Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 27th January 2026

The 2026 Australia Day Honours and Yarra Ranges Council Civic Awards have celebrated a remarkable array of individuals and groups who have made lasting contributions to their communities, the environment, arts, and sport, highlighting both the dedication and diversity of talent across the region.

New Zealand-born race car driver, who now calls Mooroolbark home, Jim Richards was recognised for his decades of racing in some of Australia’s leading competitions and his contributions to motorsport outside of his career. He was bestowed an Honorary Member of the Order of Australia (AM), one of the highest recognitions in Australia.

Mooroolbark’s George McDonald was also granted an Honorary Order of Australia Medal

(OAM) for his contribution to the sport of badminton, but was recognised for his service to many other groups and organisations in the Mooroolbark and Kilsyth area.

Experiencing the challenges of finding his career path, Kilsyth’s Lionel Parrott spent decades helping young people explore their options and decide what was right for them as a guidance counsellor at Monash University. He was recognised for this service with an OAM.

Meanwhile, Mount Evelyn’s Terence Dunn received an OAM for lifelong service to community sport, inspiring generations of students, athletes, and local sports clubs through his teaching, mentoring, and veteran cricket involvement.

O’Shannassy Ward councillor Jim Child was

honoured for his dedication to local government, guiding the Yarra Ranges through the 2021 storms, Covid-19 recovery, and numerous community infrastructure projects that have strengthened local services and resilience.

Yarra Ranges Council awards also highlighted community and environmental achievement.

The Montrose Township Group was named Community Group of the Year for connecting residents through events, historical programs, and recovery initiatives, while Montrose Community Cupboard co-founder Patrick Natoli was recognised as Environmental Achiever of the Year for diverting hundreds of tonnes of food from landfill and fostering inclusion through community meals.

Thirteen-year-old Ferny Creek resident Coen Pearson earned Young Environmental Achiever of the Year for his citizen science work, wildlife advocacy, and co-founding the NextGen Hills Naturalists podcast, inspiring peers and the wider community.

Heath Pawley was acknowledged for his role in fostering wellbeing and inclusion through Mountain Men, creating supportive networks, father-focused programs, and collaborative community initiatives.

And the Upper Yarra’s Gordon Buller received the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and service to the Yarra Ranges. To read these remarkable stories, see pages 6 to 16

Fires devastate wildlife

By Mikayla van Loon

The devastating effects of January’s bushfires are yet to be fully felt, but wildlife rescuers, carers and veterinarians are doing their best to save and rehabilitate as many animals as possible.

Mount Evelyn’s Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter’s Emma Cash has been one of the many registered wildlife rescuers responding to the crisis.

However, access to the fire ground remains limited, and therefore, the number of animals that can be treated early is less than rescuers would prefer.

“The current Victorian bushfires are having a devastating impact on Australian native wildlife. Millions of animals are expected to perish, placing further pressure on already vulnerable populations,” Ms Cash said.

“Experience from previous fire events shows that survival rates are tragically low. Due to safety concerns, wildlife rescue organisations are often unable to access fire-affected areas for weeks.

“By the time access is granted, many animals injured by fire or suffering from starvation are beyond rehabilitation, leaving euthanasia as the most humane option.”

Emergency veterinary teams from Vets for Compassion, alongside Animals Australia, have been on the ground to assist with rescues on private properties and treat animals of all kinds.

“The days are long, and our hearts are heavy. The level of need to help animals affected by the fires is overwhelming,” Vets for Compassion posted to social media.

“We have responded to calls for help from agencies in the firegrounds, members of the community and wildlife carers alike to rescue and provide emergency veterinary attention and treatment to those who can be saved and help end the suffering for those who can’t.

“Our team have continued to provide support for animals in the form of food and water where their homes and food sources have been destroyed. We’ve been helping build spaces for rescued animals, now in the hands of carers, (to) have somewhere safe to heal.”

Ms Cash said trained wildlife rescuers are also able to assist private property owners, as well as meet at roadblocks to “provide urgent veterinary and medical care”.

“Rapid access is critical; the sooner animals receive treatment, the greater their chances of recovery and release.”

Adding to the crisis, Ms Cash said in the lead-

up to the fires, the heat caused a significant number of deaths of the threatened grey-headed flying fox.

“(The) grey-headed flying foxes, a significant aerial pollinator for our old growth forests, have been enduring a starvation event, and as the fire began, an extreme heat event also hit many of our colonies.

“This has resulted in the collapse of multiple nationally significant colonies of the threatened grey-headed flying fox.

“This has caused thousands of deaths and left hundreds of orphaned pups, placing severe financial strain on wildlife carers and rehabilitation services.”

Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter are happy to be contacted and can provide either rescue/wildlife rehabilitation support or provide contact details for the closest licensed wildlife rehabilitator to the animal in need.

Members of the public who encounter injured wildlife are also urged to use the Victorian Government’s Help for Injured Wildlife service to locate trained rescuers: wildlife.vic.gov.au/injured-native-wildlife/ help-for-injured-wildlife

Those wishing to support the ongoing care of orphaned Grey-headed Flying Foxes are encouraged to contact Bungalook Creek Wildlife Shelter or Fly By Night Bat Clinic.

Increasing events, outages prompt TDR push

By Callum Ludwig

With disasters seeming to become more frequent and severe in Australia, ensuiring our telecommunications are capable of keeping us connected in a crisis is crucial.

Casey MP and Shadow Assistant Minister for Communications Aaron Violi called for the implementation of Temporary Disaster Roaming (TDR) to be prioritised in a recent column, which would allow phones to connect to another telecommunications provider in the event of an outage.

Mr Violi said past events like Black Saturday, the June 2021 storms and the recent fires in Victoria shows the importance of people being able to call out to get information.

“Disturbingly, we are hearing reports of CFA volunteers and evacuees losing reception, which makes it so important, particularly given bushfires that happen in summer where you’ve got a lot of people that are on holidays and might be travelling,” he said.

“If they’ve come from New South Wales or Queensland and need to drive back through Victoria, they need to be able to access the VicEmergency app or call to get information on what’s happening and whether it’s safe.

“It is vital that we get that Temporary Disaster Roaming up as soon as possible.”

Trials have already been carried out by some of Australia’s major telecommunications companies, with Telstra, TPG Telecom (which operates Vodaphone and other mobile network providers) and Optus and the Australian Government having all been involved in testing since March 2023.

A Vodafone spokesperson said they are progressing the work needed to deliver temporary disaster roaming as soon as it can be safely introduced.

“We are working closely with Optus and Telstra, with some trials already complete and more

testing underway,” they said.

“These tests are essential to identify and resolve any technical issues that could affect service reliability.

“The timeline for full implementation will depend on the outcome of these trials.”

Telstra shared in February 2024 that they had run a simulation where a device connected to a mock network lost connectivity and successful roamed to Telstra’s network and connected, though stressed there were still ‘technical, process and financial challenges to overcome’.

A Telstra spokesperson said they remain committed to working with industry and government to implement temporary disaster roaming in Australia.

“We’ve started testing and this follows the successful simulation we ran at our 5G Innovation Centre on the Gold Coast to show that this is possible.”

A TDR functionality would enable mobile roaming between networks within a localised area during natural disasters, for a short, specified duration, in addition to the already built-in ability to call Triple Zero on mobile phones today.

An Optus spokesperson they are actively collaborating with Telstra and TPG to advance Temporary Disaster Roaming, with the first stage of testing in production environments now completed.

“Comprehensive testing across all three networks is essential to ensure the capability operates as intended and does not create unintended impacts for customers or services - particularly during critical times for communities,” they said

“We welcome the outcomes of this testing and remain committed to working closely with Government, Telstra, and TPG to progress Temporary Disaster Roaming and strengthen network resilience for Australians.”

However, an ongoing parliamentary inquiry

into the September 2025 Optus outages which led to deaths when calls to Triple Zero could not be connected further highlight the need for urgent change.

A departmental spokesperson said the first phase of testing has already begun for TDR capability and the second phase is expected to begin soon.

“The department is working closely with the mobile network operators on a pathway for a TDR capability to be available in the 2026-27 higher risk weather season,” they said.

“This includes ensuring that surviving networks aren’t degraded due to the potential increased traffic TDR could generate.”

The Australian Government also introduced

legislation for a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation in November 2025, which will require telcos to provide outdoor voice and text coverage across the continent, in part through low earth orbiting satellite direct-to-device technology.

Mr Violi said the obligation agreement is also important because Australians need and deserve reliable telecommunications every day but particularly during these disaster events and in disaster-prone areas.

“We need to make sure that no matter where you are in the country, you’re able to call and connect with loved ones, call for support and have awareness of what’s going on,” he said.

“Down here in Lilydale and in Casey, we were obviously getting updates off the app about where the fire was going as zones were changing and new information was coming out but if you’re in a black spot, you’re not getting that information.

“As a Coalition, we introduced the STAND (Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters) program to make sure that those towers that have closed the black spots can then last longer if we lose power, but then if something goes down, what’s the backup to the backup…because having access to consistent, clear and reliable communications is crucial.”

The STAND program allowed NBN Co to install Sky Muster satellite connections to 1068 rural and country fire service depots and evacuation centres across Australia.

In March 2025, the Australia Government announced additional funding of up to $14 million to extend services at existing locations beyond 2025, as well as expanding to a further 500 sites nationwide, working with state and territory governments to prioritise regions that do not already have a connectivity solution available at evacuation centres and are at higher risk of natural disasters or emergencies.

Pets to the fore as donations grow

By Mikayla van Loon

From fighting the fires to collecting donations, Lilydale CFA has turned its attention to recovery for the farmers and families impacted by the recent Longwood fires.

As people get back on their feet and come to terms with the extent of the fires and the damage, brigade captain Warren Davis said the last thing they should have to worry about is spending money on pet food.

That’s why an initiative the brigade undertook in 2020 to support Buchan farmers experiencing drought has been reignited.

Through the coordination of firefighters Tanya Brock and Ron Haines, Mr Davis said pet food and supplies can be donated to the station, which will be delivered to areas in need.

“At the moment (Tuesday 20 January), we’ve got just on 450 kilograms of pet food, which has already been donated to the fire station,” Mr Davis said.

“There are dog blankets, there are toys, there’s cat food, cat litter. Everything that these people would need to get themselves up and going again after the devastating Longwood fires.”

The initial plan was to deliver to a single district, but Mr Davis said that with the amount of pet food already donated, it may be possible to deliver to another district as well.

Liaising with the Alexandra CFA, Lilydale Fire Brigade will transport the donations up the highway, to then be distributed where needed. Mr Davis said now that the worst of the fire has dissipated and damage is being assessed, the question of “Where do they go from here?” would be ringing true, as people look to rebuild.

Taking away the simple burden of having to feed pets for a duration of time was a small but easy way to support people.

“A lot of these people have lost their houses. Now that the fire is gone, the adrenaline has now stopped, and the grieving, it’s all setting in, and they’re just realising exactly what they have lost as a result of these fires and they’re all walking around in shock at the moment.

“They’vegottofindaccommodation.Ifthey’ve got kids, they’ve got to find clothes for their kids. They’ve got to make sure that their kids’ mental health is right. And once again, the poor old pet gets shoved aside and they find it hard to get around and buy stuff, especially if they’ve lost everything.”

With donations of clothing, food and hay already making their way up to relief centres, Mr Davis said it was all making such a difference.

“There are farmers up there who have lost not only their houses, but they’ve lost their sheds. They’ve lost all the food for their cows. A lot of them have just finished their hay season, just baled all the hay up already to be brought in for this winter, and now they’ve lost it all.

“So there’s been semi-trailers and B-double trucks going up there with loads and loads of do-

nated hay from around Victoria. That’s been fantastic. So we thought we’d do one for the dogs and the cats and even the birds.”

The brigade plans to accept donations of pet food and products for at least four weeks to ensure the fire-affected communities don’t feel forgotten.

Donations can be dropped at the Lilydale Fire Brigade front door at any time. The station is located at 300 Main Street, Lilydale.

Please keep the driveway clear and park on the street so the trucks and volunteers can get past if needed.

Email: enquiries@mailcommunity.com.au

Distribution Enquiries Tel: 1300 654 910

Advertising Group Advertising Manager –Tracey Aitken

Email: advertising@mailcommunity.com.au

Editorial Email: editor@mailcommunity.com.au

IN BRIEF

Police car rammed, teens arrested

Five teenagers are in custody following a pursuit that spanned several suburbs after they allegedly rammed a marked police car in Lilydale

The incident began around 1.30pm on Thursday 22 January when officers spotted a stolen Ford Focus travelling along the Maroondah Highway. When the vehicle became caught in heavy traffic, officers attempted to box in the car to prevent an escape. However, the driver allegedly rammed the police vehicle and fled the scene.

Fortunately, the officers involved were not injured.

After the initial confrontation, the vehicle was sighted on Swansea Road in Montrose. The search shifted to Bayswater at approximately 2.45pm following reports of suspicious activity on Burdekin Street. Witnesses informed police that five teenagers had abandoned a Ford Focus and walked toward a nearby bus stop.

Officers intercepted a bus in the immediate area, where they located and arrested all five suspects without further incident.

The teens, three 13-year-old girls and one 13-year-old boy from the Bayside, Glen Eira, Frankston and Yarra Ranges areas and a 16-year-old girl from the Latrobe area, are currently in custody and will be interviewed.

The Ford was allegedly stolen from Palmer Street in Richmond on 22 January at about 9am.

Yarra Ranges teen charged for antisemitic attack

Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested a teenage boy from the Yarra Ranges following a report of antisemitic behaviour in St Kilda East earlier this week.

The 15-year-old was arrested in Carrum in the morning of Wednesday 21 January and interviewed in relation to the alleged incident in Glen Eira Road about 9.50pm on 19 January.

The teen was also interviewed in relation to a series of offending in the south east area, including aggravated burglaries and vehicle theft.

He was charged with theft of motor vehicle and bailed to a Children’s Court at a later date. Investigations into the St Kilda East incident remain ongoing and detectives continue to search for a second teen believed to be involved.

Police were originally told a group of up to five boys were on Glen Eira Road about 9.50pm on Monday 19 January when a white ute drove past.

It’s alleged the occupants of the vehicle yelled antisemitic abuse and then stopped a short distance away.

The victims ran across the road and the ute subsequently performed a U-turn and drove towards the victims.

Fortunately, no one was injured, and the vehicle drove from the scene.

Anyone with information, who witnessed the incident or with CCTV/dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Council seeking community feedback on tree policy

By Callum Ludwig

Yarra Ranges Council is calling on the community to help advise on a new Tree Policy due to be implemented this year.

The updated policy upholds the council’s three-prong approach to tree management

A Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson said the council is asking community members to provide feedback on our updated Tree Policy.

“All Council policies must be regularly reviewed to reflect changes in legislation, regulations and best practice,” they said.

“In this updated policy, we’ve made minor administrative changes – such as noting where legislation has been updated.”

In a region where trees line so many of our townships and homes, tree management can be a key community safety concern and also result in heated debate.

Notably, the Warburton Tree saga in 2022 stands as a strong reminder of the contentious nature of the issue, where residents protested for weeks after the tree in Ottrey’s Car Park was slated for removal.

The council had only placed a small flyer near the site to advise that the tree would be removed due to safety concerns and ailing health, sparking outrage from community members

who had grown attached to the tree in its long life and valued its amenity and potential for housing wildlife.

The council spokesperson said operational details have been moved into the Council’s Tree Management Plan and Tree Risk Assessment Framework.

“However, the way we manage trees, as outlined in the policy and those documents, has not substantially changed, and we believe our assessment – reactive and proactive – and management of trees on Council land is well-aligned with best practice,” they said.

“A notable change in the updated policy is that our Decision Review Process has been aligned with Council’s customer complaint process. This will ensure community members get a consistent, equitable and timely decision from Council about trees on Council land.”

“We encourage anyone interested to visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au to review the draft and provide feedback by 8 February.”

Yarra Ranges Council’s draft Tree Policy is guided by three principles: avoid tree removal, minimise tree removal and proactive tree planting.

This means that where possible, all available alternatives will be explored to retain trees on council land, the health and longevity of trees

will be enhanced by practices such as tree pruning, root management, tree support systems and the control of weeds, animals and diseases and if tree removal is essential, the council will replant trees or carry out offset planting guided by its Tree Canopy strategy.

The council’s reactive tree inspections are in response to staff, residents and members of the public or other organisations advising the council of a potentially hazardous tree while proactive tree inspections are for electric line clearance in declared areas, road clearance or council-owned parks and buildings.

A four-tiered decision review process will be followed if a resident disagrees with a decision made by the council’s tree management team to retain a tree: first-contact complain resolution, investigation, internal review and external review.

If a complaint cannot reach a mutuallyacceptable resolution at first contact, a council officer with specialist expertise in tree management will investigate and reach an evidencebased decision. If the resident is not happy with this decision, it can be escalated to the council team for internal review and that can be followed by requesting an external review from the Victorian Ombudsman, the Local Government Inspectorate or a tribunal or court if required.

Councils want Fund back

By Callum Ludwig

An ongoing push for the State Government to restore the Growing Suburbs Fund which supported tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure projects in Yarra Ranges and Cardinia is continuing.

The Outer Melbourne Councils group, consisting of nine member councils of which Yarra Ranges and Cardinia are two, is leading the push to reinstate the fund.

An OMC spokesperson said it’s incredibly disappointing that the fund was axed.

“The Growing Suburbs Fund was one of the only programs supporting fast-growing outer suburbs, and its removal has widened an already concerning infrastructure gap,” they said.

“The Growing Suburbs Fund was critical – it delivered hundreds of millions in State investment and helped bring forward projects that would otherwise have taken much longer to deliver.

“Outer suburban councils often fall between metropolitan and regional criteria, which makes securing funding harder, the Growing Suburbs Fund was one of the few programs designed to recognise those unique needs.”

The axing of the fund for some of the Victoria’s outer metropolitan regions comes despite the Department of Transport and Planning’s own Victoria in Future 2023 report forecasting that outer metropolitan areas will bear the brunt of most of the state’s population growth, with all of the highest projections coming from OMC member councils.

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said through the Growing Suburbs Fund, they have invested $445 million into 370 projects valued at over $1.44 billion across Melbourne’s growing outer suburbs to deliver the schools, ambulance stations, parks, and public transport these communities need.

“We also want to build more homes close to great public transport, while also delivering funding for the local parks, roads, schools and facilities that keep these communities great places to live,” they said.

51 projects from the Growing Suburbs Fund are still being delivered by growth area councils while the state government has is also investing in a number of growth area councils through the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (which covers the LGAs of Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham) and the Tram and Train Zone Activity Centre Program (of which the nearest activity centre to the Outer East is Ringwood).

The OMC spokesperson said it is very concerning to lose the funding despite forecasted population growth in outer Melbourne.

“These areas are already experiencing the strongest population growth in Victoria, yet the

fund designed to support that growth has been stripped away from the communities who need it,” they said.

“Investment in community and social infrastructure is essential for fast-growing regions – without it, population growth simply creates congestion, service shortages and declined liveability.

“Investing early saves communities and governments from far higher social and financial costs down the track.”

By 2051, the government expects the Tram and Train Zone Activity Centre Program to provide more than $4 billion worth of infrastructure including public transport, parks, upgraded roads, expanded schools, and facilities in the designated areas.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins said they’re joining OMC in calling for the restoration of the Growing Suburbs Fund by the State Government, to help continue delivering high-quality infrastructure for Yarra Ranges community members.

“Since the inception of the fund in the 201516, Council applied for and received more than $31 million in grants, delivering projects such as the Belgrave Community Hub, the Queens Park Playspace in Healesville, the first stages of the Yarra Valley Trail, ngurrak barring (formerly RidgeWalk) and the Warburton Bike Park, the Kimberley Reserve Community Sporting Pavilion

and the Upwey Skate Park, among many others,” he said.

“In recent years, the funding available through the Growing Suburbs Fund dropped significantly – down to $10 million available for all interface councils in 2023-24, and $5 million in the 202425 budget.

“In 2024, Yarra Ranges and two other Councils were dropped from being able to apply for grant funding and in the 2025-2026 Victorian Budget no allocation was made for the Fund, ceasing the program.”

The Victoria in Future report forecast for the Yarra Ranges to grow in population by only 12 per cent, the fifth-least of any LGA in the state, from 157,420 people to 176,270, despite originally being included in the Growing Suburbs Fund.

Cr Higgins said they hope the State Government reverses their cuts to the Growing Suburbs Fund for outer Melbourne councils, including Yarra Ranges.

“We believe that a funding stream such as the Growing Suburbs Fund is crucial to help deliver major infrastructure projects in interface regions like Yarra Ranges where we provide facilities and services across a significant area and many townships,” he said.

“Without access to grants like the fund, significant projects will take far longer to fund or may never come to fruition.”

The Victoria in Future report forecast for Cardinia to grow in population by 2.7 per cent per year between 2021 and 2036, the fifth-fastest rate in the state for a total rise of 49 per cent from 119,520 to 178,610 people.

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Brett Owen said the Growing Suburbs Fund has played a critical role in allowing Cardinia Shire Council to invest in essential infrastructure for the region’s rapid population growth.

“More recently the grant has provided funding to upgrade or establish Jim Parkes Reserve, Officer District Park, Garfield North Community Centre, the Koo Wee Rup Bowls and Community Hub and is supporting the ongoing redevelopment of the Upper Beaconsfield Pavilion,” he said.

“Growth area councils face unique and ongoing infrastructure pressures, and the Growing Suburbs Fund has been vital in helping us keep pace with community need.”

“Through our Advocacy Agenda 2025–29, Council is calling for a new dedicated growth area grant to replace the Growing Suburbs Fund, a priority that is also shared by Outer Melbourne Councils. We value the strong partnership built through this program and encourage the State Government to work with growth councils on a sustainable long-term funding solution.”

The State Budget will be handed down in May 2026.

Those in need growing

By Callum Ludwig

The increasingly dire circumstances of people experiencing homelessness have been captured in the Council to Homeless Persons’ new Victorian Homelessness Heatmap.

The local government areas (LGAs) of the Yarra Ranges and Maroondah have seen two of the highest increases in requests to homelessness support services, up 19 and 15 per cent respectively.

These statistics came as no surprise to the support services of the Outer East.

Holy Fools chief executive Neal Taylor said since opening Felix House in May 2025, they have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness who have contacted them or visited Felix House.

“Through our contact with so many people, we have found that many don’t want help from Anchor or other services because of rumours that there is nothing they can do for them, we do our best to allay the rumours and encourage them to contact the services,” he said.

“Besides those experiencing homelessness, we have seen a marked increase in requests as a whole…there are increasing numbers of people with mental health issues, drug and alcohol addictions, who are sleeping rough, many of these are being abused by the community, and being fair, many are showing some antisocial behaviours, but that does not mean everyone like this should be tarred with the same brush.

“The community, particularly its younger members, should be educated that these are people like them and that homelessness is only a few steps away for most of us in the community.”

Holy Fools and Felix House have seen people fleeing domestic violence, people evicted from properties because the landlord wanted the property for a relative, job losses, illnesses and carer responsibilities all be factors that contributed to local people experiencing homelessness. Particularly, they have noticed a concerning rise in the number of middle-aged and older women experiencing homelessness for various reasons.

Stable One chief executive Katherine Kirkwood said sadly, the statistics don’t surprise them and they continue to see growing demand for safe accommodation, particularly from people who are newly homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“Many people are staying in unstable or even dangerous housing situations for longer because there are very few affordable options to move into, we have a severe shortage of affordable and appropriate rental housing in the outer east and rising costof-living pressures are making already fragile housing situations untenable,” she said.

“At the Yarra Valley Winter Shelter last year, we welcomed guests who were experiencing multiple compounding pressures at once – health issues, relationship breakdowns, family violence and financial stress.

“Sadly, once a person enters homelessness, their exit pathways are extremely limited, this means that services are supporting people for longer periods of time.”

Stable One wishes to see increased investment in social and affordable housing as well as in ‘wrap-around services, consisting of critical agencies such as Anchor as well as community-based or faith-based responses like themselves.

Anchor chief executive Heidi Tucker said it’s important to see this for the human crisis that it is, not just that numbers are getting worse.

“This increase means there are more children at your local school, teens at your local high school, and adults serving you at local shops who are all living in a scenario where home, stability and safety are not guaranteed,” she said.

“They might not fit your typical idea of what a homeless person looks like, but there will be people in local sports clubs, libraries, on public transport, in doctors’ offices, all who may be living in housing crisis.

“We have a situation where there are more people presenting to homelessness services, but not enough ability to support them with accommodation in the local area, we haven’t seen an increase in our resourc-

ing to match the increases in people needing homelessness support, especially in the Yarra Ranges, there is only a small number of adult or youth homelessness refuges in comparison to other regions.”

Only the Hume LGA recorded a higher increase in requests for help (20 per cent) than the Yarra Ranges and Maroondah.

Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Deborah Di Natale said the heatmap exposed how Victoria’s housing crisis was devastating communities from Box Hill to Bendigo, with services lacking the resources to cope with surging demand.

“Growth corridors and regional centres are bearing the brunt of this crisis. These are communities where families moved for affordable housing, only to find themselves priced out and with nowhere to turn,” she said.

“Every day, services across Victoria are forced to turn people away – not because they don’t need help, but because we don’t have the resources or housing to offer them.

“This is the human cost of decades of underinvestment in social housing.

The heatmap was created through analysis of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data which showed that 105,125 Victorians sought help from specialist homelessness services in 2024-25 – a 2.9 per cent statewide increase – which doesn’t show the drastic changes in individual regions.

Ms Di Natale said the geographic spread of the crisis reinforced Infrastructure Victoria’s call for 60,000 new social homes over the next 15 years, with urgent need for investment in outer suburbs and regional areas.

“The heatmap makes it crystal clear that this crisis isn’t confined to the CBD. It’s in our suburbs, growth corridors and regional centres. These communities need urgent investment now,” she said.

“We need the Victorian Government to commit to lifting Victoria’s amount of social housing to meet the national average.

“But we also need immediate investment in the services that keep people safe today, particularly in these growth areas where demand is skyrocketing.”

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

Diverting food from landfill

By Mikayla van Loon

What started as a small way of reducing food and flower waste going to landfill evolved into something far beyond Patrick Natoli’s expectations.

Co-founder and president of the Montrose Community Cupboard, Pat was recognised as this year’s Yarra Ranges Council Environmental Achiever of the Year, as part of its Australia Day Awards.

“I was very surprised when I got the call, because I didn’t know I’d been put up for it,” Pat said.

“Of course, I’m very grateful that I’m being acknowledged for this, because it is really lovely. It’s not the reason that I do these things.

“If I wasn’t put up for it by some very lovely and sneaky people, then it’s not something I would have done for myself, but certainly it’s very kind.”

When Pat and his partner Sim started the Cupboard in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic the primary idea was to divert food from ending up in waste bins and enabling people to stop by for any essentials they might have needed.

Working in the flower industry, Pat was also passionate about not seeing flowers wasted, and placed bunches out for free each day.

“It grew through Covid. But I think we were also really lucky to have started it during that time, because of the interconnectedness of the community at that time was a really good jumping off point

“We started this thing where we’re getting gnomes and having kids paint gnomes and, like, move them around the yard. Those little things contributed to the way people view it. Instead of just being a free food thing, it’s a community thing. It is neighbours helping each other.

“I’d say most of the community have a real sense of ownership about it. That’s the number one way that you look after things is you get people’s hearts in it, and you get them to love it and to cherish it, to care for it.”

In 2025 alone, 200 tonnes of food was diverted from landfill, rescued from supermarkets and bakeries and redistributed to the community via the Cupboard, its markets and meals.

“I cannot conceive of how big that actually is… we get five to 8000 kilos of bread a month. That is wild. It’s a crazy amount that would be going to landfill,” Pat said.

With an active volunteer base of 120 people, Pat said that almost tangible impact of reducing

landfill was one of the reasons he believed volunteers were eager to help.

“It’s always been about reducing landfill and that is a positive impact, no matter what you do for the cupboard. There is no part of what we do that is causing a negative impact

“They also see a lot of gratitude when they’re at the Cupboard or at the market, or if they’re at our event, people are very thankful. Some other volunteering things that I’ve been to, you don’t get the thankfulness from the community, or you don’t see it immediately.

“Even though we always say it’s mainly about landfill, of course, you have people that come through that might be in a bit of a hard place.

“We’ve had volunteers who have said that they’ve relied on the cupboard at times, and you can see the difference that a bag of stuff can make for people. That’s a really immediate positive change.”

Pat said the gradual and natural evolution to expand from just the cupboard to markets and meals has been grounded in respect, inclusion and connectedness.

“The way that it’s grown into not just a food organisation or a preventing going to landfill type of organisation, the way it’s actually about con-

necting the community instead, really resonates with me.

“It’s about having a connected community, and knowing all your neighbours, and the community meals are something that I really enjoy.”

Pat said the meals have seen residents from local retirement homes combat their loneliness, enjoy a home-cooked meal and join in with their community.

Volunteers from Montrose CFA are also regulars at the meals, something Pat said “helps build strength in the community”.

“It helps people make friends. It helps people talk.

“We are unapologetically inclusive of everyone. We encourage people to be friends and to be friendly.”

Proud to have grown beyond the single cupboard to be so much more, Pat said Montrose Community Cupboard is still very much built on the foundation of environmental betterment and everything else that has stemmed from it is a bonus.

“We have managed to become not necessarily a hub, but a connection point for a range of different initiatives that are about building resilience through our communities.”

The Ranges’ very own Wildlife Warrior rewarded

By Gabriella Vukman

Ranges Council’s Citizen of the Year Award goes to wildlife warrior Emma Sullivan.

Having run the Wattle Wildlife Shelter in the Dandenong Ranges for many years, which provides a safe space for animals of all types, Emma’s volunteer work has had a vast impact on the local area.

As both a Wildlife shelter operator and qualified Vet nurse, Emma specialises in unusual pet veterinary medicine and volunteers with Vets for Compassion doing emergency callouts to wildlife in need.

Emma said, “I think Wildlife is very important in our council area.”

“There are so many amazing creatures in our backyards, and we are so lucky to live in a beautiful green space and share it with the local wildlife,” She said.

“People recognise the importance of wildlife and the joy it brings to our lives, and are starting to realise it really needs protecting.”

Along with her registered Wattle Wildlife Shelter, Emma is a mother to both human and animal children, and she also works for a not-for-profit animal shelter, providing veterinary treatment to abandoned and orphaned pets.

“You could say I have a full-time ‘care providing’ job”, Emma said.

For Emma, no two days are the same.

“Every day is different, but I usually wake up to feed the wombats and kangaroo joeys, and baby possums in care, constantly cutting fruit and veg and picking native foliage, then respond to an emergency rescue call out or three, head to work as a vet nurse and come home to bottle feed babies again around the clock,” she said.

“I don’t think I’ve had a full night’s sleep in ten years!”

Emma’s nominator confirmed that Emma is a selfless woman who inspires others to be more

compassionate to animals.

“Volunteering all of her time for animals in need, she asks for nothing in return, except the joy of seeing animals recover and rehabilitate,” her moniator said.

“Thanks to Emma, there are places for injured wildlife to go, and certainty for others wanting to help animals that there is a community to assist.

The Yarra Ranges – and its biodiversity – is better for having community members like Emma. She is a worthy recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award,” they said.

When it comes to receiving the award, Emma noted that she did not expect to be chosen.

“I was very surprised to be nominated or even

to be voted in,” Emma said.

“It’s such an honour to be recognised for the rescue, rehabilitation and release work I do with local wildlife,” she said.

“I have a wonderful support network around me that helps make everything possible.”

Despite her surprise, Emma is grateful to have her work recognised.

“It can be really isolating to be a wildlife carer, not to mention emotionally tolling and a financial strain, as this is not a paid job,” Emma said.

“To see that people recognise this as important in our community is just heartwarming, reminds me there are a few good people still out there in our community,” she said.

Emma started Vet Nursing just before COVID, although she had an interest in wildlife since a young age.

“My passion for animal nursing, emergency skills and experience really began through helping a local shelter, and volunteering my time learning about the specific wildlife in my area,” Emma said.

“Three years ago, I became my own registered shelter, and I joined Vets for Compassion, who have supported and trained me to become an experienced emergency response team member,” she said.

“I have gained so many new skills and become a registered veterinary nurse along the way.”

There are many factors that can inhibit the survival instincts of native wildlife.

If it is not habitat destruction or climate change, then it is direct human impact that is changing the world of our native species.

Emma said, “It is so important to be a Wildlife carer because these little creatures really need our help.

“There needs to be people who care, who stop to pouch check, who watch out for our local birds, who nurse back to health the injured and sick ones that get caught out in heat waves and

storms, and give them the help they need,” she said.

“I always thought someone should be doing that, but why not me?”

According to Emma, animal injury due to being hit by cars on Wellington Road is an especially large issue for kangaroos, with 42 recorded deaths in just one month during 2025.

On top of the accidental death toll, Emma noted that animal cruelty is also a major reason for her call-outs.

Emma is currently on deployment at the fire grounds in country Victoria for wildlife rescue and veterinary care.

Despite her busy days and the intensive nature of her work, Emma intends to continue her work as a Wildlife Warrior for the Yarra Ranges.

“Thank you to the community for voting me for this award,” Emma said.

“I am really honoured.”

“To Vets for Compassion, thank you for taking me under your wing and allowing me to use my skills in the field every day,” she said.

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

Montrose is crowned!

By Callum Ludwig

Montrose Township Group have been crowned Yarra Ranges Council’s Community Group of the Year.

Bestowed the honour for the council’s Australia Day Civic Awards, the group have been active in supporting, campaigning and advocating for the needs of Montrose over the last year.

Montrose Township Group member Chelsey Cooper said they are absolutely delighted to receive this award.

“When I received the call from Council about our award I couldn’t wait to tell the others, it was a delightful surprise to us all,” she said.

“I’m not sure what we do is any more of a standout than others, because there are some amazing groups out there doing fabulous things for community.

“That said, the last couple of years have been quite big for our community and the Township Group played an important role in keeping the community informed and connected, inviting many different opportunities for locals to contribute and get involved.

The Montrose Township group regularly busies themselves with Clean Up Days, working bees and smaller scale ‘Weeding Wednesdays’ in town, particularly hoping to help breathe life back into the beloved People’s Garden, a special public space donated by the Kevin Heinze family.

Ms Cooper said it’s been a big year, and through it all many of their members also experienced their own personal challenges which meant some had to step away at different times throughout the year for periods of time.

“The intersection upgrade was a disruptive time for all of us in Montrose and we worked closely with the community and VicRoads to ensure concerns were addressed, both in terms of safety and in our relentless efforts to do what we can to maintain our unique village feel,” she said.

“We also play a role in strengthening community resilience so we are better able to recover

from natural disasters, we produced five professional small films featuring locals to help people be prepared for weather-related events, thanks to a grant from AusNet.

We also played a role in communicating important updates to community and Council during and after the Ken Laversha Reserve bushfire to help us all begin the bumpy road back to recovery after, what was for many, a very traumatic event, we didn’t see the bushfire coming, but we had already prepared for a year of healing

and reconnection after a disruptive year with the roadworks.”

While there has been plenty for the group to help coordinate in recent years, they haven’t stopped printing their regular seasonal newsletter filled with highlights of past events, historical facts, upcoming events and a list of all local groups and clubs in the community, while there was also a number of positive projects they have completed.

“Through a grant from Yarra Ranges Council,

we arranged a series of sustainable workshops, historical talks, a picnic in the park concert and a flower festival with live entertainment, all with the purpose to bring us together, get informed and inspired, and provide opportunities to get involved in some way,” Ms Cooper said.

“We were also proud to be part of the Edith Yeaman Memorial Bust production and unveiling, having written the grant to receive the funding for its production and helping with the promotion and coordination of the unveiling event, led by local Max Lamb.”

Up next for the group is to continue to community to keep Montrose informed, host their historical talks, working bees and flower festival and develop the next five-year community plan, which sets out the key activity the group will aim to focus on and advocate for, and which they have already started engaging the community on.

Ms Cooper said township groups play a unique role because they tend to look at the overall picture of the community rather than one specific interest area.

“For Montrose, our focus is strengthening what already exists in our community - a place where the people here do something to care about each other, our place and our environment,” she said.

“When more of us know one another, and come together to help out in some way, our whole community is better for it, township groups also can step in to advocate for things the community cares about, and they can play an important communications role, especially during times of relief and recovery after emergencies.

“Getting involved does wonders for community and for each other, saying ‘yes’ to helping out in some way doesn’t mean you are committed to hours of committee meetings… and if the group is anything like the Montrose Township Group, you’ll find you have made friends, had interesting conversations and a good laugh, and feel proud to have done even a small part in improving and strengthening the community you live, work or play.”

Young leader recognised

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Ferny Creek resident, Coen Pearson has already established himself as a leader in environmental conservation, earning Yarra Ranges Council’s Young Environmental Achiever of the Year award.

The 13 year-old has been an advocate for nature for many years now, he has been a Platypus Education Group ambassador for more than five years, contributed to clean-ups at Belgrave’s main carpark, participated in a variety of nature programs and surveys, and he continues to expand his understanding of the environment while educating other youths along the way.

He is also an active member of the Friends of Hughes Creek, where he volunteers in forest maintenance through weeding and planting, and conducts citizen science bird surveys, and submits his observations to various research platforms.

“We’ve always gone camping, and I’ve been on lots of nature adventures in the Dandenong Ranges,” Coen said.

“I joined Friends of Hughes Sassafras, which was inspiring, and I really got into plants, on a holiday to Wilson’s Prom, I discovered bird checklists and loved trying to tick off all the birds, my grandfather also taught me more about listening to them, and it just grew from there.”

Coen’s efforts are already contributing to sci-

entific research.

“It’s really cool that anyone can submit observations and help researchers,” he said.

“I found out that 86 of my bird surveys were used in Atlas Trends data, which was pretty cool.”

Coen’s commitment to inspiring others extends beyond his own work, he co-founded NextGen Hills Naturalists, a podcast and newsletter initiative based in the Dandenong Ranges, with his friend Eve.

“Eve came up with the idea of doing a newsletter, and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s awesome. We should do a podcast as well.’ So we hooked up a few guests and started writing stuff,” he said.

“Our first guest was Sue Bendall from the Friends of the Helmeted Honey-eater, and our first newsletter focused on that species. I hope young people see how beautiful the area is, learn about different species, and feel inspired to protect nature.”

NextGen Hills Naturalists focuses on raising awareness about local wildlife, with each episode highlighting a specific species through fun facts, iNaturalist guides, photos, and stories designed to engage young people and the wider community.

Coen’s mother, Claire Jennings, said that from an early age, even in kindergarten, he had been involved in projects raising awareness about recycling and reuse.

“Coen has always been passionate about doing the right thing for the environment, even influencing our family’s weekly shopping choices, we are proud his citizen science work is being recognised,” Ms Jennings said.

“He has the potential to become a positive role model for other young people.”

Living his values in everyday life, Coen carefully researches the products and brands he supports, ensuring they align with ethical and sustainable practices.

He describes this approach as a responsibility, “even if it’s just making the right choices and thinking about the impact on people, animals, and the environment…you’ve got to try and make those decisions.”

When asked about receiving the award, Coen said he was surprised.

“I didn’t know I was nominated, so it was a surprise, but it definitely motivates me to keep going and do even more work,” the 13-year-old said.

Looking ahead, he is eager to continue growing NextGen Hills Naturalists, welcoming new guests to the podcast and educating the community about local wildlife and environmental conservation.

Mountain Men chairman deeply humbled by honour

By Tanya Steele

A dedicated Hills community volunteer has been recognised for his long-standing commitment to connection, wellbeing and inclusion.

Mr Heath Pawley was set to receive the Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership from the Yarra Ranges Council on 26 January.

When Mr Pawley heard he’d been nominated for the award, he said he was “quite chuffed.”

Chair of Mountain Men, which is a Dandenongs-based community group supporting men and families, Mr Pawley said he also felt “deeply humbled” to receive the honour, which recognises service and contribution to the Yarra Ranges community.

“Just being nominated was incredibly meaningful,” he said.

Focusing on simple, accessible, in-person activities that foster friendship, skill-sharing and wellbeing, without financial barriers, the Mountain Men have been operating since late 2018.

“We’ve really focused on building internal capacity so the group can keep going without big budgets,” said Mr Pawley.

“Especially during cost-of-living pressures, we want people to feel welcome and able to participate without stress.”

Over the past three years, Mountain Men has been growing and working with other local organisations, like the Yarra Ranges Council,

Mums of the Hills, Foothills Community Care and local Men’s Sheds.

Parenting programs, learn-to-cook sessions, community film screenings and joint advocacy work, including a shared pledge addressing intimate partner violence, have been on the agenda.

“Working together makes a real difference,” said Mr Pawley.

“So many groups are aiming for the same

outcomes - collaboration helps us get there in a healthier way,” he said.

Joining the Mountain Men group has also offered members online support, with Facebook group allowing members to be vulnerable in a safe space.

“It’s a bit more private and focused, with chats and advice and that sort of thing,” said Mr Pawley.

A key focus of the group’s work has been supporting fathers, and after becoming a first time parent himself, Mr Pawley said he wanted to give back and with the group developed dadfocused programs that encourage connection, play and confidence in parenting.

“It’s helping dads get skills with playing and connecting with their kids,” he said.

Mountain Men now runs a dad-led dads’ group featuring hands-on activities such as crafts, naturebased play and outdoor experiences.

“For me, Mountain Men has been an incredibly important support network - not just as an organiser, but as a person,” said Mr Pawley.

“It’s a place where people respect each other’s capacity -there’s no pressure, no arm-twisting, just genuine connection,” he said.

Mountain Men runs events across the Dandenongs, running events and meetups in Emerald, Kalorama, Belgrave South and Upper Ferntree Gully.

The group welcomes men of all ages, including those who may not feel comfortable in more traditional settings.

“If you’re looking for more connection, or you know someone who is - we’d really encourage people to reach out,” said Mr Pawley.

“We’re very welcoming, and there’s a place for everyone.”

Upcoming events and information can be found via the Mountain Men website or Facebook group, where both public event listings and a private discussion space are available.

Formally acknowledged this week, the recognition shines a light not just on one individual, but on the strength of community-led connection across the Hills.

Gordon Buller awarded for a lifetime’s worth of devotion

By Oliver Winn

One of the Yarra River’s most determined protectors, Gordon Buller, received the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for the Australia Day Civic Awards.

Mr Buller was recognised for his tireless commitment to keep Warburton the amazing place it is.

He was working from home when he received a phone call to inform him of his achievement.

“The mayor’s PA rang me and asked if I’d realise I’d won an award and I said, ‘Well, it answers a few queries I had where people were asking me all sorts of sticky nosy questions.’”

“So I put two and two together. I was a little surprised,” Mr Buller said.

A real jack of all trades, Mr Buller’s resume spans most of his life. He began volunteering at 20-years-old after he noticed a deterioration in the Yarra River.

He served as chair of the Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management (UYRRCoM) for over 50 years, was a member of the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Bank Board for several

years, and volunteered for the Warburton Emergency Planning Group for more than 13 years.

Volunteers striving to improve the world

around them have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Civic Awards, with nominees awarded in a ceremony on Monday 26 January.

The awards, presented each year on Australia Day, reward community members who, in the last year, have excelled in making the Yarra Ranges a better place to live in.

Yarra Ranges mayor Richard Higgins congratulated this year’s winners.

“We have an exceptional community, full of people willing to put their hand up and help others, to build resilience, to protect the things we love and grow this beautiful area we call home,” Cr Higgins said.

For an example of Mr Buller’s devotion to Warburton, one needn’t look further than the busy day he had ahead of him when he spoke with the Star Mail.

Before his phone call to the Star Mail, he’d already knocked out a few Justice of the Peace appointments and a committee meeting with the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise.

Come 2pm and his focus is on a Warburton Emergency Group meeting, before he sets off to

work on the local 3799 connect newsletter.

He squeezed in a few hours of paid work in there too.

Mr Buller’s motivation stems from a place of love for Warburton and an obligation to “keep the ship afloat” when others drop out.

He loved Warburton for its “old-worldly” feel - the slow, conservative type of living you can’t experience closer to the suburbs.

“We haven’t got any of the flashness or the newish things that you see when you get further down. There’s nothing substantial, but now we’ve got an IGA coming in that’s probably going to have the latest sliding doors in the front,” he said.

Mr Buller still brims with passion and energy to continue his work for Warburton and its surrounds.

“I sat and saw the other night a lifetime achievement award. Well, what does lifetime mean? Does that mean I’ve got to sign a contract and keep going as long as I live,” he joked.

Volunteers like Mr Buller never work to get attention, but Mr Buller said was grateful for the award.

“It’s nice to be recognised.”

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‘Gentleman Jim’ adds AM

By Mikayla van Loon

He’s known for his racing prowess and ability to conquer the mountain seven times in his career, but Jim Richards has now been bestowed with one of Australia’s highest honours, an Honorary Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

The New Zealand-born race car driver now calls Mooroolbark home and said the AM recognition was a true honour.

“It feels great. The fact that I was born in New Zealand and spent a lot of time there, obviously, Australia now is probably home, and we are Australian residents,” he said.

Jim’s career spans decades, across various motorsports, cars and driving partners, seeing him inducted into both the Australian and New Zealand Motorsports and V8 Supercars Halls of Fame.

Racing was always in his blood, from early on, inspired by his dad.

“As a very young fellow, about 12 years old, I started in carting, the little trolleys, and I suppose from then, I was totally hooked, because I love things mechanical anyway, and cars are just part of that, and what I love are cars,” Jim said.

“My dad was the same; he liked cars as well, and he actually raced motorbikes for a little while on the beach.”

He’s now very well into retirement, always tinkering with his car collection and watching on as his children and grandchildren take up the mantel.

“It’s really good to see them following the things that I used to do. It’s terrific. My son (Steven) is racing cars. Two of my grandchildren are racing cars. So it’s been a pleasant drive,” he said.

“We didn’t push our kids onto it, as our kids didn’t push their kids, and they just loved it from their dads competing and the fact that I competed in quite a long career, they got to see a little bit of what granddad did and what their dads did

“We would love to think that the kids will follow on in what we started, we have great enjoyment watching them all racing.”

Coming to Australia in 1975 to compete, it wasn’t long before Jim was claiming major titles.

“I had the good fortune to be asked to drive with Peter Brock in four of the Bathurst 1000s. So Peter Brock and myself actually won three Bathursts in a row,” he said.

“Pete and I were friends. That’s the good thing. We respected what each other could do on the racetrack, and we respected each other off the track. It’s a real pleasure and a feather in my cap that I actually drove with Brocky and we managed to get three wins together.”

Those wins came in 1978, 1979 and 1980. They each went in different directions then, still competing with other drivers.

Jim was able to grasp four more Bathurst wins in 1991, 1992, 1998 and 2002.

For Jim, Bathurst remains one of the all-time races and race tracks to compete in because of its challenging nature and the test of skill, but also the unpredictability year-to-year.

“It’s probably more challenging than what it looks on TV, because the TV doesn’t really give you a good sense of how tight and how much the track race rises and falls,” he said.

“Bathurst in itself is only once a year, and so everybody wants to win it. But of course, you only get one shot.

“If you happen to get a puncture or something happens to your car, you’re out more or less. It’s something that everyone holds with great respect, because it’s so hard to come through for the finish with all the things that go on during the race.

“If you’ve got two good drivers, a good team, a good car, you’re in with half a chance.”

Preparing for a race such as Bathurst requires pure trust in your co-driver and adaptability, as well as expecting the unexpected.

“When you’re in those big races, the thing is so long, it’s 161 laps. It’s six and a half kilometres per lap. It’s a long race, but two drivers drive in it.

“You can only go as fast as your car will let you go. You drive within your own limits, but at any time, anything can happen.

“I had a kangaroo jump on the track in front of me, which had totalled the front of the car and put us out of the race. So you don’t expect those things to happen.”

Jim described the Mount Panorama track as

“a circuit that is quite cruel”, one where an all-day lead can bring false hope, “and in the last five laps, you might break down”.

“I would prepare myself really with the fact that I never expect to win a race. The pleasure for me is driving the cars and competing, and if you happen to have a win, that’s a good part of the deal.”

Despite conquering the Bathurst 1000 seven times, Jim’s resume also includes three Sandown 500 titles, five Australian Touring Car Championships, a NASCAR Australia Championship, eight Targa Tasmania titles, a Porsche Carrera Cup Championship and two Touring Car Masters Championships.

He’s driven Fords, Holdens, BMWs, Nissans, Volvos and Porches, never fully aligning with one brand over the other.

“It’s good to be noticed and recognised, and that good teams want you to drive for them.”

Always known for his respect, professionalism and racing precision, Jim’s title became ‘Gentleman Jim’, something he continues to embody off the race track.

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

Humbled and surprised

By Mikayla van Loon

The name George McDonald is synonymous with the towns of Mooroolbark and Kilsyth, marking decades of service to his community.

So when Mr McDonald was announced as an honorary recipient of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), Star Mail journalist Mikayla van Loon was not surprised.

It did, however, come as a complete shock to Mr McDonald when they organised a time to speak, forever humble in his achievements.

The nearly 94-year-old has called Mooroolbark home for 58 years, making the move to Australia from Scotland after a job opportunity arose.

Working for American company Rohm and Haas, in May 1967, Mr McDonald’s new life abroad began to develop, although he hadn’t yet worked out where it would take him.

Never shying away from an opportunity, Mr McDonald was asked by the American director to travel to Philadelphia and all over the country to help with the expansion of the company overseas.

“[When I returned to Philadelphia, the directors] said ‘McDonald you’ve got this top job in Australia’ and I said ‘but you’ve never interviewed me’. They said everybody I spoke to in the last few weeks submitted reports about me.”

Mr McDonald, his wife Betty and children George Jnr and Audrey, packed up life in Scotland, bound for Australia in 1968.

It didn’t take long for Mr McDonald to understand the vastness of the country and just how far away everything was.

“When I was the Scottish manager for the company, I could drive anywhere in 12 hours. I was here about five weeks, and I went back to Philadelphia, and I said, ‘Hello, you guys, the information you’re giving me is a farce’. They said, ‘what’s wrong?’” Mr McDonald said.

“I could not visit all these places in less than six months. So they sent a chap across to investigate. This boy came, and he stayed for two weeks. He said, ‘Oh yeah, Australia is different’.

“I was meant to go around to the major clients once every three months. And I said it takes me sometimes two or three days to go to three people, trying to go to Swan Hill one day and somewhere else one day. And just the difference in time and the driving.”

Because of the time Mr McDonald spent travelling overseas and around Australia, Mrs McDonald was beginning to feel homesick.

“Of course, I discovered when I was three months on the road, they had nothing to do at nighttime and they didn’t know anybody,” he said.

“So I went to the local church and said to the minister, ‘you’ve got a church hall here in St Margaret’s Church, can I make a badminton court?’”

Mr McDonald and some friends, on a Sunday, dedicated time to door-knocking within the local community seeking players for a badminton competition.

With the help of the late Bev Trollope as secretary, Mr McDonald helped establish a community, particularly for other UK expats.

Outgrowing the number of members within three months for the church hall, and having the gumption to ask for what was needed, Mr McDonald approached the State government when Pembroke College was proposed to see if the local clubs could use the stadium for badminton.

“After about 12 months, too many people wanted to play,” he said.

By setting up a cooperative where members essentially purchased a share in the badminton courts for $10 each, the State government would guarantee a $90 pay back scheme to raise the funds.

Then known as Mr Pink’s Farm in Kilsyth, which housed a great herd of cattle, the Lilydale Council offered Mr McDonald a portion of the land to build three courts.

Six months later, Mr McDonald was back on the path of building more courts, having outgrown the three. In 1976, another three courts were built and by 1982, the current 12-court stadium was completed – he regards it as his greatest achievement.

In the 1980s, the Mountain District Badminton Association became the largest in Australia.

“I couldn’t believe it. Mooroolbark at that time was nearly full of English and Irish and Scottish people more or less in the early days

(who needed something to do).

“So that was how we evolved in getting badminton and that was all because my wife was homesick and needed something to do.

“But that was the problem, there was nobody doing anything.”

Having helped his wife create friendships, Mr McDonald looked at doing something for his children by establishing the first Mooroolbark billy cart race in 1970.

“The billy carts were about giving them something to do and because we lived on the hill, they played with the billy cart themselves.”

Building relationships, finding friends and making a home was the catalyst for all the work Mr McDonald did in the Mooroolbark and Kilsyth communities.

This led to the establishment of the 360 Club and the Mooroolbark Senior Citizens Centre.

In recent years, Mr McDonald has served on the Celebrate Mooroolbark Festival committee and has been a major supporter of the Shop 16 Community Connect initiative in Mooroolbark.

He was also a founding member of the Kilsyth Community Action Group in 2014.

Where possible, he still attends committee meetings, contributing to these community events and projects, and looks forward to seeing Celebrate Mooroolbark come to life in March.

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

Dunn’s love for sport

By Gabriella Vukman

From volunteering at the Olympics and Commonwealth games, to being on the leadership team of just about every sports club in the Mt Evelyn region, Terence Dunn could quite possibly be the world’s most sport-crazed person.

Mr Dunn has received an Order of Australia Medal for his service to community sport.

“I had no idea until I got a letter from the Governor-General’s office letting me know I had been nominated and was under consideration,” Mr Dunn said.

“I really do love helping people, and I feel pretty proud,” Mr Dunn said.

At 88 years young, Mr Dunn is still a whizz on the Cricket field and trains regularly in the nets.

“Things haven’t changed because I’ve just come back from rolling my arm over at the nets,” Mr Dunn said.

“I play veterans cricket, and I’m actually playing on Monday in a special one-off over-80s match”.

Alongside his extensive list of sports volunteering and community service, Mr Dunn was a sports teacher and head of the sports faculty at Mount Lilydale for over forty years.

Responsible for running many extracurricular activities and inspiring young people to participate in sports both inside and outside of school, Mr Dunn made it onto the school’s Mercy College Honour Roll in 2024 for his outstanding service.

“I took an interest in everyone I taught,” Mr Dunn said.

“Weightlifting at school was run at lunchtime so that the kids that didn’t normally participate in sport had something to do and somewhere to go and something to put their energy into,” he said.

“A lot of the kids needed to find their place, and so getting them to go from school into a club and provide some opportunities for people to see what is beyond their little bubble and keep them

busy and connected.”

Mr Dunn would arrange after-school running events to connect the teachers with the local athletics club, too.

Before he entered the teaching field, Mr Dunn was a full-time hairdresser.

“I left school in year eight and started hairdressing. I kept it up on the weekends while I was teaching, Mr Dunn said.

“We moved to Mt Evelyn, and I saw an ad in the local paper saying that Mount Lilydale College was looking for a part-time sports teacher, so I applied and got the job,” he said.

Mr Dunn also has a House named after him at the college.

While Mr Dunn stated that he is happy he “got the blue house” which his daughters had also been in, Mr Dunn expressed his apologies for “Kicking a nun out”, as the house was originally named after Catherine McCauley, a former nun at the school.

After being captain of the over 60s team at Mount Evelyn Cricket Club, Mr Dunn represented Australia in the over 70s Cricket Ashes series in the United Kingdom in 2013 and 2015.

Mr Dunn said, “I didn’t even know there was a team going when I got a phone call from the president of veterans cricket saying I’d been selected.”

“There were lots of forms to fill out and I’m not that good on computers and stuff like that so one chap called Michael Johnson who worked at the school with me, helped me get all the paperwork done”, Mr Dunn said.

“Then I went to England and played, but unfortunately, it was a pretty wet summer over there, and we got washed out a fair bit. But it was fun, I enjoyed it.”

Volunteering at the Sydney Olympics and Melbourne Commonwealth Games were also major highlights for Mr Dunn.

“I got to see the basketball, volleyball, badminton, and the European handball,” Mr Dunn

said.

“I particularly enjoyed seeing the men’s final of the 100 metres at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne,” he said.

“That was really exciting, particularly because I competed in veteran athletics for about 40 years.”

From founding the Mount Evelyn Veterans cricket side, to volunteering for the Red Cross Collection and being a Justice of the Peace for 32 years, helping the local community has always been a large part of Mr Dunn’s life.

“When I was a JP, I liked to help people who were having trouble sorting out their finances and stuff like that,” Mr Dunn said.

“Helping the people that sometimes get overlooked has been a big part of what I have tried to do”, he said.

Described as a “connector” by his daughter Sally Dunn, Mr Dunn treasures and excels at the social aspects of teaching, hairdressing, and sports.

“I love talking to people,” Mr Dunn said.

“I am always interested in finding out their stories.”

“You meet some interesting people, and it is fun getting to know them,” he said.

Football player for the Melbourne Demons, Brian Dixon, was just one of the many friends Mr Dunn made through hairdressing.

Mr Dunn said, “One Saturday morning Brian hopped in the chair, and I said, ‘What are you doing today?’ He said, ‘I’m playing footy.’ I said, ‘Whereabouts?’ He replied, ‘The MCG’.”

“He was a customer for life until he left teaching and he went into politics,” Mr Dunn said.

Mr Dunn’s daughter, Sally Dunn, confirmed that her father has been an incredible role model for her.

“I always saw my dad as a connector because he could talk to anyone. He just starts talking about sports, and that’s it”, Ms Dunn said.

“While I have a completely different personality to him, and don’t really talk to randos, that aspect of connection and the sense that everyone deserves a fair go has definitely been passed down to us,” Ms Dunn said.

“That’s where teaching comes into it. We are all teachers, and we all put in that effort to find a way to get kids who wouldn’t usually be involved, involved, and help them connect.”

“For us as Terry’s daughters and our kids, it’s about feeling connected to others and to what’s going on in the world via sport.”

Mr Dunn was nominated by Mount Lilydale Mercy College, much to his own surprise and that of his daughters.

“We were all so shocked when we found out Dad had been nominated,” Ms Dunn said.

“We looked up the process, and it actually takes a lot of work to nominate someone,e and so Dad is really proud and shocked that they bothered,” Ms Dunn said.

“For them to want to take the effort to do that, it’s just really, really beautiful.”

Revisiting their father’s achievements has been a joyous occasion for Mr Dunn’s daughters.

“For us as Terry’s daughters, we have just seen Dad do this his whole li,fe and I think all of us are a little bit complacent in thinking that this is how people live and this is what people do,” Ms Dunn said.

“Reflecting on what Dad has done and how people view him has been a bit of a shock to us as well. He actually is a little bit extraordinary,” she said.

“It is wonderful that he is being recognised for being a good person.”

Ms Dunn, incredibly proud of her father, noted his selfless nature.

“It was never about the accolades. It was never about being seen. It was just second nature to connect and draw people in”, she said.

PREVENTION FIRST, INVESTING IN YOUR HEALTH

Invest in your health

Ina busy clinic, it’s easy to think the GP is only for when you’re sick. But some of the most worthwhile appointments are the ones you book when you’re feeling fine. Preventive care is about staying a step ahead—spotting risks early, supporting healthier habits, and dealing with small issues before they grow into bigger problems.

At Main Street Medical and Main Street Cosmetic and Skin in Lilydale, prevention is a core part of what we do. That can be as simple as using a routine visit to check blood pressure, review medications, update vaccinations, or talk through sleep, stress and lifestyle—because early action, repeated over time, can make a real difference.

The basics still matter. Regular reviews of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, smoking or vaping, alcohol intake and physical activity can lower the risk of chronic illness and help people stay active and independent for longer. Prevention also includes keeping up to date with recommended screening—such as bowel and cervical screening—along with prostate health discussions when appropriate and regular skin checks, particularly in a country where sun exposure is part of everyday life. When problems are picked up early, treatment is often simpler and outcomes are generally better. For many patients, the most practical way to focus on prevention is through a structured Medicare health assessment (bulk-billed where eligible). These longer appointments create space to look at the bigger picture: overall health, screen-

ing, vaccinations, medications, risk factors and a plan for the months ahead. At Main Street Medical, we offer a range of assessments, including:

• 75+ health assessments.

• Menopause and midlife health assessments.

• 45–49 year health assessments (for eligible atrisk patients).

• Diabetes, DVA and disability health assessments.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments.

A recent addition to the team strengthens that prevention focus even further. Dr Navid Afsharipour (M.D., FRACGP) has joined Main Street Medical as a full-time GP, bringing a calm, thorough style and a strong interest in preventive care and chronic disease management. He has been practising since 2008, with clinical interests spanning skin cancer medicine and surgery, dermatology, women’s health, cosmetic and aesthetic medicine, and mental health.

Of course, prevention works best when care is connected. The clinic also provides access to allied health services including dietetics, diabetes education, physiotherapy, psychology and speech pathology, with on-site pathology and pharmacy for added convenience. Visiting specialists—including a consultant gynaecologist and a general surgeon, help patients access timely specialist input closer to home.

• For more information or to book an appointment, visit msmedical.com.au

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

A life of guiding others

By Mikayla van Loon

“It makes you look back on your life, and it’s a recognition that I was doing something worthwhile.”

Lionel Parrott, 86, was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) as part of the Australia Day honours, recognising his service to the community in several ways but mostly for his commitment to guiding young people into careers.

And it was his own experience finding the right employment path and navigating university that allowed Mr Parrott to succeed in helping others.

“My second year at university was a complete disaster. It showed me that brilliant results are not the only thing; you can learn a lot from other situations,” he said.

Born in January 1940, Mr Parrott lived through the depression and was always encouraged by his father to get a “safe and easy job in the public service or bank”.

But with accounting being his best subject at school, Mr Parrott ignored his father’s advice to take on a traineeship with an accounting firm. He lasted 18 months.

Still wanting to pursue accounting, Mr Parrott took on a role as an accounts and records clerk at a distillery but soon decided it wasn’t the right environment for him.

“I looked at social work. And then I thought, I’m headed in the direction of the church. So I spent the next four years, more or less, doing an arts degree in history and philosophy, and working towards becoming a minister,” he said.

“Then I decided that wasn’t quite where I wanted to be, because you have this perception of people in the church being fairly close to perfect, but then I couldn’t handle the political side.”

Through a connection of his father’s, Mr Parrott acquired a job with a gas and fuel organisation.

“It got me into pretty well every corner of the gas and fuel, which meant getting a very good understanding of what people actually did,” he said.

Still struggling with this path, however, Mr Parrott sought work under a previous boss at Fibremakers in organisation and management work, solving organisational problems.

“I was asked to do a review of the personnel department, and at the end of that, the personnel manager said, ‘You wouldn’t want to be doing this for the rest of your life. What would you like to do?’

“I said, ‘Personnel work looks interesting’. I became the staff and employment officer at the age of about 26.”

It was through this role that he discovered his true path.

“We used to try to employ about eight graduates a year. So that meant we participated in the program that most universities run, which is getting companies to come out and talk to graduates interested in working.”

Mr Parrott applied for a role as a careers and development counsellor at Monash University. He unfortunately missed out the first time but reapplied a few months later and was successful.

“I used to tag along with (prospective students adviser Rick Belshaw) on a few of his visits to schools, talking about the advantages of staying in school. Not promoting Monash, just the concept of higher education,” Mr Parrott said.

“I counted up one time the number of organisations that I dealt with. It was more than 100.”

Mr Parrott built his career from counsellor to director of the career planning and development department, finishing his time at Monash University as acting manager of the professional development centre in 1997.

He was awarded a Monash University Fellowship in 2015.

Looking to improve education opportunities at every level, Mr Parrott sat on the executive committee for the Association of Independent Schools Victoria from 1989 to 1992.

He was also a founding member of the Inde-

pendent Schools Victoria Block Grant Authority, which he served from 1990 to 2004.

It allowed independent schools to apply for a capital grant each year. Around 30 to 40 schools would typically apply, and Mr Parrott, alongside the chairman, would visit each school to understand the need.

“We noticed that some schools didn’t seem to have any clear direction about where they were going.

“So we were able to use the interest the money generated to set up building plans for the school that filled a much-needed gap.”

His passion for independent schools saw him advise the establishment of Billanook College in 1980, later serving as chair and becoming a life governor.

He later joined Billanook Primary School as a mentor.

“I spent 15 years mentoring children across a range of spectrums, from the very bright to the struggling. It was very rewarding.

“So that took me to a variety of activities, foot-

ball, kicking a soccer ball, playing down ball, and Uno. And the kids didn’t mind cheating.”

Joining his colleague, Peter Harris, on a trip to Cairns, Mr Parrott worked to improve the longevity of attendance for young Indigenous students at a remote school.

While his career has spanned decades and institutions, Mr Parrot said it was always the chance encounters with former students who came to him seeking advice that made it worthwhile.

“I used to bump into people every so often. I bumped into (one student), and he said, ‘Do you remember me? You probably saved my life with the advice you gave me’.

“He was having doubts about accounting in his second year. I told him ‘Well, why don’t you defer the subjects that are causing you concern, but first talk to the academics, because you might be going a lot better than you think you are, and get yourself a job working as an accountant and see if you really like it.

“So that’s what he decided to do and it was what he wanted to do. He’s now a driving force.”

OAM awarded to Yarra Ranges councillor Jim Child

By Oliver Winn

O’Shannassy Ward councillor Jim Child received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his unwavering dedication to the Yarra Ranges.

Cr Child was one of 680 award recipients for the 2026 Australia Day Honours List, which includes people recommended to the Governor-General by the Council of the Order of Australia.

He said he was “extremely humbled” to be receiving the award.

“The way I look at it is that I’m a recipient of this for our community, because I take immense pride in representing our community,” Cr Child said.

He was noted for his contribution to community resilience and his response in managing many significant events as council mayor.

“The horrific storms we had back in 2021 and the recovery process from that and also recovery from Covid-19 as well. They were immense events which our community had to deal with,” Cr Child said.

“What we’ve got to be proud of is our community because they’re strong and they’re resilient and I see that on a day-to-day basis continually.”

His service to local government is unique as he was shire president for the Shire of Upper Yarra in 1985, before it amalgamated into the Yarra Ranges Council, where he later became mayor in 2012-2013.

He would then go on to serve as mayor from 2021 to 2025 and was put in charge of the June 2021 storms and Covid-19.

Being a descendant of the first Europeans to settle on Wurundjeri land in the Yarra Ranges, Cr Child said he was continuing the work of those before him to make the region a great place.

“The defining point for me is that it’s to be able to take the community on a journey of a long respect for each other and we’re on this journey together, that’s so important for me.”

He thanked his family for supporting him throughout the years.

“Family’s a very important part on this journey. I’ve expressed this a few times, Teresa and myself don’t have children, but to have a backstop like my wife Teresa is so important.

“I think that that’s probably my greatest piece in this journey is to have that strong family reliance and backup.”

He also pointed to the connection he has with the other councillors, highlighting the importance of the culture at the Yarra Ranges Council.

“The relationship I have with the officers, the councillors, and to come back into council in 2012, and to have that journey with the officers and councillors is so important.”

“We’ve had a change in CEOs, we’ve had a change in councillors, but that culture we have and the way we work together is extremely important and that‘s why we get good things done on the ground.”

Cr Child said he was honouring the spirit of community in receiving the OAM.

“It is the countless volunteers, the dedicated staff, the emergency services personnel, and the

local groups who form the backbone of our recovery and our future.

“They embody the true spirit of service and community, and it is their unwavering commitment that I am honouring today.”

He said it was “humbling” to have been elected as a council mayor (and president) five times by his peers.

But for the council as a whole, he noted the completion of the Warburton Bike Park as one of the biggest achievements he’s made with the council.

“I’ve got to say that the journey that we’ve been on, that has been absolutely consuming for me for all the time that I’ve been on council since 2012.

“That journey has been strongly supported by the council of the day and we may have had different councillors over that period of time, but every single resolution motion that came before the council was unanimously supported for that project.

“I think that shows a great acceptance of the project and now it’s being delivered,” Cr Child said.

He said his OAM will emblemise the beauty of the Yarra Ranges and the strength of those who reside within it.

“This medal will serve as a constant reminder of the incredible people of the Yarra Ranges and the ongoing work we share to keep our communities safe, strong, vibrant, and resilient.”

Rodeo revellers turned out in their droves to the Yarra Glen Racecourse for the 2026 Yarra Valley Pro Rodeo.

The resilience of riders was clear to see in the ring, with every rider cheered on by the crowd regardless, whether they were a young rider giving it a go or an experienced pro who’d taken a heavy tumble.

There was also plenty of fun for families, including a mullet competition, a clown, jumping castles, the ever-popular mechanical bull and other activities.

Many riders and attendees from recently fire-affected regions made the pilgrimage and in a show of support, $5000 from the event was donated to the Alexandra Fire Brigade. The generosity didn’t stop there with a number of other donations announce for different causes, including cancer research.

Food trucks, numerous bars and other stalls ensured no one went without, with a number of local businesses represented and local volunteers helping ensure everything ran smoothly.

Manosphere school fears

By Oliver Winn

The concerning rise of misogynistic behaviour among young men has been brought to the fore as school returns in the Yarra Ranges for 2026.

It’s a trend documented by many research studies with female teachers often being targeted by sexist behaviours that range from subtle comments undermining authority, to digital sexual abuse.

The growth of the “manosphere” - an online network promoting toxic and rigid masculinity norms - has been directly linked to the disturbing phenomenon.

Dr Stephanie Wescott, a culture and society lecturer at Monash University, said because of this, positive role models have never been more important.

“The parents of young people might think, ‘They’re not interested in what I have to say, all they care about is whoever is online’,” Dr Wescott said.

“But it’s not true. It’s still important to say those things and to demonstrate in your home what a safe, emotionally expressive and expansive and psychologically healthy adult can look like, because they will be absorbing that.”

Her sentiment was echoed by Heath Pawley, who is the secretary of the Yarra Ranges based men’s group Mountain Men.

He said the male caregivers focus group run by Mountain Men showed men how to lead by example to model positive behaviours, overpowering the influence of the manosphere.

“You can’t just tell them to respect their mother for example, you’ve obviously got to respect their mother as well. It’s something that’s definitely led by example,” Mr Pawley said.

Data from the House, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (Hilda) survey revealed a significant uptick of young men increasingly believing in traditional gender norms in the past few years.

Social media algorithms, optimised for extreme, highly engaging content, are capturing the attention of young boys and luring them into the rabbit hole.

For example, a 2024 study from the University College London and University of Kent found that TikTok accounts modelled on teenage boys detected a four-fold increase of manosphere and anti-feminist content over a five day period.

Recent instances of female teachers and students experiencing heightened sexism and harassment reveals the disturbing real-world consequences of the rise in misogyny.

In 2024 two Yarra Valley Grammar School boys were expelled after a list which ranked girls from “wifeys” to “unrapeable” was discovered.

Multiple horrific reports of sexually explicit images of female students and teachers generated using artificial intelligence have occurred, such as the instance at Bacchus Marsh grammar.

A 2024 University of Melbourne research article found those who hold misogynist and rac-

What constitutes leadership?

By Maria Millers

As we lean into the heat of summer with the dread that it brings in places prone to fires and health risks to the vulnerable, it’s also that time of year when we recognise and celebrate the special people in our communities showing what it truly means to be Australian and a leader in a chosen field.

All the nominees for Australian of the Year showed leadership in their particular field.

Astronaut and space engineer Katherine Benell-Pegg has been named Australian of the Year on Sunday.

Also honoured were: a pioneer in dementia treatment, Professor Henry Brodaty, an endurance runner raising money and awareness of homelessness and a First Nation construction leader.

Indeed the question of leadership has recently been dominating politics not only locally but also internationally.

And it raises the question whether leadership is innate or learnt: nature versus nurture?

Visiting me for a few weeks has been a grand - daughter with her two adorable fraternal twin girls, aged two and a half. Watching them at play, you could quickly see that at this stage one was definitely ‘in charge’.

Interestingly, at birth she had been the smaller of the two.

This of course may change as they grow older but whether leadership is innate or learned is still debated.

A lot of people argue that there's a crisis in leadership today. Some of the concerns include political polarization, declining trust in institutions, and the rise of populism, which sometimes leads to more divisive or short-term focused leadership.

This has become a prominent political talking point following Bondi. I have already written about how unedifying it was to see the political point scoring and maneuvering at a time when so many were hurting and how it seemed there was no one picking up the mantle of leadership.

Which raises the question of how do we define leadership and how do we evaluate it?

One definition would be that leadership is essentially the ability to guide, influence, or inspire others toward achieving a common goal. In this case it was the immediate response to ensure security and safety of the whole commu-

WOORILLA WORDS

nity and at the same time provide support to a traumatized group.

Overall, the definition and understanding of leadership have evolved over time and often depends on the cultural and historical context.

Ultimately, with the right combination of education, experience, and support, people can definitely grow into effective leaders So it's a mixed bag, but definitely a topic of ongoing discussion and concern.

Today more and more collaborative and visionary leadership is needed, which many feel is lacking. And in a liberal democracy a government is only as good as its opposition.

Philosophers have looked at leadership from many angles. Plato emphasized the idea of philosopher-kings, leaders who are wise and virtuous. Aristotle viewed leadership as a form of moral virtue and practical wisdom.

More modern thinkers have examined leadership in terms of authority types, such as charismatic, traditional, and legal-rational authority.

Leadership in literature and poetry is often depicted in a rich and nuanced way. In many classic works, leaders are portrayed as heroic figures, often facing moral dilemmas or embodying virtues like courage, wisdom, and sacrifice. Epic tales like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey explore leadership through characters like Achilles and Odysseus, who demonstrate both strengths and flaws.

Poets like W.B. Yeats often reflect on power, complexities and failures of leadership in their works.

The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity.

William Butler Yeats — The Second Coming A warning poem: when good people hesitate, destructive leaders rush in

ist beliefs are more likely to agree with extremist ideologies and be accepting of gender-based violence.

The pernicious effects of social media was one of the reasons Mountain Men formed - to get men off social media and out into the world.

“Youth are finding these misogynistic groups or figures online, but the online world in my opinion, it’s not real.

“The actual startup of Mountain Men was really a drive to get people off their phones and off Facebook and back into the real world and connecting people into reality,” Mr Pawley said.

Ms Wescott said in the end, critical thinking and digital literacy needs to be taught from an early age to young people in order to see through the manosphere’s facade of self-improvement.

“The better solution is to do the critical thinking and to do the critical digital literacy as young as possible. So to help people understand that everything they see on social media is persuasive, is intended to be persuasive. It’s not neutral content.

“You have to understand what the motives are of the person who’s made that content and how they want to make you feel or how they want to make you think and how they benefit from that,” Ms Wescott said.

Mr Pawley hopes fathers will take the lead and demonstrate what good, respectful men look like.

“I think one of the key things is having inperson male role models who are positive, being coaches, being teachers, being necessarily family male role models who might be in this person’s life.

“I think it’s really important to seek out support and these positive role models in real life,” he said.

Or Rudyard Kipling who frames leadership as calm under pressure showing integrity, and endurance. The leader here isn’t loud—just unshakeable:

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs…”

But what if as Shakespeare wrote in Twelfth Night: Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.

One such leader was our wartime Prime Minister, John Curtin who came to power after the collapse of the then United Australia Party.

A deeply ethical man and always honest with the people, he led Australia through the war with courage and integrity. A trusted leader who battled his own demon of heavy drinking and died exhausted before the end of the war.

Add to that Churchill, Roosevelt and Nelson Mandela all who were able to show outstanding leadership when called upon.

If we look at some contemporary leaders, we can see a mix of natural traits and developed skills.

For example, leaders like Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand is often noted for her empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence—qualities that are both innate and honed over time.

Her finest hour was extraordinary leadership following the Christchurch massacre.

Hope and history rhyme.

Seamus Heaney — From The Cure at Troy

That said today such a figure is yet to emerge. Because of the interconnected nature of today’s world it means that leadership often comes from multiple sources—international organisations, coalitions, and grassroots movements.

While a single world leader might seem like a solution, it’s often more about collective leadership and cooperation across nations and communities. Still, the idea of a unifying global leader is definitely a powerful and compelling vision.

Political leadership does have some distinct characteristics compared to other forms of leadership, like business or community leadership.. They often have to balance competing interests, manage public opinion, and maintain accountability to constituents and stakeholders.

Today’s leaders face what has been called a values transition period and it seems that poli-

tics hasn’t caught up.

Tensions exist about national identity, economic inequality, climate and cultural pluralism.

Leadership usually emerges when someone is unafraid to articulate what they stand for and offer solutions and own the consequences.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson put it: Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Until that tension resolves, Australia is likely to keep producing leaders who feel underwhelming. Nor is this a uniquely Australian problem, but a global leadership malaise. But because of our strong institutions like courts and electoral system, it is easier for leaders to coast along. Politics becomes transactional rather than representative and independents flourish Australia remains a stable parliamentary democracy with functioning institutions.

What’s striking is not breakdown of the system, but widespread frustration that political leadership isn’t meeting public expectations.

Contemporary poets also offer fascinating perspectives by exploring leadership through lenses of social justice, activism, and personal integrity.

In essence, poetry often brings a more personal and socially aware dimension to the concept of leadership, inviting readers to reflect on both the power and the responsibility of leaders in today’s world.

Drive my dead thoughts over the universe

Like wither’d leaves to quicken a new birth!

Shelley saw leadership as the ability to spread ideas that spark renewal. But in another poem he warns about arrogance, empire and how power collapses into dust

Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair

Percy Bysshe Shelley — Ozymandias

Ultimately, if we want better leaders we should engage more in the political process or suffer the consequences and leave ourselves open to authoritarian leaders, as Bertolt Brecht warned in his savage satire, The Solution, blaming apathetic citizens for their own oppression: Would it not be easier

For the government

To dissolve the people

And elect another?

Discover the last frontier

By Lee McCarthy

DISCOVER the ‘White Continent’, fabulous Antarctica and sail with Viking’s Antarctic Explorervoyageforthirteenmagnificentdays.

Journey to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula, a landscape defined by blue-hued icebergs, immense glaciers and snow-covered shores.

Walk in the footsteps of great explorers and venture into the world’s last truly wild frontier and participate in meaningful science on board Viking’s state-of-the-art expedition vessel.

Each day can bring unexpected wonders as guests embrace the ever-changing Antarctic weather as the ship sails pristine waters in search of epic wildlife.

The embarkation city, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Its splendid setting, tucked between the Beagle Channel and the southernmost slopes of the Andes, lends it an outpost atmosphere, as do the Antarctic explorers readying for the expeditions that depart from here.

Purpose-built for expeditions, Viking’s ships provide superior handling, comfort and stability even in the roughest seas.

Just some of the extra benefits guests receive on joining a Viking cruise include 24 hour room service, king size bed with luxury linens and pillow, floor to ceiling heated drying closets for expedition gear, heated bathroom floor with spacious glass enclosed shower, anti-fog mirrors, premium Freyja toiletries, free Wi-Fi connection, 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas and bottled water, beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Centre, self-service launderettes.

All this and much more including a Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge, all Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions and one complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call

A fleet of military pro zodiacs, Special Operations Boats, two-seater kayaks and two yellow submarines enhance traveller’s experience, and all the inclusions ensure guests make the most of their expedition without having to keep paying extra.

Antarctica has inspired explorers and adventurers for centuries. In this icy wilderness, guests will marvel at icebergs glimmering in serene bays

and mountains cloaked in white rising from the mainland basalt cliffs.

These stunning landscapes evoke both utter tranquillity as Weddell seals lounge on ice floes, and breathtaking drama as glaciers thunderously calve into the sea.

In these cold and nutrient-rich waters, humpback, fin and minke whales have been known to greet expedition ships that venture into their habitat.

As with all Viking ships, the expedition vessel doubles as a classroom in which travellers can learn more about the next destination by joining the Viking ‘Resident Scientist’ for lunch on board before heading back out to explore.

Guests can choose to get explore with dedicated experts in their field or relax and enjoy from the comfort of the ship. Those who choose to stay onboard can relax amid the luxurious and beautiful appointed surroundings in comfort, with heated couches and lava rock ‘firepits,’ allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature.

On offer right now and for those who book before 31 March is Vikings “Fly free, flight upgrade credit or save up to $2,500 per couple.” The cruise is priced from $19,795 per person in a Deluxe Nordic Balcony. For further information please contact Viking on 138 747 or Viking.com.

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Full-Board River Cruise

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

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

Fully Escorted Barossa Valley Tours

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

Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours

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, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

Bergen

29

From

in

Stateroom From $32,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

ICONS OF THE VIKING AGE

Bergen to Copenhagen or vice versa

22 DAYS • 8 COUNTRIES • 17 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAY-AUG 2028

From $21,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $26,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

BRITISH ISLES & IRELAND

Belfast to London or vice versa

15 DAYS • 4 COUNTRIES • 13 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-MAY, JUL-SEP 2027; APR-SEP 2028

From $13,295pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $15,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

*Choose one offer per booking (all guests must select the same): Companion Fly Free (Economy) up to AU$2,500 per couple (code CFE25) OR Business Class Air Credit AU$2,500 per couple (CFB25) OR Cruise-Only Save AU$2,500 per couple (CRX25). Valid on selected 2026–2028 Viking Ocean voyages. New bookings only, prices in AUD per person (twin share), subject to availability, not combinable. Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond based on 28 June 2028 departure. Icons of the Viking Age based on 11 May 2028 departure. British Isles & Ireland based on 17 April 2028 departure. Booking window: 02 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026 (AEDT). Full T&Cs: viking.com.

Farewelling an old friend

On 16 January, the Lilydale Croquet Club farewelled Alan Jones, a longtime member of the croquet club.

Alan loved being outdoors, whether it was paddling his canoe in the Murray River Marathon, riding his bike in the Simpson Desert, bush walking or playing croquet, Alan would put his heart and soul into whatever he took on.

Alan was a great clubman; he was always there to lend a hand, whether it was giving advice to less experienced players to help them improve their game or helping out around the club in any way he could. Alan was a very accomplished woodworker and made a number of things for the club, such as the cabinet that holds the club’s historical mallet, the club championship honour board, and, along with another member, Glenn Crook, made quite a number of croquet mallets for the club.

Alan captained the club’s Level Play teams to victory in the 2024 Spring and 2025 Autumn South East Metro Competition, and his name is on a number of other winning plaques as well.

Alan and his wife Coral lived in Healesville for many years, where he was actively involved in the local community, being a member of the local Probus Club and also the local Men’s Shed. The thing that stands out above all of Alan’s achievements is the fact that he was a damn good bloke and liked by all.

Vale Alan Jones, 1941-2025 RIP OLD FRIEND Your mates at Lilydale Croquet Club

Bushfire readiness

Our community knows the unforgiving and unpredictable nature of bushfires all too well.

Living in the bushfire prone Yarra Ranges and neighbouring the dense bushland of Murrindindi and Baw Baw Shires, it is crucial to remain diligent and abreast of emergency situations as conditions can change in a heartbeat.

This was proven with the recent Longwood bushfires which decimated nearby townships, homes, stock, crops and land.

I know many people personally who have lost their homes or who had to wait to see if their homes were still standing - it is a truly awful and emotional time.

Farmers are now desperately trying to keep living stock fed and watered.

With out fencing it is all the more difficult, more so again if they lost their house or equipment shed.

Disposing of deceased stock is heart wrenching.

Access remains difficult with too many smouldering trees falling randomly across highways and roads.

Excavation crews are working round the clock to make the roads safer but for most of last week, access could only be gained through a police and CFA escorted convoy.

The state of

affairs

Cindy McLeish MP Member for Eildon

not, where is the closest relief centre for animals, farm and domestic animals? Will you stay to defend your home?

If you do, do you have the required equipment and plans to be as safe as possible?

It is imperative you know your choices.

Making uninformed or rushed decisions is what often leads to risky situations or inescapable disaster.

A sequel even better

Our local CFA volunteers work hard to provide guidelines for community members to ensure safety in the face of bushfires and housefires.

With power and phone lines down efforts are hampered somewhat.

My office and I are doing all we can to assist those in need via calls, emails, social media and being out amongst the community. For several days I was glued to my phone trying to sort out problems and streamline processes.

Support efforts are underway as recovery begins. Contact my office if you need assistance and we will help in ironing out any issues.

This has been a stark reminder for many to have an updated bushfire action plan in place to detail what you and your family will do during times of emergency such as this.

Where will you go if ordered to evacuate? What will you pack? Can you bring your animals? And if

This of course slowed the delivery of hay and fuel and return to peoples properties to assess the damage.

It is up to us to take that advice on board and action it with a sense of urgency.

Heeding emergency warnings, planning ahead, being aware of nearby fires, keeping an eye on wind directions and what a wind change can mean for you, can all play a part in keeping your family safe.

Many of us are counting our lucky stars that the Longwood fires did not spread further, causing more widespread destruction, thanks to the selfless and tireless efforts of our incredible CFA volunteers.

We remain grateful to our CFA Units who have again gone above and beyond, fighting tirelessly against the fires to protect the community.

Please prepare your property and make sure you have a plan.

AI generated content and its murky use

As a writer, translator, reader and reviewer, I am against the use of AI-generated content in any literary work.

But this is a complex issue.

Therefore, in this article, I am outlining some of the recent trends regarding the use of AI-generated content.

In the next article, I will discuss how to detect AI generated content.

Firstly, as the Australian Society of Authors points out: “New technologies out to serve our community and unlock new opportunities for our creative industries. If regulated appropriately, AI represents a chance to support Australian authors, artists and publishers rather than displace our creators to the detriment of our nation’s unique cultural landscape.”

Meanwhile, the Authors Guild, as the oldest and largest professional organisation for writers in the United States, recently introduced this clause: “Author shall not be required to use generative AI or to work from AI-generated text. Authors shall disclose to publisher if any AI-generated text is included in the submitted manuscript, and may not include more than five per cent AI-generated text.”

Indeed, AI is supposed to be a tool that supports creators.

As is the case with all tools ever invented throughouthumanity,responsibleuseisthekey.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

The Authors Guild further advised that AI technologies can be used to assist in the creation of a literary work, as long as (1) the work substantially comprises human creation and (2) a human artist has control over, and reviews and approves, each word in the work.

So it comes down to a writer’s choice.

On those occasions where generative AI is used, would that writer be responsible and transparent about it?

Dave Malone, a poet and screenwriter based in Missouri, recently published his AACC framework – AI Attribution and Creative Content – as a “transparency framework for creators”.

The framework’s focus is to distinguish between “AI-assisted” and “AI-generated”.

In Malone’s view, “AI-assisted” means a work of art should be originated by a human artist, who will make “all major creative decisions and is responsible for the final work”.

In this process, AI can contribute by helping to generate, modify or enhance the work’s content.

In this case, the human artist should provide a “transparency statement” that the work is created by [Creator’s Name] and AI-assisted by [AI Name]. On the other hand, “AI-generated” means the role of a human artist remains “conceptual, curatorial, and editorial”, while AI “creates the primary content from the creator’s prompts and direction”.

In this case, the human artist should provide a “transparency statement” that the work is AI generated by [AI Name] with concept by [Creator’s Name].

Would every human writer out there be responsible and transparent about their use of AI technologies in creating their literary works, as suggested by the framework cited here?

I doubt it.

But I think Malone has made an excellent point: “AI is a tool, and, like any tool, it reveals the skill of the person using it. Label your work. Help audiences understand your process. Be honest about how you’re working… Be transparent. It’s that simple.”

What’s coming up in February

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

The Games Afoot

Or Homes for the Holidays us a farce murder mystery. A “Who Dunnit” set in 1936 where the famous Broadway star William Gillette invites his cast of actors for Christmas at his Connecticut castle only for a murder to occur.

Gillette quickly channels his most famous detective (Sherlock Holmes) to find the killer before another victim falls prey. It’s a fast-paced play filled with classic mystery tropes, Shakespearean humour, and surprising twists and turns, blending farce with suspense.

A real laugh out loud comedy.

• Season: February 12 – 28.

The 1812 Theatre

Clue on Stage

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is an hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery.

The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests, each disguised as characters from a board game, assemble for an unusual dinner party; only to find themselves embroiled in murder, blackmail, and mayhem, as they try to uncover the killer amongst them.

• Season: February 19 – March 14.

Gemco Players Community Theatre 2026 Murder Mystery Dinner

Dress to impress with your finest 1920’s gear! Make up a table with friends to solve the murder.

A three-course meal is provided, with vegetarian and gluten free options. The price of the ticket includes diner, show and a glass of bubbly!

The menu includes delectable options for vegetarians as well as gluten-free alternatives, ensuring that all guests can indulge in the culinary experience without worry. The ticket price covers not just the sumptuous dinner but also an engaging show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, along with a complimentary glass of bubbly to blast your detective skills and the evening’s activities.

• Season: Saturday February 7 from 6 pm – 10 pm.

28 Years Later:

MA15+

4.5/5

Directed by Nia DaCosta, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is an even better sequel to one of my favourite films of last year.

In a postapocalyptic UK, Spike (Alfie Williams), the protagonist of 28 Years Later, is forcefully inducted into a roving gang of killers, and Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) develops a relationship with a powerful zombie he names Samson (Chi LewisParry).

A triumph of tension and character growth, The Bone Temple is a film of contrasts: nastier and yet more whimsical than its predecessor, and with the central themes of empathy and sadism.

Fiennes is clearly having a blast as Kelson, a dedicated, compassionate doctor with a love of theatrics and classic British pop, and Lewis-Parry is enthralling as a towering monster whose rage slowly subsides under Kelson’s care. Jack O’Connell is utterly chilling as Sir Jimmy Crystal, who leads his Fingers gang (modelled after Jimmy Saville) with sadistic charisma.

Like with the soldiers in the original 28 Days Later from 2002, you fear the humans more than the zombies: The Bone Temple’s second act juxtaposes Kelson and Samson’s fascinating, even amusing bond with a stomach-churning torture scene, contrasting Samson’s potentially curable savagery with Jimmy’s completely lucid cruelty. Jimmy and Kelson’s brilliantly-written confrontation also considers how faith and delusion react when colliding with reality.

28 Years Later had several stylised dream sequences and scenes of makeshift bullet-time (or arrow-time), but The Bone Temple has a more grounded presentation that some viewers may prefer. That being said, The Bone Temple’s tightly-woven plot builds to a pyrotechnics-laden climax featuring hallucinogens and Iron Maiden, and it’s glorious.

A more fun, touching and disturbing elevation of an outstanding foundation, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

A PRIVATE HILLS SANCTUARY WITH VIEWS

A PRIVATE HILLS SANCTUARY WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS

AS soon as you arrive, this home offers something rare — a profound sense of space, calm, and connection to its surroundings. Stepping into the living room, the home opens wide and expansive, drawing your eye straight to the sky and the view beyond. Indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly, as though there is no barrier between you and the landscape, allowing the environment to become part of everyday living.

Perched above the treetops, this home redefines hills living. Rather than feeling enclosed by forest, you feel elevated within it — immersed in nature yet comfortably removed. Native wildlife is a daily presence: magpies, lyrebirds, king parrots, wallabies, the occasional wombat, and even powerful owls. Overhead, wedge-tailed eagles regularly put on an aerial display, reminding you just how special this setting truly is.

Despite the openness, the home remains a true haven. Naturally cool in summer, warm in winter, and remarkably peaceful once the windows are closed, it offers serenity in all seasons — even during a storm. One of life’s simple pleasures here is watching clouds and rain roll across the suburbs below from the picture window. On clear days, the view stretches all the way to the bay; by night, it transforms into a glittering sea of lights — a constant source of inspiration and awe.

Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the generous open-plan living area easily accommodates intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. At its heart is the island bench — a chef’s dream workspace — which naturally becomes the hub of the home. The indoor living flows effortlessly to the outdoor entertaining area, creating a private oasis surrounded by lush greenery.

Set on over an acre of land, the property offers space in every sense — room to breathe, to retreat, and to gather. Even with a large family, everyone enjoys their own sense of privacy, while the interior remains tranquil and quiet, no matter how full the house becomes. Additional features include:

Only 9 years old with a 7-star rating Solar panels - 12.7kW, 33 maxeon black panels with individual panel optimizers, 10 kW solar edge battery ready inverter.

(Produces more than three times the power we are using as a family of six).

• Versatility for up to 6 bedrooms if required Quiet, peaceful street setting

Multiple home office / work-from-home options / multi-generational living

• Convenient location without sacrificing seclusion — approx. 15 minutes to Knox

• Walking distance to Ferny Creek Primary School, Sherbrooke Falls, Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Proserpina Bakery, and the 1000 Steps

Spacious butler’s pantry, keeping benchtops clear and functional

• Warm walnut flooring, beautiful underfoot and rich in character

• A hidden creek at the bottom of the garden

— a true secret sanctuary

****Please register your details for an upcoming ‘Sunset Soiree’, it is a VIP open house to see the changing skies and see this property in a different ‘light’. **** This is more than a home — it’s a place of stillness, inspiration, and connection. Rare hills retreat where nature, space, and comfort exist in perfect balance. ●

HOME FOCUS

TIMELESS MUDBRICK MASTERPIECE

THIS mudbrick home showcases superb craftsmanship with reclaimed and repurposed timbers, offering a truly unique and enduring style.

Set on ¾ acre of usable land and surrounded by lush, established gardens, the home immediately impresses with thoughtful architectural details and a welcoming familyfriendly layout.

At its heart, the home is designed for everyday living – a lounge and dining area with an open fireplace flows seamlessly to a more casual living and meals space that connects effortlessly to the outdoors. The kitchen is a standout, featuring custom-designed cabinetry crafted from Kauri and Baltic timbers, perfectly integrated with modern appliances.

The parent’s wing is thoughtfully placed for privacy, combining a study and lounge—ideal for a work-from-home setup with outdoor access— alongside a spacious main suite with 3.5 double built-in robes and an ensuite with artisan-crafted cabinetry. Garden vistas from this area are serene, with busy birds adding life to the view.

Three additional bedrooms are generously proportioned, including one with a walk-in robe and two with built-in robes, all serviced by a central bathroom and toilet. Throughout the home, solid timber doors, bespoke fittings, and reclaimed elements create a distinctive presence, offering warmth and individuality. The laundry doubles as a practical drying room during colder months.

Outdoors, multiple spaces invite entertaining and relaxation: a brick-paved, vine-covered pergola perfect for summer gatherings, covered verandahs ideal for a morning coffee, and gardens filled with seasonal colour, Rhododendrons, hydrangeas, ferns, and even visiting wallabies. A versatile outbuilding currently functions as a shed, wine cellar, and games room, with endless potential uses. Off-street parking accommodates a caravan or boat, complemented by a double carport.

Nearby, Emerald and Cockatoo provide excellent local amenities, including schools, shops, restaurants, sporting facilities, walking/ riding trails, and a vibrant community.

BERWICK SPRINGS CHARMER

ON a magnificent 793m2 block, is an engaging split level four-bedroom, threebathroom home with a love for poolside entertaining.

Captivating with its wide entry, high ceilings, 3 generous sized living areas and floorboards, this sparkling 33 m2 jewel showcases a beautifully crafted modern kitchen featuring a huge and unique main bench top, with 900mm cook top and dishwasher.

The huge casual living area overlooked by the kitchen forms a focal point of the home and is positioned next to solar heated pool all complete with its own toilet/shower.

The stylish main bedroom suite including walk through robe and a sleek ensuite is tucked away in a separate private zone, away from the secondary bedrooms. All remaining bedrooms feature walk in robes Like another living space?

The upstairs theatre room flows onto the undercover alfresco area, designed for all seasons with its barbecue, seating and views. This endearing home provides reverse cycle air conditioning, security doors, an alarm, 2 large (8 x 6.1m) single garages, 10 kw solar system, shed and an ample parking.

Only a short stroll to the local schools and colleges, Casey Central Shopping Centre & bus services.

Contact Mike Rosario 0400 972 032 ●

BotANICALoASIS

Stepintowhatfeelslikeyourveryownbotanicalgardens—ahomesurroundedbylush, beautifullymaintainedgroundsthatarebothsereneandalivewiththesoundsofnative wildlife.Probablyoneofthebestgardensinemeraldsurroundthisspaciousfour-bedroom two-and-a-half-bathresidenceis filledwithnaturallightthatpoursthrougheverywindow, creatinganinvitingsenseofwarmththroughoutitsmultiplelivingareas

MickDolphin 0429684522

Over3700m2

CaitiEllis 0493136937

Private.Peaceful.FamilyHome.

Thistimberresidenceexudescharacter,combiningtimelesscraftsmanshipwithopen, light-filledinteriorsanddramaticcathedralceilings.Seton agenerouslandholding,it enjoysbeautiful,treedvistasfromeverywindow—quintessential“hillsliving.” Thehomeoffers fivebedrooms,withthespaciousmainsuiteprivatelypositionedon thegroundlevelandfeaturing asoakingtub,separateshower,andwalk-inrobe.The remainingfourbedrooms,allwithbuilt-inrobes,occupythefirstfloor.

MickDolphin 0429684522

0493136937

PRIVAtEFAMILYSANtUARYoN1¼ACRES

Setamidsta gorgeous,treedlandscape,thisimpressivefour-bedroombrickveneer residenceoffersexceptionalprivacy,spaceandresort-stylelivingonanexpansive 1¼-acresun filledallotmenttoenjoy.designedforrelaxedfamilylivingandeffortless entertaining,thehomefeaturesseparatelivingzonesfromthediningareatothelarge loungewhichfeaturesanopenfire,tothegenerousrumpusandmealsareaperfectly designedforbothquietretreatsorvibrantgatherings.

JanBrewster 0409558805

advenTureSawaiT!

PrivacyAssuredonthis30AcresofLand!

$710,000 -$780,000

Yourownlittlehideawayhasjusthitthemarket!Thislightlytreed30acres(approx),offers alongprivatedriveway,witha spottobuild(subjecttocouncilapproval)affording filteredviews.Onlya shortdistanceawayfrom asealed road,thiswouldbe theperfect placetoestablishyourdreamhome(STCa)andenjoy aprivatelifestyleamongstnature and itsbeautiful native wildlife and birds. Orhave your ownprivategetawaytotake your family andfriendswhere youcanenjoy allkindsofadventures!

MickDolphin 0429684522

MikeRosario 0400972032

A LIGHT-FILLED HOME IN A PRIVATE SETTING

TUCKED within a quiet, gated community and set on a manageable 195sqm, this 7 year old, well-presented two-bedroom unit delivers low-maintenance living with everyday convenience right at your doorstep. With Gembrook township and local schools just a short walk away, the location is as practical as it is peaceful.

The master bedroom sits at the front of the home, filled with natural light through large windows and complemented by a walk-in robe and updated ensuite. A second bedroom with built-in robes — ideal for guests or shared living.

The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area forms the heart of the home, offering a practical layout with gas cooktop, dishwasher, generous bench space, breakfast bar, and excellent storage. Positioned off this central living area is the second bathroom with a separate toilet — a smart and convenient inclusion for visitors and daily use. Sliding doors connect seamlessly to the undercover entertaining area and fully fenced rear yard, creating a relaxed indoor-outdoor feel without the upkeep.

Additional features include internal access to the single garage and an abundance of hallway storage. Comfortable, secure, and exceptionally well located, this is a lifestylefocused opportunity that makes everyday living simple.

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. ●

Setonjustunder aquarteracre &withineasywalkingdistancetoCockatoo’sshops& schools,this well-maintained3-bedroomhomedeliverscomfort,space,& everydaypracticalityina locationthat simplyworks.Stepsleadtoanundercoverentry &intoa bright,welcomingloungeroomwheretimber floors,largewindows &abundantnaturallightcreateaninvitingfeel.A ceilingfan,airconditioner& gasductedheatingthroughoutensureyear-roundcomfort.Thekitchen &diningzoneispractical& family-friendly,featuringdurabletiledflooring, agascooktop,dishwasher,generousstorage,fridge recess &leafyviewsacrossthereargarden.3 carpetedbedroomswithBIRareservicedbya central familybathroomwithseparatetoilet,whilethelaundryoffersdirectoutdooraccess.Outside,thefully fencedyardincludes alargegardenshed &off-streetparking.

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

ArchitecturalElegancewithPanoramicViews! Perchedon2,671sqminpeacefulAvonsleigh,momentsfromEmerald’stownship,schools& shops, thisstriking4-bedroom,2-bathroomhomeblendsarchitecturalflairwitheverydaycomfort &breath takingtreetop &valleyviews.A wideverandahwrapsaroundthehome,leadinginsidetosoaring ceilings,timberfloors&astunningcentralatriumthatfillsthespacewithnaturallightbyday& frames thestarsbynight.Thestylishkitchenfeaturesstonebenchtops,integratedappliances &a serene outlook —perfectforrelaxedliving& entertaining.Themastersuiteenjoysverandahaccess,walk-in robe &ensuite,while 3furtherbedroomsareservicedby afamilybathroom.Freshlypainted& fitted withgasductedheating &evaporativecooling,thehomealsoincludesanundercoverentertaining area,doublegarage,carport& leafygardens —a trueHillssanctuary.

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

OUTSTANDING PROJECT POTENTIAL IN AN EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION

SALE DATE: 12 February at 12 Noon

POSITIONED in an exceptionally convenient and tightly held location, this well located home presents an outstanding opportunity for renovators, first home buyers or investors looking to enter the market. Enjoy the ease of walking to Woolworths, St John’s Primary School, train station and the vibrant local shopping villages of Ferntree Gully - all just moments from your doorstep.

The home offers two light-filled bedrooms, a generous living room with gas heater and a versatile sunroom that can easily function as a third bedroom, home office or second living space. The adaptable floorplan provides plenty of scope to update, reimagine and add value to suit your needs.

At the heart of the home is the original yet functional central kitchen, offering everything required for everyday living. Outside, a neat and tidy rear yard is well fenced and complemented by a double garage, an additional parking bay and even more convenient guest parking available directly across the road.

With endless potential, a practical layout and an unbeatable location, this is an outstanding project in an ideal address. Opportunities like this don’t come along often - what more could you want?

YARRA VALLEY LIVING ON GLORIOUS ACREAGE PARADISE

YARRA Valley acreage living at it’s best, a stunning location and an exceptional property in all aspects offering the ideal relaxed semi rural lifestyle the whole family will love and enjoy.

The warm country home boasts period charm with modern comfort offering 4 large bedrooms all with built in robes including a walk in robe and ensuite in the main bedroom. Multiple living/family areas offer substantial space for the growing or expanding family with a separate family/lounge dining and living areas plus a huge downstairs family/games room or optional extra space for the teenagers or dependent relatives.

The kitchen is well appointed with quality appliances and plenty of bench and cupboard space, entertain in style all year round with a huge undercover entertaining area overlooking the sprawling acreage and panoramic vista.

Head outside and you are spoilt for choice with approx. 30 glorious acres to enjoy and explore, for the horse enthusiast there are multiple fenced paddocks, stables, round yard, hay shed and cattle yards, loads of extra shedding to suit large trailers, trucks, floats and caravans.

A gardeners delight with beautiful manicured gardens and pathways meandering around the home with well established trees and an array of colorful shrubs and plants.

A spectacular property with premium facilities boasting an enviable acreage lifestyle with an inspiring outlook you will enjoy waking up to every day. ●

ComeHometoSerenityandNatureonover9 acres

Setonapprox.9.1acres,(3.69ha)thefamilyhomeisthoughtfullypositioned,framedbyopen paddockstothefrontandrear,creatinganexceptionallevelofprivacy.Inside,thehomefeatures amodernkitchenwithgenerousbenchspace,electricoven,anda welldesignedbutler´spantry. Threewell-proportionedbedrooms,allwithbuilt-inrobes,enjoyingpeacefulviewsacrossthe surroundingforestandpaddocks. Alargemodernbathroom,andthebonusofanadditionaltoilet offthelaundryaddspracticalityforfamilyliving.Outdoorlivingis astandout,withthefrontdeck capturingsweepingviewsacrossopenlandandtreetopsperfectforquietmorningsorsunset relaxation.Completingthepropertyis alargepoweredshedofferingamplespaceforvehicles, storage,andrecreationalequipment,alongwithwatertanksandestablishedvegetablegardens.

RebeccaDoolan M 0401832068

FamilyLivingwithComfort,StyleandSpace

Style,classandplentyofspaceforthegrowingfamilyonofferatthissuperbproperty.Sittingonjust underhalfanacreit’sa paradiseforthekidsandpets.Thehomeisexceptional,boasting4 good sizebedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesand aclassyensuiteandwalkinrobeinthemainbedroom. Thekitchenisveryimpressivewithplentyofbenchandcupboardspacewithqualityappliances. Entertaininstyleallyearroundwith acoveredentertainingareait’stheidealspottoentertainand takeinthegreatviews.Everyonewilllovethehugebackyardwitha largelockupgarage/workshop andentertainingarea.Asphaltdrivewaywithfeatureremotegatesandwithdualaccessandthe frontandrearoftheproperty,it’stheidealpropertyforextravehicles.trailers,boatsorcaravans. Establishedgardensandtreessurroundthepropertycompletingthepictureperfectfamilyproperty.

ModernLivingwithConvenience,SpaceandViews Just afewyearsoldthissuperbtownhouseisreadyfornewownerstoenjoy. Afunctionaland spaciousfloorplanofferamplespaceforthegrowingfamily,couplesordownsizerswith 3generous bedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesincluding awalkinrobeandensuiteinthemainbedroom.Sitback andenjoythemountainviewsfromthelargeopenliving/loungeareas,thekitcheniswellappointed withqualityappliancesandfixtureswithplentyofbenchandcupboardspace.Theoutdoordeck istheidealspottoentertainandtakeinthecolourfulsceneryandadmirethemountainviewsand scenery. Agreatpropertyreadytomoveinto,convenientlylocatedclosetopublictransportandjust ashortwalktolocalschoolsandYarraJunctionsshoppinghub.

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PUZZLES

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.

Raunchy (5)

13 Loud and forceful (10)

15 Clergyman (9)

16 Clarified (9)

18 Orator (7)

19 Exaggeratedly enthusiastic (7)

20 Part of the limb remaining after amputation (5)

22 Brings up (5)

23 Yen (4)

SPORT

Juniors in the spotlight

With scorching temperatures predicted on Saturday, many competitions abandoned play for the safety of players and officials. The Ringwood and District Cricket Association was one such association that cancelled all senior cricket, leaving the junior cricketers in the spotlight during cooler times.

Under 16s

■ Current Ladder Position: Third

■ Leading Run Scorers: Chase Missen – 151 runs, Billie Laird – 133 runs, Jake Rigg – 129 runs

■ Leading Wicket Takers: Chase Missen – 11 wickets, Caleb Doyle – 8 wickets, Billie Laird – 7 wickets, Liam Glover – 7 wickets

The Mt Evelyn U16s have been slowly building their season after a tough draw before Christmas and with a kind run over the last few rounds, they should see themselves feature in finals action. The team has had an even contribution with both bat and ball, which is an encouraging sign in the lead up.

This week, they hosted Eastfield, who are battling with the Mounters for a place in the finals. The Mounters put their best foot forward with a comprehensive display on day one of their split-innings contest. Mt Evelyn bowled first, and after a quick brace of wickets from captain Billie Laird with the score on zero, the Eagles settled in for the fight courtesy of an excellent 59run third-wicket partnership to put the pressure back on the Mounters. As it looked as if Eastfield would take the game away from the Mounters, first-year players Jacob Glover (2/5) and Ben Dunstone (1/13) would turn the contest quickly, and when Laird (3/6) and Chase Missen (1/6) returned to the attack, the host turned the screws on a faltering middle order. When the split was closed, the Eagles found themselves in a spot of bother at 8/96.

In a repeat of Eastfield’s innings, the Mounters also found themselves at 2/0 in the first over and their stronghold in the contest soon disappeared. Missen would join Jake Rigg at the crease, and the pair would expertly navigate their way through a masterful century partnership. Calm and steady at the start, so as not to place further pressure on the middle. This was replaced with devastating strokeplay as the pair established themselves at the wicket. The only blemish would be the fall of Missen for 30, unfortunately, short of retirement. Rigg would be the star, scoring 64 before reaching retirement. His innings were littered with 10 fours and two sixes. Surprise packet Elisha Whitelaw (24 not out) continued his good form with the bat to ensure the home side would not relinquish their advantage to reach 4/152 at stumps.

Under 14s

■ Current Ladder Position: Sixth

■ Leading Run Scorers: Harry Dunstone - 141 runs, Ezra Joyce – 136 runs, Tyler Smith – 104 runs

■ Leading Wicket Takers: Amos Flavel – 8 wickets, Harry Dunstone – 8 wickets, Jacdan Mikaelian – 8 wickets

The Mt Evelyn U14s have found the competition tough this season as they have stepped up a few grades after their premiership last season. This being said, there have been many encouraging signs from a team full of first year U14s, and with continual improvement, they look well set to make many gains, both individually and as a team.

This round, the Mounters travelled to Wonga Park against a much improved line up and had to work hard in hot conditions. Wonga Park batted first and early on it looked as if it was going to be a long morning of toil for the Mounters. To their credit, they would stick to their task manfully and their would be rewards for good bowling along the way. Late wickets to Bailey Okeefe (3/35) and Ezra Joyce (2/25) would keep the total in check, and a chase of 255 is not out of the realm of possibility with a positive and measured approach with the bat.

Under 12-1s

■ Current Ladder Position: Fourth

■ Leading Run Scorers: Bryce Johnson – 233 runs, Luke Hanley - 177 runs, Toby Kenins – 128 runs

■ Leading Wicket Takers: Jack Lorkin – 10 wickets, Bryce Johnson – 10 wickets, Ali Lazarus – 5 wickets

The top Mt Evelyn U12 team have been thrust into the top level of competition this season, a first for the club, and they have measured up with most thus far. Sitting in the top four with just a few rounds remaining, they have a great chance to press for finals action.

This week, they are pitted against a strong Mitcham line-up and have found the going a bit tough against one of the competition’s best teams. Mt Evelyn would open up with the bat and

would find it difficult against the skilled bowling unit of the Tigers. Early wickets left the middle order to fight to avoid a collapse. The pressure was relentless with each new bowler. Fighting innings from Luke Hanley, Joel Walsh and Toby Kenins ensured the Mounters wouldn’t be bundled out, and with Jack Lorkin and Ali Lazarus at the wicket, and Walsh retired, there is plenty left to build the total beyond 5/85.

Mitcham took up the challenge with the bat and promptly put the Mounters to the sword. Across their first 23 over split, the Tigers were able to compile a more than useful score of 1/127. The Mounters were able to stem the flow of runs through the middle of the overs, but wickets in hand give the visitors much scope to build a big total.

Under 12-2s

■Current Ladder Position: Third

■ Leading Run Scorers: Xavier Flavel – 176 runs, Gabriel Joyce – 133 runs, Ranen Gereg – 132 runs

■ Leading Wicket Takers: Xavier Flavel 15 wickets, Gabriel Joyce – 8 wickets, Brodie Trobbiani – 6 wickets

Mt Evelyn’s second U12 team are having a ball playing some great one-day cricket and improving individually, and as a team, each week. Their efforts look likely to bring the reward of finals action should they continue the way they are progressing.

This week’s game was set up to be a classic with Mt Evelyn and Chirnside Park sitting in the top four on equal wins. A classic contest it would prove to be. Chirnside Park would bat first, and the innings would be a true arm wrestle as neither team could claim the front running. Mt Evelyn would take regular wickets, courtesy of Brock Mikaelian (three wickets) and Gabriel Joyce (two wickets), but the scoreboard would continue to tick over, and the Panthers would score 7/140.

The Panthers would take a couple of early wickets to put the pressure on the Mounters’ chase, but excellent batting from Joyce (33 not out), Brodie Trobbiani (20 not out) and Jett Graham (21 not out) would ensure this game would go down to the wire. Eventually, it would be Chirnside Park who would hold their nerve with the ball and hold things together for a four-run victory as the Mounters fell short on 3/136.

The Mt Evelyn youngsters have also been strutting their stuff on the big stage during the VMCU representative carnival held in early January. Bryce Johnson, Luke Hanley and Jack Lorkin represented the RDCA U12-1 team, Ezra Joyce represented the RDCA U13 team which featured in the semi-finals, and Ali Lazarus represented the RDCA U12 Girls team which made it all the way to the Grand Final. The Mt Evelyn Cricket Club congratulate all of these players on their efforts during the carnival; they all represented the club with great skill and sportsmanship.

Whilst on the subject of representative cricket,

It’s been a year of improving all around. (Supplied)

young gun Lachie Morrow, who has represented the First XI this season, was chosen to lead the Kew U15 Craig Shield team in their recent VSDCA tournament. Lachie led the team with aplomb,

with excellent tactical nous and backed that up with crucial contributions with both bat and ball. Unfortunately, Kew would miss the finals by net run rate, which curtailed Morrow’s tournament.

Senior cricket cancelled

By Les Hutchings

Kilsyth Cricket Club’s men’s senior matches were cancelled on Saturday due to the exceptionally hot weather. With the forecast temperature predicted to be 39 degrees, the RDCA enacted the heat policy and abandoned scheduled fixtures. The round, originally over two-days, will now be completed under one-day conditions next weekend. The Fifths and Women’s team had no scheduled matches due to the Australia Day long weekend. However, Kilsyth’s two U12 teams played on Friday evening and the U14s and U16s played on Saturday morning, with the start time moved forward to 8am to escape the heat.

On Saturday morning in Division 3, Kilsyth’s U16 team (first) commenced a two-day match against Chirnside Park (second) at Alan Smith Oval, Pinks Reserve. Chirnside Park won the toss and elected to bat in hot conditions with Kilsyth only having nine players available. After losing wickets on 35, 61 and 119, Chirnside were flying at 3/145 after 32 overs with 18 overs still to be bowled. Then, on the third ball of the 33rd over with the score on 146, Isaac Ronalds was caught by Tait Harper off the bowling of Rhys Kearney for a well-made 31 off 50 balls (three fours). From there, Kilsyth fought back, claiming regular wickets as follows: 5/156, 6/163, 7/183, 8/194, 9/199 and all out for 199 after 47.1 overs. Other main run getters for Chirnside were Andrew Slinn, 31 off 56 balls (three fours), and opener Kade Riches 21 off 47 balls (one four). Kilsyth’s Rhys Kearney was outstanding with the ball, claiming 4/16 off 9 overs (four maidens). He was well supported by Max Wills, 3/21 off 8.1 overs (two maidens), Joshua Dousset 2/18 off 7 overs (one maiden), and Hayden Monds 1/56 off 9 overs. It was good to see Max Wills bowling again after not bowling in the previous three U16 matches due to an injury. In the field, wicket keeper Adriaan Van Gent, Hayden Monds and Tait Harper each took a catch.

Returning after the break, the U14-5 team (fifth) played Laburnum (third) at Koonung Reserve, West Oval. Kilsyth had a young side with five U12 players in the team of 11. Laburnum won the toss and elected to bowl. The Redbacks lost two wickets in the first over, bowled by Aahan Modi, to be 2/3. Zack Mellerick (19 off 24 balls, two fours), and Bailey Kennon (seven), added 33 for the third wicket before both were dismissed in the eighth over, which was bowled by Patrick Waterworth. Kilsyth were now 4/37 off 7.5 overs. A 55-run fifth wicket partnership between U12 player Tate Lindsay and Ronak Mehra lifted the score to 5/92 off 14.4 overs when Lindsay was out for a well-made 25 off 24 balls (four fours). Then the Redbacks lost two more wickets in the 17th over to be 7/97. After losing the ninth wicket on 109 from 20.3 overs, Kilsyth finished on 9/129cc off 23 overs with Ronak Mehra, an impressive 38* off 35 balls (three fours), and Liam Johnson 14* off 15 balls (two fours). The multiple wicket takers for Laburnum were Ella McKaskill, 3/3 off 2 overs, whilst Aahan Modi and Patrick Waterworth both took 2/8 off 2 overs each. Aahan Modi was also outstanding in the field taking 4 catches, including 3 as wicket keeper. After being 2/39 off 6.5 overs, Laburnum passed Kilsyth’s score at the end of the 19th over, having reached 2/129 at that stage. They then lost five wickets in the next four overs with Kilsyth finishing strongly. Laburnum’s innings ended on 7/153cc off 23 overs to win by 25 runs. The top scorers for Laburnum were opener Aahan Modi, 30 retired not out off 25 balls (four fours and one six), Lachlan Cheetham 28 off 14 balls (six fours), and Lachlan Wynn 19 retired not out (two fours). Kilsyth’s Tyler Paarman captured 2/13 off 2 overs, with single wickets to Ronak Mehra, 1/7 off 2 overs, Angus Bright 1/10 off 3 overs, whilst Isaac Donley and Zack Mellerick, both snared 1/18 off 2 overs each. Ronak Mehra took two catches and Tyler Paarman one, Bailey Kennon achieved a run out and Tate Lindsay a stumping.

On Friday evening, the U12-3 team (second) played ladder leader Croydon Ranges in a twoday split innings match at Silcock Reserve, North Oval. Croydon Ranges won the toss and elected to bowl. Kilsyth opener Isaac Donley batted well to score 23 off 40 balls (two fours) but the Redbacks lost wickets regularly and at the end of the first spilt were 8/74 off 23 overs. Bailey Kennon was 14 not out off 34 balls (one four), whilst Zion Solomons scored 10 off 11 balls (one four). For Croydon Ranges, Hugo Osanz captured 3/13 off 3 overs, Ryley Stephen 1/3, Xavier Payne 1/3, Larson Moran 1/3, and James Sainsbury 1/7 off 2 overs each. Wicket keeper Xavier Ramsay effected two stumpings and a runout assist. In reply, Croydon Ranges were 4/141 off their 23 overs. Xavier Ramsey was the standout batsman with 69 retired not out off 40 balls (10 fours). Larson Moran was 20* off 25 balls (three fours), and Oscar Bannister retired on 15 not out (one four). The wicket takers for Kilsyth were Angus Bright, 2/9 off 2 overs, Tate Lindsay 1/11 off 3 overs, and Isaac Donley 1/16 off 2 overs. In the field, Kilsyth’s Tate Lindsay, Isaac Joy and Dylan Ekanayake each took a catch. The match continues next week.

The U12-6 team, second on the ladder, played their first game after the Christmas break in a one-day match against seventh-placed Ainslie Park at Roy Baldwin Oval, Pinks Reserve. Ainslie Park won the toss and sent Kilsyth in to bat first. The first wicket fell on 47 after 15.4 overs and in the end the Redbacks compiled 1/79 off their allotted 23 overs. Seven batsmen retired not out after facing 15 balls each with the top scorers being Harrison Sfiligoj 11* (one four), Wesley Bowman

10* (two fours), and Cooper Clark 10*. The sole wicket taker for Ainslie Park was Oliver Meffin with 1/5 off 2 overs. Ainslie Park set about the run chase but Xavier Law achieved the breakthrough for Kilsyth to see Ainslie 1/9 after 2.4 overs. A steadying second wicket partnership of 38 took Ainslie to 2/47 off 13.1 overs with victory within sight. However, Harrison Sfiligoj picked up two wickets in the 14th over, Tex Wells another in the 15th over, and Wesley Bowman one more in the 18th over to see Ainslie Park slump to 5/57 off 17.2 overs. Thus, with 5.4 overs remaining, they needed 23 runs to win the match. When Tex Wells ran out Oliver Meffin for 13 on the fourth ball of the 20th over, Ainslie Park were 6/67 and still needed 13 to win off 3.2 overs. At the start of the 23rd and last over, the seventh wicket fell with the score on 76 (another run out by Tex Wells), so four runs were needed off the last five balls with one wicket in hand. Ainslie Park only had nine players, so the last pair of Parv Patel and Eli Diekhake were at the crease, both had retired not out earlier. These two got the job done for Ainslie Park, with Patel taking a single off the second ball of the last over and Diekhake hitting a boundary off the third ball. So, in a close game, Ainslie Park finished on 7/83 off 23 overs with Eli Diekhake 24* off 25 balls (four fours), and Parv Patel 14* off 31 balls (one four). Kilsyth’s wicket takers were Harrison Sfiligoj, 2/2 off 2 overs (one maiden), Wesley Bowman 1/3 off 2 overs, Tex Wells 1/5 off 2 overs, and Xavier Law 1/15 off 3 overs. In the field, Tex Wells took a catch behind the stumps and achieved two run outs, whilst Cooper Clark and Wesley Bowman each took a catch. Despite the loss, Kilsyth’s U12-6 team remain second on the ladder.

Kilsyth CC Women’s First XI, Round 10 v Lusatia Park

Sunday 18 January

Scores: Kilsyth 8/173cc off 36 overs (A. Katoa 37, C. Anderson 28*, Stephanie Gibbs 24, B. Hutchings 20, E. Amore 3/22) defeated Lusatia Park 113 off 31.4 overs (C. Parker 21, E. Bradley 19, L.

3/12,