Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 20th January 2026

Aid flows into fireaffected communities

PAGE 6

As one refund point closes, another opens, but it’s sparked...

Machine concerns

By Oliver Winn

The recently opened reverse vending machine in Yarra Junction has received criticisms from the community over its negative impact on the area.

Business owners bemoaned the disruption caused by double parking waste collection trucks while volunteer run organisations lose out on a crucial source of income.

It came after the popular community refund point at the Little Yarra Ranges Egg Farm was shut down by the network operator, Visy, on 18 December.

A day later, the new reverse vending machine opened, and users of the old site switched locations to deposit their recyclables.

But Ms Cordina, who runs Red Relish Cafe just two doors down from the reverse vending machine, said the arrangement was posing a safety threat to pedestrians and cars.

“I think it needs to go. I think it needs to be relocated somewhere else. I don’t think it’s suitable, and I also don’t think the facility is big enough for the area,” she said.

“It’s a danger where cars have to overtake and go around on the other side of the road because obviously emptying the skips isn’t a fast process. They’re here for, you know, 20 minutes, 25 min-

utes sometimes.”

Visy is the network operator for the CDS Vic North Zone and manages refund points in the area, dealing with non-compliance related issues.

The Star Mail contacted Visy for comment, however Visy told the Star Mail it would no longer be responding to enquiries surrounding the matter.

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish has sought to represent the community’s complaints surrounding the shutdown of the egg farm and the new reverse vending machine.

“It’s been a really big fight that I’m trying to continue on behalf of the people, not just at the egg farm, but the local community who got behind it,” she said.

“Volunteers don’t have that time on their hands and what I’m hearing is that they’re sitting on their cans and plastics bottles hoping that it reopens,” Ms McLeish said.

Visy shut down the Little Yarra Ranges Egg Farm’s refund point as the farm broke some of its contractual obligations - this included counting and checking each container individually.

But the egg farm owners said it was impossible to pass audits, claiming “ they’ll always find something”.

Cloud Time exhibition here

By Gabriella Vukman

Local artists Mandy Pickett and Amanda Ruck have come together to create an exhibition that explores the questions: ‘How do we respond to and care for each other during times of crisis and conflict?’ and, ‘How can we maintain inner peace, social cohesion and deeper connections within our natural environments, public spaces and communities?’

The exhibition merges various practices, including dance, circus, physical theatre, painting, projection, film, storytelling, poetry, digital art, and soundscapes.

Manager and

said, “This project has been quite a while in the making and it’s evolved into various versions.”

“I have been inspired by Amanda’s work for a long time. I started having dreams of dancing in the sky and then I imagined myself in Amanda’s paintings, flying and dancing.”

Visitors are welcome to contribute their own items to the exhibit as time passes, providing for an immersive and sensory experience.

Read more on page 14

Read more on page 2

Refund machine concerns

By Oliver Winn

Businesses owners, sporting clubs and residents in Yarra Junction have labelled the recently opened reverse vending machine an “accident waiting to happen” over concerns surrounding traffic and pedestrian safety.

Cafe owner Sue Cordina said the current location of the reverse vending machine was not suitable and it should be relocated.

“I think it needs to go. I think it needs to be relocated somewhere else. I don’t think it’s suitable, and I also don’t think the facility is big enough for the area,” she said.

The reverse vending machine located at 2467 Warburton Highway opened a day after the popular community refund point at the Little Yarra Ranges Egg Farm was shut down by the network operator, Visy, on 18 December.

Individuals and businesses would cash in on recyclable containers at the egg farm as part of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), which could process large quantities of recyclables.

But as users of the old site flock to the new reverse vending machine in Yarra Junction, its flaws have been laid bare.

Ms Cordina, who runs Red Relish Cafe just two doors down from the reverse vending machine, said the arrangement was posing a safety threat to pedestrians and cars.

“So there are only four parking spaces out the front of all the shops. That has to service the bike shop, the cafe, the tattoo parlor and the post office, so you can imagine how busy those spots are.

“It’s a danger where cars have to overtake and go around on the other side of the road because obviously emptying the skips isn’t a fast process. They’re here for, you know, 20 minutes, 25 minutes sometimes.”

Yarra Ranges Council approved a planning application for the reverse vending machine last October.

Council planning and sustainable communities director Kath McClusky said the permit required the site to “not negatively impact the area’s amenity, including how materials and goods are transported to and from the site”.

Meanwhile, the site’s collection truck parking arrangement, a large water leak from the building confirmed by Yarra Valley Water and loud noise

have raised concerns.

“While this permit condition exists to prevent litter and other issues at the site, it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that their rubbish and recyclable items are disposed of correctly.”

“Council does not manage the reverse vending machine, which is owned by Container Deposit Scheme Victoria and managed with Visy recycling,” Ms McClusky said.

Visy is the network operator for the CDS Vic North Zone and manages refund points in the area.

The Star Mail contacted Visy for comment, however Visy told the Star Mail it would no longer be responding to enquiries surrounding the matter.

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish has sought to represent the community’s complaints surrounding the shutdown of the egg farm and the new reverse vending machine.

“It’s been a really big fight that I’m trying to continue on behalf of the people, not just at the egg farm, but the local community who got behind it,” she said.

“The government wants people to recycle, to

use the container deposit scheme and get their 10 cents. They want people to do that.”

Ms Cordina said the loud noise caused by the truck as it collects recyclables was “absolutely frightening”.

“Imagine that big skip bin full of glass being emptied into the back of the truck and what the sound is. It’s louder than a car accident.

“On Saturday, we had a full house out the front, it was a lovely day… The truck came, double parked and emptied the glass into the back of the truck. And when the glass smashed, everybody jumped.”

“The truck drivers wear hearing protection. Well, the customers aren’t outside wearing hearing protection,” she said.

Ultimately, Ms Cordina thinks the container deposit scheme is a great initiative for the environment.

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m an environmental person. We do our best at the cafe to encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint, including us.

“But the position of this recycling centre is just not viable.”

Sporting clubs, volunteer organisations lose cash source

By Oliver Winn

Local sporting clubs and volunteer organisations have lost a crucial income source after the Little Yarra Ranges Egg Farm recyclable refund point was shut down last December.

Yarra Junction Sporting Clubs, which includes the cricket club and football club, has hit out at the network operator Visy’s decision to close the refund point and labelled the alternative reverse vending machine as unsuitable.

“It’s totally disgusting,” a Yarra Junction Sporting Clubs spokesperson said.

Time poor volunteers would exchange cans for cash at the egg farm’s refund point as part of the State Government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic).

The egg farm’s large capacity meant bulk amounts could be processed quickly, making it ideal for organisations to collect recyclables over time to deposit.

But the reverse vending machine in Yarra Junction requires recyclables to be deposited individually, turning quick 20 minute drop offs into hour-long slogs.

“Sometimes we would have taken 1500 cans [to the egg farm], probably not every week, but fortnightly. The other day, we went to the one in Yarra Junction and put in 600 cans, and it took us over an hour.”

Little Yarra Ranges Egg Farm co-owner Glenn Gimmill said volunteers would stop using the scheme as they simply don’t have the time to process the cans.

“They’re not going to stand at a machine and feed into because at the end of the day they’re volunteers, they haven’t got hours up their sleeve to do it.”

The Yarra Junction Sporting Clubs made around $6000 from the scheme.

“It was great for funding facilities, to fix stuff at the club rooms, things like that. It would finance any repairs at the clubrooms.”

State Eildon MP Cindy McLeish said members of the community were “sitting on their cans” in hopes the egg farm refund point would reopen.

“Volunteers don’t have that time on their hands and what I’m hearing is that they’re sitting on their cans and plastics bottles hoping that it reopens

“The egg farm refund point was easy, it had

space, it was not obtrusive, people could drive in there easily, turn around, the setup was really good.”

The Little Yarra Ranges Egg Farm announced on 17 December its recyclable container refund point was shut down for not performing its contractual obligations.

After issuing a formal breach notice to the egg farm, Visy shut the site down on 18 December for breaching its contractual obligations, though the egg farm owners claimed Visy’s reasons for the closure were unfair.

“Every six months they come out and they go through and they’ll all find something. No matter what you do to try and improve, every time they come around you can never pass an audit,” Mr Gimmill said.

Iconic dog letterbox is finally back home

By Oliver Winn

The story of a stolen dog letterbox got its happy ending when it was returned two months after it went missing.

Police contacted Launching Place man Tony to inform him the custom-made metal dog letterbox had been recovered on 12 January.

The quirky piece of metalwork was delivered on the back of a tow truck and Tony said it made his day to be reunited with the dog.

“I’m very grateful… it’s a good outcome and the police were lovely,” Tony said.

It sure would’ve been a bizarre sight for onlookers when it was delivered. The tow truck’s emergency lights were flashing as it pottered down the driveway, with a police car escort trailing behind.

The Dalry Road resident was left angered and upset last October when his metal dog letterbox was cut out of the concrete by thieves.

Commissioned by his wife as a birthday gift, the $2000 letterbox represented the many canines at the property and was crafted with an old gas bottle and other various bits of metal.

It left him feeling “really upset” as the gift was not only worth a lot of money, but it also held sentimental value.

He said when he received the phone call, he asked the police officer, “You haven’t found my letterbox have you?”

But he quickly realised his metal canine was found and he called his wife, who didn’t believe him at first.

“She didn’t believe me. I had to send her a photo to show it when they brought it back,” he said.

Police found the dog at a residence 20 kilometres away from its home and Tony wasn’t given much indication as to what had happened.

But he was grateful for the police’s assistance and said it helped him realise no crime is too small to report.

“It’s only a letterbox, you know, it’s not like the family’s crown jewels or something.

“So I’m glad I did report it, because otherwise they probably wouldn’t have really known anything about it. So when they say to report crime, it really pays off.”

When a Facebook post about the letterbox received over 400 likes and 52 comments, he was surprised at the amount of attention it got.

“What’s interesting is my wife put it up on Yarra Valley Noticeboard and there’s been people commenting, ‘Oh we love seeing that letterbox when we drive by on Dalry Road.’ “

“I’m thinking oh my god, I didn’t even realise it was a bit of a talking point.”

Tony decided to keep the metal dog letterbox close to home now and a replica will replace it at the entrance of his driveway.

“I’ve got a $20 letterbox from the hardware shop at the moment and I’ve bought myself a Christmas present, I’ve bought myself a plasma cutter.

“I’m not artistic at all, but I’ve bought some steel, I’m going to get a silhouette version of our dog and I’m going to cut that out and attach that to the letterbox. It might be maybe half a metre high and so there’ll be something back on the street but it won’t be the same letterbox.”

With the original dog letterbox tucked away 400 metres from the road, Tony and his wife will rest easy knowing it’s safe and sound.

IN BRIEF

Multiple stolen vehicle and drug charges

Lilydale Uniform members arrested a 24-year-old Yellingbo male after he was found in Coldstream on 31 December asleep at the wheel of a vehicle he allegedly stole from Devils River Parks Victoria Depot.

A search of the vehicle revealed the male was allegedly in possession an amount of drugs of dependence and numerous stolen items.

The male was arrested and remanded into custody.

Later on 13 January, Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit and Croydon Divisional Response Unit members arrested two men in their 30s from Seville and Launching Place after they were allegedly found in a stolen Toyota Hilux in Yellingbo.

The vehicle was confirmed to be stolen from Kinglake Parks Victoria depot, police said.

A search of the vehicle revealed the males were in possession of a quantity of drugs of dependence and numerous stolen items.

Copper theft crackdown

Three males were arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into numerous copper thefts and commercial burglaries in the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area.

They were found by police after a stolen Toyota Landcruiser was located in Warburton East with approximately $100,000 worth of stolen copper cabling.

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Hard rubbish collections coming up

Hard rubbish collection is just around the corner, so now’s a great time to start preparing your items for a smooth pickup.

To help Yarra Ranges Council crews collect everything safely and efficiently, please:

• Separate your items into clear, distinct piles

• Keep each pile under 3 cubic metres

• Place your hard rubbish where you normally put your bin out for collection

Getting organised early means you’ll be ready once your collection week arrives.

For your collection date and a full list of FAQs, visit the website: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Waste/Hard-rubbish

Hit and run appeal

Police are appealing for witnesses after a hit and run collision on Melba Highway, Yering at approximately 4pm on Thursday 15 January.

The vehicle was a white 1991 Toyota Camry bearing registration XLM708, police allege.

The vehicle was later observed doing burnouts in Melba Park, Lilydale shortly after and involved in a further collision on Castella Street, Lilydale at approximately 4pm, police said.

The occupants of the vehicle were spoken to by police a short time later, however the driver, who is known to police, is currently outstanding.

If anyone has any CCTV, dashcam footage or social media posts of the vehicle driving, please contact Senior Constable PASCOE at Lilydale Police Station on 9739 2300.

Reports can also be made via Crimestoppers at crimestoppersvic.com.au or call 1800 333 000.

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More GP clinics are opting to fully bulk-bill patients

By Callum Ludwig

Healthcare directory Cleanbill’s first Blue Report since the Australian Government expanded the bulk-billing incentive to non-concession patients has been released.

The government’s decision appears to be vindicated with the report finding that over 40 per cent of GP clinics nationwide are fully bulk-billing.

Cleanbill chief executive James Gillespie said they were able to collect data for 6877 GP clinics across the country and compare thepricing and availability data against the same data that have collected over the last few years.

“What we’ve seen, at least in the headline findings, it is a significant uptick in the number of fully bulk billing GP clinics across the country, in fact, the proportion of fully bulk billing GP clinics across the country has almost doubled since last year, which is a massive increase.

“We’ve also seen a surge in average out-ofpocket costs so if you’re not able to go and see one of the 40 per cent of GP clinics across the country that are fully bulk billing, your average out-of-pocket costs have increased substantially over the last year as well.”

In the three years prior, Cleanbill found bulk-billing rates had been on a steady decline from 35.1 per cent in 2023 to 24.2 per cent in 2024 and 20.7 per cent in 2025.

The government incentive appears to have helped address bulk-billing rates in ‘deserts’ such as Tasmania, where a third of clinics are now bulk-billing (37 throughout the state) compared to none last year, while the Northern Territory rose 47.6 per cent to 57.1 per cent of clinics.

Victoria experienced a 24.5 per cent rise to 43.6 per cent of clinics bulk-billing, while Western Australia (19.8 per cent, up 13.6 per cent) and the Australian Capital Territory (11.5 per cent, up 8.2 per cent) are the only states or territories with a bulk-billing rate below 20 per cent.

Mr Gillespie said it’s an encouraging sign and they’re always keen to see there being more bulk billing on the ground.

“With Tasmania it’s a really interesting case study, Tasmania and the Northern Territory as well, in that we’ve often seen these less urbanised jurisdictions with higher increases in fully bulk billing proportions when compared with more urbanised jurisdictions like WA and the ACT,” he said.

“The Northern Territory and Tasmania saw two of the highest increases in the proportion of fully bulk billing clinics, and they are almost entirely made up of rural and regional areas, whereas you compare that to the ACT which is entirely made up of metro and WA where a large proportion of the clinics are concentrated in metro areas and for those jurisdictions you’ve seen some of the lowest increases in proportion of fully bulk billing clinics.

“That’s an interesting reflection on how the incentive changes are playing out amongst clinics across the country.”

Minister for Health Mark Butler was asked about the report in an interview with ABC Radio

National, and despite previously holding and maintaining a view that Cleanbill’s data ‘should not be relied upon’, said if there are other parts of the country that also are finding it difficult to see levels of bulk billing that we enjoy in other parts of the country, then they’re open to looking at intervention.

“It’s really hard to tell why ACT clinics charge such high gap fees and have such low bulk billing rates compared, for example, to Western Sydney where it’s pretty expensive to find property and run a business, but they have bulk billing rates over 95 per cent,” he said.

“That’s why we’ve decided to intervene in the market in the ACT and to support the establishment of a number of new general practices which bulk bill all of their patients, because we frankly think there needs to be more competition in a market like that.

“Since 1 November, only 10 weeks or so ago when that record investment took effect, more than 1200 general practices across the country have moved from charging gap fees, which is what they were doing just in October, to bulk billing all of their patients all of the time and that number of general practices is increasing every day.”

Nationally, Cleanbill found the average outof-pocket cost rose 13.5 per cent up to $49.23, likely impacted by lower-charging clinics being those most likely to make the switch to fully-bulk billing. The same figures applied to Victoria a rise

of 14.7 per cent, up to $48.18.

Mr Gillespie said noticing this, they also completed an analysis that controlled for these changes.

“We removed all the clinics that have become fully bulk billing in 2026 from our 2025 numbers and then recalculated our 2025 numbers so that we were effectively doing it on the same clinic spaces and only seeing the average out of pocket cost increase for clinics that have remained private or mixed billing over both years that we’ve been considering them,” he said.

“What we found is that there was still a 6.8 per cent increase in average out of pocket costs over the course of 2025, which is a fairly substantial increase, even over and above what we regularly see, the increase between 2024 and 2025 was only 4.1 per cent.

“So it’s partly due to that statistical difference, but also it’s partly due to the reality on the ground.”

Mr Butler was also asked about this in the interview with ABC Radio National.

“That’s always been the case, and gap fees have been rising for several years, which is exactly why we’ve put this focus on increasing bulk billing rates,” Mr Butler said.

“We want to make sure that as many Australians as possible feel able to go to a GP when they need to rather than when they feel they can afford to.

“Yes, those gap fees have been increasing for

years now, that’s precisely why we’re putting such an effort and such significant investment into turning bulk-billing rates around.”

6877 clinics were included in Cleanbill’s data collection, while 286 clinics did not respond, which has been a criticism of the health minister.

Cleanbill will release an electorate breakdown of the data collection later in the year and Mr Gillespie said it will be really interesting to see how these newly fully bulk billing clinics across the country stack up in different areas, as well as see how many clinics retain bulk-billing in 2026.

“What’s been really interesting is over the course of this collection period, our researchers and callers have come across clinics saying that they had switched to fully bulk billing, but that they were only doing so for a 6 to 12 month trial period,” he said.

“Each of these clinics has to make the decision on their own billing based on the economic factors that they’re facing, and their perception of those…which makes it very, very difficult to predict how many clinics will take up these changes in future, how many will hold on to them, and how many will drop them.

“Now, we don’t have exact numbers on that, but the fact that we were hearing it at all means that there’s still some uncertainty amongst clinics as to what the impact of these changes will be on their bottom line, and so as a result, uncertainty as to where we’re going to see these numbers go in future.”

Hub activated for first time

By Gabriella Vukman

On Friday 9 January, the Healesville Emergency Hub sprang into action for the first time.

Founded in response to multiple days without electricity during the 2021 storms, the Healesville Emergency Hub runs on volunteers from the community.

Healesville local and Emergency Hub Volunteer Alison Gommers said, “Having no electricity during the 2021 storms which resulted in limited access to information and practical support.

“Because of that, members of the local community came together to volunteer to fill this void for the next event that will occur, be it fire, flood, storm, until the specialist services arrive,” she said.

“On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we had our first opportunity to activate the hub. Members communicate via WhatsApp group and the decision was made to activate the hub and those available set it up at the community link for the first time.”

Located in the Healesville Library, the community link provided an airconditioned space for people and their pets who had evacuated the fire areas to go during the intense heat strike on Friday 9 January.

Tea and coffee was available, along with regular information and updates on fires nearby.

Ms Gommers said, “The hub volunteers wandered around car parks where people who were displaced had gathered and we invited them to come into the library.”

“Many of the people were in their cars with their air conditioning running because they had their pets in there with them because of the extreme heat,” Ms Gommers said.

“Many of them wanted to tell their story from where they’d come from that day. Others were pleased just to engage with us.”

Along with the Hub and its volunteers, the local community also rallied to provide all kinds of support on Friday.

“One person had their horse and a dog down

at Coronation Park. They were under the shelter and someone helped out by connecting a hose so people were able to give their animals water and cool them down,” Ms Gommers said.

“Someone had medication that needed to be refrigerated, so we brought that back to the community link and looked after it for them,” she said.

“Some people were very well set up with caravans where others had come with nothing, bar their pet and that’s it, no toothbrush, no nothing.”

According to Ms Gommers, the help of staff at the Healesville Library along with efforts from the Healesville community were instrumental in Friday’s effort.

“People seemed to be grateful for us just wan-

dering around and engaging with them and people said rather than going to Lilydale, they were finding people from Healesville who were so friendly and helpful that they were happy to stay here,” Ms Gommers said.

“Many of the local businesses offered free coffees, places for people to park their caravans, places to go to rest in the cool, so it was a real community event of people reaching out to help others,” she said.

The Healesville Emergency Hub is based on a model from New Zealand where community-led hubs respond to earthquakes as an interim between the actual event happening and the arrival of emergency services and aid, which can take

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multiple days.

Despite a successful first response on the 9th, the Healesville Emergency Hub is always on the lookout for more volunteers.

“We’re keen to get more volunteers because we do get quite a few emergency events here,” Ms Gommers said.

“Anyone is welcome to come along and find out a bit more or even just learn about what we do. Everyone is welcome to join our meetings.”

The Healesville Emergency Hub committee meets every second Wednesday at 5.30pm in the Healesville Living and Learning Centre. Head to the Healesville Emergency Hub Facebook page for more information.

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Donations flow amid fires

Community members from Healesville and surrounds have donated in their droves to support communities affected by the fire in Longwood last week.

When Gunther Real Estate, alongside Yarra Valley Images, put the word out on Tuesday night, they couldn’t have anticipated how many donations would arrive at their door by 1pm Friday 16 January.

Yarra Valley Images Krystal Farkashazy, of Buxton, said she had to evacuate from the fires herself but wanted to be able to help out in some way.

“Because I had to evacuate, I couldn’t really help on the line, I couldn’t make the CFA sandwiches or help them get everyone together to put the fires out,” she said.

“So this is our way of thanking them and

looking after each other in the community, I think that’s the one thing that has really pulled everyone together when situations like this occur.”

Gunther Real Estate got involved after seeing a post from Ms Farkashazy, who is friends with a former employee as well as having multiple connections to other former employees, their families and regularly travelling to affected areas for work purposes.

Gabriella Gunther said Ms Farkashazy couldn’t go back and forth to pick things up from everyone’s house so they offered to have everyone bring everything to their office.

“We have such a good community, we said everyone bring what you can, if you want to donate anything and here we are, it’s just been nuts,” she said.

“A lot of the feedback and just through chatting with all the people that have brought stuff

in has been ‘We lost everything in Black Saturday in ‘09’, they know what it’s like.

“So this is what the result was, which we thought was incredible, we’ve all been through ‘09 so we remember, and it gives me chills thinking about it, so doing what we can for the community is important.”

Remembering the devastation of Black Saturday, there were even donations that arrived from as far as Dixons Creek, set to be loaded into Ms Farkashazy’s trailer to take up to relief centres in Yarck and Alexandra.

Ms Farkashazy said she didn’t expect there to be so many donations and they certainly underestimated it.

“I know people who have lost houses, lost sheds and lost hay and even just the number of animals that have been lost,” she said.

“It makes everyone snap back to reality and think ‘Hang on, I’m human, let’s help each oth-

er’, it’s back to basics.” Plenty of non-perishable food, clothing, bedding, personal and hygiene items, farm and fencing supplies and even some children’s toys were donated to deliver to those in need as they look to recover and rebuild from the devastating fires.

Ms Gunther said people had still been calling on Friday morning to bring more, so there may be another donation effort in a couple of weeks if there is more to deliver.

“It’s a terrible way for it to happen but it brings people together and just brings us back to why we live out here, it’s a beautiful community and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” she said.

“I think it’s unfortunate that it comes to this to bring people together but it has and even the day the fire started, it was sad just just being in town here when everyone was evacuated.”

Lilydale steps up to support fire-affected communities

By Mikayla van Loon

In the aftermath of a disaster, communities rallying for other communities, most of the time unknown to them, showcases the goodness of humanity.

Lilydale’s Meat Inn Place was quick to offer support, at first thinking they could cater and cook bacon and egg rolls for firefighters deployed to suppress the Longwood fires.

This quickly shifted to taking loads of donations to fire-affected communities after a single social media post reached around 150,000 people.

The overwhelming number of people wanting to give back came as a shock to owners Jacinta and John, as donations of bottled water, snacks and essential items flooded their doorstep.

“With one simple post asking for a contact, our community and wider network responded immediately, trusting us to ensure supplies were delivered to the right people, in the right places, as quickly as possible,” Jacinta said.

“Within two hours of our very first post, our initial plan of cooking bacon and egg rolls completely changed. Instead, we became a central drop-off point and began delivering essential goods directly to affected communities.

“Every day since, we have had between one and four vehicles on the road delivering necessities.”

The Lilydale CFA were able to put Jacinta and John in touch with the CFA’s catering division to ensure they could deliver what was most essential to firefighters on the ground.

“When we first spoke to them, they said, the things we need are water, electrolytes and easy snacks to eat in the truck. So that’s what we asked for, and that’s what we got,” Jacinta said.

The first lot of donations collected on Friday 9 January filled a van to the roof and were delivered

on Saturday morning to Yarra Glen, to then be safely distributed to the fire grounds.

On the Saturday alone, they were able to deliver 180 slabs of drinks, alongside food and snacks.

Jacinta said that throughout Saturday 10 January, until about 11pm that night, donations from the community were being dropped off for them to deliver.

“We felt honoured that people trusted us to make sure that it got to the right places,” she said.

Requests from the CFA volunteers evolved into needing sunscreen, baby wipes and lip balm, which were all generously donated.

John headed to Alexandra once able and was met with immense gratitude.

“When John got to Alex the second day, there was a line of firefighters, like a production line, just unloading from the cars. And at the end, he said it was like they all just got together and had a big hug and thanked him.

“He said they are so thankful for everything we’re doing. It’s great that our little community

can help their little community.”

Once the fire was further contained and controlled, Jacinta said they were able to turn their attention to supporting the relief centres.

The list of groups and locations John and Jacinta have helped, visited, or been in direct contact with includes: Whanregarewen Station, Molesworth CFA, Yarck Station, Yarck Community Hall, Yarra Glen Relief, Lilydale CFA, Salvation Army, Fawcett Community, Yea Community House, Seymour Relief Centre, the Highlands Hub, Alexandra CFA and Menzies Support Services.

The aim for Friday 16 January was to provide support to the Euroa Relief Centre, Euroa FoodWorks, and Ruffy Hall.

“Whoever reaches out, that’s where we go. We just open up our cars and vans when we get there, and they take what they want, then we drive on to the next destination,” Jacinta said.

Although Meat Inn Place issued the initial call out, Jacinta said the snowball effect of people wanting to help was phenomenal, with many businesses stepping in financially but also with time, resources and energy.

The Fine Food Merchant’s Ethan and Jack, Jacinta said, had been instrumental in this, offering to do deliveries, seeing the two businesses take it in turns.

Baker’s Delight provided unlimited bread whenever required, and the team at Rural Trade and Fencing in Coldstream supplied materials at below cost, playing a vital role.

Jacinta said with most of the relief centres now well supplied, she, John, Ethan and Jack would be delivering a truck’s worth of fencing materials on Saturday 17 January, as working bees get underway over the weekend.

“Our aim at the moment is to get fencing and fuel for these communities. That’s a big priority now,” she said.

Not taking cash donations, Jacinta said fuel vouchers would be welcomed, or people can purchase a $50 fencing bundle from Rural Trade and Fencing, to be gifted on behalf of the family or individual.

All other donations can be dropped off at Meat Inn Place during business hours, or contact them via Facebook or Instagram for different arrangements.

In a single week, Meat Inn Place, supported by the broader community, was able to provide 700 slabs of water plus other drinks, 500 cases of snack foods and non-perishable supplies, 1000 bread rolls and 400 loaves of bread, 100 cases of medical and hygiene supplies, 100 bags of clothing and bedding and around $5000 worth of fencing supplies.

“The response from affected communities has been incredibly moving. We have been welcomed with open arms, hugs, and genuine gratitude on every delivery.

“One community told us they had been living on biscuits and chips before we were able to provide a barbecue dinner one night.

“Firefighters who had only had access to snacks jumped out of their trucks when they saw fresh sandwiches being delivered.

“We’ll just keep going as long as we can, as long as they need us, and as long as we can get stuff to take to them.”

Club raises $5k for family

The Yarra Glen Bowls Club has rallied around one of its own in a moment of need following the fires in Longwood last week.

Matthew Creighton, known affectionately at the club as ‘Athlete’, is currently hosting his parents, Evelyn and David, who lost their home in Gobur near Yarck, and the club hosted a fundraiser dinner on Thursday 15 January to support the family.

Yarra Glen Bowls Club director Troy Stafford said it’s probably moments like last week that should put things into perspective for us.

“Where we realise what’s really important… there’s a greater good and a greater part to life, that’s what brings us here tonight and shows what sort of community we have,” he said.

“I think most of us associated with the bowling club understand our community, the Yarra Glen Bowls Club community, and how strong it is, but the bowls community as a whole as well in times of hardship.

“We really understand what being part of a community is all about, and this is a testament to it.”

One of the club’s favourite sons, Mr Creighton has played across the Yarra Valley and Eastern Ranges region for over 20 years, won many club championships, and was a key part of Yarra Glens’ years in the Premier League.

Mr Creighton said his family has lived up that way for pretty much all their lives.

“Mum and Dad have lived in the community for 50 plus years, they started off at Rubicon and then moved into Alexandra once they had the kids and then once the kids moved on, my brother bought the Yarck pub and they were out there for seven years,” he said.

“It was a good little life, a good little spot, it wasn’t a whole lot and there wasn’t a whole lot to do but they made it home.”

At the fundraiser, around $5000 was donated through a variety of meal donations, raffles, and some interesting bowls competitions on

the green. The ‘Spida Man’ competition alone yielded a $1000 donation from the local RACV representative.

Mr Stafford said there was support that came from the greater bowls community for the Creighton family.

“Big thanks to Mitcham Bowls Club who have donated $200 which is absolutely fantastic, but don’t go soft on them because we still play them and we still want to beat them, in 10 minutes we can hate them again,” he said.

“And to Lilydale, who are donating all their green fees from next weekend’s pennant, which

is actually $800.”

The Croydon Bowls Club also supported the fundraiser, as well as generous donations from a number of local businesses, including Bakers Delight Chirnside Park, Henselite, Yarra Glen IGA and local retail shops as well.

Mr Creighton said he and his brothers at least found it funny that the fires meant his parents finally listened to their boys.

“I rang them and said I think you need to go, and they’re like ‘Yeah nah, we’ll just see how it goes’ and then I rang them about two hours later, I rang them at ten o’clock and I rang them at twelve o’clock,” he said.

“Between that timeframe, they’d gone from sitting on the balcony watching everything going on to being in Yea, so it was good that they finally listened.

“They’re living with me at the moment… they’re doing fine, but they couldn’t make it tonight, but I’m going to try them really hard to get them to come next Saturday night.”

Outer East at risk: Report

By Callum Ludwig

A new report by the Climate Council and Emergency Leaders for Climate Action has investigated the impact of a Los Angeles-style (LA) bushfire event that hits the outer-metropolitan areas of Australia’s capital cities.

It’s ugly reading for the Outer East, with the region identified in the report as among the most at-risk regions in the country.

Founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action Greg Mullins AO ASFM said the findings of the report are deeply concerning.

“Over the past 20 years, outer suburban populations have more than doubled in Melbourne, putting far more families right where suburbs meet flammable bushland,” he said.

“The report shows places like the Dandenong Ranges are among the most fire-exposed urban areas in the world, and up to 90 per cent of homes in high-risk fire zones were built before modern bushfire standards, leaving communities dangerously exposed.

“The Dandenongs have a long history of major fires, including Ash Wednesday in 1983, and climate change has increased that risk.”

Some of the most concerning findings in the report centre on the Outer East, with the dense forests neighbouring on residential areas in the Dandenong Ranges, Warburton Valley and Warrandyte all identified as the areas under greatest threat in Victoria.

According to the report, insurance prices have increased by 138 per cent in the Yarra Ranges, the most of any LGA in the country and 15 per cent more than nearby Nillumbik, since 2020. This increases the likelihood of underinsurance to cut household costs and means residents can be left financially devastated by a significant fire event. The recent Longwood fire has seen the Victorian government provide $52,000 grants to people whose homes were uninsured and lost in the blaze.

Mr Mullins said insurance premiums have jumped 78 per cent to 138 per cent since 2020

in bushfire-prone LGAs in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, and that forces more households to under-insure or go without cover.

“That means a big fire is not just a tragedy, it’s a financial shockwave through families, small businesses and councils,” he said.

“We’ve already seen Black Summer cost the economy an estimated $10 billion, and the bill will keep rising if climate pollution keeps rising.

“The LA fires have also cost Australian families as major insurance shocks increase costs charged by global re-insurers used by the Australian insurance industry.”

The increase in fire-generated thunderstorms, or pyroconvective events, is also evidence of the impacts of climate change on significant fire events. Previously, they were relatively rare with 60 such events recorded in Australia in the 40 years up to 2018 but during Black Summer, there were at least 45 fire-generated thunderstorms. The recent fire at Walwa also was recorded to have generated a thunderstorm.

“Given the long history of major fires and property losses, and the intensifying effect of a hotter climate, fires in these areas can be unstoppable, moving too fast and burning too hot

for any fire service to control, especially where dense forest meets streets and back fences,” Mr Mullins said.

“We are also seeing more fires that generate their own violent weather, including fire thunderstorms like those on Black Saturday 2009, that can throw embers and lightning well ahead of the main front.

“In Los Angeles, a modern city with well-resourced fire services, more than 16,000 structures were lost in a single firestorm when extreme wind, drought and urban sprawl collided.”

Despite being in the middle of winter in January 2025, the firestorm in LA killed 31 people and destroyed more than 16,000 structures despite a very well-resourced fire department doing their best to combat the blaze.

The record dryness, non-arrival of a typical annual wet season and wind gusts up to 160 km/h contributed to the disaster, which the report argues are evidence of the impact of climate pollution and not dissimilar to the extrme fire conditons experienced in Australia.

Mr Mullins said they have three priorities for improving resilience to bushfire.

“Cut climate pollution from coal, oil and gas,

because burning more fossil fuels is like pouring petrol on the fire,” he said.

“Second, make homes and neighbourhoods harder to burn: targeted retrofits for older houses, safer planning at the urban fringe, and clear evacuation options and refuges that can cope on the worst days.

“Third, boost frontline capacity at the edges of our cities with more local crews, land management staff, and better warnings and hazard reduction burning, because these are the growth corridors now in the firing line.”

According to the report, the growth in populations for outer-metropolitan areas like the Outer East also presents significant risk, with the figure having more than doubled in Melbourne in the past two decades and more than 6.9 million Australians now living where suburbs meet the bush.

A large number of these people may also be living in homes that are not built to bushfire-resilient standards, just like many in LA. 90 per cent of Australian homes in high-risk fire zones were also built before modern bushfire standards existed, increasing their chances of ignition due to ember attack and house-to-house fire spread.

Mr Mullins said climate pollution is driving more explosive fire conditions and more frequent serious fire seasons in Victoria.

“This increases the risk of bad fires turning disastrous, just like Victorians experienced over the past week when intense fire weather hit. The old rules no longer apply,” he said.

“Fire seasons are longer, fires are behaving more violently and erratically, and warmer nights often rob firefighters of the cooler conditions they once relied on to control blazes. We cannot keep expanding into risk and then act surprised when disaster hits.

“Protecting lives on the fringe of cities and large rural centres means turning off the tap on climate pollution, and better preparing communities and emergency services for the more frequent and intense fire weather we are already living with.”

Reducing Ranges’ rubbish

By Gabriella Vukman

Severe fires are not the only environmental threat to the Yarra Ranges.

A group of committed locals has banded together to combat another ecological hazard that hides in plain sight.

This threat is scattered sporadically throughout the Yarra Ranges, harming wildlife and polluting waterways.

This threat is litter. Rubbish. And Cindy de Luca and Kylie Shorter are waging a war against it through the creation of their not-for-profit organisation ‘No Reason for Rubbish.’

What started as a few neighbours with gloves and garbage bags has grown into a fully fledged organisation that is making a real difference across the Yarra Ranges.

Co founder of No Reason 4 Rubbish Kylie Shorter said, “The beauty of No Reason for Rubbish is that it is volunteer led.”

“A lot of people ask ‘do you get paid to do that?’, and we definitely don’t, but anyone can do it,” Ms Shorter said.

“We provide the gloves, and the grabbers, so everybody’s kitted out.”

No Reason for Rubbish was founded in 2020 during Covid by both Kylie and her friend Cindy De Luca.

“Cindy and I bonded over a social media post someone had made mentioning rubbish at Maroondah Dam,” Ms Shorter said.

“We saw each other’s comments on the post and we reached out to each other and formed a Facebook group.

“In the very early days, it was just Cindy and I picking rubbish up during Covid for a few hours a day within a five kilometre radius.”

It wasn’t long before the founders were joined by others. Now the No Reason 4 Rubbish Facebook group has over 600 members, with regulars who turn up every Sunday to collect rubbish together.

Ms Shorter said, “We have been fortunate to have been supported by Bendigo Bank and the Yarra Ranges Council in terms of grant funding.”

“That has helped us buy safety vests, logos, stickers, and rubbish grabbers.

“We have also worked with the council to help with a rubbish dump site. Now we have someone that comes and collects all the rubbish that we collect ourselves.”

In 2025, No Reason for Rubbish received a $500 donation from the Healesville Lion’s Club for equipment, however the organisation is keen on some extra funding and government support.

“It needs to be advocated probably from a government level to put a really good, strong campaign in place. There needs to be a stronger

emphasis on waste management,” Ms Shorter said.

“We are just a small volunteer group. We’re just doing what we can, but I think there needs to be a bigger focus on the rubbish. There needs to be a statewide campaign.

“Victoria is no longer the garden state. It is the rubbish state.”

Reflecting on previous years, Ms Shorter has noticed a dramatic increase in rubbish in the last 20 years.

“It doesn’t seem to be like it was maybe 20, 30 years ago,” Ms Shorter said.

“I remember when I was growing up as a kid, we would have to do litter pickups during recess and breaks.

“You had litter monitors, and it was instilled in us as young people that you don’t litter, that’s a bad thing to do. That kind of thing just doesn’t seem to be happening anymore.”

While the Victorian Government has launched an $8.5 million Illegal Dumping Clean-up Rebate Program to help land managers, such as councils and Crown land Committees of Management, clean up waste in pub-

lic spaces, Ms Shorter believes that the focus should be on educating the public.

According to Ms Shorter the No Reason 4 Rubbish’s focus in 2026 will be on spreading awareness.

“2026, will be a bit more about educating probably our younger generation of people, working a little bit more closely with the Council on different things we can do,” Ms Shorter said.

“We need more cash for cans deposit sites. They just don’t seem to be working very well out here in the Ranges.

“Parks Victoria also needs to look at how they dispose of their rubbish.”

According to Ms Shorter, while Parks Victoria do a surface clean, it is left up to the No Reason 4 Rubbish volunteers to conduct a deep clean of Maroondah Dam and Thatcher Weir, among other areas.

As for 2026, No Reason 4 Rubbish are already planning their ‘Ground Cleanup Australia Day.’

For information on how to volunteer, head to the No Reason 4 Rubbish Facebook Page.

A spokesperson for the Victorian Government told Star Mail “We know illegal dumping is

a big issue across Victoria.”

“To catch more people flouting the law and hold them to account, we have boosted funding for EPA to establish the Illegal Dumping Taskforce to ramp up surveillance, compliance and enforcement across Victoria,” they said.

“Everyone has a part to play in preventing waste dumping and littering.”

Studies show that today’s increasing rates of pollution are having catastrophic effects on Victoria’s ecosystems.

According to the Yarra Ranges Council’s Community Waste and Resource Recovery Plan, all kinds of waste including plastics, electronics pose a contamination threat to the natural environment and community health.

At the moment single-use plastic drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, cotton bud sticks, plastic shopping bags and expanded polystyrene food and drink containers were banned from sale and supply in Victoria.

In addition, Rubbish dumping and littering on public land is illegal with the maximum penalty for individuals being $800,000 and, or five years imprisonment.

Eastern 80 ambassador holds cause close to her heart

By Oliver Winn

The Eastern 80 Charity Bike Ride has announced its 2026 ambassador as it gears up for another year of riding for a special cause.

Deni Walker was selected for this year’s fundraiser for the Good Friday Appeal where she’ll act as the “face of the event” due to her experience as a young girl at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Organised by Warburton local Norm Orr, the Eastern 80 is an annual bike ride fundraiser which sees riders fill the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail one day of the year.

The event has come a long way since its inception in 2015 and has raised a whopping $115,000 over the past decade, helping fund the Royal Children’s Hospital to deliver crucial care.

Ms Walker, who is the coach and president of the Warby Weapons Basketball Club, said she was honoured to have been selected as the ambassador as it was a cause close to her heart.

“It’s actually really special. It’s hard to know, particularly beyond finance, how to give back and I feel really grateful to have this opportunity,” Ms Walker said.

Ms Walker was born with several holes in her heart which essentially impacted every facet of her life.

“Because of how hard my heart had to work to kind of compensate for all of that, my heart became enlarged which meant that old blood and new blood would get mixed up with each other.

“I wasn’t getting enough fresh oxygen through my body, so I was getting very tired.

Things like exerting myself in the everyday activities of being a little girl was too much for my body to hold.

“Even being excited about being asked to a birthday party was too much for my body to handle,” Ms Walker said.

She wasn’t able to get surgery until she’d grown old enough for her body to withstand

the procedure, and at three-years-old, she was the youngest Victorian at the time to receive the surgery.

“I had a plaque in my name in the wing where I had my surgery,” she said.

The basketball coach is almost completely free of any complications, save for some extra caution if she suffers any open wounds.

She called it an honour to embody the story and cause the Eastern 80 is raising money for.

“That honour of being that person on the day to embody a story that people can directly tie a meaning to today’s achievements, I think it’s pretty special.”

Taking place on 21 February at 7.30am, the Eastern 80 is sure to attract hundreds - if not thousands - of participants and onlookers.

It begins at Cog Cafe in Warburton and an 80 kilometre and 50km riding options are available, while a nine kilometre walk can also be completed. A 30km mountain biking option is also on offer.

Mr Orr said this year’s event will incorporate the new Warburton Bike Park.

“This year one of our local bike shops is going to line up some mountain bike riders so we can have a mountain bike section,” Mr Orr said.

“So that is new, we’re hoping they’ll sign up with us just to help us raise another good total.”

Entrants to the bike ride pay $100 which goes towards the fundraiser, but Mr Orr said there were payment plans in place for those who can’t afford the fee upfront.

“If say for argument’s sake somebody hasn’t got the $100, if they can get five members of their family to give them $20, I can write out the tax receipt for them.

“So that shares the burden,” Mr Orr said.

The Alpine Hotel has reserved an area for after-ride celebrations, which will see live music, face painting for the kids, lunch and a raffle for the riders, walkers and event supporters.

To register for the event, visit trybooking. com/DGATE or call Norm Orr on 0408 592 504.

AUSTRALIA DAY

Citizens will be celebrated

With Australia’s national day fast approaching, Yarra Ranges Council is preparing to name and award excelling community members for their achievements and contributions, while also welcoming new citizens to the municipality.

For more than 20 years the council has presented community-nominated and driven awards to people and groups who have shown leadership, commitment and been a role model.

“Each year on Australia Day, we present awards to community members who are outstanding in serving their communities through volunteering, leadership and environmental action, following our Citizenship Ceremony,” council’s corporate services acting director Kim O’Connor said.

“Nominations are reviewed by a panel including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and a delegate from the CEO. Council has a selection criteria document and all nominations are checked against this for eligibility.”

Mr O’Connor said the quality of nominations each year makes for a difficult process in deciding who receives a Community Award.

“We regularly receive brilliant nominations, for community members doing tremendous work. Unfortunately, we can only select a few each year for an award,” he said.

“But we thank all community members who nominated someone who gives back to their communities.”

The awards distributed fall under seven categories, commending individuals and groups from across the shire.

These are Citizen of Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Achiever of the Year, Young Environmental Achiever, Community Group of the Year, Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership.

On the same day, a group of people are

officially acknowledged and welcomed as citizens of Australia, a special and emotional moment for many.

“This day is celebrated by people who are proud to receive their citizenship, and we’re proud to bestow it upon them.”

While this is just one of the citizenship ceremonies held throughout the year, Australia

Day is a proud day for new citizens.

“Our Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, like our other Citizenship Ceremonies through the year, follows a legislated guideline from the Department of Home Affairs.

“Following the ceremony, conferees - who have just taken their pledge and received their citizenship formally - will have a morning tea

with our Mayor, Councillors and Local MPs.” Due to limitations on numbers, the awards and citizenship ceremony is invite only but news of awardees will be shared via Yarra Ranges Council and the Star Mail soon after.

“We look forward to sharing the award winners with the community on Australia Day, and welcoming our new citizens.”

Free family fun on

On Monday 26 January the Rotary Club of Wandin’s Free Family Fun Day will take place at the Wandin North Recreation Reserve.

All are welcome to attend and the event will run from 11am to 4pm.

This year’s Australia Day event is set to be bigger and better than ever with some exciting new activities to keep everybody entertained.

Expect a jam-packed day of free ice creams, free coffee, free sausage sizzle and free face painting, along with all your favourite activities, plus some exciting new additions (think silent disco, mini golf, a dunking machine, and more!).

The Free Family Fun Day is also sponsored by the Wandin-Seville Community Bank.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Cloud Time comes to town

By Gabriella Vukman

You can feel the space even before you cross its threshold.

It is almost like a grandparent’s kitchen, or a meditation circle. The cloud time exhibition certainly has a warm, zen feel to it.

Local artists Mandy Pickett and Amanda Ruck have come together to create an exhibition that explores the questions: ‘How do we respond to and care for each other during times of crisis and conflict?’ and, ‘How can we maintain inner peace, social cohesion and deeper connections within our natural environments, public spaces and communities?’

The exhibition merges various practices, including dance, circus, physical theatre, painting, projection, film, storytelling, poetry, digital art, and soundscapes.

Project Manager and artist Mandy Pickett said, “This project has been quite a while in the making and it’s evolved into various versions.”

“It has been exciting to finally have it up and running here in the gallery space,” Ms Pickett said.

“In this exhibition, I am particularly focussed on our relationship with the environment.”

Tree imagery and artist Amanda Ruck’s paintings of vast cloudy sea scapes line the walls of the gallery.

Ms Pickett said, “I have been inspired by Amanda’s work for a long time, but as a performing artist, I was really looking for a way to involve my visual art.”

“I started having dreams of dancing in the sky and then I imagined myself in Amanda’s paintings, flying and dancing.”

“I knew what I was going to do then.”

The concept of ‘Cloud Time’ wherein one sits down and gazes up at the sky, also informs this exhibition.

“Taking yourself into another space is really what we are trying to do with this exhibition,” Ms Pickett said.

“We want to practice and explore how we can bring ourselves into a space that is present, and our own, but it is also more than that. It is the power of the imagination” she said.

The Cloud Time exhibition is also about collaboration and the sharing of community and personal insight.

In collaboration with the community, both Ms Pickett and Ms Ruck will be constantly creating an evolving installation in the gallery space.

Visitors are welcome to contribute their own items to the exhibit as time passes, providing for an immersive and sensory experience.

“And I focus on, in this exhibition I’m par-

ticularly focussing on our relationship with the environment,” Ms Pickett said.

“I want to know how we relate to nature and how we relate to and care for each other,” she said.

“Anyone can come in and share how they

on display at the Memo in Healesville from 8 January until 29 March. Open hours are from Tuesday 5 to 9pm, Wednesday 12 to 9pm, Thursday 12 to 4pm, Friday 12 to 9pm, Saturday 12 to 9pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm.

Support for second year of Queer Youth Writers Collective

By Callum Ludwig

The Yarra Ranges Queer Youth Writers Collective (QYWC) formed in 2025 and is making a return this year for keen young writers in the LGBTQIA+ community.

The group has also received a $7000 grant from the Youth Affairs Couincil’s latest round of Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) grants to help facilitate their activities this year.

Workshop facilitator Sophia Thomas said this year’s grant will go towards the young people making their own workshops and leading group sessions, as well as four author sessions.

“We started with an expression of interest to find out what the prospective participants wanted to talk about, and where they wanted it to be and I established a connection with Mooroolbark Library to set up as a home base, with satellite sessions at Healesville and Belgrave,” she said.

“The Yarra Ranges Council Youth team supported me throughout the process, and for me to lead the first session, we had a local zine group run by young people lead a session about zines, and another group member led two sessions about character design.

“Last year was my first time leading a group and workshop, this program has helped me and other young people to build the skills and confidence to talk about our creative practice and teach others.”

Throughout 2025, QYWC participants has opportunities to lead workshops and activities, with sessions on zine making by a local zine group, two sessions on character design by a

group member, mini-presentations from everyone in the group about themselves as writers before two editing sessions at the end of the year to refine their stories with the help of a member of the Voiceworks Editorial Committee.

Ms Thomas said having a regular LGBTQIA+ group has helped create a sense of community.

“Learning and writing together has increased their motivation and skills to write, increasing their wellbeing through enjoyment and fulfillment,” she said.

“We had five author sessions last year, these really helped connect us to the local queer writing community, as well as learning from professionals, our author sessions covered talking about identity, giving and receiving feedback, writing about queer history and editing our work.

“Our authors also gave us reading recommendations and let us know of project opportunities like the Emerging Writers Festival and Voiceworks.”

Ms Thomas combined the young people’s stories into an anthology and printed as a zine/ booklet and the group ended the year with a celebration where they sat and read each other’s stories.

Ms Thomas said the sessions follow a loose structure of around two to three activities with a lot of discussion.

“The first session we started with an icebreaker of ‘What’s our favourite book or genre?’, we then discussed our favourite aspects of stories and wrote them down and made a collaborative list, and by the end, we came up with our own prompts or blurb using words from the list

to write a story about,” she said.

“I also ran a session on comics/graphic narrative, we started with a discussion about storyboards and beat sheets, about how they are used to outline and show important story moments and then took a paragraph from our own stories and separated it into ‘beats’ or actions,

and drew a grid of panels to separate these actions out.

“I talked about how panel length and height can convey a sense of time, as well as the gutter in between, we discussed how we can put emphasis on certain moments using this technique, and had a go laying out a page of panels.”

In 2026, the group intends to run more collaborative sessions where multiple group members run activities, lead discussion or give presentations.

Ms Thomas said it doesn’t matter where you are at with your writing, the group is all about learning from each other and having time and space to write.

“Additionally it doesn’t matter whether you write non-fiction, plays, fantasy etc, we can have discussions about different writing forms, and see about getting an author to run a workshop on it,” she said.

“Or if you want to, you can run an activity or workshop teaching the group about it, or workshopping your writing.”

The HEY grants have been supporting community-led projects by young LGBTQIA+ Victorians for 15 years, with 15 initiatives sharing in $100,000 this year.

“We’re building a Victoria where everyone is welcome and celebrated - these grants are supporting young LGBTIQA+ Victorians to live their best lives,” said Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt

“These projects help ensure LGBTIQA+ young people feel safe, supported and empowered in their communities,” Minister for Equality Vicki Ward said.

Community through a lens

By Oliver Winn

Warburton-based photographer Suzanne Phoenix’s biggest exhibition yet will showcase 13 years of Melbourne’s queer community at the Midsumma Festival.

The Queer Naarm exhibition takes place from 20 January to 1 February at the SOL Gallery in Fitzroy, where 50 photos act as a celebration of queer identity and history.

Ms Phoenix said the body of work documented Melbourne’s biggest queer events and the strong culture within them.

“From 2013 to 2025 I’ve been documenting some of the biggest queer events in Melbourne over that period of time, including Pride March and Midsumma Festival and Victoria’s Pride Street Party,” she said.

“It feels pretty exciting and it feels a bit nervewracking as well.”

Ms Phoenix released a book for the exhibition and was also nominated for the Midsumma Art Award.

The exhibition depicts colourful scenes of unfiltered joy and people expressing themselves freely, surrounded by likeminded people and shielded from the hate and discrimination the LGBTQIA+ communities are often subject to.

There’s certainly a sense of freedom throughout the series. Exaltation beams from the faces of those pictured, not bothered by gender conventions.

The extravagant outfits worn are a fashion statement as much as they are an act of resistance. From risque fetish fashion to the defiant drag wear, the outfits themselves represent physical freedom.

Ms Phoenix said it was crucial to have the consent of those pictured.

“The main thing that I photograph is people in these scenarios. It’s all about people, so consent is really important to me. It’s really just representing them and putting them out into the world,” she said.

“I’m excited because these photos are people showing amazing sides of themselves and that they’re happy for those to be put out into the world.”

When the State Library Victoria approached Ms Phoenix to acquire her esteemed International Women’s Day (IWD) series, they were also interested in her documentation of queer communities in Melbourne.

“Rather than the photographer not being part of that community and just documenting from outside, one of the boxes I ticked was they really wanted the artist to be part of the community they were documenting,” she said.

After reviewing the initial 2000 photographs, the State Library settled on a final cut of 50 photographs which make up the exhibition.

Ms Phoenix identifies as queer herself and when she moved to Warburton in 2013, she would regularly travel back into the suburbs to attend queer events to strengthen her connection with her own community.

“There’s multiple reasons why I go to the events but certainly being able to connect and be part of something much bigger, which doesn’t happen a lot out here.

“It definitely was a way for me to be part

of a community.”

The exhibition teems with positivity and Ms Phoenix said a lot of the photos are in moments of celebration.

“When I watched someone go through the book the other day, they laughed and certainly a smile was on their face most of the time. I think the work creates an uplifting feeling,” she said.

“The marriage equality rally was probably not celebration, it’d been a hard week for everyone.

“But even in those photos I think they’re showing strength and they’re positive images,” Ms Phoenix said.

Iconic figures of the queer community are also seen, such as Australian drag artist Reuben Kaye and the much-loved Miss Candee who sadly died in 2022.

With one of Ms Phoenix’s photos being nominated for the Midsumma Art Award, the Warburton photographer is hopeful she’ll take home the prize.

“It’s one of the things I’ve long hoped one day I’d be in, I’ve applied for submissions for years and years and years, so I was very excited as this is the first time [I’ve been nominated],”

Ms Phoenix said.

COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE

House embracing change

Since opening its doors in August 1986, Seville Community House has played a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening connections across the Seville community. What began as a small, informal gathering has grown into a much loved and essential local hub that continues to evolve to meet the needs of its community.

Seville Community House officially opened when Seville Primary School offered the use of the old Principal’s House as a permanent home for a small group of women who met socially to enjoy crafts and shared activities. From these humble beginnings, the Community House quickly became a place where friendships were formed, ideas were shared and support networks grew. Over time, its role expanded, reflecting the changing needs and interests of the community it serves.

Today, Seville Community House offers a diverse range of affordable classes, programs and activities designed to support people of all ages and backgrounds. From creative and recreational pursuits to learning opportunities and social groups, the focus remains on inclusivity, accessibility and community connection. At the heart of everything it does is a commitment to providing a friendly, supportive and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong. Community development has always been central to the philosophy of Seville Community House, and this is clearly reflected in its Purpose and Vision. The House exists to be a welcoming place where the community can come together for social connection, information, assistance and the opportunity to learn new skills.

Its vision, ‘Everybody’s community house –to open hearts, minds and doors’, captures the

future, an exciting new chapter is underway. While plans are progressing for a brand new facility to be constructed at the Seville Football Ground, the Community House has temporar-

mal disruption to the community. Importantly, the Seville Hall remains available for hire on weekends, allowing community members and groups to continue using the space for events and gatherings during this transition period.

Through change and growth, Seville Com-

munity House remains steadfast in its mission to support, connect and empower the local community.

With a proud history and a promising future ahead, it continues to be a place where people can come together, feel supported and build lasting connections in the heart of Seville.

COMMUNITY COURSE GUIDE

A cup of ‘communi-tea’

Celebrating 40 years of looking after Yarra Glen and the community, Yarra Glen & District Living & Learning Centre threw an exciting morning tea. Not only was tea served, but fresh French crêpes cooked by the centre’s French teacher, Sylvie.

There was also live music played by their own musicians, including Robbie, the centre’s guitar teacher, and even our local MP, Cindy McLeish, made a special appearance to celebrate the mile stone anniversary.

“An impressive 40 years,” Cindy wrote on Facebook in a celebratory post in December 2025.

“A great turn out!”

The morning tea party was held and enjoyed on Friday 12 December 2025, but it seems that most of the year carried the joys, gratitude, and celebration of the milestone.

A stunning 40th cake was sliced and served to the group and community, along with many other sweet and savoury treats.

made up of volunteers who run a committee of management and includes a paid office and program coordinator. Regardless of where they came from, the shared goal and vision of the centre was to have a physical space where the community felt safe, engaged, and able to share their life skills and experiences while in great company and healthy wellbeing.

From humble beginnings in 1985, the team is

While this remains a concrete pillar of the community, Yarra Glen & District Living & Learn-

ing Centre has continually grown and changed. Like their blooming community garden and projects supported by gifted grants, there is an evergreen and ever-growing gratitude carried through by the team and by locals. Forty years is a worthy celebratory cause, and the centre will likely continue for many more. If you are interested in joining or participating in the Yarra Glen & District Living & Learning Centre, please call 9730 2287 or email ygdllc@bigpond.com.

MondayWednesday Friday

MONDAY MIX

2nd February - 30th March No Class 9th March 10.00am - 12pm

Cost: $20pp/Per week

SIT2FIT - CHAIR BASED EXERCISED CLASS

RETURNING TERM 2

DANCE FITNESS CLASS

RETURNING TERM 2

BREWERS CLUB First Monday of month 7.00pm Gold Coin Donation

BUNNINGS - HOW TO PREPARE THE GARDEN FOR AUTUMN 11th February 10.30am - 12.00pm Cost: Gold Coin Donation

AMBULANCE VICTORIACALL PUSH SHOCK 18th February 1.00pm - 2.30pm Cost: FREE

TuesdaysThursday Expressions of Interest

PRIVATE EVENT TERM 1 KNITTING/CROCHET DONATIONS Any weekday during Term 1 11.30am - 2.30pm

WOORI COMMUNITY HOUSE LIBRARY BOOKS Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 10.00am - 1.00pm

SPIRITUAL CIRCLE 6 Week Term - 7.00pm8.30pm Tuesday 10th February17th March 2026

Cost: $20.00 per session

DEMENTIA INFORMATION SESSION 11th March 1.00pm - 2.30pm Cost: Free GOLDEN YEARS 29th January - 2nd April

10.00am - 11.30am

Cost: $2.00pp per week YOGA NEW TEACHER

VASUDHA HARTE

TRIAL CLASS $10 - Thursday 5th February 2026 1.00pm - 2.00pm

7 Week TermThursday 12th February26th March 2026 1.00pm - 2.00pm Cost: $140.00 for 7 weeks $126.00 for members

Connecting over a picnic

By Gabriella Vukman

On Thursday 22 January, Healesville Connect will be hosting their annual free Twilight Picnic event.

Running from 4:30 to 8:30pm, the Twilight Picnic is designed to unite and connect the families and members of the Healesville community, and will be held at Queens Park in Healesville.

Activities include;

Myuna Animal Petting Ark, Claire and Sam duo, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, Novelty races for all - with podium and race badges for winners, Lawn games and outdoor toys from the Healesville Toy Library, and Line Dancing by Shine.

These activities will be topped off with a coffee van, free sausage sizzle with vegetarian and gluten free options, and free ice cream.

Co-founder of non-for-profit organisation Healesville Connect Jo Bracken confirmed that this year will be Healesville Connect’s third Twilight picnic.

Ms Bracken said, “We are trying to fill that gap for younger families.”

“We are seeing that life is quite expensive at the minute and a lot of people can’t afford to do something special over the school holidays,” Ms Bracken said.

“We thought if people can come along to an event which is basically free, they can bring some dip and bickies and have a free sausage and ice cream, and the kids can play,” Ms Bracken said. Novelty races will run for kids and parents alike, with badges for winners.

Ms Bracken said, “This event is a big thing that we are currently working towards with our committee.”

“We will get some volunteers from our members who attend weekly coffee catch ups,” She said.

While previous years have seen plenty of activities, this year’s Twilight picnic will be a particularly large event.

“We have a big event this year, thanks to an increase in funding from the Yarra Ranges Council,” Ms Bracken said.

“We can afford a marquee and lots of lovely activities,” she said.

Ms Bracken and the Twilight Picnic Com-

mittee intend to have no financial barriers for Thursday’s event.

“We have got nothing at the event where the kids will say ‘buy me that mum,’” Ms Bracken said.

“Attendees will only need the change in their pocket,” she said.

The Healesville Toy Library will run a raffle to raise money for their cause.

Healesville Living and Learning Centre will attend the event along with the local CFA with a fire truck, the SES with a response vehicle and the Emergency Hub.

The Hills Act Theatre company will also make an appearance, along with Healesville Sanctuary who will have a station for soft animal health checks. - It is highly advised to bring teddies along.

Ms Bracken and the team are hoping for good weather and lots of fun for Thursday’s event.

Exciting market taking place on Australia Day weekend

By Oliver Winn

Marquees full of exciting artisanal goods will pop up in front of the Warburton Waterwheel over the Australia/Survival Day weekend, promising a great opportunity to snag a gift or two.

The Artisan Alley pop up market takes place on the deck of the Warburton Waterwheel from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 January and it celebrates the bustling arts community in the Upper Yarra.

From 10am to 4pm, a number of stalls boasting the finest works from local creatives will be on offer to locals and visitors alike.

Warburton Waterwheel president Nikki Murray said the market will focus on creatives from the Upper Yarra region, showcasing their work while also hosting pop up workshops.

“We’re going to have different people there, it’s probably good to have different handmakers because not all handmakers can fit into the handmaker space at the stage. Some plant stalls or people have got just bigger things that can’t fit in.”

Warburton Waterwheel vice president Tayla Hansen said the offering extends to “pop up massages, apothecary items and herbal products”.

While the market itself is on the smaller size, the focus is on handmaker items which don’t fit into the handmaker space inside the Waterwheel.

Ms Murray said they were also looking for a local who does garden sculptures to feature at the market.

Musicians will provide the soundtrack for the market, which will create a “little bit noisier, but not too rowdy” vibe, Ms Murray said.

“It’s not going to be like a really dense rowdy space.”

Ms Hansen said the stall holders will work together to create a welcoming atmosphere.

“It’s a community space. So we’ll work with each other. We’ll engage the crowd together.

“We’ll bring that upbeat kind of community, collaborative atmosphere to the deck of the waterwheel to not only to attract curiosity, but also to just showcase the people that actually contribute to the Upper Yarra in the sense of arts and culture, small business, wellbeing and handmade

things.”

Ms Murray said the market will take place within the Biderap (dry season), the first of seven seasons in the Wurundjeri seasonal calendar.

“The Wurundjeri seasonal calendar, the full cycles of season from the Wurundjeri people in the Yarra Valley area includes the Biderap dry season January to February. So that’s where it does fall into,” Ms Murray said.

“Around here there is amazing culture and we’re embracing that, even the seasonal calendar.”

Ms Hansen said the Warburton Waterwheel doesn’t just service Warburton, but rather the whole Upper Yarra community.

“From Woori Yallock to Healsville to Reefton, that’s our area. That’s the waterwheel’s area.

“Everyone from that area, as these events continue to pop up, we want them to be there. We want to showcase that we’re a big community, it’s a big area that we service and there are so many amazing and diverse people and things on offer in the area,” Ms Hansen said.

The market is purposefully smaller in size so

as to not compete with the other local markets that take place throughout the year. It also won’t hold any food stalls, in order to encourage activity at cafes and bakeries on the main street. As the Warburton Waterwheel finalises its lease with the Yarra Ranges Council, it looks to recruit more members of the community to help the committee.

Those interested in helping the Warburton Waterwheel committee can contact Nikki Murray on waterwheelhubinc@gmail.com or 0425 754 493.

Discovering Dunedin

By Kylie Mitchell-Smith TRAVEL WRITER/PODCASTER

www.travellingsenorita.com

Having explored the tourist meccas of the South Island of New Zealand (Queenstown and Christchurch) I thought it was time to venture further afield and head to the more hidden gem that is Dunedin in the Southeastern region of Otago. Dunedin often likened to a mini-Edinburgh (the Edinburgh of the south), complete with Scottish vibes, the four seasons in one day weather and even it’s own castle. And that was our first stop on our ‘Discover Dunedin’ itinerary - Larnach Castle perched high in the hills above Otago Harbour.

The surrounding Peninsula is a hilly slither of volcanic land, abundant in flora and fauna – a place to see Sea Lions and Penguins and one of the few accessible places where Albatross nest.

Larnach Castle is like stepping back in time and swapping hemispheres. Commissioned in 1871 by local character William Larnach, the castle is a gothic masterpiece with plenty of stories to tell. The property was derelict for quite some time after William’s passing with a New Zealand couple - the Barkers – buying it in 1967 and bringing it back to life.

The library and dining hall host long table dinners showcasing all the South Island has to offer. While the tastefully decorated stable and lodge accommodation offers breathtaking views across the harbour. There’s also a garden cafe and exquisite grounds to wander making the castle a true ode to the past.

Following our tour we check into Distinctiona downtown hotel in the centre of the city before we head out again to admire the colourful murals that adorn the streets. We wander the high street and devour a classic cheese roll at Good Oil Cafe, a locals juice at Buster Greens and a hearty pub meal at Speights Ale House. We are getting the sense that this city is all about bakeries and breweries.

The next day we plan a trip on the Taieri Gorge Train. The train leaves from the Dunedin Railway Station – one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Built in 1906 it’s famed for its renaissance architecture. The train takes us across Otago’s sweeping countryside, with towering viaducts and the gushing Taieri River below-while the onboard storyteller recounts tales of a gold rush era. As the sun sets over Otago Harbour, we take a

short trip to the surf beaches, stopping at St Clair for Cocktails at Piccolo, Pasta at the Esplanade and Dessert at Sorello-housed in an iconic beachfront location. We stroll along the promenade and admire the locals as they brave the newly opened (heated) saltwater pools.

The next day we jump on our trusty e-bikes and take on the newly opened bike and pedestrian path that follows the harbour to Port Chalmers, a quaint port town. From there we book a water (bike) taxi across the harbour to pretty Portobello, passing Quarantine and Goat Island along the way.

Lunch is served at the local Portobello Pub, fresh Blue Cod and chips washed down with a local Speights ale and Central Otago wine, which really hit the spot. After lunch we cycle up the road to a new farm gate cafe, Augustine, for the tastiest of scones with lashings of berry jam and local cream.

We take in the sights of the University of Otago - billed as a leader in education it ranks in the top 200 Universities in the world. There’s a vibrant student population living on the outskirts which has attracted cafes like Strictly Coffee - a roaster with one of the best brews around.

We take a bespoke tour to the tip of the Otago Peninsula with local guides, Clearwater Wildlife Tours. Walking through a working farm to the rugged clifftops and pristine beach of Cape Saun-

ders, spotting sealions and yellow-eyed penguins along the way.

A trip to Dunedin isn’t complete without a visit to the Otago Farmers Markets, held each Saturday in the carpark adjacent to the railway station. We taste Dunedin Craft Distillers Gin made from bread scraps and sample a delicious Short Black chocolate from local makers Ocho (Otago Chocolate Company).

Rug up and discover the delights of Dunedin, it’s the ideal stopover to explore the South Island, with direct flights from the East Coast it’s fast becoming the next ‘go to’ New Zealand destination.

EAT-

• Larnach Castle dining

• Portobello Hotel

• Piccolo St Clair

• Noble Dunedin

PLAY-

• Speight’s brewery tour

• Clear Water Wildlife Tours

• Tairi Gorge Train

• Otago Farmers Market

STAY-

• Larnach Lodge

• Distinction Hotel

The last great wilderness

The Kimberley - Discover Australia’s Last Great Wilderness with PONANT Explorations

While Australia’s east coast is celebrated for its beachside cities and lush coastal landscapes, another side of the country awaits that is wilder, more remote and profoundly humbling. To the far north-west lies the Kimberley region, a vast ancient landscape shaped by time, tide and story. For travellers seeking something beyond the expected, PONANT Explorations invites you to this extraordinary frontier in unmatched style.

PONANT Explorations’ Australia’s Iconic Kimberley expedition offers one of the most seamless and enriching ways to experience the region. This all-inclusive, small-ship journey brings together expert-led exploration, rare access and refined comfort aboard the elegant vessels Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soleal. With just 184 or 264 passengers respectively, you’ll enjoy an experience that feels personal, immersive and effortlessly curated for you.

Sailing from June to September in 2026 and 2027 between Darwin and Broome (or reverse), this 10-night voyage reveals a land of towering gorges, powerful rivers and cultural significance dating back tens of thousands of years. You’ll explore the dramatic King George River, cruising by Zodiac beneath sheer sandstone cliffs to witness the thunderous Mitchell Falls, one of the Kimberley’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. Along the way, you may even be surprised by a signature Champagne moment on the river; a distinct touch to elevate your adventure.

What truly sets PONANT Explorations apart is access. Guided by onboard expedition leaders, naturalists and local Indigenous experts, you’ll gain privileged entry to ancient First Nations rock art sites, including the sacred Gwion Gwion paintings, estimated to be more than 12,000 years old.

These moments of connection that are quiet, respectful and deeply moving will transform your journey from sightseeing into genuine discovery.

Each day brings a new perspective on this untamed coastline: navigating the crocodile-rich waterways of the Hunter River, drifting through the remote Montebello Islands, or exploring secluded reefs and waterfalls inaccessible by land. Zodiac landings and small-group excursions ensure an intimate encounter with the environment, while the

ship remains your constant sanctuary of comfort. Onboard, PONANT’s signature French-inspired hospitality elevates every moment, offering the perfect balance of refined yet relaxed service. Enjoy gastronomy across two restaurants, including alfresco poolside dining under the balmy Kimberley sky. The experience is complemented by inclusive beverages, elegant staterooms (with room service if you’d like to enjoy breakfast on your private balcony) and a serene onboard spa of

fering Clarins or Sothys treatments to refresh and unwind after a day of exploration.

The Kimberley may be close to home, but it feels worlds away. With PONANT Explorations, this great wilderness unfolds in a way that is seamless and deeply meaningful, where true luxury lies not just in comfort but in the privilege of rare access and the thrill of being completely in awe. For bookings and enquiries please contact Exclusively Cruising on 03 9762 2799.

Iconic Experiences, Expertly Escorted

Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase

National Park

Full-Board River Elegance

3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray

Princess with all meals and sightseeing

Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse

Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat

Taste Riverland food and wine

Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

Hand-Picked Hotel Stays

3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast

1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner

2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm,

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

Army Duck tour of the rainforest

service and entertainment Iconic Experiences, Expertly Escorted Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway tour including^: Kuranda Village, Rainforestation Nature Park, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Tropical Fruit Orchard, Dreamtime Walk, Koala and Wildlife Park, and Amphibious

‘Reef Magic’ Great Barrier Reef cruise, including: Airconditioned catamaran transfers, 4 hours of reef time, marine life touch tank, underwater observatory, and fish feeding presentations

Hand-Picked Hotel Stays

1 night four-star hotel stay in Brisbane at the Amora Hotel Brisbane

5 night four-star hotel stay in Cairns at the Crystalbrook Bailey

All hotel stays include breakfast

All Flights & Taxes

EUROPEAN SOJOURN

Amsterdam

From

GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR

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PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE

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11 DAYS • 5 COUNTRIES • 8 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; MAR-NOV 2028

From $7,195pp in Standard Stateroom From $9,095pp in Veranda Stateroom

A deep dive into history

By Oliver Winn

The Yarra/Birrarung River is one of Warburton’s defining features. The flows of the river has been the town’s soundtrack for over a century, and the Wurundjeri people’s for thousands of years prior.

But did you know there is a 100-year-old volunteer group dedicated to maintaining the amenity of the Crown land each side of the river?

The Upper Yarra River Reserves Committee of Management (UYRRCoM) was established to manage, maintain, improve and control the river reserve.

UYRRCoM secretary Rob Hay said the group works with government bodies such as the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) and Melbourne Water, and Yarra Ranges Council, to protect and enhance one of Warburton’s most prized assets.

“The committee has very limited income, so we rely on funding from government bodies like DEECA or Melbourne Water, to undertake larger projects like revegetation of large areas, weed removal or infrastructure improvement projects.”

In 2022, the Victorian Government allocated $930,000 to the UYRRCoM for the maintenance of the Yarra River.

Recent projects funded include the installation of new wayfinding signage along the river, replacing all the old seats and picnic settings, restoring the timber viewing platforms, renovating one public toilet; and making the trails more accessible for locals and visitors alike.

It’s just one example of the group’s work in making the river a better place.

The group’s existence can be traced back to 1901, where a newspaper clipping from the National Library of Australia reveals how the “Department of Public Health wanted to curtail residences on the river reserve as far as possible in order to avoid pollution of the Yarra”.

The Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management name was formally established in 1925 and later was appointed under section 12 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

The river reserve extends about seven kilometers from Warburton, upstream to East Warburton; and approximately 42 meters out from the water’s edge on each side.

Mr Hay said the committee had been advised by DEECA that it was one of the most complicated reserves to look after in the state.

“The Upper Yarra River Reserve is one of the largest and most complex from a management perspective. There is a big area to look after, with lots of different forms of assets like the tracks, bridges, seats, picnic settings and signs. There’s

COMMUNITY DIARY

Furry Friend Check-In

Yarra Ranges Council are encouraging residents to do a quick check-in for their furry friends if anything has changed since you last updated your pet’s registration details.

Spending a few minutes updating your details - like your address, phone number, and emailmeans you’ll be all set before renewal notices are sent, and if your pet ever goes missing, council officers can help reunite yourself and your pet even faster.

Residents could be eligible for fee savings if your pet has been desexed recently, if you’ve had to farewell a much-loved companion, or if you’re now eligible as a pensioner.

Visit the website to update your pet’s registration information before 10 February 2026: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Animals/Petregistration.

Carpet Bowls in Badger Creek

Badger Creek Community Hall is hosting a friendly indoor carpet bowls night on Friday 23 January. Indoor bowls is easy to learn, great for your health and gentle on the body. It’s also a great way to socialise with others in your community too. Whether you’re coming with friends or on your own, you’ll enjoy friendly competition, plenty of laughs, and a welcoming community.

No experience is needed.

Our first demonstration evening in December was enjoyed by 12 very happy newbies who learned

also increasing pressures from tourism, controlling access to the river, illegal fishing and managing fallen trees and other hazards ” Mr Hay said.

As Warburton’s popularity as a tourist attraction grows, the UYRRCoM is working to minimise the impact of tourism on the river.

“A growing challenge is managing the impacts arising from the area’s increased popularity,” Mr Hay said.

COMMUNITY DIARY

how much fun this activity can be.

Please bring a share plate to help contribute to the night.

Contact Adam Cole on 0480 412 202 to enquire about the night.

Teen Pool Day in Healesville

The Yarra Ranges Youth team are hosting a Teen Summer Splash at the Healesville Outdoor Pool on Wednesday 21 January from 2pm to 4pm. There’ll be music, games, plenty of pool fun and a dunk tank where you can dunk your friends or volunteer yourself. Only those aged 12 and over can attend and a casual pool entry fee applies but which includes a sausage, drink and Zooper Dooper, with the Snack Shack open for extra treats.

“More visitors means more vehicles and demand for parking spaces, and people don’t always park where they should. Then there is another, and another, and before long the vegetation that was there has been damaged or destroyed, not intentionally, but it happens and causes negative impacts, like increased amounts of soil being washed into the river.”

“Another impact is litter - we need to encourage people to do the right thing - which means

when they go and find a quiet beautiful peaceful spot for a picnic that they don’t leave their waste behind - they need to take it with them - it is not possible for there to be bins everywhere along the river tracks because trucks cannot get in to empty them,” he said.

This has prompted the UYRRCoM to work on an extra set of signs which will guide visitors and locals on what behaviour is appropriate around the river.

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

1 Spiritualists’ meeting (6)

Tramp (8) 9 Elicit (5)

10 Accept reluctantly (9) 11 Gather piecemeal (5) 12 Talents (9) 13 Tollway (8) 15 Lifts balloon (3,3)

16 Help (6)

18 Emblem of Islam (8)

23 Relating to the body (9)

24 Low woody plant (5)

26 Hosiery (9)

27 Person of English ancestry (5)

28 Astonishment (8)

29 At one (6)

1 Dexterity (7) 2 Dwelling (5) 3 Make a big profit (5,2) 5 Pronounce not guilty (6) 6 Japanese emperor from 1989–2019 (7) 7 Stubborn (9) 8 Sideboard (7) 10 Startled, disconcerted (5) 14 Storage tank (9)

16 Charges (7)

17 Cue sport (7)

19 Guidelines (5)

20 Support (7)

21 Forbidden (7)

22 Sport (6)

25 Just (5)

Hamnet deserved better

The 83rd Golden Globes took place on January 12, and I have mixed feelings about the results.

Nikki Glaser hosted the ceremony for the second time this year, and once again did an excellent job, delivering plenty of biting, risque humour without being too mean.

My favourite gags were Glaser comparing Sean Penn to a ‘sexy leather handbag’, poking fun at Leonardo Di Caprio’s trend of very young girlfriends, and a naughty pun I can’t repeat here about Michael B. Jordan in Sinners.

Stellan Skarsgärd won Best Supporting Actor as Gustav in Sentimental Value, and his charming acceptance speech espoused the magic of cinemas, where the lights go down and you ‘share the pulse’ of the rest of the audience.

Teyana Taylor won Best Supporting Actress for One Battle After Another, but I wish Amy Madigan from Weapons or Elle Fanning from Sentimental Value won instead.

Taylor is alluring and terrifying as the unhinged revolutionary Perfidia, and is the counterpart of fellow psychopath Colonel Lockjaw (Penn), but Madigan and Fanning have a greater presence in their films and portray more interesting characters.

As the witch aunt Gladys, Madigan’s doddery, even goofy moments give way to horrifying sadism, but she retains a weary, vulnerable aura. Fanning is a very talented actress, so as Rachel Kemp in Sentimental Value, she does a great job roleplaying as a kinda bad actress, with an engaging arc of deeper emotional understanding.

One Battle After Another won the most Globes (four): Supporting Actress for Taylor, Best Screenplay and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Picture, Comedy/Musical.

One Battle After Another is a very good film that I don’t like: it’s highly-suspenseful and full of dry humour, but a very harsh film in which even the ideologically good guys are egotistical jerks.

Bugonia took home nothing, and while it’s also a dark film that I have problems with, it’s much funnier (which is important for a Comedy category) and the cutthroat CEO and conspiracy theorist abductor main characters are somehow less hateable.

While it hadn’t come out yet in Australia when the Golden Globes aired, I wish Hamnet, in hindsight, had come out ahead of One Battle After Another, although two Globes — Best Actress for Jessie Buckley and Best Picture, Drama — are nothing to sneeze at.

Based on the 2020 novel by Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet dramatises the life of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), his wife Agnes (Buckley), and how the tragic death of their son Hamnet informed Shakespeare’s iconic play Hamlet.

Presented mostly from Agnes’s perspective, Hamnet is an achingly moving portrait of love, loss and healing through art. Buckley is a captivating lead of sorrowful resolve and earthen wis-

Democracy without freedom of speech?

dom as Agnes (her Oscar is almost guaranteed), Mescal is dashing but down-to-earth as William, and Noah Jupe delivers a heartwrenching standout performance as Hamnet.

Chloe Zhao’s slow, measured direction captures Agnes and William’s touching relationship and the growing schism between them due to family tragedy and William’s long absences for work.

The film has gorgeous period costumes and sets, the Globe theatre is a bridge between the Shakespeares’ rural, rustic home and the bustling grime of London, and it’s refreshing to see a modern film with steady camerawork (as opposed to the shaky-cam so common even in other historical dramas such as Train Dreams).

The soaring, intimate final act will leave you misty-eyed, and brilliantly recontextualises the play Hamlet as a grand tribute, atonement and symbolic farewell.

Hamnet, a sumptuously-made, heartbreakingly beautiful film that deserved more Golden Globes but will hopefully rake in the Oscars, is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

Seth Lukas Hynes

By Maria Millers

WOORILLA WORDS

January is when we start easing back into our yearly routines. The chaos of Christmas behind us,.

Xmas leftovers finally eaten; newly minted New Year resolutions most likely already breached, the return to school or work looming and perhaps a last trip to the beach to test out that latest ‘must have’ beach accoutrement the cabana.

Disturbing news from overseas still continues but for many hovers only at the edges of their concerns.

The tyranny of distance even in this connected age allows a feeling of complacency.

This year however these summer routines are shadowed by the December 18th Bondi tragedy and its aftermath; followed in the last two weeks by devastating fires and floods.

For me personally the Bondi tragedy brought back innocent childhood memories.

Growing up, Bondi was my closest beach and I can still taste the strawberry ice cream cones from the Pavilion, feel the hot sand under my feet and smell the suntan oil on my skin.

But now this loved local beach and tourist mecca will always be remembered for the murder of 14 innocents celebrating the Jewish Holiday of Hanukkah, clearly targeted for who they were.

The shock has been felt not only in that community but also in the wider community and seen across the world.

These were confronting alien scenes.

We pride ourselves as the world’s most successful multicultural country and in most respects we are but prejudices still persist.

Antisemitism is a long-standing form of prejudice, hostility, or discrimination directed at Jewish people.

Its history stretches over more than two thousand years and has taken different forms in different times and places.

But it is not the only one that …. As a shocked city, indeed the whole country, watched, the questions came thick and fast.

How and why did it happen? So too the calls for government action and answers.

What was a human tragedy very quickly became a political one.

The immediate unedifying behaviour of politicians as one after the other made appearanc-

es of performative grief, laying flowers on the growing mound, has now grown into a partisan jockeying for political expediency.

Our political culture does not allow for time to reflect, to weigh up the national good. The media plays a part in promoting hyper partisanship, loudness leading to knee jerk reactions.

There is no time to reflect, to change your mind.

So after weeks of escalating public, political and community pressure — from business leaders, victims’ families, Jewish community groups and even former Labor MPs, the Prime Minister was pushed into calling a Royal Commission and then to abandoning his all - encompassing Omnibus Bill, which combined several major reforms into one package: hate speech and crimes, migration, gun law reforms.

This is being strongly challenged and at the time of writing a consensus on issues like gun restrictions and hate crimes and speech are still unresolved.

It is hoped the debate which is necessary will not be just motivated by politics only.

And though the tragic deaths at Bondi were clearly aimed at those of Jewish faith and the government focus has revolved around antiSemitism, Islamophobia is an equally disturbing problem as seen by the attack on an Imam and his wife last week.

Time and time again we hear of Muslim women accosted for wearing hijabs.

Attacks on mosques do not receive the same coverage as other crimes.

Independent MP Allegra Spender has rightly argued that any legislation should protect all minority groups not only on the basis of religion but also gender, sexuality and disability.

A democracy doesn’t weaken by protecting minorities —it weakens when protection becomes selective, politicised, or incoherent.

It is timely to remember that unlike other countries freedom of speech is not enshrined in our constitution.

And as a society we do not have a culture of deep and uncomfortable conversations in social settings.

Universities have always been places where the contest of ideas took place.

But lately this has been threatened and certain courses where controversial ideas could be voiced and debated have been downgraded or cancelled.

Equally culpable is mainstream media which does not foster public debate on substantive issues or give space to dissenting voices.

However, throughout history writers and poets have always been the strongest defenders of free speech and across eras have written powerfully—sometimes directly, sometimes obliquely—about freedom of speech, censorship, and the moral duty to speak truth.

Defending free speech isn’t just legal or institutional — it’s also deeply cultural and humanistic.

Many of these figures argued not just for their own right to speak, but for the right of ideas they despised to be expressed.

As French philosopher Voltaire put it: I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

John Stuart Mills’s On Liberty remains one of the strongest philosophical defences of free speech, especially of unpopular or minority opinions: Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience.

And in the 20th century George Orwell was perhaps the clearest literary defender of free speech: If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”

If you watched or read Margaret Atwood’s

The Handmaids Tale, Atwood consistently links literary freedom with democratic survival, warning that censorship often arrives disguised as protection or morality: The moment when freedom of speech becomes restricted is the moment when a society starts sliding toward authoritarianism.

Australia has a strong group of contemporary poets whose work engages directly with democracy, free speech, protest, and who gets heard. Some are indigenous poets such as Lionel Fogarty, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Ellen van Neerven and Samuel Wagan Watson : We learned early how to speak quiet in a loud country.”

Today Writers Festivals have often been left to provide safe spaces for wide ranging discussions to take place.

The Adelaide Writes Week is the premier event of this kind, attracting writers and speakers from across the world.

SO what happened at the Adelaide Writers week should send a warning to anyone who values free speech as foundational to a democracy.

This year Australian Palestinian writer Randa Abdel Fattah was ‘disinvited’ with the reason given that it would be ‘culturally insensitive’ to have her attend following the Bondi shooting.

An outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause, her latest book Discipline explores the experience of Australian Palestinians during the Gaza War.

By January 13th around 180 writers had withdrawn from Writers Week in protest and all members of the board bar one had resigned, including the director Louise Adler who said she could not be party to silencing writers.

Writers and writing matters, even when they are presenting ideas that discomfort and challenge us.

We need writers now more than ever, as our media closes up, as our politicians grow daily more cowed by real power, as Australia grows more unjust and unequal.

This week Parliament has reconvened to debate the proposed bills.

We hope that foremost in their sights will be the need for national cohesion and the ability to put aside personal political and partisan politics to achieve this and build on the positives of our much lauded multiculturalism.

For the rest of us we must stay informed and involved.

Silence is a political act and democracy is eroded when language itself is regulated or suppressed.

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to be it.

From The Hill we Climb by Amanda Gorman

The poem insists that free speech is not merely permitted in a democracy—it creates democracy.

Crucial steps

It’s been a difficult and anxious week for many as bushfires rip through the state, inching close to our own community on Friday 9 January.

Marked the worst fire danger day since the Black Saturday bushfires, the sweltering heat, gusty winds and smell of smoke in the distance brought to the surface the traumatic memories of that fateful day on 7 February 2009.

Victorians are heartbroken by news of the loss of life in the Longwood fire, and my thoughts remain with the family and friends of all those who have been impacted by these ferocious fires.

Amid the tragedy and heartbreak, we saw the very best of our community spirit.

CFA volunteers from across our region met the call and ran towards the danger, spending countless hours defending property and protecting life in and around Yarck, Alexandra, Longwood, Mt Lawson, Cudgewa and other parts of our state.

Volunteers were also quick to jump on fires here in our own community – swiftly bringing under control fires in St Andrews, Warburton and Seville and preventing larger incidents here on home soil.

But the experience of those on the frontline also exposed flaws in our emergency preparedness – in particular, in our communications network that is supposed to keep Victorians connected when it matters most.

We’ve seen reports of CFA volunteers losing phone service while on active firefighting duty on the worst day Victoria has seen since the Black Saturday bushfires.

There were volunteers left finding other trucks on the ground to relay vital information, and reports of locals evacuating towards town with no reception and no knowledge of which way the fire front was heading.

I witnessed firsthand the impact of communications going down during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, and again in the June 2021 storms that ravaged through my community in the Yarra Ranges.

As a tree fell across the driveway, I remember the frightening realisation that if another tree dropped through our home and injured us, we wouldn’t have been able to call for help.

It’s a feeling I won’t forget. The panic of losing access to information and help during a natural disaster is something I don’t want any Australian to experience.

A connected phone line can be the difference between life and death.

From my From my desk

Federal Member for Casey

Telstra has confirmed a power outage near the Natimuk bushfire temporarily cut services, with a back-up generator suffering a mechanical fault in the extreme conditions. Optus also underwent outages in some areas.

It is for this reason that the government must prioritise the implementation of Temporary Disaster Roaming (TDR).

This would allow customers of one mobile network to temporarily connect to another network in a disaster affected area – regardless of who they normally pay their bill to.

This means if your provider’s network is down, but another provider’s network is still available, your phone would automatically connect to use basic services, like making a call, during an emergency period.

This technology already exists in countries like the United States and Canada.

In April 2024, the former Communications Minister told us that she was ‘optimistic’ that a workable capability of TDR would be available ‘by the end of the year.’

Well, the end of 2025 has come and gone, and we now approach the historically hot and humid month of February with no solution in place.

Providers have been doing their part to make TDR a reality. They’ve undertaken successful testing and they’re working together to make this capability feasible.

It’s now the Government’s responsibility to ensure that this emergency capability is rolled out across the country.

The best time to act was months ago. The second best time is now.

We must do all we can to ensure Australians remain safe and connected during times of disaster. Will the Communications Minister answer the call?

Aaron Violi is the Federal Member for Casey and Shadow Assistant Minister for Communications

Guest article by Leanne Margaret

Lilydale Lakeside Writers Group open for all PASSION FOR PROSE

Christine’s Note: Many thanks to local author Leanne Margaret, of Croydon, for sharing her experiences and insights of hosting the Lilydale Lakeside Writers Group. Leanne also teaches a Thursday writing class at the Coonara Community House in Upper Ferntree Gully.

Back in 2019, Lilydale Library called for expressions of interest from writing enthusiasts who would like to meet and form a new group.

I had recently self-published my second book; but, like many writers, the path was as lonely as it was arduous.

So this sounded like an ideal way to meet like-minded creators.

Around thirteen writers attended the first meeting, and I volunteered to maintain a spread-sheet of participants and send them a monthly reminder.

At first it was just an admin role, and I referred to myself as a facilitator.

But I have gradually stepped up into the role, and participants have enjoyed my writing prompts and inspiration.

The first couple of years were challenging, with work commitments and Covid restrictions.

Eventually we found our rhythm, and the group has been thriving ever since.

Initially it was a Monday group. As time went on, I felt that a Friday afternoon group would be a great way to start the weekend –and so it was.

On the fourth Friday of each month, we meet at the library at 3:30pm; sometimes going out for a drink or a walk around Lilydale lake – which is just next door. Some writers come in early with their laptops to grab some precious writing time before group.

The group has become one of the highlights of our month. Not everyone is writing actively all the time, coming just to listen, providing feedback and encouragement.

Some writers perform their poetry, while others read us a bit at a time of their current

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

book manuscripts.

We have watched some projects evolve from their infancy into completed works and self-published books. We have also watched each other’s performance skills and confidence grow.

Some writers show up every single month, while others drift in and out sporadically –like our writing muses! Most months we have between six and thirteen in attendance.

Library facilities include disabled access, computers, soft chairs and lovely staff who set up every month.

Lilydale Lakeside Writers Group is made up of writers of all levels: recreational writers, poets, authors, content writers, writing teachers and even a journalist.

We are light on criticism, preferring a nonjudgmental atmosphere that is welcoming to new writers.

I want to create a safe space for beginners, as well as an interesting space for emerging and established writers. We care more about community than quantity or even quality. There’s laughter, tears, understanding and support.

Interested writers can find us in the What’s On guide, produced seasonally by Your Library.

We welcome new members and you can book your place in the group via the Your Library website.

Let’s write!

BREATHTAKING VIEWS, STYLISH LIVING ON SIX ACRES

BREATHTAKING VIEWS, STYLISH LIVING AND A GREAT LOCATION ON 6 ACRES

NESTLED in one of Emerald’s most coveted locations, this exceptional property offers the perfect balance of convenience and serenity. Just a short stroll from schools, cafes, transport,  sporting facilities and all conveniences you’ll enjoy every moment of this great location while coming home to a private retreat that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle.

At the heart of this home lies its stunning backyard—a true sanctuary with uninterrupted views of Emerald’s picturesque landscape. Overlooking the scenic Pepi’s Land and offering front-row seats to the historic Puffing Billy steam train as it chugs past, this outdoor haven is designed for both relaxation and entertainment. Whether you’re cooling off in the pool, unwinding on the deck, or hosting gatherings in the covered alfresco area, every moment spent here is special.

Set on over six acres, this property is a dream for horse lovers and animal enthusiasts alike. Thoughtfully designed facilities include three stables, five paddocks, and a floodlit arena, all supported by with ample water to ensure effortless care for your animals.

Inside, the home radiates warmth and sophistication, with an inviting open-plan living area enhanced by stylish plantation shutters. The beautifully updated kitchen offers ample storage, sleek stone benchtops, and breathtaking backyard views, making it a delightful space to cook and connect.

The master suite is a private retreat, complete with a walk-in robe and a newly renovated ensuite, while the additional bedrooms are tucked away in their own wing, serviced by a spacious main bathroom. Designed for both comfort and functionality, this home effortlessly blends contemporary living with country charm.

This is more than just a property—it’s a lifestyle. A rare opportunity to own a piece of Emerald’s beauty, where nature, history, and modern living come together in perfect harmony.

Don’t just take our word for it — come and experience it for yourself! ●

HOME FOCUS

WHERE SPACE, PRIVACY AND LIFESTYLE COME TOGETHER

SET privately within the picturesque surrounds of Macclesfield, this exceptional lifestyle property spans approximately 10 acres, delivering the space, flexibility and infrastructure so many families are searching for, yet rarely find.

The home welcomes you into a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living zone, where a grand brick open fireplace with an impressive mantle creates warmth, character and a natural gathering point for family and friends. Positioned off the main living area, the study / fifth bedroom offers outstanding versatility, ideal as a home office, guest room or additional bedroom for growing families. The kitchen is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring stone benchtops, generous cabinetry, two stainless-steel ovens, a 900mm gas cooktop, dishwasher and an expansive butler’s pantry, ensuring functionality at scale.

A separate hallway leads to the main accommodation wing, comprising four generous bedrooms, all fitted with built-in robes. The central bathroom is modern and well appointed with a stone vanity, bath and shower, while the spacious master suite enjoys peaceful backyard views and is complemented by a luxurious ensuite with floor-to-ceiling tiles and stone vanity.

Entertaining continues outdoors with a purpose-built area designed for cooking and hosting, complete with a setup ideal for BBQs and gatherings, the perfect space for family and friends. Adding further flexibility is a separate portable dwelling, complete with one bedroom, living space and bathroom, ideal for teenagers craving independence, guest accommodation or extended family.

For tradespeople, hobbyists or car enthusiasts, the garaging and workshop facilities are exceptional. A four-car garage with power and water incorporates an impressive built-in bar, creating a unique space for entertaining or unwinding after a day’s work. In addition, a separate single garage and workshop, also equipped with power and an attached water tank, offers ample room for tools, equipment and prized vehicles.

Located in the heart of Macclesfield, this property delivers the rare combination of privacy, expansive land, family focused living and outstanding storage, all within a welcoming lifestyle setting. Whether you’re accommodating a growing family, supporting teenagers who need their own space, or seeking room for business, hobbies or vehicles, this is a home that truly adapts to every stage of life. ●

THE PERFECT BLEND OF LOCATION, STYLE AND COMFORT

IDEALLY located within easy walking distance of the charming Emerald township, this muchloved home offers a wonderful opportunity to secure a quality residence in a highly soughtafter position.

Beautifully updated throughout, the home features a timeless neutral colour palette, a family-friendly floorplan and multiple skylights that flood the interiors with natural light. At the heart of the home, the stunning modern kitchen boasts stone benchtops, quality appliances, an integrated dishwasher and excellent storage, flowing seamlessly to the adjoining dining and lounge and out to the outdoor entertaining area making hosting family and friends effortless.

Accommodation includes three generous bedrooms, serviced by a central family bathroom and a second beautifully renovated bathroom. The laundry has also been tastefully updated to the same high standard. Yearround comfort is assured with ducted heating, along with split-system heating and cooling in the living room and master bedroom.

Set on a flat and usable allotment of approximately 976m², the outdoor spaces are equally impressive, with manicured gardens wrapping around the home to create a peaceful and private haven. A covered veranda offers the perfect place to relax and unwind, while car accommodation is provided by a single carport plus excellent off-street parking.

Homes of this quality in such a prime location are rarely available-inspect promptly to avoid missing out. ●

Where Quality Counts

Heritage Woven Wire & Gates are Powdercoated in 8 standard colours. Gates come in 7 different pedestrian and driveway styles. Available heights:

&

HOME FOCUS

THE ULTIMATE HOBBY FARM AND TRADIE HEAVEN

IF you’ve been dreaming of space, freedom, and a whole lot of lifestyle perks, this is it. Set on 2.5 glorious acres in Pakenham Upper, this brilliant 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home was built in 2010 by the current owners—and it’s got all the right ingredients for country living with a luxury twist.

Electric gates open to a private world of peace and potential. Step inside and you’re greeted with a warm brick feature wall, loads of natural light, and slab heating underfoot (yep, throughout the whole house—your toes will thank you). Add in a wood fire with heat transfer, ducted vacuum, and reverse-cycle heating/cooling and you’ve got comfort sorted in every season.

The kitchen? A dream. Granite benchtops, gas cooking, a large walk-in pantry with automatic lighting, and a bi-fold servery window that opens to the sunroom—perfect for morning coffees or sunset snacks with a view. The open-plan living and dining area is ideal for family hangs, while a second lounge adds that much-needed extra space.

The master suite is your private retreat, perfectly positioned to soak up the peaceful outlook. Large glass doors let in plenty of natural light and open directly to the outdoors, giving you that morning coffee-in-the-sun moment every day. Inside, you’ll find double walk-in robes and an open-plan ensuite that feels more like a personal spa—complete with a deep spa bath, oversized shower, and loads of space to unwind at the end of the day. Four more bedrooms (with robes) and a central bathroom offer flexibility for every setup. The laundry even includes a shower and toilet—no queues here!

HOME ESSENTIALS

Now let’s talk outdoors: a huge undercover entertaining area, fully fenced salt and chlorine pool, fire pit zone, and all the shedding you could hope for. There’s an 18m x 9m powered shed with 4.3m walls, double garage, 4-car carport, and even a generator plug for backup.

Need more? How about a separate studio with a split system, wood fire and kitchenette—

perfect as a teen retreat, guest space or workfrom-home setup. There’s also a fenced dog run, veggie gardens, a massive chook pen, two stables, hay storage, and two paddocks with water and shelters.

Tucked between Emerald and Pakenham, this is more than just a home—it’s a lifestyle upgrade waiting to happen.

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. ●

Address: 155 Mt Burnett Road, PAKENHAM UPPER Description: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 6 garage Price: $1,450,000 - $1,570,000 Inspect: By appointment

Contact: Aaron Day 0407 365 994 or Brennan Mileto 0422 996 451., BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD 5968 6222

PRIVATE RURAL RETREAT ON 22 ACRES –

HOME, BUNGALOW AND SEPARATE COTTAGE

PRIVATELY set on nearly 22 picturesque acres in one of the area’s most sought-after locations, this exceptional property combines quality living, natural beauty, and outstanding versatility. Just 6km from the heart of Emerald, you’ll enjoy the convenience of town nearby while being surrounded by serene bushland, open pastures, and abundant local wildlife.

The character-filled main residence has been built and renovated to an exacting standard, showcasing high ceilings, ornate ceiling roses, beautiful timber floors and premium fixtures throughout plus there is a 6.6KW solar system. Inside, you’ll find three spacious bedrooms, including a master suite with walk-in robe and 2 new luxurious bathrooms with heated flooring. The brand new kitchen is both a statement of style & sophistication with quality 2 pac cabinetry, a walk in pantry, falcon oven, integrated dishwasher & beautiful stone bench topsperfect for entertaining or family living.

Two large living zones provide space and comfort for all seasons - the main lounge and dining area features a Coonara wood heater, while the separate rumpus room offers a charming open fireplace and French doors opening to the covered alfresco area. There is also gas ducted heating for added convenience.

A separate studio/teenagers retreat or home office offers a versatile fourth bedroom option, ideal for guests or those working from home.

Outdoors, the property is equally impressive with a mix of cleared paddocks and natural bush providing privacy and rural charm. A huge 28m x 8m shed with concrete floor and power is perfect for trades, storage, or hobby enthusiasts. The land also includes a veggie patch, a spring fed dam, an original barn and plenty of privacy plus there is sealed road access.

Adding even more flexibility is a selfcontained two-bedroom cottage located just down the road - ideal for extended family, guests or possible extra income.

Offering privacy, lifestyle, and space in a truly beautiful setting, this unique property provides the perfect balance between rural living and modern convenience.

An outstanding lifestyle opportunity - an inspection will impress. ●

PRIVATE AND PROMISING 7.5 ACRE (APPROX.)

COMPRISING 3 substantial structures on a spectacular, sunny 7.5 acre ( approx.) allotment, this unique offering is what property dreams are made of.

Featuring a dramatic 4-bedroom family dwelling, an original 2-bedroom miner’s cottage brimming with potential, and an expansive workshop/studio with private drive and abundant parking, the possibilities are endless at this exceptional property.

In addition to boasting a whisper-quiet landscape featuring level gardens, 2 paddocks, greenhouse, 2 creek lines, dam, and 3-phase power for a previously pondered Airbnb venture, this property is also entirely private. Situated at the end of a no-through road, this parkland setting is a one-of-a-kind pocket of the Dandenong Ranges.

The primary residence is an artists’ oasis with 4 generous bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a central courtyard garden. Recycled bluestone, clinker bricks, cabinetry, open fires, and leadlight evoke the feel of a faraway destination, while the family-friendly layout with 2 living areas and a sprawling studio can be configured to suit your needs.

With so much on offer, this unparalleled property must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Guaranteed to inspire, prompt viewing is advised. Join us for a tour today.

Completely private 31,100sqm (approx.) property

• Unique family residence with dual living areas, versatile studio, and charming central courtyard

• Original miner’s cottage ready for refurbishing Sprawling shed/workshop with kitchenette, office, and wood fire

• Gorgeous gardens with level lawns and parking, greenhouse, paddocks, creek access, dam, playground, and abundant local wildlife. ●

An injured Sanders crosses finish line

By Oliver

After a gruelling 13 stages,

standout win last year.

But a big crash during stage 10 took him out of the race and sadly ended his dreams of back-toback Dakar wins.

Chucky’s KTM teammate Luciano Benavides won the race overall by the smallest margin in Dakar history, beating second-placed rider Ricky Brabec by two seconds.

Double header at home

By Garry Lewis

The Weekend Pennant Competitions continued Saturday with a thrilling double header at home.

Both Warburton sides were determined to hit the green running and put the opposition under pressure from the start.

The Burras top side faced a crucial game against a talented and ambitious Lilydale Two side.

To Warburton’s credit, they fought bravely throughout and came back from a deficit to edge into the lead late in the game and pull away to win by nine shots, 81 to 72.

The selector’s ploy of mixing things up paid dividends, especially in Paul McConachy’s new rink.

The victory gives the Burras new momentum in their fight for a finals place.

Rink scores were;

S. Lord 11 to 24, P. McConachy 33 to 11, C. Neale 24 to 16 and T. Appleton 13 to 21.

The Burras top side now play Boronia One away this week and are extremely keen to continue their improved form.

The Burras Seconds played top side Heathmont Five in another tough challenge for the club.

The Burras got the early overall ascendancy and held off several fightbacks from the visitors to win strongly by 15 shots, 87 to 72, and move into fourth place on the ladder.

Rink scores were;

P. Woods 24 to 15, D. Key 23 to 16, D. Nisbet 18 to 26 and G. Wynd 22 to 15. They now play third placed Monbulk Two at home this week in another important game.

The Burras Midweek side played Upwey Tecoma One, away last Tuesday in a battle between the top two sides to start the new year.

It was a close fought game with the Burras in the early ascendancy, particularly Rod McKail’s rink.

However, the home side fought back tenaciously and, in the finish, edged to a victory, 72 shots to 66.

Rink scores were;

R. McKail 24/ 23; G. Walsh 21 to 21 and T. Appleton 21 to 28.

The second placed Burras now play Boronia One at home this week.

The club looks forward to the continuation of the Jack Attack Triples Competition to be held this Wednesday 21 January.

Intra Club Competitions are also all approaching the Finals stage following many close contests.

The Annual Pink Ribbon Triples Tournament, sponsored by Yarra Valley Professionals, will be held on Sunday 1 February , from 12 midday.

Female and male entries accepted of all abilities, including beginners.

$10 per player ($30 per team). There are still some vacancies for more teams. Entries in by 24 January.

Contact Michelle Foord 0437566238 or the Club 59662391.

Three Games, raffles and prizes and a BBQ Sausage Sizzle will be held during the day. All proceeds go towards Breast Cancer Research.

The successful Warburton Bowls Club Barefoot Bowls evenings concluded last Friday with another good crowd in attendance enjoying the hospitality of the club.

Thanks to all the club members who assisted with the organisation of these successful evenings, particularly Paul & Maxine Burke and Michael Woolley!

“Unfortunately, I was unlucky in my own race and out of the fight for the win, but the result is still in the team and that’s something special,” Sanders said. “A lot of pain, but [an] incredible race.”

“Mum and Dad didn’t raise no quitter, so I’m not pulling out now until someone else tells me to pull out, or they drag me out of the race. I’m not stopping.”

The Club facilities are regularly utilised by outside groups, including families and businesses, for Social Activities and Barefoot Bowls.

Social Bowls continues each Monday from 12 midday.

For more information contact the club via email warbbowls@outlook.com or come along and visit the club and speak to a member.

Healesville give it their all

By Ian Milgate

After the Christmas and New Year Break the First side were playing Mooroolbark at home.

If we wanted to progress up the ladder, we needed to beat Mooroolbark who were sitting just above us.

Healesville got off to a great start with all rinks sharing the load and by the break we were 23 points up 43 to 20.

After the break Mooroolbark started to claw their way back until with three ends to go, they hit the front by one shot.

In the end we went down by seven shots, 51 to 58 John Howard, Ian Milgate, Colin Jarvis, Steve Bulled 16to 14 Anne Knibbs, Mike Adams, Bob Brown, Gary Broussard 17 to 25 Gerda Otto, Steve Graham, Len Cosson, Robyn Turville 18 to 19.

Our Second side played away at Heathmont, with Healesville sitting in second place and Heathmont in sixth spot on the ladder, we had a good chance of beating them on their home ground.

Both teams were having a great battle up until the half time break, when Heathmont came back out determined to win.

Healesville couldn’t find any answers to Heathmont’s determination and we finally went down by 34 shots, 44 to 78. Let’s regroup next week and get back to our winning formulae.

The scores were as follows;

Karl Tok, Glenda Graham, Mark Cookney, Damian Key 13 to 27 Tino Macari, Jill Cookney, Kenny Gallagher, Bernard Godde 13 to 27 John McMillan, Jim Viggers, Sarah Gallagher, Robert Ayres 18 to 24.

Saturday’s First Side played Upwey Tecoma at home and we knew we were in for a challenge as Upwey came down from Second Division this year and they were not going to stay in Third Division.

Upwey were also on top of the ladder.

To our credit, we had a couple of rinks that were keeping them honest, but in the end, they were too good for us overall.

Adrian Beales’ rink came from behind after 16 ends to win 23 to 21. Well done guys.

In the end Upwey Tecoma won overall by 33 shots, 56 to 89 Gerda Otto, Anne Knibbs, Robyn Turville, Adrian Beales 23 tp 21 Bob Brown, Ian

Milgate, Gary Broussard, Mick Featherstone 12 to 20 Colin Jarvis, Rita Featherstone, Steve Graham, Mark Ward 13/23 Rob Broadhurst, John Fitzpatrick, Steve Bulled, Robert Ayres 8 to 25.

Saturday’s Second Side played Berwick at Berwick. Berwick were on top and we needed to beat them to hold third spot.

All rinks started off well and by the half time break, the game could have gone either way.

After the break, Berwick started to pull away

Yarra Junction pays tribute to Peter Willis

By Ellie Byrne

With the holiday season over and a well-deserved break with family and friends enjoyed by everyone, it was back to business at Yarra Junction Bowling Club for 2026.

With the safety of members’ guests and the local community the priority, the highly anticipated Barefoot Bowls opening night was cancelled due to the extreme weather prediction and delayed for a week, but what a night it was on Friday the 16th.

Over 70 community members enjoyed a fantastic night of fun bowls, awesome food by RUSTIK, snags from Regs Kitchen BBQ, spot prizes and music all supported by the dedicated volunteers from the club.

Barefoot bowls will continue each Friday evening for the next few weeks.

The competitive bowls season recommenced with the midweek team’s goal being to improve their ladder position from fifth.

Achieving the away win 69 to 48 against Lilydale Three resulted in a step up the rung, so mission accomplished.

Two rinks won really well 36 to 12, 25 to 15, contributing to the needed overall win, with the third rink having a tougher opposition and going down by 13 points eight to 21.

Next week’s game is at home against Donvale at YJ who they will play for the first time this season due to the first scheduled clash at Donvale being washed out.

The Eagles need to perform well at home to remain in the top four with Donvale currently being higher on the ladder.

The weekend’s event again saw a double header at the club with all rinks full and both teams playing against Ringwood teams.

Yarra Junction Two team got off to a great start against Ringwood Four leading from the first end and steadily continued to a great overall win.

Two rink wins of 33 to 10, 29 to eight and a

tighter battle for the third team when the last two ends were tight, resulting in a draw 17 to 17.

Yarra Junction One having had only one loss so far this season against Lilydale, were determined to stay in top spot in their game against Ringwood Four.

They flew high from the first end to the last leading all the way winning by an impressive 118 to 38 and retain top rung of the ladder for another week.

Rink scores 22 to 11, 36 to five, 34 to 13, 26 to nine.

Past and present members of the Yarra Junction Bowling Club were saddened to hear of the passing of former President Peter Willis this month.

Peter who was club President for 7 years and made a life member of the club stepped down due to Ill health.

Peter along with his wife Myrna is in great part responsible for us being able to enjoy the club facilities today.

A major achievement was planning, fundraising and the implementation of transformation the old grass green into the new synthetic green.

His dedication to the club, his gentle nature, smile and resilience will not be forgotten.

We extend our sincere condolences to Myrna, Peter’s family and friends.

and although we were hanging in there, in the end they were too good, but having said that our players put up a great effort.

Berwick finally won by 23 shots, 48 to 71.

The scores were as follows; John Allen, Judy Veermann, Mike Adams, John Howard 18 to 24 Tino Macari, Jude Wallace, Sarah Gallagher, Bernard Godde 11 to 24 Karl Tok, John McMillan, Glenda Graham, Kenny Gallagher 19 to 23.

Top four and a draw

By Rodney Bates

In the midweek Pennant, Side One played away against Boronia. After an even start, Boronia proved too strong on the day, with Yarra Glen going down 43 to 67 (14 points).

Scores were; P. Tirant 18 to 20; A. James 12 to 28; L. Thurkle 13 to 19.

Side Two hosted Croydon. In a very close game all day, winning two out of three rinks was not quite enough and we went down overall 52 to 55 (four points).

Scores were;

D. McMenaman 20 to 13; T. Dickson 9/23; C. Boland 23 to 19.

On Saturday, Side One played at Whittlesea. The synthetic greens at Whittlesea were running very fast at over 18 seconds, but Yarra Glen held sway to consolidate their position in the top four with a four rink win landing at 86 to 59 (18 points).

Scores were;

Beau Simmons 18 to 13; M. Creighton 19/18; Ben Simmons 23 to 14; M. O’Halloran 26 to 14.

Side Two travelled to Mooroolbark. Yarra Glen were in front at the break, but Mooroolbark came home strongly to win overall. The final score was 72 to 88 (two points).

Scores were;

M. Ramage 17 to 19; S. Smith 16 to 24; T. Haartson 22 to 25; A. Thurkle 17 to 25.

Side Three played at home against Lilydale. After the last bowl was put down, the teams couldn’t be separated, resulting in an overall draw 75 to 75 (nine points).

Scores were;

T. Dickson 19 to 21; G. Baker 15 to 14; R. Thurkle 22 to 16; D. Milner 19 to 24.

Victory for Lusatia Thirds

By Kieran Cantwell

First XI

Playing at home again this week, we faced off against a youthful Wonga Park. Batting first on a lightning-fast Woori Yallock Reserve our openers cashed in and got us off to a flyer.

Chris Reynolds and Mick Nicholls belted the ball around and put on a 154 run opening stand in just the first 18 overs. Chris ended with 74 from 59 and Mick 73 from 62.

From there our batters kept the foot down with Matt McConnell and Matthew Robinson also contributing handy runs.

We finished the forty overs at seven for 280.

Terry Bennett got us off to a good start with the ball, taking the opener cheaply and Angus Gelly chimed in not long after to have them two for 21 early on.

Wonga Park put together a few partnerships through the innings, but never looked like getting close.

Tyson Gaskett and Matthew McConnell both took two wickets each and their innings came to an end at 6 for 201, 79 runs short.

Another valuable win in the run to finals.

Second XI

It was off to Chirnside Park for our Second XI. Winning the toss yet again was like dejà vu, with Michael Dwyer continuing to score runs and making it look easy.

Despite tight bowling, he managed 71, keeping the innings ticking along, with handy contributions from Dean Sharman and Sumant Gupta who went out chasing runs for the team.

Our total eight for 183 on a slow outfield was respectable, but more runs at the death would have been handy and proved decisive in the end.

Marty White once again got us off to a good start with the ball, taking the first wicket with only 12 runs on the board, but Chirnside Park were able to score freely, and too many extras in windy conditions saw their run rate climb.

Tayte Hubbard bowled economically again, restricting the runs and taking a handy wicket.

Jackson Wright’s pace was hard to face, and he claimed three, and the spin king Stephen Morgan took 3 for 26 off his eight overs, keeping the game within reach.

In a tight finish, they were able to pass our score in the 39th over, eight wickets down.

A well fought match by both teams, and good

Pitch Perfect wins for Healesville

By Josh Handasyde

Stage 1 Girls – Healesville 100 defeated Heatherdale 71.

Our girls must have played a lot of backyard cricket over the Christmas break as they played their best game for the season.

Batting first we made 100 with great running between wickets and a few powerful boundaries.

Our top scorers were Ameilia Hall 11*, Sienna Hall 11*, Elodie Handasyde 11*, Ronnie Leonard 9*.

Our bowling was the most accurate for the season with limited wides. Our fielding was sensation as we captured 4 run outs and restricted Heatherdale to 71.

U12-3 Healesville 4 for 91 defeated by Chirnside Park 1 for 246.

With many players still on holidays we called on back up players from our 12 - 8 team so we could get our game played.

Chirnside were too strong but Angus Holmes 22* and 1 for 38, Alby Gotch 15* played well.

U14-3 Healesville 7 for 207 defeated Ainslie Park 3 for 72.

Batting First Taylor Caldicott batted his best for a long time making his maiden half century in cricket finishing 51*.

Harry Thomas 37* and Sammy Hyndman 41* the other main contributors as the team piled on 207 for 7 off 25 overs.

Bowling wise Ainslie Park were never in the game as they finished 3 for 72 off 25 overs with Taylor rounding out his best on ground performance with 1 for 2 off 4 overs including 3 maidens

U16-2 Healesville 5 for 116 defeated by Mooroolbark 5 for 117.

Cooper Bell 26*, Darcy English 18*, Raff Morcombe 18 Max Ferris 16, Patrick Leonard 2 for 16.

1st XI Healesville 115 defeated by South Warrandyte 8 for 201.

Bowling First A Grade faced South Warrandyte in an important match.

Darren Edwards started off and picked up a wicket in the 5th over before Sam Drummond in his debut match picked up the important wicket of Persson-Clark.

Unfortunately for the Bloods the run rate was unable to be properly plugged with South Warrandyte finishing their 40 overs on 201.

Healesville with the bat once again struggled with Luke Chandler 37 and Darcy English 29* the only shining lights as Healesville fell for 121 all out

Second XI Healesville 251 defeated by Montrose 262.

Max Wallace 2 for38, Ben Wallace 3 for 30, Denzel Parsons 2 for 7 & 44, Liam English 1 for 17 off 8 overs, Michael Davern 60, Dan Ferguson 37, Jack Drummond 27*, Sam Keath 25

Third XI Healesville 7 for 192 defeated by St Andrews 1 for 195

Healesville won the toss and decided to bat. After a great innings of 7-192 (R.Woodford 53 & B.King 18 in his HCC debut) the bloods were up and about.

An early wicket for Cooper Bell was all we got excited for with St Andrew’s chasing down the total 1-195.

Fourth XI Healesville four for 112 defeated Warranwood 107.

Our young bowlers got the job done bowling out Warranwood for 107 (Taylor Caldicott 2/18, Summer Caldicott 2/25, Louis Keath 2/23).

Danny Hyndman 50* and Jeremy Newson 39 made light work of the run chase getting the win in 16 overs.

experience for our hopeful finals campaign down the track.

Third XI

At the rock-hard Wickhams Road Reserve once more, we hosted Wonga Park this week and were sent into the field.

Jacob Ahmad was thrown the new ball, and battled well, but unsuccessfully.

There was not a lot of luck for any bowlers out there until Alex Broussard snagged an important wicket through a good catch from his dad Paul Broussard.

The runs kept flowing through the quick outfield, late wickets to Jamie Madsen and Matthew Holland were valuable, and Wonga Park ended at four for 227.

In the batting innings it wasn’t ideal to lose two wickets early, with Joel Pratt’s promotion to three ending his run of not outs, but Paul Broussard and Dan Madsen set about building an innings, a 115 run partnership thanks to 52 from Paul and 59 from Dan was the platform we needed.

It enabled a destructive Matthew Holland to belt 56 from 28 balls and bring the game back to us.

He was dismissed near the finish line, and Stuart Parker guided us home for a fantastic victory!

A sorely needed win that keeps the season alive.

Women’s XI

In their first game back for the year, the Women took on Kilsyth at home on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Bowling first we got off to an ideal start, with Ella Amore taking two wickets in a row in the first over, getting herself on a hat-trick. Abi Diggins got a wicket and we were looking good at 3 for 16. From there they did get a hold of us a little, but we kept getting wickets, Caitlyn Parker, Melissa Page, Ellen Bradley and Amelia English all chiming in to keep us in the game.

Ella Amore finished with figures of 3 for 22 off seven in a strong performance.

Kilsyth posted 173 from their overs.

Things didn’t go our way with the bat, and we lost quick wickets at the start, and from 3 for 8 it was hard to come back from there.

Caitlyn Parker (21), and Ellen Bradley (19) battled bravely, but it was too big a total in the end, and we were dismissed for 113, ending the win streak from before Christmas.

Last weekend posed a balmy day of fun

Sunny pony weekend fun

By Anita Prowse

A lovely sunny weekend for Yarra Valley Jump Club’s event at Shirley Heights Equestrian Centre.

Winners from Saturday’s event were; 70cms Amelia Terrill on Black Layce, 80cms Avah Hammond-Smith on Viewmont, an amazing 90cms Chloe Bell on Chio MS, 1 metre Edward Darby on Charismatic Day, 1.10 metres Tanner Robinson on Arion Carasun, 1.20 metres Sienna Holdsworth-Rose on Heartline NZ, 1.30metres Darcy Prime on Diaritt, 1.40 metres Kate Beadel on Crackle E.

Well done everyone. Pony Club is back for 2026 with most local clubs having held their first rally for the year, Upper Yarra Pony Club ran on Sunday in perfect weather and it was nice to welcome some new faces.

The next event at Wesburn Park is the annual Australia Day Freshmans. If conditions are warmer we will run on the cooler grass arena, please keep an eye on socials for any up to date changes regarding “Heat Rule” or any other happenings. Entries are on the day, canteen and coffee will be available.

Happy Riding everyone!

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