Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 3rd February 2026

By Mikayla Van Loon

The future of soccer in this state has been brought to the fore after Football Victoria (FV) launched a pre State election campaign to level the playing field across the

Priority projects, including a lighting upgrade at Mooroolbark’s Esther Park, were identified as essential to ensure facilities keep pace with the growth of the sport.

FV unveiled its 10-year strategy for facility improvements and along with it, the statistics on in-

creased player numbers.

Participation increased by 43 per cent since 2022, with a 65 per cent growth in the MiniRoos and 39 per cent in the juniors.

Mooroolbark Soccer Club president Stuart Milne said for Esther Park, lighting was essential to providing equal playing opportunities for the women’s sides.

“The women’s teams play on a Friday night, and we’ve always done that because it allows them to have a weekend,” he said.

Pilates all for a good cause

By Mikayla Van Loon

As a pilates instructor, Vicky Kamakaris knows the importance of movement but she’s also seen firsthand the impact of what losing mobility does to the body.

That’s why, for the second year, she’s hosting her Pilates 4 Parkinson’s fundraising event on Saturday 21 February at Hubert Estate, within the stunning Gallery of Art space.

All proceeds raised from ticket sales and donations will be donated to Fight Parkinson’s, a foundation that’s “more geared towards support for carers and providing information to people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s” rather than research.

Ms Kamakaris said the support Fight Parkinson’s provided when her dad was diagnosed was essential to his care but also the family’s understanding of what was required.

“I want to give something back to a cause that is very close and important to my heart,” she said. Turn to page 14 for more

Typically women’s games are scheduled for SundaysbutMrMilnesaidforwomenwithyoung families it may not be feasible for them to play, nor can young players party with their friends on Saturday nights which may prevent some women from continuing in the game.

“It sounds like quite a silly, little trivial first world problem, but it does impact on it greatly,” he said.

But in choosing to play on Friday nights, alongside training, Mr Milne said the electricity

costs for running the lights is about $9000 every quarter. On top of that, every two years the globes need to be replaced at a cost of $10,000 and also must be audited for safety and compliance purposes.

Although Mooroolbark’s lights passed the audit last year, with a few minor fixes, Mr Milne said he doubts they will pass for this year and replacement estimates sit in the sphere of $140,000 to $180,000.

Read more on page 5

Heritage protection

By Mikayla van Loon

The heritage overlay status of a “unique” Mangans Road property returned to the Yarra Ranges Council chamber for discussion at the first council meeting of the year.

The property at 131 Mangans Road Lilydale, known as Coldstream Hill, was identified as an uncommon “interwar era dwelling designed in the Spanish Mission style” during a Heritage

Review Gap Study undertaken by Trevor Westmore in 2019.

In January 2025, the council sought approval for heritage overlay from the planning minister.

Between 30 October 2025 and 1 December 2025, a public exhibition period was enacted, seeing 11 submissions made.

Of those, five were in support of the heritage overlay, one sought greater clarity, and four were in opposition to the overlay.

Speaking at the Tuesday 27 January meeting, Mr Westmore said, “Coldstream Hill is a unique example of a rare building type” and was a “ highly innovative adaption of the character and built form of a former Edwardian house”.

Mr Westmore said it was of high importance that the interiors be included in the heritage overlay, and an expert in heritage conservation be engaged to assess the surrounding gardens.

Coldstream Hill’s interiors, Mr Westmore said, hold high significance, not only in style but in reference to the blending of eras.

“The unique character and details of the dining room demonstrate a high degree of integration of the special functions and character of the place as a private retreat for the younger owners and their friends, along with a unique demonstration in one place…between the traditional and alternative concepts of design that prevailed in the interval years,” he said.

“This is a rare example where both the traditional, the living room, and a unique alternative, the dining room, were juxtaposed in one place, thereby expressing the contrasting aspects of interwoven society, the formal and the casual.”

The decision at the council meeting was to acknowledge the submissions made and refer those to an independent planning panel.

Planning and sustainable futures director Kath McClusky confirmed this process could take multiple months to reach a final decision.

“We’ll write to the Minister for Planning to appoint a panel. We’ve recently done that for another topic, and the panel has been three or four months in advance.

“There’ll be a panel hearing, with anyone who made a submission able to present their views. Council will also present their views.

“There’s then a time in which they have to write a report. Generally, it’s about a month… Probably in the next six months, this matter will then come back to council for a final decision.”

The motion was passed unanimously, with Councillor Fiona McAllister reflecting on not just the physical aspects of heritage but the stories behind each building.

“Our submitter has absolutely reminded us why heritage overlays matter, because we have so many buildings in Yarra Ranges, in Victoria and Australia and around the world that have stories and design, architectural significance and cultural significance that we have to protect,” she said.

“Buildings slowly do decay over time, even with heritage overlays, but it is a control that we have to actually protect uncommon examples like this one, so I fully support it going through to the next stage.”

Kids locked in hot cars shock ambos

By Callum Ludwig

Ambulance Victoria (AV) responded to a concerning number of kids locked in cars after a weekend of hot weather hit the state.

Paramedics responded to 11 cases of children locked in cars on Saturday 24 January, with a further six on Monday 26 January and at least three more as the temperature rose above 40 degrees on Tuesday 27 January.

Av Director of Emergency Management Dale Armstrong said they are urging Victorians to heed their advice.

“It is never safe to leave children or older people unattended in vehicles, in any weather, but particularly when we know that our state is facing days of heatwave conditions,” he said.

“The temperature inside a vehicle can double and become deadly within minutes.

“It is particularly dangerous for children to be left inside vehicles, as a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult.” Saturday’s call-outs occurred across the state,

with eight in Metropolitan regions, and one each in Barwon South West, Hume and Loddon Mallee.

Mr Armstrong said the incidents were particularly confronting for their crews given the significant amount of community information which had been issued to Victorians ahead of this week’s predicted heatwave conditions.

“One call-out to a child locked in a car on a day like yesterday is too many – eleven is just ‘not on’.

“We know that accidents can happen, and often this is not intentional – but it is still potentially fatal.”

“We encourage parents and carers to make sure keys are kept with them and to be alert while loading family members in and out of vehicles and if anyone accidentally gets locked inside a vehicle, call Triple Zero immediately.”

While it is never safe to leave kids in cars, there have been historic cases where children have been left by accident, but there are a number of techniques parents and carers can use to help prevent these incidents, such as:

Leaving important items such as a phone, purse, wallet, bag or shoe in the back seat.

Doing rear checks every time you hop out of the car, even if you know the child isn’t there.

Place an item like a stuffed toy in a car seat when empty and when placing your child in the seat, move the toy to the front of the car as a visual reminder.

Use smart car seats or phone apps that can send an alert if the child is in the seat once the car is locked.

Keep cars locked at all times at home and keep keys out of reach.

Teach older children to honk the car horn if trapped inside a vehicle.

The heat also resulted in a spike in overall workload for AV, with demand increasing by 27 per cent between 5am and 6am on Tuesday 27 January, largely driven by activity in metropolitan Melbourne.

Across Victoria, overall ambulance workload was up 4 per cent since midnight Tuesday 27 January, as at 4 pm that day.

IN BRIEF

Four arrested after aggravated burglary

Police have arrested four people following an aggravated burglary in Wantirna South on Saturday 31 January.

It’s alleged four offenders entered a Wallace Street property around 4am.

The residents, a woman and her three young children, were awoken by the sound of their vehicle being driven out of the driveway.

No one was physically injured during the incident.

Local police, with the support of Operation Trinity and the Critical Incident Response Team, conducted extensive patrols of the area and located a stolen vehicle on Mount Dandenong Road in Croydon around 5am.

The vehicle attempted to avoid police, at which point stop sticks were deployed, immobilising the car.

The offenders fled and were arrested after a short foot pursuit

Croydon Divisional Response Unit and Crime Reduction Team charged the offenders with aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle.

A 15-year-old male and two 17-yearold males from the Yarra Ranges area and a 15-year-old from the Maroondah area were remanded to appear in a Children’s Court at a later date.

Operation Trinity is solely dedicated to preventing and responding to burglaries and car thefts – running from dusk to dawn across Melbourne each night.

Riley is missing

14-year-old Riley was last seen in Chirnside Park on 22 January.

Riley was last seen wearing a black jumper, black puffer vest, black pants, and black slide with white stripes.

Police and family have concerns for Riley’s welfare due to his age and a medical condition.

Riley is known to frequent the Lilydale and Chirnside Park areas and use public transport.

Anyone with information on Riley’s whereabouts is urged to contact Lilydale Police on (03) 9739 2300.

editor@mailcommunity.com.au

A highway of concern...

By Gabriella Vukman

Locals are voicing concerns surrounding the safety of the Maroondah Highway between Lilydale and Healesville.

These perturbations have arisen especially after recent works on the highway have been left unfinished and, according to locals, were completed to a low standard.

Former road construction contractor and Yarra Ranges local Greg flagged the road’s issues to the Star Mail.

“The road just really isn’t safe,” Greg said.

“The poor quality of work that’s being done by private contractors is the issue. Everything has been privatised and is contracted out to the cheapest person, and you end up with subpar work that is dangerous,” he said.

Greg first reported wear and tear issues on the road to Roads Victoria twelve months ago.

“It was gradually degrading, because the previous works weren’t completed properly, and then they came and marked it, and then they re-laid it at some point,” Greg said.

After calling VicRoads again last week, the branch informed him that someone had gone out to inspect the road.

Greg said, “I think they are going to do some sort of redress work, but they recently fixed the lines, which look like they have been painted by hand. That is how badly laid the road is”.

“The lines are all over the place.”

“Last Wednesday, I drove that way again, and the car was moving around all over the place. The surface joints were terrible; it was not really safe at all,” he said.

According to Greg, the problematic section of road stretches from Chandon past Cherry Tree Hill Orchards. two to three kilometres of road with patches here and there, some short sections, some longer sections on both lanes.

“I have worked in construction for fifteen years through rail, level crossing removals, et cetera, and we are held to a really high standard,” Greg said.

“It is very frustrating coming from a construction side of things when we’re held to such a high standard for the rail projects, to see that other contractors and parts of state infrastructure are not,” he said.

“VicRoads engineers are signing off on things that shouldn’t be signed off on.”

“They should be holding their contractors to a higher standard, because after all, it’s their taxpayer dollars, and quality should be the driver, not profit.”

Having lived in the Yarra Ranges for 50 years, Greg has seen a change in local maintenance standards.

“You can see the difference from when we were kids to now. There never used to be weeds that were spread through the shire and up into the national parks,” Greg said.

“Now, because it’s all privatised and the contractors are doing the bare minimum for maximum profit, the weeds are going to seed,

and the seeds are spreading everywhere, and it just compounds the problem,” he said.

Having lived overseas, Greg also noticed the difference between private and public maintenance.

“You can see the difference between local municipalities still having control over everything else, rather than offloading it to the private sector,” Greg said.

“Coming back home and seeing how there’s not a lot of pride in things. It’s very, very frustrating.”

“I want the focus to be on a good outcome for the community.”

Regarding future works on the Maroondah Highway, a spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning said, “Crews have undertaken initial works along the Maroondah Highway, and will return in March to

complete the next stage.”

“Right now, we’re undertaking a record-breaking road maintenance blitz to rebuild, repair, and resurface roads right across the state to get drivers home sooner and safer,” they said.

According to the Department, preparation is an important part of the road maintenance process and ensures that road surfaces are ready for the next stage of works.

The spokesperson said, “These works will improve the road surface and ensure a smoother journey for the drivers who rely on the road every day.”

“Crews are out on roads across the state right now, delivering the 2025/26 Better Roads Blitz – a record $976 million investment towards maintaining Victoria’s road network,” they said.

Coldstream Airport officially sold but flyers club to remain

By Gabriella Vukman

In December, the Doake family relinquished its almost 100-year ownership of the Coldstream Airport and Sunny Meadows farm.

The properties were listed for sale as a whole, and as separate assets, with offers worth $17.5m tipped for the Sunny Meadows farm.

The 317-acre Sunny Meadows farm was sold on 21 November 2025. The property included a five-bedroom homestead and an inground swimming pool, along with a three-bedroom manager’s residence.

The Coldstream Aerodrome was constructed in 1962 and has a fully sealed runway and is home to the Coldstream Flyers Club. The 23-hectare airport was predicted to attract offers worth approximately $6.5 million.

The airport was sold on 5 December, and according to the flying club, there are no plans to change the property’s function.

President of the Coldstream Flyers Club Rob Rickards said, “From our perspective, the club is very happy with the purchase but we don’t wish to discuss it further out of respect for the new owner’s wishes.”

“Things are and are likely to remain stable and no major changes are expected at this stage.

“I have just had a chat with the new ownerto-be and he says he doesn’t feel the need to go public.”

Push for better facilities

By Mikayla van Loon

The future of soccer in this state has been brought to the fore after Football Victoria (FV) launched a pre-state election campaign to level the playing field across the game.

Priority projects, including a lighting upgrade at Mooroolbark’s Esther Park, were identified as essential to ensure facilities keep pace with the growth of the sport.

FV unveiled its 10-year strategy for facility improvements and along with it, the statistics on increased player numbers.

Participation increased by 43 per cent since 2022, with a 65 per cent growth in the MiniRoos and 39 per cent in the juniors.

Mooroolbark Soccer Club president Stuart Milne said for Esther Park, lighting was essential to providing equal playing opportunities for the women’s sides.

“The women’s teams play on a Friday night, and we’ve always done that because it allows them to have a weekend,” he said.

Typically women’s games are scheduled for Sundays but Mr Milne said for women with young families it may not be feasible for them to play, nor can young players party with their friends on Saturday nights which may prevent some women from continuing in the game.

“It sounds like quite a silly, little trivial first world problem, but it does impact on it greatly,” he said.

But in choosing to play on Friday nights, alongside training, Mr Milne said the electricity costs for running the lights is about $9000 every quarter.

On top of that, every two years the globes need to be replaced at a cost of $10,000 and also must be audited for safety and compliance purposes.

Although Mooroolbark’s lights passed the audit last year, with a few minor fixes, Mr Milne said he doubts they will pass for this year and replacement estimates sit in the sphere of $140,000 to $180,000.

Mr Milne said that doesn’t even take into consideration the potential lighting of the pathways and car parks that would improve perception of safety for women and girls in particular.

“When it comes to lighting these clubs, that comfort level and safety level is something that I don’t think is being talked about at all yet. I think that’s quite important too,” he said.

Looking at the broader picture, Mr Milne said “I’ve been working with the FV for the last four years to try and get them to value women’s football as much as they do men’s” not just in facilities, but in the way they structure the league.

“They only have senior reserves in (women’s) State One. (In men’s) you have a senior team and reserves team that always play together against the same opposition each week.

“The logistics of that is a lot easier to manage than having two or three women’s teams that play in different leagues and different venues, at different times.

“They think they’re making it more accessible by doing that. But realistically, it’s not accessible because the overheads are spread across small clubs, whereas if it’s more concentrated, they’d have better facilities. The overheads would be spread out across more players.”

With around eight clubs surrounding Mooroolbark Soccer Club, Mr Milne said while that was great for the sport and giving people access to the game, it created pathway issues for girls.

“In community football, the average female to junior teams, MiniRoos and juniors per club, is about 2.3 to 2.6 right now we have 10. And 10 is not enough.

“If you want a pipeline of girls, who are going to end up playing senior football, they need two per age group. We’ve probably got two in about three age groups and ones in most of the juniors.

“So when clubs have one or two teams, those girls usually are lost to the sport by the time they turn 18, which is a shame…By trying to do the right thing and making it more accessible, inevitably we are reducing the amount of time that they have access to football.”

Ideally, Mr Milne said at Mooroolbark, he would love to utilise the two pitches and run men’s and women’s games all day Saturday,

which can draw crowds of up to 400 people, generating atmosphere and funds from the bar.

But in order for that to happen, four more change rooms would need to be added to provide adult appropriate rooms that provide adequate privacy.

“That would be utopia for us.”

Football Victoria’s head of government relations and strategy Lachlan Cole said Level the Playing Field is their advocacy plan to ensure football’s infrastructure across the state can keep pace with the sport’s extraordinary growth.

“We want to help empower our clubs to reach out to their local council and all levels of government to seek the funding they need to provide the best possible spaces for the game to grow. The Level the Playing Field campaign provides a united and consistent front for all of our clubs to get behind when advocating for what our game needs,” he said.

“Participation in Victoria is booming, with numbers increasing 57 per cent since 2022, including 84 per cent growth in MiniRoos and 54 per cent in Juniors but with just one pitch for every 7000 people (well below the recommended industry average of one pitch per 5000), urgent investment is needed.

“Across 2024 and 2025, FV conducted a state-

wide audit of almost 500 football facilities across Victoria to measure our club’s venues against modern facility standards and fair access principles, providing a road map of where immediate investment is required under the FV Facilities Strategy 2025 to 2035. The biggest need for our clubs are change room facilities that cater for all genders and needs as well as high-quality and capacity spaces to play and train on any day and any time.”

Queensland Fruit Fly infiltrates Yarra Ranges

Multiple detections of the Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) have been reported in the Yarra Ranges this month, with the full extent not known.

QFF was detected in nectarines in a residential garden in Kilsyth. It was also detected in apricots in a residential garden in Yarra Glen, with further suspected larvae sightings in Lilydale.

Other nearby areas, such as Steels Creek and Dixons Creek, may also be affected.

The Keep Yarra Valley Fruit Fly Free Facebook page posted a notice announcing that the organisation does not yet have enough QFF traps being reported on to get a comprehensive picture of the situation.

The post stipulated that locals may see cream-white larvae about five to eight millimetres long crawling inside homegrown fruit.

If this larvae is seen, locals are urged to report sightings and seek advice.

Those with fruit production at home are encouraged to use QFF traps to monitor fruit for QFF infestations.

Call in to your local nursery or buy online from QFF trap suppliers.

Pick all ripe or ripening fruit and process it

Those with fruit production at home are encouraged to use QFF traps to monitor fruit for QFF infestations. Call in to your local nursery or buy online from qff trap suppliers. (485700)

to use the unaffected parts, and freeze or boil any suspected infested fruit or scraps. Do not compost.

For the fruit yet to ripen, using insect mesh over the fruit and the whole plant (allowing room for branch and air movement) may help prevent QFF infesting your crop - if it’s not already infested. It’s time to check and time to act.

For more info or free assistance, visit: fruitflyfreeyv.com.au or email qff@agribusinessyarravalley.com

Labour crackdown continues

By

With the horticulture industry a crucial component of the Yarra Valley’s economy, having hands on deck in the fields, orchards and vineyards is critical and labour hire often provides

However, it has become a hotspot for non-compliance with both the Labour Hire Authority (LHA) and Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) cracking down on the region.

Victoria’s Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner Steve Dargavel said workers picking fruit and vegetables are among Victoria’s most vulnerable, so it’s critical that all labour hire companies employing these workers are licensed.

“Licensing helps to ensure labour hire businesses are run lawfully, by fit and proper persons – to protect workers and maintain a level playing field for businesses,” he said.

“It’s obvious why criminals might want to avoid the scrutiny involved in applying for a labour hire licence, so it’s critical that growers always check the licence.”

In the horticulture industry alone, the LHA has achieved over 450 licence cancellations and refusals, including multiple high-profile prosecutions of businesses and individuals, with more than $2.25 million in combined penalties imposed by the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The Yarra Valley remains a key focus of the LHA, with the LHA, other regulators such as the FWO and law enforcement conducting regular inspections of farms in the area, with growers warned to expect an increased LHA presence and hefty fines for those who engage unlicensed providers.

The horticulture industry is a regulatory challenge for authorities, with bad actors often moving across the state to follow the harvest seasons and cause harm across regional or jurisdictional boundaries.

Mr Dargavel said the LHA will be prosecuting growers that engage unlicensed providers and growers can expect to face hefty fines.

“Collaboration between agencies and the involvement of federal agencies is fundamental to removing exploitative providers from the industry and protecting workers,” he said.

The LHA was established following the handing down of the Victorian Inquiry into the Labour Hire Industry and Insecure Work, with the horticulture industry posing a higher risk of worker exploitation due to the seasonal and transitory nature of the work, and high proportions of migrant workers from a range of backgrounds, including Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers.

Since being established in 2019, LHA has taken more compliance and enforcement action against labour hire businesses in horticulture than in any other industry area and has issued 392 active licences in the horticulture industry as of 30 January 2026.

52 licences have been granted with conditions, 198 applications refused, three renewals refused, 252 licences cancelled by LHA and 255 licences cancelled at the licence holder’s request.

In the Yarra Valley, the LHA has:

Begun investigating several labour hire providers for alleged illegal phoenix activity (dissolving and reforming a business to avoid paying debts) and non-compliance after unan-

nounced visits on 26 March 2025.

Through the Supreme Court, Nirrorn Labour Pride Pty Ltd and its director, Sokheng Seng, were fined a total of $287,500 in February 2025 for failing to notify the LHA of several, repeated changes in company directors and that Mr Seng was no longer a fit and proper person.

Achieved penalties of $220,104 against Monorom Labours Power Pty Ltd and $43,784 against two of its directors, Saravong Tath and Visal Leab, for similar offences to Mr Seng in September 2024.

Achieved fines totalling $483,428.40 against Ung Services Pty Ltd for failing to disclose that its director Nico Keat had criminal convictions for offences including drug trafficking and theft in December 2022.

Recent compliance investigations by the LHA have uncovered unlicensed labour hire

and licence fraud, underpayment and worker exploitation, substandard worker accommodation, complex and opaque labour supply chains and indicators of modern slavery.

In 2025, the Victorian Parliament passed legislation to strengthen the LHA’s powers, including allowing them to prosecute hosts who engage unlicensed labour hire providers, meaning growers need to be vigilant.

Hosts can protect their business by having a clear understanding of who is supplying labour to their business and under what arrangements, checking a provider’s licence on the Labour Hire Licence Register and using the Follow My Providers tool to receive licence status updates, being alert to warning signs of licence fraud or illegal phoenix activity, including frequent changes to business names, bank account details or unclear corporate structures and report-

ing suspected non-compliance confidentially using the Report a Problem tool.

Labour hire hosts can find guidance at labourhireauthority.vic.gov.au/host/horticulture-hosts/ or check if their provider is licensed at labourhireauthority.vic.gov.au/check-a-provider-s-licence-status/.

Growers use the Report a Problem tool via online.labourhireauthority.vic.gov.au/Case/ ReportProblem.

If you or someone you know has been or is currently concerned about the conduct of a labour hire operator and would like to share your story, contact the Star Mail via editor@mailcommunity.com.au.

To find out how the FWO is targeting non-compliance in the region, pick up a copy of next week’s Star Mail or keep an eye on the mailcommunity.com.au website.

Drink drivers detected during Operation Amity

More than 5500 offences were detected by Victoria Police during a four-day statewide road policing operation over the Australia day long weekend.

Operation Amity saw police highly visible and targeting high-risk driving behaviour, with increased roadside alcohol and drug testing conducted over the four days.

“We continue to see far too many people making poor choices and opting to drink or take drugs and then drive,” road policing assistant commissioner, Glenn Weir said.

“The number of drink drivers caught during Operation Amity is concerning, particularly with so many high-range detections – but any level of impairment on our roads is cause for concern. If you think you can drink or take drugs and drive – think again.”

“With warm weather set to continue, police will continue to be out conducting alcohol and drug testing anywhere, anytime, and motorists should expect to be tested – and you will be caught.

“With five lives lost in four days, this should

be a wake-up call to all motorists that we cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to road safety – it must remain a priority.”

One in every 420 drivers who were breath tested were caught over the legal alcohol limit, with 214 drink driving offences detected from 89,835 preliminary breath tests.

Notable drink driving detections included:

A 23-year-old probationary driver was intercepted by police in Maddingley on Friday night and provided an alleged evidentiary breath test reading of 0.213 – four times the legal limit

A 31-year-old Mill Park man was intercepted by police in the early hours of Saturday morning in Mill Park and provided an alleged breath test reading of 0.232 – four times the legal limit

A 56-year-old Sunbury man was detected by police on Saturday afternoon in Bulla allegedly travelling at 99km/hr in a 60km/hr zone and provided an alleged breath test reading of 0.122 – twice the legal limit

A 55-year-old Montrose woman was intercepted at a random testing site in Lilydale and provided an alleged evidentiary breath test of

.201 – four times the legal limit

A further 154 drug driving offences were detected from 2441 roadside drug tests – a strike rate of one in every 16 drivers testing positive to drugs.

Sunday recorded the highest number of impaired driving detections, with 100 drink and drug drivers caught, while Monday saw the most drivers caught speeding, with 662 speeding infringements issued.

The total 5518 offences detected during Operation Amity included:

2288 speeding offences

487 unregistered vehicles

403 disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers

363 disobey signs/signals

223 mobile phone offences

214 drink driving offences from 89,835 preliminary breath tests

154 drug driving offences from 2441 roadside drug tests

84 seatbelt offences; and

81 vehicle impoundments

There have been five lives lost on Victorian roads since Friday, including:

Two passengers after a vehicle collided with a pole in Ferntree Gully on Saturday evening

A driver following a head-on collision between two vehicles in Whittlesea on Sunday afternoon

A driver after a vehicle collided with tree at Athlone on Sunday afternoon

A motorcyclist following collision with a vehicle at Cranbourne West on Monday evening

The weekend’s fatalities bring the total lives lost on Victorian roads to 19 in 2026, compared to 29 at the same time in 2025.

With the return of school this week, police are urging motorists to remain vigilant behind the wheel, with 40km/h speed limits in school zones to be actively enforced.

Operation Amity ran from 12.01am Friday 23 January to 11.59pm on Monday 26 January. For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

Misinformation spreads

By Callum Ludwig

The Yarra Valley is no stranger to conspiracy theories, and the causes of major disasters are no exception.

A particularly prominent rumour that has garnered thousands of interactions on Facebook was shared in a local noticeboard, highlighting how far these theories can reach and spread.

A 2025 paper from Deakin University’s Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies (CRIS) called ‘Crisis Points: Countering Extremism in a State of Emergency’ explored how natural disasters can ‘provide fodder for violent extremist groups and contribute to a mobilisation to violence’.

Co-author Mark Duckworth, who is also a co-director and senior research fellow of CRIS, said this is part of a global phenomenon that we are seeing in a decline of trust in government and government institutions, resulting in increases in polarisation, misinformation and disinformation.

“Some people have said that we are living in a in a post-truth world, which makes it particularly challenging for emergency services organisations who clearly rely upon their information being understood and acted on,” he said.

“Trust is the glue that binds our society together, we require trust between communities and between communities and governments and institutions and when that begins to fray, then that creates some problems for us.

“The World Economic Forum puts out a global risk report…over the next two years, the number one risk they have listed is misinformation anddisinformation, and the number two risk is extreme weather events and I think clearly what we’re talking about is the fact that these two risks are also interconnected.”

The Longwood fire conspiracy theory was shared by a member of a Facebook group focused on Healesville and had been originally posted by a page which claims to share news,

information, photos, videos and events from Victoria.

The post theorised the potential use of ‘energy weapons’, or lasers, as a method of deliberately starting the fire to clear the way for the proposed Longwood–Eildon renewable energy transmission line of the VNI (Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector) West project or windfarms in the region. Claims of ‘unusual fire impacts’ such as homes being destroyed while nearby trees and vegetation remained intact are included in the post, which may have been sourced from another post on Facebook and one on X (formerly Twitter), which was viewed over 286,000 times. Australian Associated Press (AAP) FactCheck discredited these rumours by analysing drone footage and consulting experts in bushfire behaviour.

Mr Duckworth said there is a distinction we need to make between disinformation and misinformation.

“Disinformation is false information that is deliberately created to harm, mislead and create an emotional response in a target audience, it includes what we sometimes call fake news as well as propaganda, and is deliberately created to mislead and frequently designed to create division in society,” he said.

“Misinformation is false or misleading information, which is held and shared without intent to harm and this means that people often well-meaning people can unknowingly hold and spread false, harmful and misleading information.

“During emergencies and crisis events, there are people out there who create disinformation, but a lot of it is spread by people as misinformation who are unknowingly doing that… when people do not trust the information from government or the evidence of experts, they will turn to other sources and this includes misinformation and disinformation.”

This is not a new phenomenon, with the Covid-19 pandemic and the Black Summer bushfires, which were claimed to be lit to pave

the way for high-speed rail, subject to conspiracy speculation.

Mr Duckworth said a lot of it can be linked to the global nature of social media.

“It used to be the case that the people would have we regard as slightly crazy views might hand out leaflets at street corners and reach a few hundred people but nowadays, these views can spread around the world and a lot of this disinformation and misinformation comes from other countries,” he said.

“There was an incident in July last year, when there were some widespread floods in Texas and there was a lot of material going around saying that these floods were linked to cloud seeding and not actually caused by natural occurrences.”

Energy weapons seem to be the subject of numerous conspiracy theories, including multiple fire events, but AAP Factcheck also discredited a video shared in August 2025 at a ‘March for Australia’ rally that claimed an acoustic hailing device, used by police to loudly and clearly

issue directions, commands and alert tones, was an energy weapon or sonic weapon.

The Associated Press has reported that a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) was allegedly used at an anti-government protest in Serbia in 2025.

Victoria Police was reported by the ABC and other outlets to have purchased LRADs in 2016, which tend to be larger and attached to vehicles, but can be used in sieges or significant public order incidents. Conducted energy weapons (CEWs), commonly known as tasers, are also in use by police in Victoria.

Mr Duckworth said to combat the threat of misinformation and disinformation, we need to look at efforts like ‘pre-bunking’ with quick, accurate information and by building trust between government institutions and communities, as emergency services are already among the most trusted institutions in Australia.

“You can’t attempt to build those relationships during a crisis, they actually have to be developed before a crisis and continue after the crisis has gone, though I think governments and emergency services and recovery organisations have got a lot better at this in the last decade,” he said.

“Official sources can sometimes move more slowly than social media so we probably need to find ways of increasing the speed in which emergency services institutions can move to debunk some of these claims but this has to be done very carefully because the nature and power of official information is that is accurate and people can rely on it.

“But as we well know, these relationships can break down quickly through sometimes unconscious missteps that mean that communities feel they’re not being heard or listened to… there’s a broad population which may only deal with government and government services on a sporadic basis and find it difficult to get access to those services, don’t understand how government works and can sometimes feel excluded from decision-making.”

SENIOR LIVING

Leading way for friendship

New national research by Real Insurance finds older Australians have the strongest and most stable relationships of any generation, with those aged 70 and over averaging six close friendships per person.

Baby Boomers follow closely with an average of five close friends, with only 17 per cent experiencing social isolation, compared to 58 per cent of Gen Z. The Real Relationships Report 2025 research also identified that 8 in 10 Baby Boomers have never used connection apps, instead forming relationships through everyday social interactions.

When Gayle Laidler and Iris Leach moved into Mingarra Retirement Living in Croydon, they didn’t just find new homes, they found friendships they hadn’t expected.

“When you get to my age, you have your established friendship groups and you think that’s set in concrete. But we moved to Mingarra and made some very close friends, which has surprised us both,” Gayle said.

“I wasn’t around a lot of older people where we lived before, though here I have been exposed to a wonderful attitude to life and I think that’s rubbed off on my husband and I.

“I’m not sporty but I’ve learned carpet bowls and I’ve played scrabble for the first time since school. My husband now enjoys croquet and has made quite a few friends with the blokes too, which is just fantastic.”

Iris agreed new friendships weren’t on the agenda before moving in but have been a welcome surprise.

“I had no idea that I would end up with a village full of new friends who I treasure. All my neighbours on my street are great friends and we’re never short of a conversation,” Iris added.

“I’m at the stage where I’m losing friends so it’s lovely to make new ones. I never expected to find the wealth of friendship that I’ve found here so it’s

been a wonderful gift.”

Community Manager Catherine Inifer said the village actively supports residents in fostering meaningful friendships.

“At Mingarra, we’re proud to embody exactly what this research highlights,” Catherine said.

“Strong social connections support mental

health, encourage people to stay active and engaged, and help create a sense of belonging – all of which are essential for ageing well.

“Everyday connections, shared interests and genuine friendships are a natural part of life here, and we see first-hand the positive impact that has on our residents.”

For more information, call 13 28 36 or visit aveo.com.au.

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SENIOR LIVING

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

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

Whether it’s sweeping valley views or the ease of low maintenance living, each home is

designed for comfort and connection.

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

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

quickly and newcomers are warmly welcomed, making it easy to feel part of the community from day one.

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

It is this blend of convenience, activity, and companionship that makes Lilydale Valley

Views such a special place. Here, retirement is not about slowing down, but about enjoying life surrounded by people who value the same. We invite you to experience it for yourself. Discover the comfort of terrace living, the beauty of the views, and the warmth of a truly connected community.

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

Prized for its breathtaking views, this home features a large, open plan living room, dining room and kitchen oriented to make the most of that magical outlook.

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 2 Car Spaces - $785,000

Enjoying lovely views across the village from the expansive balcony, this unit has 2 bedroom and a study. It also has two bathrooms, and a single garage with internal entry.

Officers roll up their sleeves

By Mikayla van Loon

It was a morning of giving back for several highway patrol members from the outer east, choosing to donate blood and plasma as part of a major donation drive.

The group of 10 officers from Eastern Division Two’s Highway Patrol Unit, based out of Knox and the Yarra Ranges, headed to Ringwood’s Lifeblood Donor Centre on Wednesday 28 January.

Senior Sergeant Brendon De Schwartz said the idea came from fellow member Leading Senior Constable Suzanne Brendel, acknowledging the significant road trauma police members deal with regularly.

“We go through a lot of road trauma, and as a result of road trauma, a lot of people need blood to fix their injuries,” Snr Sgt De Schwartz said.

“(Suzanne) thought it would be a great idea for

us to be part of that community engagement side of things, to actually donate blood and help those who really need blood supply.

“It’s critically low. As we know, we hear it all the time, advertised that blood supplies are critically low. We just thought it would be a great idea to help the community out and help those in need (of) such an urgent supply of blood.”

Donating blood at this time of the year was also intentional, with the Australia-wide Bleed4Blue donation drive running for state police divisions from 1 December to 28 February.

It becomes quite a competitive event between the states each year. New South Wales’ police force was outdoing Victoria Police as of 28 January with a total of 1159 donations, but Victoria was trailing closely with 1062.

“It highlights the critical importance of blood, plasma and platelet donation to save lives in emer-

Police urge road safety

With Victorian students returning to school this week for Term 1 of 2026, Victoria Police are reminding motorists to slow down and take extra care around school zones.

It follows a devastating number of pedestrian fatalities in 2025, with 52 pedestrians killed, including four children aged 18 years or under.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir urges motorists to slow down and take extra care when travelling around school zones.

“We’re also asking parents, carers and teachers to talk to children about the importance of road safety and teach them to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road.

“Police will be highly visible around school zones this week to ensure reduced speed limits are adhered to.“

Motorists should also be on the lookout for school crossing supervisors and consider their safety as they step out onto the roads to assist

children to safely cross the road.

Speed and distractions are considered the top factors in collisions around schools by Police and they will be on the lookout for such drivers.

Police have witnessed and issued 53 infringements to motorists for failing to stop at a children’s crossing over the past four financial years (July 2021 – June 2025).

Police issued 8,916 speeding infringements between 6am and 9am, Monday to Friday in the last financial year (July 2024 – June 2025).

While not all those speeding infringements issued between 6am and 9am on weekdays occurred in school zones, police say it highlights that motorists are being caught speeding during a time of day renowned for increased pedestrian activity, which is particularly concerning parents, carers and teachers can also help prioritise road safety by teaching children how to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road, and supervising young children around roads.

gency situations, which can require large quantities of blood,” Lifeblood relationship manager Geneveive Dobson said.

“Bleed4Blue began in 2018, following the near-fatal stabbing of NSW policeman John Breda in Maroubra. He needed 100 bags of donated blood to keep him alive.

“Police officers are usually first on the scene, so we think it’s amazing to see them so committed to saving lives on and off the job!”

The first time this team has donated blood together, Snr Sgt De Schwartz said he hoped it could become a more regular group outing and a way to step away from the day-to-day of road policing.

“It brings the team together, because we’re so used to seeing really nasty stuff on the road. So this is a good way of everybody getting together, a little bit more of a low-key day.

“They get to do something a little bit different for

the community, that’s why we are police; we work for the community.”

The Yarra Ranges and Knox saw 21 fatalities on local roads in 2025, with two deaths already recorded this year in incredibly traumatic circumstances, which saw some of the members attend the collision.

Snr Sgt De Schwartz said being able to do something positive was both good for the highway patrol members and the broader community.

“It gives them a bit of decompression as well, and just takes them away from constant road trauma,” he said.

“We do a lot of road enforcement, and people are used to us giving penalty notices out as part of our job and role to prevent road trauma.

“This is just another way we can show people that we’re here to support the community in a lot of different ways.”

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Exciting start for preps

The 2026 school year has officially begun, with schools across the district welcoming their new cohort of Foundation students as they begin their schooling journey.

Manchester Primary School in Mooroolbark welcomed an excited group of Foundation students for their first day on Thursday 29 January.

“Starting school is such an exciting milestone, and it has been wonderful to see our youngest learners settling in, making new friends, and beginning their learning journey with confidence and enthusiasm,” principal Michelle Rondinella said. It was also a new environment for Ms Rondinella, who joined the school as principal this year.

chester Primary School, with many opportunities for families to connect and celebrate the start of the year,” she said.

“There is a real sense of excitement at Man-

“Our school community is looking forward to our upcoming Bush Dance on Thursday 12 February from 5–6pm, as well as the Foundation to Year 2 Teddy Bear Picnic from 2.30–3.30pm, which will be a special afternoon for our younger students.

“With so many new faces and fresh beginnings, we are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, growth, and positive moments for our whole school community.

“We warmly welcome prospective parents to tour the school and see firsthand the vibrant learning environment we offer.”

Discover Summerset Chirnside Park

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Tuesday 17th of February 2026, 11am to 3pm

Stretching for a cause

By

As a pilates instructor, Vicky Kamakaris knows the importance of movement but she’s also seen firsthand the impact of what losing mobility does to the body.

That’s why, for the second year, she’s hosting her Pilates 4 Parkinson’s fundraising event on Saturday 21 February at Hubert Estate, within the stunning Gallery of Art space.

All proceeds raised from ticket sales and donations will be donated to Fight Parkinson’s, a foundation that’s “more geared towards support for carers and providing information to people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s” rather than research.

Ms Kamakaris said the support Fight Parkinson’s provided when her dad was diagnosed was essential to his care but also the family’s understanding of what was required.

“Fitness is really important to me, and people maintaining their fitness is really important. Pilates is an area that I’ve enjoyed a lot of success in, and I’ve got a lot of following in the area,” she said.

“I want to give something back to a cause that is very close and important to my heart.

“Dad passing away from Parkinson’s, and the number of people who are being diagnosed with Parkinson’sonadailybasisinAustraliaisincreasing, so just to be able to provide that funding for support is really important to me.”

Training several clients who live with Parkinson’s, Ms Kamakaris said she tries to focus on functional pilates to maintain body functionality.

Shealsousescertainmovementstolookforsigns of Parkinson’s or failing mobility.

“It’s good for prevention. It is good for maintaining health, and during the diagnosis. I focus on functional pilates, doing movements that assist with balance and fine motor skills and mobility. All those things combined help people pre- and post-diagnosis,” she said.

“The focus is on balance and the unilateral stuff, so doing movements on one side and then the other. Because with Parkinson’s, things can be just on one side, so picking that up and making sure that we’re doing things on the left and things on the right.

“Often you won’t pick it up unless you’re doing things separately, so pilates slows things down and works on all those things.”

MsKamakarissaidthathipmobilitywasofmajor importance and a huge focal point, because it can prevent falls and the subsequent deterioration that often follows.

“One of the first things to go, for instance, is hip mobility.OneofthethingsIworkonisgoodhipmobility, raising the knees right up.

“If you’ve got Parkinson’s and you can’t raise yourkneestowalk,youstarttoshuffleyourfeet.That can be the beginning of the end for a lot of people; it was for my dad.

“Hewasquitegood,untilhewasnotabletowalk, and then he fell, and then he ended up in hospital, and then we weren’t able to care for him because his needs were so high.”

Ms Kamakaris’ dad passed away in 2022.

Now in his honour, she plans to host Pilates 4

Parkinson’s every year to raise much-needed funds to support families and their loved ones diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disorder.

Approaching Hubert Estate, Ms Kamakaris said they were more than happy to support the event, accommodating 100 people.

The Gallery of Art provides a perfect and peaceful backdrop for a pilates session, with the sweeping green vista on full display through large windows and incredible Indigenous art surrounding the walls inside.

People attending the fundraiser are encouraged to arrive at 10am for a 10.30am start. The hour-long guided mat pilates session is designed to energise

the body.

There will then be a range of culinary delights to indulge in, with grazing platters and a selection of beverages to be shared over conversation.

Activewear brand LSKD will also be hosting a pop-up store and has kindly provided some giveaways for the day. Anyone unable to participate in the pilates itself is still welcome to attend. For those who cannot make the event but would still like to contribute, they can donate via the booking page.

Tobookyourticketortodonate,visittrybooking. com/DIBZH

Hubert Estate is located at 1-3 St Hubert’s Road, Coldstream.

Victorian Sport Awards nominations are now open

Presented by the Victorian Government and Vicsport, nominations for the Victorian Sport Awards (VSAs) are now open, acknowledging the full spectrum of Victorian sport and active recreation during the 2025 calendar year.

The most prestigious night for our state’s sporting and active recreation sector, the VSAs recognises 18 awards covering individual and team athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel and the initiatives that ensure Victorians remain active.

The night provides the opportunity to celebrate the grassroots heroes who excelled at a community level, high-performance athletes who shone at a national and international level and everyone in between.

Nominations can be submitted until 11.59pm Friday 13 February 2026. The nomination process is open to all members of the public.

“In partnership with the Victorian Govern-

ment, Vicsport is excited to once again recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our state’s sport and recreation community at the Victorian Sport Awards,” Vicsport Chair Jason Hellwig said.

“This is such a special night on the Victorian sporting calendar where we have the opportunity to honour the grassroots heroes who keep our sport and recreation sector thriving alongside the high-performance athletes who starred on the world stage.

“With 18 awards to be presented, I strongly urge all Victorians to submit their nominations to ensure their sport is well represented on the night.”

Following the closure of nominations, four finalists for each of the 18 awards will be decided by esteemed judging panels and announced in March. Winners will then be revealed at the VSAs on Wednesday 13 May 2026 in the Members Din-

ing Room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

All finalists, family, friends, sporting organisations and clubs are invited to attend the VSAs and celebrate the successes of sport in Victoria. Ticketing details will be announced soon.

Event details: Wednesday 13 May 2026

6pm – 9.30pm

Members Dining Room

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Richmond

Categories in the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards are as follows:

Leasexpress Coach of the Year

Gallagher Community Coach of the Year

Sports Accounting Australia Official of the Year

etrainu Community Official of the Year

AFL SportsReady Young Team of the Year

Team of the Year

My Sport Live Community Sporting Event of

the Year

Love the Game Community Sporting Club of the Year

revolutioniseSPORT Victorian Sports Administrator of the Year – Eunice Gill Award

BunningsTrade Local Government Initiative of the Year

Vicsport Volunteer of the Year

VicHealth Sport and Active Recreation Initiative of the Year

Involve Masters Athlete of the Year

Southern Cross Trophies Young Athlete of the Year

Outstanding Media Coverage of Sport Award

Polytan Peter Norman Inclusion Award

Frank Wilkes Award

Kitty McEwan Award

More information on the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards can be found here: vicsport.com. au/2025-vsas

Grant to support program

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Glen Park Community Centre Inc has received $8975 to support its Silver Sisters program, with funding set to deliver a celebratory, queerthemed event designed to connect older women and gender diverse people with vital social supports.

The Silver Sisters program supports older women and gender diverse people aged 45 years and over, offering a safe and inclusive space for people who can otherwise feel isolated in the community.

Glen Park Community Centre chief executive officer and co-founder of Silver Sisters, Heidi Butler-Moore, said the funding would help address a clear gap in local services.

“There isn’t actually a group available specifically for older cohorts who identify as LGBTQIA+ in our area,” Ms Butler-Moore said.

“For people to be included in something like this, they often have to travel a long way just to take part in social activities for their age group.”

The funding will be used to host a queerthemed celebration led by professional drag queens, which Ms Butler-Moore said was an intentional way to make the program more visible and approachable.

“It’s a bit of a hook to get people to come along,” she said.

“It can feel safer to attend what’s seen as a social inclusion activity, rather than something that feels labelled, for older people, particularly those who are not out, that can make a big difference, if you put on food and something fun, people will come.”

Silver Sisters was created by Ms Butler-Moore, Tracy Muzek and Nancy Kavanaugh, with Ms Muzek and Ms Kavanaugh also acting as facilitators - they started the program after years of searching for a welcoming space closer to home where older women and gender diverse people could feel safe and connected.

Ms Muzek said the lack of safe, local options for older women and gender diverse people was deeply felt.

“We searched for a long time for a gay group on this side of town and found nothing,” Ms Muzek said.

“When we did find something, it didn’t feel safe for women, we wanted a space where people who identify as female or non-binary could feel comfortable, build connections and feel like they belong.”

Ms Kavanaugh said the program had be-

come a lifeline for many participants who were previously isolated.

“A lot of people didn’t have friends or a community at all,” she said.

“Coming together regularly has been instrumental for people’s mental health, friendships have grown, and people now socialise outside the group as well.”

The upcoming event is expected to help break down barriers for people who may feel nervous about attending for the first time, particularly those who are not openly out.

Ms Butler-Moore said the focus would be on creating a welcoming, well-planned environment.

“We know this could feel intimidating for some people,” she said.

“So we’re making sure there’s good planning, good security and clear information, but most importantly, that people feel genuinely

welcomed.”

Ms Kavanaugh said the celebration would be relaxed and pressure-free.

“It’s a fun icebreaker,” she said.

“There’ll be games, drag queens and a good atmosphere, there’s no pressure to stay the whole time - people can just come in, check the place out and see if it feels right for them.”

The $8975 grant will also allow Glen Park Community Centre to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Silver Sisters program.

“The funding gives us the time, space and resources to set up stronger structures moving forward,” Ms Butler-Moore said.

“It supports our facilitators and helps us put on an event that’s professional, fun and accessible.”

Ms Muzek said the funding would also help raise awareness of the program within the broader community.

“It’s really hard to spread the word without money,” she said.

“Even simple things like flyers or business cards matter - this helps people see that we’re here and that we’re just like everyone else.”

Ms Butler-Moore said the event also carried a wider message about inclusion.

“We want people to know that Glen Park is inclusive for everyone,” she said.

“This event isn’t just for the LGBTQIA+ community, anyone is welcome, we’re about bringing people together from all walks of life.”

The organisers hope the celebration will lead to more people accessing Silver Sisters and feeling safe, seen and valued within the Glen Park community.

“We deserve to feel celebrated and safe,” Ms Butler-Moore said.

“And we have a responsibility to make sure our community knows that.”

Community Bank donates $40,000 to local CFAs

By Oliver Winn

The Community Bank Wandin-Seville donated crucial funding to four local CFA brigades on Monday 26 January.

The $40,000 boost was presented at the Rotary Club of Wandin’s Family Fun Day which was also sponsored by the bank.

Wandin CFA, Seville CFA, Gruyere CFA and Coldstream CFA each got a quarter-sized cut of the funding pie, ensuring the brigades can invest in important upgrades during the summer.

Community Bank Wandin-Seville executive director Leah Thompson said it was vital the local volunteer firefighters were looked after.

“Our local CFAs have so much volunteer involvement that it is so important their teams are looked after, instead of having to request funding for things, it is great that they can put money where they know it needs to go,” she said.

She said CFAs not only protect the community from bushfires, but they also support many local events such as the Wandin Family Fun Day.

“Outside of protecting our community, the CFA volunteers also pour so much time into so many things for our community, like being at the Fun Day ready to chat to the community about fire safety and making fire safety fun and interesting for kid.”

The CFAs expressed their gratitude on social media.

Seville CFA said it was “overwhelmed” at the generosity of the Community Bank Wandin-Seville.

“We are overwhelmed and very appreciative, such donations allows us to invest in improvements that we otherwise couldn’t achieve,” Seville CFA’s post read.

Wandin CFA gave a “huge thank you” to the bank while Gruyere CFA were “incredibly grateful” for the donation.

“Staying true to their name, they really are a community bank, consistently supporting us and many other community groups,” the Gruyere CFA post read.

Ms Thompson said the donations started

“To Wandin Rotary and all the other volunteers and clubs who make this day possiblewhat a great effort and we hope you have your feet up with a cold drink.”

in 2023 so the brigades could receive funding without having to go through a tedious application process.

“In 2023 we sponsored Seville CFA for new chainsaws and Wandin CFA for a new trailer, knowing that our local CFAs were struggling with funding and needing new equipment and upgrades, we wanted to help and give them a donation so that they could spend it on what they need without having to come to us with an

application and go through the process.”

She said local CFAs always expressed lots of gratitude when they received the donations.

“Every year the local CFAs are so grateful and we love hearing about what they do with the donations and how it helped their brigade.

“We’re a bank in the local community and we’re here for the local community. These donations are only possible thanks to our customers that bank with us.”

A day full of family fun

By Oliver Winn

Crowds of people from Wandin and surrounds soaked up the sun at the annual Family Fun Day on Monday 26 January.

The Rotary Club of Wandin’s Family Fun Day took place at the Wandin North Recreation Reserve where families enjoyed the Australia Day public holiday.

A range of activities kept the children en-

tertained this year, with mini golf, archery, a dunking machine, silent disco and an animal farm.

Meanwhile, parents caught up over a free sausage sizzle and coffee, chatted with local CFA and Ambulance Victoria members and enjoyed a day off from work.

The event was sponsored by the Community Bank Wandin-Seville, which also presented four $10,000 donations to local CFA brigades.

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REGISTER YOUR AND STAY SAFE HAD YOUR GO MISSING? HAD YOUR STOLEN? KEEP YOUR WHILE AWAY

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Local music on the map

By Oliver Winn

The Yarra Ranges-based seven-piece band Playlunch landed an incredible fourth place in triple j’s Hottest 100, capping off a mega 2025.

It was the bogan funk outfit’s breakout single Keith which soared into the top five, beating international heavyweights such as Chappell Roan, Fred again.. and RAYE.

The catchy funk-rock earworm took the country by storm with its hilarious lyrics, telling the story of a psycho tradie neighbour named “Keith”, played by ex-AFL star Barry Hall in the song’s music video.

Frontman Liam Bell said he and the band felt like “the luckiest blokes in the music industry”.

“It’s such a dream come true for us… It’s rare that you get to work with the kind of people we get to work with, play in a band with your best mates, and participate in a community made of the most passionate music fans in the country,” he said.

Playlunch’s cover of It’s Raining Men for triple j’s Like A Version also landed at 73 on the Hottest 100, cementing the band into Australia’s music canon.

The music video for Keith became an immediate sensation upon its release in June 2025 but it was thanks to a genius social media campaign that the song performed so well in the Hottest 100.

Barry Hall starred in the series of short clips, written and edited by Mr Bell, which saw Keith take Playlunch hostage in a bid to gain popularity, and it’s safe to say that his plan succeeded.

Mr Bell said the band wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of their fans.

“Obviously it’s great to see all these years of hard work paying off, but this industry is full of artists working their asses off who never see these kind of results.

“We’re here because of our fans, it’s as simple as that,” Mr Bell said.

Emerging from the Yarra Ranges, Playlunch began as an independent band, working hard to establish their unique brand rooted in Australiana culture.

Their 2022 debut single, No Hat, No Play, laid the foundation for a cult following which saw fans rock up to gigs in athletics day house colours and

yard duty uniforms, handing out detention slips.

The band went from writing songs about the ABC to being signed by the broadcast corporation’s music label in November 2024, and ever since, they’ve been packing out venues all around the country.

Mr Bell said their song Keith had rooted itself in Australian pop culture.

“The fact this silly song about a stupid neigh-

bour has gone on to become this cult sensation, and Barry Hall’s Keith seems to have become an icon of Aussie culture is an honour beyond words.

“Whether it’s the people behind Fast Forward, Working Dog, Skithouse or Aunty Donna - we are so inspired by the great canon of Aussie comedy and art, and every single day we aspire to create work that can resonate with people the way those classics resonate with us,” Mr Bell said.

Looking forward, the band are excited to continue putting on shows and bringing their dopamine-filled funk bangers to Australia and the world.

“Keith cracking the top five of the Hottest 100 feels like confirmation we’re on the right track, and we can’t wait to get to work putting on the best show we possibly can for everyone who voted for us.”

Buzzart’s beautiful mural tackles tagging issue in Wandin

By Oliver Winn

A colourful mural popped up on the walls of Wandin’s Marigold Way, showcasing the beautiful native wildlife of the Yarra Ranges while minimising graffiti.

The spray painted artwork was completed by artist Brad Colling during the last week of January, freshening up the drab brick walls with a splash of vibrancy and character.

After a “game of cat and mouse” between taggers graffiting walls and the Rotary Club of Wandin cleaning it off, the idea of a mural came to Mr Colling.

“The wall kept getting tagged and the guys from Rotary kept painting over the tags to try to keep the town tag-free,” he said.

Mr Colling put forward a proposal to Community Bank Wandin-Seville and the bank agreed to allocate $5600 to fund the mural.

He’s had a few murals in the area and you can check them out in person or via his Facebook page, Buzzart.

Community Bank Wandin-Seville executive officer Leah Thompson said the bank had funded other Buzzart murals in the past, and they were always a favourite among the township.

“The mural completed on the opposite wall was so well done and created such a lively and nice vibe in the main street, when we heard Buzzart was trying to secure funding for another mural we knew it was something we wanted to be involved in for our community.

“Creative art lining our streets is so important, it gives our community character and can be something we can be proud of in our beautiful township,” Ms Thompson said.

Using spray paints, Mr Colling transformed the wall into a canvas of bright colours with large, eye-catching animals and plants.

An echidna sits front on against a backdrop of fluro green, while nearby a sugar glider grips onto a branch. The big, wise eyes of an owl makes you question who’s looking at who.

The level detail of each animal is quite complex and is a testament to Mr Colling’s technique.

Mr Colling is known to many in his hometown of Wandin. Whenever he’s got time away from his job as a movie set designer, Mr Colling paints and he enjoys the conversations his art sparks from those passing by.

“I’ve had hundreds of people stop for a chat. I spend half my time painting and half my time chatting, which is great because I get to know everyone,” he said.

Coincidentally, a local approached Mr Colling as he spoke with the Star Mail and complimented his work, before chatting about the joys of spotting echidnas along the Warburton Rail Trail.

“People really love it, so that’s the best part,

that people stop and say how good it looks, you know, so that really helps.”

“I’m a local so a lot of people in the town, they know my stuff.

“I got a bit of art all around the town so people appreciate it and they also give me the opportunity to do stuff which I really appreciate.”

There’s a more personal meaning behind the mural too, with some of its subjects being references to important community members who’ve passed away.

Mr Colling said the native flora and fauna was also an attempt to make people more aware of the beautiful wildlife of the Yarra Ranges.

“I try to make people aware of what we’ve got, like all the animals and in the background there’s all indigenous plants.

“Suddenly, it’s sort of at the forefront of people’s minds that these animals are still around. They’re a big part of Wandin and the Yarra Valley.”

Valley included for tour

By Gabriella Vukman

This January saw the Yarra Ranges invited into the Melbourne arts scene with the execution of the free National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Kids on Tour summer programme.

The program took place between Wednesday, 7 January and Sunday 25 January and ran out of an array of local venues and the Yarra Ranges was a part of the fun.

Local venues included the Arts Centre in Warburton and the Memo in Healesville.

Involving a range of free, drop-in art-making activities created especially for children and their families, the 2026 activity pack was inspired by the NGV children’s exhibition, which is called Let’s Party! Fashion Designed by Danielle Brisbane.

Danielle’s exhibition highlighted ideas of self-expression and identity through fashion, dressing up, socialising and celebrating. This year’s activities were themed around the idea of a kid’s birthday party.

Senior Project Coordinator at the NGV Stephanie Pohlman said, “This year the activities included making a party hat, playing party games, designing the cake and of course come together with others to celebrate and play.”

“All the activities that we put into the pack were tested with children and they also responded to the needs and the feedback of our venues,” Ms Pohlman said.

The Kids on Tour programme took place in over 160 venues across the state of Victoria in both regional and metropolitan areas.

Ms Pohlman said, “It has been wonderful collaborating with such a wide range of venues from local libraries to regional galleries, neighbourhood houses, children’s hospitals, and migrant resource centres.”

“We know that these venues are really the heart of the community and they provide such an important space for people to come together, connect and learn or access an important service,” she said.

“Working with so many venues across the state really provides us with an exciting opportunity to get to know the wider community and those who may be outside the gallery’s regular orbit.”

The Kids on Tour programme was designed to connect children and families with the ideas of art and artists despite their proximity to the gallery or to Melbourne.

Ms Pohlman said, “It doesn’t matter whereabouts in Victoria you live, - you can have access to the arts anywhere with Kids on Tour.”

“The purpose of the programme is really to bring people together, and to get them talking, and sharing ideas, and to spread creativity across the state,” she said.

“The programme also helps to build the venue’s capacity in sharing creative experiences.”

With plans already underway for next year’s programme, the Yarra Ranges lies in wait for further future connection with Melbourne’s arts scene.

Call out to all Nashos

The National Servicemen’s Association of Australia, Victoria Branch, is looking for any person who was called up between the years of 1951 and 1972 to march in a special commemoration recognising 75 years since the start of national service in Australia. They ask that people assemble in the forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance at 11.45am on Sunday 15 February to march off at 12 noon.

There will be a flyover by the RAAF museum at Point Cook at 12.15pm, and then into

the shrine for guest speaker Dave Sabben MG, who was the Officer Commanding of 12 Platoon D Company 6RAR at the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966.

Please wear any medals, your own to be worn on your left side and relations to be worn on the right side.

Any inquiries, contact Peter Kemp on 0427 859 549.

Tribute to CFA’s Joy Aldham

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Selby CFA community is mourning the loss of a beloved member, Joy Aldham, who passed away in January, just a week before her 75th birthday.

Ms Aldham who was a long-serving life member of the Selby brigade dedicated more than four decades to firefighting and community service, leaving a lasting impact on those she worked alongside.

Selby CFA shared on their official Facebook page, “It is with heavy hearts that the Selby Fire Brigade announces the passing of long-serving life member, Joy Aldham. Joy joined the brigade in 1985, beginning her journey as an Auxiliary member before transitioning to operational fire-

fighter. Her dedication to the brigade was immense, serving as our Secretary for over a decade (2000-2008 and 2012-2016).”

Her husband, Neville Aldham, Selby CFA’s community safety coordinator, reflected on the strength and support of the brigade.

“Me and the fire brigade people are like this big extended family that sort of wrap their arms around you,” he said.

“It’s comforting to have that support.”

Ms Aldham’s commitment to the CFA began in 1984 when she joined alongside her husband. She initially became involved through the Ladies Auxiliary before training as a firefighter, often turning out during weekday daytime callouts

when few others were available.

Over the years, she filled several roles, including helping organise relief efforts during the 1997 fires, when thousands of sandwiches were prepared for crews.

Later in her service, Ms Aldham focused on welfare and peer support, providing care to firefighters following major incidents, including the Black Saturday fires.

As a member of the District 13 Peer Support Team, she supported first responders across the region.

“She was a vibrant, warm person who brought colour wherever she went,” Mr Aldham said.

“She loved sewing and always used colourful

materials to make things for family and friends.”

Selby CFA said on its Facebook post that Ms Aldham’s service was recognised with several honours, including Selby CFA Life Membership, the National Medal with 1st Clasp and the National Emergency Medal for Black Saturday.

Mr Aldham said while her frontline firefighting reduced in later years, her dedication to helping others never faded.

“She lived by the idea that you can’t just take from life, you have to give back,” he said.

Outside the CFA, Ms Aldham worked in local journalism as a compositor at several newspapers, including the Upper Yarra Mail and the Dandenong Journal.

Her work involved traditional typesetting and page layout before the introduction of modern computer systems.

“She was part of a different era,” Mr Aldham said.

“She worked on old typesetting machines, cutting and pasting articles. It was hands-on work, and she loved it.”

Mr Aldham said Ms Aldham lived with Parkinson’s disease for several years, which gradually affected her mobility and speech.

She died following a fall that resulted in a brain bleed.

In line with her personality, the family has asked mourners to wear bright colours to her funeral.

“She always loved colourful dresses,” Mr Aldham said.

“She wouldn’t want a sombre farewell.”

Ms Aldham was widely known for supporting others through difficult times, whether organising meals after a loss or welcoming new life into families.

“She was always there,” Mr Aldham said. She is survived by her husband, two sons, their partners and a young granddaughter.

“She was the glue that held us all together,” Mr Aldham said.

As Ms Aldham is remembered, her family hopes her spirit of generosity and service continues.

“She always gave back,” Mr Aldham said.

The funeral for Joy Aldham was on Monday, 2 February, at 11am at Bunurong Memorial Park’s Stratus Chapel, 790 Frankston–Dandenong Rd, Dandenong South, followed with light refreshments at the same location.

The Aldham family has requested attendees wear something brightly coloured and that donations be made to fightparkinsons.org.au in lieu of flowers.

“Rest in peace, Joy. Your service will not be forgotten and you will be deeply missed by us all,” Selby CFA wrote on Facebook.

Christmas on the Rhine

By Lee Mccarthy

With many families breaking away from traditional Christmas celebrations and exploring ways to connect so the whole family can relax, the idea of taking a family holiday away from home is becoming more appealing to Aussies.

Due to the vastness of Australia and the many financial and time considerations of travel from state-to-state, couples are now discovering other options including hiring a holiday home together or taking a cruise.

But, for those wanting a really special treat with family or friends where the accommodation and food are nearly outdone by the remarkable scenery, this might be the one to look at.

Celebrating ‘Christmas on the Rhine’ with Viking is the kind of Christmas always remembered and reflected upon each time the festive season is mentioned.

This is the opportunity to journey through storybook villages, sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies, browse colourful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts.

With December the middle of summer for Australians it is the chance to enjoy the festive season in scarfs and jumpers drinking mulled wine, eating hot savoury and sweet delicacies by the fire in comfort with all the work done and just time to enjoy each other.

Here guests can experience the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This eight-day Viking ‘Christmas on the Rhine’ voyage is a joyful celebration of

festive cheer.

Enjoy eight days, eight guided tours across four countries sailing from Amsterdam to Basel through Cologne, Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach and on to Basel on the Swiss border and take advantage of the fly free on selected 2026 to 2028 voyages saving up to $5000 per couple

(contact Viking for dates, prices and valid dates).

All travelers need for this wonderful adventure of a lifetime is included with no surprises or hidden fees including complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, free Wi-Fi, all onboard meals featuring specialties and classics, beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch

and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffee, tea and bottled water, enrichment lectures and of course much more.

An added addition and one of the best parts of the Viking cruises is guests can book pre and post cruise extensions on selected cruises meaning additional days to explore the embarkation or disembarkation city or visit a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

More days means more to discover and with extension packages the team onboard and at each port are there to help with booking accommodations and tours in the selected cities.

One option is to extend this cruise with twonight stay in Amsterdam and think of all the fun

to be had in this stunning city, especially in winter.

Enjoy the picturesque canals while discovering the city’s cultural and architectural treasures. Witness the legacy of the Dutch Golden Age that lives on in the city’s gilded manses and stroll through the Jordaan district, passing historic sites such as Wester Church and the Anne Frank House.

Another extension on the Christmas cruise is three nights in Brussels with time to explore the intriguing Belgian cities of Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. View iconic landmarks and stroll through historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites then celebrate the season immersed in the festive atmosphere of traditional Christmas markets.

Take a ‘Viking Longship 360-degree tour’ of the longship used for river cruising right now to see what the cruise will look like by visiting the Viking website showing the ship layout and including narrated tours.

The small, modern Viking Longships are elegantly designed for discovery and comfort. Each longship is identical and features all outside staterooms, serene Scandinavian spaces and light-filled public areas.

All guests must be 18 years old to cruise with Viking on the longships, there are no casino’s, no theme nights and during the day, dress is casual, slacks or jeans and the recommended evening dress is ‘elegant casual’.

Have a look at the wonderful Christmas cruises available with Viking including the Christmas on the Rhine tour by visiting viking.com or by phoning 138 747

Exploring rivers and oceans

For nearly three decades, Viking has been setting a new standard for exploring the world’s rivers and oceans. Since 1997, it has welcomed curious, well-travelled guests aboard its fleet of now 100 river, ocean and expedition ships, taking them to some of the world’s most remarkable destinations. Along the way, Viking has earned more than 450 awards, including being voted #1 for both Rivers and Oceans in the 2025 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the fifth consecutive year. It was also named a 2025 World’s Best for Oceans, Rivers and Expeditions by Travel + Leisure, and Cruise Critic recognised the company with eight awards in 2025 across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories.

What truly sets Viking apart is its philosophy. While many cruise lines focus on building the biggest ships with the most facilities, Viking offers something different. Viking is for the discerning traveller who believes travel is more than just a trip but a chance to explore and understand the world. With no kids, no casinos and an emphasis on cultural enrichment, it focuses on what truly matters: meaningful experiences.

This approach is reflected in every itinerary. Known as ‘The Thinking Person’s Cruise’, Viking offers a rich program of included excursions that illuminate each destination’s landmarks, history and local life. Onboard, enrichment continues with lectures from leading authors and archaeologists, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and a beautifully appointed library.

The ships themselves are designed to enhance the enrichment experience. As small ship specialists, Viking creates vessels that are intimate yet sophisticated, featuring elegant Scandinavian-inspired interiors filled with natural light. There are no inside staterooms across the fleet, and every Ocean stateroom includes a private veranda—

perfect for taking in the passing scenery.

This thoughtful small ship design also allows the vessels to reach places larger ships cannot.

With fewer than 1,000 guests, the Viking Ocean fleet can sail directly into iconic cities such as London, Hong Kong and Monaco, docking closer to the heart of each destination and offering more time ashore. Onboard, guests can enjoy Nordic spa facilities, multiple dining venues and itiner-

SET

FEB, DEC 2026; JAN, FEB, NOV, DEC 2027; JAN, FEB, MAR 2028

From $19,895pp in Nordic Balcony

From $25,295pp in Nordic Penthouse

aries that prioritise time in port over days at sea. With meals, premium wine and beer with lunch and dinner, complimentary Wi-Fi, a guided excursion in every port and access to spa facilities on Ocean and Expedition ships all included, guests are free to simply relax and enjoy the journey.

For those seeking adventure, Viking’s Expedition voyages offer the chance to explore some of the world’s most pristine regions in exceptional comfort. Purpose-built ships are nimble enough to navigate remote waterways yet remain stable in rough seas, allowing guests to experience the untouched wilderness of Antarctica or the beauty of North America’s Great Lakes with ease.

From $5,295pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $6,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

For all enquiries and bookings please contact Julie at Exclusively Cruising on 03 9762 2799.

7 Nights

Iconic Experiences, Expertly Escorted

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

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

Full-Board River Elegance

3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing

Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse

Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat

Taste Riverland food and wine

Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

Hand-Picked Hotel Stays

3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast

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

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

FRANCE’S FINEST

From $13,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

LYON & PROVENCE

Lyon to Avignon or vice versa

8 DAYS • 1 COUNTRY • 7 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAY-NOV 2026; MAY-NOV 2027; 2028

From $5,895pp in Veranda Stateroom From $7,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

PARIS & THE HEART OF NORMANDY

Roundtrip Paris

8 DAYS • 1 COUNTRY • 6 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • JUN-NOV 2026; 2027; 2028

From $6,495pp in Veranda Stateroom From $8,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

NEW RIVER VOYAGES BROCHURE

Top events set to return

The Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival is back on Sunday 29 March 2026, from 9am to 5pm at Eastfield Park, 119 Eastfield Road, Croydon.

The Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival has hosted this event in Melbourne for 59 years.

It is one of the highlights of the Scottish Australian calendar and is considered the number one multicultural festival in the City of Maroondah and a major event in the Greater Melbourne area.

This day-long celebration of Scottish/ Celtic culture and heritage, held annually at Eastfield Park echoes the original games that took place centuries ago in Scotland during the reign of King Malcolm III.

This multicultural, inclusive event featuring wonderful music and competitions in dancing and pipe bands and world-class

athletic competitors is a must-see outing for everyone, providing the best of Celtic culture on public display.

This year’s events will see the return of the Victorian Highland Pipe Band Championships, featuring bands from all over Victoria competing for the top awards, thrilling the souls of all Scots, both new arrivals and descendants of old.

Australia’s Highland Muscle will be returning after the amazing International Games in 2025.

Heavy games athletes from around Australia, displaying their prowess in the tossing of the caber and other heavy lifting events.

Another addition to this grassroots event will be in the Opening Ceremony with a Traditional “Scottish Clan Roll Call” making this an amazing event not to be missed, showcasing the best of Scottish/Celtic cul-

ture and heritage, providing a history of the clan’s family-based values and the diversity of Australian society.

The Festival is supported by locals and travellers from all over Australia, with expected increases in loyal and new spectators to this festival, hailed by some to be the third biggest event in Victoria, playing a pivotal role in preserving Scottish and Celtic traditions among the Victorian diaspora and fostering connections to ancestral roots for younger generations.

After nearly 60 consecutive years of staging these games, organisers are very excited about this year, building on the past, supported by the event’s loyal followers and new live-streaming to reach followers across the world.

The festival brings together people from all walks of life with dignitaries including

Mr Simon Abney-Hastings, the Right Honourable 15th Earl of Loudoun, the Ambassador, The Honourable Mr Ted Baillieu AO, the annually appointed Chieftain of the Day, The Rt Hon Lord Strathspey, Sir Michael Grant of Grant Bt., 34th Chief of Clan Grant, and Honoured Clan, Clan Grant, with many other dignitaries alongside the number of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly all year long with significant sponsors like the East Ringwood & Croydon Community Bank (Bendigo) and the City of Maroondah Council, to present the best day out for all. For tickets and details, see: melbournehighlandgames.org.au.

For further assistance, please contact Dianne Cowling via 0412 297 368 or dianne. cowling@gmail.com.

EVERY CUP COUNTS

Coffee for Wildlife supports projects that empower people to live in harmony with forests and wildlife.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

New doctor is welcomed

Dr Stewart Gin is pleased to announce the addition of his good friend Dr Luke Emery to the Yarra Junction Dental Surgery team.

Dr Emery has been servicing the Lilydale, Chirnside Park and surrounding areas for over 35 years, and has a reputation for providing honest, caring and compassionate dentistry, the fundamental principles of the Yarra Junction Dental clinic.

He is well experienced in all facets of dentistry, having completed his Bachelor of Dental Science at the University of Melbourne in 1986. He

has worked at a number of different practices in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs, before becoming a practice co-owner in 1994 (with Dr Tim Deen) and full practice owner in 2013.

Dr Emery has recently left the practice after selling it earlier this year. He has graciously agreed to join the Yarra Junction Dental team after Dr Gin has been forced to retire due to injury and ill-health. Dr Gin, however, will still be available for a chat!

Dr Emery joins a team of five other dentists

and seven qualified supporting staff (nurses/receptionists), most of whom have worked there for a long time – a good sign of a happy, positive working environment!

Dr Gin has owned the clinic since 1993 and has always prided himself on maintaining it as a family-friendly general practice.

He has been caring for the community for decades, having treated four generations of some families, and considers this to have been both a privilege and an honour.

HavingDrEmeryonboardwillensurethephi-

losophies of the clinic will continue for years to come.

Dr Gin has future plans to expand the opening hours of the practice to include Saturdays and perhaps a late night or two.

Yarra Junction Dental Surgery is located at 1 Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction Victoria 3797. For appointments, please call 03 5967 2202. New patients are welcomed.

The clinic accepts the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for eligible children.

Please ask its friendly staff for details.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

All female dental clinic

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

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

Rupali graduated from dental school in 1999. She has worked in private and public community clinics both in, and around Melbourne.

She has also lived out of the city, spending a period of time in Benalla in rural Victoria.

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

Rupali believes her practice and approach to dentistry creates an experience that will change your notion of what a trip to the dentist is.

Outside of work she loves to spend time with family and her young children, sharing her passion for reading and travelling with them at every opportunity.

Sonali graduated from dental school in 2003. She has worked as a dentist in both community and private practices. She has also worked various roles within the dental industry.

Sonali believes that your mouth is the gateway to better wellbeing, and that a great healthy smile will leave a great lasting impression on people.

Sonali loves interacting with patients and en-

suring they are comfortable and at-ease.

She enjoys all aspects of dentistry. She particularly loves working with older clients.

In her spare time, she loves cooking delicious Indian dishes and enjoying time with her family and friends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For an appointment phone 9737 6453

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Finding your balance

Welcome to the new year 2026.

If you’ve ever experienced the world spinning around you or struggled with unsteadiness, you know how unsettling vertigo and balance issues can be. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, motion sensitivity, or feeling as though you’re being pulled to one side often stem from the inner ear, where our vestibular system plays a crucial role in keeping us steady and balanced.

The good news? Many balance problems can be identified—and managed—through proper assessment. HearSmart is once again offering vestibular assessments, providing you with access to specialised testing designed to uncover the root cause of dizziness, vertigo, and balance difficulties. Eligible patients may also be able to claim a Medicare rebate, making it easier to get the care you need.

At HearSmart, we offer a comprehensive range of audiological services to support your hearing and balance health:

HearingAssessments:Comprehensiveevaluations for adults and children, including puretone audiometry, middle ear function tests, and speech audiometry.

Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Management: Support and strategies for managing ringing in the ears and sound sensitivity.

Hearing Aid Counselling: Guidance on selecting and using hearing aids to improve communication.

Repairs and Maintenance: In-office repairs and regular maintenance to ensure optimal

hearing aid performance.

Paediatric Testing: Hearing assessments tailored for children from as young as nine months old.

Noise Exposure Management: Services to assess and manage hearing risks due to noise exposure.

You’ll be in expert hands with our experienced Audiologist, Whitney Qian, who has extensive expertise in assessing and managing hearing and balance conditions. Whitney is passionate about helping clients find practical solutions that restore confidence and improve quality of life.

If balance issues have been holding you back, now is the perfect time to book your vestibular assessment with HearSmart.

Contact us to book your spot now – 1300 787 792 or visit www.hearsmart.com.au to learn more.

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HearSmart offers a comprehensive range of audiological services to support your hearing and balance health. (Supplied)

The nervous system

Looking after your nervous system could be one of the most valuable investments you make in your health this year. The nervous system plays a central role in almost every aspect of wellbeing, influencing immune function, digestion, sleep regulation, sensory processing and movement. When it is well supported, the body is better equipped to respond to daily challenges with resilience and balance.

In today’s fast-paced world, caring for the nervous system is more important than ever. Modern life is often defined by constant demands, busy schedules and continual exposure to digital media. Our bodies are rarely given the opportunity to fully rest and reset, and many people find themselves living in a near-constant state of alertness or stress. Over time, this prolonged “fight or flight” response can place significant strain on both physical and mental health.

Common signs of nervous system imbalance may include persistent anxiety or nervousness, poor quality sleep, waking feeling unrefreshed, lowered immune resilience, ongoing digestive

Healthy living

Tim Howden Paediatric Naturopath

concerns or a reduced appetite. In children, a frequently observed presentation can involve inattention, heightened distractibility or states of excessive stimulation and hyperactivity.

The encouraging news is that many of these patterns are functional rather than fixed. This means they can often be improved through supportive changes in environment, lifestyle and daily habits. Small, consistent adjustments can have a meaningful impact on how the nervous system responds to stress.

Time spent in nature has been well re-

searched for its ability to support the parasympathetic nervous system, the branch responsible for rest, recovery and restoration. Gentle walking outdoors, breathing deeply and allowing the eyes to take in natural surroundings can help slow the body’s stress response in a positive and grounding way. Even brief breaks from screens, stretching the eyes toward the horizon and practising slow, steady breathing can create similar benefits.

Regular physical activity is another powerful tool. Exercise allows the body to release built-up nervous energy, reduce feelings of overwhelm and support emotional regulation. It does not need to be intense to be effective—consistent, enjoyable movement is often enough.

Nutrition also plays an important role. A whole-food diet rich in green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts and whole grains provides essential nutrients that support healthy nervous system function. These foundations can be further supported, when appropriate, by herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation or pharmaceutical interventions under professional guidance.

How readers can approach AI-content

By Christine Sun

Following last week’s outline of some of the recent trends regarding the use of AI-generated content, in this article I will discuss how we as readers might approach the issue.

This question derives from a recent episode in my reading circles.

A fellow reviewer refused to read a novel because they suspected AI use in the writing.

According to them, at the start of that book, there was an overabundance of certain words, phrases and punctuation, as well as certain ways of describing inanimate objects.

While none of the provided examples alone could indicate AI use, this fellow reviewer insisted that because so many of them were found together in a relatively short text (e.g. the first five pages), it was a sure sign the novel was at least partially AI-generated.

Therefore, they determined the book was unworthy of reading.

Which I disagree.

Particularly when I later discovered this statement on the novel’s author website: “All written content is entirely original and crafted as my own work without the use of generative AI.”

Should we trust the author, or accuse them of lying?

Do we read for ourselves and for pleasure,

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

or do we abandon a book because others cast doubt on its merits?

Do our views and opinions matter as readers, not just to each other, but especially to all the writers/authors out there?

Does anyone even bother to care?

To borrow from Monty Python, my position is to “always look on the bright side of life”.

Reading is and will always be a subjective experience.

Indeed, based on my own perusal of the aforementioned novel, various common and minor imperfections have been identified that can only be found in human writing.

Did I have fun reading that novel?

Yes. And that is all that matters – to me.

With that said, for those who are interested in detecting AI-generated content, many experts in the field have offered their advice.

Kemp’s Curtain Call

Burrinja Festival of Folk Inn Echo

Straight from Canada’s Prince Edward Island, Inn Echo are a blistering instrumental trio known for driving Celtic and North American fiddle tunes and infectious folk energy.

• Season: Thursday 5 March at 8pm.

Scot Cook and The Rippers

Touring Australia with his new album, much loved folk singer Scott Cook reunites with longtime collaborator Liz Frenchman for a heartwarming performance with his Aussie backing band The Little Rippers.

• Season: Saturday 14 March at 8pm.

Grace Petrie (UK)

UK pink singer-songwriter Grice Petrie is a bold, internationally celebrated protest voice – a lesbian artist whose razor-sharp lyrics, fierce politics and queer anthems have made her standout on the global folk scene.

• Season: Friday 27 March at 8pm.

Karralyka

Dolly Forever

Starring Joanne Caligiuri as Dolly Parton, a seasoned character performer with a passion for celebrating iconic women in the entertainment industry with nothing but respect, love, cafe and endless energy that Joanne is known for.

Joanne brings her talents to the rhinestonestudded world of country music legend Dolly Par-

The most frequently cited red flag is when a piece of writing feels “off”.

It can be bland, overly verbose or repetitive, too perfectly structured, too consistent, too polite, or simply too neat.

In other words, there is no “human touch” – authentic, personal, real-world and often messy emotions and thoughts.

But the most crucial criterion – which I think applies to both fiction and non-fiction –is whether or not the writing “moves” you.

Does it offers something original and refreshing, not just informative but also exciting and inspiring?

Does it contain “lived experiences” –unique knowledge, understanding and insight that real people have gained after going through significant events in their lives?

Ultimately, AI is trained on massive datasets sourced from content created by humans, and has learned to categorise information and identify patterns.

While technological advancements and human feedback will continue to help improve the quality of AI-generated content, whether or not this will make reading more pleasurable remains unknown.

But one thing is certain – all human writers/authors out there need more support than ever before.

CARTOON

Explore the Blood Ocean

Iron Lung Starring Mark Fischbach MA15+ 4/5

Based on the 2022 horror video game by David Szymanski, Iron Lung is a compelling, intensely atmospheric sci-fi horror film directed by YouTuber Mark Fischbach (aka Markiplier).

After an apocalyptic event known as the Quiet Rapture, in which every star and habitable planet suddenly vanished, a convict named Simon (Markiplier) must explore an ocean of blood on a remote moon.

Films based on video games often fail due to the difficulty of compressing a longform gaming experience down to a short cinematic run-time. The Iron Lung game is only about an hour long, and Markiplier’s adaptation honours and expands the source game and makes superb use of a single core actor and claustrophobic setting.

Iron Lung is a deeply suspenseful slowburn, balancing an icky deepening dread with satisfying intrigue, as Simon (played with grim determination by Markiplier) thinks through his dire situation and pursues the blood ocean’s mysteries. Iron Lung takes place entirely within Simon’s rickety submarine, but the narrative delves into Simon’s dark past and hints at sinister forces and a fraught universe on the brink of extinction beyond its walls.

The film has polished visual and practical effects (and holds the record for the most fake blood in a movie: 80,000 gallons), but the highlight is the outstanding sound design, with the creaks, bloody gurgles, electrical distortion and creepy moaning outside keeping you on edge.

The dialogue is sometimes heavy-handed, the film drags at times and is slightly too long, and the ending is a little overly chaotic and abrupt, but Iron Lung is overall a very strong theatrical debut for Markiplier.

Playing for a limited time in most Victorian cinemas, Iron Lung is one of the best video game movies yet and an engrossing, immersive horror movie in its own right.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

ton in a heartfelt and entertaining tribute show that celebrates Dolly’s humour, heart and unforgettable songs.

From humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to her rise as a global superstar.

The show brings Dolly’s timeless songs, unforgettable personality, and incredible journey to life on stage.

• Season: Thursday 12 March at 7.30pm.

CPP Community Theatre

70th Anniversary Concert

The concert is a joyous celebration of 70 years of CPP Community Theatre and is also our main fundraising event for 2026.

The musical director for the concert will be CPP life member, Jenn Walter.

Jenn will be assisted with choreography from previousCPPchoreographer/director,KaceyCooke and a team of amazing CPP production assistants.

The concert will be made up of two acts. Kemp’s curtain call

Fires rage

By Maria Millers

Bushfires at Kunghur— Peter Skrzynecki

The fires burned for weeks on end…

Farmers talked about how long before there was rain—

… sunlight piercing weatherboards and tin roofs; water being pumped from the creek … … Fires dotted the range like rubies in Persephone’s crown … TodayasIwritethereisfinallyawelcomereprieve from the heat of past weeks, the searing heat across southeast Australia that saw historic temperature highs.

Days of 45-48 and above.

Some still cling to this being just what it means to live in a sunburnt country of droughts and flooding rains.

Butscientistshavefoundthatrecentextremeheat events in Australia, including those earlier in January —weremorelikelymadebyhuman-inducedclimate change, compounding their severity and frequency.

For Indigenous Australians fire isn’t just heat or disaster — it’s a symbol of resistance and continuity in First Nations activism.

Indigenous poet Elle Van Neervan writes: a flame burns at the Tent Embassy in Kamberra still burns this fire represents many fires reminding us we are still here Fire is part of Country’s law — a living system of obligation and care, fire implies accountability.

If Country burns badly, it’s because someone failed to care properly.

Obligations were neglected. Knowledge was ignored or silenced.

Thisisprofoundlydifferentfromsettlernarratives that frame bushfires as natural disasters, Acts of God and unavoidable.

Cultural burning as practised by Indigenous Australianswassuppressedorcriminalised,peoplewere removedfromtheirlandsandfireknowledgewasinterrupted for generations.

Landscapes became fuel-loaded and brittle.

Many Elders describe contemporary mega-fires as “Country getting sick”.

Poet Evelyn Araluen sees nothing natural about the systemic neglect of the land and rejects the language of natural disaster: “Nothing natural about this,” she writes in Dropbear Poetics.

In the recent fires in Victoria more than 400,000 hectares of land and up to 1300 structures were destroyed.

Add to that stock and native animals and crops like grapes.

Miraculously, the fires claimed only one victim.

Heatwaves have intensified over the past three years, with global and regional events breaking temperature and impact records.

Not just confined to Australia, 2025 was among the hottest years on record, continuing a multi-year streak of exceptional temperatures worldwide.

Multiple heatwaves swept across Europe throughout spring–summer, with places like Silopi, Turkey, recording 50.5 °C, and contributing to tens of thousands of heat-related deaths.

Last year large areas of the world’s oceans experienced marine heatwaves, significantly impacting on partsoftheGreatBarrierReefandotherreefsystems.

In Australia, heatwaves already kill more people than bushfires, floods, and cyclones combined and the behavioural effects compound that risk.

Heat changes how people relate to others. Such draining and sustained heat doesn’t just make you feel irritable and sweaty it changes how humans think, feel and act.

Prolonged heat raises baseline stress levels. Whenthebodyisconstantlyworkingtocoolitself, the brain has fewer resources for patience and selfcontrol.

Undoubtedly you’ve seen it in others or found yourself feeling increased irritability and even anger at some trivial encounter, say at the service station or supermarket.

Greater likelihood of aggressive behaviour during hot weather is well documented in crime statistics: violent crime, domestic violence and assaults rise during heatwaves.

When heat becomes chronic, it exposes social fault lines, lowers self-control, and intensifies conflict.

A cold drink on a shopping trip for a family may be a strain on a budget.

One of the most powerful indirect effects is sleep loss on hot nights, yet many stagger to work after

WOORILLA WORDS

nights of fitful sleep in overheated dwellings, unsuitable for our climate.

Heat doesn’t affect everyone equally.

Think of those who do not have a cooling system or find it too expensive to run one.

Or the elderly, handicapped and the mentally ill.

And what about those living/sleeping rough who have nowhere to shelter at the height of heat.

Importantly, these effects are strongest where cooling options are limited, making heat feel oppressive rather than inconvenient.

Heat has a quiet but powerful relationship with political unrest and crime.

Itdoesn’tsparkrevolutionsonitsown,butitloads thedice:psychologically,socially,andstructurally,so that tensions already present are more likely to spill over.

Heat interacts with existing political stressors like inequality, food or water shortages, power outages, unsuitable accommodation, distrust and lack of respect and belief in our elected representatives.

Fires and heat makes government failures visible and visceral.

Heat has been present during urban riots, prison uprisings,labourunrestandrevolutionarymoments.

As heat events become more frequent and unpredictable, heat is being looked at not as just an environmental problem but as a global and national security one.

And even though heat doesn’t make people political it makes them less patient, less restrained and more reactive to perceived or real injustices.

Countries which have strong social safety nets, reliable infrastructure and trusted institutions face less unrest than those in unequal or poorly governed systems where protest can become unrest.

The Arab Spring revolutions did not universally occur because of heat or drought, but they unfolded in a region already experiencing rising heat, water scarcity, and food insecurity. factors that contributed to social stress.

In Syria a record multi-year drought from 2006–2010 worsened rural conditions and helped set the stage for unrest as refugees from drought stricken areas poured into the already over stretched cities.

Writers and poets have been uncannily precise in how they capture heat-related unrest.

Long before psychologists measured cortisol or criminologists counted assaults, literature understood that heat loosens the moral screws of a society.

Shakespeare was acutely aware of heat’s behavioural effects.

In Romeo and Juliet (Act III, Scene I)

Benvolio warns, “For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.”

The street violence that follows is not accidental.

Heat excites ‘mad blood’ reducing control and making insult fatal.

Shakespeare links climate directly to civic disorder.

Contemporary writers increasingly treat heat as a background hum of anxiety and aggression.

Across generations, Australian poets show that heat exposes who belongs and who doesn’t.

Banjo Patterson’s The Fire at Ross’s Farm shows fire as dangerous, exciting part of the bush mythos. But the fire swept on like a racehorse, With a roar that drowned all sound

But for Henry Lawson fire is not a test of bravery, it’s another way the bush grinds people down with futility, exhaustion and quiet despair

They fought it till they could not see,

Then let it take the rest.

Neither writer really frames fire as political, systemic, preventable. That shift comes much later.

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

1 Unhappy to be away from residence (8) 5 Perfect state (6)

Binge (5)

Unexamined (9)

Animal (8)

Blades (6) 18 Settle cosily (6) 20 Ready (8)

On the spot (7) 24 Edge (6)

Dear (9) 28 Departing (5) 29 Platforms (6) 30 Decreased (8)

1 Sibilate (4) 2 Female killer (9)

Sifting implement (5)

Bunches (8)

Sedition (7)

Metal rod for stirring a fire (5) 8 Greeted (9)

Cicatrice (4) 14 Reflects upon (9) 16 Cinnabar pigment (9)

17 First showing of a movie (8)

19 Well-educated (7)

22 Prefix meaning above (5)

23 Doppelganger (4)

25 Royal (5)

26 Old (4)

ARCHITECTURAL ELEGANCE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS

ARCHITECTURAL ELEGANCE WITH VIEWS

PERCHED proudly on 2,671sqm in peaceful Avonsleigh, just moments from the Emerald township, schools, and shops, this striking four-bedroom, two-bathroom residence celebrates architectural flair, contemporary comfort, and breathtaking front-facing treetop and valley views.

A wide, wraparound verandah invites you inside, where soaring ceilings, rich timber floors, and expansive glazing flood the openplan living, dining, and kitchen with natural light.

At the heart of the home lies its masterpiece — a dramatic central atrium, rising high above the living space and drawing in an abundance of natural light. By day, it fills the home with a luminous warmth; by night, it frames the stars above, creating a breathtaking connection between architecture and nature. This unique design element infuses the home with a sense of openness, calm, and grandeur that’s truly unforgettable.

The stylish kitchen is perfectly appointed with stone benchtops, integrated wall oven, electric cooktop, dishwasher, fridge recess, and abundant storage — all framed by large windows that take in the surrounding landscape, ideal for relaxed mornings or evening entertaining.

To one end of the home, the master suite enjoys sliding doors to the verandah, a walk-in robe, and a private ensuite. A second bedroom with built-in robes sits nearby, the laundry and internal access to the garage add everyday practicality. At the opposite end of the home, two further bedrooms with built-in robes are serviced by a central family bathroom, with one bedroom opening directly to the rear undercover entertaining area.

Freshly painted throughout and fitted with gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling, the home offers effortless, year-round liveability in a setting of refined style.

Outside, The undercover entertaining area creates a seamless transition between indoor comfort and outdoor living, offering a peaceful haven where you can unwind amid the beauty of the leafy gardens. While the sealed driveway lined with mature trees leads to the double garage, carport, and storage shed, with ample off-street parking for guests.

This is more than a home — it’s a light-filled sanctuary where architecture, nature, and comfort unite in perfect harmony.

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. ●

HOME FOCUS

COUNTRY LIVING WITHOUT COMPROMISE

SET across just over 11acres in the heart of Macclesfield’s rolling countryside, this property offers the perfect balance of space, comfort and country lifestyle. Ideal for families, entertainers, and equestrian enthusiasts, it provides a rare opportunity to embrace open skies, wide horizons, and the freedom of rural living.

Constructed from solid bluestone, the home immediately impresses with vaulted ceilings and light-filled living zones. A striking double-sided fireplace forms the heart of the home, creating warmth and connection between two expansive living areas, while offering flexibility for relaxation, dining or entertaining.

The spacious kitchen is designed to comfortably cater for everyday family life as well as larger gatherings, offering abundant bench space, excellent storage and an easy connection to both the living and dining zones. From here, the home transitions seamlessly to a covered alfresco, creating effortless indoor–outdoor entertaining and the perfect setting for long lunches, celebrations and relaxed evenings outdoors.

Three oversized bedrooms are positioned in their own private wing, serviced by an updated main bathroom with a deep-soak bath, perfect for family life or guests. The master retreat enjoys walk-through his-and-hers robes and a modern ensuite with timber vanity and oversized shower, offering a private haven for parents. Brand new carpets throughout add a fresh and comfortable finish.

The property is thoughtfully designed for horses and hobby farming, featuring approximately eight paddocks, a menage, and multiple day yards with shelters and waterfed troughs, providing practical, ready-to-use equestrian infrastructure. There are also two dams supplying water to the land and stock, and dual access from Spillers Road ensures convenient entry to the upper paddocks when needed.

Extensive shedding further enhances the lifestyle, including a large three-door shed for vehicles or machinery with extra workshop space, additional sheds, and a second oversized shed complete with a built-in bar and beer fridge, perfect for entertaining or relaxing after a day outdoors. A sealed driveway ensures easy yearround access and smooth movement for trailers, floats, or equipment.

Offering space, infrastructure, and lifestyle all in one, this property invites you to slow down, spread out, and embrace the joys of country living, entertaining, and equestrian life, all within a peaceful and private setting.

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY ENTERTAINER

SET on an expansive 4,046m² allotment, this quality family home offers space, comfort and an exceptional Hills lifestyle in a peaceful Emerald setting, perfectly suited to relaxed living and easy entertaining.

The home features multiple living zones, with the central living space forming a welcoming hub for family and friends. A quality timber kitchen overlooks the light-filled meals and lounge area, creating an ideal space for everyday living and casual gatherings. A separate lounge and dining room provides a versatile second living zone, opening via sliding doors to the rear deck to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living. An open fireplace and Coonara add warmth and ambience during the cooler months, while ducted heating and evaporative cooling ensure year-round comfort.

There are four spacious bedrooms, the master suite boasts a walk-through wardrobe and updated ensuite whilst the remaining bedrooms are serviced by the separate family bathroom.

Stealing the spotlight, a massive covered deck offers the ultimate entertaining space, ideal for hosting family and friends or simply soaking in the tranquil outlook. The expansive grounds provide room to roam, explore or further enhance. For the toys and tools there is excellent shedding, a three-car carport and scope for additional shedding if required (subject to council approval) with the added bonus of rear access from Boundary Road.

Positioned to maximise privacy while remaining conveniently connected, this is a superb opportunity to secure a quality home on a generous parcel of land in one of Emerald’s most desirable pockets. Parkland, walking trails and both Emerald and Cockatoo townships are all within easy reach making this a home you don’t want to miss out on. ●

CHARACTER FILLED HILLS HOME

WAKE up to leafy green treetops and the sounds of colourful local birdlife in this charming Selby retreat. Nestled in a peaceful setting, this classic circa-1920s home beautifully blends original character with modern style and everyday convenience— ready to move straight in and enjoy.

The home offers three spacious bedrooms, a light-filled central bathroom incorporating a European-style laundry, and two open-plan living zones designed for space, comfort and effortless indoor–outdoor connection.

At the heart of the home is a stunning timber kitchen featuring a gas cooktop, brand new electric oven, stainless-steel dishwasher and generous bench space— perfect for everyday living and entertaining alike. The adjoining living area is serviced by a Daikin heating and cooling split system, complemented by gas ducted heating throughout. An existing wood heater adds character to the space (not currently in use).

Step outside to a large entertaining deck, ideal for relaxed family BBQs or cosy evenings under the stars, all within your own private surrounds and leafy outlooks.

Beyond the home, enjoy all the quiet magic Selby is loved for—spot king parrots visiting the deck, hear the distant, cheerful toot-toot of Puffing Billy winding through the hills, and explore nearby bushwalks including the historic wooden trestle bridge. National Park views, village conveniences, and a warm community feel complete the picture, with the Selby General Store, cafe treats, medical and wellness services, community house, primary school and kindergarten all close by and easily walkable.

Additional features include a 6.6kW solar system, ceiling fans, water treatment system, established landscaped gardens, extensive under-house storage/workshop space, a garden shed, chicken coop and an existing cubby house.

A rare opportunity to secure a characterfilled Hills home in a tightly held Selby location. Please note: All information provided has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate, however, we cannot guarantee the information is accurate. Interested parties should make their own enquiries & obtain their own legal advice. We accept no liability for any errors or omissions (including but not limited to a property’s land size, floor plans, size, building age or condition). ●

LEAFY LIVING JUST STEPS FROM MONBULK TOWN

SET on a generous 1,202sqm and positioned within easy walking distance of Monbulk township, shops, schools, and public transport, this well-kept, privately located, three-bedroom home delivers a treetop outlook, space, comfort, and everyday convenience in one tidy package.

Steps lead to an undercover entry and into a warm, inviting interior featuring floating floors and gas ducted heating throughout. The kitchen is both functional and welcoming, showcasing timber benchtops, a gas cooktop, dishwasher, and excellent storage, all overlooking the light-filled loungeroom. Skylights, a ceiling fan, split system, and a woodfire heater create a relaxed living space that works year-round.

The master bedroom is privately positioned at one end of the home and includes a walkthrough robe, ensuite-style access to the main bathroom, and peaceful leafy outlooks. Two further bedrooms with built-in robes sit at the opposite end, alongside the laundry with direct access to the rear deck.

Outdoors, the fully fenced rear garden offers room to relax and play, complemented by a 22,500-litre water tank and off-street parking.

Whether you’re a first-home buyer, young family, or downsizer seeking space without sacrificing location, this is a property that makes everyday living easy — with the added bonus of land, privacy, and a true walk-to-town address.

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. ●

5CurtisRoadEmerald

$1,400,000-$1,520,000

ABotanicalWonderlandSurrounding aTrulyUniqueHome. Thisextraordinaryresidenceis araremasterpiece,shapedbydecadesofcraftsmanshipandset withinbreathtakingstorybookgardensonnearly1.5acres.Everydetailreflectstimelessartistry— fromcorbelsandtessellatedtilestoleadlight,bluestonefeatures,andsoaringceilings.Atitsheart, acircularbluestone-and-glassconservatoryinvitesyoutopauseandtakeinthelushgardenviews. Twoprivatewingsinclude amainsuitewithwalk-inrobe,ensuite,anddeck,plus aguestsuitewithits ownensuite.A formalloungewithopenfireplace,elegantdiningroom,officewithJarrahcabinetry, anda granite-toppedkitchencaterbeautifullytodailylivingandentertaining.Additionalspaces includea rumpus,cellar/workshop,studio,secondgarage,and5kWsolar.Despiteitsserenesetting, thehomeisjustmomentsfromEmerald’scharmingvillageandPuffingBilly.

AaronDay M 0407365994

M 0422996451

ARare40-AcreHoldingwithWater,Views &EndlessPotential. Spanning40gentlyundulatingacres,thissun-filledruralholdingdeliversspace,watersecurity& seriouspotential.A windingcreek,3 dams &a valuable2-megalitrewaterlicenceprovidea rocksolidfoundationforlifestyleliving,livestockorfuturevision.Elevatedpointsacrossthelandcapture sweeping360-degreeviews,creatingthosepostcardmomentswherethecountrysiderollsawayin everydirection.Atthecentresitsa neat &original2-bedroomhome,comfortablenow& readyfor renovation,extensionorreinventionovertime.Practicalinfrastructureincludes amachineryshed, garage &establishedcattlerace& yards,makingthepropertyimmediatelyusableforfarmingor hobbystock.Withsunnypaddocks,naturalwatersources &multipleaccesspoints,everythingisin placeforeasyruralliving. 189SwalesRoadMacclesfield$1,750,000 -$1,900,000

$970,000-$1,030,000

CharmingHomein aTranquilGardenSetting. Setonalmostone-thirdofanacre,thischarmingdouble-storeybrickhomeofferspeacefulliving surroundedbybeautiful,bird-filledgardens.A wideundercoververandahwrapsaroundthreesides, creatinginvitingoutdoorspacestosit,relax& enjoythenaturalsetting.Inside,9ftceilings,polished floorboards,gasductedheating& double-hungwindowsenhancethehome’swelcomingfeel. Thecentraltimberkitchenincludesanislandbench,greatstorage,a dishwasher,walloven& gas stovetop,flowingtobothformal& informallivingareas.Upstairs,theprivatemastersuitefeaturesa walk-inrobe,ensuite& studynook,whiletwoadditionalbedroomswithtriplerobessharea central bathroom.Outside,thefullyfencedyardisidealforchildren& pets,withanundercoverentertaining area,circulardriveway,remotedoublegarage &highcarportperfectfor acaravanorboat.

TheUltimateLifestyleEscape –Pool,Sheds,Views &RoomforEveryone. Seton2.5lushacresinPakenhamUpper,thissuperb5-bedroom,3-bathroomhomeblendsluxury withcountrycharm.Builtin2010,itfeaturesslabheatingthroughout, awoodfire,ductedvacuum, andreverse-cyclecomfort.Thestunningkitchenoffersgranitebenches,gascooking, awalk-in pantrywithautolights,anda bi-foldserverywindowtothesunroom.Enjoymultiplelivingareasand amastersuitewithdoublewalk-inrobesplus aspa-likeensuite.Outside,relaxunderthevastalfresco, diveintothesalt-chlorinepool,orunwindbythefirepit. Ahugepoweredshed,doublegarage,4-car carport,andgeneratorplughaveyousorted.There’salso aseparatestudiowithkitchenette,dog run,veggiegardens,chookpen,twostables,haystorage,andpaddockswithwater—everything youneedforanidylliccountrylifestyle.

Mt Evelyn’s Bree set for Olympic ice

By Mikayla van Loon

Bree Walker has had an incredible run leading into the 2026 Winter Olympics, setting the tone for her bobsleigh campaign in Milan-Cortina.

Born and bred in Mount Evelyn, attending Mount Lilydale Mercy College and training at Yarra Ranges Athletics, Walker spends much of her time overseas, training and competing, calling Queensland home when back in the country.

But the former Yarra Ranges local will be one to watch in her second Winter Olympics, carving out a path to win gold.

Scoring back-to-back medals in the final monobob events of the season, Walker rounded out the World Cup competition trail as second in the world.

This is the third consecutive year that Walker has claimed the title of second in world rankings.

Concluding the season with three victories and a total of five podium finishes from seven World Cup starts, Walker garnered a silver medal at the last monobob event of the season in Altenberg, Germany.

“I am absolutely stoked to finish on the podium again in the last race of the season, and especially here in Altenberg where I have sure had some interesting races,” said the 33-year-old told the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.

“To finish second, which then secured my second place overall, I am on top of the world. Very happy to finish the World Cup season like this, and it gives me a lot of confidence and momentum leading towards the Olympic Games.

“I definitely feel that my driving has gone to a whole new level this year. It’s been such a team effort to get me to this point.

“This season I just wanted to build momentum towards the Games, and I think we have done that. It’s been my best season so far, and I am filled with a lot of confidence and excitement heading toward Cortina.”

The race prior saw Walker gain an Australian record, becoming the first Aussie to win a gold medal on the legendary St Moritz-Celerina track in Switzerland.

Although beginning her career in athletics, talking with Star Mail in the lead-up to her 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics appearance, she said she always wanted to represent Australia in

whichever sport she could.

“It wasn’t just about going to the Olympics; it was about representing Australia at the top level and showing the rest of the world what Australians can do,” she said.

“Now that I’ve been able to do that in bobsleigh, I’m really proud to represent Australia because it’s obviously not a sport that’s very common for Australians to do but I think we’re holding our own and doing the country proud.

“I hope it opens the door for other people who have ideas like I had and so they can have opportunities like I’ve had.”

In 2022, Walker came fifth, finishing 2.28 seconds behind the leader, American Kaillie Humphries, who took out the gold medal. Humphries

It was the highest bobsleigh finish Australia has ever received at an Olympic Games. Walker will also compete in the two-woman bobsleigh with partner and brakewoman Kiara Reddingius.

Walker will be attempting to place higher and hopefully score a medal at February’s Winter Olympics.

The Olympics kick off on Friday 6 February, with Walker to start official bobsleigh training on 12 February. Heats one and two will be held on Sunday 15 February at the Cortina Sliding Centre.

Returning King Barrow crashes out

By Daniel Pelcl and Maddison Richards

The former King returned to reclaim his throne at Kingaroy’s Speedway.

Lilydale’s Dylan Barrow, winner of the 2024 Kings Royal, returned to the track to compete in the 2026 Kings Royal meet over the weekend of 23 to 25 January.

Introduced to the world of Speedway through a friend’s father, it went from there.

“I raced juniors and climbed the ranks from there,” Dylan said.

So far, Dylan’s standout race achievements include: winning the Kings Royal, winning the VMPA series championship, and being the youngest VMPA pole shuffle winner.

This year saw Dylan attend his fourth Kings Royal meet, with winning the Kings Royal taking centre place as his favourite meet memory.

As returning King, he said before the race, “I feel confident in our program and the pace in the car that we can have a strong result.”

“The first thing is having luck on our side. Everything has to go your way and not make any mistakes throughout the event.”

The Ian Boettcher Race Parts Modified Sedan Kings Royal fight began on Friday night.

Dylan and defending champ Brad Wicks ended the night tied on top after a massive showing with a pair of heat wins and a second-place finish between them.

Heading into night two, it was anyone’s game and the intensity was only going up from there.

The Kings Royal finale delivered the kind of drama, chaos and brilliance that cements a race meeting into local folklore.

What began as a night of crisp, clean, high-intensity dashes quickly transformed into one of the wildest finales the event has ever seen.

Early on, the racing was immaculate, fast,

and fiercely competitive, before a passing shower flipped the script. Once officials reworked the surface, the track returned lightning fast, demanding absolute commitment.

Few rose to that challenge better than Max Clarke, who stormed through the B Dash and then the A Dash from sixth, coming within a whisker of the lap record.

His charge set the tone for what promised to be a blockbuster 50-lap feature.

When the main event roared to life, the pace was intense. Lap traffic arrived early, and with it came the first major turning point.

On lap 21, Dylan Barrow’s sudden loss of power triggered a chain reaction crash that wiped out a host of contenders.

Just three laps later, another heavy incident,

Pennant season

By David Waters

Round one of the Eastern Suburbs +55 Senior Pennant was hosted by the Gardiners Run golf club. The forecasts anticipated extreme weather with temperatures around 40 degrees. Fortunately (in a way), forty plus was achieved early in the week. The thirties later in the week made golfing less arduous. A relieved course manager, Dean Trobbiani, had the tension released, as he was very concerned for the welfare of these old golfers.

sparked by contact between Matt Nelson and Chris Pagel eliminated even more front running talent.

It was the kind of loss that reshapes a race in an instant.

Through the carnage, Aidan Raymont somehow kept his wounded machine in the fight, even briefly taking control before a cruel flat tyre ended his hopes.

That handed the lead to Darran Lester, who then found himself locked in a gritty, high line duel as the field dwindled to just five running cars with only two of them on the lead lap.

As if the night needed more theatre, a light drizzle arrived with 10 laps remaining, sharpening the stakes even further.

And then came the moment that will echo through Kings Royal history.

With a perfectly timed slide job through Turns 1 and 2, Darcy Wilson swept past Lester in the closing laps, executing the kind of move that defines champions.

From there, he held his nerve, hugged the cushion, and claimed the crown.

Behind the new King, Glenn Truin’s measured drive earned him third, while Tim Atkin produced one of the standout performances of the night, climbing from deep in the pack to finish fourth.

Jarrod Peacock rounded out the top five with a determined run.

Dylan finished 17th out of the 24 competitors.

The winner of the Kings Royal receives a substantial amount of prize money, with $15,000 up for grabs.

Dylan’s home Speedway is Alexandra Speedway, which is his closest track, and is registered with Ballarat.

“We decided to travel because it’s a prestigious event with such high prize money, you can’t not go,” he said.

After registration, players struck out to the various tees for the shotgun start. At 8am, the siren sounded to begin pounding the defenceless white ball. Twenty-one degrees and light overcast was perfect for golf. The ground staff must be commended for the course preparation. Smooth, fast greens, raked and sand filled bunkers, lovely green fairways were ideal. Only inept handling of the clubs could blight the day. As usual there were mishits in the round but also some fantastic shots. Glen Cousins (Eastern green) from 120 out in a bunker, landed his shot 3m from the pin and birdied. Tomy Lam (Box Hill green) pitched to 2m on the twelfth hole and birdied to change the course of his match. Graeme Temperly putting from 5m off the green to 10cm to win the hole on 17. Several good shots on the par 3 seventh. Hitting from the tee into scraggy rough two players made the green, and with holing out long putts, won the hole with surprising pars.

There were no blowout wins by any team. As seen by the results below, a very even day was recorded with six teams (three matches) tied. The other teams’ results had very small margins. Play progressed smoothly with few holdups. Casual observers walking the course viewed open fairways, with groups putting at one end and teeing off at the other. The result was a casual if competitive round finishing with all scores in and sitting down by 12.30pm. Perfect timing. The photographer didn’t catch everything. Individuals will regale their club mates with embellished details of the great escapes and terrific golf they played at Gardiners Run. Good humour abounded as old (now older) adversaries squared off. After the game the good relationships were renewed further over drinks and a delightful repast. Thanks were offered to the Course manager, ground staff, caterers and team managers and Kent Davies who recorded and announced the scores. Round Two will be at Box Hill on 6 February.

Results today for the green group. Box Hill 5 ½ def Gardiners Run 2 ½ Eastwood 4 ½ def Eastern 3 ½ Yering Meadows 4 tied Heritage 4.

Results for the gold group. Eastern 5 ½ def Eastwood 3 ½, Box Hill 4 tied Gardiners Run 4 and Yering Meadows 4 tied Heritage 4.

Play well next week, you old blokes.

SPORT

Cracking cricket at Mt Evelyn

After a week off due to soaring temperatures last weekend, cricketers across the RDCA hit the park in cracking conditions. Cricket was the winner in the games featuring Mt Evelyn with most contests going down to the wire.

The Community Bank - Mt Evelyn 1st XI have had a wretched run this season with inconsistent form, with injuries and just plain bad luck hampering their season and it has left them clinging to the slightest hope of avoiding relegation. With their Round 12 opponents, Mooroolbark, sitting comfortably at the top of the ladder, this contest looked a mountain too high to climb.

Mooroolbark won the toss, and were quick to take the opportunity to bat in friendly conditions at Gary Martin Oval, a ground which has netted plenty of runs this season, with n a bid to heap the pressure on the hosts. Despite some tidy bowling upfront from Bohdie Jones, in which he bagged a couple of wickets, Mooroolbark were set for a big score as the run rate began to blossom on the back of consecutive half century partnerships from the Barkers. At 3/166 with ten overs remaining, the visitors looked well set to post a score in excess of 240. A run-a-ball benchmark.

Spin twins Jake Blackwell and Malinga De Silva did their best to stem the flow through the middle overs, but it was the run out of Jaylan Ross, courtesy of some brilliant fielding from Brad Westaway, that put a dent in the Barkers plan to hit full throttle. Darcy Fraser and Cal Dooley would resurrect their day after copping some early stick, and with regular wickets over the closing overs, the Mounters were able to restrict the Barkers to 9/224. Short of the benchmark, and yes, still a score to be chased, but one well within the capabilities of a deep batting lineup.

Daniel Fraser (54) and Brad Westaway (28) have the Mounters the perfect start with their contrasting styles. Their crucial 82-run opening partnership set the perfect platform for the rest of the batting order to chase the total. No wickets and the innings travelling at the required run rate through the first 14 overs. The only blemish was the fact that the pair would lose their wickets in consecutive overs, leaving Daniel Giblin and Jake Blackwell to restart the innings.

They would ensure that they would embed themselves at the wicket, but an unfortunate blow to Blackwell’s front foot required him to use a runner and that stunted their ability to tick over the quick singles. At 3/162 after 30 overs, the Mounters found themselves in a similar position to the Barkers. The game was there for the taking and a big upset was on the cards with the hosts requiring a run-a-ball, with wickets in hand, to clinch victory.

When the whips began to crack, the Mounters would hit a debilitating hurdle as Giblin, Blackwell and the fast-scoring Jett Hartman would fall in quick succession, leaving captain Campbell Mole and Malinga De Silva to chase the runs against a Barkers attack that had started to turn the screws. In a crushing blow, the Mooroolbark attack would execute far better than the batsmen, and the Mounters finished agonisingly close with 5/209.

Amazingly, and frustratingly so, other results in the round actually went in favour of the Mounters, and had they saluted, they would’ve risen up the ladder above the relegation zone, it does mean that all is not a forlorn hope, and should they find a win or two in a tight competition over the final two rounds, they could conjure a miracle to remain in the Wilkins Cup competition.

The Professionals Outer East 2nd XI were the big winners over the weekend, both in margin and in significance. The team travelled to North Ringwood to take on a young and struggling Bulls team, and they would put the youngsters to the sword.

The Bulls would ask the Mounters to bat first and were immediately put to the sword by the experienced opening pairing of Adam Smith and Luke Jones. The pair would put on a commanding 193-run opening partnership to effectively end the contest before it started. Smith was particularly brutal, scoring a blazing century (138 off 91 balls) which included 19 fours and 6 sixes. Smith has been in scintillating form since being demoted to the 2nd XI and has scored an amazing 417 runs at an average of 83.40 in five innings. Jones would be the rock of the innings, unremoved for the entirety of the innings, scoring 86 not out, whilst Alex Brisbane-Flynn would continue Smith’s attack, scoring an unbeaten 70 off just 50 balls. When the dust settled, the visitors had compiled a brilliant score of 1/310. Game over.

Mt Evelyn’s bowlers wouldn’t be outshone by their batting counterparts and soon had the Bulls innings on the ropes as they quickly slipped to

be 5/61 courtesy of a brilliant opening spell from Kynan Yates and Austin Leonard and a brace of wickets from Billie Laird in his first over. A rearguard action from some of North Ringwood’s exciting youngsters would ensure the Bulls wouldn’t roll over without a fight, but wickets to captain Joey Chamberlin (2/27) and Lachie Morrow (3/16) would see the hosts’ innings wrapped up for 165.

The win keeps the 2nd XI inside the top four, but remarkably, they are far from assured finals action. They must keep their form going if their season is to progress into March.

The Rhead Group 3rd XI hosted Heathwood on a key clash to keep themselves in finals contention. A win against the Lions would see them create some distance from them on the ladder, a loss would see them give up their position in the four to the Lions.

Mt Evelyn gave Heathwood the opportunity to post a score and what transpired was an even contest between bat and ball. A fast Gruyere outfield yielded plenty of runs, but the Mounters were able to keep things in check. Just as the Mounters looked as if they would restrict the score below 200, a more than satisfying result, the Lions blew the innings open over the closing ten overs scoring at nearly 10 runs per over. The final score would stretch out to 7/230, not an impassable total, but one that would require a big effort to haul down.

Unperturbed, the Mounters would steadily go about their business on the back of Jamie Shaw’s innings of 46. The major stumbling block would be the regular fall of wickets and the gradual rise of the required run rate. When the experienced Darren Westaway fell with the score on 5/127, the Mounters were left with the task of finishing

as quickly as the Lions did. Unfortunately, they didn’t quite possess the same firepower despite having a red-hot go. Andrew White would do his best to try and get the hosts home with an unbeaten 41 off 32 balls, but the task became too great, and eventually the Mounters would fall 16 runs short on 216.

The loss now puts the 3rd XI in the precarious position of missing finals. The results from the weekend have seen them slip to fifth and the race for finals has tightened with teams placed 3rd to 7th a realistic chance of featuring. Wins now become a must for the Mounters.

The Hop Hen Brewing 4th XI suffered a heartbreaking loss at the hands of the second-placed Vermont as they did everything possible to secure a win without actually netting the points.

Vermont would bat first, and the Mounters would produce one of their best performance with the ball, and in the field, for the season. Right from the first over the Mounters would turn the screws on the Eagles. Luke Thomson was particularly miserly with figures of 0/9 off his 6 overs. Ian Hawkey would be the beneficiary of the teams’ all-round efforts capturing 4 wickets whilst the rest of the bowlers would be economical whilst picking up wickets of their own along the way. Eventually, the Mounters would bowl the hosts out for 140. A great result against a strong side and they would be justified in thinking they were in front of the contest at the change of innings. They did however, recognise that Vermont’s strength lies in their bowling stocks.

Jarrod Hartman would get the innings off to a brisk start, but his innings was short-lived and the Mounters struggled early on. Despite battling bravely, the top order would find it tough against some disciplined bowling and fielding from the hosts and soon found themselves behind the eight ball, falling to 5/61.

The mainstay of the innings would be Craig Steele, and whilst he was at the wicket, the Mounters were always a chance of winning. Captain Connor Hartman would join Steele at the wicket and the pair would resurrect the innings through a calm and patient 50-run partnership to put the Mounters within striking distance of victory. 30 runs needed off the last six overs with five wickets in hand. Hartman unfortunately departed and it was left to Steele to find a way to win. Partners would come and go at the other end until the game was left with Mt Evelyn needing two off the last ball to win. A swing and a miss was fol-

lowed by the inevitable run out and the Mounters would find themselves one run behind their opponents. A devastating loss.

A win would’ve guaranteed the 4th XI a spot in the finals and despite the confidence gained from pushing one of the best teams in the competition right to the wire, the team have to dust themselves off and go again. Next week’s game becomes a huge contest against Wonga Park who currently sit in fifth position. A win will guarantee the 4th XI finals action, whilst a loss will leave the season on a final round cliff edge.

The Lilydale Tyres 5th XI were pitted against Warranwood in another key clash for finals qualifications. A win would see the Mounters close the gap and surpass the Sharks, whilst a loss would see them drop two games behind the Sharks and leave them in a dog fight for the final place in the four.

Mt Evelyn won the toss and elected to field in a tactic to understand the requirements of their chase. It was a brilliant all-round effort from the hosts the ball as they all either contributed with wickets or economical bowling. Brothers Ben (3/40) and Harry (2/28) Dunstone would be the wicket takers as the Mounters would restrict the Sharks to 9/185, a score well below par on the ‘Postage Stamp’, however it was still runs that had to be made.

Craig Kenins and Ryan Doyle would get the chase off to a steady start, but it would be Andrew Frid who would ensure there would be no wobbles in the chase. Frid would reel off a masterful unbeaten 80 to lead the Mounters to victory. He would be well supported by Paul Flavel (35) in a crucial century partnership that would see the hosts cruise to victory with six wickets in hand and seven overs in the bank.

The win gives the 5th XI a stronghold on a position in the finals. They are not guaranteed their place just yet, but the win does give them some breathing space from the chasing pack.

The Flowtec 6th XI had a day to forget against a far more experienced and skilled Heathwood line-up. In short, the Mounters would be bundled out for a dismal 28 with the Lions chasing down the total inside three overs. The disappointing aspect of the game was not the loss itself, but it belied the competitive results the team had been putting forward this season, despite their lowly ladder position. A game to put in the rearview mirror and onward and upwards to the next contest against Wonga Park.

Three consecutive centuries

By Les Hutchings

The Kilsyth First XI played away against Wantirna South at Walker Reserve in a one-day Wilkins Cup match. Wantirna South won the toss and elected to bat but lost early wickets to be 1/2, 2/17, 3/30, 4/41 and 5/46 off 12.2 overs with Kilsyth’s opening bowlers Isuru Umesh and Nuwan Sampath capturing three and two wickets respectively. It became 6/74 when Sampath picked up his third wicket in the 19 th over with Kilsyth well on top. However, a seventh wicket partnership of 41 between Captain Tristan Webb and Travis Clarke lifted the score to 7/115 off 30.3 overs. Webb was the batsman out for 35 off 59 balls (2 fours), caught by Isuru Umesh at cover off the bowling off Dylan Smith. When Isuru Umesh came back on to bowl, he immediately picked up his fourth and fifth wickets and Wantirna South slumped to 9/134 off 34.5 overs. However, Kilsyth couldn’t finish off the innings and an unbroken last wicket partnership of 28 between Travis Clarke and Bailey Lubin took the score to 9/162cc off the allotted 40 overs. Clarke finished on 34* off 59 balls (2 fours) and Lubin 13* off 18 balls. The other batsmen to reach double figures were Paul Henry 14 (1 four and 1 six), Scott Charles 15 (1 four), and Rashmika Hiripitiya 17 (2 fours). For Kilsyth, Isuru Umesh took 5/32 off 7 overs, Nuwan Sampath 3/30 off 8 overs (1 maiden), and Dylan Smith 1/23 off 5 overs. In the field, Isuru Umesh took two good catches.

Kilsyth opened their innings with Captain Andy Solomons and Jack Childs. In the second over, Solomons hit two towering sixes and looked in ominous form. However, in the same over, the fifth ball flicked his thigh pad and nicked/dislodged the bail on the way through to the ‘keeper and Solomons was out bowled for 14 off 7 balls with Kilsyth now 1/15. The second wicket fell on 31 after 4.2 overs when Mackenzie Scott-Thomas was bowled by Tristan Webb for 13 off 8 balls (1 four and 1 six). Kolitha Hapuarachchi and Jack Childs consolidated the situation until Childs was bowled by Caleb Webb for 11 off 46 balls, with the score now 3/65 after 15.3 overs. At the drinks break after 20 overs, Kilsyth had reached 3/91 with Kolitha Hapuarachchi on 36* and the Redbacks seemed to have the match under control, needing 72 off the last 20 overs with 7 wickets in hand. The first over after drinks was a maiden and then Drew McKay achieved the breakthrough in the next over, bowling Pasan Ganegoda for 13 off 27 balls (2 fours). Kilsyth were now 4/92 and then lost two more wickets to pace bowlers Tristan Webb and Travis Clarke to be 5/99 and then 6/103 after 27.2 overs. Hapuarachchi and Sanjeev Rana then took the score to 6/142 off 32 overs with 21 runs needed off 8 overs to win with four wickets in hand. It was then that the Redbacks lost two wickets in Travis Clarke’s next over to be 8/146 after 33 overs. The first of the two batsmen out was Kolitha Hapuarachchi, caught and bowled by Clarke for 63 off 70

balls (8 fours and 1 six). He had batted superbly, holding the innings together. The fourth ball of the next over resulted in a run out after confusion between the batsmen over whether to take the second run and Kilsyth were now 9/149 after 34 overs. The end came quickly in Clarke’s next over when Sanjeev Rana, who had batted well, was caught by Scott Charles for 20 off 25 balls (3 fours). It was a disappointing result for Kilsyth’s First XI in terms of the season’s prospects. For Wantirna South, Travis Clarke took 4/26 off 6.4 overs, Tristan Webb 2/34 off 8 overs, Drew McKay 1/14 off 8 overs (1 maiden), Caleb Webb 1/32 off 4 overs, and Bailey Lubin 1/44 off 8 overs (2 maidens).

The Second XI played Eastfield First XI at Alan Smith Oval, Pinks Reserve in the Meehan Shield competition. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat but were soon in trouble on 2/10 after 4.4 overs with opening bowler Cody Andrews claiming both wickets. A promising third wicket partnership of 40 between Kyan Harper and Acting Captain Daniel Caton came to an end when Harper was caught off the bowling of Ben Taylor for 16 off 41 balls (1 four). Kilsyth were now 3/50 off 16.5 overs and in the next over lost another wicket to be 4/51. It was 5/70 when Matt Harper was dismissed for 17 off 10 balls (2 fours), and soon 6/72 and 7/86 after 24.4 overs with Matthew Barnard taking three consecutive wickets. It became 8/104 when U16 player Tait Harper was bowled by Lachlan Clarke for 14 off 21 balls (2 fours) and soon after 9/106 off 30.2 overs. A fighting unbroken last wicket partnership of 45 between Daniel Caton and Matthew Smith (4*) enabled Kilsyth to reach 9/151cc off the 40 allotted overs. Daniel Caton was the standout batsman for the Redbacks scoring 67* off 95 balls (5 fours). The multiple wicket takers for Eastfield were Matthew Barnard, 3/12 off 5 overs, and Cody Andrews 3/17 off 7 overs.

A 68-run opening partnership in 13.1 overs between Joshua Holmes and Liam Rooks got Eastfield off to a good start in the run chase. It was leg spinner Kyan Harper who achieved the breakthrough, bowling Holmes for a sparking 39 off 31 balls (6 fours). Then, with the score on 81 after 16.2 overs, Michael Sturt had Liam Rooks caught by Rhys Kearney for 15 off 34 balls (2 fours). Three more wickets fell quickly, 3/89, 4/112 and 5/116 after 20.4 overs. From there, Eastfield reached 5/154 off 25.4 overs to win the match. Lachlan Clarke finished on 22* off 21 balls (3 fours), and Ben Anderson 9* off 11 balls. For Kilsyth, Kyan Harper captured 2/22 off 8 overs, Rhys Kearney 1/13 off 3 overs, and Michael Sturt 1/26 off 6 overs. The Third XI (third) journeyed to Hoddles Creek to play Hoddles Creek First XI who were sixth on the Don Smith Shield ladder. It was a historic match in that it was the first time a Kilsyth CC team had actually played at the beautifully scenic Hoddles Creek Reserve. Both teams had previously played each other in Round 1 at Kilsyth with Hoddles Creek winning 7/206cc to

Kilsyth’s 7/176cc. On Saturday, Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat. However, the Redbacks lost wickets in the third and fourth overs to be 1/8 and 2/17. Then Andrew Woolhouse and Mark Unternahrer added 70 for the third wicket to see Kilsyth 3/87 after 16 overs. Woolhouse was the third wicket to fall for 23 off 34 balls (5 fours) with Unternahrer 42* at that stage. After Captain Robert Hutchings and Mark Unternahrer had added a further 39 for the fourth wicket, Unternahrer had reached 71* after 25 overs, with 15 overs remaining. Later, on the third ball of the 37th over, Mark Unternahrer brought up his third consecutive century with a single through the offside with the score now 4/184. A 68-run fifth-wicket partnership between Unternahrer and Steve Galea came to an end on the second ball of the 39th over after Galea had struck the first ball of the over for six. He was out for 25 off 43 balls (1 four and 2 sixes) and the partnership with “Unters” had lifted the score to 5/194. Kilsyth lost another wicket in the same over, bowled by Oscar Lyons, to be 6/200 after 39 overs and the innings ended on 6/202cc from the allotted 40 overs. As mentioned earlier, Mark Unternahrer finished on a magnificent 103*, including 18 fours. For Hoddles Creek, Oscar Lyons was the multiple wicket taker with 2/40 off 8 overs (1 maiden).

In the run chase, Hoddles Creek lost early wickets to be 1/14, 2/39, 3/39, 4/45 and 5/47 off 13 overs. To that point, Hayden Monds and Brodie Goodwin had both claimed two wickets each and Monds had also achieved a run out. A fifth wicket partnership of 71 between Willow Pearce and Kai Harrison retrieved the situation for Hoddles Creek who had progressed to 6/118 from 25.1 overs, with Harrison bowled by Robert Hutchings for 19 off 38 balls (3 fours). When the score had reached 6/149 off 33 overs, Hoddles Creek required 54 off 17 overs to win the match. It was then that opening bowler Hayden Monds was reintroduced into the attack, and he achieved the breakthrough with the first ball of his new spell, when Pearce was caught behind by ‘keeper Russell Hutchings for a bright 59 off 62 balls (9 fours). From there, Kilsyth were able to keep it tight and pick up wickets regularly: 8/158, 9/165 and all out for 180 in 38.3 overs. For Kilsyth, Hayden Monds captured 4/30 off 8 overs, Brodie Goodwin 2/21 off 5 overs, Robert Hutchings 1/19 off 4 overs, Matt Burgess 1/29 off 7 overs, and Mark Unternahrer 1/0 off 3 balls.

In B Grade, the Fourth XI played South Warrandyte Third XI at Roy Baldwin Oval, Pinks Reserve. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat, but after 21.3 overs were 6/71. Then, a seventh wicket partnership of 79 between Tyron Paspa and Mark Sfiligoj took the score to 7/150 off 32.3 overs. It was at this point that Tyron Paspa was bowled by Harrison Findlay for a fine 65 off 100 balls (8 fours and 1 six). A 50-run eighth-wicket partnership between Sfiligoj and Jordan Relf, who was playing his 50th game for Kilsyth CC, came to an end on the last ball of the innings when Relf was out for

a scintillating 40 off 15 balls (5 fours and 3 sixes). Mark Sfiligoj remained 39* off 34 balls (4 fours and 1 six). Thus, Kilsyth finished on a competitive 8/200cc off 36 overs. The main wicket takers for South Warrandyte were Vivek Chopra, 2/8 off 7 overs, Joel Smith 2/41 off 6 overs (1 maiden), and Harrison Findlay 2/66.

An opening partnership of 99 in 16.3 overs between Darren Johnson and Thomas Woodward set up South Warrandyte’s run chase. Woodward was the first batsman out for 48 off 52 balls (8 fours). It was 2/108 after 19.1 overs when Johnson was dismissed for 40 off 56 balls (4 fours). From there, South Warrandyte cruised to victory finishing on 4/204 off 27.2 overs. Kilsyth’s wicket takers were Louis Potter 2/34, Michael Panozzo 1/8 and Greg Gommers 1/42. The Fifth XI played Chirnside Park at Lilydale Heights College. Chirnside Park won the toss and elected to bat. Five of the top six batsmen all retired not out with scores as follows: Christopher David 51* (8 fours), Isaac Ronalds 50* (5 fours and 1 six), Thomas Shortt 51* (4 fours and 3 sixes), Donovan Shortt 50* (5 fours and 3 sixes), and Zaosh Namerian 53* (9 fours and 1 six). Paul Dryden was the only batsman to be dismissed after scoring 35 (5 fours and 1 six), with the score on 334. Chirnside Park finished up scoring a massive 1/349cc off 36 overs. Joshua Dousset was the sole wicket taker for Kilsyth, taking 1/35. It was a tough day for the Redbacks who were dismissed for 98 in 28.1 overs. Captain Shane Smith top-scored with 52 off 42 balls (6 fours and 3 sixes), whilst Tegan Unternahrer scored 18 off 42 balls (3 fours). The main wicket takers for Chirnside Park were Samarth Shah, who took 3/9 off 5.1 overs, and Captain James Basford 3/15 off 6 overs (1 maiden).

On Sunday, the Women’s First XI (third) were at home against Belgrave, who were fourth on the B Grade ladder. Belgrave won the toss and elected to bowl. Kilsyth were soon in trouble at 1/4, 2/5 and 3/11 after 6 overs, with Kirsten Bindley claiming all three wickets, including two LBWs. Belinda Hutchings and Tegan Unternahrer were rebuilding the innings when Belinda was adjudged LBW and Kilsyth were now 4/40 off 12.2 overs. Then Jess Walker claimed another wicket with her next ball to be on a hat-trick with Kilsyth 5/40. Tegan and Rhiley Unternahrer added 26 for the sixth wicket but then more wickets fell: 7/74, 8/75 and 9/78 before 13 runs were added for the last wicket to see Kilsyth all out for 91 after 33 overs. Tegan Unternahrer top scored with 31 off 65 balls (2 fours). Belgrave‘s Kirsten Bindley took the bowling honours with 4/10 off 5 overs and was well supported by Jess Walker, 2/16 off 4 overs, Melinda Cottrell 2/1 off 1 over, Gigi Collins 1/5 and Kayla Jaremczuk 1/7, both off 3 overs (1 maiden) each. In reply, an unbroken first wicket partnership of 95 off 25 overs gave Belgrave a resounding

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