Tuesday, 25 August, 2026
Quarry Rd development approved
Book Week kicks off
Claws n Paws one of the best
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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The team that could Without dropping a game, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School will head into the state mixed netball competition in fine form. Outclassing their opponents in the division, district and regional competitions, the team landed themselves a spot in the 9 September competition, where they’ll face schools from across the state. The team of Grade 5 and 6 students come from mixed sporting backgrounds but have worked well as one to see them advance at every stage. Whether they win or not, the team was happy to have made it to state. Read the full story on page 29
Front: Lenny, Alyssa and Cooper. Back: Lyla, Milly, Sophie, Sylvie and Abbi. (Mikayla van Loon: 573478)
Graves destroyed 12891395-AM33-26
Gravestones marking the final resting places of hundreds of World War I and World War II Commonwealth soldiers, including the first Lilydale resident to volunteer in WWI, were crushed and used as drainage fill by the British Army, Freedom of Information disclosures have revealed. The documents, obtained by San Franciscobased researcher Ben Soppitt, show that approximately 800 damaged headstones were removed from the Basra War Cemetery in 2003 under the
guise of protecting them from local vandalism. However, internal military minutes reveal that by 2005, authority was granted to crush the headstones into 40mm rubble—ensuring all military insignia and names were unreadable—before using them to construct a drainage ditch at the Shaibah logistics base. Among the destroyed markers was that of Gunner Alfred Niblett, a British-born Imperial Reservist living in Lilydale, Victoria, who reported for duty just six days after war was declared in August 1914. Niblett served in France before being
deployed to Persia, where he was killed in action in 1916. The Lilydale RSL sub-branch expressed dismay over the revelation, noting that while his name remains on the local memorial, his grave in Basra is now unmarked, with no plans from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to replace the headstones. Mr Soppitt, whose British grandfather, Gunner Joseph Soppitt, died in Iraq in 1941 and remains buried at the site, spent years investigating the cemetery’s condition. After travelling to Iraq
to document derelict sites and launching an FOI request with the UK Ministry of Defence, Mr Soppitt uncovered the systematic destruction of the markers. An estimated 50,000 Commonwealth soldiers died in Iraq across both world wars. Mr Soppitt has since lodged a High Court application for judicial review to hold the British military and CWGC accountable and secure full restoration funding for Iraq’s war graves. Read the stories on pages 6 and 7
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The ACCC will develop new regulations that fall in line with previously established international standards. (Stewart Chambers: 534243)
E-bike changes coming By Oliver Winn A major mountain biking group in the Yarra Ranges welcomed plans to develop nationally consistent safety standards for e-bikes. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced it would create new regulations on 13 August, marking an important step in reducing e-bike related injuries, deaths and battery fires. Yarra Ranges Mountain Biking Club (YRMBC) president Andrew Howieson said the move was a “positive step” that would help clear the name of legitimate e-bikes. “It’s a really positive step that should be taken, and it’s something we’ve been advocating for and making our thoughts on the subject known for quite some time,” Mr Howieson said. The new regulations will be informed by the international standard EN-15194, following the Federal Government’s adoption of the same standards for importation last year. The move also aligns with YRMBC’s own policy on the use of e-bikes during the club’s group rides. EN-15194 requires imported e-bikes to have a motor that cuts off at 25 kilometres per hour, a 250-watt limit on power, and for the motor to only assist when pedalling rather than relying on a throttle. It also requires e-bikes to meet manufacturing
standards and anti-tamper conditions. Mr Howieson said legitimate e-bikes manufactured to the EN-15194 standard provide people such as his father, who lives with Parkinson’s, to ride again. “My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s recently. He’s got a legitimate e-mountain bike, and we can go mountain biking together. He really struggles with things like walking and balance. “He can’t climb ladders, but he’s really proficient at riding a bike to the point where we can go ride green and blue mountain bike trails. “For a small moment in time, he doesn’t feel like he has Parkinson’s, and he’s able to go and live his life and enjoy something that doesn’t restrict him or impact him. So e-mountain bikes and e-bikes in general –- legitimate ones –- are a great tool for that reason,” Mr Howieson said. But he said unsafe and illegal e-motorbikes were tarnishing the reputation of proper e-bikes. “You’ve got these e-bikes coming into the market that surpass that speed limit, so you’ve got bikes suddenly capable of doing fifty, sixty, or seventy kilometres an hour, if not more. That poses its own risk.” Illegal e-motorbikes are often manufactured to poor standards and therefore carry a high fire risk. An illegally modified e-motorbike caught fire on the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail in January 2026 and nearly led to a major blaze on an ex-
The new standards will stop illegal e-motorbikes such as the one that caused the Warburton fire from entering the market. (Sarah Wilcox) treme fire danger day. Mr Howieson said e-bikes manufactured to the EN-15194 standard are as safe as they can get. He compared e-bikes to other household electrical appliances, stating how any appliance not made professionally carries a fire risk. “Look at how many house fires are caused by failing electrics, by someone who tried to do their own electrical work at home and isn’t qualified to do it. “They’ve got something wrong or it wasn’t
done to a certain standard. That comprises a large amount of house fires. When you’re looking at these items [e-bikes] coming through that don’t meet the same standards and regulations, that poses that risk.” “Unfortunately, what it does is make it really hard for people who do legitimately need a legitimate e-bike and should be entitled to have one. “You go down to your bike shop and buy an e-bike with a motor from Shimano or Bosch; these are like going into Harvey Norman and buying a fridge, TV, or laptop computer. These all meet these standards. That’s the point of them,” Mr Howieson said. In a statement to the Bicycle Network, federal infrastructure and transport minister Catherine King said the Federal Government were taking steps to crack down on unsafe and illegal e-rideables on our roads and in our communities. “This standard will give Australians the confidence that the products being sold are legal and fit for purpose, and will help keep Australians safe.” Mr Howieson said e-bikes were a valuable asset to those who need it. “People like my dad shouldn’t have their opportunities removed because of other people doing the wrong thing. He shouldn’t be paying the price for that just out of a wrongful association because they’re two totally different things,” he said.
Key points for e-bike changes and regulations The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) move will introduce leading safety standards on the sale of e-motorbikes in the country. This standard is known as EN-15194 and is used all over the world to shape how countries approach regulating e-bikes. EN-15194 has a few basic requirements. Here’s a quick rundown: 2 MAIL | Tuesday, 25 August, 2026
■ - Maximum motor output of 250 watts ■ - Maximum 25km/h speed limit for pedal assistance ■ - Tough manufacturing standards ensure safe electrical systems and mechanical components. ■ - Anti-tampering provisions significantly prevent the power and speed limitations being altered by sellers or owners. Why have illegal e-motorbikes become popular
in the first place? Australia used to have the EN-15194 standard but it was removed in 2021 by the Morrison government. The result was an e-bike boom, with companies cashing in on relaxed regulations and selling illegal e-motorbikes as e-bikes. According to an ABC article, industry figures suggest the number of e-bikes imported into Australia rose from 9,000 e-bikes in 2017 to 200,000 in 2021.
Until now, the ACCC hadn’t established safety standards on the sale of e-bikes. Until November 2025, it was very easy for companies to import illegally made e-motorbikes into the country. How can people avoid buying illegal e-motorbikes? The best way to avoid buying illegal e-motorbikes is to buy directly from a local e-bike store.
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IN BRIEF Historical sexual assault investigation Knox Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) detectives are appealing for information regarding a historical sexual assault in Lilydale. Investigators have received a complaint from a female victim who attended a Lilydale doctor’s office in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The woman was a teenager at the time of the incident. Investigators received the complaint on 26 June 2026 and commenced an investigation. Knox SOCIT Detective Senior Constable Jessica Barkley urged any victims or anyone with information to come forward. “The Lilydale medical clinic where the incident occurred is no longer in operation,” she said. “While we have only had one victim come forward at this time, we suspect there may be other victims out there who have not come forward. “It’s never too late for people to come forward with allegations of this kind.” Detectives urge any victims, witnesses or anyone with information relating to this matter to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Bird flu located in Christmas Hills
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A former Eastern Health nurse has been temporarily barred form re-registering after entering a relationship with a patient. (File: 274922)
Nurse faces ban By Callum Ludwig A former Eastern Health nurse has been reprimanded, had their nursing registration cancelled, been barred from applying for reinstatement for 12 months and prohibited from providing any health service for breaching professional standards. The nurse worked as a secondary case manager for patients with serious mental illness and transgressed by engaging in a personal and intimate relationship with a patient, including allowing them to stay at their home. The nurse had been an enrolled nurse for nearly 20 years when they were assigned to the patient in late 2022. By 1 February 2023, Eastern Health received a complaint that the individual had formed an inappropriate relationship with a patient and an investigation began, including interviewing the nurse. After the investigation was completed, Eastern Health determined serious misconduct had occurred and terminated the nurse’s employment on 15 March 2023. More complaints were made to the Mental Health Complaints Commission and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the case was later referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). VCAT members Siran Nyabally, Donna Goldsmith and Leonie Baker oversaw the case, which the nurse declined to attend due to ‘many other
complicated personal issues’. The evidence pointed to the nurse having breached professional standards between November 2022 and September 2024, during which time they held registration and pursued a relationship with the patient. The patient was single, with lived experience of schizophrenia and polysubstance use disorder, had experienced homelessness and voluntarily sought support from Eastern Health. After meeting with Eastern Health following the complaint, the nurse admitted to having a personal relationship with the patient, paying for hotels including a stay for them both at the York on Lilydale Hotel, and calling an ambulance on one occasion when the patient overdosed at the Ibis Hotel in Glen Waverley. The nurse agreed that their conduct was unacceptable and that they “stuffed up so bad”. For the stay at The York, the nurse requested to put the stay in another name but that they would be ‘in and out of the room’. A file note provided by the York on Lilydale owners ALH Group Central to Eastern Health said the pair were ‘black listed’ after drugs equipment was found in their room. When the nurse was interviewed by AHPRA in September 2024, they indicated they had been working as an in-home carer, with the role including helping the patient with appointments, administering depot injections and providing rehabilitation, community and family support. According to the nurse, this included ‘spend-
ing a lot of time listening to the patient’s frustrations, and discussing their upbringing, family history and issues with their mother’. The relationship between the two developed after the patient became homeless and was living in their car, so the nurse helped pay for motels and ‘dropped in and out’ of them, including overnight stays and being present during the overdose in Glen Waverley. While the nurse claimed they were not in a relationship during the Eastern Health investigation, they told AHPRA they were now in a sexual relationship and the patient was living with them. In the finding, the VCAT members “determined that the decision to engage in a personal or sexual relationship with a current/former patient was a serious departure from professional standards, given the inherent power imbalance that existed between them.” The “continued relationship” after their termination was also deemed to demonstrate “poor ethical decision making and judgment” and “a lack of professional propriety”, disrespecting “the trust that patients place in their treating practitioners”. Their conduct was deemed “substantially below the standard reasonably expected of a registered health practitioner of an equivalent level of training and experience, and because it lacks moral integrity, making it inconsistent with her being a fit and proper person to hold registration as a nurse.”
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As of 21 August, H5 Avian Influenza has been reported in Sugarloaf Reserve in Christmas Hills. If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife: avoid contact record the exact location and what you observed report it online or call 1800 675 888 At this stage, H5 bird flu has not been detected in poultry and has not become established in any part of Australia. Although any bird species can become infected, bird groups associated with water are highly susceptible. This includes shorebirds, waders such as ibis, waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans, and seabirds such as seagulls, terns, petrels and penguins. Species that live in large colonies are particularly susceptible. Predatory birds and scavenger species are also at risk due to the high likelihood of these species consuming infected animals. Infected animals experience rapid deterioration in health and can die from the effects of the virus within a matter of hours to days. Infected birds shed the virus in saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. The virus can spread to domestic birds when wild birds interact with them and contaminate their food or water. The Yarra Ranges Council knows the community cares deeply about wildlife and wants to help when they see an animal in distress. Injured wildlife may still need rescue and care, but if birds or wildlife appear sick or dead, avoid contact and report it so trained responders can safely assess the situation. For the latest information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu
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Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL 3
NEWS
‘Mindless’ warehouses OK’d By Callum Ludwig A $57.45 million, 5.1 hectare, 106 warehouse development has been approved for construction at 65 Quarry Road, Lilydale. The ministerial permit was approved by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny despite significant community concerns from Yarra Ranges Council, Mount Lilydale Mercy College (MLMC) and nearby residents. Even the approval of the permit wasn’t smooth sailing however, with stakeholders incorrectly advised on 7 August that the project was to be subject to a Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee process, an error which was corrected a week later. A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said they’ve worked closely with the local council and other agencies to plan for this industrial area, supporting local jobs and investment. “The community’s feedback has been taken into account to make sure we get long term planning right,” they said. “Following the permit’s issue, a notification was sent to stakeholders that contained an inaccuracy, that has been corrected.” “We apologise for the administrative error and any confusion or inconvenience it may have caused.” During the initial consultation period, only a sign on the fenceline of the land and two residents were contacted to advise of the permit application. Kristy Thomsen was one of those residents, and set off on a campaign to ensure her neighbourhood and MLMC were made aware. Ms Thomsen said she couldn’t believe the permit had been approved. It’s going to be a huge impact, I don’t want to live there, I want to leave, but I’m not going to be able to sell that house, people won’t wanna buy it” she said. “Who would want to live opposite a development with 106 factories with traffic to and from, even the construction noise is just going to be horrendous, absolutely horrendous. “This should have been a council-approved permit, because the council look after the residents and the community, and this is affecting the residents and community significantly.” The permit was approved through the Victorian Government’s fast-tracked Development Facilitation Program (DFP), which was introduced in 2020 to allow large-scale projects to bypass local councils and be directly approved by the planning minister. The DFP was implemented in response to a cocktail of rising permit application costs, Covid-19 delays, and ‘NIMBY’ (Not In My Backyard) groups halting or delaying larger projects in the planning process, including proposals for higher-density housing. Billanook ward councillor for Yarra Ranges Council Tim Heenan said this is the first time since he was elected that he’s not been able to use his voice to represent the people who have elected him so many times. “Even in my two years as mayor, I did not have to deal with something of this magnitude where there was just no or little consultation with the residents… it’s bloody mindless,” he said. “Local government is in a lot of cases the whipping boy when residents are angry about something that’s going to be pushed through council without enough consultation…the thing that really angers people to the max is when they don’t have an understanding or they’re not consulted
L-R: Resident and MLMC parent Kristy Thompson with MLMC business manager Dean de Munk. (Callum Ludwig: 540703) or kept in the dark regarding something like this. “The minister would not even be aware of this part of Lilydale and it’s a beautiful part of Lilydale, and a lot of the people, they love the, uh, harmony and the peace, I was down there the other day… there was something like one hundred kangaroos just grazing around that area, they’ll all disappear when we concrete the jungle down there.” MLMC were first informed of the project when Ms Thomsen arrived at their office with a photocopied version of the permit application, despite the fact the school owns the land adjacent to the development, using it for sports and outdoor education. Principal Philip Morison said he’s been confused by the process, with the school not consulted in any way since making a submission other than to receive a letter as a concerned party. “It’s worrying, and in fact, I’m quite disappointed that no one actually bothered to speak to us, that I know of, at a local level,” he said. “There are some issues, I’d certainly love to have a conversation with them as they work through some of these issues…if they want to talk to us, I’d love the opportunity to talk to them.”
A total of 64 objections were submitted against the application, with key concerns included the traffic impacts on both Quarry Road and surrounding roads, potential for flooding and stormwater impacts, location and timing of traffic counts, land use and neighbourhood character fears and construction impacts. Cr Heenan said the movement of traffic is the ‘big thing’ for the community. “We do have peak periods where the mums and dads are driving their children to school, but I think people have got used to that and they are used to the Beresford Road traffic that goes through to Victoria Road…but this just goes beyond that,” he said. Mr Morison said Anderson Street is already busy enough. “I am concerned about traffic and how they are going to access Quarry Road, to my mind, I think they’re either going to come down Anderson Street past the school or come in off the highway on Nelson Road…our parents have trouble getting in and out of the school as it is and I think that there’s going to be substantial increased traffic,” he said.
According to the traffic assessment, Quarry Road currently carries an average of 413 vehicles per day, expected to jump up to 1111 vehicles per day once the development is completed. Traffic counts were criticised by community members for only being done on Quarry Road and Trafalgar Crescent, rather than Nelson Road and Anderson Street which will provide the primary entry points from the Maroondah Highway to the site. Initial assessments were also completed on school holidays, with a further assessment completed during the school term due to the backlash, but still not on Anderson Street or Nelson Road. According to the traffic report, the ‘surrounding road network can carry the additional load, which was not disputed by Council.’ Yarra Ranges Council’s objection helped ensure Quarry Road would be widened to seven metres and a pavement report conducted, but it was deemed ‘onerous on the applicant’ for the developer to be responsible for constructing a footpath on Quarry Road. Planning & Property Partners were contacted for comment.
A timeline of the 65 Quarry Road ministerial permit application By Callum Ludwig With a ministerial permit granted for 65 Quarry Road, Lilydale, here is a timeline on how the decision came to be. ■ 24 October 2020: The Development Facilitation Program (DFP) is announced and launched by the Victorian Government and Richard Wynne, the planning minister at the time. ■ 17 February 2023: The DFP receives the application for a ministerial permit PA2504149 at 565 Quarry Road, Lilydale for use and staged development of land for warehouses. ■ 14 May 2024: Yarra Ranges Council issue a permit for earthworks to level part of the site by importing fill along the western part of the site. ■ 20 December 2025: The initial reports and plans for 65 Quarry Road, Lilydale are submit4 MAIL | Tuesday, 25 August, 2026
ted to the DFP. ■ 22 December 2025: The DFP lodges the application in the Planning Online Lodgement (POL) system. ■ 27 February 2026: A sign goes up on the existing fence at the site and Kristy Thomsen and one other resident are informed of the application. ■ 6-8 March 2026: Kristy Thomsen informs her neighbours and Mount Lilydale Mercy College (MLMC) about the application. ■ 7 March 2026: Yarra Ranges Council objects to the proposal. ■ 13 March 2026: The Star Mail meets with Ms Thomsen and MLMC business manager Dean de Munk to discuss the concerns with the development. Nearby resident Chelsea Preston also comments on the issue. ■ 3-6 April 2026: Further traffic counting is con-
Kristy Thompson at her Quarry Road home. (Callum Ludwig: 540703) ducted over the Easter long weekend. ■ 23 April: Pneumatic tubes are placed on Quarry Road and Trafalgar Crescent ahead of Anzac
Day. ■ 1 June 2026: Public notice of the application is issued, including the received submissions. ■ 15 June 2026: Yarra Ranges Council submits that it is satisfied with the internal circulation ■ of vehicles within the site, accepts the widening of Quarry Road and recommends a pavement report and footpath works. ■ 13 January to 31 July 2026: CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, Melbourne Water and Yarra Valley Water submit no objections to the proposal. ■ 7 August 2026: The permit is approved but stakeholders are incorrectly advised the application has been referred to the Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee. ■ 14 August 2026: A correction is issued and it is confirmed that the development had been approved.
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Third teachers’ strike off By AAP, Nick Wilson and Allanah Sciberras Public school teachers in Victoria are poised to pocket Australia’s fattest pay cheques, with a third statewide strike canned after a sweetened offer was accepted. Teachers, principals and support staff in Victoria’s public system endorsed a minimum pay increase of 28.3 per cent over four years after 79 per cent of voting Australian Education Union members backed the offer. The deal, which is expected to cost taxpayers $5.4 billion over the life of the agreement, brings to a close a protracted industrial dispute that sparked two strikes. A third statewide strike, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, has been called off. Public school teachers and other education staff had been locked in a fierce dispute with the Labor state government for more than a year as the union pushed for better working conditions and a 35 per cent pay rise over four years. Northern Territory teachers are the highest-paid in Australia, with their wages ranging from a starting base of $96,180 up to $136,997 for experienced classroom teachers. Under the new deal, Victorian teachers will take that title after they were previously the worst-paid in the nation. All teachers’ salaries will jump by a minimum of 13.04 per cent, with increases of between 4.0 and 4.9 per cent from 2026 until 2029. An experienced teacher’s pay will increase to about $151,000 by 2029, while graduate teachers can expect to pull in an extra $12,343 by October 2026, bringing the cohort in line with NSW. “Today, resoundingly, we are delivering the best pay and conditions for Victorian teachers,” Premier Ben Carroll told reporters on Monday. The latest offer included a one-off $2000 bonus and a one per cent annual lump-sum payment for staff at the top of their pay scales. It also featured a cap on face-to-face teaching hours and maintained a reduction in annual meeting commitments from 80 hours to 40
Australian Education Union Victoria president Justin Mullaly marches during a strike by public school teachers, principals, and support staff, in Melbourne, Thursday, July 23, 2026. (AAP Image/Christopher Hopkins) hours. “There are some real improvements when it comes to recognition of the experience of teachers, education support and school leaders who are at the top of their pay scale with further allowances,” the union’s Victorian president Justin Mullaly said. The revised offer was the first put to the union since Education Minister Gabrielle Williams took over the portfolio from now-premier
Mr Carroll. An estimated 35,000 protesters marched through Melbourne’s city centre in March, the first action of its kind in 13 years. It was followed by a second strike in July, which drew an estimated 20,000 protesters into central Melbourne, after another offer was shot down by 51 per cent of members. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson labelled Mr Carroll “incompetent” for failing to broker the
deal sooner. “We’ve seen lost days of learning under Ben Carroll,” she said. Ms Williams said she was confident the deal would be in force by October but it still faced a vote of all employees as required under the Fair Work Act. Fight the Crisis, a group of rank-and-file union members, said it remained opposed to the deal and would resist its “untenable terms”.
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Lilydale RSL ‘dismayed’ By Mikayla van Loon Lilydale’s first soldier to volunteer his service in World War I no longer has a physical grave after it came to light in the British media earlier this month that headstones from Basra War Cemetery were destroyed. A freedom of information (FoI) request submitted by Ben Soppitt, a descendant of a British World War II soldier buried in the Iraq cemetery, revealed that the British Army had removed hundreds of gravestones in 2003 due to fear of further damage and degradation. Two years later, released documents showed that approval was given to turn the headstones into gravel for use as fill in a drainage project at the Army’s Shaibah logistics base. Of the reported 800 First and Second World War gravestones of Commonwealth soldiers to be removed, one was linked to the Victorian township of Lilydale. Alfred Niblett, who was born in England, came to Victoria in 1912 and lived and worked in Lilydale for two years before his home country declared war on Germany. Having previously served in the Royal Field Artillery, Alfred was on the Imperial Reservist List, and so six days after war was declared, on 10 August 1914, he reported for duty at the British Consulate in Melbourne. He was 29 years old. The Australian Imperial Force (AIF) formed on 15 August 1914, with the first soldiers convening in Broadmeadows for training. Alfred was among them. Assigned to the 19th Battery of the Royal Field Artillery, he was first sent to France, where he served throughout 1915. His Battery was then deployed to Persia in November 1915, where they were assigned to help defend the garrison town of Kut, along the Tigris River, from the Turkish forces. Gunner A Niblett was killed in action on 7 February 1916, and was buried in the British War Cemetery in Basra. Alfred was recognised on a list of Lillydale
Upset Lilydale RSL members in front of Alfred Niblett’s name on the Lilydale War Memorial. L-R: John O’Donoghue, Trooper Bailey Padgham and Peter Paterson. (Supplied) Shire servicemen to have volunteered in the First World War by the Lilydale Express newspaper in April 1916. His name appears on the Lilydale War Memorial with his fellow soldiers who never returned home. “The Lilydale RSL are very upset and dismayed that the headstone of the first Lilydale resident to sign up in World War One has been destroyed - by the British Army,” the sub-branch
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said in a statement. An estimated 50,000 UK and Commonwealth soldiers died in Iraq in both World Wars. Around 3000 were buried in the Basra Cemetery, while a further 46,000 Commonwealth service personnel are commemorated on the Basra Memorial Wall. “In 2003, a British Unit stationed here was concerned about local vandalism and removed all the headstones from the graves at the Basra War Cemetery, including Alfred’s,” the Lilydale
RSL went on to state. “However, instead of safeguarding them, the headstones were later crushed into rubble and used as fill material for a drainage ditch. The bodies still remain in Basra, now in unmarked graves at the cemetery. There are no plans to replace the headstones.” Star Mail will publish an explainer on how this came to light. More to come.
When you move to a Summerset village, you’re not just moving house - you’re joining a warm and vibrant community of likeminded people. Experience this first-hand at Summerset Chirnside Park’s very first open days, every Friday and Saturday in August from 10am to 2pm. Grab a free barista made coffee and a donut before you explore the stunning display homes, thoughtfully designed with ease and comfort in mind. Take this opportunity to see what your life could be like at Summerset Chirnside Park and secure your preferred home.* Love the life you choose.
Join us at our first open days! Every Fri & Sat in August, 10am to 2pm
*Homes are secured by purchase of the licence to occupy and are subject to availability and eligibility criteria. Rental options are not available. Images and facilities are indicative.
6 MAIL | Tuesday, 25 August, 2026
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Destruction explained By Mikayla van Loon Learning in the 1990s that his biological grandfather had, in fact, died in Iraq during World War II, Ben Soppitt made a promise to his father to honour and remember the man he never knew. Gunner Joseph Soppitt died on 3 November 1941 after contracting dysentery, aged 32 and was buried at Basra War Cemetery. “No one from the family had ever visited the grave or even seen a picture of it, other than the temporary wooden cross that they sent a picture of with the notice of death,” Mr Soppitt said. In 1997, Mr Soppitt and his father requested information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), with the intention of visiting the site. A photo sent by the CWGC showed the cemetery in poor condition, littered with weeds and damaged headstones. “My father died having not fulfilled his wish to have his father properly commemorated and see the grave,” Mr Soppitt said. “I decided that this was not a commitment that I wanted to pass to my sons, so I continued to lobby the CWGC for information and to return to Iraq and do their job in honouring the sacrifice of all the men and women who died or are commemorated there.” Mr Soppitt said as he learnt more, “the more I felt a great injustice was done to these men and women”, particularly the Indian Army dead who constitute 80 per cent of the total casualties and were buried in mass graves without accurate record-keeping. Contacting a local Iraqi travel guide, Mr Soppitt was sent photos of the Basra cemetery, a nowcleared site, leaving “a derelict wasteground filled with rubbish”. In 2024, Mr Soppitt decided to visit Basra in southern Iraq and returned for a month in 2025 to visit every CWGC site to document and “fill the vacuum of information and images”. He posted these to social media and created a dedicated website called Commonwealth War Graves and Memorials in Iraq “so that others with relatives or interest in these sites could see them and as a historical record of them, as these sites are in danger of being lost forever.” In late 2025, a former British soldier, who
A military forklift moves a stack of memorial panels strapped to a pallet through the cemetery in 2003, with armed soldiers providing close protection during the recovery operation. (Supplied)
said he was involved in the removal and storage of the gravestones in 2003, messaged Mr Soppitt through Facebook. He had told Mr Soppitt the project aimed to safeguard the headstones and to prevent further damage, with the CWGC supposedly planning to restore the site. No one knew what had happened to the headstones, so in February this year, Mr Soppitt made a freedom of information (FoI) request to the British Ministry of Defence (MOD). “It took them five months (it’s meant to take 21 days) before they responded, and I discovered that the material had all been destroyed 18 months after its removal,” Mr Soppitt said. The FoI disclosures, published by Mr Soppitt on his website, show that in 2003, permission to clear the Basra War Cemetery was requested of the CWGC. “At present there is a large area of the graves covered by brambles, gorse and weeds,” the documents read. “Our proposal, in short, is to employ local good will and labour to clear the sites of both the Indian/Turkish and British cemetery of undergrowth. To clear the site of rubbish and remove the other damaged headstones that are lying on the ground.” It was noted that the CWGC had “a five year plan to restore the cemetery to its previous glory”.
“The majority of headstones have been removed to Basrah Palace for safe keeping, although they are all damaged beyond repair.” In May 2004, the CWGC was again contacted to advise on what to do with 50 pallets of World War I and II headstones. Minutes dated March 2005 revealed that approval was given to crush the headstones and memorial plaques. “Authority has been granted by Comm NSE and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to crush the grave stones,” the document reads. “These are to be crushed to 40mm, to ensure that no insignia or names are readable. They are then to be used to make a French Drane near the Medical Centre.” The British media reported the destruction in early August after the FoI disclosures were made public. “There is no doubt that the initial project to remove and safeguard the material was wellmeaning, if misguided, and naively assumed the CWGC were willing and able to act in Iraq despite the fact they abandoned it in 1990,” Mr Soppitt said. He said soldiers were unaware of the destruction and assumed the gravestones remained in storage. The World War II Cremation Memorial at Basra Cemetery, Basra Memorial and Amara War
The site of the RAF Peace cemetery at Basra War Cemetery, now bare ground. (Aram Bano via Ben Soppitt) Cemetery remain in the same condition as in 2003. “The sacrifice of these men and women was just as great as those in Europe and their deaths mourned just as much but they lie in unmarked graves,” Mr Soppitt said. An estimated 50,000 UK and Commonwealth soldiers died in Iraq in both World Wars. “The fate of the Indian Army dead is especially appalling,” Mr Soppitt said. Mesopotamia/Iraq plays a small but important role in terms of Australia, Mr Soppitt said, but casualties were difficult to count because many served in the British Army. “We know of at least 69 Australians, including WW1 and the interwar years, buried or commemorated in Iraq but that figure will be grossly underestimated given the number of Australians who served in British Units. Best guess would be 100-200 in total.” One of those men was Alfred Niblett, who is marked on the Lilydale War Memorial. Mr Soppitt lodged a High Court application for judicial review of the British Army’s actions. A decision is yet to be made. “The intent is to hold the MOD and CWGC to account for their actions and secure their commitment to fund the full renovation of Basra War Cemetery and all the sites in Iraq.”
New paramedics join outer east ambulance branches New graduate paramedics will join ambulance branches in the outer east later in September, bolstering the capacity of local emergency services. Branches in Montrose, Yarra Junction and Ferntree Gully will have a new paramedic on 14 September. 17 new graduate ambulance paramedics will also start at these other branches across the state: Clyde North, Coolaroo, Point Cook, Werribee (2), Hillside, St Albans, Rosebud, SRC North in Campbellfield, Eltham, Watsonia, Heidelberg, Moonee Ponds, Waverley, Caulfield, Kew and South Melbourne. Four will be placed in regional ambulance branches, including Belmont, Geelong, Kilmore and Gisborne. Having completed their university degree, all new graduate paramedics start at Ambulance Victoria with a comprehensive four-week induction and training program, giving them the ‘real world’ skills they need to hit the road alongside experienced paramedics. Ambulance Victoria has welcomed more graduate paramedics to its ranks, as well as four highly skilled intensive care paramedics from overseas and interstate. The four fully-qualified Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics will join ambulance branches in regional Victoria – and includes Ambulance Victoria’s first ever intensive care paramedic recruit from Vanuatu. “Ambulance Victoria has some of the most highly trained and skilled paramedics in the world,” Ambulance Victoria Chief Executive Officer Jordan Emery said. “We are very excited to welcome four recruits from Vanuatu, the UK and New South Wales to our MICA workforce. “Their professionalism and expertise will de-
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New paramedics have joined the ranks in the outer east. (File) liver the very best specialist care for Victorians facing the most critical life-threatening emergencies.”
The new MICA paramedics will be based in Mildura (one), Horsham (one) and Wonthaggi (two), hitting the road from 14 September 2026.
More new graduate and qualified paramedics will continue to join Ambulance Victoria throughout 2026-27.
Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL 7
BOOK WEEK
Living within the pages Anthony McAleer, secretary of the Lilydale RSL, historian and author, has written 26 novels that document local war history within and around the Yarra Valley. What’s the first book you ever remember reading? Reach for the Sky by Melbourne-born author and RAAF WW2 veteran Paul Brickhill. It was the extraordinary story of Sir Douglas Bader, a British RAF pilot who lost both his legs in a plane accident but went on to become a fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain and then a POW in Europe. Which book or series sparked your love of reading? Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill was the first wartime biography that I read and that got me hooked. Soon after I was devouring as many WW2 Biographies and history books as I could. How many books have you read this year? Possibly about five - but these were mainly on the Vietnam War and as research for my recent book ‘Vietnam - Long Hard Years, Not Forgotten’. What’s left on your to-be-read list for 2026? There are so many that I have put on hold while writing my own book. I really want to finally read ‘My Brilliant Career’ by Stella Miles Franklin since watching the new series on Netflix. Has there been a book that was hard to get through, but worth it in the end? I am pretty choosy with my reading; I wouldn’t start something that didn’t have a topic I was interested in or have a very good recommendation. So I usually enjoy my reads from start to finish. What book had the biggest impact on your life and why? There are two - Tim Bowden & Dr Hank Nelson’s ‘POW - Prisoners Under Nippon’ and ‘Wendy Lowenstein’s ‘Weevils in the Flower’. Both of these books taught me the value of oral history as a way of recording feelings, emotions, attitudes, sentiments and opinions in history, in a way that makes it personal and more relatable. As a result, I have used oral history in most of the books I have written. What is one book that everyone should read and why? My favourite book of all time is ‘Power without Glory’ by Frank Hardy - so for selfish reasons I would recommend that to people. It deals so well with the political and social aspects of Melbourne between 1890 & 1950 and is a great story. It was actually partially written in the Dandenongs as was C J Dennis’s ‘The Sentimental Bloke’ and Mrs Aeneas Gunn’s ‘We of the Never Never’ - two wonderful Australian classics.
Anthony McAleer with his favourite book ‘Power without glory’ (Stewart Chambers: 573037) Do you agree that you should never judge a book by its cover? Oh yes, in literature and in life. Who is your favourite author? Frank Hardy is my favourite author, only in that
he wrote my favourite book ‘Power Without Glory’, although he never wrote anything that came near to this again. For constancy, George Johnston wrote a series of great books starting with ‘My Brother Jack’.
Do you have a preferred genre, and if yes, why? Certainly, Australian History, I love learning more about our nation and the individuals that contributed to it. I love Australian military, political and social histories as well.
Georgia McAleer is a 25-year-old bibliophile who devours books - according to her father - and has recently rekindled her passion for reading, already surpassing her reading goal for 2026.
The ‘Bibliophile’ in bloom: a return to reading What’s the first book you ever remember reading? The first book I ever remember reading cover to cover was John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. At the ripe age of 13, I fell head over heels into this story about young love, stepping outside your comfort zone and, of course, devastating loss. I vividly remember sobbing my eyes out at the end and feeling as though these characters I’d only just met had somehow become members of my own family. Looking back, I think it was probably my first experience of realising just how deeply a book could make me feel. How many books have you read this year? So far, I’ve read 36 books! My original goal for the year was only 20, which felt ambitious considering I read five books the year before but somewhere along the way, I’ve completely fallen in love with reading for the first time in my life. It’s gone from something I was trying to make time for to something I genuinely can’t wait to do. There’s something so exciting about finishing a book and immediately wondering, “Okay, what am I reading next?” What’s left on your to-be-read list for 2026? SO. MANY. BOOKS. My TBR list has a few honourable mentions including Pride and Prejudice, The Handmaid’s Tale and The Correspondent. I love having a real mixture of classics and contemporary works. There are so many books that have been part of the cultural conversation for decades that I’m only just discovering and I’m so glad that I am. What book had the biggest impact on your life and why? Without a doubt, Daisy Jones & The Six by Tay8 MAIL | Tuesday, 25 August, 2026
Georgia McAleer and her dad Anthony McAleer (Stewart Chambers: 573037) lor Jenkins Reid. It follows a fictional rock band in the 1970s and is told through a series of interviews with the band members as they recount their rise, relationships and eventual downfall. When they released a television adaptation, I fell even further down the rabbit hole and I dyed my hair red like Daisy. I fell in love with the music created for the series and, most significantly, it inspired me creatively. I’m now developing a musical tribute show based around the fictional band and its music that will take place next year!
What is one book that everyone should read and why? Animal Farm by George Orwell. I picked it up because I knew it was required reading at so many high schools, but I’d somehow never had the chance to read it myself. What surprised me was just how relevant it still feels. Orwell takes enormous ideas such as power, propaganda, fear, inequality and explores them through a group of farm animals. It sounds odd when one describes it that way, yet that’s exactly what makes it so bril-
liant. It’s short, accessible and leaves you thinking about it long after you’ve finished. Do you agree that you should never judge a book by its cover? Oh, absolutely! I remember first hearing about Heated Rivalry and thinking there could genuinely be nothing less interesting to me than a book about hockey players. I was very quickly proven wrong. It ended up becoming one of my favourite books I’ve ever read. A beautiful queer love story about identity, societal expectations, self-discovery and two people trying to work out what they’re willing to risk for each other. It was a very good reminder that sometimes the stories you assume aren’t “for you” are the ones that can surprise you the most. Which book or series can you picture as a movie or TV show? Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. I don’t think I’ve ever pictured a book so vividly while reading it. Luckily, I won’t have to rely on my imagination for much longer because the movie adaptation is coming in November 2026! Which book have you just finished or are currently reading? What did you think? I’ve just finished Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. I’d already seen the television adaptation, but I was delighted to discover that not only is Moriarty Australian, the original story is actually set here too! I finished the entire book in two days because I couldn’t put it down. I loved every twist and turn, but what stood out most was how brilliantly realised the characters were. They were messy, funny, frustrating and incredibly human. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew them personally. That’s always one of my favourite feelings when I finish a great story.
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BOOK WEEK
Tea, rain, a good book Star Mail’s newest journalist, Claudia Mather, has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember. Her second favourite activity (reading being the first) is talking about books. Which book or series sparked your love of reading? If I go way, way back - The Magic Faraway Tree is the first chapter book I vividly remember obsessing over and re reading it often. When I worked in a book shop, it was the number one book I recommended to the kids. How many books have you read this year? This year I’ve read 35 books so far. I’ve already had to update my reading goal on Goodreads twice throughout the year because I keep beating it. What’s left on your to-be-read list for 2026? I have way too many to list but one I’m excited to read soon is The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff. It follows a singular family over four generations and apparently it’s a tear-jerker which I will immediately love. Has there been a book that was hard to get through, but worth it in the end? One of the saddest books I ever read was The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. It was emotionally hard to read but held so much importance too. It was a story that made me feel like I was there with the characters. I remember bawling my eyes out over the pages when I finished it, in disbelief that the entire book was fictional, but to me, a book that makes me cry, is a well-written book.
Journalist Claudia at Verso Books with her favourite book ‘The great alone’. (Stewart Chambers 573386) What book had the biggest impact on your life and why? One I can think of that I read recently was The Lamb by Lucy Rose. It is a horror but the ‘horror’ of the book wasn’t even the most horrifying part, and that’s what got me. It was poetic and held so much meaning. It demonstrated the lengths we go to please the people we love and how heavily daughters can crave validation from their mothers in certain situations. I love a book that allows you to dig past its initial telling. Do you agree that you should never judge a book by its cover? Yes, but I still do it anyway (oops), (purely for bookshelf aesthetic purposes).
Who is your favourite author? It’s too hard to list one; Kristin Hannah, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Emily Henry, Cara Bastone…the list goes on! Do you have a preferred genre, and if yes, why? Probably historical fiction, it always amazes me that someone can take real historical events and tell a fictional story to place readers in a slice of that history. Which book or series can you picture as a movie or TV show? I would love to see the book Piranesi as a movie, it is such an other-worldly story that would be super-cool made visual. I felt like I was watching
a movie in my head as I read it. Describe your favourite place to sit and read. In bed with the electric blanket on, a cup of tea and preferably some rain on the roof. Is there an author, dead or alive, you would like to meet for coffee and a conversation? Fredrik Backman. He is such a strong storyteller and has this ability to create characters you feel you’ve known your entire life. If you could write your own novel or nonfiction, what would you write? I think I would love to write a cheesy rom-com set in New York City and make it as 2000s-romcom-coded as possible.
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Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL 9
BOOK WEEK
Mauve and Mr McGee Little Mauve, at just 14 months old, is the youngest amongst the bookworms and the biggest fan of Mr McGee. Her mother - Gigi takes time each day to read to Mauve, helping to develop lifelong foundations and fictional friends. What does Mauve love about the book Mr McGee? Mauve loves the story of Mr McGee because it’s funny and exciting. Especially when Mr McGee is flying through the air after eating the apple’s wiggly skin. How often does Mauve engage with a book? Mauve looks through and engages with the book Mr McGee often, sometimes 3-4 times a day. How important is it to you that Mauve develops enjoyment from books at a young age? This will help Mauve build a positive relationship with reading and learning. Stories like Mr McGee will help Mauve develop a good base for thinking, speaking and imagination too. While it might feel like a task for many, reading builds lifelong foundations that we use every day and
Mauve at The Patch Store with her favourite book Mr McGee (Stewart Chambers: 567420) fosters a positive association for schooling, future learning, reading for enjoyment and much more.
As a mum, do you have time to read your own books? For my first Mother’s Day, I received a Kindle
from my partner and Mauve, which I love and use every night to unwind, switch off and enjoy something just for me!
Chum Creek PS channels Children’s Book Week By Gabriella Vukman
Tanya Steele with Maria Millers (Stewart Chambers: 569188)
Maria’s top picks By Tanya Steele Maria Millers is an accomplished reader, and journalist Tanya Steele dropped by for a quick chat as Book Week sweeps across Australia. With stacks of books and bookcases in every corner, Maria has a wonderful collection, and she’s always been very into non-fiction as a whole. Here are a few recommendations by the Woorilla Poetry Prize founder for the non-fiction lovers or curious-minded out there. A recent recommendation of Maria’s is Tiny Gardens Everywhere: A History of Urban Resilience, by Kate Brown. The author and historian details the long and winding history of the small gardens and the communities that grow when they plant them. Another is Nick Bryant’s The Forever War, which has an updated edition detailing Trump’s return to the White House in 2025. Looking back 250 years, Maria said the book looks at how America has always been at war. One book Maria said she has returned to a few times is Pavilion of Women by Pearl S. Buck, released in 2012. Detailing the life of an upper-class Chinese woman striving for a change in her life, Maria said the matriarch and main character pursued her own kind of freedom throughout the novel. “She was hungry to learn, and she told all her children, ‘this is my time’,” she said. The Emerald local is a regular columnist for Star Mail. The column is called Woorilla Words, connecting real-world scenarios and issues to poetry. Maria emphasises how poets through generations have conveyed and expressed their thoughts and feelings about current events. 10 MAIL | Tuesday, 25 August, 2026
The students of Chum Creek Primary School have already charged into Children’s Book Week, holding their school-wide dress-up and parade day on Friday 21 August. It was a flurry of freckles, fur and fleece as students and teachers alike bustled throughout the school, dressed as their favourite book characters. Officially scheduled to take place between 22 and 28 August, Children’s Book Week is an annual nationwide celebration that aims to foster a lifelong love of reading. Run by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), this year’s Book Week theme is ‘Symphony of Stories,’ - a nod to the way in which culture, themes and genres form part of a wider literary orchestra. Education Support Staff at Chum Creek Primary Sharon White joined in the Book Week fun, donning a flappy grey pigeon costume. “I am dressed as the pigeon from ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus,’ because my husband works on buses and my children really love the book,” she said. “My costume is made out of a doona cover and now, after hours of sewing, it has become feathers and wings.” Ms White said despite it taking “Hours” to hand-make her costume, dressing up is something she looks forward to each year. “I take every opportunity I can to dress up,” she said. “I love it.” According to Ms White, the students at Chum Creek primary have been reviewing the CBCA’s shortlist of books for this year’s Book Week for the last few weeks. “We have a beautiful library here, which the kids have full access to, and where they have learned about all of the different books,” she said. “Book Week is really important because a lot of the books the students learn about are the ones that have been nominated for various reasons.” Ms White said the school’s Book Week parade was “the cutest thing ever.” “Everyone came out and each class walked around in their costumes,” she said. “Some of the kids got to talk about what they were dressed as, and why they chose that character.” “The kids also made all of the posters themselves last week to advertise the parade, so it really has been a whole school ordeal.”
Students Jess, Oakley and Quinn told the Star Mail about their favourite book characters. (Gabriella Vukman: 573517).
From hats and frills, to magical staffs and fluffy beards, the students at Chum Creek Primary School went all out for their school parade. (Gabriella Vukman: 573517). Grade 2 student Oakley was particularly excited to dress up as Famous Five character ‘George’, and snipped her hair for the occasion. “I was getting my hair cut and thought I might as well get it short and curly like George,” she said. “The Famous Five books tell you what they are wearing at the beginning, so I did the best I could to find George’s outfit.” “It is a bit oversized and it was a bit dirty, but it only took about a day to find the costume.” Oakley described George as “a bit of a tom boy.” “She is a girl but she won’t answer if you call her Georgina,” she said.
“They live by the beach, so the characters swim every morning, and George can row just as well as any fisher boy.” Oakley’s favourite element of the Famous Five stories is the mystery. “I have been listening to the books, and they can be really thrilling,” she said. According to Oakley, the school’s celebration of Book Week is a major highlight. “I really like Book Week because everyone gets to dress up and we all get to see everyone’s cool costumes,” she said. “If we don’t recognise who they are, we can find out, and learn about it.” Grade 4 student Quinn created his own duck costume after the main character in the novel Duck Look Who’s Talking! “It took me about three hours to make my costume,” Quinn said. “I like this duck book because it is funny.” Grade 5 student Jess donned a tall pointed hat and fluffy gnome-beard to portray the character of Timmy the Gnome. “I like the book ‘Timmy the Gnome’ a lot because it has been passed down from my mum’s friend and has survived a flood and two bushfires,” she said. “In the book, Timmy is on his way home from getting gold in the river, but then he steps into a trap set by trolls and gets taken away.” “Luckily his wife Lisa knew something was wrong and go all the gnomes in his town to come and help him escape.”
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SPRING SHOW 2026
Gearing up for vibrant season By Tanya Steele Spring is around the corner, and the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society is gearing up for a vibrant season in Sassafras, starting from the weekend of 5 and 6 September. Hosting two major flower shows, expert guest talks, and family-friendly garden activities across its 10-acre grounds, the society’s volunteers have been working hard to bring rare bulbs and vendors from near and far to the spring planting season. FCHS secretary and member Emma Moysey said the group has several very exciting events coming up in September and October alone. “We have two wonderful flower shows, and a special speaker all the way from Tasmania giving a talk on the rare and hard-to-source Kalmias, and a second talk on species Liliums,” she said. Communities across the hills and beyond are invited to stop by the spring shows, with a Spring Show on 5 and 6 September from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday and 10 am to 4pm on Sunday, and a Flower Festival on 24 and 25 October for the same times. “Our Flower Hall will be full of hundreds of exhibits,” said Ms Moysey. “The Spring Show will feature daffodils, camellias, early spring bulbs and perennials, and the Flower Festival will highlight rhododendrons, azaleas, late spring bulbs and perennials,” she said. Several unique plant and bulb vendors will be present across both shows, and Ms Moysey said the Spring Show will include rare and stunning treasures. “Plant stock from Tonkins Bulbs, Fresbrook Peonies, and Hancocks Daffodils, as well as a beautiful stall from our Butterfly group, which will be a favourite for everyone,” she said. On 10 October, the community can also attend a special talk at the FCHS by Neil Jordan of Exquisite Plants in Camdale, Tasmania, starting at 10am. The FCHS property is situated up in the misty hills of Ferny Creek and was established in 1932,
Volunteers maintain the grounds on a beautiful site.
Two annual spring shows are approaching, with the first on the weekend of 5 and 6 September. (Supplied). operating as a self-funded, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to promoting the study, practice, and community development of horticulture. The society manages a stunning 10-acre ornamental garden situated at an elevation of 500 metres, and the upcoming events also include the option to join in guided garden walks of the property. Alongside an extensive collection of established plant species, the grounds offer visitors
panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the distant Great Dividing Range Ms Moysey said the society has had an incredible year so far. “We held a wonderful Plant Collectors Expo and combined Autumn Show in April,” she said. The group have an established show calendar, and Ms Moysey said that if you missed it this year, then don’t forget to pencil in the weekend of 24 and 25 April 2027.
“We will have over 40 vendors, and an incredible Autumn Show in our Flower Hall,” she said. The society continues to grow with over 350 members, including children and families. People wishing to join don’t need any gardening experience to join. “We are a very friendly group that will make you feel welcome,” said Ms Moysey. As the September and October shows approach, Ms Moysey said the group look forward to putting on hundreds of exhibits, and people are invited to submit entries for flower and plant competitions. “We welcome anyone to put in show entries; you don’t need to be a member to join in the fun,” she said. “There are ribbons and prize money to win.” The FCHS will also have plants for sale from their own Plant Stall, with many rare and unusual plants propagated from the FCHS garden. The upcoming Spring Show and Flower Festival will also have a sausage sizzle, a coffee van and the ever-favourite Devonshire teas and more for people as they browse and walk the grounds. The show schedule for the Spring Show on 5 and 6 September has already been released on the FCHS website, and tickets are $9 for non-members, free for members and for under 18’s. For more details on all their events and FCHS generally, see their website fchs.org.au, or email secretary@fchs.org.au or call Emma Moysey, Secretary, on 0455 531 911.
THE FERNY CREEK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY INC.
SPRING FLOWER SHOW SEPTEMBER 5TH & 6TH SATURDAY
12PM - 4PM
SUNDAY
10AM - 4PM
100 Hilton Road Sassafras $9 entry - free for members and under 18 Plant, flowers & food sales. Free Parking 12895158-AM35-26
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Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL 11
NEWS
Manchester Primary School’s gardening program is supported by vice principal Andrea Lowe, principal Michelle Rondinella and parent Daniel Remminga. (Mikayla van Loon: 573563)
The garden beds are situated outside classrooms for easy access. (573563)
A strawberry plant starting to bloom. (573563)
Student Holly with one of the student planted plants outside the school. (573563)
Sprouting up success By Mikayla van Loon Mooroolbark’s Manchester Primary School is bustling with budding gardeners thanks to a parent and the local community. Daniel Remminga started using his plant-growing experience and passion to raise funds for the school over five years ago. It was at a time when then-acting principal Andrea Lowe was encouraging anyone to assist in the betterment of the school by providing what they could. “At the time, I had some leftover plants from a project, or I’d gotten some plants for free, and I was just going to plant them out. And she said, ‘That’s fantastic! Thank you very much’,” Mr Remminga said. “I found that the thank you I received was genuine, and that was very encouraging for me. Ever since, that original thank you has really stuck with me and made me want to do more and become more involved, and I guess it snowballed from there.” Coming from a Dutch horticultural background, with his parents owning a nursery in Silvan, Mr Remminga said growing and cultivating plants was in his nature. “I grew up surrounded by plants, pots, soil and the day-to-day work involved in running a nursery. Even after moving into other areas of work, growing plants remained something I genuinely 12 MAIL | Tuesday, 25 August, 2026
enjoyed,” he said. “Growing plants had always been a hobby of mine, although I’ve never really known how to do anything on a small scale—I enjoy growing things in large numbers.” Ms Lowe confirmed this, saying, “Daniel does not do things by halves, so he started out by going, ‘I’ll grow some tomatoes that the school can sell as fundraisers’, and then showed up with like 600 tomatoes, and basil, just hundreds of them.” Mr Remminga said he soon realised what was a hobby for him “could have a real and practical benefit for the school and the children”, and so the annual heirloom tomato sale eventuated into the building of vegetable gardens and planting natives across the school grounds. “The idea was trying to get some plants into the hands of kids. So we raised money. We used to have an old veggie patch that was a bit dilapidated, but we built new veggie gardens right where the classrooms are,” he said. “You walk out, and there they are. So the kids have immediate access to that kind of environment. “I want children to have the chance to put their hands into the soil, grow food, understand where it comes from and experience the satisfaction of caring for a living plant.” Ms Lowe said the sensory aspects of having vegetable and herb gardens easily accessible have been a game changer for students who may
need a break from the classroom. “We’ve found, since we’ve moved all of the veggie gardens close to the classrooms, when kids are feeling a little bit frustrated or a bit annoyed, they go out for a break, and they go and pick the thyme, and they go, ‘Oh, that smells really good’. And then they notice how everything smells all different around there,” she said. Having received nearly 50 kilograms of potatoes one year to plant, Ms Lowe said the school now has an endless supply of potatoes and “most of the school’s favourite time of year is potato harvesting”. “We so far have not been successful in actually digging up all of the potatoes, so we’ve never had to plant them again because we always miss some, and they just grow again the next year,” she said. For the students, Ms Lowe said it’s also been great seeing them learn that certain produce can’t grow in certain seasons unless, like Mr Remminga, you use a greenhouse. Mr Remminga grows the majority of fruit, vegetables and native plants in his front garden, selling surplus to the community under an honesty box scheme. So when several weeks ago $200 worth of plants were taken with little payment, the act was incredibly disappointing to both Mr Remminga and the school. But what happened in turn was a huge com-
munity response, with local Ray Noble donating the full $200 and Anastasia and Andrew Meseha from Urban Green Farms in Croydon donating raised garden beds and gardening supplies. “Many other people offered plants, assistance, encouragement and help promoting the future tomato sales. One person’s poor behaviour was very quickly overwhelmed by the generosity of many others, and that has restored a lot of my faith in people,” Mr Remminga said. “We knew about our beautiful community within the school. That it goes outside the school as well is just awesome,” Ms Lowe said. Joining the school as principal this year, Michelle Rondinella said, “we’re very lucky” to have such a supportive community both inside and outside the school grounds. “Coming into a school where there is such community involvement and so much support is amazing. You can’t ask for better,” she said. “Not all school communities are as supportive as this one, so it’s just a really privileged position.” The donations have meant the school can look forward to its largest tomato sale yet, with more than 50 different varieties and a target of close to 5000 tomato plants. All the money raised goes back into providing the school with plants, soil, mulch, pots, potting mix and other gardening supplies to ensure the Monday gardening club has everything they need.
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NEWS
Claws n Paws’ Rob (left) accepting an award at the Just for Pets award night. (Supplied)
Montrose’s Claws n Paws Pet Supplies has been recognised as one of Australia’s leading independent pet retailers, taking hom the prestigious Boehringer Ingelheim Retail Excellence Award at the recent Just For Pets 20th Anniversary Conference, held at Melbourne’s RACV City Club. Presented in front of fellow independent pet retailers, industry suppliers and peers from across Australia, the award celebrates excellence in pet retailing and recognises retailers who consistently demonstrate outstanding customer service, innovation, leadership and commitment to the pet industry. Owner Rob was recognised for his unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service to pet owners, his positive “can-do” attitude, and his commitment to continually growing and improving his business. Since relocating Claws n Paws Pet Supplies from Kilsyth to its new Montrose store in October 2025, Rob has embraced new opportunities to expand the business while remaining focused on providing expert advice and quality products to the local community. Claws n Paws Pet Supplies has proudly been a member of the Just For Pets buying group since
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opening its doors in 2012 and has become a respected leader among Australia’s independent pet retailers. “Rob’s passion for the industry and his commitment to both his customers and the wider independent pet retail community make him a truly deserving recipient of this award,” Just For Pets group manager Janine Yeates said. “His willingness to embrace new ideas, support fellow retailers and continually strive for excellence reflects everything this award stands for. We are incredibly proud to have Rob as part of the Just For Pets family and look forward to seeing his business continue to thrive.” The Boehringer Ingelheim Retail Excellence Award recognises retailers who set the benchmark for professionalism, customer experience and business excellence within Australia’s independent pet industry. As Just For Pets celebrates 20 years of supporting independent pet stores across Australia, awards such as these highlight the passion and dedication that continue to strengthen local communities and ensure pet owners receive trusted advice and personalised service from locally owned businesses.
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Local pet retailer recognised
Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL 13
OPINION
The underbelly of football By Maria Millers
This article was written before Sunday’s double-header at the SCG. The game was originally intended as a landmark celebration—the first AFLW home-andaway match back at the SCG since 2022 and a major statement about the two programs sharing the club’s home. But the events of last week have put a different slant on the occasion. It’s not that long since I wrote about football, its inordinate place in our cultural life often to the exclusion of all else and the seemingly cavalier attitude to player welfare regarding injuries and concussion. The recent Geelong concussion controversy raised the question of what happens when the welfare of players becomes subordinate to the machinery of elite competition. A player was reportedly involved in an agreement absolving the club from responsibility for future concussion-related injury, prompting calls for substantial governance reform. But it was last week’s incident involving the Swans, flushed with victory and the promise of premiership glory within grasp that exposed the underbelly of football culture. Five Swans players were stood down for the rest of the 2026 season for breaches of the club’s standards, The current Swans situation has two distinct layers.
First, there are the specific actions of the players. The five players were suspended for breaches of the club’s standards including drinking, staying out late and bringing women back to their hotel. Separately, Victoria Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault; no player has been charged, and the club’s disciplinary process is separate from the police investigation. What seems to have been swiftly put in place was protecting the club to the exclusion of all else. While the women at the centre of the police investigation received comparatively little attention. The Swans have prided themselves as wellrun and tightly held together by the club’s Bloods culture, developed around principles like respect, discipline, accountability, and sacrifice for the team. Standards applied on and off the field. The most important being accountability to your mates. Your teammates are your moral community. But what does “looking after your mates” mean when something goes wrong? The club itself has acknowledged that its culture has been damaged and that trust needs to be rebuilt. Can a culture built on loyalty to the group maintain its integrity when loyalty requires confronting one of its own when a line has been crossed? The current Swans situation has two distinct layers. First, there are the specific actions of the players. But the second layer is the culture that surrounds those behaviours and how it reflects the broader Australian society. The offending players will have to answer to their teammates for sabotaging the possibility of victory at the Grand Final – the Holy Grail of football.
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Back to school!
Bac sch School stud made their lowing sum 2021’s prep of primary s j i Eld
A worthy brand By Jed Lanyon
$8400 to help make the lives of children better. The four recipients of the funds included: Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, A Better Life For Foster Kids, HeartKids and Chum Creek’s Good Life Farm. The organisations shared how the funds had already been put to good use. Backpacks 4 Vic Kids CEO and founder Sally Beard told Star Mail the donation came as a “delightful surprise”.
“We’re very, very grateful on behalf of the children, whose lives that it will impact,” she said. “We have absolutely put that money to good use.” Ms Beard shared that the $8400 donation from Branded is aiding 112 children in need with care packs filled with toiletries, spare changes of clothes, a toy and more. Continued page 2
1
It’s February, but Santa Claus’ gifts keep on coming for several charity organisations who benefited from a partnership between Saint Nick and Seville’s Branded Burger Bar. The burger bar came to the rescue when they partnered with Santa, who had seen his role replaced at Chirnside Park Shopping
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School students across Victoria made their return to school following summer holidays, while 2021’s preps got their first taste of primary school life. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy conducted a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony for Badger Creek Primary School students and staff. See page 7 for more back to school excitment.
They may have to repair damaged personal relationships and reputations in their home communities beyond the club. This of course is personal territory and should not be of any concern to anyone but those involved. And there’s an uncomfortable irony here: the Swans may not be an aberration so much as a particularly visible example of problems that exist elsewhere. We should acknowledge the highly sexualized society we live in where anything from a toothbrush to an expensive car is promoted with explicit or implied sexual context. Bars with topless waitresses are commonplace as are numerous massage parlours. So it could be seen as hypocritical to be shocked by the behaviour exposed. And I’d argue that the AFL has a responsibility as well as an opportunity here. Rather than merely asking how it can repair its reputation after this scandal, it could ask a much more fundamental question: What sort of men and what sort of citizens does Australian football want to produce? And there is a serious argument for reconsidering the way Australian sporting culture confers moral and celebrity status on elite athletes leading to a culture of entitlement. A key question for the AFL then is: What sort of values are we teaching those hundreds of thousands of children who are playing and watching the professional game and imagining themselves one day being at the top of it? It is also disturbing when adulation becomes akin to religion, dominating everyday life and discourse, excluding all other activities. From Life Cycles by Bruce Dawe: When children are born in Victoria they are wrapped in club-colours, laid in beribboned cots, having already begun a lifetime’s barrackin The current incident has also shown how extensively sporting achievement has been converted into personal celebrity and commercial influence. The problem isn’t admiring sporting excellence. An elite footballer has usually demonstrated enormous discipline, courage, teamwork and perseverance, but so too have many in other fields that do not garner the same attention as football We should strive for an Australian culture in which a brilliant scientist, engineer, teacher, doctor, composer, poet, artist, mathematician or humanitarian could become a national hero without first having to become a celebrity. In poet Naomi Shihab’s Famous, Nye completely overturns the idea of celebrity, instead arguing for being valued because you reliably do what you are meant to do. What if the real sporting hero isn’t the spectacular player but the person who never forgets what he is supposed to do? I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous, or a buttonhole, not because it did anything spectacular, but because it never forgot what it could do. We routinely take a young man who is exceptionally good at kicking a ball, give him enormous financial rewards, advertising contracts, children’s book contracts, celebrity status and millions of admiring followers — and then, almost inevitably, some of that admiration becomes moral admiration. But celebrity status does not automatically translate into ethical behaviour. The Greeks did not necessarily equate physical excellence with moral goodness. Achilles is extraordinarily brave, but also proud and destructive. Ajax is heroic but falls through wounded pride. Odysseus is clever but morally complicated. And Keats reminds us that the trappings of greatness are indeed transitory. John Keats’ Ozymandias: My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away. Sadly the culture around young male athletes can amplify rather than compensate for immaturity. Surrounded by teammates, coaches, agents, sponsors and fans who reinforce the
idea that he is extraordinarily important because of his physical abilities, there may be relatively little incentive to develop less glamorous qualities like humility, empathy, emotional regulation, responsibility and respect for boundaries. The modern AFL player isn’t simply an athlete anymore. Players are brands, clubs are entertainment businesses, and matches are surrounded by broadcasters, sponsors, betting markets, influencers and advertising. AFL is big business. The double header on Sunday may give the AFLW team an unintended possibility. Perhaps the future of football culture lies not in making women fit into the old football culture, but in allowing women’s football to help change it. There has already been criticism along precisely those lines, with former AFLW figures arguing that the league needs to examine a “boys first” mentality rather than treating women’s safety as secondary to football’s interests. And suddenly culture, discipline, respect, and leadership could become much more important than goals and Brownlow votes. We construct a magnificent spectacle around human beings, anointing them as heroes, role models without acknowledging that underneath the spectacle they’re still ordinary, vulnerable and imperfect people. We should also accept not just success but also failure. We build our footballers into Icaruses— and then express astonishment when we find them fallible. The High Mark by Bruce Dawe: begins with the nod of a head or flicker-signal of fingers and a run that gathers in the green day and the grey crowd that rolls on its great humble tides and the run is a thinking to the ball’s end-over-end parabola that has sinews tough – tensioning for the upward leap, hands now eagle claws, god’s hooks, hungering for the leather dove, the run among mere mortal men in time, in place, become the leap into heaven, into fame, into legend – then the fall back to earth (guernseyed Icarus) to the whistle’s shrill tweet. Dawe’s great insight is that Australian football has always had a religious dimension. The contemporary difference is that television, social media, sponsorship and celebrity have made the footballer seem even more exceptional. The AFL has had repeated opportunities to ask whether its broader culture is producing the right incentives — particularly around masculinity, alcohol, drugs, sexual behaviour, gambling, celebrity and the protection of the players. In a hierarchy of values, player welfare and reputation and community expectations should trump winning, revenue and club reputation. It is hoped that they will take this incident to initiate some needed change. Woorilla Poetry Prize 2026 is now accepting entries. Visit woorilla.org.au.
The Sydney Swans’ scandal laid bare the dark side of AFL culture. (Unsplash)
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OPINION
theatre round up: Bird flu a big Kemp’s Climate thrillers concern I’d like to acknowledge the recent developments regarding Avian Influenza H5N1. As this column goes to print, more than 70 cases have been reported in Victoria. As a region renowned for our natural environment, diverse birdlife and rich biodiversity, this outbreak is of particular concern to the Yarra Ranges community. It is also understandably worrying for our , as it is also for our local farming and agriculture sectors, as well as those who keep poultry or pet birds. While this news is concerning, it’s important that we all remain informed, vigilant and continue to follow the advice of authorities. Please avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, and the areas around them. If you encounter sick or dead wild birds, record what you observe and contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) will assess reports and determine the appropriate response. Community reporting plays a vital role in helping authorities respond quickly and effectively.
Mayor’s
desk Richard Higgins
For our local farmers, poultry owners and residents who keep birds as pets, I encourage you to stay informed and review latest advice from Agriculture Victoria. Their website contains important information about avian influenza, including guidance for businesses and bird owners. For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov. au/birdflu By remaining alert and following the advice of authorities, we can all play our part in helping to protect Yarra Ranges wildlife, support our agricultural industry and minimise the impact of this disease on our local environment and community.
CARTOON
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Lawrence Kameson makes his living by talking rich ladies out of their money. Freddy Benson swindles women with fabricated stories about his grandmother’s failing health. After meeting on a train, they attempt to work together, only to find that the small French town isn’t big enough for the two of them. They agree on a settlement: the first one to extract $600,000 from a young female heiress, Christine Colgate, wins, and the other must leave town. A hilarious battle of the conmen ensues… and with music. Season 11 - 26 September. The Round Growing Pains Tour – Nathan Cavaleri From child prodigy to cancer survivor, from global stages to mental health collapse, Nathan Cavaleiu lays bare an extraordinary journey in this raw, solo show filled with storytelling and music. He traces his path from busking in Campbelltown to the heights of stardom and back home to himself. Season: Sunday 13 September at 2pm and 6pm. Karralyka Sea Wolves Howl Early each morning, an intrepid intergenerational group of women and genderfluid people meet on the beach. They enter the sea, join hands so no one can chicken out, howl like wolves, and immerse themselves in the freezing water. Five characters take us from home to the shore, into the brine and back, each step offering a particular physical challenge and evoking stories, memories, fears, triumphs, connections, courage and laughter. Season: Sunday, 25 October 25 at 2pm – one hour and 10 minutes. No interval. The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show Led by real-life married couple Mark and Joanne Caligui, the duo have been touring around Australia with their much-loved show and were recently featured on the Today show for their uncanny looks and sound to the late great country music stars.
Together with their live band and visual display, they will take you on a musical journey with the songs and stories of country music’s most famous couple, Johnny Cash and June Carter. Season: Friday 18 September at 7.30pm. Two hours and 15 minutes including interval. Elvis and Buddy Rock and Roll Sensation Get ready to shake, rattle and roll in a whirlwind rock and roll magic as we celebrate two legends of music. Join us for an unforgettable two-part theatrical experience featuring electrifying performances by Mark Caliguin and Zach Zunis and a very talented cast of musicians, who will bring to life the charisma of Elvis Presley and the charm of Buddy Holly. Season Friday 27 November at 7.30pm. Burrinja Theatre Democracy Repair Service A climate thriller that explodes into pottery, asking: how do we live through the end of the world? In the middle of a scorching summer election campaign, four teenagers get together to rewrite democracy. It’s also about the endangered Bogong Moth. Called among “best writing of 2025” by Guy Webster, Democracy Repair Service is the story of four teenagers forming an artist collective during a catastrophic bushfire season and election campaign. Led by the passionate Youth Parliament leader Vic, tensions boil over quickly as the group questions whether the normal democratic processes are working. Tactics escalate until a member of the group secretly plots to turn their next attempt at minor vandalism into a genuine attack on fossil fuel infrastructure. The resultant explosion shifts everything as the audience is launched through time and space. Travelling from the near extinction of the Bogong Moth in Canberra to the creation of the earth’s oil fields and finally the nebulous and uncertain future, the audience is invited to imagine what the next 100 years will be like. Season: Sunday 3 September at 1pm. Venue: The Lyre.
Celebrating book week Not a Wicker Man Wicker and OBEX MA15+ 4.5/5 (both) Today we’re looking at two phenomenal new indie films. In the medieval romantic comedy Wicker, a constantly-belittled fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) suddenly finds herself engaged to a doting man made of wicker (Alexander Skarsgård). Wicker is an exceptionally witty film with vulnerable, captivating performances from Colman and Skarsgård, and I predict the wickerhusband’s amazing prosthetics will receive a makeup Oscar nomination next year. The men of the village suppress their feelings and treat their wives as possessions, and the conniving tailor’s wife (Elizabeth Debicki) treats marriage as a way for the women to control the men. The wickerfisherwoman couple’s simple love, with no bitterness or power dynamics, threatens the social order for both, and the film maintains low-key simmering tension on both fronts amid gorgeous cinematography and plenty of laughs. In the surreal sci-fi drama OBEX, the reclusive Conor (writer-director Albert Birney) is pulled into the fantasy video game world of the title. Birney plays an endearing nerd with subdued pathos in a film that feels like a hybrid of Darren
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Aronofsky’s Pi and Terry Gilliam’s Brazil. With calculated, character-building slowness, OBEX generates a cozy atmosphere tempered by eerie notes, confinement and background stress, all of which seed the fantasy pastiche landscape later in the film. OBEX is suffused with cool retrostyle effects and heart-swelling charm, with the TV-headed Victor (Frank Mosley) as a sensitive guide for Conor, and this loving camp makes the disturbing Lynchian moments hit all the harder. OBEX pushes all my buttons as a lover of character studies, vintage computers, video games, electronic music and surrealism anchored by a decent plot, and I loved almost every second. OBEX is available to rent or buy on iTunes, and Wicker was the opening night film at this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival.
The 2026 Children’s Book Week takes place from Saturday 22 to Friday 28 August. This year’s theme is “Symphony of Stories”, which explores “how books blend words, images and emotions like a musical performance, with characters bursting out of books playing instruments” as described by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. To help celebrate the annual event, the Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival is joining forces with Your Library Ltd to bring popular Melbourne author George Ivanoff to Belgrave Library at 45pm on Wednesday 26 August. Throughout his successful career, Ivanoff has created more than 100 books for kids and teens, including but not limited to the interactive You Choose series, the OTHER WORLDS series, the Gamers trilogy, and the non-fiction Survival Guides. His RFDS Adventures series is produced in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Set in remote parts of Australia, the books feature thrilling outback survival and medical rescue stories while raising awareness and funds for the iconic aeromedical organisation. At the “Choose Your Own Stories” event, Ivanoff will guide participants aged 8-12 through his creative process. Drawing inspiration from the You Choose books, the author will help these budding creators design their own interactive adventures while probing how choices can impact characters and plots. Meanwhile, this reviewer would recommend a book and relevant resources for families to enjoy. If you like Chinese Australian author Li Cunxin’s autobiographical memoir Mao’s Last Dancer (2003) and/or its 2009 film adaptation of the same name, then why not explore his 2007 book The Peasant Prince, which is specifically written for children? Illustrated by multi-award-winning artist Anne Spudvilas, the book tells the true story of a Chinese peasant boy who dreams of escaping pov-
PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN erty and embracing the big, wide world. In simple yet charming language, the author introduces his childhood, his beloved family, his training and career as a ballet dancer, and those special, heart-warming moments in his life. Readers can start with Reading Australia, which provides multiple resources for teachers, parents and guardians to help kids understand this inspirational story. From there, please check out the audio edition produced by the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation. Narrated by long-time professional broadcaster and voice-over artist Paul English, the audiobook is scored with superb music from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s 2009 stage production of The Peasant Prince. This is a truly excellent listening experience. Finally, Li himself recently did an online reading of the book, which can be viewed via YouTube. The author is humble and sincere, and the story is particularly moving as conveyed in his voice, which, though somewhat imperfect, is full of genuine emotions. Via the professionally produced video, readers also get to admire the book’s wonderful, atmospheric illustrations. Highly recommended.
Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL 15
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9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in 's'.
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acne, cairn, cancer, cane, chain, chance, chancery, chancre, chicane, CHICANERY, chin, china, chine, cinch, crane, cyan, cyanic, cynic, earn, enrich, henry, hernia, hyena, inch, nacre, nary, near, nice, nicer, niche, rain, rainy, ranch, rani, rein, yarn, yean, yearn
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Life simulation series developed by Maxis, The – (4) Southern Spanish region (9) Between heaven and hell (5) Black stone (8) Body of troops (7) Certain cuts of meat (5) Genuine (9) Strikebreaker (4) Philoshoper, René – (9) Exaggerated theatre (9) Line of descent (8) A hinged altarpiece (7) Spine (5) Pursue (4) Perpendicular (5) Smutty (4)
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Acute viral disease, now largely eradicated (8) Region of Southern Italy (6) Internet connection device (5) One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community (9) Nut (6) I don’t know (coll) (5,2) Removal (8) Free from an obligation (6) Bleachers (6) Government by the populace (8) In respect (of) (7) Obstruct (6) Ursine bed companion (5,4) Custom, practice (5) Stew (6) Organ or laptop component (8)
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WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ACT ADO AIL AND CHI EGO GYM HAD IRE ITS LAD NEE NET OLD ORE OUR PEP PRO SAP SEC SEE TEN TWO WHO 4 LETTERS COAT EDIT ERRS HISS MAPS NEST POSY POTS SEEP SNIP SNOB SOPS TOAD TOIL 5 LETTERS ALGAE ALIGN
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TILDE TREAT URGED YARDS 6 LETTERS BLASTS HUGEST LABOUR STAPLE
8 LETTERS DENOUNCE DYNAMITE LITERALS RELEASES
7 LETTERS ABSTAIN ASTRIDE RECLINE F A T E S P L A N E S A L T Y A L I G N R I S E R T I A R A O T T E R A L T E R I G L O O B O X E R S A P H A D L A D S E E P L Y R I C B L A S T S A N D A D O S E C A M P L E L E A P T T O I L T O A D P R O R E L E A S E S S I E S T A S S T I R R E D O R E S N I P D Y N A M I T E S T O R E L A C E S N E S T WH O T E N I T S L A B O U R S C O U R H I S S G Y M L U R E S C H I O U R A R O S E A P I N G O N I O N P E N C E P E E V E F A K E S S L E E T S P E E D S T R E W
ACROSS
No. 304
1
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
QUICK CROSSWORD
14
No. 304
S M A L L P O X A P U L I A I N I B S H O U S O C I A L I S T M O D E M A B I A L N H S A L M O N D B E A T S M E U I N N D I S P O S A L E X E M P T I N P E I E R E P U B L I C S T A N D S I D O C A P R O P O S I M P E D E R I T E G L R L U S A G E T E D D Y B E A R G C K E M M W E K E Y B O A R D S E E T H E
SUDOKU
28-08-26
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PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
CHARACTER AND CHARM ON THE FOREST’S EDGE TUCKED away at the end of a quiet street, with Minak Nature Reserve and the popular walking trails of Sherbrooke Forest just moments away, this enchanting character home offers a delightful blend of Hills charm, rustic warmth and an idyllic connection to nature. An original ‘weekender’ cottage that was built after the 1923 Sylvista Estate land release, you’ll enjoy a peaceful outlook surrounded by stunning greenery and local wildlife, while the sunny block and lovely rear deck provide the perfect spaces to relax and soak up the sounds of cheerful birdsong. Boasting two light filled bedrooms, the home also features an inviting, spacious open plan lounge area, offering plenty of flexibility to include a cosy home office nook, reading corner and comfortable dining space for quiet weeknight meals and larger family gatherings. The galley style kitchen combines practicality with character, featuring a beautiful Messmate timber benchtop, stainless-steel appliances, an integrated Bosch dishwasher and a charming Provincial inspired farmhouse sink. Blackbutt timber floors add warmth and timeless appeal throughout, complemented by the ambience of a wood fire and the comfort of ducted heating. On a chilly winter evening, there could be no better place to retreat than your very own lounge. Under the home, a large expanse of partially converted area presents exciting potential for the next owner to create additional usable space (STCA). Whether you envision extra bedrooms, a home office, gym, studio or workshop, this versatile space provides an excellent opportunity to tailor the property to your needs. There is plenty of parking for your cars, caravan or trailer and location is perfect: Positioned just a short drive from Belgrave’s vibrant main street, train station and local schools, and within a stroll from the Selby General Store, tennis club and bus route. This magical Hills home offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the relaxed, nature filled lifestyle that makes the Dandenong Ranges so special. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 11 Charles Street, SELBY Description: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Price: $720,000 - $780,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 9754 6888
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HOME FOCUS
PRIVACY AND HILLS LIVING ON OVER HALF AN ACRE SET among the natural beauty of Upwey on a generous 2,044sqm allotment, 31-33 Belbrook Road offers a spacious and versatile family home with four bedrooms, multiple living and dining zones, expansive outdoor entertaining and plenty of room to enjoy the peaceful surrounds. Designed across two levels, the home provides excellent flexibility for families of all stages. The ground floor features a large, light filled lounge with generous proportions and an easy connection to the dining area and central kitchen. The kitchen offers excellent storage, gas cooktop, SS appliances and plenty of bench space, while an adjoining meals area creates another relaxed space for everyday dining. Also positioned on the ground floor is a huge fourth bedroom with built-in robes, ideal for guests, teenagers or those seeking a bedroom away from the main sleeping zone. A separate WC and bathroom with combined laundry and shower add further practicality to the layout and ducted heating to provide warmth for those winter months. Upstairs, three well sized bedrooms all include built-in robes, including the spacious main bedroom complete with huge walk-in robe and study nook which could be converted into an ensuite (STCA). The family bathroom features a shower and double vanity and separate toilet as an added convenience. One of the home’s standout features is the expansive outdoor entertaining area. A large deck wraps around the rear and side of the home, incorporating a covered section perfect for year round entertaining while overlooking the beautiful treed surroundings. Whether hosting family and friends, enjoying a quiet morning coffee or simply taking in the peaceful setting, there is an abundance of outdoor space to enjoy. The 2,044sqm block provides a wonderful sense of space and privacy, with established gardens and open lawn areas creating a true Hills atmosphere. A large double carport plus 3 additional off street parking spots perfect for any boat, caravan or trailer. Additional storage with a 5m x 4m shed, solar panels and a sealed driveway further enhance the practicality of the property. With generous proportions, flexible accommodation and expansive outdoor entertaining, this is a home designed to make the most of its peaceful Hills setting. Offering space for families to grow, relax and entertain, 31-33 Belbrook Road presents a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the privacy, lifestyle and natural surrounds that make Upwey such a special place to call home. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 31-33 Belbrook Road, UPWEY Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 garage Price: $900,000 - $990,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Daniel Steen 0434 979 142 and Brad Conder 0422 639 115, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 9754 6888
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Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 19
HOME FOCUS
SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING AMONGST THE TREETOPS SET amongst the natural surrounds of Upwey, 48 Ternes Road delivers generous family living, multiple entertaining zones and a wonderful connection to the outdoors. With a flexible floorplan, impressive proportions and treetop views, this is a home designed for comfortable everyday living. Inside, soaring ceilings, exposed beams and warm timber floors create an immediate sense of character and space. At the heart of the home is the expansive open plan family and dining area, connecting seamlessly with the kitchen. The kitchen offers excellent storage and bench space, a central island, pantry, and stainless steel appliances. A separate lounge provides a second substantial living zone, complete with a wood fire and direct access to the covered deck, creating the perfect space to relax or entertain throughout the seasons. Accommodation comprises four well sized bedrooms, with the oversized main bedroom a standout, complete with built in robes and its own ensuite. The remaining bedrooms are serviced by the central bathroom, separate WC and dedicated laundry, creating a practical and comfortable layout for family living. Outdoor living is another highlight, with a long covered balcony extending across the rear of the family and dining area, alongside a large covered entertaining deck. Surrounded by established greenery and treetop outlooks, there is plenty of space for outdoor dining, entertaining or simply enjoying the peaceful Hills setting. Further adding to the home's practicality is a lower level workshop and two separate storage rooms, providing valuable extra space for tools, hobbies or general storage. With multiple living areas, flexible bedroom accommodation and generous covered outdoor spaces, 48 Ternes Road offers the space and versatility families will appreciate, all within the relaxed Upwey lifestyle. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 48 Ternes Road, UPWEY Description: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: $990,000 - $1,080,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115 and Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE 975 46888
20 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 25 August, 2026
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Real Estate you can trust! We’re here to help.
11 Charles Street, SELBY 2
1
20 McAllister Road, MONBULK
1188m2
3
1
3
1188m2
39 Fairy Dell Road, TECOMA 3
1
2
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
$720,000 - $780,000
$770,000 - $830,000
$780,000 - $850,000
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
31-33 Belbrook Road, UPWEY 4
2
5
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
Daniel Steen 0434 979 142
67 Morris Road, UPWEY
2044m2
4
2
4
1300m2
991m2
48 Ternes Road, UPWEY 4
2
2123m2
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
$900,000 - $990,000
$950,000 - $1,040,000
$990,000 - $1,080,000
Daniel Steen 0434 979 142
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
Daniel Steen 0434 979 142
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
03 9754 6888 office@chandlerandco.com.au 1689 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Vic 3160 mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 21
HOME FOCUS
A LANDMARK LIFESTYLE ESTATE OF GRAND SCALE AND PRESTIGE ON 11 ACRES SET across an extraordinary 11-acre estate, this magnificent American Ranch-inspired residence delivers an exceptional blend of timeless elegance, outstanding craftsmanship and resort-style living. Privately positioned behind impressive stone and wrought iron entrance gates, a sweeping, circular sealed driveway winds through impeccably landscaped gardens, where a striking threetiered fountain creates an unforgettable arrival. Beyond the grand foyer, the home reveals an impressive floorplan designed for both luxurious family living and spectacular entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is beautifully appointed with granite benchtops, premium cabinetry with glass display cupboards, and a fully equipped walk-in pantry. Formal and informal dining areas flow effortlessly from the kitchen, while a private theatre room or formal lounge provides a refined space to unwind. A breathtaking staircase forms the centrepiece of the home, overlooking expansive open-plan living spaces. Towering ceilings with exposed timber beams enhance the sense of scale, while the impressive family and games room is anchored by a magnificent stone fireplace. A fully plumbed bar, adjoining powder room, dedicated home office and wine cellar further elevate the home’s entertaining credentials. Upstairs, four oversized bedrooms provide luxurious accommodation, highlighted by an indulgent main suite complete with a spacious walk-in robe and an elegant ensuite. The remaining bedrooms feature built-in robes and are serviced by a beautifully appointed family bathroom. Throughout the home, quality is evident at every turn, with polished hardwood floors, double-glazed windows, hydronic gas heating, split system heating and cooling, ducted vacuum and premium finishes showcasing an uncompromising commitment to excellence. Outside, the estate continues to impress with a substantial 25m x 10m shed incorporating 2 rooms, a workshop space, high bay access and a loft-style apartment, ideal for extended family, guest accommodation or a premium work-from-home space. A large barn, woodshed, expansive water storage, fenced paddocks and a picturesque dam complete with water lilies, a timber bridge, a built in BBQ and a charming rotunda complete this idyllic country setting. Offering the ultimate balance of luxury, privacy and lifestyle across 11 magnificent acres, this is a landmark property of exceptional calibre. Rarely does a residence of this scale, presence and quality become available, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to secure one of the region’s finest lifestyle estates. This property has it all so don’t miss out call to arrange a private inspection today. Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 751 Woori Yallock Road, NANGANA Description: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 10 garage Price: $2,100,000 - $2,300,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD 5968 6222
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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald
5 Vincent Street Cockatoo
$800,000 - $860,000
32 Ferres Road Emerald
$750,000 - $820,000
Character, Space & Family Living on Half an Acre.
Walk to Town, Love the Lifestyle.
Set on a generous 2,023sqm in Cockatoo, this character-filled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers flexible family living with plenty of space inside & out. The lounge features high ceilings, exposed beams, a large bay window, open fireplace & split system, complemented by gas ducted heating & new carpets throughout. Adjoining dining & kitchen with gas cooktop, dishwasher, excellent storage & bench space complete the central living zone. Two bedrooms, one with built-in robes, are serviced by the family bathroom, separate toilet & laundry, while a second lounge opens directly to the backyard. Upstairs, the impressive master suite provides a private retreat with large windows, walk-in robe & ensuite. Outside, enjoy half an acre of space with a fenced dog run, multiple garden sheds & a welcoming front deck, perfect for a morning cuppa or afternoon wine.
Positioned on 983sqm (approx.) just a short walk from Emerald’s township, schools, shops & public transport, this well-presented 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfort & convenience for families, first-home buyers or investors. An undercover front verandah welcomes you inside to the kitchen & dining area, featuring a gas cooktop, dishwasher, breakfast bar, ample storage & timber flooring. A split system & gas ducted heating provide year-round comfort. The privately positioned main bedroom includes a walk-through robe & ensuite, while 2 additional bedrooms with builtin robes are serviced by the central family bathroom. The adjoining living room opens onto the undercover entertaining area, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Outside, the spacious backyard provides room for children & pets to enjoy, a garden shed & double carport.
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
3
189 Swales Road Macclesfield
A
2
B
$1,600,000 - $1,750,000
A Rare 40-Acre Holding with Water, Views & Endless Potential.
3
3 Vincent Street Cockatoo
A
2
B 2 C
$410,000 - $450,000
Land, Lifestyle & Shed Ready to Go.
Spanning 40 gently undulating acres, this sun-filled rural holding delivers space, water security & serious potential. A winding creek, 3 dams & a valuable 2-megalitre water licence provide a rocksolid foundation for lifestyle living, livestock or future vision. Elevated points across the land capture sweeping 360-degree views, creating those postcard moments where the countryside rolls away in every direction. At the centre sits a neat & original 2-bedroom home, comfortable now & ready for renovation, extension or reinvention over time. Practical infrastructure includes a machinery shed, garage & established cattle race & yards, making the property immediately usable for farming or hobby stock. With sunny paddocks, natural water sources & multiple access points, everything is in place for easy rural living. Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032
-
2024sqm very gently sloping block 6m x 8m Shed with Concrete floor and Mezzanine level All services available Walking distance to local parks
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
2
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
A
1
B 1 C
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
3
C
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Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 23
HOME FOCUS
ENTERTAINERS PARADISE MINUTES FROM TOWN TUCKED away in an impeccable location, this inviting brick home is all about space, lifestyle, and making the most of every moment—set on a fully usable 1.2 acres (approx.) with room for the whole family (and then some). From relaxed weekends on the deck to summer days by the pool and evenings by the fire, this is a home designed to be lived in and loved. Why you’ll love it: • Impeccable, tightly held location • Solid brick 30 year old home • Elevated deck with beautiful views • Saltwater, solar-heated pool • Seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining area • Plumbed-in bar – ready for your next gathering • Floorboards throughout • Dedicated home office for work or study • Classic front verandah Space for everyone: • Separate downstairs living zone – perfect for guests, teens, or extended family • Under-house accessible storage area • Flat, usable 1.2 acres (approx.) with endless potential • For the tradie, hobbyist or extra storage: • Large shed • Two extra storage sheds • Plenty of off-street parking • Double carport • Easy access via asphalt driveway, just off a sealed road Comfort all year round: • Gas ducted heating throughout • Cozy wood fire for those cooler nights This is one of those properties that just feels right the moment you arrive—offering space, flexibility, and a lifestyle that’s hard to find and even harder to leave. Come and see it for yourself—you won’t want to miss this one. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 45 Kilvington Drive, EMERALD Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 10 garage Price: $1,460,000 - $1,606,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937 and Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522, RANGES FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE 9754 6111
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Ranges MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
21 PRIVATE ACRES
UPPER FERNTREE GULLY 18 ROYAL STREET
$980,000 - $1,078,000
SPACIOUS LIVING IN A PRIME HILLS LOCATION
4A 3B 1C
This charming home may appear unassuming from the street, but step inside & discover a surprisingly spacious & beautifully updated residence. Freshly painted throughout & featuring new carpets, light fittings & window furnishings, this is truly a turnkey opportunity. Other features include spa bath, GDH, wood fire, excellent storage, bespoke cabinetry, games room with a built-in-bar, large deck, separate powered studio/workshop, garden tool storage, carport, sealed driveway and the privacy of a no-through road location.
Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522
Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937
A HOME WITH HEART
BELGRAVE 5 ARbOR AvEnuE SPACE AND POTENTIAL
9754 6111 rangesfn.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
NANGANA 705 WOORI YALLOCK ROAD FAMILY HOME & GREAT SHEDDING
$1,400,000-$1,500,000 3 A 2 B 12 C
Sealed road access, this exceptional lifestyle property offers space, charm & endless potential. Approx.75% of the land is cleared, with the remaining native bush and dams. The home features a Blackwood timber kitchen, generous living areas, a wood fire, 9ft ceilings, French doors & classic sash windows, huge covered verandahs, massive machinery shed, excellent horse infrastructure, including a tack room, round yard, arena & three stables. Additional features include a 4.75kW solar system & a 90,000lt water tank.
Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522
Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937
EXCEPTIONAL VEHICLE ACCOMMODATION
$835,000 - $885,000 4A 2B 5C
Offering the perfect combination of space, character and everyday practicality, this inviting home is set on a generous usable 1,252sqm (approx.) and enjoys the added convenience of dual access from both Park Drive & Arbor Avenue. Warm, comfortable & f ll of perso ality, the home pro ides ple ty of flexi ility for growi g families or those worki g from home. Feat res a pote tial 4th edroom, two li i g areas, fireplace, GDH, fro t era dah, e closed o tdoor area, garage/workshop, carport a d off-street parki g.
Grant Skipsey 0418 528 102
We put you first
Caiti Ellis 0493 136 937
SILVAN 201 MONbuLk ROAD
$795,000 - $874,000
IMMACULATELY PRESENTED HOME
3A 2B 6C
Perfectly positioned on a generous 700sqm (approx.) corner allotment, this beautifully maintained residence is a testament to pride of ownership. Every inch of the home has een metic lo sly cared for and offers a practical layo t with light-filled interiors, q ality finishes and an ndenia le sense of warmth thro gho t. O tside is where this property shines with a two-car garage & an oversized two-car carport with clearance for boats & caravans etc. Finishing off with beautiful private established front and rear gardens.
Mick Dolphin 0429 684 522
‘We Put You First’
Jackson Acott 0494 142 438
1660 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Shop 2/24 McBride St, Cockatoo Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 25
HOME FOCUS
OVER HALF AN ACRE, GORGEOUS MOUNTAIN VIEWS AND A TINY HOUSE AN incredible opportunity to secure this fabulous property of over 2300 sq.m of land, complete with elevated views that will truly leave you spellbound. Included is a tiny house connected to electricity, sewage and water, just park up on the weekends put your feet up and enjoy the beautiful environment. Soak in the mountain views, and the ‘gingerbread house’ cubby which the kids will adore, seasonal creek with meandering paths this is a fun one for everyone to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The tiny house is a bonus and certainly has all the ‘bells and whistles’ and built to a high standard. Positioned to take in that dreamy mountain view. If you’ve been seriously considering investing in Warburton, now is the time! With the opening of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination and several new projects and developments in town, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. The location is ideal, only a few minutes to the Yarra River, Warburton rail trail and all the beauty of what Warburton has to offer. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 7 Brisbane Parade, WARBURTON Description: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Price: $570,000 - $620,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Rebecca Doolan 0401 832 068, BELL REAL ESTATE - YARRA JUNCTION. 5967 1277
26 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 25 August, 2026
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Lots 13 & 14/3480 Warburton Hwy, Warburton
$360,000-$390,000 each
P 5966 2530
P 5967 1277
3407 Warburton Highway, Warburton
2457 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction
19 York Street, Warburton
$570,000 - $610,000
Two Large Lots, Over 3100 sq.m in the Heart of Warburton
Charming Hideaway in the Warburton Treetops
Long time held and very rare opportunity, two titles that can be sold as one or separately - Lot 13 offers 1618 sq.m and Lot 14 offers 1516 sq.m. One of Warburton’s most sought after locations where you can stroll to boutique shops, cafés and the beautiful Yarra River with picturesque walking trails. The other option permitted with LDRZ (Low Density Residential Zone) and over 3/4 acre of land may include exciting ventures such as Medical Centre, Community Care Accommodation or Bed & Breakfast. Near level land, access from Park road is also available, these premium blocks provide a rare and versatile foundation for your vision. Whether you’re building your dream home or investing in Warburton’s exciting future, opportunities like this are rare, secure one block or both and create something special on this remarkable piece of history.
This charming cottage situated in a picturesque Warburton tree top vista, a neat home full of charm and character. Offering 2 bedrooms plus a spacious lounge/living area overlooking the majestic tree ferns and colourful bushland. A good size kitchen and meals area, wood heating and a split system offer year round heating and cooling. Venture outside and enjoy the surrounds, sitting on a huge block of approx. 1740 sqm there is loads of space to explore and enjoy. Beautiful well established gardens with a colourful array of shrubs, trees and stunning tree ferns. A private, peaceful oasis in a superb location, a short walk to the Warburton golf course, Yarra river and the Warburton township this could be just the spot you’ve been looking for.
Rebecca Doolan M 0401 832 068 Inspection: By Appointment
595 Thonemans Road, Hoddles Creek
David Carroll M 0419 539 320 Inspection: By Appointment
$1,395,000 - $1,530,000
2
3381 Warburton Highway, Warburton
A
1
B 1 C
$700,000 - $770,000 plus gst
The Ultimate Country Hideaway on 172 Acres with a Bonus!
TWO SHOPS, TWO TITLES, Iconic Warburton Location & Unique Opportunity!
A rare and very unique large acreage property, offering the ultimate bush getaway in stunning surroundings and a complete off grid lifestyle - sitting on approx. 172 glorious Yarra Valley acres. Offering 3 bedrooms all with built in robes plus an ensuite and walk in robe in the main bedroom. The kitchen is very impressive with quality appliances and fixtures throughout with ample bench and cupboard space plus a separate meals/dining area. Outdoors, a huge lock up garage, beautiful open rolling grassed areas and acres and acres of bush to explore and enjoy. Boasting a fantastic rural lifestyle, this property boasts a very unique financial bonus offering generous biodiversity credits offering the new owners a substantial financial income and bonus for the years ahead. A truly unique and special property offering a fantastic large acreage rural lifestyle.
Positioned prominently on the bustling main street of Warburton, 3381 Warburton Hwy presents a rare and exciting commercial opportunity. Importantly, this sale includes TWO retail SHOP FRONTS on two separate titles, offering the flexibility to operate as one substantial commercial premises or two individual retail businesses. Options of occupying or leasing them separately, or utilize the space as one business similar to how they have been for many years. Set across two titles totalling approximately 602 sq.m, this iconic Commercial 1 zoned property enjoys outstanding double shopfront exposure to the busy Warburton Highway. Inside, the building offers an impressive approximately 188 sq.m of open floor space, complemented by practical store room and kitchen areas. Further features include a toilet and basin, handy kitchenette and even a laundry chute.
David Carroll M 0419 539 320 Inspection: By Appointment
3
A
2
B 6 C
Clare Morse M 0400 063 055 Inspection: By Appointment
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Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 27
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SPORT
Set for state champs By Mikayla van Loon and Claudia Mather After successfully winning the division, district and regional competitions, the St Mary’s Catholic Primary mixed netball team will be making their way to compete in the state championship on 9 September. The mixed team, made up of Grade 5 and 6 students, will compete against other primary schools from across the state, including Mansfield Primary, Leongatha Primary, and Torquay Primary. “For a little Catholic primary school in Mount Evelyn, it’s a pretty big achievement,” the team’s coach, Melissa Primavera, said. She explained that the kids have played 11 games and have managed to hold a winning streak since the first game. The St Mary’s team consists of five netballers, but also includes kids who have braved a new sport. Lenny, Cooper and Alyssa are basketballers and have had to adjust to the ‘stricter’ rules of the netball game. The coach admired how hard the team had played throughout the competition so far. This year was just the second time St Mary’s fielded a mixed team. “I’ve been (coaching) the netball since 2017. It was the first time we took a mixed team to the competition, and we were lucky enough to make it through to regionals last year,” Ms Primavera said. “We probably got a little bit blindsided last year when we got to regionals, just with the level from division and district and how quickly it jumped at regionals. It was like we got there and we were like, ‘Oh, this is serious.’”
Front: Lenny, Alyssa and Cooper. Back: coach Melissa Primavera, Lyla, Milly, Sophie, Sylvie and Abbi. (Mikayla van Loon: 573478) They also explained that in the mixed division, some of the teams they have played against have consisted of all boys and that either Lenny or Cooper must be on the court at all times. “At the regionals, the team we played in the semi-final was an all-boy team. The team we played in the grand final was all-boy bar one one girl. So the dynamics of it are really different as well,” Ms Primavera said. “There’s been good opponents,” one student, Cooper, said. “The first round and second round weren’t too hard, but the last round in regionals, it was more competitive, and we had more pressure on us.” The students also highlighted how grateful they were for the school’s PE teacher, Rebecca McCormick, who encouraged them to compete.
“She always gets us to compete every year for every single sport, she always sets it up with everything,” Alyssa said. Ms Primavera explained that Mrs McCormick goes above and beyond for the students. She organised all of their permission slips and competitions. “We are very lucky, and I think she is a big driver of what happens here at St Mary’s for our sporting accolades,” she said. As the big day approaches and the nerves rise, the students will be focusing on some training but also just enjoying the achievement of making it through to the state championships, no matter what the final score is. “It’s a bonus if we win, but even better that we made it there.”
Grade 6 school leaders Alyssa and Ocea. (Supplied)
The team with their winning flag. Milly, Alyssa, Sylvie, Abbi, Sophie, Lyla, Ocea, Lenny and Cooper. (Supplied)
Masters win big, seniors slump for Lilydale Eagles By Callum Ludwig The Masters continued their surge for second place against Maroondah while the Seniors slumped to a disappointing defeat against Donvale. The Masters got off to a quick start with a goal within the first ten minutes courtesy of a corner. The ball was whipped into a good area, flicked on by Tim Wilson with his back before finding Leigh Thompson who nodded it wide of the keeper’s reach. The Eagles doubled their lead within five minutes after Daniel Dickson picked up the ball and slid Peter Hodgkinson through on goal and he was able to finish off the move to make it 2-0. Maroondah dug in from there and fought to get back into the game, managing a breakthrough in the 35th minute. Lilydale goalkeeper Tom Gilman played the ball to Mark ‘The General’ Carrington from a goal kick who didn’t connect cleanly with the ball. Maroondah pounced and squared the ball to Richard L who scored to make it 2-1. The Eagles responded however five minutes later after Hodgkinson drew in the defenders before playing a lovely ball to Nima Babazadeh, who carried the ball into the box before tucking home his first goal for the club. Maroondah weren’t going down without a fight and quickly bounced back with a corner goal of their own. They took it short, played a pass to the edge of the box and a dipping shot beat all defenders, including the vertically challenged Allen Dickson marking the post. There was a chance for even more scoring when the ball presented itself to Daniel Dickson in the box who let rip with a shot that whistled just past the top corner. According to amateur astrologist and goalscoring expert Babazadeh, “the ball was last seen orbiting the earth at low altitude”. Into the second half and the Eagles were already down Daniel Nicholls, a late-season inductee to the Eagles’ Crippled Calf Club (CCC). The high scoring of the first half was largely absent in the second until Gilman, freed from the shackles of the goalkeeping gloves, put some pressure on the Maroondah defence high up the pitch. He won the ball back, charged through on goal and slotted home Lilydale’s fourth in the 70th minute. The rout was completed in the 85th minute when Piotr Swiatkiewicz was fed through, didn’t panic and calmly tucked his finish past the goalkeeper. The Masters take on Bayswater away next
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week, with the winner in the box seat to secure second spot. The Seniors hosted Donvale and got off to a poor start after the visitors attacked down the right through Edwin de Waard. The Donvale winger fired a shot from a tight angle at Eagles’ keeper Callum Ludwig who palmed it away. Mark Vanderkolk arriving in the box to help defend missed the ball and it fell to Scott McNabb who took one shot and fired a curling effort into the roof of the net in the third minute. It went from bad to worse for Lilydale two minutes later when Kaiden Smith lost the ball in defence and played in de Waard. Lachlan Friswell tried a desperate slide to quell the attack but missed and Donvale were able to square for Kit Lee to tap home into an empty net. The Eagles first attempt on goal came following a corner. Train Cooper looped the ball in and Donvale headed clear but it fell to Friswell who tried to hit it on the half-volley but blazed it over. Lilydale had another chance from a corner a couple of minutes later when Donvale failed to properly clear a low ball in. Fiifi Kwansah-Aidoo tried the shot from the edge of the box but dragged it wide to the left. Donvale tried an audacious volley from range after a headed clearance from Smith, but the shot was a slow, looping effort and no danger. Donvale made it 3-0 after a cross from the byline from de Waard wasn’t properly cleared by Friswell and popped up into the air. He tried to charge it down but got an unlucky bounce from the spinning ball. Carlin Jackson then charged down a shot and made a block but the rebound fell to McNabb who fired into the bottom-right corner. Ludwig was called into action when de Waard again charged down the right, but his attempted toe poke was blocked by the onrushing Eagles keeper. Donvale got on the attack again when Smith was nutmegged on the right wing, but the striker dragged his effort wide. Lilydale’s best chance thus far in the game came in the 22nd minute after Bailey Hone chased down a long ball on the left and whipped in a cross which evaded everyone but the arriving Vanderkolk who tried to hit the bouncing ball on the volley but it went just wide. Donvale’s next chance came courtesy of a pass fizzed through the middle to the striker who tried the shot early but blazed over. Another effort down the left minutes later fizzed just wide of the post for the visitors. Marcus Salvitti had a chance on the edge of the box in the 38th minute, and his sidefooted
Fiifi Kwansah-Aidoo lines up a shot. (Byron Loveless) effort was just wide across the face of the goal. Donvale striker Tom Masanauskas had a reward for his effort in the 39th minute after he raced past Colin Dickson and calmly tucked his finish into the bottom corner. He doubled his tally before halftime after Lilydale weren’t awarded a foul. Donvale countered and were just able to pass the ball right through the Lilydale defence and the striker looked up and chipped his effort past the onrushing Ludwig to leave Lilydale five goals in arrears. Daniel Dickson received a yellow card before the half ended for protesting the referee’s decision. Donvale had the first shot of the second half but Ludwig got down to it. In the 57th minute, Vanderkolk entered the book for ‘repetitive fouling’, despite not having committed a foul all match. Donvale had a chance minutes later that was flashed across the box and tipped away by Ludwig. The Cavaliers kept the ball alive though, squared the ball and finished at the near post by Garv Bhandari to make it 6-0. A big chance for Masanauskas went begging in the 68th minute when the ball was squared to him but he couldn’t get enough power behind his shot to beat Ludwig. Friswell entered the book for swearing in the 70th minute. Cooper looked to be through on goal for Lilydale but the keeper raced out and got a foot to the ball with the pair colliding. It fell to Vanderkolk who delayed his shot with the keeper off his line and his eventual effort on goal was blocked. Salvitti tried a free kick from range but it was watched all the way wide by the Donvale keeper.
Lachlan Friswell defended valiantly against Donvale. (Byron Loveless)
Marcus Salvitti whips a corner into the box. (Byron Loveless) Vanderkolk forced the keeper into a save with a long shot, but the goalie was able to gather it comfortably. Masanauskas did get his hattrick after Donvale persisted in attack and Lilydale shied away. The ball was played into the striker’s path and his shot ricocheted up off a divot in the turf and past Ludwig. Two decent chances put wide by Donvale and a curling effort off target from Vanderkolk were all to note as the game petered out to a slow close. The Seniors head to Croydon to take on Hornbill next week.
Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL 29
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Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 | MAIL 31
The Sustainable & Economical Choice Pale Eucalyptus custom shade Featured: Milano Top Flue, Milano Cooktop in Burgundy and Stainless Steel. Also available in following custom shades:
Milano, Compact Yet Powerful The Milano range delivers efficient warmth without compromising on style. Designed for 1 or 2-bedroom homes, its compact footprint, rapid heat-up time and easy-to-use controls make it an ideal heating solution where space is at a premium. Whether you choose the practical cooktop model or the sleek top flue design, the Milano offers reliable performance, excellent ember retention and the timeless quality of European engineering.
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