Mail - Lilydale Star Mail - 23rd June 2026

Bowls to art

By Mikayla Van Loon

The power of collaboration was on full display at the Mooroolbark Bowls Club after a group of students helped bring a vision to life.

A cohort of 17 Year 9 students from Yarra Hills Secondary College’s Mooroolbark and Mount Evelyn campuses took a blank shipping container wall and turned it into a meaningful mural over several weeks.

Art teacher Angie said as soon as the opportunity arose, she knew which cohort of students would be up for the task.

“I thought I’ve just got just the right kids. I knew I could bring you down here, that I could trust you, that you would be respectful in our community, and be great ambassadors for our school,” she said.

Read more on page 9

By Mikayla van Loon

Mathew Love’s screen debut, a documentary titled Bleeding the Demon, was selected for the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival in an impressive feat for the Mooroolbark local with no filmmaking experience.

Mat depicts his personal story of childhood bullying, mental health challenges and weight gain in this powerful 38-minute film that he directed and produced.

Having never filmed or directed anything be-

fore, not even owning a computer or editing software, the documentary first started with a three and a half hour long interview with Mat’s brother Brendan.

Speaking his truth around a fire with his brother was healing for Mat but he knew his story could help someone else, and so he taught himself how to edit footage.

While Mat’s weightloss journey began when he was finally able to access gastric sleeve surgery two years ago, when he’d hit his heaviest weight

of over 200 kilograms, his story begins as a Prep student attending school in Warrandyte.

Childhood bullying and mental health struggles saw him take comfort in meals prepped by his Nan, but his relationship with food eventually became negative.

Over time this evolved slowly until it was all he knew.

Mat was on waiting lists for gastric surgery for over seven years and then when the notification came through that he’d finally been approved, the

pandemic delayed the surgery by a further two and a half years.

As his weight dropped and his mind cleared, Mat said “eventually something changed” , and he slowly took back control over his mind and body. What he created was not only a message to others feeling “stuck, broken and miserable” about hope but a promise to his daughters that the dad they missed for so many years will never leave them again.

Read more on page 11

Healesville Sanctuary jobs in jeopardy

By Gabriella Vukman

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has raised concerns that proposed job cuts at Zoos Victoria, including at Healesville Sanctuary, could place pressure on staff and undermine conservation work.

The proposed restructure comes as Zoos Victoria allegedly continues to face financial pressure, with the rise of broader scrutiny of funding arrangements across Victorian public entities.

Zoos Victoria staff have been informed of proposed changes as part of an internal consultation process required under the enterprise agreement. The process allows staff and unions to provide feedback and alternative proposals before any final decisions are made.

Zoos Victoria has indicated the organisational changes are not finalised and are still in the proposal stage, with formal consultation currently underway.

Zoos Victoria did not provide comment, nor further information on the matter, rendering the active consultation process the reason for the organisation’s silence.

The CPSU said while consultation is required, there are no individual job protections under the current enterprise agreement, and broader industrial bargaining will not take place until the agreement is renegotiated in coming years.

CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary Jiselle Hanna said the proposed changes could have significant impacts across Healesville Sanctuary’s operations.

A key concern for the union is the restructuring of Life Science management roles, which would see specialist positions replaced with broader “precinct manager” roles overseeing multiple teams across different sites.

“The proposed job cuts at Healesville Sanctuary will have devastating impacts on all programs run at the Sanctuary and the important work undertaken by the Life Science Team,” Ms Hanna said.

“These Precinct Manager roles will have impossible workloads, managing multiple teams across Healesville, and Kyabram Fauna Park,” she said.

The CPSU also raised concerns about proposed reductions in administrative staff at the Healesville Animal Hospital, warning this could shift non-clinical duties onto veterinary staff.

“The cuts also include administration jobs at the Healesville Animal Hospital,” Ms Hanna said.

“This means vets and nurses will be answering

phones and doing data entry instead of caring for animals.”

Healesville Sanctuary is home to an array of conservation and breeding programs focused on native Australian wildlife, including threatened species recovery, veterinary care, and habitat management.

These programs are delivered by specialist teams working across animal care, veterinary science and conservation breeding, with the Life Science division forming a central part of the Sanctuary’s day-to-day operations.

Staff in these teams are responsible for both the welfare of animals in care and the delivery of long-term conservation outcomes for species across Victoria.

members fear the changes could lead to burnout due to increased workloads, and a loss of specialist knowledge within the organisation.

“These cuts are an awful deal for the workers, and for families, visitors, schools and the animals,” she said.

“The workers who remain will be expected to do more with less. That means increased workloads, higher stress, burnout risks and the loss decades of collective knowledge and experience.”

She also said the union would continue to push back against the proposed changes during the upcoming consultation period, with support from the broader community.

“We will fight to stop these cuts, with the support of Victorians who love our zoos and the essential conservation work they do,” Ms Hanna said.

The CPSU has confirmed it will lodge an alternative proposal on behalf of members as part of the consultation process, which is expected to run over the coming weeks.

As consultation continues, staff and management are expected to work through feedback and alternatives before any final structure is confirmed.

Lucky driver after crash in Kalorama

A young teenage male is in now in hospital after a car accident in Mount Dandenong on Wednesday afternoon.

The Mount Dandenong Tourist Road was the site single vehicle car accident mid-week and the driver is fortunate to be stable in hospital.

A representative from Police media sad the car had gone down an embankment and a Kalorama Fire Brigade member said the CFA arrived to find around ten pedestrian vehicles at the site of the accident.

Community had already called an ambulanceandpoliceandwerehelpingtokeeptraffic under control and talking to the driver, who was conscious but trapped underneath his vehicle.

“It was quite amazing,” said the Kalorama Fire Brigade member.

Four CFA units from Olinda, Kalorama & District, and Monbulk assisted Victoria Police that afternoon and a spokesperson from Ambulance Victoria said they responded to the reports of the incident in Mount Dandenong at around 1.30pm.

“Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics assessed and treated one patient at the scene,” they said.

“A teenage male was transported by road ambulance to the hospital with upper body injuries in a stable condition.”

There have been 116 lives lost on Victorian roads this year and young drivers are an age bracket at higher risk.

A Warrandyte man has been fined $12,000 without conviction and had the number of animals he can own restricted for failing to provide sufficient care and veterinary treatment to reptiles in his possession.

As manager of regulatory operations for Port Phillip, Andrew Johnstone explained, “Wildlife licence conditions exist to protect animal welfare and must be taken seriously.”

The 37-year-old was sentenced in the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court this month, after he pleaded guilty to charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

“Anyone who keeps wildlife has a legal responsibility to provide proper care, including

timely veterinary treatment if the animal is sick or injured,” Mr Johnstone said.

The offences included failing to provide water for 32 snakes and failing to seek veterinary treatment for three snakes and 13 lizards. He also administered carbon dioxide gas to two snakes and eight lizards without authorisation, resulting in their death.

“People who keep reptiles must ensure each animal receives appropriate housing, care and attention, and should only keep as many animals as they can properly manage,” Mr Johnstone said.

In addition to the fine, the man was issued a 10-year Control Order limiting the number of wildlife he may own.

Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers conducted several inspections of the man’s premises across a two-year period, where large numbers of reptiles were being kept in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs.

All wildlife in Victoria is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, which the Conservation Regulator administers private wildlife licences under.

Licence holders must ensure animals are properly fed, housed and cared for to support their health and welfare.

Anyone with information about wildlife crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or make a report online. Reports can be made anonymously.

Young people between 18 and 25 years old continue to be vastly over-represented in road trauma statistics and young Victorians in their first year of driving are almost four times more likely than more experienced drivers to be involved in a fatal or serious injury accident, with reasons ranging from lack of experience and ability to poor choices.

Police continue to focus their efforts on offending that contributes to approximately two thirds of all road trauma, something known as single acts of non-compliance. This can be anything from low level speeding, low range drink driving, failing to obey traffic signs and signals, distraction caused by mobile phones and seatbelt non-compliance.

Crime down across the Outer East

The latest crime statistics for Victoria are in, with a decrease in both the total number of offences and the crime rate recorded.

There were 625,426 criminal offences recorded in Victoria in the twelve months to March 2026 – a decrease of 1524 or 0.2 per cent.

The crime rate which factors in population growth decreased by 1.9 per cent (8690.8 offences per 100,000 people).

Victoria Police’s deputy commissioner of regional operations Bob Hill said while pleasing to see overall crime slightly decrease, the reality is that overall crime in Victoria still remains far higher than both police and the community would like.

“This is why we are absolutely committed to ensuring our highly trained officers are where they are needed most – in the community, patrolling the streets, deterring criminal behaviour and preventing crime,” he said.

“This approach is pivotal to achieving Victoria Police’s goal of reducing serious and violent crime by 5 per cent each year.

“The early indications are we’re making some positive steps to achieve this with armed robberies, carjackings, and aggravated home burglaries all reducing.

“Our dedicated officers continue to work extremely hard around-the-clock to protect the community, with a record 210 offenders arrested every day.”

It is the first time in almost four years that Victoria has recorded a decrease but it comes in the context of overall crime having increased by 26 per cent over the past three years.

Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said there’s more work to do but crime is down, youth offending is down and more people are being jailed not bailed.

“We give police what they need to keep Victorians safe – more powers, tougher laws and stronger consequences,” he said.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest statistics for the Outer East region:

In the Yarra Ranges, criminal incidents were down 2.2 per cent on the previous year (5798 from 5926), with 31.6 per cent having charges laid, 21.5 per cent yet to have charges laid and 46.9 per cent unsolved.

Lilydale (1150 incidents, down from 1220), Mooroolbark (775up from 768), Chirnside Park (654 down from 675), Kilsyth (456 down from 470) and Healesville (347 up from 314) were the crime hotspots.

Theft from a motor vehicle (564 incidents), breaching a family violence order (529), theft from a retail store (517), criminal damage (516) and other theft (474) were the most common offences.

In Knox, criminal incidents were down 7.6 per cent on the previous year (7862 from 8507),

with 28.4 per cent having charges laid, 16.9 per cent yet to have charges laid and 54.7 per cent unsolved.

Boronia (1420 incidents, up from 1414), Wantirna South (1388 down from 1608), Ferntree Gully (1205 down from 1374), Rowville (1186 up from 1180) and Bayswater (888 up from 932) were the crime hotspots.

Theft from a motor vehicle (1375 incidents), theft from a retail store (778), other theft (740), criminal damage (606) and breaching a family violence order (464) were the most common offences.

In Maroondah, criminal incidents were down 0.2 per cent on the previous year (6811 from 6828), with 35.9 per cent having charges laid, 16.6 per cent yet to have charges laid and 47.5 per cent unsolved.

Ringwood (3029 incidents, up from 2901), Croydon (1584 up from 1503), Bayswater North (650 down from 702), Ringwood East (503 down from 568) and Heathmont (255 down from 352) were the crime hotspots.

Theft from a motor vehicle (875 incidents), breaching bail conditions (697), theft from a retail store (619), other theft (526), and criminal damage (412) were the most common offences.

In Cardinia, criminal incidents were down 4.2 per cent on the previous year (6510 from

6797), with 29.2 per cent having charges laid, 17.4 per cent yet to have charges laid and 53.5 per cent unsolved.

Pakenham (3533 incidents, down from 3761), Officer (1113 down from 1168), Beaconsfield (454 up from 422), Koo Wee Rup (226 up from 216) and Emerald (156 down from 184) were the crime hotspots.

Theft from a motor vehicle (1005 incidents), breaching a family violence order (611), other theft (599), criminal damage (505) and theft from a retail store (405) were the most common offences.

Victoria Police analysis suggests it will take some time before crime reduces to levels more traditionally seen in Victoria, with the cost of living, recidivism, organised crime and drugs remaining the main drivers, enabled through the increased use of technology.

Statewide, the top three contributors to overall crime consistently remain breaches of orders (86,227 +6 per cent), theft from motor vehicles (80,786 offences -2 per cent) and assaults (52,811 -0.1 per cent).

During this reporting period, Victoria Police arrested a record 26,808 people a combined 76,610 times – a record level of enforcement by hardworking officers.

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IN BRIEF

Bins set alight in Lilydale

Police are investigating the circumstances surroundinganumberofsuspiciousbinandspotfires which occurred in Lilydale on the night of Friday 19 June.

Investigators are aware of nine possibly linked incidents which occurred between 8.45 pm and 10.30pm on 19 June.

A chair was damaged at Lilydale Marketplace about 8.45pm. A bin was set alight on Main Road about 9.10pm. Another bin was torched on Clarke Street about 9.25pm. Another two bins on the same street were also set alight. Bins in Hutchinson Street were also set alight about 9.35pm before two skips and a bin were set alight in Beresford Road around 10.20pm.

Fortunately, no one was injured, and all fires were extinguished before causing serious damage.

The Lilydale Fire Brigade kept the community updated on their Facebook page during the incident, encuring them that multiple isolated fires in the vicinity of Lilydale Main Street continuef to be quickly contained, preventing them from spreading to nearby structures.

“At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the wider community and our members will remain available throughout the night to respond if required,” they wrote.

Anyone who witnessed the fires, with footage or further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Shine Lawyers seeking victims of historic abuse

Shine Lawyers has launched an investigation into claims of alleged child abuse dating back nearly 40 years.

The historical child abuse was alleged to have taken place at Oxley Christian College in Chirnside Park from around 1987 to 1990.

If you were a former student or staff member at the school during this time, they would like to speak with you confidentially about the investigation.

Shine Lawyers asks anyone with information to contact senior paralegal Jayde Aron on 03 8788 9424 or jaron@shine.com.au.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lost bracelet handed to Mooroolbark police. Police are seeking the owner of a goldcoloured bracelet found in the car park shared by Spotlight and The Good Guys at 224–234 Canterbury Road, Bayswater North, in early May.

The bracelet was handed in to Mooroolbark Police Station and is being held for safekeeping. Anyone who believes the bracelet may belong to them is encouraged to contact Mooroolbark Police on 9725 9999 and quote reference number 202605-E-1848.

Support for beekeepers affected by varroa mite

More support is now available to businesses and beekeepers who rely on bees for their income and pollinating their crops.

Agriculture Victoria has appointed James Rowe as a new Horticulture Sector Officer to support pollination-dependent businesses affected by varroa mite.

Report suspected Varroa mites or any other plant pest or disease immediately to the national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or make a report via the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa.

Singh receives top award

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Belgrave Police honoured the memory of fallen constable Elias Gerovasilis for a second year on Tuesday 16 June, presenting the Elias Gerovasilis Memorial Award to Harvinder (Harry) Singh in recognition of his outstanding commitment to road safety across the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area.

The annual award held at Belgrave Police Station was established following the death of constable Elias Gerovasilis, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in the Emerald area on 6 August, 2024, while riding with friends.

Although he spent only eight-weeks at Belgrave Police Station after graduating from the police academy, colleagues said his impact on the station and the wider Belgrave and Tecoma community was immediate and deeply felt.

Accepting the award, Mr Singh reflected on both his personal connection to Mr Gerovasilis and the responsibility he feels in continuing his legacy.

“I feel amazing, it’s been an honour to receive an award on Elias, he was my colleague and he just left his legacy behind,” Mr Singh said.

“Receiving an award in his name means a lot to me. Road safety is something I’m passionate about, and I will continue my best to reduce road trauma and keep our community safe.”

The award recognises a police member who has demonstrated outstanding effort and involvement in road safety within the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area, including enforcement, education, community engagement, and mentoring of other members.

The award is peer nominated and selected, and is presented annually in commemoration of Mr Gerovasilis’ graduation date of 23 May.

Several senior police leaders, including Eastern Region’s assistant commissioner, Russell Barrett used the ceremony to reflect on the enduring impact of Mr Gerovasilis’ death on the station and the wider policing community, and the importance of turning grief into action.

“Road policing and road trauma just affects us

all,” Mr Barrett said.

“You don’t realise how much it affects us every day in policing, but when it’s one of our own, one of our family members, it brings us to the heart of what we do.”

Mr Barrett said while enforcement remains one of the most visible aspects of policing, education and community engagement are equally important in reducing road trauma and keeping road users safe.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Singh said the award carried deep personal meaning, both professionally and emotionally.

“We gather to remember my fallen brother in blue, Elias. He was a valued colleague, and his loss is still felt by many of us, today” he said.

“Road safety is not achieved by one person alone. I would like to thank my boss, supervisors, colleagues and my family for their support and encouragement. Their guidance and teamwork have played a significant part in everything I have achieved.”

Mr Gerovasilis’ family also attended the ceremony, including his mother, Janine; father, Bill; older brother, Joaquim and younger sister Poppy.

For Ms Gerovasilis, the ceremony was described as both emotional and meaningful, as the family marked the second year of the award created in her son’s memory.

“It’s actually a very bittersweet day for us,” Ms Gerovasilis said.

“A lot of emotions, happiness for what Belgrave have done to continue Elias’ legacy, but sadness as well. Without this happening, Elias would never have gone ahead, so it’s very special.”

Ms Gerovasilis said it was a source of immense pride for the family that an annual award continues to honour her son’s memory despite his short time in policing.

“Definitely, very much so. Makes us very proud actually,” she said.

Ms Gerovasilis described Elias as caring, family-oriented and deeply connected to those around him.

“He loved his little sister, loved his older

brother. He was very caring and I’ve learned a lot about him since his passing. This career was his calling,” she said.

Ms Gerovasilis also used the occasion to deliver a message about road safety and loss.

“For everyone to be safe on the roads and get home to your families, because no one wants to go through what we’re going through,” she said.

Senior sergeant Cassandra Forbes, officer in charge of Belgrave Police Station, said the memorial award has become an important part of the station’s ongoing response to grief and its commitment to reducing road trauma.

“It’s been a really important part of the grieving process for members,” Ms Forbes said.

“When it hits home and it’s one of our own, the impact is a lot greater. Putting that into something positive just helps everyone through this journey.”

Ms Forbes said the award reflects Mr Gerovasilis’ enduring influence on the station, despite his short time there.

“It shows what sort of person he was. Even in a very short period of time, he made a big impact on this community and this police station,” she said.

Although Ms Forbes did not personally know Mr Gerovasilis, she said colleagues consistently described him as a “kind, genuine, bubbly person” who was well respected and much loved.

While much of the ceremony focused on road safety and Mr Gerovasilis’ legacy, there were also deeply personal tributes from those who knew him best.

First constable Georgia Iliadis, a close friend of Mr Gerovasilis from their academy days, spoke of their enduring friendship and assured his family that he would “never ever be forgotten” She said Mr Gerovasilis remained a constant presence in her memories of policing and presented a personal keepsake to his family in tribute to their shared journey into Victoria Police.

A candle-lighting ceremony formed part of the event, with members of Mr Gerovasilis’ family joining police colleagues in a symbolic reflection on service, sacrifice and remembrance.

The presentation concluded and attendees gathered for morning tea provided by the Belgrave Police Social Club.

Calls for safer crossings

Crossing the road should be simple and safe – but in many parts of the Yarra Ranges, it can be difficult and unsafe for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Yarra Ranges Council is advocating to the State Government, ahead of this year’s election, for a $4 million investment to deliver new pedestrian crossings at high-risk locations across the Yarra Ranges.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins said that increased visitation and growth in our towns puts increasing demand on local roads and highlights safety risks.

Cr Higgin said each year, more than 4.5 million people visit the region, mostly on weekends and public holidays.

“In many of our busiest areas, pedestrian and vehicle activity is simply outpacing the crossing infrastructure we have and there are limited or no safe crossing points available. For children, older residents and people with a disability, this can make it impossible to access the community without major safety risks,” he said.

“It is unacceptable that in 2026 we still have townships, with major State-Government managed arterial roads running through them, that do not have any signalised pedestrian crossings. In Victoria alone, 52 pedestrians lost their lives on the roads in 2025.

“Pedestrian crossings are a simple and effective way to reduce the road toll, and make our region safer for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists alike.”

Members of the community often provide feedback on where safer crossings are needed. Council will continue to assess these locations and advocate to the State Government for the highest priority sites to receive investment.

The list of priority locations for new pedestrian crossings include:

Kallista, on Monbulk Road near the roundabout.

Lilydale, along Swansea Road at the Olinda Creek Trail.

Mooroolbark, on Pembroke Road at the Brushy Creek Trail.

Mount Evelyn, on York Road at the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Trail. Olinda, on Mount Dandenong Road in the township. Sassafras, on Mountain Highway in the township.

Seville East, on Warburton Highway near Peters Road and Old Warburton Highway.

Wandin North, on Warburton Highway near Alfred Street.

Yarra Glen, on Melba Highway near Armstrong Grove.

Yarra Junction, on Warburton Highway near Corduroy Road and the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail.

Cr Higgins said that working with the State Government was critical to addressing these road safety issues.

“We have a strong working relationship with the State Government, and we’ve been clear about the need for these crossings,” he said.

“Improving crossing infrastructure has both safety and social benefits. It helps people get around their own towns, but also reduces congestion by encouraging people to walk or ride locally.

“I ask all candidates for this year’s State Election, and all parties, to commit to making our community safer with new pedestrian crossings.” Find out more about the council’s advocacy priorities at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/advocacy.

Creating a Circle of Care

By Callum Ludwig

A free community expo is coming up next month which will help residents in the Outer East to discuss the important, if often confronting, topics of ageing, dying, death and grief.

‘Circle of Care’ is bringing together local service providers to provide practical information and support for people in the community on Wednesday 15 July.

Eastern Palliative Care (EPC) community engagement lead Adele Braun said they will have a table in the expo part of the event, with staff and volunteers available to chat to attendees.

“It’s very important to provide an informative, open and accessible way for people to discuss the topics of ageing, death, dying, and grief - because it’s often seen as a negative or perhaps morbid topic of discussion - yet it is a normal part of life - in fact - an inevitable part of life for each and every one of us,” she said.

“I know that I myself am a member of the socalled ‘sandwich generation’ where I have young children and ageing parents with varied health needs - and I have learnt an incredible amount since starting my role at EPC and I think it’s really important to share this with others in the community.

“Having as much support and knowing which services can help you through different phases of life is so incredibly important - especially if you

are a carer, or the person experiencing a terminal illness.”

EPC clinical nurse consultant Samantha Holland will be presenting on ‘What is Community Palliative Care?’ at 11.50am and one of their registered nurses, Dannielle Clark, will be on the Q and A panel to answer any questions about palliative care.

Ms Braun said she thinks having more knowledge and understanding is so important. “Often when you are in the midst of dealing with a crisis, like caring for a loved one with a terminal illness - you are so caught up dealing with the day to day issues that perhaps you had not even had time to plan or research what assistance or support is available to you, or your family member, or friend, whatever the case may be,” she said.

“So many people tell me that they wish they knew about EPC earlier, or that they wish they had certain plans in place at an earlier stage.

“If you’re wondering about the things you might need to consider in planning, or you are curious to know more about at what stage you can refer to palliative care, or how the death and dying process might look in certain situations - you would get a lot from the expo and the presentations.”

Home care provider Dovida will have a team from their Eastern Suburbs office along with palliative care nurse practitioner, Kathryn Bennett, on hand throughout the day to chat with attend-

ees about home care, palliative care and end-oflife support.

Dovida community engagement officer Shona Ashworth said they’ll be handing out information to anyone wanting to understand their options, whether that’s for themselves or someone they love.

“As one of Australia’s largest home care providers, Dovida has been investing heavily in palliative care training for our caregivers and care managers, so families have access to a more prepared and confident care team when it matters most,” she said.

“We’ll have information on hand about that, as well as the End-of-Life Pathway under Support at Home, which gives people faster and more flexible access to support.

“Good end-of-life care at home isn’t just about having services turn up. It’s about building a net-

work around the person well before a crisis hits, including family, caregivers, care managers and clinical support, all working from the same understanding of what that person wants.”

The program for the day will include a series of short presentations and a guest panel Q and A, including experts from Eastern Palliative Care, Eastern Health, Dovida and Compassionate Friends Victoria.

Ms Ashworth said events like Circle of Care create a safe, welcoming space to ask questions and learn from people who understand these topics deeply and accessibility matters just as much as the information itself.

“These are conversations many people put off, often because they’re not sure how to start them or where to turn for trusted information,” she said.

“Families often want to support their loved one at home, but without the right knowledge they can feel frightened and underprepared when symptoms change quickly.

“The more people understand what to expect and where to turn, the more confident and capable they feel, that knowledge can be the difference between a family feeling alone and a family feeling genuinely supported.”

The event will be held on Wednesday 15 July at the Ringwood RSL between 10am and 2pm. Entry is free but bookings are essential via trybooking.com/events/landing/1596776.

Birrarung Valley Walk to connect the city to Upper Yarra

By Callum Ludwig

The proposal for the Birrarung Valley Walk project is progressing quickly, with an official announcement of the project that will link the Birrarung from the city to deep into the Yarra Ranges.

By linking over 200km of trails, a multi-day hike from the river’s estuary in Williamstown to its source in the Upper Yarra dam will be almost entirely possible via one route.

In the announcement on Monday 15 June, Birrarung Valley Walk chair Bruce Parncutt AO said it’s the river that shaped this city, that sustained its First Peoples across countless generations and supplies the water we drink.

“In September 2017, something remarkable happened in the Victorian Parliament. Six Wurundjeri Elders entered the chamber and spoke in their traditional language in support of a bill,” he said.

“It was the first time in Victoria’s history that Traditional Custodians had been given a legally mandated voice in river management. And the first time a river in this country had

been given “living entity” status.

“The Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act became law. Australia’s first legislation co-titled in a Traditional Owner language.”

It was co-titled Wilip-gin Birrarung murron or ‘Keep Birrarung alive’ and has gone on to influence the Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (Yarra Strategic Plan) 2022-32.

The plan laid the foundation for the exploration of the Birrarung Valley Walk, a 13-day, 220km hike which will be one way ‘ordinary Victorians to experience their river, for ways to understand how important the river is and what it provides for each of us’ according to Mr Parncutt.

Mr Parncutt said they are announcing a walking trail that, on the basis of the evidence they’ve gathered, is unique on this planet.

“For the first time in any major city in the world, a great urban river will be walkable from its estuary to the mountain catchment that feeds it, entirely on public land,” he said.

“It will be a 220-kilometre open-air institution. An ecological corridor. An environ-

mental journey through the oldest, continuous living culture on earth. A platform for storytelling through our mobile app, for healing, for connection and for the long, patient work of caring for Country.

“And maybe one day, it will become a rite of passage for young people growing up in our State.”

At only one point will vehicle transfer be required to continue the walk, with trekkers having to drive from Mount Lofty to Lilydale to continue on their journey.

Mr Parncutt said Melbourne is a city of extraordinary cultural confidence.

“We’re a city that builds great institutions: The Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria. The Melbourne Cricket Ground. The National Gallery of Victoria,” he said.

“The Birrarung Valley Walk aspires to take its place alongside them, not as infrastructure, but as a gift to future Melbourne – a piece of civic imagination that says we looked at our river and its valley and decided it should be understood.

“And we decided to do this together.”

80 per cent of the project already consists of 177.3km of formal trails where no work will be required. A further 4.7km (2 per cent) are informal trails already in use that will just require upgrades and formalisation, 23.1km (11 per cent) are formal trails that are currently closed and will require permission to access and 14.7km (7 per cent) is yet to be built. Of this 11.9km of the trail is already slated as part of Yarra Ranges Council’s Yarra Valley Trail stage 2b, which is yet to be funded.

Mr Parncutt said the vision is clear and the promise is public; the river will be known.

“The project still has much work ahead of it: approvals to secure, access agreements to finalise, infrastructure to build, the funds to pay for it, an app to develop, the stories the app will deliver, and a supportive community to be built,” he said.

“There are 220 kilometres of challenges between here and a ribbon-cutting exercise one day in the future.”

Vital lyrebird surveys begin

By Tanya Steele

The superb lyrebird, a vital species of the Dandenong Ranges, will soon have a dedicated fan base combing the forest listening for any trace of its musical mimicry as annual forest surveys begin.

Both a supreme vocal talent and a forest engineer, the unique birds will see volunteers comb through 800 hectares of the Sherbrooke Forest in dawn surveys, which began on 20 June, with the data to be collected by a local environmental group.

Running surveys across 4 July and 18 July, the Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study group tracks the habits and movements of the lyrebirds and longtime member and local lyrebird expert, Dr Alex Maisey, describes the dawn events as “magical” Every year, the surveys monitor the number of male lyrebirds in Sherbrooke Forest and give the group an indication of how the species population is trending over time.

“The results help gather evidence to assess the effectiveness of Parks Victoria’s fox control program, deer control and weed work, which is undertaken by mostly undertaken by the Friends of Sherbrooke Forest,” Dr Maisey said. Rising early, before the world’s best mimics, volunteers will navigate through the forest, revealing its secrets in the pre-dawn light and should be able to hear the famous mimic birds from up to 800 metres away, although the group aim to get closer to better record their locations.

Dr Maisey said the anticipation builds as the forest gradually awakens and volunteers will hear owls, possums and gliders, as their senses tune into the sounds of the environment around them.

“Waiting for the first lyrebird to sing is always a highlight, and there is something special about hearing the dawn chorus unfold as different species begin calling through some of the tallest forests on Earth,” he said.

This time of year, male lyrebirds can be heard singing madly through the forest, and Dr Maisey said they are putting lots of energy into telling the females where they are.

“They’re trying to convince them that they are great singers and dancers, and defending their territory from neighbouring males,” he said.

While the males are busy singing, the female lyrebirds have been busy.

“Female lyrebirds have mostly built their nests by now, with no help from the boys and are being very selective about deciding on which male they will mate with,” said Dr Maisey.

“It is likely that only the best males are chosen, as it is very hard to impress a female lyrebird,” he said.

The fascinating courtship of the lyrebird is very specific indeed, and Dr Maisey said the boys must coordinate their dance moves with their particular dance songs.

“These are often mistaken for human sounds,” he said.

“It is likely that the accuracy of their mimicry must be spot-on if a female is to be convinced to

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mate with a male, and this selection is theorised to have driven the development of those flashy tails on the males.”

Volunteers work together once they hear the lyrebirds singing and record the direction, time and rough distance so they can triangulate each male’s approximate location.

“Occasionally, a lyrebird is seen roosting close to a survey post, and a lucky volunteer might witness the bird singing for up to 20 minutes before gliding to the forest floor,” said Dr Maisey.

Formed in 1958 to both protect and watch the Superb Lyrebird, the Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group is the oldest volunteer group in Victoria, and Dr Maisey said the surveys have been going intermittently since the 1970’s.

Pine forests were removed from the park, and cat curfews were brought in by the local council, which was called the Shire of Sherbrooke at the time.

“Fox control was implemented using best practice from the late 1990s onwards,” he said.

So far, the surveys have shown a considerable increase in the lyrebird population, a huge positive for the species.

“This is a rare conservation success story in a time of biodiversity crisis,” said Dr Maisey.

People should contact the study group to register, and Dr Maisey said after the morning survey, the volunteers return to a welcome hot cuppa by the fire.

“Also a survey-special ‘toad in a hole’,” he said, referring to the hearty breakfast staple of an egg cooked in a slice of bread on the barbecue.

People interested in the upcoming surveys should contact the group via their website and will need a torch, pen or pencil, compass or smartphone, plus a gold coin donation to volunteer for the vital surveys, which start at 6am at the Grants Picnic Ground in Kallista.

The Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study group has also released a detailed map with grid references on their social media, encouraging people to tell them about lyrebirds they have seen in Sherbrooke Forest and the surrounding areas.

Visitors to the forest who are lucky enough to spot the birds can send specific information on locations to sherbrookelyrebirds@gmail.com

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Student collaboration

The power of collaboration was on full display at the Mooroolbark Bowls Club after a group of students helped bring a vision to life.

A cohort of 17 Year 9 students from Yarra Hills Secondary College’s Mooroolbark and Mount Evelyn campuses took a blank shipping container wall and turned it into a meaningful mural over several weeks.

Bowls club executive officer Neville Roper said the mural was an idea floated by club member Marilyn Bull late last year to improve the outdoor event space that usually hosts barefoot bowls.

Approaching the school’s art program coordinators earlier this year, they were quick to accept.

Art teacher Angie said as soon as the opportunity arose, she knew which cohort of students would be up for the task.

“I thought I’ve just got just the right kids. I knew I could bring you down here, that I could trust you, that you would be respectful in our community, and be great ambassadors for our school,” she said.

The students spent the first three weeks planning and designing the mural after discussions with Marilyn, her husband Geoff and Neville about what imagery held meaning to the club.

Marilyn said one image they wanted to convey was their beloved magpies.

“We have a magpie who wanders around. We have a family here, so one of the girls took that on straight away,” she said.

Angie said the task of designing a mural for the Mooroolbark Bowls Club meant the students had to work collaboratively but also set aside their own interests to work to a brief.

“It’s been a great pleasure to see the development of the ideas. This was a project where the students were not doing their own artwork, but were collaborating as a group,” she said.

“It wasn’t a personal art project; it was a group project, but we’re doing it for a client.

“(That) is a very different thing to just going out and doing artwork. They had criteria which they met in their design, and they were really flexible when we were first sketching up, we thought, no,

that’s too small, or that needs to be moved there.”

Mooroolbark campus principal Cameron Woods said he too was blown away by the effort of the students.

“I’ve seen snippets of this and haven’t appreciated the magnitude. I’m really thrilled. I’m thrilled with this collaboration…this is exactly the sort of thing we want to do more of. I am so proud of the students’ work,” he said.

Seeing the mural come together over multiple weeks, Neville said the students had been incredible, from the very first stages to making the final touches on Wednesday 17 June.

“It’s a great effort from what you kids have done in painting it, and I hope you all enjoyed doing it. That’s the main thing,” he said.

“From what was an A4 sheet of paper with a concept to a nearly 20 metre mural, it’s a fantastic effort on your behalf, and you should be proud of yourselves for doing what you’ve actually done with this, and hopefully it gives you an experience of what you can do and how those things can evolve.”

For Neville, the project was an opportunity to connect with younger members of the community and their families, while providing a positive art experience and hopefully sparking their interest in bowls.

Angie, Neville and Marilyn all gave a big thank you to Inspiration Paints, a Mooroolbark business, who generously donated the paints and brushes.

Marilyn said the club’s members were so supportive of the mural and what the students had been able to achieve each week.

“Lots of people have been commenting, they’ve been coming down, and we haven’t heard anything negative. It’s just all positive comments. They were wrapped.

“It was pretty boring what was here before, and this will be here forever. I mean, it’s just fabulous.”

The final day of the project was celebrated on Wednesday 17 June with a sausage sizzle, congratulatory speeches and a quick session of bowls, while parents and teachers admired the mural.

The Victorian Government is delivering real help, right now with half price public transport for everyone, including concession card holders, from June 1st until January 1st 2027.

Taking pressure off the pump with half price trains, trams and buses in metro and regional Victoria, saving daily commuters over $850.

Learn more at transport.vic.gov.au

Real and raw documentary

By Mikayla van Loon

Creating something real and raw that made a difference in someone’s life or inspired change was how one man without filmmaking experience completed his first documentary.

Mathew Love’s documentary Bleeding the Demon was selected for the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, with a showing at Cinema Nova on Wednesday 8 July.

The Mooroolbark resident’s personal story of childhood bullying, mental health challenges and weight gain was told in a powerful 38-minute film that he directed and produced.

But more than a raw look at the painful memories and hurt he was feeling for decades, it’s the remarkable transformation he pushed himself to achieve through tough physical training.

Telling his story, Mat said came initially from wanting to help others, but also needing to explain to his three daughters what triggered his internal struggles.

“When I was at my heaviest, my worst, it was bad, and I didn’t show up for them, I didn’t do anything with them, I didn’t go out with them, I didn’t do anything,” he said.

“It was a bad, dark place, and what they seen, and what they knew of me, it was shocking, and I wanted to show them why I wasn’t just an asshole.”

While Mat’s weightloss journey began when he was finally able to access gastric sleeve surgery two years ago, when he’d hit his heaviest weight of over 200 kilograms, his story begins as a Prep student attending school in Warrandyte.

Mat faced relentless bullying from older children when travelling home from school each day on the bus.

He described never feeling safe on the bus because it was an environment he couldn’t just leave until he got home.

When he did arrive home, where his Nan was living with them at the time, she would make him something to eat, it was a comfort but a relationship with food that would gradually turn negative. Over time this evolved slowly until it was all he knew.

His weight hovered around 140 to 150 kilograms throughout much of his adult life. At 31, he suffered a heart attack.

But hitting rock bottom came when a comment from a colleague sent him down a spiral of depression, panic attacks and prescription drug abuse.

“That destroyed me for like five years, that was when I really didn’t leave the house…it was just like eating yourself to death,” he said.

“I had no control over emotions whatsoever…I couldn’t regulate. I was so worried constantly of dying every day because I was so big. When I would bend over to tie my shoes, I would pass out.

“The panic attacks feel almost identical to the

startings of a heart attack, and what your body’s going through. So every time the panic attack was starting, I’d flip back into the spiral of the loop, the fight of flight, and every single day, multiple times a day.”

Anxiety medication helped but Mat said as his body became used to the dose, he’d take more and more. Mat estimates he was taking around 16 times the recommended dose.

Mat was on waiting lists for gastric surgery for over seven years and then when the notification came through that he’d finally been approved, the pandemic delayed the surgery by a further two and a half years.

“That in itself, like I was excited, but even then there’s two and a half years of still just more of the same. (Of asking myself) ‘will I make it?’.”

The surgery itself forced Mat to stop eating, it’s designed to restrict how much you can consume.

He was slowly able to go for walks and small runs as the weight fell off but the negative thoughts were still there.

“I got down to a better weight, but what I found was I would slowly want to snack again, so it hadn’t fixed it,” he said.

“That’s why so many people go back and put a lot of weight on, because if you don’t fix your mind, try and sort those issues or work that out, you’ll just be in the same patterns.”

For Mat, gyms and traditional exercise had never felt comfortable. So instead, he grabbed a weighted vest and core bags that he’d wear and carry on walks around his neighbourhood.

At first, training in this way was a punishment, it was “something that was hard, to just sort of go ‘I’ll teach you, mate’.”

“I’d go to the bush and go up hills and carry the weights up, and just do reps, ‘I’ll teach you, I’ll teach you’.”

As his weight dropped and his mind cleared, Mat said “eventually something changed”

“Because you push yourself so physically, you exert yourself so much, something in your mind changes or opens up and everything falls away. You weren’t worried, thinking about anything. It’s almost like a runner’s high, but a little bit different,” he said.

“I’d start to have memories of when I was really young…I knew what had happened when I was a young kid, but I never gave it much thought of how it was impactful or that maybe that’s what caused it.

“That’s probably exactly why I was always hyper vigilant, on alert, always, even now, your hyper awareness from that young kid, so you’re always scanning for a threat, but you don’t need to be now, it’s just built in.”

Training has moved “beyond punishment” for Mat now and instead “I’ve created an identity, it’s just what I do”

It also creates mental clarity so he can reflect on “good memories of nostalgic stuff with my Nanna”

“It puts you in such a place, I think you’re more

in tune with your environment, your surroundings, everything else goes away.

“It’s not even really about training or trying to be fit or trying to look strong, I couldn’t care less, but that was a byproduct of what came from doing what I was doing.”

That’s not to say everyday is not a challenge and a fight to stay disciplined but it’s one he chooses to make for himself but most importantly, for his daughters, Ava, Mila and Sophie, and partner Em.

“It’s still a struggle now. I always want to eat stuff that doesn’t go away, because you’ve got to eat. It’s not like you’re an alcoholic, and you can say ‘no more’ , you’ve got to constantly eat to survive.

“I’m also aware in the back of my head, don’t get too complacent, that kind of worries me.

“I’ll eat anything now, but it’s just not overdoing it. It doesn’t rule me the way it used to rule me, the food.”

Having never filmed or directed anything before, not even owning a computer or editing software, the documentary first started with a three and a half hour long interview with Mat’s brother Brendan.

Speaking his truth around a fire with his brother was healing for Mat but he knew his story could help someone else, and so he taught himself how to edit footage.

What he created was not only a message to others feeling “stuck, broken and miserable” about hope but a promise to his daughters that the dad they missed for so many years will never

leave them again.

Mat’s documentary will screen as part of the Film Festival’s Health Shorts. To find out more, visit: cinemanova.com.au/films/mdff26-goingdry-health-shorts or mdff.org.au

Community and connection inspires newest exhibition

By Mikayla van Loon

The Mont De Lancey Ray Oliver Gallery has been reborn as a space for community, connection and conversation since artist-in-residence Donna Legg joined the historic homestead.

It was that sense of connection that inspired Donna’s second solo exhibition titled Creating Connection, an exploration of friendship and relationships.

“It came from people saying to me continuously how they connect to my art,” she said.

“What I’ve discovered is we’re creating connections around art here in this gallery, and it’s just amazing the amount of people who come in, and real connections are happening.”

The exhibition will showcase 10 new pieces, each connected in some way, shape or form. Donna’s previous artworks will also be on display, showcasing her diversity in style and subject matter.

As artist-in-residence, Donna said she’s heard from “countless people” about “how much they enjoy coming here for a visit and seeing the art”

But not only that, how an artwork might remind them of something in their own life.

“Creating, being the art side of stuff, it can also be creating a connection, not necessarily just painting, but with people, how people connect with animals, places, so it’s not just a human connection,” she said. Calling the exhibition Creating Connection was also a reflection of the relationships that have

formed within the regular art groups on Wednesdays and Fridays.

“I’ve had so many compliments on the art groups…saying how much joy they get out of coming,” Donna said.

“It’s art therapy for them, it gets them away from the house, and they’re all ages, it’s not just older retired people, it’s all ages that are now coming to this group, it’s men and women.”

Mont De Lancey president Jill Sebire said the atmosphere within the gallery and the reception area of the homestead has completely changed because

of the positivity of the art groups.

“The camaraderie, just listening to these groups, all the chatter and the laughter, even if it’s quiet out there, it brings everything to life,” Jill said.

“It’s made this room, which was a wasted space, come alive.”

Jill said for many people, the art gallery has been a point of introduction to Mont De Lancey, but then they’ll decide to stay and explore the grounds or have lunch at the cafe.

“From Mont De Lancey’s perspective, it’s been wonderful too. It’s brought people in, and they’ve

seen what we’ve got. It’s been a good all-round project,” she said.

Art has also been a stepping stone for interested volunteers, after engaging with Donna herself, Jill or other volunteers.

Donna said some incredible conversations have sparked with visitors, who have been willing to share their stories, some who have cried tears of both joy and sadness, but have felt comfortable doing so.

She said it was a privilege to be trusted with people’s thoughts and feelings, but also “that’s the difference I like to make” , that it’s not just a gallery or art group but a place to feel safe and comfortable.

Creating Connection is showing from Saturday 20 June to Sunday 5 July at Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead, located at 71 Wellington Rd, Wandin North. The Homestead is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

END OF AN ERA

Vintage & Collectables Marketplace Lilydale to Close After Nearly Four

Successful Years After almost four wonderful years serving the Lilydale community from its Clarke Street location, Vintage & Collectables Marketplace Lilydale will be closing its doors in August due to the end of its lease.

Since opening, the marketplace has become a popular destination for collectors, bargain hunters, vintage enthusiasts and local residents looking to buy and sell a diverse range of new and pre-loved goods. The business has proudly provided opportunities for local people to generate income through stallholder spaces while also helping to keep countless reusable items out of landfill.

Owner Rob said the decision to close comes with mixed emotions.

“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past four years. We’ve supported local employment, provided a platform for people to sell unwanted goods, and given the community access to a constantly changing range of affordable and unique items. We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us throughout our journey.” With the closure approaching, shoppers are encouraged to visit soon and take advantage of fantastic endof-lease sales. Many stallholders are offering discounts of up to 50% off selected items, creating an excellent opportunity to pick up a bargain before the doors close for the final time.

“While it’s sad to see this chapter come to an end, we’re grateful for the friendships, support and loyalty we’ve received from the local community. We invite everyone to pop in over the coming weeks, browse the amazing range of stock, and help us celebrate the final months of Vintage & Collectables Marketplace Lilydale.” The marketplace will continue trading until August, with new sale items and special offers being added regularly by stallholders. Don’t miss your chance to discover hidden treasures, unique collectables and great bargains before Vintage & Collectables Marketplace Lilydale closes its doors. Vintage & Collectables Marketplace Lilydale open 10-4 , everyday 1 Clarke Street, Lilydale Closing August 2026 For further information, please contact Vintage & Collectables Marketplace Lilydale: 0417 731 701

From farm waste to office paper

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A Mount Dandenong resident with a long-standing “love for paper” has launched an Australian business importing agricultural waste paper, in hopes to bring what he describes as a widely adopted European and Canadian innovation to the local market.

The founder of Simply Paper, Mathieu Dechamps, said his frustration at being unable to source locally made paper after the closure of Opal Australian Paper’s Maryvale mill prompted him to investigate where paper comes from and how it is made.

“At the Learning Rangers Learning Centre in Olinda, where we work with children with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other learning difficulties, I was responsible for buying all the paper and stationery, and that’s what made me look more closely at where paper comes from and how it’s made,” Mr Dechamps said.

“I started researching alternatives to traditional wood pulp paper, particularly as I became more aware of global shifts in paper production linked to deforestation concerns and rising demand.”

He said agricultural waste paper is already widely used in parts of Europe and Canada, and it stood out as a potential solution, particularly as Australia was not yet producing it at scale.

Simply Paper now imports paper made from agricultural waste, a material created by upcycling farm residues such as sugarcane bagasse, hemp, rice straw and wheat straw, it’s also linked more broadly to other organic and industrial by-products, including livestock manure, crop residues, horticultural plastics, and fruit and vegetable processing waste such as peels, skins and seed pods.

Nationally, the scale of agricultural and related sector waste is significant.

According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, total agricultural and forestry waste is estimated at 16.3 million tonnes, of this, about 16.1 million tonnes is organic material, most of which is reused beneficially on-farm, including being ploughed back into soil.

Around 97,500 tonnes of plastic and 159,000 tonnes of workshop waste are also generated.

Across all sectors, Australia produces approximately 4.9 million tonnes of paper and cardboard waste each year, with about 1.9 million tonnes ending up in landfill and just under 1.0 million tonnes exported for recycling.

“Agricultural waste paper offers an alternative pathway by replacing traditional wood pulp, with benefits including reduced deforestation, lower air pollution associated with agricultural burning, and support for a more circular approach to materials use,” Mr Dechamps said.

“One of the most striking comparisons is the fibre requirement in conventional paper production, it takes around 25 to 26 mature trees to produce a single tonne of virgin fibre paper.”

In discussions with a local council, Mr Dechamps said internal calculations suggested that switching to Simply Paper’s product could save around 150 trees per year - equivalent to roughly half a football field of trees for just one small council.

Mr Dechamps said waste materials used in agricultural paper production are often already being burned for energy, but argued they could be better utilised through upcycling into higher-value products.

“The quality of agricultural waste paper has improved significantly, to the point where it is largely indistinguishable from conventional paper in everyday use, aside from being slightly less white due to gentler bleaching methods,” he said.

“It is 100 per cent recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.”

Mr Dechamps said the biggest barrier to wider adoption in Australia has been convenience and procurement systems, particularly among large organisations and government buyers.

“While the concept is widely understood and seen as logical in principle, change is often slowed by bureaucracy and preference for established supply chains,” he said.

“The biggest challenge is the convenience factor, and initial disruption is often followed by longer-term benefits once systems adapt.”

Simply Paper has begun expanding its reach through commercial supply channels, including distribution via Dorset Business Solutions in Bayswater, which services parts of Melbourne’s east.

The company is also in discussions to ex-

Century old dances and tales

A new not-for-profit community organisation called Celtic Links Inc will hold a family-friendly free event just as the school holidays begin, and its group of volunteers is excited.

Thanks to a Yarra Ranges grant, the group will host a music and dance session at the Mt Evelyn Community Hall on Sunday 28 June from 2pm to 4pm.

The ceilí will connect people from across the Yarra Ranges and give them a chance to join in the fun.

An Irish- or Celtic-themed ceilí is a style of group dance performed to live music. Very similar to Australian bush style dancing.

The bonfire ceilí at Mt Evelyn is free, and local musicians are invited to come along and join in to play.

Engaging local musicians and performers from established Celtic groups in the Yarra Ranges, Celtic Links plans to support local artists by giving them another avenue to connect through music, arts, and more.

President Mary Sullivan said Celtic Links was incorporated in 2025.

pand nationally through Office Choice, a member-based independent office supplies network.

Mr Dechamps said engagement with businesses has been positive, particularly as organisations look to reduce environmental impact.

“Some businesses switching to agricultural waste paper can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 40 per cent,” Mr Dechamps said.

“Government uptake has been more complex, despite ongoing discussions, due to procurement rules and internal policy constraints.”

Mr Dechamps said there has been interest from political representatives, including members of the Greens, with discussions described as positive and encouraging.

He said international markets are already moving ahead, with countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Canada among the largest importers of agricultural waste paper, alongside growing uptake in parts of South America.

“Australia risks falling behind unless it accelerates adoption of alternative fibre sources already being used overseas,” Mr Dechamps said.

At a personal level, Mr Dechamps said the motivation behind Simply Paper is also tied to his children and a desire to reduce pressure on natural resources.

“For me, the real reason why I started doing this is because I have children and I don’t want them to grow up in a world where paper is not possible anymore because we’ve used too much of the natural resources,” he said.

“Sustainability should not be positioned as a premium option, it must remain accessible rather than being limited to those able to pay higher prices.”

Mr Dechamps hopes agricultural waste paper becomes a mainstream option in Australia, not only in offices but across printing and education sectors, where paper use remains significant despite increasing digital alternatives.

“I hope to see a broader shift in thinking around waste materials, where agricultural by-products are recognised as resources rather than disposal problems,” he said.

“Nothing is ever easy when you first start, but you have to be willing to deal with a bit of early inconvenience if you want things to improve in the long run.”

“We are a new and exciting organisation bringing family-friendly opportunities to participate in Celtic music and dance in the Yarra Ranges,” she said.

“Celtic Links held a successful and well-attended ceili in March to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. 28 June will celebrate the winter solstice, one of the great Celtic feasts.

“Dancers of all abilities are able to enjoy the experience of dancing to live music.

“The connection between well-being and participation in live music is well researched, reducing stress and creating a shared experience which encourages interaction.

“It is also a wonderful exercise.”

Local musicians from the Hills will play live music for the dances, and refreshments will be provided.

Any musicians interested in joining in with the ceili band can contact Celtic Links to find out more; all skill levels welcome.

The group hopes to bring regular music and dance events to communities across the Yarra Ranges, roving their events to different parts of the region.

They already held two ceilis earlier in the year with support from Burrinja in Upwey and another with Tecoma Uniting Church.

Vice President Kathryn Kelly said the main goal of Celtic Links is to create opportunities in the Yarra Ranges for Celtic musicians and people to connect and perform in inclusive, family-friendly settings.

“If you’re interested in family-friendly cultural events where you and the kids can participate instead of only watching, that’s what we are about,” she said.

Listening to music together socially creates and strengthens bonds between individuals, and everyone can be a dancer, regardless of age or ability.

The event will also give people a chance to learn some older traditional Irish set dances, like the bonfire dance.

The bonfire dance was traditionally danced on 23 June, on St John’s Eve, for the June summer solstice or Midsummer in Ireland.

Book your free ticket at: trybooking.com/ events/landing/1589543

Find the Mt Evelyn Public Hall at 44 Birmingham Road, Mt Evelyn.

WINTER WARMERS

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With such a strong heritage in premium timberproduction,Blazemasterisabletodeliver top-quality seasoned firewood to warm homes and businesses throughout the region. Whether you’re lighting the occasional fire or preparing for winter, there’s an option to suit your needs. Choose from 10kg kindling bags crafted from sustainably sourced timber offcuts, convenient 20kg firewood bags, a 60kg wheelbarrow load perfect for smaller fires, a 350kg bulka bag, or a full cubic metre of premium firewood for long-lasting warmth throughout the colder months.

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WINTER WARMERS

Over 30 years of service

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As winter approaches, Oasis Air Conditioning and Solar should be front of mind as you prepare to brace the chill. The team supplies and installs air conditioning systems, Solar PV systems, and is also home to local, qualified electricians who can assist with a wide range of electrical services.

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With decades of experience, local knowledge and a commitment to quality customer service, Oasis Air Conditioning and Solar continues to help Yarra Valley residents stay comfortable all year round.

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program helps Victorian households and business-

es reduce energy costs by providing generous rebates on energy-efficient heating and cooling upgrades. You could receive up to $5000 in rebates when replacing an old gas wall heater, gas ducted heater, or outdated split system, with rental properties and businesses also eligible.

Contact us today for a free quote and find out how much you can save through the VEU program.

Light up the night!

By Tanya Steele

Cold hands, warm hearts and a few faces covered in cinnamon sugar, the annual solstice parade saw the lights of hundreds of lanterns fill the streets of Belgrave once more for 2026.

Celebrating the winter solstice in true Hills style, the Belgrave Lantern Parade, now in its 19th year, saw thousands of people from all across Melbourne come and line the streets to watch the parade.

As darkness settled, local wizard Baba Desi emerged along the main street, and the parade began in earnest.

The parade had a procession of fire dancers, pipers, belly dancers, cos players, kids, and more. Lanterns of every variety filled the streets, with students and families from primary schools across the region attending, proudly showing off their own creations for the big day.

The rain held off (mostly) and traders turned it up to eleven, serving hordes of people hot and tasty foods and drinks, from doughnuts to curry, as celebrations continued.

Solstice events are celebrated worldwide,

and in Australia, the winter solstice sees people attend icy ocean plunges, fire ceremonies and more. Lantern festivals have roots in Celtic traditions and are steeped in beliefs around death, rebirth and rejuvenation. From an astronomy viewpoint, in the Southern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on the day when the South Pole is tilted furthest from the sun, officially dated 21 June.

In Belgrave, as darkness descended, photographers and videographers moved about in and amongst the crowd, capturing the moments of the glowing, living tableau as thousands attended to both watch and march in the parade.

CFA and local police were on scene with traffic control. With police reporting over social media, they were on hand to help a few lost children find their way in the crowds.

Now in its 19th year, Belgrave’s annual celebration is a huge undertaking for the local township and traders, and volunteers put a huge amount of time and fundraising into preparing for the big day. Celebrations continued into the night as crowds slowly dispersed and headed home into the icy darkness.

Expert advice and service

Right in the heart of Lilydale, Treadworx is a proudly family-owned business that’s been keeping locals rolling for more than seven years. Known for friendly service and genuine expertise, the team at Treadworx specialises in 4x4 vehicles, as well as everything from everyday cars to wheelbarrows!

With an extensive selection of tyres from trusted brands like Maxxis, Yokohama, Falken, Kumho and more, Treadworx has the perfect option for every vehicle — whether you’re after durability, high performance, or a balance of both. Their wheel collection is equally impressive, featuring favourites such as ROH, PDW, Lenso, Extreme 4x4, Dynamic, Sniper, and many others, ensuring your ride combines both style and strength.

As an authorised Fulcrum Suspensions and Tough Dog Suspension dealer, Treadworx also offers a complete range of suspension upgrades and products, expertly fitted to suit your driving needs, especially for off-road adventures.

Owner Nathan Hawkless sums it up best:

“With over 25 years of experience and a knowledgeable team, we’re committed to providing top-quality products and honest service at competitive prices.”

For expert advice, reliable service, and a team that truly cares, Treadworx Lilydale is your local destination. Drop by and see why so many drivers, especially 4x4 enthusiasts, trust them for tyres, wheels, and suspension.

Help support our artists

For those wanting to support Australian artists, the Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) is a great option, especially when/if the EOFY Countdown is on your mind. Established in 2003 and administered by Creative Australia – our government’s principal arts investment and advisory body – the ACF is an online fundraising platform for the Australian arts and cultural sector.

Through the platform, artists can run shortterm fundraising campaigns to support their projects.

There are also long-term campaigns to support ongoing work.

The ACF has endorsement as a deductible gift recipient confirmed by the Australian Tax Office. Therefore, any donations over $2 received via the platform are tax deductable.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

More importantly, the platform actively ensures the veracity and viability of the registered projects. Before any artist receives the donations in the form of a grant from Creative Australia, they are required to confirm their readiness and capacity to undertake their project as proposed.

During the course of their projects, artists are also asked to provide periodic progress updates to their donors.

Then they need to submit a final report (“acquittal”) to explain how their funds have been used and the status of their projects.

As the platform proudly declares: “Each of these projects has been individual, impactful and inspiring, painting a broad and bold picture of our sector.”

Particularly notable is how the ACF helps celebrate the Australian Spirit.

“A 2022 study found that Australia is ranked fourth most generous country among 119 countries, with three in five Australians making a financial donation to a charity.”

This means not only will donors receive tax receipts, but 100 per cent of their donations will go directly towards artists. Individual and business donors can choose one or more specific projects from the following categories to benefit from their generous gifts – Literature, Visual Arts, Community Arts, Performing Arts, Arts or Languages of Indigenous Persons, Music, Crafts, Design, Television, Video, Radio, Film, and Movable Cultural Heritage.

CARTOON

As the ACF explains: “By funding an ACF project, donors connect with artists whose work they believe in and inspire others to do the same.”

“These reports are monitored and reviewed to ensure the agreement is appropriately fulfilled,” explains the platform.

The ACF’s catchphrase is “Make Culture Happen”

Its data reveals that in the year 2024-25, a total of 1008 projects in our arts and cultural sector were supported by 20,000 donors, with the most common donation amount being $50.

Kemp’s theatre overview

Karralyka

Abracadabra

A Fantastic Family Magic Shoe

Starring the electrifying Luke Blaze, this 60 minute magic show brings big illusions, audience interaction and non-stop fun together with the unforgettable live experience.

From jaw-dropping tricks to hilarious moments that get the whole crowd involved, Abracadabra is designed to keep kids on the wedge of their seats and adults amazed from start to finish.

Expect surprises around every corner as magic leaps off the stage and imagination runs wild.

• Season: Thursday 2 July, 11am and 1.30pm.

I Am woman

I Am woman is a heartfelt journey through the timeless songs that shaped Australia’s musical legacy and inspired millions around the around the world.

Led by powerhouse performers who will bring authentically, warmth and elegance to the stage.

More than a tribute concert this is a story of resilience, grace and global success of – honouring three women who broke boundaries and carried the Australia sound to the world stage.

Audiences will laugh, sing along, reminiscent leave feeling uplifted by the timeless hits and the spirit of the women who made them famous.

A nostalgic feel good show of iconic songs,

heartfelt storytelling and world class performance - this is a celebration not to be missed.

This production celebrates and honouring Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton-John and Judith Durham. The Round Arterial Award-winning Na Djirig Circus presents Arterial. An acrobatic performance linking people, Country and Culture, where the unseen bonds between the body and the lans become beautifully visible.

Four performers connect with each other physically in a display of breathtaking acrobatics with striking visual techniques and a score by avant-garde sound designer Darini Esposito.

Arterial will excite and move you as the performers celebrate what it means to be First People - the lifeblood of this country, the land and its beating heart.

• Season: Saturday 25 July at 8pm.

Vika and Linda

Vika and Linda are two of Australia’s most celebrated and enduring voices.

Captivating Australian audiences with their powerful harmonies over 35 years, experience their newest studio album Where Do You Come From?

Hear the songs and stories of their inimitable career as Vika and Linda tell their own story in full.

• Season: Sunday 12 July at 5pm.

Gemco Players Face Blind

A new darkly comic neo-noir musical thriller by Tom and Will Witham

What if your brother’s life depended on the one thing you can’t do?

A gangster with face blindness pursues a dangerous rival through an hallucinogenic psychotherapy retreat, desperate to regain what was stole and save his twin brother’s life.

The story is complex, but the production design minimalist. With a few chairs and tables and a riser we create the stark opaque reality of our protagonist , shifting the arrangement to become a bare apartment, a group-heavy therapy room, a hospital war.

• Season: Friday 17 July.

Equally significant is how the platform has informed our artists that asking for support is NOT embarrassing.

“The two main reasons people don’t give are: One. They haven’t been asked. Two. They don’t know you need the funds.”

“The majority of Australians [give to charities] because they care about the cause. You are not asking for money for yourself but are creating an opportunity for people to be involved in something they are passionate about.”

The Death of Robin Hood...

4/5

In The Death of Robin Hood, written and directed by Michael Sarnoski and based on a 17th-century ballad, an old, gravely wounded Robin Hood (Hugh Jackman) confronts his violent past while recuperating at an island priory.

Sarnoski’s debut film was the surreal psychological thriller Pig, and The Death of Robin Hood reaffirms his skill for sumptuously-shot, compelling character pieces.

The Death of Robin Hood has stunning cinematography and grand folk-infused music, and Jackman carries himself with ferocity, bones-deep fatigue and a harried nobility as Robin the outlaw. Jodie Comer is a figure of remarkable grace as the prioress Sister Brigid, and Murray Bartlett offers some sardonic levity as a leper.

You could say this film peaks early, with volcanic emotions, unglamorous violence, a fiery battle and a mace-wielding priest’s vendetta, but the rest of the film is a poignant, gently tense journey of Robin finding some peace but failing to escape his murderous past. The Death of Robin Hood illustrates how complete redemption may be impossible – the first act has two separate instances of Robin killing children –but is still a worthy aim. Robin’s guarded but touching friendships with Brigid, the leper and Little Margaret (Faith Delaney), a girl he takes under his wing, do not absolve him of his past brutality, but said brutality doesn’t invalidate his present good deeds.

Sarnoski cites films such as The Virgin Spring, The Revenant and Valhalla Rising as influences, but a third-act beach scene shares some DNA with the diner scene in Pulp Fiction, as both scenes feature a bad man’s mercy.

The Death of Robin Hood may be too grim and slow for some viewers, but it’s a subtly devastating, superbly-crafted character study with a phenomenal performance from Hugh Jackman.

Future views

By Maria Millers

Last week when Senator Pauline Hanson addressed the National Press Club she claimed that Western Civilization and its values were under siege and that multiculturalism and immigration threaten our social cohesion.

She also invoked Judeo-Christian values as the bedrock of our culture.

So what are the values she considers under threat and what do we understand by values and culture?

Values are the principles or ideals that people consider important, desirable and worth pursuing.

Culture is the way people live and make meaning of the world. This can be through language, customs and traditions, food, the arts, religious beliefs, social norms and ways of thinking and behaving.

Across history and across very different civilizations, certain values appear again and again.

They are expressed differently in different religions, philosophies, and cultures, but their persistence suggests they answer fundamental human needs.

Values can be broken down into moral, aesthetic and personal: from honesty, justice, kindness to what is beautiful or harmonious to what makes life meaningful or worth living like freedom, friendship and achievement.

The philosopher Isaiah Berlin’s theory of value pluralism argues that human beings pursue many genuine values—freedom, equality, loyalty, justice, tradition, creativity and these values can conflict with one another in multicultural societies.

But though people may reasonably disagree about important values, yet they still deserve respect and a place within a common political community.

Canadian philosopher, Charles Taylor introduced the idea of ‘deep diversity’ , an idea that a democratic state can remain united while recognising that different cultural or national groups may have fundamentally different ways of belonging to that state.

You may feel uncomfortable in seeing a woman in a hijab or birqa, seeing it as control.

But that woman may be wearing it as a proud symbol of faith and not oppression or control.

Moreover it may not have stopped her becoming a doctor, lawyer, politician. Nor does it in any way stop her being an Australian.

Taylor advocated respecting cultural diversity: recognising and valuing different traditions, languages, religions, and customs. And encouraging people to learn about and appreciate cultures other than their own.

While cultural differences are respected, societies benefit from common values such as democracy, equality, freedom, respect for the law, and mutual respect.

The poet T. S. Eliot suggested that civilizations change their customs and institutions, but certain moral questions remain constant.

Poetry from ancient epics to modern slam poetry repeatedly returns to the same concerns: how to live well, how to treat others, and what kind of society we should build.

In the epic poem The Odyssey Homer explores enduring cultural values such as loyalty, hospitality, courage and family.

In the following excerpt Odysseus finally makes it home after years of separation and Penelope tests his identity and his response, proving both his loyalty and enduring bond: There is our secret sign; and none besides ourselves can know it. For our olive tree, thick-leaved and long-lived, grew within the court.

There is no single agreed list of Australian values, and Australians often disagree about what defines the country.

However, several themes consistently appear in Australian culture, history, and public life: Australia is made up of people from hundreds of cultural backgrounds: different languages, different religions, different family traditions, different customs and cuisines. A treasure trove of potential.

A multicultural society and a monoculture society each have strengths and challenges, but many economists, sociologists, and historians argue that multicultural societies can offer significant advantages in an interconnected world.

Many suggest that diversity enriches rather than weakens a society.

The Australian poet Oodgeroo Noonuccal envisioned Australia as a place where different histories could be acknowledged and shared.

Contemporary migrant writers such as Nam Le and Ouyang Yu often portray multicultural society not as a melting pot where differences disappear, but as a conversation in which different voices contribute to a larger national story. Certainly not assimilation.

A useful metaphor is a choir: a monoculture society may sing with one clear voice, while a multicultural society can create richer harmonies, provided the singers share enough common purpose to stay in tune.

Australia’s development has been deeply dependent on migration from the beginning of European settlement.

That’s not to diminish the role of people born in Australia or to dismiss Indigenous Australians but rather to recognise that Australia’s population, economy, institutions, and workforce have been continually shaped by successive waves of newcomers.

Australia has not just benefited from migration, rather it is one of the central reasons Australia became what it is.

Beginning with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, then British and Irish settlers, gold rush migrants from Europe, China and elsewhere, post war migrants from Southern and Eastern Europe and the more recent migrants from Asia, Middle East Africa and the Americas.

There are numerous examples of migrants and refugees who arrive with little advantage and go on to achieve extraordinary success in business, politics, science, the arts, and public life.

Malaysian born Penny Wong is now our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Merhreen Faruqi is the first Muslim woman elected to an Australian parliament, Holocaust survivor Fred Lowy founded the Westfield Group, Anh Do comedian, artist and author and the much loved science communicator, Dr Karl Kruszenicki to name a few.

The list is endless.

Many would argue that Australia’s most enduring value may not be mateship itself, but the belief that everyone deserves dignity and a fair go.

However at the same time, we are ready to knock down to size anyone seen to be showing signs of the tall poppy syndrome.

Generally Australians admire success, particularly sporting heroes, volunteers and people who’ve overcome adversity as frequently shown by those we honour with awards.

In that sense, the distinctively Australian values of mateship, egalitarianism, and resilience are local expressions of broader human values such as compassion, fairness, and community.

But sport is undoubtedly a predominant cultural phenomenon in Australia as Bruce Dawe’s poem Life Cycle shows:

When children are born in Victoria they are wrapped in club-colours, laid in beribboned cots,

having already begun a lifetime’s barracking.

Carn, they cry, Carn … feebly at first while parents playfully tussle with them for possession of a rusk: Ah, he’s a little Tiger!

(And they are …)

Hoisted shoulder-high at their first League game they are like innocent monsters who have been years swimming towards the daylight’s roaring empyrean.

This week it was the Socceroos that held the nation’s attention.

Widely regarded as one of the most culturally diverse national teams in international football, they are often described as a reflection of modern multicultural Australia.

Football Australia notes that Socceroos players have been born in or trace family origins to more than 40 different countries, including Greece, Italy, Croatia, Serbia, Lebanon, Kenya, Scotland, Turkey, China, and many others.

To solve a Sudoku

ACROSS

1 Dessert made with milk and eggs (7)

5 Large printed pictures (7)

9 Short pistol (9)

10 System of principles (5)

11 Perquisites (6)

12 Confirming (8)

14 Playing cards (6)

15 Brand of car, Mercedes – (4)

19 US state (4)

20 Governing body (6)

24 Compelling charm (8)

25 Hindu deity (6)

27 Establish by law (5)

28 From São Paulo, say (9)

29 Completely (7)

30 Screw in (7)

1 Club (6) 2 Spray of liquid (6)

Lively (8) 4 Excavates (4) 5 Buying (10)

Inveigle (6) 7 Kitchen gadget (8) 8 Daydream (8) 13 Seemingly (10)

16 Most rapid (8)

17 Clouded eye lens (8)

18 Featuring as a principal performer (8)

21 Female organ of a flower (6)

22 Economy (6)

23 Large piece of artillery (6)

26 Truth (4)

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY LIFESTYLE ON OVER HALF AN ACRE

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY LIFESTYLE ON OVER HALF AN ACRE

NESTLED on a picturesque 2,350sqm (approx.) allotment in one of Gembrook’s most sought after locations, this spacious family residence delivers the perfect combination of comfort, versatility and relaxed country living. Designed to accommodate the changing needs of modern families, the thoughtfully considered floorplan offers multiple living zones, generous accommodation and exceptional indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces.

The heart of the home is the well-appointed kitchen, complete with an island bench and excellent storage, overlooking the expansive family and dining area where family and friends can gather with ease. A substantial lounge and games room provides an additional space to unwind, entertain or simply enjoy some quiet time away from the main hub of the home. For year-round comfort, there is ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout.

There are four well-proportioned bedrooms and a dedicated home office providing flexibility for those working remotely or requiring a fifth bedroom option. The privately positioned main suite features a walk-in robe and ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms

are serviced by a central family bathroom and separate powder room.

Stepping outside, you’ll discover an outstanding alfresco area designed for year-round enjoyment. Complete with a built-in barbecue and outdoor fireplace, this inviting space is perfect for hosting family celebrations, summer gatherings or cosy evenings spent overlooking the expansive grounds. The established surrounds offer an abundance of space for children and pets to play, while those seeking a more selfsufficient lifestyle will appreciate the endless possibilities this generous parcel of land presents.

Adding further appeal is the oversized double garage with internal access, ample off-street parking and circular driveway.

Offering the charm of country living without compromising on convenience, this exceptional property is just moments from Gembrook’s vibrant township, local schools, cafes and community amenities.

A home of impressive proportions and timeless appeal, this is a rare opportunity to secure a lifestyle property where space, comfort and connection come together beautifully. ●

A VERSATILE FAMILY HOME WITH SPACE

LOVINGLY owned and cared for by the same family for more than 60 years, this is a rare opportunity to secure a versatile, warm and welcoming property in one of Boronia’s most peaceful and sought after locations.

Freshly painted and filled with natural light, the home spans almost 15 squares and has beautiful Tasmanian Oak floorboards on show. Designed with family living in mind, the flexible floorplan offers an impressive selection of living spaces, ensuring room for everyone to relax, entertain and enjoy.

An oversized sunken lounge creates a stunning focal point and flows effortlessly into the formal dining space, while the spacious kitchen overlooks a casual meals and TV area perfect for everyday living. Adding even more versatility, a separate sunroom provides a tranquil retreat where you can unwind with a book, enjoy your morning coffee, or simply take in the beauty of the surrounding established gardens that create your own private oasis.

Four well positioned bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for families of all sizes, with a layout ideally suited to multigenerational living or growing children. A dedicated home office further enhances the home’s functionality, providing a peaceful workspace framed by calming garden views.

Comfort is assured year round with air conditioning in the main living area and a recently updated ducted heating system, while outside, the wrap around decking invites you to relax and enjoy the greenery and nearby forest surrounds. A double carport provides adequate space for dual vehicles while two garden sheds allow plenty of room for extra storage.

Perfectly located just moments from Koolunga Native Reserve and only a few doors from the Pinevale Court Playground, this exceptional property enjoys the serenity of a foothills setting while remaining conveniently close to schools, shops, transport and all the amenities that makes this tightly held pocket such a desirable place to call home.

Offering space, flexibility and a rich family history, this much-loved home is ready to welcome its next generation of owners and create memories for years to come. ●

HOME FOCUS

STORYBOOK CHARM IN A SERENE FOREST SETTING

TUCKED away at the end of a peaceful nothrough road in the heart of the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges, the enchanting Seaview Cottage (circa 1927) delivers a rare blend of timeless character, contemporary comfort, and tranquil Hills living.

Surrounded by lush established gardens and backing directly onto the picturesque Moore Break walking trail, this captivating residence offers a lifestyle immersed in nature, privacy and serenity. Wander through the magical Sherbrooke Forest to discover iconic local attractions including Sherbrooke Falls, Sherbrooke Creek and an abundance of scenic picnic spots perfect for family afternoons.

Positioned on approximately 1,021sqm, the home has been thoughtfully rejuvenated over time to suit modern family living while preserving its charming storybook appeal.

Elevated ceilings, polished timber floors and beautiful natural light create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout.

Designed with flexibility and family functionality in mind, the residence features multiple living zones, three generous bedrooms, two stylish bathrooms and a stunning Hampton’s inspired kitchen complete with stone benchtops, tiled splashbacks and a 900mm cooktop. A spacious covered alfresco seamlessly extends the living space outdoors, creating the perfect setting for year round entertaining amongst the trees.

The luxurious master suite enjoys direct alfresco access alongside built-in robes and a beautifully appointed ensuite, while two charming attic style bedrooms upstairs are framed by soaring cathedral ceilings, enhancing the home’s unique character.

A cozy fireplace anchors the formal lounge, while a dedicated front study with leafy green outlook provides an idyllic work from home environment.

Property Features

• Charming circa 1927 character home in a peaceful forest setting

• Three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms

Luxurious master suite with ensuite, built-in robes and alfresco access

Elegant family bathroom with freestanding clawfoot bathtub

Two attic style upstairs bedrooms with cathedral ceilings

• Stunning Hampton’s style kitchen with stone benchtops & 900mm cooktop

• Multiple living areas designed for family flexibility

• Formal lounge with cozy fireplace

• Polished timber floorboards and elevated ceilings throughout

Dedicated home office/study with tranquil garden outlook

Spacious laundry with stone benchtops

Split system heating and cooling plus ducted heating

Expansive covered alfresco entertaining area

• Beautifully landscaped 1,021sqm (approx.) allotment

Private access to the Moore Break walking trail

Large garden shed, manicured lawns and double carport

• Additional off-street parking

The Location

Perfectly balancing peaceful seclusion with everyday convenience, this exceptional location places you moments from local cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, walking trails and some of the region’s most loved natural attractions including Alfred Nicholas Gardens and Sherbrooke Falls. Families will also appreciate the proximity to Ferny Creek Primary School, Kallista Primary School and Sherbrooke Community School. ●

CHARMING LOG CABIN LIVING

SET on a 979sqm in the heart of Cockatoo, this character-filled three-bedroom log cabin offers warmth, comfort and a relaxed Hills lifestyle.

An undercover front verandah sets the tone, inviting you inside to the open plan living and dining area where timber floors, a crackling wood fire and air conditioning create a comfortable space to enjoy yearround. Stepping down from the dining area, the spacious lounge is bathed in natural light thanks to large windows that frame the garden outlook and provide direct access to the front deck, making it the perfect spot to unwind.

The kitchen is designed for everyday practicality, featuring excellent bench space, ample storage and a separate breakfast bar for casual meals and gathering with family and friends.

Positioned along the hallway, the master bedroom includes built-in robes, while two additional bedrooms are serviced by a central family bathroom. A practical laundry with a second toilet and direct access to the backyard adds further convenience.

Outside, there is plenty of room to enjoy the established surrounds, with a garden shed for additional storage, a double carport and ample off-street parking.

Offering the charm of a classic log cabin combined with everyday functionality, this inviting home presents an excellent opportunity for first-home buyers, downsizers or those seeking a peaceful Hills retreat.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

285MacclesfieldRoadMacclesfield$1,400,000-$1,520,000

EquestrianLifestyleon12AcresinMacclesfieldHorseCountry. Setbehindagatedentrywithahorseshoedriveway,thisestablished12-acreequestrian&hobby farminsought-afterMacclesfieldHorseCountrydeliversawonderfulrurallifestylewithexcellenthorse facilities.Theinvitinghomefeaturesalight-filledloungewithfloatingfloors,woodfire&splitsystem, whilethemasterbedroomincludesawalk-inrobe&ensuite.Asecondbedroom,study&third bedroomareservicedbyacentralbathroom.Thespaciousopenplankitchen,living&diningzone includesalargeislandbench,gascooktop,dishwasher,butler’spantry&slowcombustionwood heater,witheasyaccesstoverandahs&entertainingareas.Outside,horseloverswillappreciate6 fencedpaddocks,agrassarena,3stables&tackroomwithconcretefloor&power.Completewith extensiveshedding,orchard,pizzaoven,dam&approx.22,500Lwaterstorage.

ARare40-AcreHoldingwithWater,Views&EndlessPotential. Spanning40gentlyundulatingacres,thissun-filledruralholdingdeliversspace,watersecurity& seriouspotential.Awindingcreek,3dams&avaluable2-megalitrewaterlicenceprovidearocksolidfoundationforlifestyleliving,livestockorfuturevision.Elevatedpointsacrossthelandcapture sweeping360-degreeviews,creatingthosepostcardmomentswherethecountrysiderollsawayin everydirection.Atthecentresitsaneat&original2-bedroomhome,comfortablenow&readyfor renovation,extensionorreinventionovertime.Practicalinfrastructureincludesamachineryshed, garage&establishedcattlerace&yards,makingthepropertyimmediatelyusableforfarmingor hobbystock.Withsunnypaddocks,naturalwatersources&multipleaccesspoints,everythingisin placeforeasyruralliving. 189SwalesRoadMacclesfield$1,600,000-$1,750,000

AaronDay M 0407365994 BrennanMileto M 0422996451

THE COMPLETE FAMILY PACKAGE ON OVER HALF AN ACRE

SET on a lovely 2,190m2 allotment with the rare bonus of dual street access from Amphlett Avenue and Suffolk Avenue, this inviting family property delivers space, flexibility and lifestyle appeal in a peaceful Cockatoo setting.

Designed for comfortable family living, the well-presented home offers multiple living and dining zones that allow everyone to spread out and enjoy their own space. A generous lounge and dining area is complemented by a separate living room with cosy wood fire, while the centrally positioned kitchen features stainless steel appliances, dishwasher and excellent connection to the covered outdoor entertaining area.

Accommodation is ideal for growing families, comprising four spacious bedrooms plus a study or optional fifth bedroom. The

privately positioned main bedroom includes a walk-in robe and beautifully renovated ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms are well serviced by the family bathroom and practical laundry.

Step outside and discover a backyard that truly sets this property apart. The large covered patio creates the perfect setting for entertaining year-round, from relaxed family dinners to weekend gatherings with friends. The balance of the property offers plenty of room for children to play, space for caravans, trailers or extra vehicles.

Ideally located just moments from Cockatoo Township, local shops, cafes and the primary school are all at your fingertips. Offering a substantial allotment, dual access and a flexible family floorplan, this is a rare lifestyle opportunity with space to enjoy. ●

Galloping to Winter Woolies

By Gabriella Vukman

Healesville Pony Club’s annual Winter Woolies show returned on Thursday 18 June, bringing riders, volunteers, sponsors and horse enthusiasts together for a day of competition, community and fundraising.

Hosted by the local riding club, the annual event serves as both a social gathering and an important fundraiser to help maintain club facilities and ensure future events can continue.

Vice-President and Rally Coordinator Anne Moffat said organising the event required significant preparation behind the scenes.

“We had to get the programme done and get it approved by HRCAV, because we’re a HRCAV club, and then we have to organise the judge, and the prizes, and ribbons, and advertise it,” she said.

As Rally Coordinator, Ms Moffat also managed rider bookings, organised instructors for regular rallies and attended committee meetings throughout the year.

The Winter Woollies Show is an important source of income for the club, which shares responsibility for maintaining the grounds it leases from the council.

“Funds raised by the event support the club, so we can put another Winter Woolies on next year, and maintain the grounds and things like that,” Ms Moffat said.

Despite the fundraising focus, Ms Moffat said the event is equally valuable as a social occasion.

“It’s good for the club, and it’s good for the people that come. Everybody has a lovely day,” she said.

Among the competitors was Angela Jade Thompson, who was returning to competition after a four-year break.

“I haven’t competed in four years, so this is my first show back,” she said.

It was the relaxed atmosphere that rendered the competition an ideal event for Ms Thompson to return to.

“Being a little more low key, the pressure isn’t as high, so it’s a bit more of a relaxed environment to bring the horse back out and for myself to build some confidence.”

For Ms Thompson, the event is about much more than placings and ribbons.

“Competitions are definitely better when they’re for fundraising,” she said.

“It makes it less, less of a coming for the placings. It’s more of just coming for the atmosphere and for the good cause.”

Ms Thompson also highlighted the importance of supporting grassroots equestrian clubs.

“Fundraising events like these help build a

backbone for the community,” she said.

“It’s a very big community, but run by very small clubs with very few people operating them.”

“By having these smaller events, it helps the little people be seen and be known and feel a little bit more a part of what the whole HRCAV actually is.”

For Ms Thompson, nothing compares to competing on horseback.

“The thrill, the adrenaline, the feeling of being able to control and bond with an animal of such size and to be able to do the things that we do is amazing” she said.

“Anyone can drive a car or ride a motorbike, but having a connection with such a big animal, it’s a very unique experience.”

The event was supported by Bendigo Bank, whose sponsorship helped fund important infrastructure improvements at the grounds.

Branch Manager Keeley Mahoney said the bank works closely with local groups to strengthen the community.

“We really love our town that we live in and we want to make sure it thrives in all areas and covers all ages and types of people in the town,” Ms Mahoney said.

“The profit that we make we try to give back to a diverse group of clubs and groups.”

Mahoney said supporting groups such as the riding club helps create opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and connected.

“Supporting this group is really important,” she said. “Older ladies looking to do something fun and yeah a bit of competition healthy competition it’s great.”

Vice President Moffat said the club was particularly grateful for the bank’s assistance in repairing a dangerous drainage issue in the top arena.

“The Bendigo Bank has been exceedingly supportive,” she said.

“The money that they gave us to fix the drain on the top arena, because it was really dangerous, and, you know, not safe for the kids or anybody riding on it.”

WIth the first speckles of rain rolling in as the event came to a conclusion, all but one of Ms Moffat’s hopes for this year’s event had come to fruition.

“I just wanted for everybody to have a nice day, and to not get wet before they go home.”

Damp boots aside, all riders left with a smile on their faces, and thanks to the support of competitors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters, the event helped secure valuable funds for the Healesville Pony Club to deliver next year’s Winter Woolies event.

Yarra Valley photographer TRACEY FRAZER was up bright and early to capture the frost and fog in the Yarra Valley as winter really sets in. It was a chilly start to the week in Woori Yallock on Monday 15 June.

Frosty, foggy photos capture winter in the Valley

Return to form for Eagles

By Callum Ludwig

The Lilydale teams were both back on the winners’ list as the Masters hosted Blackburn and Seniors welcomed Berwick.

On a cold, wet night, the Masters mustered up enough numbers to take the field, including debuts for Luke Knoll and Daniel Galland.

The first chance of the day fell Lilydale’s way as they worked a nice chance out to the right flank but the cross went straight into the keeper’s hands. Blackburn would bounce back and get their first shot on target after a great diagonal ball but the shot was tame and straight at Lilydale keeper Daniel Nicholls.

Both sides would then see two speculative efforts blazed over the bar.

After claiming the ball, Nicholls would pump it long in the 16th minute and Blackburn would fail to deal with the bouncing ball which Galland would nod on into the path of Daniel Dickson. He would charge through the backline but see his shot from a tough angle flash just across the face of the goal.

It wouldn’t be long before the Eagles would have a breakthrough as Daniel Dickson slipped Byron Loveless in behind and he coolly slotted home to make it 1-0 in the 20th minute.

It would be an arm wrestle for a few minutes before a Blackburn corner called Nicholls into action. His punch from a corner wouldn’t clear the danger but Lilydale were able to get it out.

Daniel Dickson would have the next big chance after going on a marauding run through the middle as Blackburn tried and failed to stop him. Unfortunately for the Eagles, his left-footed shot would go just wide of the onrushing keeper and the near post.

Blackburn would gain a bit of momentum, firing a shot from range that didn’t test Nicholls but would win the ball back soon after. Jade Brandeth would unleash a curling and dipping shot that would nestle in the top left corner to make it 1-1.

Amin Fazl would muster a shot on target in the search for an elusive first goal for the club but it would put the Eagles in peril after a scramble in their own box would see Blackburn get a shot off

from close range. Fortunately, it was a tame effort into the arms of Nicholls.

Five minutes after the restart, Lilydale would have some breathing room again after a nice through ball from Daniel Dickson to Loveless again and he would once again calmly tuck it away.

Daniel Dickson would again have a pair of chances in quick succession, chopping inside for the first and firing from a run in behind on the second but neither would trouble the scorers, both saved by the keeper.

A penalty for Lilydale minutes later gave Loveless a chance to complete his hat-trick and he duly converted with a tidy shot into the bottom left corner.

Knoll would get a chance for a debut goal after Blackburn attempted to clear a cross from Daniel Dickson but his left-footed effort was held by the keeper.

Blackburn would see a trivela effort and longrange lob sail over the bar and the final chance of the game fell to Lilydale’s Allen Dickson, fresh off a plane and straight to the game, but his chip was held and that would be all for the action at Morrison Reserve.

Lilydale remain in a three-way tie for first, sitting third only on goal difference and play Maroondah at home this week.

With reinforcements arriving in the form of the returning Bailey Hone, Marcus Salvitti and Mark Vanderkolk, as well as new recruit Lachlan Friswell, the Seniors looked to get back to winning ways.

The first chance of the day would fall Berwick’s way but the wild shot was lashed over.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, they would come undone from a corner after it sailed over the defenders at the front post, Lilydale didn’t clear their lines and James Djuang fired home.

Lilydale would soon be forced to face an indirect free kick after Daniel Dickson handled a ball the ref deemed to have been passed back by Salvitti, but the shot was tame.

Sean O’Connor would have the Eagles’ first shot from distance but he would drag it wide.

A corner shortly after would provide a massive chance when Mark Vanderkolk was able to meet it at the back post, but he headed the ball into his own shoulder and out for a goal kick.

Lilydale would have a shout for a penalty after some nice footwork from Jake ‘Digga’ Dioguardi who laid it off for wing partner Tarin Cooper who was clattered from behind as he got his shot off but the referee waved it away.

Berwick would have some joy down their right wing but on multiple occasions failed to trouble Lilydale with crosses or shots.

Some good pressure from Lucas Cordedda forced the Berwick keeper into a save from close range from his own teammate’s attempted clearance.

Salvitti tried a shot from range but it was straight at the goalkeeper.

Finally the Eagles would find a breakthrough in the 33rd minute after some nice work from a throw-in saw Salvitti get to the byline and whip in a delicious cross with his left foot. Cordedda rose to meet it with a glancing header to equalise.

The rest of the half would be a tight tussle with no clear chances in the slippery conditions.

The first shot of the second half from Salvitti forced the keeper into a comfortable save and Berwick would counter from it with Dickson forced into his own save, but it was a stellar effort to tip a curling shot wide.

Berwick would make it 2-1 in the 52nd minute after Dylan Donovan lost the ball in his own half, it fell to Tipene Himiona who took a good touch and fired home with his left.

Some good pressing high up the pitch would

see Byron Loveless, fresh off his Masters hat-trick, with time to shoot at the edge of the box but he would drag his shot just wide.

Loveless would be the man to draw the Eagles level however after a quick counter attack saw Mark Vanderkolk spray a ball forward. A Berwick defender would intercept but fail to clear and Cooper picked it up, played it to Loveless who lashed it into the back of the net.

Things got feisty, with tough challenges flying in from both sides. O’Connor picked up a yellow for multiple fouls while Cordedda and Berwick’ Billy Humphrey each picked one up for a bit of push-and-shove.

Mark Vanderkolk let fly in the 62nd minute with a vicious shot that would leave the crossbar reverberating as it slammed into it and away from the goal.

Berwick would hit the bar themselves after the ball pinballed around in the box before falling to the attacker who would chip Dickson but not have enough dip for it to drop down into the goal. Dickson was forced into another save when Berwick broke on the counter and left the Eagles scrambling to cover.

It would be Vanderkolk to put the Eagles in front for the first time after a long ball was pumped forward and Berwick again didn’t deal with it. It fell forward to the Mark in midfield and he was on the mark with his shot.

Only two minutes later and Vanderkolk would give Lilydale some breathing room after Digga won the ball back up the pitch, played it inside to him and he was able to swivel and shoot.

The niggle would continue as Donovan picked up a yellow for a foul and then another 10 minutes later to see him sent off and some insults traded back and forth between Lilydale players and the Berwick coaches and players.

However, their talk was cheap as other than a scramble when Dickson spilled a free kick that was crossed into the box, Berwick failed to muster up any chances against the 10-man Lilydale and it would end 4-2.

The win took the Eagles up to sixth ahead of their game against Blackburn Wolfpack.

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Brisbane vs Sydney

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Carlton vs West Coast

Collingwood vs Richmond

Port Adelaide vs Adelaide

North Melbourne vs Essendon

Fremantle vs Gold Coast Suns

BYES: WESTERN

1. What emoji do you use the most?

Goggle eyes, kissing emoji (sometimes using a memoji) & two champagne glasses clinking!

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

Wow…peace and quiet! Book (s), matches (I don’t fancy rubbing 2 sticks together) and fishing rod.

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

Iceland for its stunning scenery & unique way of life.

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

Mini minor: number plate BGR 369 – it was called the bugger

5. Where would you like to retire?

Where I live – no plans to move, but with some good beach time

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

A meat in China – I thought it must have been dog but was informed it would have been bear or horse! I wasn’t relieved to hear that! Not a fan!

7. If you had any super power for a week, what would it be, and how would you use it?

I often wish I had the powers of Samantha in

Bewitched – clean the house, change the clothes, and immediately get somewhere else

8. What movie title matches your job role? Persuasion

9. Which historical figure would you most like to date, and why?

JFK Junior – smart guy with an interesting life and he looked ok too!

10. What is the craziest thing you believed as a child? That gorillas were involved in guerilla warfare. I just couldn’t get my head around it, but it was on 3LO news so it must have been true!

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

Not too much, my dog Max is deaf – from a very young age!

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