity the way it once did. Multiculturalism has diluted its centrality and pushed it toward being one tradition among many.

Interestingly, some Christian themes persist even among people who aren’t religious: These are generosity, compassion, helping the vulnerable, forgiveness, peace and reconciliation. Though these are universal human values, they come from the Christian tradition, suggesting that the true meaning of the holiday comes from love, kindness, and community — not presents, decorations, or even food.

And this is worth holding on to.

Energy affordability

All Australians deserve affordable power bills and responsible emissions reduction.

Under Labor, they are getting neither.

Power bills are up nearly 40 per cent, families are struggling to make ends meet and we’ve seen a record number of small businesses close.

In fact, the average family is being asked to find an extra $1300 per year to cover their energy bills.

Small businesses were promised an 18 per cent reduction on their bill by 2025, but now face increases of as much as 80 per cent. It’s a far cry from the $275 reduction Australians were promised by this government.

These aren’t just figures – this is real cost of living pressure that locals are feeling and are contacting my office about each week. We believe there is a better way.

Our plan is built on two core principles: affordable energy and lower emissions.

Because despite Labor spending more than $75 billion, Australia has disappointingly made little progress towards their own 2030 targets of 43 per cent emissions reduction.

Independent analysis suggests meeting the

From my From my desk

Federal Member for Casey

government’s current targets would require as much as $530 billion in spending in the next decade.

That is spending of around $50,000 per Australian household.

Last month, I visited a local supermarket that has seen energy prices skyrocket, alongside Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley MP. This is a business that provides local jobs, stocks local products and supports small businesses.

But without affordable and reliable energy, that is not possible.

It is easy to see the ripple effect high energy

costs will continue to have on individuals, families, jobs, businesses and communities if we leave this unaddressed.

That’s why our plan centres around affordability, because a strong economy begins with affordable power.

It will deliver steady emissions reduction at a pace our country can sustain.

We will adopt a balanced energy mix, harnessing all available energy technologies, including renewables in the right places, to make energy affordable.

We are committed to reducing emissions responsibly - without cutting jobs or raising household bills as is currently happening under Labor.

And we remain committed to the Paris Agreement and to responding to climate change in a way that is both affordable and responsible, doing our fair share in line with the real performance of comparable countries.

Australians want two things from their energy system: power they can afford and emissions reduction that is responsible and achievable.

That’s exactly what the Liberals will deliver.

Home Alone: But

KarralykaTheatre

The Australian INXS Tribute Show featuring Dellacoma Rio.

Fronted by the incredible Dellacoma Rio, whose uncanny portrayal of Micheal Hutchence has captivated audiences worldwide, this authentic six-piece band takes you on a journey through all the classic INXS’s hits that made them a household name for decades.

Touring across the globe, the Australian INXS Tribute Show has travelled to Dublin, India, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Singapore, Japan, China, Bora Bora, New Caledonia, Taipei, and South Korea, as well as every state and territory of our great southern land.

This home-grown theatre experience delivers a breathtaking “Australian Made” rock show!

• Season: 15 February at 7.30pm.

TheRound

Home alone – The Australian Musical Parody

An original Australian Production Bigger than your Nan’s meat pies.

Home Alone: The Australian Musical Parody is hilarious, packed full of “what did they just say?” moments and bursting with very Aussie twists.

This completely original adaptation of the movie we love turns into a household favourite into an undeniable theatre hit for audiences everywhere. With laugh-out-loud moments, over-the-top characters, and brand-new original songs, this

production brings the chaos, charm, and heart of Home Alone to the stage like never before.

It’s clever, cheeky, and guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained - even dad.

Don’t miss this outrageous Christmas comedy that will have you singing all-new festive tunes, laughing at every turn, and quoting lines long after the curtain falls.

Just be warned – these songs are so catchy they might even annoy your workmates.

• Season: Thursday 18 December at 6.30 pm.

• Friday 19 December at 6.30 pm.

• Saturday 20 December at 1pm and 5pm.

EastMeetsWest East Meets West is a Christmas Celebration with multicultural dace and music performed by the fantastic arts tea.

This performance seamlessly combines the elegance of classical Eastern folk dance and ballet with iconic Christmas melodies from the West.

Ballet group Fanghua will perform three ex-

Top rating

Train Dreams

Starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones M 5/5

A sad but beautiful life unfolding onscreen, Train Dreams is a sumptuouslyshot, superbly-acted film directed by Clint Bentley and based on the 2011 novella by Denis Johnson.

Train Dreams portrays the long life of Robert Grainer (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railwayman in early twentieth-century Idaho. When his wife Gladys (Felicity Jones) and young daughter Katie go missing after a forest fire, Robert remains evervigilant for their return.

Edgerton carries himself with melancholic dignity in an Oscar-worthy performance as Robert, a quiet, gentle man who finds solace in hard work.

The grief from Robert’s lost family, and the regret from a racist killing he witnessed and could do nothing to prevent, weigh heavily on Edgerton’s features.

The film’s pacing is episodic, slow and rich, immersing us in Robert’s life: you feel a catch in your throat whenever Robert joyfully returns to his family, your heart sinks when he has to leave again, and aches for him as he deals with his loss.

As Robert finds fulfilling connection with the people passing through his life, death never far from his thoughts, Train Dreams actually reminds me of Swedish director Ingmar Bergman’s 1957 classic The Seventh Seal.

The painterly cinematography is full of fire-lit orange and stark alpine forests, the dialogue is profound but always feels natural, and the simple string score is a perfectly understated accompaniment.

Will Patton narrates Train Dreams, and unlike the narration in The Devil All The Time and The Life of Chuck, Patton’s narration adds texture and clarity instead of over explaining everything.

Train Dreams is available for streaming on Netflix, but it’s shameful that this feast of acting, writing and film making craft didn’t get an Australian cinema release.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

traordinary Eastern dances as part of their mission as cultural ambassadors.

Based in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, their name Fanghua translates to “Youthful Vibrancy”.

They are known for their high standards, passion, and talent.

The performance will also include Melbourneborn pianist and composer Warren Wills.

An internationally acclaimed musician and educationalist who was primarily based in London for over 35 years.

Warren is a multi-award-winning composer with credits including the Royal Shakespeare Company and collaborations with figures like woody Allen and Margaret Atwood.

A key focus of his work is socially exclusive theatre and using music as a tool to bridge political and cultural borders across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

He will be accompanying the outstanding young Chinese flautist Steph Chen.

You will also see performances from several other remarkable Eastern and Western dance and arts groups.

Arts from various cultures will take this stage, providing the audience with a colourful experience of multiculturalism.

Featuring some of Melbourne’s best artistic teams, this concert promises to take you on an unforgettable creative experience.

• Season: Sunday 21 December at 2pm for four hours (including interval)

• Venue: The Round – Studio.

GemcoTheatre

Gemco Christmas Party – Sunday 7 December. Join the company for a relaxed and festive end-of-of-year celebration at The Gem Community Arts Centre.

We’ll be firing up a free sausage sizzle, enjoying good company and celebrating everything the company has achieved to together throughout 2025.

Free sausage sizzle, BYO alcoholic drinks. Soft drinks provided.

Family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere. This is a great chance to meet the many wonderful people who contribute to GEMCO in ways you might not always see - whether it’s through productions, front-of-house, technical work, youth programs, governance events, hospitality, venue care, or external collaboration like Puffing Billy Railway.

GEMCCO is made up of many moving parts, and this gathering is an opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate the bigger picture the company is part of.

To help with catering, please RSVP so the company can make sure there’s plenty to go around.

19 Kilvington Dr Emerald.

Phone 9478 230 147.

any row, column or box.

1 Intelligent (5)

University teacher (9)

Cold-blooded creature (7)

Loss of muscular ability (9)

Finished brutally (5,2,4)

Generosity (11)

View (3)

Villain (5) 22 Stepped down from the throne (9)

Precisely (7)

Alms (7)

Insipid (9)

Strictness (5)

Distasteful (9)

Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

15 Distressing (9)

17 Dissect (7)

18 Directories (7)

21 Bottles, windows, etc. (5)

23 Furniture item (5)

24 Laundry appliance (5)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or

A BOTANICAL WONDERLAND

A BOTANICAL WONDERLAND SURROUNDING A TRULY UNIQUE HOME

THIS remarkable residence stands in a league of its own — a home shaped by years of meticulous craftsmanship, artistic vision, and unwavering dedication. Every handmade detail tells a story, creating a living masterpiece that simply cannot be replicated.

Cradled within magnificent, storybook gardens, the residence feels like a portal into another era — an era where beauty was intentional, craftsmanship was celebrated, and character mattered.

Everywhere you look, the romance of the past reveals itself: corbels and arches, tessellated tiles, sash windows, cast iron features, leadlight, soaring ceilings, guttered cornices, carefully selected timbers, and bluestone touches that ground the home in timeless elegance.

At its heart lies a breathtaking circular conservatory crafted from bluestone and glass — a showpiece that anchors the entire property. Whether you’re entertaining friends or sinking into a slow afternoon with a favourite book, it’s a space that invites you to pause, breathe, and take in the lush garden views.

Two private wings extend from this central hub: the main suite with a walk-in robe, ensuite, and its own secluded deck; and the guest suite with built-in robes and ensuite. A cast iron spiral staircase leads to the level below, revealing a rumpus room, a curved cellar/workshop, and internal access to the garage.

The remainder of the home radiates charm from the moment you step onto the shady front verandah. Inside, a welcoming foyer leads to a refined formal lounge with an open fireplace, a dedicated office fitted with beautiful Jarrah cabinetry, and a grand formal dining room designed for memorable celebrations. The adjoining kitchen/meals area features granite benchtops, a stainless steel 900mm freestanding stove, and a servery perfect for hosting. A third bedroom with built-in robes, an oversized laundry, and a separate bathroom complete this thoughtful layout. Comfort is assured throughout with gas ducted heating, hydronic gas heating, and the practicality of a ducted vacuum system.

Every corner of this home holds a surprise — hidden nooks, whimsical spaces, and enchanting pockets both inside and out. Children will feel like they’ve stepped into the ultimate adventure… the kind of place where hide-and-seek becomes legendary. And adults will rediscover the joy of wandering, exploring, and slowing down.

Set on nearly 1.5 acres, the gardens are nothing short of breathtaking. Towering oldgrowth trees draped in orchids, sweeping lawns, stone and brick pathways, ponds and pockets of botanical wonder form one of the most remarkable private garden collections you’ll ever encounter — a true Emerald Botanic Garden in miniature. A second garage, garden shed, storeroom, and studio/workshop provide endless space for hobbies, tinkering, or artistic pursuits. 5kW solar further enhances the

home’s efficiency. And despite its sense of seclusion, this extraordinary property is just a short stroll from Emerald’s vibrant township — cafes, shops, transport, and the iconic Puffing Billy Railway.

This is not simply a home; it’s a legacy of craftsmanship, creativity, and love. You truly have to experience it in person to appreciate the artistry that has shaped every inch of it. 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. ●

WHAT A COMMUNITY BONUS!

COMMUNITY Bank Dandenong Ranges Group Chair, Deb Weber, is pleased to announce that 57 local organisations are better off, having received a massive unexpected windfall of $60,000 from local Community Banks Upwey & District and Emerald & District, on Monday, 17 November.

Around 80 people gathered at the Upwey Tecoma Football Club rooms on Monday evening, not knowing what to expect, and all were super surprised that their group was the recipient of a donation ranging between $100 and nearly $5,000.

Our Community Bonus Program gives our customers a say in which local groups and charities we support. When they take out a new product at one of our branches (Upwey & District or Emerald & District), our friendly staff will ask them to allocate points from that product to a local group that has opted into our program.   Earlier this month, the Board determined the total 2025 Community Bonus donation - a whopping $60,000! which we shared among the groups and charities based on the points they had earned.  Think of it like slicing up a big community pie.  The more points a group receives, the bigger their share of the pie/donation!

The 2025 inaugural top points recipient was Gembrook Wildlife Shelter, which received an amazing $4,814. This is fantastic news for the shelter operator and volunteers who work tirelessly to assist injured or displaced wildlife. The dedication of this group of individuals obviously resonates with our customers and they received around 8% of the total points allocation for the 2025 program.

“Thank you for this generous donation to the shelter. I have been absolutely blown away by the amount of community support for the wildlife here. This amount will greatly assist with our huge feeding bills,” Helen, from Gembrook Wildlife Shelter.

Another attendee, Mark Pedder, President of Emerald Football Netball Club said, “Until last night I didn’t grasp the wide range and number of groups you are making such an impact with. I will definitely be singing your praises at every opportunity and making sure all our members understand the impact your generosity has had on our club. “.

”We look forward to continuing the program next year and can’t wait to see the points building again over the coming months. We

post updates on a leaderboard on our socials and it will be interesting to see the support for our community group partners growing over the coming year,” Community Bank Chair Deb Weber said.

The Community Bonus Program is part of our Bank’s Profit with Purpose philosophy. Customers may or may not be associated with the community group in order to nominate them. Anyone can nominate a group they feel

is worthy of support. There are terms and conditions that apply to this program, which can be found on the company website www. bendigobank.com.au/upwey .

If you want to find out more about who the winners were, follow Community Bank Dandenong Ranges on Facebook and Instagram.

Posts will be progressively loaded over the coming weeks of the 2025 recipients. ●

A TRADITIONAL GEORGIAN STYLE FARMHOUSE RETREAT AMID 20 ACRES OF TIMELESS BEAUTY

TUCKED away in complete privacy, Kookaburra Farm is a masterfully renovated traditional Georgian farmhouse-style estate set on more than twenty acres of landscaped gardens, park-like paddocks and tranquil spring-fed dams. Every room captures a view of beauty — sweeping lawns, flowering gardens, fruit trees in abundance and the soft undulations of the surrounding countryside.

Behind its double leadlight entry doors, the home opens to a wide hallway graced with ceiling friezes and a graceful staircase. Throughout, polished hardwood floors and French doors connect each downstairs room to sunlit verandahs and the gardens beyond. The heart of the home is the French farmhouse kitchen, a space of rustic charm and modern functionality with its oak worktops, exposed ceiling beams and double ceramic sink, and a four-oven (electric) Aga

There is also a butler’s pantry with brick floors and a 2nd oven (90cm electric) and gas cooktop. The adjoining dining area flows effortlessly to a large, double-glazed conservatory, where light pours in through walls of glass and French doors opening to the surrounding lawns and flower beds.

The living areas offer both warmth and sophistication — a wood-panelled lounge with Jetmaster open fireplace, generous entertaining spaces, and seamless connection between indoors and out. Accommodation includes 4 or 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with two luxurious master suites, each with its own spacious ensuite. Upstairs, a private retreat unfolds with a sitting room, walk-in robes and an exquisite master bedroom framed by windows on three sides, offering serene views over the estate. Zoned Daikin heating and refrigerated cooling throughout the house provide comfort for all the seasons.

The gardens surrounding the home are a celebration of country elegance, with a profusion of roses and lavender, grand deciduous trees including claret ash, oaks, golden elms and silver birches, and flourishing orchards of oranges, apples, pears, plums and cherries. A charming vegetable garden enclosed by post and rail fencing is entered through a lynch gate, bordered by roses and lavender, and complemented by a potting shed and greenhouse. Water is abundant, with an electric pump at the dam supplying taps throughout the garden and troughs across the paddocks. Beyond the garden gates, the property extends over twenty acres of gently undulating land divided into six well-fenced paddocks with walking trails and picnic spots beside fern gullies. The infrastructure is exceptional, with a large barn housing 3 stables, a feed room, sink and wood-burning heater, as well as a separate office or games area with its own wood fire and an upstairs studio. Additional shedding provides 2 further stables, a workshop with fitted benches, a tack room with wood heater, and ample space for farm vehicles. There is a two-car garage, a turning circle, a four-bay machinery, and hay shed, a woodshed, and a large chicken run. For equestrian pursuits, the property includes a double horse shelter, a 55-

foot round yard, a full-size menage measuring 60 by 20 metres, and small cattle yards currently used for alpacas.

Sustainability and practicality are thoughtfully integrated, with 60,000 litres of water storage and a 9 KW solar system. Every aspect of Kookaburra Farm reflects

care, craftsmanship and a deep respect for the landscape. From dawn mist rising over the paddocks to twilight light filtering through silver birches, this is a property of rare beauty and enduring grace — a sanctuary where traditional country charm meets the very best of Australian rural living.

Locally you will find Monbulk around 15 minutes’ drive, supermarkets, shops and several cafes. Train connections to the CBD in Belgrave and the CBD just over one hour away. Mick Dolphin lives nearby and is pleased to chat to you about transitioning to Kookaburra Farm, he is contactable on 0429 684 522. ●

RARE17.5ACREOASISWITHENDLESSPOSSIBILITIES

OpportunitieslikethisarealmostunheardofinEmerald.Setonanexpansive17.5acres, thisremarkableparceloflandofferstheperfectblendofnaturalbeauty,privacy,and potential—makingitidealforthoseseekingspace,lifestyle,orfuturepossibilities.Theland ishalfclearedwitha gentleslope,offeringpotentialsitesforyourdreambuild(SubjectTo CouncilApproval)

CaitiEllis 0493136937

CHARACTERFILLED

MickDolphin 0429684522

BELGRAVE 84STATIONROAD

FAMILYLIVINGIN APRIMEBELGRAVELOCATION

$1,100,000$1,200,000

Thischarming5-bedroomcharacterhomeisperfectlypositionedwithinwalkingdistance toBelgraveCentral.Enjoyyear-roundcomfortwithGDHandrefrigeratedcooling,plus versatilelivingspacesthroughout.Outsidefeaturesa fullyfencedbackyard,semirecessedswimmingpool,doublegarageandtwocarportsofferingexceptionalspacefor families,hobbiesandsecureparking.A standoutopportunitycombinglocation,lifestyle andconvenience

JanBrewster 0409558805

StunningSunrisesonHalfanAcre

Beenlookingfor agreatshed?Well,hereitis!This1/2anacreofgentlyslopinglandoffers peaceandserenityforyourdreamhome(subjecttocouncilapproval).Alreadyonsiteis adriveway,largeshed,levelareatobuildandtheservicesareinthestreetreadytogo. Theshedisfantasticandoffers astudio/office,a toilet,andlargegarageareaplusonthe mezzanine acoupleofrooms, atoiletandpotentialbathroom/ensuite,alsoa built-inbar, offeringyouflexibilitydependingonyourneeds.

VIEWSTOWARBURTONRANGES

$1,000,000-$1,100,000

ThePerfectHillsHideawaywith aFlexibleFloorplan

5 A 3 B 2 C

Superprivateandimmaculatelypresented,thispropertyoffersyouquintessentialhills living.Upstairsoffers 3spaciousbedroomsincluding amasterwithensuiteandwalkin robe,whilstthesecondlargebedroomhasitsownexternalaccess.Thetwolivingrooms areservicedbythecentralkitchenthatincludesa dishwasher.Bothoffermagnificent viewsacrosstotheWarburtonRanges,whichcanalsobeenjoyedfromthereardeck, whereyouwillspendallyoursummerevenings,witbuiltinmini-barandspaciouslayout.

MickDolphin 0429684522

CaitiEllis 0493136937

A FAMILY SANCTUARY ON A FANTASTIC 2897M2 BLOCK

PERFECTLY positioned in one of Belgrave Heights’ most family-friendly pockets, 8 Glen Road delivers the rare combination of space, seclusion and total convenience. Set on an expansive 2,897m² (approx.) block, this beautifully updated home offers everything a growing family could wish for-modern comfort, generous living zones and plenty of room to roam.

Boasting three well-proportioned bedrooms, an updated bathroom, and a contemporary kitchen complete with a large island bench, walk-in pantry and sleek stone benchtops, the home is ready to move in and enjoy. The open-plan design creates an effortless flow between the lounge, dining and kitchen areas, cleverly maximizing space while inviting natural light to filter through.

Step outside to the impressive undercover entertaining area-spacious enough for a full dining setting and an outdoor couch area, making it the perfect spot for family gatherings, summer barbecues or your next friendly table tennis competition. At the front, a charming verandah provides the ideal place to unwind and watch the world go by, whilst the expansive rear yard offers endless possibilities for kids, pets or future additions (STCA).

Comfort is assured year round with ducted heating, a split system plus a cosy wood fire in the lounge: or simply slide open the door and let the afternoon breeze sweep through on warm days.

Convenience completes the picture-within an easy walk to Belgrave Heights Christian School, moments by car from Belgrave South shops, and with a bus stop at the end of the road, this location is unbeatable for family living.

A true hills haven with all the modern touches-your forever family home awaits. ●

SPACIOUS AND SOLID FOUR BEDROOM HOME

PERFECTLY positioned on 909sqm in a quiet, family-friendly pocket, this inviting fourbedroom, two-bathroom home delivers space, practicality, and sun-filled living just meters from Gembrook’s main street, schools, cafes, and parks. Add to this a huge 7x14m shed and double garage with workshop and this one has it all!

The undercover entry leads into a thoughtfully zoned floorplan, beginning with the privately placed, generous master bedroom complete with a walk-in robe and ensuite. A separate study or fourth bedroom offers valuable flexibility for remote work, guests, or a nursery.

Two generous living areas ensure plenty of room for everyone to spread out. The main lounge flows into the bright open-plan kitchen and dining area, where a large island bench, Caesarstone benchtops, 900mm gas cooktop, and extensive storage make everyday living a breeze. Oversized windows draw in abundant natural light and frame the home’s leafy surrounds.

Down the hallway are two additional bedrooms with built-in robes, along with excellent storage, an updated central bathroom with a separate toilet, and a practical laundry with direct access to the undercover rear verandah. Gas ducted heating and a split system keep the home comfortable year-round.

Outdoors, the fully fenced rear yard is ideal for children and pets, while the double garage with workshop and an impressive 7m x 14m shed with a concrete floor create outstanding space for trades, tinkering, hobbies, boat/car storage, or future projects.

A bright, easy-going home with everything Gembrook has to offer right at your fingertips— move in and enjoy the lifestyle.

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. ●

ExpansiveCountryEstateon30Acres(approx)

Designedforlargefamilies,multi-generationalliving,orguestaccommodation,thisexpansive 9-bedroom,3-bathroombrickresidenceoffersremarkablespaceona totallyprivate30acres. Withalmostnoneighbours,hugeclearedpaddocks, ayear-roundcreek &a forestwalkto adam &waterfall.Initialcouncilsupportallowsforreplacingtheexistingcottageoradding asecond dwellingalongButterfieldRoad,enhancingdual-accommodationpotential. Asweepingcircular drivewayleadstoa drive-throughcarport& massivegaragewithtoilet,plusextraclearedland. Inside,2 mirrored,fullyair-conditionedwingsinclude2 kitchens,2 laundries,multiplelivingzoneswith fireplaces &generousbedroomaccommodation.Outdoorsfeaturesaningroundheatedpool, ingroundtrampoline,poweredsheds,dams& wide-openlandidealforhorsesorhobbyfarming.

&Beautiful ViewsonOver3 Acres Setonjustover3 acreswith2 streetfrontages, acirculardriveway& viewsfromeverywindow,this exceptionalpropertyblendsspace,flexibility& tranquillity.Themainhomefeatures3 bedrooms (masterwithensuite &walk-inrobe)a brightopen-plankitchenwithstonebenchtops &900mm gasstove &split-levellivingwitha loungewarmedby awoodfire &splitsystem.Stepontothe expansivedecktoenjoydistanthillviews, aspabath &overheadheaters —perfectforyear-round entertaining.A separatestudiowithbathroom,Juliettebalcony& workshopbelowaddsdual-living orguestpotential.Additionalhighlightsinclude a4-carpoweredgarage,extensiveveggiegarden,2 fencedpaddocks,anorchardof27fruittrees &an8.5KVAdieselgeneratorwithautomaticcut-in.

A 3 B 2 C

AOne-of-a-KindOff-GridHaveninGembrook! Seton5 privateacreswithtwospring-fedcreeks,thisremarkablefour-bedroomhomeisanoff-grid retreatlikenoother.A horseshoedrivewayleadsto awideverandahembracingsweepingviews. Inside,soaringceilings,exposedbeamsandtimberfloorsframetheopen-planloungeanddining withwoodfire,ceilingfanandbararea.Thekitchenblendsrusticcharmwithfunction,offering mahoganyandblackwoodbenches,walk-inpantry,hiddenfridge,dishwasher,gas/electriccooking andanIrishStanleyslowcombustionstove.Themasterincludes awalk-throughrobeandensuitestylebathroom,whileupstairstwofurtherbedroomsandduallivingzonescapturetreetopviews. Sustainabilityshineswitha 48vsolarsystem,generatorbackupandmultipleheating/coolingoptions. Withunder-housestorage,a 6m x6mcarportandtotalprivacy,thisisnotjusta home—it’sa lifestyle.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032 4

Lifestyle,Space& Flexibilityon6.4Acres. PerfectlypositionedinBelgraveSouth,thisrecentlyrenovated6.4-acrepropertyofferscomfort, privacy& lifestyleappealjustminutesfromshops& witheasyaccesstoWellingtonRoad.A wide entryleadsinto awelcomingfoyer,flowingtoa formallounge &diningroom,withzonedreversecycleductedheating &coolingensuringyear-roundcomfort.Theopen-plankitchen/diningfeatures stonebenchtops,gascooktop,dishwasher,walk-inpantry,while asecondlight-filledlivingarea openstoa largeentertainingdeck.Themastersuiteenjoys awalk-throughrobe& ensuite,joinedby 2furtherbedrooms, acentralbathroom,study/fourthbedroom &laundrywithwalk-instorage.A selfcontained1-bedroomunit,excellentguestorfamilyaccommodation.Outside,establishedgardens, abundantwildlife,3-cargarage,carport &plentifulparkingcompletethispeaceful,privateretreat.

Hawks break the drought

By Rob Wilson

Team 1 Division 2

After a frustrating start to the season having lost 3 out of their first 4 games on the last end the Monbulk Bowling club top side finally got a much-needed W under the belt away against Warburton. Played in the shadows of the Majestic Warburton Mountain the bowling club which is one of the most picturesque clubs in the district is also renowned as one of the more difficult venue to win at, however this would be the battle ground for this must win contest. Despite not having won at Warburton in recent memory the Hawks produced what would be their best performance for the season to win the critical game 16/2 19 shots up and extract a collective sigh of relief from all concerned.

Jim Bras (22/10) led the charge supported by big games from his front-end Klaus Eisle and Irma Turner along with a great game by 3rd Eric Markham. Brian Smith ( 20/17) brought his best form leading from the front and providing inspiration to team members Kylie Bailey and Anne Ward who were amazing. Rob Wilson (21/14) rink locked horns with a strong opposition to win a high standard tight game, an environment Chris Clerici quite clearly was motivated by to produce his best game for the season. Dion Addison (13/16) rink provided some early team nerves getting off to a very Shakey start being 1-9 down early. However they steadied and fought back, but despite not being able to secure a win on his rink the performance of Dion and his allies Rob Espenberger, Calvin Connell, and Craig “Turbo” Ward did a great job of avoiding a blow-out then restricting the margin to help make this great overall win possible.

Team 2 Division 5

Croydonsittinghigherontheladderandprobably more fancied visited Monbulk to play the Monbulk 2nd side, no doubt very confident of taking the points off the Mountain. However the Hawks hadn’t seen the script and decided this would not

occur on their watch and they set about sending the visitors away empty handed. This was an impressive 16/2 78/70 win that elevates the side into the top 4 and one that hopefully will motivate them towards an even higher status as the weeks role on. In a solid 3 winning rink performance Graeme Goller (26/16) achieved the highest margin, and whilst their margins were not as notable the wins by Andy Smith (19/16) and Don Barnetson (16/15) were just as important in what was to be a close overall win. Peter Lee (17/23) rink didn’t win but certainly did their bit towards the cause.

Team 3 Division 8

In what was ultimately not to be their day once again the Monbulk 3s didn’t disgrace themselves playing away at Berwick, they put up one hell of a fight to go down by a single figure margin 2/14 58/67. Ron Bishop (26/17) did his very

best to turn the result in favour of his team with his 9-shot win, and Yvonne Cowling (17/25) and Brendan Griffiths (15/25) ably supported by his wily old 3rd Peter Dowsett tried to the very end only to ultimately lament their narrow loss.

Tuesday Pennant

Team 1 Division 1

Having played on what has seemed to have been an infinite number of wet Tuesdays this round 5 contest in midweek bowls was finally blessed with a pleasant sunny day. However Monbulk were anything but pleasant hosts to the Visiting Mooroolbark side as the Monbulk team celebrated the fine weather by producing an equally very fine result winning 14/2 78/42.

The Rob Wilson rink (39/7) delivered the headline numbers for the week due to the outstanding play from Karen Wilson, Irma Turner,

and Craig Ward. This trio are having a super season and that form was on full display in this contest. Jim Bras (22/14) midweek form continues to be strong with his rink playing well non better than Greg Myers who continues to impress. Brian Smith (17/21) couldn’t quite get over the line despite a late charge, but the performance was commendable.

Team 2 Division 3

Placed 3rd on the ladder and within touching distance of the top the Midweek 2s are having a good season with a positive winning ledger. And this good form continued when they racked up a 14/2 59/44 win at home against Lilydale. The very consistent Andy Smith (24/14) achieved the best winning margin with plenty of help from a solid support base of Peter Lee, Martin “Grumpy” Williams and emerging talent Lou Thomas. Ray Pike ( 20/11) has been the boss so far leading his rink to the most wins and again showed the way by registering yet another win, nice work by Ray Arts in the lead role. Don Barnetson (15/19) rink couldn’t quite do enough to secure the 2 points on offer falling just short but did enough to help the team cause.

Team 3 Division 5

Side 3 sitting on the fringes of the top 4 ventured to Healesville full of hope of improving that position against a team with a similar status. However they came up empty handed in a one-sided defeat 0/16 42/83 at the hands of the home side who obviously decided to double down in defence of their ladder position on their home patch. Bruce Cockerill (14/21) was defiant for most of the game putting in a fine effort but ultimately was defeated in the last few ends, however his and his teams good season continues to be impressive. Mike Harris (16/25) who is also having a solid season also couldn’t quite get it done this week. Sadly for Ron Bishop (12/37) and his rink they were soundly beaten and left the Healesville town licking their wounds. It would seem that the only positives that came from the Healesville trip that day was the pastry shop visit.

Soggy Saturday stops play

After intense rains during the early morning of Saturday, only a select few got to grace the field to play some cricket in the afternoon. Soggy outfields and slippery pitches left some with no option but to become spectators for the afternoon. For the crew at Mt Evelyn, it was just the First XI that would feature.

The Community Bank – Mt Evelyn First XI would engage in probably their most important match-up of the season. They would travel to Warranwood in a clash that will have huge ramifications on the relegation battle. With three teams going back to the Stuart Newey Plate at the end of the season, the fight is on. For the winner, they will also stay in touch with finals contention.

Both teams entered the clash with just one win on the board and were looking for a change in fortunes after cruelly falling short in the last matches. Warranwood captain Jake Gilbert would swiftly send Mt Evelyn into bat upon winning the toss, as conditions suggested there would be assistance through the air for the paceman. Perhaps Gilbert knew what he was capable of under the conditions, as he would be the main beneficiary of the decision to bowl.

The last time Mt Evelyn ventured to Quambee Reserve was for the Newey Plate Preliminary Final clash of the 2023/24 season. That day, the Mounters would lose a wicket on the first ball of the match, before being humbled when bowled out for a dismal 54. When Adam Smith fell on the second ball of the match, and Luke Jones and Alex Brisbane-Flynn followed soon after, all off the bowling of Gilbert, there were some nightmares being relived when the score was quickly reduced to 3/9 within the first half hour of play. With the inform pairing of Jake Blackwell and Daniel Giblin at the crease, there was still room for optimism under dark skies. The pair had all but done the first part of the salvage effort, almost navigating the team to drinks before Giblin would be caught in a gully, putting further strain on the visitors’ batting line-up as the score slipped to 4/21. It was almost last-chance saloon for the Mounters as captain Campbell Mole joined Blackwell at the wicket. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the pair set about carefully injecting their team into the contest. Over the next hour, they would keep things simple; leave the ball well outside off stump, play within ‘the V’ and capitalise on anything loose should it come their way. When the bails were tipped for the tea adjournment, there would’ve been some air of confidence in the Mt Evelyn camp as a 53-run partnership between Mole and Blackwell had at least silenced the fielding team and given them some hold in the contest, even though there was still much to be done.

As it turned out, the tea interval came at the wrong time for the visitors, and the steely concentration deserted them. Blackwell would fall in the first over back after the break to a wild shot to spinner Rob Sayers, and when Mole fell less than two overs later to the same bowler, the score had slipped to 7/75. To make matters worse, Mawson would give Gilbert his fifth wicket the next over, and what looked promising just a handful of overs earlier soon looked cataclysmic. Four wickets lost in the space of 18 balls with just one solitary run added to the score. Disaster would explain the least of the situation.

Determined not to see their team swept away in humiliating circumstances, the tail trio of Cal Dooley, Caleb Hrabe and Bohdie Jones were left with the task of adding any morsel of score to the board, absorbing some time at the crease before trying to rescue the game with the ball. The trio would battle manfully over the space of the next 20 overs and would get the score beyond three figures, and into a position where a score of 150 was attainable. Unfortunately, the innings would close in fitting fashion as Jones would fall to a calamitous run out to close out the innings for 125. Nowhere near enough, but with wickets before the close of play, perhaps they could put some wobbles in a Shark’s batting line-up that has struggled so far this season.

It wasn’t to be. Despite some tidy bowling from recruit Malinga De Silva in his debut match for Mt Evelyn, the Mounters needed some strike power at the other end, and the pacemen couldn’t deliver with the ball, what they could with the bat. The Warranwood openers would reach safety without any concerns to see out the day at 0/36. Barring a miracle turnaround, the First XI have some serious work to do to turn this season around.

Oskar’s away! A Giant leap

By Tanya Steele

Greater Western Sydney draftee Oskar Taylor has his sights on the pre-season as he farewells friends and family before heading interstate.

The tail end of 2025 has seen the outer eastern footballer left-kick his way into his AFL dreams.

Spending time with family and friends before he headed off to Sydney, Oskar said that leading up to the announcement, the atmosphere was keyed up with a little nervousness.

“Once I had my name called, it was a relief,” he said.

Having a ‘bit’ of an inkling it might be the Giants who secured the pick, Oskar said everyone jumped on him in celebration as the announcement was made – even the family dog.

The footballer has spent a few days preparing and saying goodbyes.

“I’ve been making the most of being with family,” he said.

Oskar said he hopes his natural speed and decision-making will help catch some attention.

“Hopefully, I turn a few heads in the first few days,” he said.

With round one still a while away, Oskar is now preparing to work for the preseason.

“We’ll be doing that for a few months. My goal is to play in round one,” he said.

Looking ahead, Oskar isn’t entirely sure what the next few months will look like, but said he looks forward to getting to know his new team.

“It’ll be a fair bit of running, just a fair bit of getting to know everyone, getting to know names and stuff – obviously I’m new, and they’re new to me.

“I think just jelling together as a team would probably be the main one, getting some fitness and some ball use back into everyone,” he said.

Growing up playing football at the UpweyTecoma Junior Football Club, Oskar said he’s always flown a little under the radar as a player, later moving to South Belgrave when he was older.

“I played a bit of interleague for the outer east, and I was never the best player, popping my head up when I needed to,” he said.

“I made Eastern Ranges a few years ago and made pretty much every side ever since that, but still didn’t get to play Victoria this year.”

Making the AFL has always been a dream, and Oskar, while quite reserved, credits his own tenacity and his strong family support to some of his success.

“I got some good form playing in the Ranges, and I think that’s probably the main reason why I’m where I am now, but it’s always been a dream of mine.

“I think I always believed in myself - so to be, you know, where I am now, I’m very proud of myself.”

Coaches, family and friends have been a stalwart presence through his journey so far.

“The Eastern Coaches have been unreal, both my Parents, my Sister, all my Cousins, Aunties, Uncles and Grandparents coming to all my games – it’s been a pretty cool year,” he said.

Keeping his eyes ahead and on his goals, Oskar said that as he evolved as a player, he couldn’t see a world without him playing AFL and with support by his side, he didn’t give up.

“I knew I was eventually going to be good enough. It motivated me a lot,” he said.

“I’d love to play a few games here of AFL footy – that’s always been my goal.”