Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 9th June 2026

Ice Ice maybe ...

A sea of blue, plenty of courage and a community united for a cause transformed Healesville Greyhounds’ annual Big Freeze at the ’Ville into one of its most successful fundraising events yet.

More than 20 local personalities, community heroes and familiar faces braved an icy plunge down a towering 4.5-metre slide, helping raise an impressive $55,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research, with donations still rolling in.

Inspired by the legacy of the late AFL great Neale Daniher, the event drew families from across the region for a day packed with entertainment, live music, children’s activities and plenty of heartfelt moments.

As Healesville rallied behind the fight against this devastating disease, the event showcased the extraordinary power of community spirit, generosity and determination.

Story on page 10

Sheer gratitude

Twenty years ago, the idea of a dedicated remembrance service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women faced fierce resistance.

Today, governors, ministers, military leaders and hundreds of Victorians gather annually at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance to honour their service.

The Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service marked its 20th anniversary on 31 May, celebrating a movement that began with a simple

belief: that all soldiers deserve recognition.

Former Royal Australian Air Force Flight Sergeant and Healesville resident Sam Halim helped establish the service in 2006 after being approached by the late Yarra Yarra Elder Aunty Dot Peters AM, who had spent years seeking recognition for Indigenous veterans.

“The RSL didn’t want it,” Mr Halim said.

“Many, many VIPs didn’t want it, and still some narrow-minded people don’t want it.”

At the time, Indigenous military service was rarely acknowledged through dedicated commemorations despite thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians serving in conflicts from the Boer War to Vietnam and beyond.

Mr Halim said his motivation was simple.

“If you fight for your country, you should be honoured, acknowledged and recognised.”

What started as a small service at the Heales-

ville RSL later moved to the Shrine of Remembrance, where the Aboriginal flag was raised for the first time in the Shrine’s history.

Now in its twentieth year, the service attracts hundreds of attendees and has become a cornerstone of Victoria’s Reconciliation Week commemorations.

“We have changed a dark age in our military history,” Mr Halim said.

Read the full story on page 4

Stepping up for survival

By Oliver Winn

Five years after one of the most devastating storms the Yarra Ranges ever experienced, Lilydale local John Scarinci is preparing alongside a group of trained volunteers for the next one.

Mr Scarinci is the secretary general of the Australian Peoples Survival League (APSL) - a Yarra Ranges-based, volunteer-led association dedicated to providing mutual assistance groups during major crises.

The organisation formed in 2020 and the June 2021 storms a year later was a textbook scenario for the group’s members to jump into action.

“During those storms, we networked with our volunteers and members of the public who were able to access those difficult town hubs and areas that were cut off, in order to assist in directing power generators and most of all, to deliver food parcels,” Mr Scarinci said.

One situation saw an APSL member deliver food parcels and help restore power to a home which housed a group of people living with disabilities.

Underpinning the APSL’s philosophy is the notion that communities are stronger when people work together and help each other out.

Mr Scarinci said communities benefit from having basic survival skills they can rely on because emergency services are limited in their capacity.

“The common problem with government emergency services is that they have limited volunteers, limited resources and they’re limited to being based at their bases of operation, like with Lilydale SES serving a very wide area,” he said.

“When trees and foliage block road access, this delays emergency services from getting into town hubs to help people. This is where we can step in and offer direction, leadership and support and to extend member training by advising their local people of what they should do.”

When the June 2021 storms hit the Yarra Ranges, it left the region wrecked and ravaged, the figurative roof of safety ripped off, leaving locals

vulnerable.

South easterly wind gusts up to 100km per hour felled 25,000 trees and damaged 173 properties. Menacing rain clouds dumped 271 millimetres of rain on the Dandenongs alone.

Mr Scarinci said during an emergency like the June 2021 storms, the public should think of themselves as the first-responders until dedicated emergency service agencies take over.

“This is because you are the help until professional help can arrive,” he said.

The APSL provides survival training to its 362 members to help them prepare for emergencies from small-scale events to country-wide crises.

But, there’s an emphasis on “preparing” rather than “prepping” . Mr Scarinci said the APSL

weren’t doomsday preppers, as it goes against the group’s philosophy.

“We don’t refer to prepping, because it’s often skewed to the lone wolves who only care about themselves. The best survival is through community, helping each other and getting the training to do so.”

While many doomsday preppers are well-meaning members of the community, there’s some preppers who identify with extremist ideologies and Mr Scarinci has made an effort to distance the APSL from that cohort.

The APSL’s website states it welcomes anyone regardless of ethnicity, gender, beliefs and physical ability. Those who wish to join can enquire at the link: apsl.org.au.

Unions clash over ongoing Parks Victoria strikes

By Callum Ludwig

Despite threatened industrial action, Parks Victoria’ land and facilities remained open to the public over the King’s Birthday weekend.

Parks Victoria CEO Lee Miezis said all parks and reserves would be open as usual for visitors to enjoy throughout the long weekend with minimal disruption.

“Our Rangers do a fantastic job and we remain committed to bargaining in good faith and working towards an agreement with our employees,” he said.

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) Victorian Branch vowed to continue its protected industrial action at Parks Victoria over the King’s Birthday long weekend.

The AWU blamed the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) for having ‘stepped back’ from its own action.

AWU Victorian Branch State Secretary Ronnie Hayden said the AWU does not back down and does not walk away.

“Our members maintain this state’s parks and

stand on the fire line. They deserve a fair deal, and we will hold the line until they get the agreement they have earned,” he said.

“For 140 years the union movement has stood shoulder to shoulder.

“Breaking rank in the middle of a fight is not solidarity. The CPSU has left other workers in the trenches, and their own members deserve an explanation.”

The Herald Sun previously reported that a number of parks, reserves and facilities in the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges would have been impacted by the initial strike action planned for the public holiday weekend.

Speaking to the Star Mail, CPSU’s Victorian branch secretary Jiselle Hanna said the CPSU Vic, AWU and ASU (Australian Services Union) are all working collaboratively to reach an agreement with Parks Vic.

“All unions have industrial action in different formats, as agreed and endorsed by each of our respective memberships in Parks Vic,” she said.

“This extraordinary step is due to management’s failure to produce a decent pay offer after

more than a year of negotiations.

“If the issue remains unresolved, CPSU Vic members are likely to further escalate protected industrial action.”

Due to a legal technicality raised by Parks Victoria, CPSU Vic has altered its plans for strike action. Instead of being limited to four locations over the long weekend, CPSU members plan to take statewide protected industrial action for a 24-hour period commencing at 12.01am until 11.59pm on Thursday 11 June.

Ms Hanna said Parks Vic staff are some of the hardest-working, but lowest-paid of our state’s public servants.

“Victorians deserve safe, accessible, and well-maintained public reserves, supported by properly paid Parks Vic staff,” she said.

“But many current wage rates are lower than minimum wage, despite these being some of the most difficult jobs in our public sector.

“Just like Parks Vic management, our members are asking for pay parity with their Victorian Public Service colleagues in comparable grades, to reflect the value of the work they do. This can

Parks Victoria staff are taking protected industrial action seeking better pay and conditions. (File)

be resolved if they come to the table with an offer that is actually fair.”

Parks Victoria has tabled an offer to the unions for a new enterprise agreement.

Mr Hayden said their members do the work, so their members have the leverage.

“One union walking away is a reason to stand firmer, not to give up. The employer is betting that division will break us. It will not,” he said.

“Parks Victoria wants the public to believe there is nothing to see here, you do not put out reassurances about minimal disruption unless disruption worries you.

“Their own statement gives the game away. The AWU is a fighting union, and we will hold the line for as long as it takes.”

Deer-hunt hot-spot

By Oliver Winn

Healesville and its surrounds proved popular among deer hunters in 2025 with the town recording among the highest number of deer harvested in Victoria.

It came after the Game Management Authority (GMA) released the Estimates of the 2025 Deer Harvest in Victoria report on 26 May.

Healesville ranked third in the number of deer harvested in 2025, with Bairnsdale and Mansfield coming in second and first place respectively.

GMA research principal Dr Jason Flesch said it was Healesville’s first time being included in the top hunting towns for deer.

“The GMA’s Estimates of the 2025 deer harvest in Victoria report is conducted each year to improve understanding of deer harvest trends and hunting activity across Victoria.

“As part of the survey, hunters were asked to identify the nearest town to where they hunted and whether they were successful.

“For the first time since 2009 when telephone surveys began, Healesville ranked among the top five locations where deer were taken, suggesting an increase in the presence of deer in the areas around Healesville,” Dr Flesch said.

Many hunters listed Healesville as the closest town to where they harvested deer. While hunting opportunities in the immediate area around Healesville are limited, nearby areas of public land, such as Toolangi, Paul Range, Black Range and Marysville State Forests, offer hunting opportunities.

Ranking fourth and fifth after Healesville were Heyfield and Wodonga. Meanwhile, the most popular towns for deer hunting were Mansfield, Bairnsdale, Corryong, Wodonga and Alexandra, respectively.

Dr Flesch said the research was based on information gathered from randomly selected licenced deer hunters who voluntarily participated in the phone surveys.

“Approximately 4700 deer hunters participated in the phone survey and provided information about their hunting activity, including how many deer were harvested, where hunting occurred, hunting methods used and the species of deer harvested.”

“This research helps build a stronger under-

standing of deer harvest trends and hunting activity in Victoria,” Dr Flesch said.

Results show an estimated 158,500 deer were harvested in 2025. This is similar to the 167,600 deer harvested in 2024 and 66 per cent above the long-term average of 95,400 since 2009.

Sambar Deer were the most harvested species with an estimated harvest of 118,400 deer, of which 54 per cent were female.

Fallow Deer were the second most harvested species, with an estimated harvest of 38,000 deer, of which 55 per cent were female.

Bus altercation leads to arrest in Junction

A man was arrested by police after allegedly making violent threats towards a teenager on a bus in Yarra Junction on 2 June.

Police will allege a 44-year-old Wesburn man was travelling on the 683 bus on Warburton Highway around 4pm when he threatened a 16-year-old boy.

The victim was not injured and got off the bus at Corduroy Rd and then made a report to police later that day.

“The 44-year-old man was then involved in an altercation on the bus with another

44-year-old man,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“The Wesburn man sustained minor injuries that did not require medical treatment.”

He was arrested and charged with making threats to inflict serious injury, committing unlawful assault and possessing cannabis.

He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 16 July.

ADRA theft investigation

Detectives from the Yarra Ranges have called upon the public for information around a burglary at ADRA Redwood Community Centre in April.

Thieves stole roughly $500 worth of food parcels from the charity between 4pm 14 April and 9.30am 16 April.

Police are looking to identify three persons captured on CCTV footage who may be able to assist with its enquiries.

“It is believed that unknown offender/s gained access to the premises through a rear window on Warburton Highway,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said after the offending in April.

At least eight large “hefty” food boxes and some fresh food items from the fridge were stolen.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Yarra Ranges CIU on (03) 9739 2300 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Reference 260162245.

Winter safe driving plea

Police are calling upon outer east drivers to practice safe road habits as winter sets in across the region.

Victoria Police road policing inspector for eastern region, David McElfatrick said as temperatures drop, the roads become more unforgiving.

“Wet weather, morning fog and sometimes snow and ice in our higher ranges, means your usual driving habits need to change,” Mr McElfatrick said.

“There’s a few things you can do to help keep safe on the roads.”

He said drivers should aim to reduce speed, increase breaking distance and turn on headlights to increase your visibility to other cars.

“Let’s look out for each other this winter, drive to the conditions, and get home safely.”

Dangerous roads survey

RACV has asked upon locals of the outer east to have their say on the roughest regional roads of the state.

RACV has worked with the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) to analyse the safety standards of 19,800 kilometres of Victoria’s regional roads.

Based on Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) data, crash history and traffic volumes, RACV identified the Maroondah Highway from Healesville to Alexandra as one of the most dangerous roads of the North East region.

Meanwhile, the Melba Highway from Yea to Dixons Creek also got a mention for its unsafe conditions.

My Country Road participants have the opportunity to provide feedback on up to three of the identified road sections, or nominate their own roads of concern.

From the Valley to the Shrine

By Gabriella Vukman

Sunday 31 May marked the twentieth anniversary of a movement that has changed Victoria’s military history forever.

What began as a small and controversial ceremony at the Healesville RSL in 2006 has grown into a major state commemoration at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

On the bright autumn morning of Sunday 31 May, approximately 500 people gathered beneath the Shrine’s sandstone walls for the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service, an event honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women whose contributions to Australia’s military history were long overlooked.

Former Royal Australian Air Force Flight Sergeant and Healesville resident Sam Halim Co-Founded the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service in 2006, after being “disgusted” by the way First Nations servicepeople were treated by RSLs around the nation.

“If you fight for your country, you should be honoured, acknowledged and recognised,” he said.

“I believe that all soldiers should be acknowledged and should be honoured, and I believe if you fight for a country, you should be honoured and recognised.”

“Forget about indigenous and non-indigenous. We’re all one, we’re all Australian.”

It was Mr Halim’s conviction that would eventually help transform a decades-long campaign by the late Yarra Yarra Elder Aunty Dot Peters AM into one of Victoria’s most significant annual remembrance events.

This year’s anniversary service unfolded under clear skies, as the sounds of the didgeridoo echoed throughout the walls of the shrine.

“The weather was very kind to us,” Mr Halim said.

“It was sunny and we had a wonderful service.”

The service is regularly attended by governors, ministers, elders, military leaders and community representatives, and this year was no exception, with the presence of the Governor of Victoria, a slew of federal and state representatives, councillors, and Indigenous leaders.

Consular representatives from several na-

tions including Egypt, Turkey and the Philippines also attended the service to honour Indigenous soldiers.

“It was just beautiful to see people getting together to produce something special like this to honour the Indigenous soldiers,” Mr Halim said.

Despite its history of being well-attended, the service’s existence was never guaranteed.

“In 2022 the then Minister for Agriculture said the Government did not have enough money for the service, so we would have to cancel it,” Mr Halim said.

“I told them that we would not cancel it, and that I would pay for it.”

Owning a hospitality business, Mr Halim set his chefs to work preparing the food, while he organised and paid for the rest of the service.

“About three months later we were told the Government had the money now, and they paid me back for most of it.”

The story of Indigenous military service in Australia stretches back generations.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation was recorded in colonial military units before Federation.

Thousands of Indigenous Australians later served in conflicts from the Boer War through both world wars, in Korea, and Vietnam, and in contemporary military deployments and peacekeeping operations.

Yet this service did not guarantee equality.

Many Indigenous soldiers enlisted despite discriminatory policies that restricted Aboriginal participation in Australian society.

Some returned from war to find themselves denied the rights and benefits routinely afforded to non-Indigenous veterans.

Soldier settlement schemes, voting rights and other entitlements were often inaccessible.

Mr Halim said, “They were not treated the same as the white soldiers or non-indigenous soldiers.”

For years Aunty Dot Peters sought official recognition for Indigenous veterans, including her own father.

She approached veterans’ organisations and government bodies but found little support.

Then in 2006, she walked into the Healesville RSL, where Mr Halim was serving as president.

“She came to me and told me about her father and other Indigenous soldiers,” Mr Halim said.

“She had been trying for years to have some recognition with RSL and other organisations but she was unsuccessful.”

What followed would alter the course of remembrance in Victoria.

After Aunty Dot’s visit, the first Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Day Service was held at the Healesville RSL during reconciliation week in 2006.

“I am very proud that I was the first one to ever raise the Aboriginal flag at an RSL,” Mr Halim said.

At the time, such gestures were far from routine. Indigenous culture was rarely incorporated into formal military commemorations.

The idea of an Aboriginal remembrance service sat uncomfortably with some veterans and administrators, yet the ceremony went ahead.

“The RSL didn’t want it,” Mr Halim said.

“Many, many VIPs didn’t want it, and still some narrow-minded people don’t want it.”

Three months later, Mr Halim and Aunty Dot successfully convinced the Shrine of Remembrance to host a similar event.

On 31 May 2006, the Shrine raised the Aboriginal flag for the first time in its history and like that, what began as a local initiative quickly evolved into a permanent annual service.

Twenty years later, Indigenous languages, Welcome to Country ceremonies, smoking ceremonies and didgeridoo performances have become familiar features of the event.

What once faced resistance is now embraced as part of Victoria’s commemorative landscape.

“A lot of things have changed,” Mr Halim said.

“Many of the narrow-minded people who opposed the service, now come along.”

The Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Committee, established in 2007, now oversees the service in partnership with Indigenous communities and government agencies.

Mr Halim has served for two decades as vicechair of the committee, helping organise services, advocate for funding and navigating occasional opposition.

In 2021, the committee received a Helping Achieve Reconciliation Together (HART) Award for its contribution to reconciliation.

When asked what the twentieth anniversary of the service means, Mr Halim’s answer returns the same theme that first motivated him in 2006.

“We have changed a dark age in our military history,” he said.

“And we cannot let it return.”

Twenty years ago, recognition of Indigenous service people was still being argued for.

Today, governors stand alongside veterans, schoolchildren and community elders to honour their service.

The ceremony that once struggled for acceptance has become part of the state’s official history.

As the crowd dispersed from the Shrine on Sunday afternoon, Mr Halim reflected on a message he had repeated during his anniversary speech earlier that day.

“We are all one,” he said.

“We are all Australian.”

For a movement born from the belief that service should be recognised equally, regardless of race, it was a fitting conclusion to 20 years of remembrance.

Remembering their service

By Gabriella Vukman

Over in Badger Creek, students and teachers are taking First Nations service remembrance into their own hands.

On Friday 5 June, Badger Creek Primary School held their own Aboriginal Remembrance Service for the second year in a row.

Bagpipes played as students, teachers and families trickled into the school’s hall for the ceremony.

Badger Creek Primary School’s service was founded in 2024, after students missed out on attending the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance the year prior due to feared terrorist activity.

Mr Halim said he was approached by the school’s principal Scott Crawford to start the tradition of holding a ceremony at the school.

“I thought it was a great idea, and we started from there.”

This year’s service was attended by Co-Founder of the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service Sam Halim, and Rotarian Terry Hill along with teachers, students, and their families.

Having sent his four children to Badger Creek Primary, Mr Halim used to invite the school to attend the annual Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service in Melbourne.

According to Mr Halim, at its heart, the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service is not simply about military history, rather about correcting omissions from the historical record and ensuring future generations understand them.

For Halim, one of the most important audiences for this message is children.

“It is very important for me that children are a big part of this,” he said.

“We are not here forever, so the younger generation needs to carry the flag and keep the service going.”

Mr Halim was delighted with the ceremony.

“It was just so beautiful to see that these Aboriginal souls have been honoured,” he said.

“That means a lot to so many people.”

School Vice Captain Vedra said participating in the assembly was of great importance to her.

“Even though I didn’t have much to say, I had much to listen to,” she said.

“The people who were talking were very important and especially the story that Terry Hill told about the four brothers who served was very heartwarming.”

According to Vedra, remembering and recognising the efforts of First Nations servicepeople is vital for restructuring history and society.

“This message is important to me because, even though some people say the past is the past, I don’t believe that.”

“The past is important because it affects people, so we need to do something about it.”

“Assemblies like this are really important because right now we are remembering First Na-

tions and Aboriginal People and if we continue doing this, we can continue remembering and acknowledging.”

School Vice Captain Oliver co-hosted the service and noted the assembly meant a lot to him.

“This assembly is really special because you get to reflect on the past and learn about it, and hosting the event was just really special.”

“Hearing the stories made me feel like I was there and I was pretty sad that that had happened,” he said.

Oliver also stressed the importance of recognising and remembering the efforts of First Nations servicepeople.

“It doesn’t matter about skin colour.”

“It is important that they actually stood up and went to war, even when they weren’t allowed to to help protect our country,” he said.

“We need to remember their service and what they went through so that it doesn’t happen again.”

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Advocate awarded OAM

By Oliver Winn

A prominent arts, youth and disability advocate from the Yarra Valley received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Monday 8 June.

Sarah Ward was awarded an OAM in the general division for her influential involvement in various community organisations over the years.

Her work champions those who don’t fit the conventional moulds of society, uplifting voices and delivering safe spaces for young people in the Yarra Valley.

She said it was a “big deal” to be chosen as an OAM recipient for 2026.

“It’s huge. I’m very overwhelmed, very excited, very honoured.

“It’s one of those things where it takes a community… to get to this point, and I’m one of a community of people who have been working… and creating this community that we’ve built,” Ms Ward said.

Humble in nature, the 34-year-old immediately shifted her focus onto how receiving an OAM will only help raise awareness about the causes she’s so passionate about.

“These things are important, because it allows us to shine a spotlight on the work that we’re doing. We don’t do this for recognition, but it’s always nice to have our work noticed,” she said.

Ms Ward is the chief executive officer for the Misfit Project, a charity organisation dedicated to youth empowerment through creativity and support in the Yarra Valley.

But her involvement in the community spans many areas, including both unpaid and paid stints at disability support service Interchange Outer East and director at the Community Bank Warburton-Yarra Junction.

She’s also received the Robyn Murray Memorial Award for Exemplifying Inclusive Practice and the Ian De La Rue Youth Initiative Award.

It all started when she became a volunteer at Interchange Outer East at 13-years-old. Within five years, she became a disability support worker while also spearheading a program around providing services for young people.

“I got to do some really awesome work with them around building programs that were really unique, because it was about recognising the gaps. So if a young person wanted to do something in their community that didn’t exist, we just set it up.”

She said her motivation to better the lives of

others stems from her time as a teenager.

“I’ve always been passionate about providing young people with a safe space… I was someone who never really found anywhere they fit in,” Ms Ward said.

She found her voice on the theatre stage at 17-years-old when she produced and directed a play about issues that matter to young people.

Shortly after, she created the Misfit Theatre in hopes of helping other young people to find their own voice on the stage.

“It’s come from a place of wanting to try and create the spaces that I felt were missing for myself,” Ms Ward said.

Seventeen years later, she said watching young people get up on stage and express themselves was “an incredibly big gift”

“Having spaces where… they’ve felt comfortable to be vulnerable and real and honest and truthful, that is so important.”

While there’s a lot of darkness in the world, she said she’ll always focus on the positivity around her.

“There’s some good in this world Mr Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for,” she said, referencing the famous Tolkien quote.

Whether it’s lamenting the fragile future awaiting young people or carrying on about youth crime, public discourse on youth often skews negative.

For Ms Ward, it’s quite the contrary.

“I spend most of my time with young people, and I think they are incredible, they have a lot to do and a lot to say.

“The next generation gives me a lot of hope,” she said.

Antiques and animals: Lilydale Fair returns for a furry cause

By Mikayla van Loon

Whether you’re an antique collector or an animal lover, perhaps even both, then this upcoming Lilydale event is one for you.

The Lilydale Antiques and Collectables Fair on Saturday 13 June, organised by Sue Anderson, is both an incredible opportunity for buyers and sellers, while raising much needed funds for Forever Friends Animal Rescue (FFAR).

Sue is no stranger to hosting fundraisers for animal welfare charities, and said “I have supported animal (mainly cat) charities for so long I have forgotten when that started”

“Animal charities, that have a no kill policy, deserve all the help they can get. If our fairs help in any way, I am more than happy to do it,” she said.

Through a mutual connection, Helen Godfrey Wegener, a FFAR volunteer, and Sue’s long time friend, it was suggested that this second annual Lilydale Fair be hosted for the Gladysdale-based rescue.

There will be around 30 stallholders set up for the day, inside the St Patrick’s Parish Community Centre on Jones Street.

Last year saw 350 people walk through the door and a recent fair hosted at Caribbean Gardens “was way above expectations for charity and sellers alike” seeing over 1000 people attend.

“Engagement is sporadic, usually driven by the economy. However, Lilydale last year was in a difficult time but every seller requested to return as the people who came, arrived to buy,” Sue said.

“The more bodies we get through the door, the better,” Helen said, as this is what will raise the funds for FFAR.

Sue said the fairs are mutually beneficial for the sellers and charities, and “sellers are rarely bothered” about which cause the event is supporting, they’re just happy to be part of it.

“It is also a way to give the charity a bit more exposure,” Sue said.

Volunteer and special projects coordinator

Meaghan Adams, sister to FFAR founder Saskia Adams, said rescue organisations are “always up

against it”

“Primarily, it’s feeding and medication, and the crisis of our economy at the moment is that animals are with us much longer, so we have to keep giving our foster carers supplies,” she said.

“And so we need money to be able to make sure they’ve got medications, the cat litter, the food, if it hasn’t been donated.

“We have a lot of driving that goes on, so

sometimes we simply have to offer people petrol money if they’ve driven a very long way to bring an animal in need.”

Meaghan said like all organisations, not only are the day-to-day costs increasing but so too are the overhead costs like insurance.

That’s why fundraisers of this kind are so integral to charitable organisations, especially when they see the positive outcomes of rehabilitation and rehoming.

“(Funds are) particularly used for the rehabilitation of animals who have been neglected, abandoned, abused, and frightened, and need longer time at the sanctuary to recover until they become really loving beautiful pets, and it does happen,” Meaghan said.

“The lesson in the sanctuary is that rehabilitation is possible for animals as well as human beings, and a lot of human beings come with all sorts of hurts and pains and sufferings, and they can see their empathy helps the animals recover, and the animals’ love for them helps them recover.”

Entry into the fair is $5 but once inside, Sue said it is like stepping back in time, with so much to discover and well worth browsing, you never know what you’ll find.

“Attendees can expect smiling faces at the door, a great range of things on offer inside. Browsing, as long as they like in happy surroundings,” she said.

“If there are kitties on display, hopefully new homes will occur. Not, never, from the fair but bonds made to be welcomed at appropriate settings into the new family.”

The Lilydale Antiques and Collectables Fair will open at 8.30am and run until 3pm.

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Kids walk for MS

By Oliver Winn

Some 100 school children braced the brisk morning air and walked to school to raise funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) research on 28 May.

It was Wandin North Primary School’s fifth year gathering together for the cause and they raised over $1500.

Junior school teacher Tim Langley has organised the walk for the past five years and said 2026 was the most popular walk yet.

“That was definitely the biggest turnout that we had of both family and students. There’d easily be 100 people there,” Mr Langley said.

It was a cold and crisp morning when the group gathered at the shops in Wandin, making for perfect walking weather.

When Mr Langley was leading the walk, he turned around and saw a “great spectacle”: a long line of children, tracing the edges of the Warburton Highway and wearing red in support of the cause.

The walk’s funds went towards the MS May 50k fundraiser and it contributed to an overall amount of $8000 raised by the school.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most commonly diagnosed chronic neurological disease for young adults and it has no cure.

MS Australia deputy chief executive officer

Dr Julia Morahan said initiatives like the Wandin North Primary School MS walk highlighted the “unique power of grassroots fundraising”

“Fundraising initiatives like those led by Wandin North Primary School are incredibly important to the multiple sclerosis (MS) community and to the progress we are making in research.

“While large-scale national campaigns play a critical role, local initiatives are often linked to a meaningful connection to MS and bring the local community together due to their tangible impact,” Dr Morahan said.

The disease causes the body’s own immune system to mistakenly attack the fatty material (what’s known as myelin) that helps nerves

communicate with the brain.

When the myelin around a nerve is attacked, it compromises the nerve’s ability to communicate with the brain, resulting in a wide range of symptoms which can be different for everyone.

More than 37,000 Australians live with MS, and three out of four people are women.

Mr Langley’s motivation to host these events stems from his mother, who has lived with MS for 40 years.

He said the events made him realise how many people had a personal connection to the condition in the local community.

“The more information you get from community members the more widespread you realise it is.

“It’s about making those connections and creating a bit of awareness and support for a

disease that obviously impacts millions of families, but making it more prevalent to our community as well,” Mr Langley said.

Mr Langley said the children had a blast as they walked roughly two and a half kilometres along the Warburton Highway to the primary school.

“The kids were super engaged in walking to school and making sure that we’re following road rules and everything like that.”

By sharing his own story with the school students, he said it helped make young children aware of MS while empowering them to make a difference through fundraising.

“When they’re doing the walk, they’re wearing a splash of red, they know it’s to raise awareness for MS… they know the money is going towards something meaningful.”

Australian businesses urged to seize AI opportunity

Artificial intelligence is already helping Australian businesses improve customer service, lift productivity and support workers, but leaders say success depends on building confidence in how the technology is used.

At CommBank’s Accelerate AI event in Sydney, CEOs and founders said AI was moving from experimentation to practical use, with benefits emerging across retail, technology and professional services.

Bunnings is one example. Earlier this year, the retailer launched Buddy, an AI shopping assistant that helped 25,000 customers with DIY projects in a single week. It has also rolled out an AI chatbot for 50,000 staff across 400 stores nationwide.

Chief customer officer Rachael McVitty said Bunnings had taken a simple approach to building trust: customers always know when they are interacting with AI, the tool uses verified information, and people can still speak to a team member when needed.

At Canva, co-founder Cliff Obrecht gave ChatGPT an unorthodox test shortly after it launched: plan a global camel delivery service, including logistics, routing and turnaround times.

The model produced a complete operational

plan, despite the abstract challenge Obrecht expected would break the technology. At that moment, he knew what needed doing.

“If we weren’t going to disrupt ourselves, we were going to be disrupted,” he said of Canva’s approach to implementing AI into its operations.

While speakers pointed to growing use of AI across Australia, some noted the technology remains in its infancy.

“If the ultimate measure is impact, we are less than one per cent of the way in,” Seek founder and technology investor Paul Bassat said.

But that doesn’t mean people should wait for the technology to mature before adopting it.

“If you don’t adopt AI, almost certainly you will lose market share. And ultimately, you will go out of business.”

Read the full story at CommBank Newsroom. https://www.commbank.com.au/articles/newsroom/2026/05/australias-ai-moment-opportunity-in-front-of-us.html?utm_ term=External&utm_medium=Native&utm_ source=Star&utm_campaign=weekone&utm_ content=accelerate

Millgrove High Tea for a cause

Braving the Freeze to beat the disease

By April Stevens

Local heroes slid steeply into an ice bath at Healesville Greyhound’s annual Big Freeze at the ‘Ville for MND fundraising and awareness on Sunday 7 June.

The initiative was expected to make a “bigger splash” than in 2025, with a goal of raising $60,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.

Largely inspired by the well known FightMND campaign led by the late AFL legend Neale Daniher, Healesville Greyhounds counted a generous $55,000 in donations on Sunday with time to still donate and surpass the initiative from last year, which was a total of $33,000. At the time of publication, the full amount was yet to be tallied.

Replacing the dunking machine from previous years, Healesville Greyhounds put the fun in fundraising with a 4.5 metre toboggan slide this time around.

Live music was played by former AFL player Russell Robertson in ‘The Shed’ space, adorned with ‘Daniher Blue’ decor, cascading blue materials weaved together along with white faux snow below dancer’s feet.

Many children lined up for face painting with hot chippies and delight with families waving their lucky tickets as speedy greyhounds took the tracks.

Over 20 personalities and community favourites were seen at the event, many working their courage to slide in their heroes’ costumes. Jason Adams the event’s MC adamantly hosting and narrating the slider’s adventures.

Local Liberal MP Aaron Violi was seen dressed as the Collingwood Star, Scott Pendlebury. Local families excitedly lined up for photos and to wish him luck for his turn.

Digital creator Community Pete, was seen ready to take the icy plunge dressed as Deadpool the Marvel antihero. A cause close to her heart, having lost her own grandfather to MND, the real life hero, Sal Wannet, representing the Badger Creek Fire Brigade, also took the cold leap in her uniform and was still smiling as she came back up from the cold. With the AFL FightMND Campaign to still follow, the efforts at Healesville’s Big Freeze rose up

tall to the fight. All funds raised through the Big Freeze at the ‘Ville will go directly toward the crucial research, treatment and support for Australians living with MND.

The day was a huge success and the community effort from local businesses, former AFL players and every day stars was astounding. The very humble and determined Healesville Greyhounds team put on a spectacular event and made a large dent in the debilitating disease that is MND.

Two churches came together to raise funds for an international aid organisation on Saturday 23 May in an example of community at its best.

Around 40 people attended the High Tea at the MIllgrove Baptist Church to mark a total of $1200 raised for Mercy Ships, made up of two donations from the Millgrove church and a church in Yarra Junction.

Mercy Ships is an international development organisation that deploys hospital ships and volunteers to developing nations to provide crucial healthcare where it’s needed.

Sarah Connor, who has been on a Mercy Ship, shared her story with the audience.

Millgrove local Janice Burney attended the event and she said everyone was moved by Ms Connor’s experience.

“She shared with us the good work that they do, with an extensive PowerPoint presentation and many images of before and after operations.

“Everybody that attended was completely amazed and marvelled at the volunteer organisation’s ability to change people‘s lives for the better,” she said.

The event was organised by Dawn Doudney and Pastor Ray welcomed the attendees. Live music provided the soundtrack for the High Tea.

Come, have a cuppa

By Mikayla van Loon

The Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed is calling all men from Healesville, Chum Creek and Badger Creek to head down to the shed for Men’s Health Week (15 to 21 June).

The informal ‘open days’ on Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 June are an invitation to men of all ages to drop into the shed for a cuppa, see the members in action and learn more about what’s on offer.

Shed secretary Graeme Chester said, “Most people now are understanding that actually the men’s shed movement is a men’s health and well-being organisation” , and it’s something Badger Creek is trying to embrace.

Men’s Sheds provide a space for men of all circumstances, whether transitioning into retirement, already retired, experiencing health challenges, feeling isolated or have lost their significant other, to connect with others, work on projects and talk things through.

“It gets blokes out of the house and gets them down to the shed and talking with blokes,” Mr Chester said.

“We’re not like girls and go for a coffee talk, one on one, men tend to be a bit reticent to that, but when you’re down at the shed, talking to your mates over a cuppa, or on a project, as we say, shoulder to shoulder, not directly, but just talking around, they come out of themselves, and they find a little community, and they find their mates.”

The Men’s Shed movement across Australia aims to give men ‘a safe, active and supportive environment’ close to home, where shed president Greg Suhr said “a chat and a cuppa is just as good” as making something with your hands.

Removing the formalities of a typical open day, Mr Chester said, means it will be a far more casual affair, to allow people to really see how the men’s shed operates.

“Come down, have a cuppa, check us out, have a chat while we go about our business,” he said.

Mr Suhr said that in the years he’s been at the shed, it’s been interesting to watch the groups and friendships that form, all from one common interest.

“There’s that tier where everybody comes to-

30 blankets headed to HICCI courtesy of Creswick

By Callum Ludwig

As we head into the winter months, a generous donation from a local Healesville shop is set to keep some of the most in-need individuals in the community warm.

30 blankets from Creswick Woolen Mills’ Healesville store have been donated to HICCI to distribute to locals.

HICCI executive officer Alison Gommers said Creswick have been great supporters of HICCI for many years.

“We’ve had beautiful blankets given to us before and now that we’ve had this cold snap, they’ll be really gratefully received by people that we can pass them on to,” she said.

“We appreciate the support, particularly as people sleeping in their cars or even with the cost of heating now, people can’t always afford it, so to have some lovely warm blankets makes a big difference.

“It’s locals helping locals and we really appreciate that.”

HICCI also has plenty of food items available for anyone who pops in to their building and can still offer limited help with bill assistance. HICCI’s Winter Appeal is also coming up with any donations through their website or the sitw in town greatly appreciated. Any donation over $2 is tax-deductible.

Co-manager of Creswick’s Healesville store Cherie Brown said it is a lovely feeling to be able to give them.

“They need every piece of help that they can get, HICCI, they really do,” she said.

“We have donated over a million dollars worth of blankets over the years, we donate to a lot of

gether, for the very first hour and a half, and it’s just general discussion, and we find out about people,” he said.

“But then the next tier is when we go into the steel shed, the wood shed, or the photography group, and guys gradually form a relationship with people of their common background, common social context.

“You find these little groups that form up, and they can’t wait to get back together the next week, and say, “Oh, let’s continue this project, or that project, or something else that interests them at the time”. So it’s these two levels. One gets you there, and the other one submits your place.”

Mr Suhr said for many men, it’s “that feeling that they’re not alone, that’s what we’ve got to combat” , particularly when it comes to mental

and physical health.

Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed offers three main skills: woodworking, metalwork and photography, but always encourages members to try new things.

Supporting the community is also at the heart of what the shed does, whether it’s building planter boxes, painting the CFA station or fixing someone’s broken chair, Mr Chester said, “It’s a community service organisation, as well as a men’s health organisation”

For anyone interested in visiting the Badger Creek and District Men’s Shed, find them at 360 Badger Creek Road, behind the CFA fire station, from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday and Friday.

Men’s Health Week is celebrated every year in June to highlight and raise awareness about health challenges boys and men face.

charities around Melbourne and Victoria for the homeless… it’s a good cause.

“Everyone needs a warm blanket at night from young people up to the elderly.”

Creswick’s Annual Blanket Drive will also be returning in July, where for the whole month, any blanket purchase online or in-store will see another blanket donated with the help of the Ballarat Foundation.

“Giving back has always been woven into the fabric of our business” Creswick Woolen Mills executive director Boaz Herszfeld said.

“With the incredible support of our customers and partners like the Ballarat Foundation, we aim to make a real difference this winter – blanket by blanket.”

Wandin drama group in need of new recruits

By Oliver Winn

Over tea, biscuits and lemon slices, six people gather round in a cosy Wandin North home, shielded from the wintry weather outside.

It’s the committee for a community drama group, the Wandin Players. But, through the inside jokes, laughter and kindness, they share a closeness more akin to an old group of friends.

After all, the Wandin Players formed in 2008 with friendship in mind as the group shared a love for putting on community-led theatre to local audiences.

But, as the group’s members age, the Wandin Players have called upon fresh members to lead the next generation of actors, stage technicians, directors and playwrights.

Wandin Players committee member Graham Barnett said the group particularly wanted younger adults to join.

“The way I see it, we’re a starting point, and if we can get young people to come in, we can teach them [about theatre],” Mr Barnett said.

The Wandin Players put on multiple plays a year where group members can take part. Each season, the group becomes enveloped in its routine of weekly Wednesday night rehearsals at the Wandin Baptist Church.

Wandin Players president Karl Sims said these rehearsals are much more than just practising lines.

“The main focus of the group is just as much on coming together and enjoying supper after our rehearsals [as it is on theatre].”

He said it’s an environment anyone can join in on, with no experience needed and a welcoming atmosphere helping new recruits feel at home.

“One of the things we do at Wandin Players is give the opportunity for people to have a go. No experience is necessary,” he said.

Wandin Players committee member Jenny Ven said there was much to gain from joining the Wandin Players.

“You get such a buzz being part of the group… people are so supportive,” Ms Ven said.

Having joined four years ago, Ms Ven said it didn’t take long to feel like she was part of “one big family”

“I’ve done a couple of plays and the support’s fantastic and you learn so much. It’s been really great, I thoroughly enjoyed it,” she said.

While young adults often flock to sporting clubs for community and self-development, Mr Sims said the same things can be found in the theatre.

“One thing you can get out of being involved with theatre or drama, it’s that aspect of teamwork.

“You’re relying on teammates in football or cricket or whatever else, but in the same way in theatre, you’re relying on the person to be in the right position, to be giving you the right line to cue you,” he said.

“It helps to foster that sense of working with other people and teamwork.”

But, the group went through a rough patch during the Covid-19 lockdowns and Mr Sims said it’s been a bit of a struggle “trying to keep it together”

“I’ve been on stage as cast, directing, backstage, being on the committee and trying to keep it together, particularly in the aftermath of the lockdown.”

Ms Ven said if the group were to close, the Wandin community would lose a crucial part of its community and culture.

“Entertainment wise in this area, I think we found out through Covid that you’ve got TV and stuff like that, but there aren’t many options for getting out and going to see something and having fun.”

She said watching a Wandin Players production is “like a night out”

“You get lovely food because you’ve got the interval where you go out and have cup of tea and coffee and mingle.”

The benefits of having a group like the Wandin Players are numerous, providing not only a community interest group, but also a source of entertainment for the local community.

But in order to keep these opportunities alive, the Wandin Players need more people to join up.

Those who are interested in joining the Wandin Players can enquire by email on wandinplayers.comedy@gmail.com or call 0466 156 835.

Up and coming film talent

By

Australia’s top emerging filmmakers will be decided upon at the Warburton Film Festival’s Show Us Your Shorts (SUYS) awards on Sunday 14 June.

A screening of each short film will take place at the Warburton Arts Centre before a panel of cultured movie enthusiasts announce which filmmaker takes the iconic Golden Shorts Award.

Yarra Ranges Film Society president Rebecca Bowman said the awards gave amateur filmmakers the chance to land their first accolade.

“We just really want to encourage people that are having a go and trying to get into the industry. It’s not a big industry in this country and, you know, every bit of help that they get is wonderful,” she said.

The overall winner will receive the famed

Golden Shorts and $1000 in prize money. Both the runner up and the winner of the Youth Award gets $400, while Best Animation and Best Documentary winners get $300 each.

Films must be made in Australia, a maximum 12 minutes long and within a certain period of time to be selected.

Ms Bowman said seeing the talent of young filmmakers was always a highlight at the awards.

“We always have an award for young people. It’s really terrific, to see some of the things that they come up with. Some of them do it at school, others do it independently,” she said.

Last year’s winner of the Youth Award was William Genet’s film A Family Affair, and many more young filmmakers have gone for the youth title this year.

Organised by the Yarra Ranges Film Society, the Warburton Film Festival started 41 years ago

and has been drawing crowds to the town ever since.

Since 2008, emerging filmmakers have contested for the SUYS Awards which always sees the theatre packed with families of those nominated.

“It’s really wonderful to see all these people

bring all their families and all their friends and everybody along to see their name up on the stage, you know what I mean?

“It’s a big thing for everybody that’s starting out in this industry, trying to get some recognition and squeeze into the market,” Ms Bowman said.

Through the SUYS Awards, she said the Yarra Ranges Film Society aimed to be more than just a “group of people watching films together”

“We really genuinely care about trying to foster this whole industry as much as we possibly can.”

This year’s panel consists of committee and ordinary Yarra Ranges Film Society members, with two established local filmmakers in the mix.

Locals can attend the SUYS awards for free at the Warburton Arts Centre at 1pm on Sunday 14 June.

Art’s alive and well at the Wandin Rotary Artisan Village

WARBURTON FILM FESTIVAL

Powerful storytelling event

The Yarra Ranges Film Society is preparing for an unmissable weekend of cinema, with the Warburton Film Festival returning from Friday 12 June to Sunday 14 June.

Celebrating 40 years of bringing world class cinema to the Yarra Valley, the festival continues its mission of showcasing international films that inspire, educate and entertain. This year’s program features stories from across the globe, including films from Sudan, Iran and Iceland, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience different cultures and perspectives through film.

Alongside feature films, the festival will also present intimate documentaries and showcase emerging local talent at the Warburton Arts Centre, promising three days of compelling storytelling, thoughtful discussion and memorable cinematic experiences.

Tickets are still available, with film lovers also invited to attend the Festival Dinner on Saturday 13 June. The evening will feature clever film trivia, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of conversation among fellow enthusiasts, all for $50 per ticket.

A highlight of the festival is the annual Show Us Your Shorts competition and awards ceremony. Established in 2008, the competition celebrates emerging filmmakers. The major prize of $1000 will be awarded to the best overall film.

Shortlisted entries will be screened before each feature film throughout the festival weekend, showcasing a diverse range of voices, styles and creative approaches. A special screening of the five prize-winning films, followed by the awards presentation, will take place after lunch on Sunday 14 June.

The festival opens on Friday evening with But also John Clarke, an intimate documentary about beloved New Zealand-born satirist John Clarke. Directed by his daughter, Lorin Clarke, who will also participate in a post-screening

Q&A session, giving audiences the opportunity to learn more about the documentary and her father’s legacy.

In recognition of the Traditional Owners of the land on which the festival is held, an Acknowledgement of Country will take place on both Saturday and Sunday, with participation from students at Warburton Primary School.

Warburton Film

The Yarra Ranges Film Society has assembled a remarkable weekend that not only enriches the local community through entertainment and cultural exchange, but also provides opportunities for emerging filmmakers to share their work with new audiences.

Beyond the festival, the society meets monthly at both the Arts Centre in Warburton and the Memorial Hall in Healesville. Anyone with a passion for film, discussion and storytelling is welcome to attend. For further information, tickets or membership details, visit the Yarra Ranges Film Society website. There will also be a shuttle bus available for film lovers, running from behind the Warburton Hardware Store on Saturday at 9am and Sunday at 8.45am.

People and place together

For more than a decade, Council has been working on a vision we call Ridges and Rivers, an ambitious plan to make the Yarra Ranges a must-visit destination on Melbourne’s doorstep for forest walks, trail riding and opportunities for exploration.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see this long-held vision start to coming to life.

We’ve recently celebrated the official launches of two major projects – ngurrak barring, a 39km arts and culture trail weaving through the Dandenong Ranges, and the Warburton Bike Park, a 60km world-class mountain biking destination.

Exciting progress is also being made on the third Ridges and Rivers project, the Yarra Valley Trail, which will one day span from Lilydale to the

Mayor’s desk

Richard Higgins

Upper Yarra via Yarra Glen and Healesville. We’re continuing to advocate for significant funding to help deliver the full vision, including a vital bridge crossing over the Yarra River to connect the trail through to Yarra Glen.

Together, these projects are helping to posi-

tion the Yarra Ranges as a premier destination, supporting local businesses and giving our community access to world-class experiences right on their doorstep.

Recently we marked National Reconciliation Week with our annual community event, embracing this year’s theme of All In.

It’s a powerful reminder that reconciliation requires all of us to work together towards Reconciliation and that progress relies on listening, learning and acting.

I encourage everyone to visit Council’s website to watch the event recording, hear from inspiring speakers, and reflect on how each of us can help make a positive difference.

Finally, this winter marks five years since the

devastating 2021 storms in the Dandenongs. For many, the impacts are ongoing, and the memories remain close when severe weather returns.

I want to acknowledge the extraordinary community spirit we have seen since the storms. Whether it’s building resilience and preparedness for future extreme weather events, supporting community initiatives, or simply checking in on a neighbour during difficult weather, these acts of care and connection define who we are.

We are fortunate to live in such a remarkable part of the world, but it’s the people of Yarra Ranges who make it truly special.

He-man de-mands a watch

M 4/5

The second live-action film based on the HeMan cartoon series (after the 1987 film starring Dolph Lundgren), Masters of the Universe is a campy, visually dazzling good time directed by Travis Knight.

Adam Glenn (Nicholas Galitzine), a hapless office worker, must fulfil his destiny as He-Man, Prince of Eternia, and liberate his homeworld from the evil warlock Skeletor (Jared Leto).

Masters of the Universe is full of likeable larger-than-life characters with amusing chemistry. Galitzine is humble and deeply endearing as Adam, and has a satisfying arc of becoming the hero Eternia needs by combining the brute power of his He-Man persona with the empathy and motivational skills of his regular human form. Leto shines as Skeletor, nailing the foppish villain’s blend of intimidation and childishness. Camila Mendes is a steely but kind heroine as Adam’s old friend Teela, and Idris Elba is the burly heart of the film as Teela’s father Man-At-Arms, a regretful drunk who reclaims his old glory.

cartoon’s stylised visuals with total sincerity, and features plenty of really cool action scenes and fight choreography. It’s also rare to see a modern Hollywood film so exquisitely colourful, as most blockbusters these days are detestably desaturated.

The humour can be rather forced at times, the pacing has a slightly frustrating stop-andstart rhythm, Alison Brie is wasted as Skeletor’s henchwoman Evil-Lynn, and the final brawl is terribly-structured, but these flaws didn’t bother me much. I didn’t grow up with the He-Man cartoon, but this film frequently made me smile with how extremely entertaining it is.

How to Read a Book, by American author Monica Wood, is NOT a user’s guide on reading. Instead, the novel follows 22-year-old Violet, who is being released from prison after serving 22 months for a drunk-driving crash that killed a local woman.

A warm, powerful read PASSION FOR PROSE

Deeply remorseful for the harm she caused, Violet looks forward to having an opportunity to redeem herself.

Yet, it is difficult to start a new life while facing rejection by not just the society at large but also her own family.

Then, in a bookstore, Violet is surprised to find Harriet, a retired English teacher who runs the prison book club on a voluntary basis. A widow full of compassion, Harriet encourages the incarcerated women to discuss books and express their thoughts and emotions in writing.

In the same way that she used to help Violet understand the art and pleasure of reading, Harriet now gladly provides guidance and much needed assistance to the young woman who struggles to get back on her feet.

Coincidentally, in that same bookstore, Violet also comes across Frank, a retired machinist working as a handyman and the husband of the woman she killed in the aforementioned car crash. The surprising run-in prompts Frank to reflect on certain truths about his life and marriage.

With this unexpected encounter, the lives of these three individuals begin to intersect in transformative and illuminating ways. The story is mainly told from Violet’s perspective, but Harriet’s and Frank’s inner worlds are also explored with honesty and wit.

The story is all about redemption, kindness and second chances, as well as forgiveness and letting go of guilt. More importantly, it demonstrates how life can be full of opportunities for personal growth, even in our twi-

Masters of the Universe commits to the

Playing in most Victorian cinemas, Masters of the Universe is a good-natured adventure with fun characters, thrilling action and uncommonly colourful visuals.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre

Sleuth

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

light years, and especially when we falter and stumble.

To this reviewer, the most outstanding part of the story is its portrayal of reading as a journey in which readers can actively participate. Rather than passively absorbing information, it is the readers who make the characters alive and give their stories meaning.

As Violet reflects: “The writer writes the words. The given reader reads the words. And the book, the unique and unrepeatable book, doesn’t exist until the given reader meets the writer on the page.”

This is what Harriett works so hard to show the incarcerated women at the book club: “I am a reader. I am intelligent. I have something worthy to contribute.” As readers, we bring our experiences and values – and, unavoidably, our prejudices and biases – to the book, therefore becoming co-creators with the author.

To read a book is to recognise there is no single “right” or “correct” way to read it. Each reader interprets the book in their own unique ways, turning reading into rich, personal conversations with the characters. It helps cultivate empathy and a sense of hope.

A cosy mystery to mark July Kemp’s

The ultimate game of cat and mouse is played out in a cosy English country house owned by celebrated mystery writer Andrew Wyke. He has invited Milo Tindle to his house, Milo a young rival, who shares not only Wyke’s love of mystery writing but also his wife. Milo has come to claim Andrew’s wife, Marguerite. Revenge is devised and murders are plotted as the two plan the ultimate whodunit.,

An interesting bit of trivia, Sleuth was made into a movie in 1972 starring Sir Laurence Oliver and Sir Michael Caine. Both Oliver and Caine were nominated for Academy Awards for their performances as was the director, Joseph L. Mankiewicz and John Addison for Best Music Score.

• Season: Thursday 2 July – Sunday 18 July.

The Round

The Paul McCartney Story

Don’t miss your chance to experience the most successful and influential songwriter of all time, Paul McCartney brought to life in a show that will have you laughing, reminiscing, and on your feet.

Come and celebrate his amazing journey, from his humble beginnings in Liverpool, through world conquering adventures with The Beatles to recreating himself anew in this amazing solo career.

• Season: Thursday 27 October at 7.30pm. British mania

Relive the classic hits that took the world by storm with Glenn Starr and his live band. This two-hour musical spectacular brings to life the best rock and pop anthems of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Celebrate the timeless music of the legendary artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, The Bee Gees

• Season: Thursday 2 July at 7.30pm. The Songs of John Farnham The Celebration Concert 120 artists live on stage including a 38 Piece orchestra and The John Farnham Band with Celine Dion (from Paris) and Hugh Jackman (from Los Angeles)

In a venue that has become synonymous with Farnham’s remarkable career, having set the record performance here an astonishing 94 times to more than one million people – this one-night only celebration concert will unite on stage an unparalleled lineup of talent, all personal it invited by John, to perform his extensive catalogue of songs. A host of the world’s most celebrated performers will come together on stage including Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Malcolm Barnes, Kate Cebrano, Diedel, Hans, Human Nature, Jack Jones, Ric Marx, Jessica Mauby, Ruby Rodgers, Jon Stevens, Mitch Tambo, Keith Urban, Mark Vincent and Ross Weilson. Legends Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman will perform via satellite for a spectacular celebration of one of the nation’s most beloved voices – a rare coming together of artists whose own careers have helped shape the soundtrack of generations. More artists will be announced soon.

• Season: Sunday 20 September. Venue: Rod Laver Arena. Tickets on sale now.

Joy through cartoons

By Oliver Winn

A space aiming to bring “joy through cartoons” is now available after Millgrove cartoonist Nick Love launched his Creative Zone on Sunday 31 May.

Located in the Yarra Junction Newsagency, the Creative Zone is a space where children and families can draw for free as they learn from one of Mr Love’s tutorial videos.

Mr Love said 44 children tried out the Creative Zone and left with their own “Nick Figure” — a play on the word stick figure.

“In the creative space there’s a pencil table where it can seat six people. Throughout the course of the opening we rotated six people at a time. The video went for about five minutes,” Mr Love said.

“A lot of people say all they can draw is a stick figure, so I basically use that as a basis. Then I teach them how to put some elements back in, to turn it into a cartoon character.”

The opening day was complete with a sausage sizzle barbecue manned by Wesburn-Millgrove CFA volunteer Andrew Bennett, who sold around 100 sausages on the day.

Children who completed a cartoon got a “prize token” and were able to choose from a variety of goods sponsored by the Kindness4Kids charity.

Siva Mandapati from the Yarra Junction Newsagency said he was happy to embrace Mr Love’s Creative Zone, offering the space in the store free of charge.

“When Nick approached me with an idea called the creative zone, I thought it really helps the community and the kids in the community,” Mr Mandapati said.

Mr Love thanked the owners of the Yarra Junction Newsagency and said they’ve been “massive supporters”

Preparing for the Creative Zone’s opening was a mammoth effort for Mr Love but he said it paid off.

“Because I work full time and I’m already time poor, just to complete the fit out of the shelving and the table was crazy. My garage was basically construction central for about three months.”

The purpose of the Creative Zone is to provide young people with an “escape” from whatever

Find friends in every neighbour

at Summerset Chirnside Park

Feel at home from the moment you arrive at Summerset – the type of retirement village where you’re greeted by name, conversations happen naturally, and neighbours quickly feel like friends you’ve known for years.

may be troubling them at the time.

“It all ties into the bigger picture that I have as well about the ongoing care and looking after and empowering children,” he said.

Mr Love often takes unpaid leave to visit the Royal Children’s Hospital where he’s known to draw cartoons with children in hospital to help their mental health.

“If you can help bring them joy through cartooning, it might be that catalyst for change in their life,” he said.

It stemmed partly from Mr Love’s own upbringing where would “escape to the land of the blank page”

“I grew up with a very sick dad that was meant to die as a baby. It was basically my respite for the way I coped to get through things like that.

“I remember drawing on the floor with dad, drawing crocodiles and whatever, and it was just one of my sweetest memories.”

In the Yarra Ranges, young people have limited recreational opportunities. The Creative Zone aimed to fill that gap.

But it has a secondary purpose — to help children connect with their families without having to pay a dime.

“The ability to go to a place and draw for free and spend maybe time with your mum and dad, or your grandma, uncle or aunty… to create that moment of connection… I’m trying to bring that back.

“The whole premise of the creative zone is to create those memories with families and kids again,” he said.

While Mr Love was open to the Creative Zone evolving in the future, he said for once, he was happy to keep things as they were.

“Someone said to me on the day, ‘This is the stepping stone for other things’ . I took a step back and I thought, ‘No, I’m happy with this being the stone’.”

“I think I’ve always been a person that’s lived in the future. Like, I’ve always been an ideas man. I want to do this. I want to do that. It’s just actually nice for one of those ideas to take shape and have come to fruition.”

Mr Love’s slogan is to “draw hope and erase despair” . If his Creative Zone can achieve that as it is now, then it’s perfect as it is.

Life at Summerset is social, not overwhelming, and supportive without being intrusive. Whether it’s a morning walk, a shared coffee, or a village activity, connection happens in a way that feels genuine and natural.

Summerset Chirnside Park has been thoughtfully designed to support relaxed, independent living. Each home is carefully crafted for ageing in place, combining contemporary design with comfort and accessibility, so you can make then most of your retirement years – now and into the future.

We’ll look after the garden and home maintenance, so you can focus on enjoying life, not managing it.

Located just 20 minutes from the beautiful Yarra Valley, on the Maroondah Highway, the village is perfectly situated, allowing for an easy commute to visit family and friends, or even your favourite winery!

With the first release of homes over 60% sold, our second release, including new floorplans, is now selling off the plan. Now is the time to secure your home, or register early for future stages.

Book an appointment with our friendly team today. 03 8777 4242 | summerset.com.au/chirnsidepark 273 Manchester Road, Chirnside Park

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

ACROSS

1 Raincoat (coll) (3)

3 Wrongfully entered (10)

10 Ratify (7)

11 Landed properties (7)

12 State of existing in reality (9)

13 Oodles (4)

15 Florida city, Fort – (10)

17 Small island (4)

19 Car (4)

20 Scents (10)

23 Prefix meaning water (4)

25 Gloomy (9)

27 Spider-Man villain (7)

28 Highest mountain (7)

29 Simple (10)

30 Organ used to hear (3)

DOWN

1 The feast of St Michael (10)

2 Compile (9)

4 What’s left (9)

5 Ill-reputed (5)

6 Season (6)

7 Glossy fabric (5)

8 Elan (4)

9 Harangue (6)

14 Informal bulletin (10)

16 ToyStory’s Buzz – (9)

18 Desecration (9)

21 Tallied (6)

22 Farm animals (6)

24 File (5)

25 Schnoz (coll) (5)

26 Measure (4)

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

A RARE PRIVATE RAINFOREST RETREAT

TUCKED away in a breathtaking natural setting and surrounded by lush greenery, this exceptional Upwey retreat delivers a rare fusion of modern luxury and tranquil, resortstyle living.

Privately positioned amongst lush, established gardens, the home immediately captivates with its peaceful outlooks and seamless connection to nature. Inside, a beautifully renovated interior showcases a stunning contemporary kitchen complete with stone benchtops, quality appliances and sleek cabinetry, all framed by expansive windows that invite the outdoors in. The adjoining living domain is warm and inviting, centred around a cosy wood fire and complemented by large windows capturing treetop vistas and distant views across the valley.

Offering 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, the home provides excellent flexibility for families, guests or those seeking additional space to work from home. The accommodation is further enhanced by two designer bathrooms, highlighted by a luxurious main bathroom featuring a freestanding stone bath, walk-in shower and refined finishes that create a true spa-like experience. Year-round comfort is also ensured with ducted heating and cooling.

Step outside and the lifestyle appeal truly comes to life. A generous entertaining deck, complete with fire pit and dining zone, provides the perfect space to host or unwind while immersed in the surrounding greenery. Adding to the property’s unique offering is a stunning barrel sauna and outdoor shower area, delivering a private wellness retreat right at home.

Currently operating across Airbnb, Booking. com and Riparide, this property also presents a proven income opportunity, generating over $165,000 in the last calendar year. With a strong 85% occupancy rate and over 280 fivestar reviews, it sits in the top 10% of listings nationally. A new owner can continue building on that success, or simply call it home.

Set on a beautifully landscaped allotment with meandering paths, established ferns and native plantings, the property offers both usability and serenity in equal measure. A large parking area with carport ensures practicality, while the peaceful setting remains just moments from Upwey Village, train station, schools and cafes.

A truly special offering where lifestyle, design and nature combine effortlessly this is a home that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. ●

ELEVATED LIVING, PANORAMIC VIEWS, CENTRAL EMERALD

POSITIONED on one of Emerald’s most tightly held roads, this recently refreshed residence delivers an elevated hills lifestyle with sweeping, uninterrupted views across rolling farmland.

A sealed driveway leads to the home, where a light-filled interior is enhanced by vaulted ceilings, skylights and expansive glazing. The well-designed floorplan offers three bedrooms plus a study, a central kitchen with adjoining dining, an upstairs lounge opening to a balcony, and a separate lower-level retreat-ideal for flexible family living or working from home. Timber flooring, fresh paintwork and quality finishes feature throughout, with ducted heating and split system heating and cooling ensuring year-round comfort. The master bedroom is complete with its own ensuite.

Outdoors is where this property truly excels. A substantial, newly constructed deck wraps around the in-ground pool, creating a private entertaining domain with a built-in outdoor kitchen and multiple zones to relax or host.

Elevated and surrounded by established greenery, the setting captures both privacy and

breathtaking outlooks.

Adding further versatility is a generous multipurpose space, ideal as a studio, workshop, shed or additional garage-perfect for trades, storage or creative use.

Set amongst quality acreage properties and located just minutes from Emerald Village, schools and public transport, this is a standout lifestyle offering in a blue-chip location. ●

Heritage Woven Wire & Gates are Powdercoated in 8 standard colours. Gates come in 7 different pedestrian and driveway styles. Available heights: 1250mm, 1100mm & 950mm

LANDMARK FREEHOLD WITH VERSATILE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL STREAMS

6468 Monbulk Road, Belgrave boasts an outstanding freehold opportunity to secure a tightly held commercial investment within one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most recognised and strategically positioned locations.

Offering a combination of long term commercial and residential income streams, this landmark property delivers immediate holding income together with exceptional future growth potential in a thriving tourism and lifestyle precinct.

Positioned prominently along Monbulk Road, one of the main gateways to the Yarra Valley, the property benefits from excellent exposure, strong accessibility and a versatile floorplan that supports a broad range of commercial and mixed-use applications. The substantial layout provides flexibility for occupiers while delivering security and stability for investors seeking a dependable long-term asset in a highly sought-after hills location.

Approximately 800 metres from Belgrave’s vibrant township, the property enjoys close proximity to an array of cafes, restaurants, retail amenities and essential services. The nearby Belgrave Train Station provides direct connectivity to metropolitan Melbourne, while the world renowned Puffing Billy Railway continues to attract significant year round tourist visitation to the area, reinforcing the area’s strong commercial appeal and long term demand.

Providing in excess of a 6.5% return the property is further enhanced by generous on site visitor parking, a valuable feature rarely found in this tightly held Hills locations.

This property represents a compelling investment opportunity combining secure returns, strategic positioning and the enduring appeal of one of Victoria’s most iconic tourist destinations.

Key Investment Highlights:

In excess of a 6.5% return Landmark mixed use investment in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges

Long term commercial and residential lease in place

• Prime, high exposure location along Monbulk Road

• Flexible floorplan offering versatility for multiple uses

Strong tourism driven catchment with year round visitor activity

Only 800 metres* to Belgrave Main Street and Train Station

• Close proximity to the iconic Puffing Billy Railway

• Excellent on site guest parking and accessibility

Secure income stream with long term growth potential ●

FOUR BEDROOMS, THREE LIVING ZONES, ONE EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

POSITIONED on a beautifully flat allotment with the practicality buyers consistently look for, this quality-built Metricon residence delivers a considered balance of space, comfort, and functionality.

The home unfolds with intention, offering four genuine bedrooms, anchored by a privately positioned master suite at the front. Complete with a walk-in robe and a wellproportioned ensuite featuring a double vanity, it provides a calm and practical retreat from the rest of the home.

Multiple living zones allow the layout to adapt as life evolves. A formal living room greets you on arrival, while the central family and dining domain forms the natural heart of the home, connecting seamlessly with the kitchen and extending out to the alfresco. A third living area adds another layer of flexibility, ideal as a retreat, media room, or space for growing families needing separation.

At the centre of it all, the kitchen is both functional and inviting, appointed with stone benchtops, generous preparation space, and ample storage. Perfectly positioned to overlook the living and outdoor areas, it allows for effortless day-to-day living and entertaining.

Sliding doors open to a covered alfresco that feels like a true extension of the home. Framed by solid brickwork and established greenery, this space is built for year-round entertaining-whether it’s long lunches with friends or quiet evenings at home.

Comfort is well catered for with ducted heating, and ceiling fans throughout, while the flat, usable land enhances both accessibility and lifestyle appeal.

Practicality continues outside with an inand-out driveway and valuable access through to the rear of the property, offering flexibility for additional vehicles, trailers, or future use. Additional storage throughout the home further reinforces its thoughtful design.

Set within easy reach of Monbulk township, local schools, and everyday amenities, this is a complete family offering-well-built, welllocated, and ready to be enjoyed. ●

4

JUSTINBARROT 0438683781

3

Club upgrade

By Callum Ludwig

The Healesville Tennis Club is set for an upgrade thanks to a Tennis Victoria grant.

The club received a grant through the Venue Improvements grant program

President Leni Herrison said it helps enormously.

“We’re going to put in new court chairs, and we want provision in those chairs for beach umbrellas because we’re a SunSmart club and we’ve got a lot of juniors there, so we have to obviously look after the best interests of the juniors,” she said.

“We’re upgrading all our chairs and that might do most of the grant money actually, because we’ve got six court chairs to do.

“We don’t have to dip into our funds, which are, as with all sporting clubs, quite limited and we can use the funds we have for big upgrades.”

Venue improvement grants can be used for court equipment, shade, water fountains, seat-

ing, nets and windbreaks, all to help imporve the player experience.

A resurfacing of Courts Three and Four is also on the horizon for the club.

Ms Harrison said every little bit that they can get from governing bodies helps out enormously.

“It’s one of the better clubs in the area, both in looks and in facilities, so we’d like to keep that as up to date as we can and make it the best venue that we could possibly offer for the members,” she said.

“We’ve got social days on Tuesday and Friday morning, they (anyone interestedin the club) can pop in and just have a hit and see what it’s like.

“They can contact me via my email address on the website, they can contact the secretary and just ask, we’ve got lots of things on offer, we’ve got junior, senior, Saturday competition, vets, all sorts, so it’s just a matter of getting in touch.”

The Healesville Tennis Club contacts can be found at healesvilletc.org.au/contact-us/.

ZONE DECLARATION

I, Tamara Beckett, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Port Phillip, as delegate of the Secretary to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, give notice pursuant to section 7(1A) of the Safety on Public Land Act 2004, that I have made a public safety zone declaration published in the Victoria Government Gazette (Special Gazette S28626 pp 1-4) dated 02/06/2026.

The declaration made on 25/05/2026 takes effect from 15/06/2026 to 19/06/2026 inclusive specifies areas of State Forest which have been declared public safety zones for the purpose of the maintenance of public safety.

The declaration specifies the period for which the areas have been declared public safety zones; the times or periods during which access is restricted or prohibited; restrictions or conditions (if any) applying to the public safety zones; and persons or classes of persons exempt from their operation.

A copy of the declaration, and maps showing the location of the public safety zones, may be inspected at:

1. Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office at Symes Rd, Woori Yallock.

2. Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action web site: https://www. ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/ closures-of-parks-and-forests

Tamara Beckett

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Port Phillip as delegate of the Secretary to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action www.deeca.vic.gov.au

Winter dressage training

By Anita Prowse

Coming up this week, we have the first event in the Winter Series Midweek Dressage Training days at Shirley Heights EC, these can be entered via Event Secretary and are proving incredibly popular so get in quick!

Saturday Pheonix ARC are holding their Dressage Jackpot Day at Wesburn Park and is sure to be a fun day with excellent entries.

We also have coming up later in the month, one of our favourite events, our Beginners

Gymkhana, this year we also have a Novice only open ring for all those just starting out.

The faves “Fashions On The Field” and Fancy Dress are on and also the extremely fun “Handy mount” ring.

We love being the starting point for so many in their equestrian journey, and love the smiles this day brings.

Entries and enquiries to anita.horses@ gmail.com we look forward to seeing everyone there, Sunday 28th June Happy Riding everyone!

Announcements

Set for world championships

By Callum Ludwig

The talent factory at the Melbourne Gun Club continues to produce ahead of the upcoming Shotgun Junior World Championships in Germany later this month.

Three of the seven selected to represent Australia are Melbourne Gun Club members with Aimee Norris, Riley Hughes-Gage and Ben De Pedro all gearing up to compete.

For Norris and Hughes-Gage, its their first time competing internationally.

“It’s good, it’s exciting, it’s a little nerve-wracking as well, especially going out internationally for the first time…but it’s exciting and I’m ready to do it,” Norris said.

“It’s my first time shooting internationally, and I’m pleased to represent the country, definitely nervous but it should be good over there,” said Hughes-Gage.

Norris grew up with a dad who was into hunting and took up shooting at the gun club in 2019 while Hughes-Gage got involved after seeing a program through his school about three years ago.

“I watched the Olympics one year and I saw there was a couple of 16, 17-year-olds from Australia going to the Olympics, they were Aislin Jones and Mitchell Iles and I went, ‘I think I could do that, let’s give that a go’....this is what I’m going to stick to, this is going to be my thing,” Norris said.

“My goal was to always represent the country and shoot for Australia, and now I’ve finally done that, so now I’ve got to think of some bigger goals to look for, but definitely making an open team is probably the next one,” Hughes-Gage said.

For De Pedro, he has become a seasoned campaigner on the international stage since his first competition in Spain in 2023. He’s since been to Germany, Morocco and Qatar to continue to compete and he said that experience will be a huge advantage.

“Past experiences have helped, I know where

I’m going, what process it will be, getting over jet lag, I think it’ll be a huge advantage to have,” he said.

“I’ve learned plenty, there’s a lot of times where you can’t help it, but you have to adapt… it’s just about being able to take things as they come and being ready to change something if you have to.

“I’ll be trying to steer them (Norris and Hughes-Gage) in the right direction, trying to get their sleep schedule organised, just being ready for what to do during comp because it’s a bit dif-

Soccer season shaping up

By Callum Ludwig

Four local soccer clubs with a presence in the Victorian Churches Football Association (VCFA) have been keeping Star Mail readers up to date with their exploits so far this season.

With sides set for a week off due to King’s Birthday weekend, here’s how their senior sides have fared so far.

The Monbulk Rangers are an exception to the VCFA presence in the Outer East, as their top sides compete in Football Victoria’s state competition. The Rangers are in the South-East’s fifth-tier division.

A club representative said that, having recorded just four wins last season, it’s been a remarkable turnaround for the senior side.

“The seniors couldn’t have asked for a much better start, sitting undefeated with 28 points from a possible 30 and firmly in the promotion race,” they said.

“The standout highlight has been the seniors’ eight-game winning streak to start the season.

“During that run, the team also kept three consecutive clean sheets, highlighting the defensive strength that has been a key part of the club’s success.”

Sitting top of the table and aiming for the title and promotion to the fourth tier, the immediate focus for Monbulk is the top-of-the-table clash at home against Monash Villarreal on Friday 12 June.

The most memorable game of the season came when the Rangers boarded a bus and made the trek to Morwell, coming away with an exciting 5-3 win.

Oliver Grujic was at the double, while Jack Higgins, Steve McRae and Daniel Biondo also got on the scoresheet.

Brayden Jones is the Rangers’ top scorer with seven goals, followed by Higgins and McRae on five.

Back over to the VCFA and Healesville’s senior side is competing in the Premier League 1 but find themselves stuck to the bottom of the table with just the one win.

Healesville managed to secure their solitary win against fellow strugglers St Pauls, courtesy of a 90th-minute winner in a see-sawing, fiery affair.

Nicholas Gheim put Healesville’s opposition ahead in the 11th minute before Leo Blair in the 37th minute.

Daniel Tadesse made it 2-1 to Healesville after

halftime but Matthew Muratore equalised for the visitors.

Tensions were high as Healesville picked up six yellow cards in the second half, seven total for the match.

Just as it seemed the match was headed for a draw, lively attacker Ethan Emmett popped up and scored the winner.

Daniel Taddesse’s three goals top the charts at the club.

Down in the Seniors Division One sits Yarra Valley Soccer Club and the Lilydale Eagles.

Yarra Valley are currently fourth in the division, with three wins, one draw and three losses.

Highlights include a 7-0 thumping of Eastern Eels’ Ralph’s Alps side and a late 2-1 against local rivals Lilydale.

Oscar Lyons, Brandon Watson, Abraham Joel, Eamonn Kinsella (two goals), Aden Kerridge and Baya Litchfield all found themselves amongst the goals in the 7-0 rout while it was Thomas Mills

ferent over there compared to here when you’re doing a big comp.”

The championships will take place in Suhl, Germany between 16 and 26 June.

Melbourne Gun Club president Craig Henwood said it’s really exciting to see the progress they’ve all made, having started when they were quite young.

“My advice to them is just to have fun, people say that you shoot better when you’re having fun so definitely just go over there and enjoy it, obviously the nerves will be there, but just treat it

like it’s any other competition back home here,” he said.

“(Supporting juniors) has been something they’ve been working on as a committee, it is very hard, it’s not a sport that is cheap and once they hit the senior ranks and mum and dad stop paying for everything, it is very tough.

“But we’re just making sure that we’ve got the facilities there that they can still come and use and we’ve got the events that they can still come and compete at without having to travel so far to get the international competition.”

and Kerridge who broke Lilydale’s stubborn resistance.

Litchfield’s four goals are holding out Joel and Kerridge, who each have three.

A topsy-turvy season so far sees Lilydale in seventh with three wins and four losses.

The undoubted highlight thus far was an astonishing 3-2 comeback win against Knox as well as a 5-1 thumping in a grudge match against the Ralph’s Alps.

Kaiden Smith, Tom Gilman, Christian ‘Flik’ Lindner-Mark (two goals) and Lucas Cordedda did the damage against the Ralph’s Alps.

Mark Vanderkolk dragged the Eagles back into it against Knox by making it 2-1 in the first half. Cordedda scored an equaliser in the 83rd minute before Sean O’Connor’s deflected effort sealed

the result in the 86th minute.

Senior captain and Star Mail journalist Callum Ludwig said it will be all about consistency after the break for the Eagles.

“Consistency in numbers will help a great deal, with injuries and suspensions having cruelled us in recent weeks,” he said.

“But consistency in effort and application will go a long way too, as we have shown already this season that our best is good enough to blow teams away and take it up right to the very best in the competition.”

Cordedda’s scary form in front of goal has continued, as he leads Lilydale’s scoring charts with five. Flik’s three goals before his absence to focus on his newborn child also keep him in touching distance.

Mixed bag for Valley sides

By Callum Ludwig

With local football and netball clubs taking a break for Kings Birthday weekend, here’s a rundown of how their seasons have shaped up so far.

Coldstream are the only Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) representative in the Valley, playing in the competition’s Division Three which will be playing on the weekend.

However, the Cougars have the bye which will bring them level on games played with the rest of the competition.

Coldstream are seventh, having picked up two wins from their eight games. They were only down by nine points during their Zarli’s Round match when a field umpire collapsed and the game was abandoned in the third quarter. Silvan were later awarded the win.

Noah Holt has been their go-to man for goals, snagging 19 so far, with only two players ahead of him on 25. Darcy Fritsch, Dane Cherry, Dale Jordison and Darcy Carrigan have been among their most consistent performers.

Their best result was a 23-point win over Oakleigh District in Anzac Round.

Coldstream’s top netball side are also seventh in the Premier Division, having won three and lost three.

Moving over to the Outer East Football Netball League and we can find Wandin, Warburton-Millgrove, Healesville and Woori Yallock flying the flag in Premier Division.

Wandin are sat pretty at the top of the ladder, unbeaten in eight games.

Macaulay Beckwith is leading the club’s goalkicking with 17, closely followed by Aarn Mullett (16) and Patrick Hodgett (15).

Chayce Black has been among the best in every game, while Cayden Black (six times) has also been a key contributor.

The Dogs’ best resuluts arguably came in the first two rounds of the season where they beat the chasing pack in Mt Evelyn (third) by 45 points and Olinda Ferny-Creek by 38 points the following week.

The A-Grade netball side is second on the ladder, having won six, lost one and forfeited another. Chloe Terpos leads their scoring with 132 goals, while their best win was a comfortable 19 point win over a strong side in Monbulk.

Woori Yallock have an even ledger with four wins and four losses thus far to sit fifth.

The goalkicking has been well-spread, but Anthony Daraio and Zach Monkhorst lead the way with 11 apiece.

Kane Thompson has been in the best in seven out of eight games, while Mitchell Arnold has also caught the eye in five games.

The Tigers were triumphant against Monbulk by a strong 67 points in Anzac Round.

In the A-Grade netball, the Tigers have also won four and lost four, which is good enough for sixth spot. Madelyn Tucker’s 163 goals leads the scoring charts for the club.

A nailbiting one-point win over Warburton-Millgrove is a result they can be particularly proud of.

Healesville’s footballers are eight with two wins.

Max Donegan’s 26 goals have been a highlight and has him second in the league standings so far. Young star Jeremy Newsome has been among the best on six occasions, joined by the reliable Liam Daly (five times).

The Bloods’ best result came in Round One when they belted Gembrook-Cockatoo by 74 points away from home.

The A-Grade netballers have picked up a solitary win so far, beating basement dwellers Up-

wey-Tecoma by 62 points. Madison Marshall has scored 212 of the team’s goals.

Warburton-Millgrove have picked up two wins after promotion to the top flight, sitting ninth.

Bailey Humphrey, not of the Gold Coast Suns variety, tops the goalkicking with 16.

Ever-reliable ruckman Nelson Aldridge has been in the Burras’ best six times, joint with Joshua Berenger.

Snagging a 17-point upset over Officer would have pleased the Warburton-Millgrove faithful.

The A-Grade netballers have beaten half of the teams before them, with a 4-4 record.

Bianca Daniels has a haul of 196 goals so far this season and the Burras’ best scalp was a 10-point win over Officer, but they also have only fallen one-point short of Woori Yallock and twopoints adrift of Olinda Ferny-Creek.

Head down to Division One and you can find Seville, Yarra Glen, Powelltown and Yarra Junction.

Seville sit in second with only one loss from seven games.

Club legend Nathan O’Keefe has snagged 20 goals, with Domenic Aloi hot on his heels with 18 of his own.

Bayley Sciortino has been among the best five times, while Jack Nolan, Mark Cecere, Joel Koger and Sonny Saniga all follow him on four.

The Blues’ beating of fellow finals candidate Alexandra by a comprehensive 59 points started their season off strongly.

In the netball, Seville lead all-comers with a spotless seven-win record.

Olivia Ray’s 253 goals is far and away the best total in the league and the Blues had little trouble seeing off second-placed Pakenham by 15 points.

Yarra Glen are rising up the ladder with three wins, three losses and a draw.

Jared McCann’s 26 goal haul is holding out former AFL star Travis Cloke’s 25.

Homecoming hero Austin Smith has picked up where he left off for the River Pigs with five features in the best players, including an astonishing 177 disposals in a three-game stint from Round Four to Round Six.

Pumelling Powelltown by 230 points and stretching second-placed Seville in a narrow 13-point loss are two standout performances.

The A-Grade netballers are fourth with four wins, including an important 17-point win over Yarra Junction.

Madeline Hargrave is the top scorer with 156 goals but Lara Wandin-Collins sits not far behind with 145.

Powelltown have struggled so far but can celebrate their crucial 11-point scalp over local rivals Yarra Junction in Round One.

Fletcher Daniel has featured in the best five times, supported by Jacob Neale, Max Rees and Nathan Moody with four each. Rees is also the leading goalkicker with four.

The netballers were also able to pick up one win, beating Belgrave by 8 goals.

Layne Morrissey has scored 131 goals to be Powelly’s best shooter.

Yarra Junction are still waiting for their first win of the season, with the loss to Powelltown the closest they have come.

Joshua Oliver’s six goals are the most of any Eagle, followed by Matthew Cliff on five.

Featuring in the best six times, Oscar Moreton has fought hard for Yarra Junction.

The netballers have fared better with four wins to find themselves fifth.

Kirralee Luiyf has banked 162 goals so far to lead the Eagles’ scoring.

A nine-point win over Yea was key to keeping them separate from the chasing pack.

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BYES: COLLINGWOOD,

1. What emoji do you use the most? Smiley face

2. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring?

A guitar ( I would have plenty of time to learn to play it), a chess set ( also as I would have plenty of time to learn how to play), a copy of Wilderness Survival for Dummies.

3. What is the most interesting place you have ever visited?

The underground man made caves of Naples –Learning how the Ancient Greeks mined the tuff stone and built he city above in the 4th Century BCE.

4. What was your first car? Did you name it?

A silver Mitsubishi Cordia Coupe – I named her Reno, I thought she was so cool, but was actually a bit of a bomb!

5. Where would you like to retire? Where I live right now, in the hills.

6. What is the most unusual food you have ever tried, did you like it?

A cricket protein bar. If you didn’t know it was made from powdered crickets you wouldn’t know any different. Its actually an excellent source of protein.

7. If you had any super power for a week, what would it be, and how would you use it? No answer

8. What movie title matches your job role? Everything, Everywhere, All at Once 9. Which historical figure would you most like to date, and why?

10. What is the craziest thing you believed as a child? That if I looked hard enough around my primary school, I would find a way to Narnia

11. If you could have a conversation with your pet, what would you talk about?

I would want to find out what they think about when we’re not around and what truly makes them happy.