Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
Erosion overlay overhauled
Roads rate poorly in Yarra Ranges
TAC report outlines steps
See Real Estate liftout inside
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Ready for change By Claudia Mather Only 29 people in Australia can relate to what little 5-year-old Christian Bowen is going through. That’s because he lives with the extremely rare PURA syndrome - a neurodevelopmental disorder that was identified for the first time in 2014. The 14-month wait for Christian to get his diagnosis after birth was something the Lilydale-based Bowen family will never forget. Christian’s mother, Amy Bowen, said that waiting for an answer was one of the hardest periods of her life. As any mother would, for the first year of Christian’s life, she spent countless hours between appointments searching for an answer and, more often than not, came up with nothing. “That 14 months of not having a diagnosis were the hardest. Most of the time I was an absolute wreck,” she said. It has prompted the Bowen family to start a foundation to advocate for their child’s rare disability. Read more on page 11
Christian with his mum Amy. (Stewart Chambers: 577401)
Pool in deep end By Mikayla van Loon The Yarra Ranges Council voted to endorse Lilydale as the preferred location for a new regional aquatic facility, officially ruling out the former Kilsyth pool site at Kiloran Park. Councillors supported a motion at the Tuesday 8 September council meeting to focus the project’s business case on Lilydale and pursue a 25-metre pool rather than a 50-metre option. A standalone learn-to-swim facility was also re-
moved from consideration. Speaking during public submissions, resident Antoinette Pitt called on council to reconsider a 50-metre pool to accommodate population growth and competing community demands. She said a 25-metre pool creates capacity problems for lap swimmers, schools, clubs, and rehabilitation users. Built environment and infrastructure director Anita Curnow said a 50-metre pool carried an additional $10 million construction cost, along with
higher ongoing operating expenses for heating, chemicals, and staffing. She said industry modelling showed a 50-metre pool yields only a small increase in visitation, making larger warm water and program pools a better investment. Moving the motion, Cr Jim Child said ruling out Kiloran Park avoids unnecessary expenditure on non-viable options and unlocks the site for general park master planning. Seconding the motion, Cr Tim Heenan said locating the facility in Lilydale provides certainty
for the community, aligns with future population growth, and improves public transport access. Cr Len Cox OAM supported Lilydale but expressed disappointment at removing Kiloran Park as a backup option if land cannot be found. Cr Mitch Mazzarella voted against the motion, arguing Kiloran Park should remain in the business case to ensure fair consideration. He also criticised the level of confidentiality surrounding the project’s estimated costs. Read more on pages 4 and 5
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Approved despite pushback By Callum Ludwig Yarra Ranges councillors have approved an amendment to the Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) following a review by an independent planning panel. The amendment, passed at the Tuesday 8 September council meeting, will result in fewer properties predicted to be at risk of landslip than initially forecast. Michael Buxton spoke in objection to the motion, arguing that the panel report was grossly inadequate and required thorough council assessment. “The initial concern I have with this report is that it relies on LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), that’s a very useful tool, of course, but it only shows to the surface, including contours, it shows below vegetation, but it doesn’t show what’s underneath,” he said. “So we need other information on soil type to provide inflections for stability, and it’s otherwise unreliable and the report actually recognises this, it says the geological mapping doesn’t provide information about the geomechanical properties of the ground, for example, how hard the soil is, the depth of rock and so on. “They’re all factors for landslide susceptibility yet then the panel contradicts itself by stating that the mapping method that it uses through LiDAR is based on sufficient criteria, and it mentions underlying geology, slope angle, known history of instability and what LiDAR actually does.” Mr Buxton commissioned soil testing by Dominic Lopes of Universal Soil Laboratories at three locations on his own property, telling councillors the results reinforced his concerns about the mapping. He noted that the soil type on his land is the most stable among those listed, and that this information is already mapped. “The expert providing you with advice didn’t have to go and do thorough geological tests on the soil, he could just look at maps, and the maps are available,” he said. “The panel then goes on and says that this doesn’t really matter because whenever anybody applies for a housing development, they can provide their own soil test and it’ll be approved but that’s a very costly process, it’s time-consuming. “It’s unfair to require an applicant to actually then provide the evidence when it’s clear that the evidence shows that this mapping should not have been applied.” When questioned by the councillors, Mr Buxton clarified that he didn’t believe the panel report adequately showed that they had assessed the submissions received in their responses and that his property was already in the EMO from previous mapping. Yarra Ranges Council’s manager of design and place Nathan Islip said the use of LiDAR is considered best practice in the industry at the moment. “In fact, numerous councils have been observing with interest and waiting to apply the same methodology,” he said. “We are of the view that the LiDAR adds a lay-
Erosion management remains a hot topic in the Yarra Ranges. (File: 420079) er of quality and accuracy that was not in previous mapping that was done. “We have far more confidence in this proposed EMO mapping than what was currently in the scheme.” While panel members were engineers rather than geotechnical engineers, council had the report peer-reviewed by a highly regarded geotechnical engineer. Mr Islip said the important thing is that this is helping the community. “You will know upfront when you buy a property whether it is susceptible to the landslip or whether it’s the movement of the actual soil… if we don’t have that clearly defined, that’s a risk to landowners who don’t know that when they buy their property,” he said. He noted an interim amendment with a sunset clause was currently active, adding: “Council under the Planning and Environment Act are responsible for the mapping of these hazards... we could be seen as failing in our duty of care if we hadn’t done something about
this.” The council completed some revised mapping which reduced the overall area susceptible to landslide at 117km squared compared to 137 km squared and subsequently reduced the number of properties affected by EMO1 as summarised below: Deleting the EMO where it is no longer required – 1702 properties (previously 937). Replacing the EMO with EMO1 – 9362 properties (previously 10,168). Introducing EMO1 to new properties impacted by landslip susceptibility – 1869 properties (previously 3259). No change to the EMO2 (debris flow) mapping was recommended. During the discussion by councillors, councillors Jim Child, Gareth Ward, Peter McIlwain, Jeff Marriott and mayor Richard Higgins spoke of their support for the amendment. “Wouldn’t you rather have that done so there’s peace of mind when you do a development on a property in one of these areas,
you’ve done the proper analysis before you go to build,” Cr Child said. “The overlay will now affect my own property as well but I’m satisfied that we have put in the work and hired the right consultants,” Cr Ward said. “What we’re actually doing here with this overlay is a preventative measure, we’re not in the process of identifying risk per se, it’s about preventing risk in the future,” Cr McIlwain said. Councillors Tim Heenan and Len Cox OAM had some reservations. “Michael Buxton has standing over many decades of substantial planning in the whole of the city of Melbourne… it concerns me greatly that he submitted samples of rock and soil and explaining that LiDAR doesn’t understand the underlying geology in the ground, it concerns me greatly that it was obviously brushed off with his submission to the panel,” Cr Heenan said. The motion was carried with only Cr Cox voting against.
Council provides major funding boost for 13 Yarra Ranges sporting clubs By Oliver Winn A $189,000 investment will help fund major infrastructure upgrades for 13 sporting clubs in the Yarra Ranges. The funding was allocated under the sporting grant stream of the Yarra Ranges Council’s 2026/27 Capital Development Grants. Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said it was great to see local clubs supported to fund what matters to them. “We’re actually seeing thirteen pieces of work being completed by groups run by community volunteers who put in huge hours, especially for fundraising, usually to match these grants to continue to ensure their clubs can run,” she said.at the 8 September council meeting The money will fund roughly half of the cost for a particular project, with the club matching the funding with their own contribution. Woori Yallock Football Netball Club managed to secure $13,160 to install netball shelters for players, coaches and officials. 2 MAIL | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
Around $22,500 was allocated to the Silvan Football Netball Club for the development of its storage shed. Meanwhile, $16,475 was allocated to the Kilsyth Cricket Club to upgrade its cricket nets. But Cr McAllister said it’s not only football, netball and cricket clubs receiving funding. “Again, a great diversity of sporting groups as well. So whilst cricket, netball, and footy are certainly present as traditional, increasingly we do see other groups: BMX, bowls, pony club, basketball, and a range of other groups in there as well,” she said. This included clubs like the Kilsyth Basketball Club, which will receive $25,000 to fund the replacement of carpet in the foyer. At the Croydon and Districts Table Tennis Association, $14,000 will help fund costs to give the club’s stadium a fresh coat of paint. The Melbourne Gun Club will receive $30,000 to fund flood mitigation and levee bank infrastructure works. Cr McAllister said the flood mitigation devel-
opment was one of the first she’d seen funded through the sporting grant program. “From small grants for shade, carpet, shelters, a new green, but in one instance for a levee well for flood mitigation, which again is probably, I think, one of the first times that I’ve seen that come through this particular grant program,” she said. Wailing Ward councillor Len Cox said the sporting grant stream was “one of the better things council does”. “It’s very greatly received every year, and hopefully we can continue doing that into the far future,” Cr Cox said. But he pointed out how club still had a lot of fundraising work to do in order to match the council’s contributions. “This is only half of what they’re going to need. So there’s a lot of work to be done by the various clubs to raise that extra money to be able to finish the job that we’re funding part of,” Cr Cox said. Over in the Yarra Valley, the Healesville Tennis Club will get $4420 towards court seating upgrade costs, while the Yarra Glen Bowls Club will receive
Kilsyth Basketball will receive $25,000 from council. (Mikayla van Loon: 495145) $30,000 for clubhouse renovations. The council allocated $9300 to the Yarra Junction Bowling Club to part-fund the creation of an additional rink, with seating and shade, on the existing green to accommodate extra players. Mooroolbark Cricket Club’s training nets will be part-funded by a $12,180 contribution from council. The council also allocated $4290 to Lilydale BMX Club’s track surface and sustainability upgrades. A new horse tie up area at the Seville Pony Club will be part-funded by a $3000 council contribution. Cr McAllister said it was “wonderful” to see sporting clubs taking advantage of the council’s grant streams each year.
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IN BRIEF Manchester Road collision
Support is vital
Emergency services were called to a collision on Manchester Road in Mooroolbark at around 4.20pm on Thursday. The eight-vehicle response to the rescue road trap call outside Manchester Preschool, near the intersection of McDermott Avenue, saw one person transported to hospital. “Ambulance Victoria responded to reports of an incident in Mooroolbark at about 4.20pm on 10 September,” a spokesperson said. “Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics attended the scene. “A woman in her thirties was transported by road ambulance to Maroondah Hospital in a stable condition with minor injuries.” The CFA confirmed two crews from Chirnside Park and Mooroolbark were on scene assisting Victoria Police. A dark blue Mazda sedan appeared to have been T-boned and pushed into the guard rail of the preschool car park. Police were still at the scene just after 5pm, with a slight diversion of the left lane in place. A tow truck arrived shortly after to remove the crumpled Mazda from the road.
By Oliver Winn Trigger warning: this article includes mentions of suicide. As an alarming spike in youth suicides across the outer east raises questions about the availability of mental health services, the lack of supportive community spaces has also received attention. After the deaths of six people, aged 13 to 22, in September 2025, and a further four, aged 13 to 18, in May this year, an article in The Age exposed a lack of review into Victoria’s failing youth mental health system. While the spotlight raised the alarm around the capacity of Victoria’s mental health services, a father whose daughter died by suicide in September 2025 said young people also needed community organisations where they can feel safe and supported. When Brent Dakis’ 13-year-old daughter Ivy took her life in September 2025, it came as a complete shock. “When Ivy passed away, it was so out of the blue for us. There was no history of any kind of mental health or self-harm or anything for her, just a long string of bullying that was unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Mr Dakis said. The increased rates of youth suicide didn’t come as a surprise to Mr Dakis. “Unfortunately for me, I’m entirely unsurprised. When we had to sit down with detectives… I said to them, ‘I’m really concerned that you are going to start seeing more of this’.” He said the increasing rates of poor mental health were “symptomatic” of an environment where social media was fracturing today’s youth while promoting negative content that encouraged cyberbullying. “It’s an environment that online… seems to promote negative self-talk, criticism, selfcriticism, all of that. And then because that has become the norm online for the younger teens, that’s then becoming the norm offline. “So instead of it being a supportive environment and growing up and cheering on your friends, people just rag on each other and tear each other down,” he said. Ivy’s passing prompted Mr Dakis to start the Forge Institute: a not-for-profit social enterprise providing safe, welcoming spaces for young people to connect while exploring the arts. The Forge aims to provide young people with a “third place” where they can feel safe, connected, and supported by peers, outside of school or home. “My vision for The Forge is very much art class and art education as a front for social connection and social education, and the mental health support of peer support and belonging. “That’s actually the intention: an underlying social support network that is using art as a vessel to do that,” Mr Dakis said. While the outer east needed more mental health care services for at-risk youth, community organisations like The Forge would help support young people dealing with mental health struggles and give them a space to feel safe. Youth mental health and suicide is a complex phenomenon, and there’s no single solution that immediately fixes the issue.
Nine people arrested
Brent Dakis started The Forge Institute for young people to feel safe, connected and supported. (Supplied) Youth mental health expert Magenta Simmons said a holistic approach would be needed to address mental health concerns in the outer east. “One part of that will be mental health services, and one part of that will be communitybased programs which are fantastic and are really important to allow young people to have a place to feel socially connected and feel a sense of belonging.” Young people traditionally flock to sporting clubs for community in the outer east. But for those who aren’t into sports, it can be hard to feel like they’re a part of a community. Ms Simmons said organisations like The Forge were “filling a gap” in creative and arts-based offerings for young people in the outer east. “It’s an arts-based offer, and that’s really important, too. These creative opportunities for young people to engage in are not just social, but they’re also creative and potentially therapeutic activities.” Meanwhile, community organisations can also help connect young people to mental health
services. “Community-based organisations can be a great connector to help young people get the services that they need. “But we can’t expect community organisations to fix a broken mental health system. They shouldn’t be doing it alone. They should be doing it with support,” she said. Mr Dakis was also nominated for the Westfield Knox Local Heroes, a recognition, grants and partnerships program that shines the spotlight on individuals in Australia and New Zealand who make a positive impact to their local community or environment. You can vote for him here: shorturl.at/OAlp4. For more information or to get involved, visit theforgeinstitute.au or follow them on Instagram @theforgeinstitute.inc. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available: Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, kidshelpline.com. au. Headspace: 1800 650 890, headspace.org.au. ReachOut: ReachOut.com.
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Taskforce Echo detectives have arrested nine men connected to the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) following a series of early morning warrants on 9 September. The raids stem from an ongoing investigation into an August assault at a venue on York Street in Sale, which left several people injured, including one victim who suffered a fractured jaw. Among those taken into custody was a 37-year-old from Ringwood, who was questioned by police alongside eight other suspects before being released pending further enquiries. Warrants were executed across nine residential addresses—including Safety Beach, Carrum Downs, Doncaster East, Lynbrook, Ringwood, Selby, Metung, and Sale—as well as the Finks OMCG clubhouse in Cranbourne West. Five of the arrested men face formal charges and have been bailed to appear at Sale Magistrates’ Court on 9 February. A 34-year-old Safety Beach man, a 35-year-old Carrum Downs man, and a 29-year-old Lynbrook man were charged with intentionally causing injury and affray. A 24-year-old Doncaster East man was charged with affray, public display of prohibited insignia, possession of imitation firearms, possession of prohibited weapons, and possession of steroids. A 25-year-old Sale man was charged with affray. Along with the Ringwood resident, three other men—a 23-year-old from Blackburn North, a 35-year-old Selby man, and a 29-year-old from Metung—were interviewed and released pending further enquiries. During the searches, police seized two gel blaster assault rifles, two gel blaster handguns, prohibited weapons, and steroids from the Doncaster East property. Police will allege that around 5.15pm on 15 August, the group approached five men at the Sale premises and began harassing them, initiating the violent altercation. The multi-unit operation involved the Southern Metro, Eastern Region, Frankston, Manningham, Yarra Ranges, Wellington, and East Gippsland Crime Investigation Units, along with the Croydon Divisional Response Unit, Vehicle Crime Squad, and Taskforce VIPER. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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Push for Lilydale location By Mikayla van Loon Yarra Ranges Council doubled down on its push for an aquatic facility to be located in Lilydale, with the former Kilsyth pool site officially ruled out for future planning. This was compounded by the decision to pursue a 25-metre pool rather than a 50-metre pool within the new proposed urban aquatic facility. A standalone learn-to-swim facility was also removed as a potential option. The recommendation to endorse Lilydale as the preferred location and remove Kiloran Park from the business case investigation received a majority vote, barring Councillor Mitch Mazzarella’s objection. Speaking at the Tuesday 8 September council meeting, Antoinette Pitt called for a 50-metre pool to be reconsidered as part of the proposal because of user needs. “You can’t include that many people in a 25-metre pool, and they are trying to fit lap swimming, schools, learning to swim, aqua exercise, clubs, rehabilitation, and other community uses into that limited space,” she said. “With a 25-metre pool, those competing demands become a capacity problem, and our population is only ever growing. “A 50-metre pool gives you something fundamentally different: flexibility. You can divide it into zones. You can accommodate different activities at the same time.” Ms Pitt encouraged the council to plan for the future, rather than the constraints of the current budget. “Don’t build the facility around today’s limitations. Build it around the community we know is coming. Build a place where swimmers, schools, clubs, families, older people, people needing rehab, people like me who just want to swim by themselves, can come and find a place there. “Build a place that helps us stay healthy. Build a place that helps us stay connected. Build a place that helps us stay around, stay safe around water.” Councillor Fiona McAllister posed a question to the executive team, seeking greater understanding as to why a 50-metre pool was ruled out.
Lilydale and a 25-metre pool were endorsed as preferred options for a new aquatic centre by Yarra Ranges Council. (Unsplash) Built environment and infrastructure director Anita Curnow explained that an estimated construction cost difference of $10 million was dividing the 25-metre and 50-metre pool design. She also identified a “considerable annual difference in the operating cost” for extra water, chemicals, supervision and heating. Despite this, the plan does include a specific warm water pool and a program pool to cater to various uses. “What we’ve found from industry standard modelling is that a 50-metre pool doesn’t at-
tract particularly larger numbers, very small increment in the numbers of extra people that would come because there’s a 50 metre pool,” Ms Curnow said. “On balance, it’s better to have a bigger warm water pool and a bigger program pool than it is to have a 50 metre pool.” Cr Jim Child put forward the motion to approve the recommendation, citing it as “one of the most complex tasks we have ever embarked on”. He said by approving the motion it would also
unlock planning for Kiloran Park as open space. “It focuses the business case where it belongs. Rules out non-viable options to narrow our scope. Moves forward with general park master planning for Kiloran Park,” he said. “This avoids unnecessary expenditure on options that investigations have proven to be non-viable or financially unsustainable.” Seconded by Cr Tim Heenan, he addressed population growth over the next 20 years, public transport access and the lack of crossover with Maroondah’s facilities if located in Lilydale. He said the decision also gave greater clarity to the community about the aquatic facility’s progression. “Further confirmation of Lilydale as a preferred location provides certainty for the community and represents a significant milestone in progressing the project towards business case completion,” he said. Although having been incredibly vocal about the Kilsyth pool’s closure, Cr Len Cox was in relative support of identifying Lilydale as the preferred location. He was, however, displeased to see Kiloran Park removed “as an alternative, just in case”. “If land can’t be found in Lilydale. There is an alternative, and that’s Kiloran Park.” Cr Mazzarella, while not opposed to endorsing Lilydale as the preferred location, did hold a similar opinion to Cr Cox that the former pool site should remain an option. “I believe that Kiloran Park, like all other locations, must be given the same level of consideration as part of this process, and it should remain part of the business case until the end… community then have confidence in us that we have fairly considered all locations,” he said. Cr Mazzarella also spoke to the confidential aspects of the plan, stating that “I’m not impressed by the level of confidentiality and restrictions”. “(The) community deserve to know how much and where we’re considering. As far as community are concerned, the cost for the pool might be $1, it might be a million, or it might be 100 million.” Ultimately, the motion was passed with an eight-to-one vote.
Campaign comes to an end as pool decision made By Mikayla van Loon A three-year campaign calling for a pool to be funded and rebuilt in Kilsyth has come to an end after Lilydale was officially declared the preferred site for a new facility. The decision at the Tuesday 8 September Yarra Ranges Council meeting was both a huge disappointment and a relief to lead campaigner Janis Floyd. “I felt a sense of relief. The campaign was over. It was not the outcome we had hoped for, of course, but it was quite final,” she said. “The community tried by every means possible to get the most popular Kilsyth Pool rebuilt. There were so many signatures and letters of support, emails and flyers. “I never felt alone in the campaign. It was a dedicated community effort. However, we were campaigning for funds to rebuild a community pool, and the funds were allocated to a huge, expensive Aquatic Facility.” The Rebuild Our Kilsyth Pool campaign garnered over 1500 members on Facebook after the closure and subsequent demolition of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool in 2023. In a post to the group following the decision, Ms Floyd said it was a sad day for the campaign, where “a ‘community pool’ (is) competing for funds with an ‘Aquanation’ type pool”. “We wanted it rebuilt the same but ‘better’. Better access, change rooms and a roof. We were satisfied with the 50m indoor heated pool, the outdoor pool, the toddler pool and the park-like surroundings. It was a muchloved family and community pool,” she wrote. The council’s decision to reduce the main pool size to 25 metres, Ms Floyd said, “in my opinion, will prove to be inadequate”. “The Aquatic and Leisure Strategy aims to be all-inclusive, all ages and abilities, but the decision does not include lap swimmers, swimming clubs, and competition training. They are excluded - a 25m pool is no good use 4 MAIL | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
Chris Dowling and Janis Floyd were key campaigners for Rebuild Our Kilsyth Pool since the start. (Supplied) to lap swimmers.” Ms Floyd did agree the warm water pool would benefit and “be a blessing” for people beyond Lilydale who currently travel to Ringwood for therapy.
Instead of funding and building a multi-million dollar aquatic and leisure facility, Ms Floyd said “a distributed approach to aquatics has merit for local government. It could be a program of discrete staggered proj-
ects.” Ms Floyd said the priority should be a 50-metre, indoor, heated, all-year-round pool, alongside smaller outdoor pools to provide relief in hot weather. Decoupling warm-water pools and spas from aquatic facilities and instead providing a dedicated wellness centre with massage therapy, allied health services and similar could be a better approach. She also called for a dedicated learn-toswim and water safety facility considering the importance of swimming in Australia, despite this being formally ruled out by the council. “This is a speciality that deserves its own facility to cater for school groups and diaspora,” she said. Ms Floyd also said, “Gymnasiums should be excluded from aquatic facilities entirely”. Understanding that “the needs of residents in the urban community are not limited to those in Kilsyth”, the council referenced population growth associated with the Kinley estate, which is due for completion around 2041-46. “These people are not there yet, don’t pay rates and, in my opinion, the return on investment of the aquatic facility will be poor in the initial years,” Ms Floyd said. Despite the outcome, Ms Floyd thanked the community for its support in the campaign and the council for actively listening at every stage. “I would like to thank everyone who fought alongside me during this campaign. Particularly the Kilsyth Community Action Group and Chris Dowling from the Aquarobics group. “Although ultimately, we did not achieve our objective, we were heard. We had the right to be heard. “I would like to thank Yarra Ranges Council who accepted our petition, letters of support and a submission. We had mutual respect. Each resident has one vote for one Councillor that they trust will listen to their voice and honestly vote in their best interest.”
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Pool site choice welcomed By Mikayla van Loon After years of advocating for a Lilydale-based aquatic and leisure facility, the news that Yarra Ranges Council formalised its endorsement for this location was welcomed by the township group. Lilydale Township Action Group (LTAG) president Frank Whelan said the council’s decision on Tuesday 8 September was an exciting step forward. “We believe it’s going to be a really wonderful facility, not just for Lilydale but the entire Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges. It’ll be terrific,” he said. “We’ve been pushing for it for a long time, and it’s excellent to see that the council have formalised it, and we look forward to a bit of action there.” On a personal note, Mr Whelan said his father, who was a president and founding member of Lilydale Swimming Club when it was reinvigorated in the ‘60s or ‘70s, would “be absolutely delighted if he was still alive to see what’s going on”. Mr Whelan said LTAG had been actively engaged in discussions with the council to put forward their case and point of view for Lilydale as the preferred location. Disappointed that the council removed the potential for a 50-metre pool, instead endorsing a 25-metre length, Mr Whelan said overall “the good bits outnumber the bad bits”. “We would have liked to have seen the 50 metre because it fits in very well with school sports and all that type of thing, but we understand that there’s cost constraints, and we, if it has to be 25 metre, well, so be it,” he said. “We’re very happy with the whole of the proposal because it’s encapsulating learn-to-swim and the gymnasium, and those really urgent medical situations where it’s going to be a nice warm pool, so the people who are travelling huge distances now for rehabilitation and that sort of thing will be able to use the pool all year round.” With Kiloran Park, the site of the former Kil-
The endorsement for an urban aquatic centre to be based in Lilydale was welcomed by the Lilydale Township Action Group. (Solana Photography) syth Centenary Pool, removed from the business case investigation for an urban aquatic centre development, Mr Whelan said it was unfortunate. “It’s a great shame, actually, in my opinion, that the council did go ahead and get rid of it, but that was their decision, unfortunately,” he said. “It would have been nice for that to still be there, but unfortunately the financial aspect of it
didn’t fit their criteria.” Mr Whelan agreed with the council that, given public transport access, the population and the number of schools in the vicinity of Lilydale, “it really is the ideal site for the for it to be”. Looking ahead, particularly with a state election approaching, Mr Whelan said LTAG would be “advocating very strongly to our politicians and the powers that be” for money to be allocat-
ed. “Lilydale has been the poor cousin of any sort of political handout for a long, long time, and we’d love to see the aquatic centre going ahead. We’d also love to see the football pavilion being funded as well,” he said. “We’ll certainly be putting our best foot forward to endeavour to get the funding as quickly as possible.”
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Highways ‘very poor’ By Mikayla van Loon and Ethan Henson A staggering new road report released by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) about the conditions of Victoria’s roads shows an overall deterioration of the network. Despite 48 per cent of the state’s roads receiving a poor or very poor condition report, the Yarra Ranges fell below the average, with 31.38 per cent gaining the same rating. This was again lower than the 42.15 per cent recorded in 2021 for the shire. The same could not be said for neighbouring council areas of Knox, Maroondah and Cardinia, with the proportion of state roads in poor or very poor condition reaching 41.21 per cent in Knox and over 50 per cent in Maroondah and Cardinia. This was a significant rise for the Cardinia network, up from 31.76 per cent in 2021. Of the four regions that make up metropolitan Melbourne, the proportion of roads in overall poor and very poor was highest in the Metro Eastern region, the report stated. Key arterial roads across the state’s network that weave through the Yarra Ranges, including Maroondah Highway, Warburton Highway, Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Burwood Highway and Wellington Road, saw significant increases in worsening condition. In 2021, Maroondah Highway’s condition report recorded just 25.37 per cent as very poor. This increased to 54.71 per cent in 2024. Similarly, Warburton Highway increased from 37.5 per cent in 2021 to 58.72 per cent in 2024. Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road rose to 55.49 per cent, while Burwood Highway increased from 16 per cent to 34.7 per cent in the very poor category. Wellington Road saw a staggering increase from just over one per cent in very poor condition to now rating at 68.89 per cent. Melba Highway stayed relatively unchanged, with a one per cent decrease in very poor condi-
VAGO said road conditions in Victoria have worsened. (File: 562287) tion, from 56 per cent to 55 per cent. In total, 23,000 kilometres of the state road network were analysed, indicating a nine per cent increase in poor and very poor road conditions since 2021. The report tabled in Parliament on Wednesday 9 September included six recommendations to the Department of Transport and Planning. These include improving transparency around the condition, maintenance and cost of addressing backlog; defining criteria for prioritising maintenance or renewal work; better coordination of maintenance; improving data use; and strengthening oversight of maintenance contractors. Roads Minister Paul Hamer told reporters on Wednesday that he thanked VAGO for the
report, but he didn’t need the report to tell him roads need to be fixed. “That’s why last week, we announced a $352 million boost to our road maintenance funding in this financial year,” Mr Hamer said. “We also announced that a re-elected Carroll Labor Government will fix the way that we fix our roads. “That includes bringing road maintenance back in-house; it means higher standards, more accountability, more transparency, more local delivery and more local expertise. “The recommendations that are in the report have been accepted, and they have already started to be implemented by the department.” Roads and Road Safety opposition spokesperson Danny O’Brien released a statement re-
garding the newly released audit. He said the report was a devastating indictment of more than a decade of state government neglect. “Victorians already know our roads are an appalling mess, but the Auditor-General has now revealed why,” Mr O’Brien said. “Plans to cut it again next year after the election and has failed to deliver the preventative maintenance that will stop potholes forming in the first place. “Ben Carroll cut $214 million from the roads maintenance budget over two years while he was Roads Minister. “His election-eve promises to fix the roads won’t be believed by Victorians who are sick of his potholes.”
Summerset Chirnside Park is officially open!
Village now open
Find more time for what you love at this modern village, designed to help you get the most out of your retirement - now and in the future. Our first residents have now moved in, and we have just a few homes remaining in our first release. Get in quick to secure your preferred home* and be a part of this vibrant community. Book an appointment with our friendly team at our new sales villa and explore our stunning display homes. Love the life you choose.
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Lilydale investment blueprint Yarra Ranges Council has officially launched its Lilydale Investment Blueprint, pitching the suburb as a high-potential development hub and actively seeking private and public partners to shape its next growth phase. Targeting investors, developers, property owners, and government stakeholders, the strategy aims to streamline development across Lilydale’s designated Major Activity Centre. The blueprint highlights key sectors for expansion, including mixed-use housing, health, education, commercial space, hospitality, and visitor accommodation. Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Richard Higgins said the initiative is designed to kickstart early conversations with developers to ensure growth aligns with community needs while keeping planning regulations and due diligence intact. “We want Lilydale to be a place where more people can live, learn, work and play, with greater housing choice, more local jobs and services, great hospitality, and welcoming places for people to meet and spend time,” Cr Higgins said. “Lilydale is entering a period of growth and change, with a growing population, recent investment in transport infrastructure, and a strategic location between Melbourne’s east and one of Victoria’s most popular regional destinations.” The campaign positions Lilydale as a destination in its own right rather than just a transit stop to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Local assets backing the push include over 80 hectares of redevelopment potential within the activity centre, direct train links to Melbourne, established retail zones, and strong demand driven by nearby residential expansions. The blueprint operationalises the long-term vision set out in the 2022 Lilydale Structure Plan, a 20-year roadmap created following community consultation that emphasised retaining the area’s country town character and identity. To lower barriers for investors, the council’s Economic Development and Investment team will act as a dedicated concierge service, offering a single point of contact to navigate planning pathways and coordinate internal approvals.
Yarra Ranges Council launched an investment blueprint for Lilydale. (File: 234335) Yarra Ranges Council chief executive officer Tammi Rose emphasised that the council wants to engage with proponents before plans are finalised. “We know significant investment and development proposals can be complex,” Ms Rose said. “Success will not simply be measured by the
launch of the Blueprint. It will be measured by what happens next — the conversations, partnerships, businesses and investment that contribute to a stronger and more vibrant Lilydale.” The industry has welcomed the proactive approach. Graham Reynolds, Principal of Woodards Real Estate Lilydale, noted that a structured roadmap provides critical market certainty.
“It brings a level of coordination and scale that gives confidence to the market and to investors looking for well-located, transport-connected opportunities,” Mr Reynolds said. The council also plans to leverage the blueprint to advocate for state and federal infrastructure funding to support the region’s expanding population.
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Back to school!
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.
Back to school! 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
Centre in the lead up to Christmas. Many locals far and wide were able to keep up their Christmas tradition in getting a family photo with ‘The Real Santa’ who they had grown to love. The unlikely tandem tallied upwards of $30,000 from their family Christmas photos and then selected four charities to each receive
$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 12477022-SN06-21
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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Waterwheel to stay open By Oliver Winn Today, travellers use the internet to plan their holidays, finding their destination’s best offerings through trending social media videos and AI-generated overviews. But it hasn’t always been this way. Visitor information centres once held the local knowledge of the best sightseeing spots, the highest quality restaurants and where to stay. As visitor information centres continue to close around the country, the Yarra Valley Waterwheel in Warburton is adapting to the growing economic pressures to stay open. Yarra Valley Waterwheel president Nicole Murray said visitor information centres needed to be appealing and welcoming spaces to stay relevant. “The visitor centres are going into shops, they’re going to galleries… when you have them at the back of the shop on the way to the toilet, and the lighting’s really bad… it pushes people towards looking online.” But while the internet can offer plenty of information, Ms Murray said it couldn’t provide the personal touch of in-person service offered at a visitor centre.
The Yarra Valley Waterwheel committee asked Eildon MP Cindy McLeish to secure maintenance funding in August. (Oliver Winn: 573261) “It’s better if people actually come out and talk to people, because it’s the people who have actually been there, who actually live in the space, who can talk about the stories and the history. “Not everyone wants to go online. It’s very 2D
and boring.” She said visitor information centres could also encourage travellers to experience the lesser-known places in between the tourist hotspots. “Mostly what you see online are the places
where they can make money. “People come in and they want to see the big trees, they want to know where the seasonal places are. “We wanna put people into the big trees where the sawdust mills used to be. Where all the places where history is. Put them up to the reservoir where the actual McVeigh’s Water Wheel is.” There’s also the struggle to stay commercially viable. “It’s difficult. So we have to put the prices up for the gallery. We have to put prices up for the handmakers,” Ms Murray said. When the new committee took control and secured the lease to the waterwheel building in July, they were hit with costs that saw the leftover funds “shrink considerably”. The annual $50,000 provided by the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise (UYCE) ceased this year, forcing the new committee to find new ways to source income. But the organisation doesn’t want to rely on external grants. Ms Murray said the committee wanted to become financially sustainable. “We need to run in our own shoes, not keep getting borrowed sneakers.”
New deal ends four months of disruption in Yarra Ranges parks By Gabriella Vukman The end of months of industrial action by Parks Victoria workers is set to bring an end to the repeated disruptions experienced by visitors, residents and businesses around Maroondah Reservoir Park. Parks Victoria workers reached an in-principle agreement on pay and conditions on Friday 11 September after more than 12 months of negotiations and industrial action. Repeated closures of Maroondah Reservoir Park have caused disruption for visitors, local residents, the weekly Maroondah Dam Parkrun, and businesses in Healesville, with concerns also raised about emergency access. The agreement means the 24-hour strikes, park closures and work bans that have affected parks across Victoria will now come to an end, after workers fought for improved pay and conditions. The closures have occurred as Parks Victoria staff undertook protected industrial action over pay and conditions, with the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) previously warning that entrance gates at a number of parks and reserves could remain locked as part of work bans. The CPSU said the offer accepted by Parks Victoria workers includes a three per cent pay rise, a $5000 one-off payment and a structural wages uplift that will boost base-level pay. A spokesperson from Parks Victoria told Star Mail that measures were taken to maintain visitor access to Maroondah Reservoir Park. “Contingencies have ensured visitors can still access Maroondah Reservoir Park via the main entrance at Maroondah Highway and at McKenzie Road,” they said. “24-hour access for emergency services and Melbourne Water has not been affected. Parks Victoria respects the right of its employees to take lawful protected industrial action.” For Healesville resident and regular parkrun participant Chris Gander, the repeated closures highlighted the broader impact industrial disputes have on local communities and tourism. He clarified his concerns were not about staff rights to strike, but rather poor communication and ongoing uncertainty. “There was uncertainty as to which parks were open, which parks weren’t and when,” Mr Gander said. He noted the Maroondah Dam parkrun attracts 40 to 50 people each Saturday, bringing visitors into Healesville who spend money at local cafes and the sanctuary. “Fortunately, we were notified each time Maroondah Reservoir was going to be closed, but the difficulty is getting the word out through our volunteers,” he added. Mr Gander also questioned emergency access when vehicle gates were closed while pedestrians could still enter, noting vehicle access was restricted on 18 July, 25 July, and 29 August. “I was riding my bike up there and thought
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Animal-proofing upgrades across Belgrave, Montrose and Upwey were part of an AusNet program to reduce outages. (AusNet)
Powerlines bolstered in Montrose to reduce animalrelated outages
Maroondah Reservoir is one of the parks subject to closures due to protected industrial action taken by Parks Victoria staff.(Gabriella Vukman: 578162).
Locals have said the park’s closure has affected the local economy. (Gabriella Vukman: 578162). ‘Gee if something happened to me, how would an ambulance or the SES or fire department access the park to help me.’” He added that closing vehicle access makes the park difficult to use for older visitors, families, and people with mobility limitations, questioning why weekend vehicle access could not be maintained when staff are not normally present. The CPSU previously stated the action was part of a long-running campaign for improved pay and conditions. In July, CPSU Victoria Secretary Jiselle Hanna said: “These actions are unfortunately the result of management’s continued failure to put forward a fair deal for PV staff. These people represent the very best of our public services, but are paid as the worst.” The union also noted members provide important firefighting and emergency response capacity during fire seasons.
With action ceasing, Mr Gander stressed that future disputes should avoid impacting innocent bystanders and local businesses that rely on open parks. The CPSU’s action list included numerous affected locations across the region, including: ■ Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Cardinia Reservoir Park, and Silvan Reservoir Park. ■ Bunyip State Park (including Nash Creek, Freemans Mill, and Mortimer camping areas). ■ Dandenong Ranges sites (Grants, Doongalla, Valley, and Eagles Nest picnic grounds, Ferntree Gully, and One Tree Hill). ■ Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. ■ Kinglake National Park (biolink area) and Kurth Kiln Regional Park. ■ Lysterfield Park, Upper Yarra Reservoir campground, and Warby-Ovens. ■ Yarra Ranges National Park (Badger Weir, Donnellys Weir). ■ Yarra Valley Parklands (including Westerfolds Park, Birrarrung Park, Longridge Campground, and Banksia Park). The CPSU stated action could affect entrance gates, bins, toilets, and other facilities, showing the impact extended well beyond Healesville. With Parks Victoria confirming emergency services and Melbourne Water access remained unaffected and visitor access is restored via Maroondah Highway and McKenzie Road, local residents and businesses will be hoping for reliable access to the public spaces vital for recreation and the local economy.
The Dandenong Ranges and foothills, areas prone to power line damage and outages, have been bolstered by animal-proofing improvements. AusNet, the electricity provider for the region, has completed a $1.8 million wildlife protection program. This program aimed to reduce power outages and protect Victoria’s native possums. The program delivered animal-proofing upgrades at 260 sites across Belgrave, Montrose, Warrandyte, Nilma, and Upwey. This targeted one of the leading causes of electricity outages on AusNet’s network. AusNet’s Head of Fault Delivery, Michael Walton, explained that the sites were identified by analysing areas with higher-than-average levels of animal-related faults. “By targeting these high-impact locations, we’re improving reliability and reducing outages for customers in communities most affected by animal-related faults,” he said. Data shows animals are responsible for more than 10 per cent of power outages across AusNet’s network. “These incidents can damage equipment and often require extensive repairs before power can be safely restored,” Mr Walton said. The program included: ■ Protective plastic guards to prevent animals from accessing power lines. ■ Rotating spinners that stop animals gaining a foothold on power lines. ■ New transformer equipment designed to discourage possums from nesting. “This activity highlighted how smart infrastructure investments can benefit customers and create a safer environment for one of Victoria’s most recognisable native species,” Mr Walton said. AusNet will continue monitoring network performance to measure the long-term impact of the upgrades on reliability and wildlife safety.
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Five year old Christian lives with PURA Syndrome. (Stewart Chambers: 57740)
Five year old Christian loves to play with his toys with his mum Amy. (Stewart Chambers: 577401)
Christian was diagnosed with PURA Syndrome at just 14 months old. (Stewart Chambers: 577401)
Marathon for a top cause By Claudia Mather For the first 14 months of Christian’s life, the Bowen family were left in limbo, feeling helpless and without answers as to what their baby was going through. Starting a foundation to advocate for their child’s rare disability is something that this Lilydale family never saw coming. Like most people, they had never heard of PURA syndrome until it completely changed their lives. At just 14 months old, little Christian, who is now five, was diagnosed with the extremely rare genetic condition. PURA Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that was identified for the first time in 2014. It is caused by changes in the PURA gene, which is important for brain development. The syndrome varies between individuals and often presents at birth or early childhood, but can affect movement and communication. Epilepsy is also a major part of life for children living with the condition. Symptoms can include low muscle tone, feeding and swallowing issues, and even breathing challenges. People with PURA tend to have intellectual disabilities. Christian’s mother, Amy Bowen, said that waiting for an answer was one of the hardest periods of her life. As any mother would, for the first year of Christian’s life, she spent countless hours between appointments searching for an answer and, more often than not, came up with nothing. “That 14 months of not having a diagnosis were the hardest. Most of the time I was an abso-
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lute wreck,” she said. PURA is so rare that only 800 people have a confirmed diagnosis globally, with approximately 30 confirmed cases in Australia. “When Christian was born, he was in hospital for five weeks and they said he’s presenting like he might have this syndrome or this syndrome,” Mrs Bowen explained. But no one could confirm to the new parents what was actually wrong. “In order to get the diagnosis we had to go through layers of genetic testing. “It wasn’t until we did exome genetic testing that they found something.” Getting that diagnosis after 14 confusing months was a blessing in disguise for the Bowen family. It meant they finally had an answer and an opportunity for more support. “I think that was probably the biggest thing for us, that we weren’t alone,” Mrs Bowen said. “I struggled, I didn’t know anyone with a disability, or how the NDIS works or what PURA looks like.” Naturally, advocating for Christian became Amy and James’ biggest priority which is how the PURA Foundation Australia was established. “My husband and I want to make sure that Christian has the best life and we don’t want him to miss out on opportunities because of his disability,” Mrs Bowen said. “Through getting the diagnosis we met other families in Melbourne and we’ve started the PURA Foundation Australia. “With the foundation, we’re trying to drive some change and the more people who are aware of PURA and the more support we can get hope-
fully means finding a treatment and making the kids suffering with PURA have a better life.” Navigating the world of disability can be complex and challenging but meeting other people in the same boat has been life changing for the Bowen family. “Having that support network has just been the best thing for our family,” Mrs Bowen smiled. Each day looks different for Christian but every day involves therapy. Therapy started at just four months old. “Every day Christian is in therapy, so he’s in a standing frame which he does daily. He has speech pathology, physio and OT once a week,” Mrs Bowen said. “With PURA, it comes with excess sleepiness. So some days Christian is absolutely exhausted, other days he’s got energy.” Christian also goes to mainstream childcare twice a week, where a kindergarten inclusive support worker will come to help with his aid. “It has been fantastic and his peers love him and that’s great,” Mrs Bowen smiled. Watching Christian bloom at childcare has been a beautiful thing for the Bowen family to see. “When he’s at home, and not at therapy we have to incorporate therapy into his daily routine,” Mrs Bowen said. On the days at home, Christian also gets to spend time with his 18-month-old brother Matthew, who has already stepped into the role of little big brother. “Christian loves having a brother, they’re going to get up to some mischief when they’re older,” Mrs Bowen laughed. “Every morning Matty picks up Christian’s glasses and gives them to him in bed.”
This October, the Bowen family will be taking part in the Melbourne Marathon Festival as part of team PURA, which will be raising funds for the foundation. “There’s going to be over 100 people supporting PURA, we’ll all be out in our purple tees,” Mrs Bowen said. “The foundation and researchers from The Florey are all walking or running on the day.” The Florey Institute is an Australian medical research institute that undertakes research into treatments for brain and mind disorders. They have been working alongside the PURA Foundation Australia to advance research into epilepsy in PURA syndrome. “It’s been amazing to have Christopher Reid, the head of the research, he is so passionate. It’s just so nice.” The research team from The Florey will be walking alongside other families in October to support children living with PURA and research efforts. “Every cent that we fundraise is going towards keeping the research going,” Mrs Bowen said. “The more exposure and more people know and the experts can learn about PURA, means more people out there can know, there could be other families out there who haven’t gotten a diagnosis.” While the future is uncertain as research for PURA still unfolds, Christian’s parents will continue to fight for him. To support the Bowen family and Team PURA, or to learn more about PURA Syndrome and research efforts, visit the PURA Foundation Australia website: purafoundation.au
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Donna’s foster care journey By Claudia Mather As Victoria gears up for Foster Care Week from 13-19 September, Mooroolbark local Donna Finegan reflects upon how opening her door as a respite foster carer for the past eighteen months has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Ms Finegan finds great joy in providing a warm blanket of comfort, love and safety for the children she cares for. “It’s like being a parent; it’s a hard job, but the most rewarding job you could ever do helping somebody.” Respite care provides regular and ongoing support to a child or young person in a current foster care placement. This is done through weekends and brief stays, usually once a month. It allows full time foster carers to have a break while giving children the opportunity to experience other environments and new experiences. Without being in the right place at the right time, Ms Finegan would not have known foster caring was an option for her. “I didn’t think I could do it working full time, but being in respite means you can do it on the weekends.” “I wanted to do some sort of voluntary work, because you look at all the awful things in the world and think ‘what can I do in my own backyard?’ One day I went to a market and VACCA was there,” she explained. The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is a statewide Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) which services children, young people, families and community members in Victoria. VACCA explained to Ms Finegan that she had the opportunity and flexibility to foster, while working full time, through the respite care. “I thought wow. That’d be amazing. So, that’s how it just sort of fell into my lap in the right place at the right time.” “I’ve had the same child come to me once a month for 18 months. So we’ve built up a relationship together,” Ms Finegan said. “It’s like being a Nan because I haven’t got any of my own grandchildren, it’s just a wonderful experience.” “We hang out, we come to Healesville Sanctuary, we go to the pictures a lot, we go to Lilydale lake and ride bikes and just do the fun things you would with a grandchild.” Ms Finegan noted that he has truly become a part of her family, with her own adult children embracing roles akin to those of an aunt or uncle. “It’s a real family situation. You have your hard times and your wonderful times,” she smiled. “At first he was very wary of me, but now he’ll give me a hug goodnight, read stories and things like that,” she said.
Donna Finegan shares her warmth through respite foster care. (Supplied) In order to learn how to be a foster parent, Ms Finegan participated in up to six months of training through VACCA. This included learning about culture. “Which is really important because for these kids it’s not only important to have a safe place, because they’re all looking for safety as soon as they walk through the door, but to have a culturally safe place,” she said. “I’m very passionate about being an ally to First Nations people and to making sure that I’m doing the right things with the kids.” From talking about culture, to hanging First Nations flags and artworks, Ms Finegan learnt how to create a culturally safe environment for the children she cared for.
“The training with them is fabulous, it’s really thorough. I have a worker from VACCA who will contact me after I’ve seen the children and see how I went and if there’s anything they can do to help. It’s really good support,” she said. Foster care requires a high degree of emotional intelligence and involves acknowledging that building a stable home environment is a gradual process. “It can be very challenging for the children, going from one environment into another, so it takes time to build that relationship and you’ve just got to go with the flow and let them be themselves and warm up to you and learn about you,” Ms Finegan explained. “If you can just give them that safety, they’ll
slowly open up to you and build a relationship.” Ms Finegan hopes she can continue to connect with the boy as he grows up. “We just have this really good connection and he’s just so eager to learn about First Nations culture,” she smiled. Demand continues to grow for foster carers across Victoria, including the outer east. Foster care is not a one size fits all approach. People from different backgrounds, experiences and family types can be eligible to help make a difference in a child’s life. Foster care providers, along with Ms Finegan, encourage people in positions to support children needing stability, love and connection to consider fostering.
‘They just want to be loved’: How Kodie helps change lives By Oliver Winn As a foster carer with Anglicare Victoria, Yarra Ranges mother Kodie can see the genuine good her care gives for young people who need it most. “I love seeing the change that I can make in these kids, no matter how short a timeframe I have them. Every kid that I’ve had, I’ve seen a change in them for the positive,” she said. From driving lessons to nighttime tuck-ins, she’s helped lots of children in a wide variety of ways in the last two years. Kodie’s story is one of many being celebrated for this year’s Foster Care Week, which takes place from 13 to 19 September. She said it’s been a “super rewarding” experience to watch children grow and “break the cycle” of past life events. “I think that no matter what these kids have been through, and no matter the age of them or the trauma that they’ve been through, most of them just need an adult who cares about them.” Kodie got into foster care through a friend two years ago, and since then, she’s never looked back. She now regularly cares for foster children alongside two of her own. “I’ve got a nine and a ten-year-old, both boys, and they love it. I also have stepsons who are seventeen and twenty, and they absolutely adore all the foster kids as well,” she said. “My kids, all four of them, have absolutely thrived on being an older sibling, being a role model, or being a younger sibling to these kids in care.” She said her children have learnt kindness
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Kodie is a a mum, personal trainer, business owner and volunteer. (Supplied) and empathy through caring for others. “My nine-year-old says when he grows up, he wants to be a foster carer. He can see the amazing difference that we’re making to these kids in our lives,” she said. Though the Yarra Ranges isn’t known as an area with many foster children, Kodie said you’d be surprised. “I grew up in the Yarra Ranges, and people assume that in our little bubble, there are not kids in the system. “They sort of look around and go, ‘This is a friendly, loving town, and we don’t have a lot of foster kids,’ but that’s not the case,” she said. It highlighted Anglicare Victoria chief executive officer Paul McDonald’s concerns about fos-
ter carer availability in Victoria. Since 2020, the number of households actively providing foster care across the state has dropped 18 per cent. Meanwhile, Victoria’s east has the second-lowest share of active foster carers in the state, according to the 2025 Foster Carer Snapshot Report. “Every child deserves this, but sadly we don’t have enough carers to meet the current need,” Mr McDonald said. “We’re calling on Victorians from all walks of life to consider foster caring – whether you’re single, married, renting or part of the LGBTQIA+ community – there is a child right now needing your care.”
Kodie encouraged those on the fence about foster caring to give it a crack as it’s not all what the stereotypes make it out to be. “I definitely had this idea that all foster kids were hard… So many of these kids come in and they are genuinely the most kind-hearted, beautiful little kids who are so grateful for the opportunity that they’ve been given by coming into a safe house. “Not all of them want to run away and run back home and throw tantrums and be really defiant. They just want to be loved,” she said. While some children’s needs and situations can be more challenging than others, she said Anglicare Victoria always makes sure its foster carers are supported. “With the help of Anglicare Victoria, it doesn’t all come down to the foster carer being there long term. A lot of this system is about reunification, and a lot of these kids do return to their family,” she said. Kodie said people can make their foster care arrangements work around their job, not the other way around. ”The other barrier is that people assume that when you’ve got a foster kid, you can’t work, and obviously the cost of living is hard – everyone has to work. “But there are so many kids out there that need help that can fit into your life and your routine that you’ve already got, and you don’t have to change your entire life to become a foster carer.” To learn more about becoming a foster carer or to register for an upcoming information session, visit the Anglicare Victoria website.
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A ‘Farr’ better future By Callum Ludwig Richard Farr has put himself forward as Labor’s candidate for the district of Croydon. Mr Farr has grown up and worked across Croydon for most of his life, having played in a number of local sports club and currently sitting as committee member for the famous Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival held in Croydon. Mr Farr said he has seen the district grow from strength to strength. “With two new stations, and several multi-million-dollar infrastructure investments in progress, I reckon it is the best place to start and grow a family, start and build a business, and even retire,” he said. “Having had many discussions with locals, I know that after 20 years, Croydon is indeed ready for a fresh, young candidate, who knows the daily struggles that locals face, and is inherently invested in our shared future. “I’m not someone who came up through student politics, I’m someone who has spent over a decade working in hospitality and retail, alongside small business owners, and saw and felt that only the Labor party is fighting for working people.”
Mr Farr has his sights set on winning the district for Labor, especially with the retirement of long-time Liberal MP David Hodgett and having seen the overlapping Federal seat of Deakin swing to Labor last year. Mr Farr said the conversations he’s had across his life have reinforced in him that we not only need someone with fresh new ideas, but the energy to make a change in Croydon, and in Parliament. “The biggest concern for people is cost of living, but we also want to know that there is a future worth fighting for. That’s why it’s important to focus on policies like free TAFE as a pathway to jobs, as well as helping our community through opportunities and local investments in schools,” he said. “Locally we have resources for young and old, with TAFE and education for our retired residents via amazing groups like U3A. I want to support and invigorate these sections of our community even more because the flow on benefits are benefits to everyone. “Whether it be better mental health outcomes for seniors, career paths for youth and those changing careers or simply through supporting our local economy.” Mr Farr has been out on the campaign trail
for a few months now, meeting with community groups, knocking on doors and spending time with Deakin MP Matt Gregg. Mr Farr said from what he has heard, cost of living is absolutely the most important issue. “When I talk to people, they want opportunities to buy a house, work a job that pays the bills, to be able to know that their kids will be better off,” he said. “More broadly, I think all Victorians should expect top class kinder and schools, hospitals and healthcare, roads and public transport. The cost of living benefits in place for those services are making a big difference to people, but that’s not to say it’s all done and dusted. “Without these sectors being supported and the associated workers and services provided, we’d be missing out on what makes up the bedrock of our state. Building on these services is vital across Croydon and the state.” Mr Farr can be contacted via Richard.Farr@ vic.alp.org.au, on Facebook under ‘Richard Farr - Labor for Croydon’ and ‘richardforcroydon’ on Instagram. Mr Farr said if someone wants your vote, they should make themselves available to earn that vote.
Richard Farr is Labor’s candidate for Croydon. (Supplied) “Knocking on your door should be more than just introducing myself, it’s an opportunity for us to talk about what matters; where are you struggling, where are you thriving, what do we need in Croydon, what should be improved,” he said. “That’s why, in between working, I’m knocking on as many doors as I can. “We are starting up street stalls soon too, so people will be able to find me at their local shops.”
Incumbent MP Bridget Vallence back to contest Evelyn for Liberals By Callum Ludwig Bridget Vallence will be back to contest the seat of Evelyn at the 2026 state election. The incumbent Liberal MP has held the seat since taking over from former Liberal MP Christine Fyffe in 2018. Ms Vallence said it is a privilege to serve our community as local MP. “I’ll always advocate for our fair share of investment in roads, public transport, schools, health facilities and our emergency services,” she said. “However, some of the most rewarding work is done behind-the-scenes to help people when they need it the most. This includes securing emergency accommodation and longer-term housing for vulnerable people facing homelessness, securing access to health services for people in desperate need, supporting young people to access educational and job opportunities, or securing reimbursements for people and small businesses that received incorrect tax bills from the state government. “I will keep working hard every day to deliver for our community.” The seat of Evelyn has been held by the Liberal party since 2006, with Ms Vallence holding the district with a margin of 5.4 per cent in 2022.
Ms Vallence said it’s time to fix Victoria and the Victorian Liberal team has a plan to deliver, with local people telling her their key priorities are community safety and easing the cost-of-living. “We’ll recruit 3000 more police, return PSOs to every metropolitan train station and invest in crime prevention and rehabilitation initiatives, our Liberal plan will deliver a key local priority to re-open Mooroolbark Police Station every day, after its doors were shut 4 days a week under Labor Government budget cuts. Importantly, the Victorian Liberals will stop the revolving door of bail and will introduce Break Bail, Face Jail laws with a tough new one-strike rule for bail. “After years of neglect, it is time to get dangerous and potholed roads fixed, and if elected our Liberal team will finally deliver the overdue safety upgrades to Maroondah Highway and Killara Road Coldstream. “Other local priorities include more investment for local education, health and recreational facilities, improving access to public transport including more buses and more bus routes, and ensuring sustainable funding for our local emergency services including the SES and CFA Fire Brigades.” Ms Vallence also highlighted other dangerous roads that need fixing including Warbur-
ton Highway in Seville East, Clegg and Wellington Roads in Wandin, and Hull Road in Mooroolbark. Staying local, Ms Vallence highlighted her efforts to make vandalism of war memorials a separate offence and the need for better health and education facilities servicing Evelyn. “War memorial vandals will face jail and be forced to pay for the restoration. After the Labor Government refused, I worked very hard together with our local veteran community including Lilydale and Mt Evelyn RSLs to make this a Liberal policy – war memorial vandalism will be made a crime under an elected Liberal government,” she said. “After the Labor Government promised to upgrade and rebuild Maroondah Hospital at the 2018 and 2022 elections, they have failed to deliver by not allocating a cent to capital works and stripping their $1 billion commitment from the state budget. I will keep campaigning for Maroondah Hospital’s facilities to be upgraded so that it is modern and fit-for-purpose for local families and the health workforce. “Our local schools are wonderful but need facility upgrades and I’ll keep campaigning for upgrades to schools including Wandin North Primary School, Birmingham Primary School Mt Evelyn, Yarra Hills Secondary, Mooroolbark College, and more.
Bridget Vallence is aiming to continue in her role as the Evelyn MP in 2026. (Supplied) Ms Vallence has been proud to see upgrades for Coldstream Primary School, Seville Primary School, Yarra Ranges Special Developmental School in Mt Evelyn, and Manchester Primary School in Mooroolbark in recent years. Taking a statewide lens, Ms Vallence said the Victorian Liberals’ 10-year economic plan will repair the budget, grow the economy, ease the cost-of-living for families and small business, and guarantee essential frontline services. “Only the Liberals will lower taxes, starting with scrapping the Emergency Services Tax, scrapping Stamp Duty for first home buyers up to $1 million, reversing Labor’s Land Tax hikes lowering Land Tax for 280,000 Victorians, and delivering Payroll Tax relief for 23,000 businesses,” she said.
Kilsyth’s Beth Grimshaw standing for the Socialists in Croydon By Callum Ludwig Kilsyth local Beth Grimshaw has put her hand up as the Victorian Socialists candidate for the Croydon district. The disability support worker, mother of three and lifelong renter points to her lived experience of the rising cost of living, a lack of local essential services and housing instability as part of her motivation for entering the running. Ms Grimshaw said she grew up with her single mum renting in the eastern suburbs. “She put herself through uni and worked really hard to finally buy, and she managed to buy just before Covid when things got really tight for everybody,” she said. “I’ve rented as an adult and as a single mother myself actually for a long time and I met my partner when my oldest child was six but I’ve always lived around this area.” Ms Grimshaw has also recently joined the Croydon Conservation Society, pointing to her love for the beautiful natural environment and parks in the area that she wants to help maintain.
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Ms Grimshaw said the key local issues for her are the lack of public healthcare and mental health care services in the district, as well as the environment. “We have quite an elderly population in Croydon and what I’m noticing is a lack of publicly funded healthcare, I think that the government should be prioritising preventative healthcare, take podiatry for example, we have a lot of diabetics in the area who need podiatry as a preventative kind of healthcare, and they’re only funded for five visits per year, which doesn’t cover the cost,” she said. “It used to, but hasn’t kept up with inflation, which means that people are unable to get healthcare, and it can lead to things like amputations which ends up just costing taxpayers more money, and it leads to a worse quality of life for people. “I think that we’ve got a real mental health crisis going on, especially with younger people and there’s no real assistance or funding, if anything, they’ve been cutting funding, but I think that’s really important because mental health is the foundation for what we build our lives on.”
Another specific local issue Ms Grimshaw wanted to raise was the need to address concerns with traffic flow in the district, particularly on Main Street in Croydon and on Dorset Road. Ms Grimshaw said she’s been out to try and hear from voters in the district are concerned about in the lead-up to the election, including trying to do some surveys. “Most people I’ve spoken to are really concerned about the cost of living… but I’ve also been polling and asking about if anyone has any concerns about infrastructure and I know that there’s been some issues with the Croydon Main Street between the new infrastructure around the station and how that’s blending in with the old infrastructure,” she said. “People are concerned about what’s gonna be happening with the youth center too although I don’t really have any concrete policies or answers to support anything to do with that yet.” Ms Grimshaw encouraged any Croydon voters who wished to do so to contact her via beth. grimshaw@victoriansocialists.org.au. “I would absolutely love it if people would
Kilsyth mum Beth Grimshaw is the Victorian Socialists candidate for Croydon. (Supplied) call me or text me or email me and I also would really love people to have a look at Build a Ballot when it comes out, I think that that is a really good way for people to kind of find what aligns with their values,” she said. “I’m hoping that a lot of people who have the same concerns as I will see that socialists really do want to, put people first and put people before profit and that we’re actively out there trying to campaign for people that don’t have a voice.”
Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL 15
NEWS
Have a say on strategy Community members are being invited to share their thoughts on the council’s new draft Climate and Environment Strategy. The Climate and Environment Strategy 202636 outlines the council’s goals for the coming decade, how it will respond to climate change and protect the natural environment while managing the challenges of population growth, pressure on water systems and biodiversity decline. Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Richard Higgins said it was the council’s responsibility to ensure future generations of Yarra Ranges residents can live and thrive in the region. “It is beyond question that the climate is changing as a result of human behaviour, and we’re already beginning to experience what that means locally, with the incidence and intensity of extreme weather events increasing,” Cr Higgins said. “Every record-breaking summer to every extreme flood event is an important reminder that we need to act now. “Council has a responsibility to the future generations who will inherit our beautiful and nature-filled region to act decisively and responsibly on climate change. “Informed by science, community feedback and an ongoing partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people, the strategy outlines our environmental and climate goals.” The goals of the draft Climate and Environment Strategy 2026-36 are: - Yarra Ranges is a climate-ready and net-zero emissions community - Yarra Ranges has protected, healthy water systems - Yarra Ranges has a thriving natural environment - Yarra Ranges has resilient, connected and inspiring places - Yarra Ranges is leading the transition to a circular economy The strategy notes key environmental and climate challenges facing the community, including: - climate change, including the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, - declining ecosystem health and biodiversity loss, - pressure on water systems from climate variability, population growth and other issues, and - land use change, pollution and population growth. Cr Higgins encouraged community members to read the draft and provide feedback before 11 October. “We’ve had fantastic, passionate, informed feedback throughout our first round of commu-
Trees down on Monbulk Road, Monbulk, after the June 2021 storm. (File: 240519) nity engagement, which helped us shape the draft we’ve now released,” Cr Higgins said. “Now it’s time to hear from you. We want to
hear what you think about our goals and the draft. Once final, the strategy will be presented to
Council for adoption in the coming months. Find out more, read the document and provide feedback on Shaping Yarra Ranges.
TAC recommendations in Government’s hands By Gabriella Vukman The Victorian Government now faces a six-month window to decide how it will respond to a parliamentary inquiry into the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), with injured Victorians warning that the recommendations must not become another report that gathers dust. The Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues Committee handed down its report into TAC claims processes in August, making 13 recommendations aimed at improving outcomes for injured Victorians, particularly those with complex and life-changing injuries. Key recommendations include reviewing support for clients with severe injuries, strengthening trauma-informed and disability-centred claims management, improving plain-language information, establishing clearer protocols between the TAC and the NDIS, and creating a Client Advisory Group to bring lived experience into decision-making. The committee also recommended greater involvement from stakeholder and peak bodies, an issue Healesville TAC campaigner Tamara Tesseyman believes is crucial when decisions about treatment and services are being made. For Ms Tesseyman, however, the report is less an endpoint than a starting point. She believes the committee identified significant problems but did not go far enough in explaining how they should be addressed. “The recommendations weren’t strong or detailed enough,” she said. “The good thing about the Inquiry... is always going to be on the public record so we can always refer back to that.” Ms Tesseyman questioned what authority the 16 MAIL | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
The Victorian Government now faces a six-month window to decide how it will respond to a parliamentary inquiry into the Transport Accident Commission. (Serina Bird: Unsplash). proposed Client Advisory Group would actually hold. “Myself and the other members in the advocacy group are worried that the Client Advisory Group will have no power. We need there to be real change.” Her concerns point to a broader issue: how the recommendations will be measured, who will be responsible for implementing them, and how progress will be assessed. The Victorian Government can accept the recommendations in full, accept parts, or reject them. Ms Tesseyman noted her group had been working on a potential review through the Victorian Attorney-General’s Office before the parliamentary inquiry was announced, and will now consider
what further action is needed. A central issue she wants investigated is the transparency of the TAC’s internal decision-making. “TAC should need a very good reason to reject a recommended treatment from a client’s trusted provider,” she said. “If a doctor is trusted by Medicare, and the Medical Board of Australia, why are their recommendations being questioned by the TAC?” While the TAC reports a 95.8 per cent approval rate for treatment requests, that figure does not reflect decision times or delays while treatments are reviewed or disputed. Ms Tesseyman also called for a clearer distinction between managing an insurance claim and as-
sisting with rehabilitation. “The claims manager at TAC is an insurance manager,” she said. “There needs to be an advocate role similar to an NDIS support worker who knows what a person needs when they’re in that situation and can help navigate through the system.” Eildon MP Cindy McLeish said the inquiry presented an opportunity to make the TAC more client-centred, reduce bureaucracy, and better support seriously injured Victorians. “Those seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents should not have to go through the wringer to get the services they need. Accidents are traumatic enough,” Ms McLeish said, noting the Government has six months to respond. “As the alternate government, the Liberals will carefully consider the recommendations and the evidence provided by TAC clients and health professionals.” Ms McLeish added: “Victorians injured on our roads should be supported to recover, not buried in red tape or forced into lengthy battles for the treatment they need.” The TAC welcomed the report, noting the committee recognised that while the scheme works well for most clients, more must be done for those with complex, long-term injuries. While the TAC stated it is committed to listening and improving while awaiting the Victorian Government’s consideration, neither the Minister for TAC nor the statutory insurer responded to requests for comment. For injured Victorians who spent months sharing their experiences, the focus remains on whether government consideration will translate into specific, measurable changes.
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Live the Retirement You’ve Always Deserved. Surrounded by bushland, close to wineries and the warm village feel of Lilydale, this is where retirement comes into its own. Whether it’s morning walks among the trees or shared afternoons with friends, every moment here feels purposeful and unhurried. And it’s more than just a feeling, studies show that living in a retirement village can help you live a longer, healthier, happier life. With homes available now, you can secure your new lifestyle today!
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Spacious and beautifully appointed, this home offers two generous bedrooms plus a study, ideal for working from home. A large formal lounge, separate dining area, and light-filled meals space suit easy entertaining. The master suite features walk-through robes and a stylish ensuite with stone benchtops and an oversized shower. A powder room, spacious laundry with storage, and single garage with workbench space add practicality, while ducted heating and cooling ensure year-round comfort. Outside, an expansive pergola, private courtyard, and established garden beds create the perfect spot to entertain or unwind.
Welcome to this beautifully appointed residence, designed for space, comfort and style. The designer kitchen offers premium stainless-steel appliances, stone benchtops, and abundant storage. Open-plan living and dining flows to a covered balcony with leafy views. The oversized master suite includes a sitting area, walk-in robe, and ensuite with double vanity and shower. A second bathroom mirrors this indulgence alongside a European laundry. Two further bedrooms with mirrored robes offer flexibility, with ducted heating and cooling throughout. Outside, a lowmaintenance courtyard and single garage complete this convenient home.
Call us on (03) 9739 6122 to enquire about pricing or schedule a private viewing. Visit tudorvillage.com.au for more information. When purchasing a property within our retirement village, the buyer must also enter into a separate contract with our retirement village. 12892966-CV34-26
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Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL 17
OPINION
Insurance issues ongoing When I speak with local residents and small business owners, two things are front of mind. They want to feel like the government has got their back through meaningful cost-of-living relief, and they want to feel safe in our community. Cost-of-living pressures take many forms, but one of the most common issues raised with me is insurance. Our region is one of the most beautiful places to call home, but our unique landscape leaves us uniquely exposed to natural disasters. The skyrocketing cost of insurance premiums, as well as challenges in finding suitable coverage, are felt across the region. To help locals address these challenges, I recently hosted a roundtable and community insurance information webinar alongside the In-
From my
desk Federal Member for Casey surance Council of Australia. This was a great way to begin the conversation on how we can work together as a community to address these challenges, focusing on reducing cost pressures and under-insurance, boosting emergency resilience and ensuring our small businesses and local groups have the coverage
Complex and atmospheric outback thriller This reviewer was living under a rock and only recently discovered bestselling Australian author Chris Hammer, after the ABC started showing the TV adaptation of his book Treasure and Dirt in July 2026. With that said, perhaps you want to read the book before watching the TV series. he choice can be quite rewarding, as the novel is atmospheric, complex and gripping, and very, very Australian. It cannot be set anywhere else in the world! The book tells the story of DS Ivan Lucic, who is sent from Sydney to the outback town of Finnegan’s Gap to investigate the death and crucifixion of an opal miner. His partner is DC Nell Buchanan, a local cop highly ambitious yet rather inexperienced – at one stage, the mistake she makes is rather bizarre and inexcusable. Ivan has his own problems as well, so the two flawed heroes have to prove themselves as proper police officers not just to each other and the townspeople but also to Professional Standards at headquarters. This creates some conflict of interest and a good deal of tension, and the dynamics between them reads well. The constant switch of POV allows readers to glimpse every side of this intricate case. As the plot thickens, many shades of humanity are revealed – the pitifully hapless, the bewilderingly quirky, the evils who are well connected and/or greased, and the rich and powerful who are brutally ruthless. Not to mention those good honest folks just trying to survive. Those still chasing their dreams. Those whose dreams have died. Perhaps crime novels are less about the investigations of assaults, murders, corruptions and cover-ups. Rather, they are stories of a few individuals whose
CARTOON
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PASSION FOR PROSE WITH CHRISTINE SUN ambitions and greed have led to a range of despicable acts that impacted and even destroyed the lives and livelihoods of many ordinary and innocent people. Hammer explores these issues by weaving together multiple storylines showcasing an expansive ensemble of characters. One of the truly outstanding characters is the town itself, which is gritty, merciless and occasionally deadly, and that is not just because of the challenging landscape and unbearable heat. More importantly, in contrast to other fictional small towns that are often portrayed as chess boards for big criminal and/or corporate players, the Aussies in Finnegan’s Gap unite and fight back in their own unique ways. Perhaps that is why Treasure and Dirt is so well received by Australian readers. Chris Hammer will deliver the opening address for the 2026 Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival at Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave on Friday 9 October. He will also be part of a Crime Fiction panel on Saturday 10 October, where he will discuss his forthcoming novel Full Circle. Find more details here: dandyrangeslitfest.net/ tickets/.
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they need to continue supporting our region. The reality is, small business owners in Victoria are doing it tough. Not only are they dealing with increasing costs and the burden of red tape, they are facing an escalating law and order crisis driven by the illicit tobacco trade. We’ve seen news headline after headline of the almost 200-tobacco related arsons and six homicides linked to organised crime syndicates. Innocent small businesses are being impacted by this senseless crime that is lining the pockets of criminals. We saw this in our own community when Branded Burgers & Bar in Seville was forced to close for 10 months following the firebombing of the neighbouring tobacconist in February 2024. The Coalition have said enough is enough.
We will cut the tobacco excise by 80 per cent, stripping away the huge price advantage that has driven smokers to the black market. We will back this up with a $200 million nationwide law enforcement surge, delivering more raids, seizures and arrests, shutting these illegal shops and stopping shipments at the border. Our plan includes regulating adult vapes and nicotine products and committing $60 million to a public advertising campaign focusing on the harms of tobacco. This will focus on reminding Australians of the dangers of smoking, as well as how the illicit tobacco trade fuels organised crime. We have a responsibility to protect kids from illegal tobacco and vaping products and to restore safety to local communities. That’s exactly what the Coalition’s plan will do.
Hope review: Top action By Hope Starring Hwang Jung-min, Jung Ho-yeon and Zo In-sung MA15+ 4.25/5 In Hope, a riveting South Korean action movie, police chief Ko Bum-seok (Hwang Jung-min) and his community must contend with ferocious alien creatures rampaging through their village. Hope has some of the most enthralling action in years, and the opening action sequence in particular showcases writer-director Na Hong-jin’s mastery of concussive impact, white-knuckle speed, tense pauses and clean, easy-to-follow composition. The punchy sound design, powerful score by Michael Abels and especially the intricate rubble-strewn sets are incredible, and I predict Hope will be nominated for Best Production Design at the Oscars next year (and Wicker will be nominated for Makeup and Hairstyling). As Chief Bum-seok, Jung-min is an extremely expressive, committed actor, and succeeds in playing a jerk who you still root for. Hope contains a distinctly Korean blend of dark themes and carnage with stylised characters and quirky comedy: the humour is overall very funny but doesn’t detract from the dire situation, though a scatological flashback with an old man may
be too goofy for some viewers. The CGI for the aliens looks noticeably fake, but I’m not too bothered by unreal effects as long as there is clear artistry behind them (and the aliens are immensely intimidating, especially in the panic-inducing way they gallop and hurtle after their prey). Hope’s plot, including its efforts to humanise the aliens, is a little thin and the film ends on an abrupt sequelhook, but these are only minor issues when the characters are engaging, the humour is well-handled and the action is so off-the-charts awesome. Hope is a tense, amusing and tremendously exciting action movie, and further affirms South Korea’s status as a source of outstanding genre cinema. - Seth Lukas Hynes
Hello Dolly review The Round Hello Dolly A Tony Award-winning Broadway musical bursting with charm, wit and unforgettable songs. The story follows the irrepressible Dolly Levi, a clever matchmaker in 1890s New York, who sets out to find a wife for the wealthy and grumpy Horace Vangelder, while secretly plotting to win his heart instead. Production finishes on Sunday, 20 September. REVIEW: Friday, 11 September was the opening night of Hello Dolly, a delightful musical starring Susan Warner as Dolly Gallagher Levi, a matchmaker with her eyes on the half-millionaire Horace Vangelder. Warner was a delight to behold, a good strong voice with a good diction making it easy to understand the lyrics. Not only a good singer but also a good actress. An overall good interpretation of the character. John Leahy was Horace Vongelser, a grumpy Hay and Feed Store owner who worked his clerks too hard. His scenes with Dolly were amazing, and the way she twisted his remarks about not marrying her was a delight to behold. An excellent voice and a great interpretation of the character. His clerks were Cornelius Hackl played by Patrick Cottin and the young junior Barnaby Tucker was played by Nathaniel Calleja. Cornelius Hackl was Chief Clerk, having just been promoted for the second time to the same position. He was definitely a conman and decided to take the day off with Barnaby and go to New York and stay there till they got their first kiss. Barnaby went along with this because he would do whatever Cornelius said. Cottin as Cornelius handled the role with ex-
Kemp’s curtain call pertise and added to it with a good singing voice. Calleja as Barnaby had one thought in mind: to see the whale in the New York Museum, regardless of what Cornelius wanted. One good scene with the two of them with their ladies was in the scene in the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant when the two young clerks realised that they did not have enough money to entertain their friends. The two friends were from the Hat Shop for Ladies, Irene Molloy who owned the shop and her assistant Minnie Fay. Irene was played by Rafaela Cleeve Greens, a remarkable actress and a voice of an angel. Her voice was outstanding and her acting lived up to her voice. An amusing scene was when the girls decided to have the most expensive meal on the menu, but they did not realise that the boys only had a dollar between them. Minnie Fay was played by Hayley Wootten, another remarkable actress with a good future ahead of her. A fine voice and good acting skills. Some of the scenes were terrific, the dancing was excellent, and this correspondent’s congratulations must go to the choreographer, Wayne Robinson. PHD, CJF. Also, congratulations to the Director, Noel Browne, for a particularly good production.
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It’s time to meet Zambezi There is a very exciting new arrival at Mansfield Zoo, and visitors now have the chance to meet one of the zoo’s newest and most striking residents. Zambezi, the zoo’s new zebra, has recently joined the Mansfield Zoo family and has been settling into his new surroundings. With his unmistakable black and white stripes and fascinating nature, Zambezi is already attracting plenty of attention and is set to become a favourite with visitors of all ages. His arrival is an exciting addition to Mansfield Zoo and gives families another wonderful animal to discover during their visit. As Zambezi becomes familiar with his new home, visitors can enjoy watching him explore his surroundings and settle into life at the zoo. For children especially, seeing a zebra up close is a memorable experience and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about these beautiful African animals. And Zambezi is just one of the many reasons to visit Mansfield Zoo. Set on a stunning 30 hectare property with sweeping views towards Mt Buller and beyond, Mansfield Zoo is one of the best kept secrets of Victoria’s High Country. It is a fabulous day out for the whole family, with an impressive collection of Australian and exotic animals. Once through the gates, visitors can discover a special place where children can interact with and hand feed a large variety of animals. Kangaroos, deer and guinea pigs roam freely, creating wonderful opportunities for close encounters. The zoo is also home to a colony of meerkats, marmosets and capuchin monkeys, llamas and alpacas, wombats, water buffalo, antelope and a variety of birds including red tailed black cockatoos and peacocks.
Another major highlight is the zoo’s magnificent African lions. Mansfield Zoo is home to two rare white lions, and visitors can experience the thrill of seeing these majestic animals during the daily feeding tour. Animal feeding is a highlight of the Mansfield Zoo experience, with visitors able to hand feed animals including kangaroos, deer, wallabies, emus, ostriches and llamas throughout the day. Feed buckets are available at the zoo, making it an interactive experience that children love. The main zookeeper feeding takes place at 1.30pm on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian school holidays, with the meerkat feeding following the lion feeding. It is a great opportunity to watch the animals at feeding time while learning more about them from the dedicated zookeepers. Mansfield Zoo is also perfect for family gatherings, with undercover picnic and barbecue areas where visitors can relax and enjoy lunch. For an unforgettable family adventure, gorgeous campsites are also available, allowing guests to spend the night under the stars and wake up surrounded by the sounds of nature. Bronwyn and Dave, along with their dedicated team, welcome visitors every day from 10am to 6pm, except Christmas Day. With the exciting arrival of Zambezi the zebra, alongside an incredible variety of Australian and exotic animals, Mansfield Zoo is the perfect place to get closer to wildlife and enjoy a memorable day in the beautiful Victorian High Country. Make sure you keep an eye out for Zambezi on your next visit and be among the first to welcome him to his new home at Mansfield Zoo.
Zambezi alongside his new neighbours. (Supplied)
missing ad: 12892787
Meet Zambezi Our Newest Arrival Enquire about our ‘Unforgettable Over Night Camping Experience’ Watch out for Zambezi, our Zebra coming soon to Mansfield Zoo Phone 03 5777 3576 1064 Mansfield Woods Point Road, Mansfield www.mansfieldzoo.com.au 12892787-KF38-26
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Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL 19
NEWS
Rebecca Cook, Callie Donaldson and Dr Sally Sherwen with illegal and legal netting. (Supplied)
A Grey-headed Flying-fox entanglement. (Supplied)
Legal netting. (Supplied)
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Safer backyards for wildlife
20 MAIL | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
Residents across the Yarra Ranges will be able to swap dangerous, non-compliant fruit tree netting for safe, legal alternatives at no cost, as a statewide animal welfare initiative expands its reach this spring. The Conservation Regulator’s Net Swap program has broadened from its five-council pilot to cover 18 local government areas across Melbourne, Greater Geelong, the Yarra Ranges, and the Macedon Ranges. The expansion comes as ripening seasonal fruit prompts backyards to become potential hazard zones for local fauna, with Wildlife Victoria recording 320 wildlife rescues linked to net entanglements over the past 12 months. Under Victorian law, household fruit tree netting must feature a fine mesh size of 5mm x 5mm or smaller at full stretch. Coarser netting acts as a deadly trap for native animals, carrying on-thespot fines of $395 for non-compliance. “If your finger fits through the mesh in a fruit net, it is unsafe and can trap and injure native animals,” RSPCA Victoria head of prevention Rebecca Cook said. “Using legal netting is one of the easiest ways Victorians can help protect wildlife in their own backyard.” During the initial pilot, residents surrendered 614 illegal fruit nets and received 359 compliant nets in return. Surrendered netting is collected and recycled to ensure it is permanently removed from circulation while minimising landfill waste. “After the success of the pilot program, we’re pleased to expand Net Swap to more councils, helping even more Victorians make the switch to legal fruit tree netting,” Chief Conservation Regulator Callie Donaldson said. “Every illegal net removed from circulation is one less risk to birds, possums and threatened grey-headed flying-foxes.” The initiative forms part of a broader educational partnership involving the Conservation Regulator, RSPCA Victoria, Zoos Victoria, Wildlife Victoria, and Animal Welfare Victoria aimed at
A Goshawk entanglement. (Supplied) reducing urban wildlife casualties. “We see the devastating impacts of illegal fruit tree netting on wildlife every year, particularly for grey-headed flying-foxes moving through urban areas in search of food,” Dr Sally Sherwen, wildlife conservation and science director at Zoos Victoria, said. “Choosing the right netting for backyard fruit trees is a simple action that can prevent significant wildlife suffering and help protect vulnerable species.” A complete list of the 18 participating council exchange locations is available at rspcavic.org/ grey-headed-flying-fox-spring-netting/. Residents who discover entangled wildlife are urged not to attempt a rescue themselves, as improper handling can worsen injuries. Reports should be made directly to qualified rescuers via 136 186 or through the online Help for Injured Wildlife Tool. The Net Swap Program will run from October 2026 to March 2027. To access the Yarra Ranges Council Net Swap, keep an eye on this page: yarraranges.vic.gov. au/Our-services/Climate-and-environment/ Sustainable-communities/Gardens-for-Harvest/ Fruit-Tree-Netting
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PRIVATE HALF-ACRE RETREAT IN THE HEART OF EMERALD mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 21
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
PRIVATE HALF-ACRE RETREAT IN THE HEART OF EMERALD SET on a generous 2,177m² allotment in a beautiful Emerald setting, this wonderfully presented home offers an appealing combination of comfort, space and relaxed Hills living. Surrounded by established gardens and leafy privacy, it provides an ideal opportunity for families seeking room to grow without sacrificing convenience. Cleverly designed with multi-generational living in mind, the versatile floorplan provides separately zoned living spaces to comfortably accommodate extended family. At the heart of the home, the well-appointed kitchen and dining area connect seamlessly with two separate living rooms, creating plenty of space for everyone to come together while still enjoying their own space. Four bedrooms are thoughtfully positioned throughout the home, with three bedrooms sharing the cosy family room, while the fourth enjoys its own private living room and bathroom - an ideal arrangement for extended family accommodation, guests or teenagers seeking additional independence. Comfort is assured throughout the seasons with ducted heating and split-system cooling, while the practical laundry and excellent storage further enhance the home’s everyday functionality. Outside, the generous half-acre allotment is where this property truly comes into its own. Established gardens create a peaceful and private setting, with plenty of space for children and pets to play, keen gardeners to indulge their passion or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. A great shed and chicken coop add further versatility and appeal to this wonderful lifestyle property. Ideally positioned within easy reach of Emerald’s shops, cafes, schools, public transport and sought-after community amenities, this is a rare opportunity to secure a spacious and versatile Hills home offering privacy, flexibility and genuine lifestyle appeal. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 433-437 Belgrave Gembrook, EMERALD Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Justin Barrot 0438 683 781 and Brittany Barry 0412 861 094, BARRY PLANT EMERALD, 5968 4522
22 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
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HOME FOCUS
PEACEFUL LIVING MOMENTS FROM MONBULK SET on a generous 1,538m2 and an easy 600 metre walk (approx.) from Monbulk’s Main Street, 29 Menin Road offers a wonderful blend of country charm, privacy and everyday convenience as well as being within walking distance to both primary and secondary schools and also public transport. Colourful established gardens guide you towards the front door upon arrival, setting the tone for the welcoming atmosphere found throughout. Inside, a spacious main living area provides plenty of room for the whole family and boasts natural light and warm timber shelving that adds character and charm. Split system heating/cooling, exterior roller shutters, and solar panels with battery storage provide year round climate control, improve energy efficiency and offer backup power protection during blackouts. The dining space and kitchen adjoin the living room and allow you to gaze out over the large decking towards the rear of the property. Enjoy space to cook and create whilst remaining connected to the rest of the home. From here, enjoy a secondary dining space on the rear decking which is a peaceful spot to unwind, entertain or simply take in the surrounding greenery and enjoy the tranquil Monbulk setting. Three comfortable bedrooms, two of which are equipped with built in robes, can be found at the other end of the home, creating a peaceful space away from the living zones. The central bathroom is neat and tidy and features tiled walls, full bath with shower and vanity, bringing both practicality and character to the home. A separate toilet is ideal for busy family mornings! Downstairs, a large under house room adds another layer of flexibility, accompanied by an additional powder room. Whether used as a hobby area, home office or teenagers retreat, this versatile zone provides valuable space to adapt to your needs. There is also a well sized workshop / storage room that is perfect for all your extra bits and pieces, camping gear or trade tools and equipment. Outside, the fantastic block offers a wonderful sense of seclusion, with established gardens and greenery along with a rear paddock area that is ideal for childhood adventures whilst still keeping you close to everything Monbulk has to offer. Warm, inviting and surrounded by nature, 29 Menin Road is an ideal choice for those wanting a relaxed country lifestyle without giving up the convenience of shops, cafes and local amenities just a short walk away. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 9 Menin Road, MONBULK Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Price: $730,000 - $790,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442 and Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888 mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 23
HOME FOCUS
SPACE, FLEXIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE OFFERING plenty of space both inside and out, 34 McAllister Road presents a comfortable three-bedroom home with an impressive collection of outdoor entertaining, workshop and additional living spaces. At the heart of the home is a generous open lounge, providing plenty of room for the family to relax and unwind. Large windows and doors bring in natural light while opening out to the covered front verandah, with ducted heating, split-system cooling and ceiling fans helping keep the home comfortable throughout the seasons. The kitchen and dining area is practical and well equipped, featuring excellent cabinetry and bench space, dishwasher and freestanding cooking, with direct access outside. Three comfortable bedrooms complete the accommodation, including a spacious main bedroom with built-in robes, while the central bathroom offers both a bath and separate shower alongside a separate toilet and laundry. Outdoor living is a major feature of the property. A substantial covered deck stretches across the rear of the home, creating a fantastic all-weather space for entertaining, relaxing or enjoying the established gardens beyond. The additional spaces outside add a huge amount of flexibility to the property. A large shed/workshop provides excellent room for tradies, storage or weekend projects, while the adjoining covered pergola creates even more usable space. A separate studio offers further versatility and could suit a home office, creative studio, hobby room, teenager’s retreat or simply valuable additional space to adapt to your lifestyle. Solar panels, established gardens, paved outdoor areas and a generous covered carport add even more practicality, while the location keeps you conveniently close to Monbulk Main Street, local shops, cafes, schools, transport and everyday amenities. With flexible additional spaces, excellent shedding, multiple covered outdoor areas and everything Monbulk has to offer close by, 34 McAllister Road is a great opportunity for families, tradies, hobbyists or anyone simply looking for more room to spread out. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 34 McAllister Road, MONBULK Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 garage Price: $770,000 - $820,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Brad Conder 0422 639 115 and Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554, CHANDLER & CO REAL ESTATE, 9754 6888
24 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
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Real Estate you can trust! We’re here to help.
4/83Sandellsroad,Tecoma
29Meninroad,Monbulk
34Mcallisterroad,Monbulk
2 Bed | 1 Bath | 1 Car | 147m2
3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1538m2
3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1 Car | 1154m2
For Sale $550,000 - $590,000
For Sale $730,000 - $790,000
For Sale $770,000 - $820,000
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Jonathan Arad 0490 393 328
1470aBurwoodHighway,Upwey
48Ternesroad,Upwey
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
43Brankinsroad,Monbulk
3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car | 546m2
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 2123m2
4 Bed | 3 Bath | 4 Car | 2641m2
For Sale $850,000- $920,000
For Sale $950,000 - $1,040,000
For Sale $1,050,000 - $1,125,000
Sharyn Chandler 0439 882 442
Brad Conder 0422 639 115
Jerlyn Arradaza 0434 688 554
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, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 25
HOME FOCUS
HOW TO CREATE SOMETHING UNIQUE BUILD ABOVE A FLOODPLAIN THERE’S a version of the Hamlet Lilydale story where we found a flat, dry, forgettable paddock, put a fence around it, and called it a community. Easier to approve, easier to build - and it would have looked like every other development on every cleared site. That is not the story of Hamlet Lilydale. The land we chose is bordered by Olinda Creek, Bellbird Park and Lillydale Lake. The creek at the bottom of our site carries a history of flood risk. We are building above it, not in spite of that risk, but because of it. Building at the edge of that floodplain is how we’ve secured something we couldn’t otherwise promise: that the parkland outside our homeowners’ windows will still be parkland in a hundred years. You can’t manufacture forty-year-old Manna Gums, a creek lined with Silver Wattle, a local platypus population, or a lake with walking trails already worn in by decades of Lilydale residents. 375 Swansea Road came with all of that in place. Our job was building fifty homes that enjoy everything unique about this location, without inheriting its risk. What we’re doing to protect what’s already here None of that is a reason to be careless with what’s here. We’ve held an average of a 100-metre buffer between the creek and our building pad. Mature canopy trees are being retained, not cleared, and we’re replanting more than we remove. A Construction Management Plan governs run-off and sediment control to protect water quality downstream, for the platypus and everything else in the corridor. And 65% of our site stays open, green space - a fraction of the site coverage a standard subdivision would use. How we manage flood waters The flood engineering is the least visible part of this project, and the part we’ve spent the most time getting right. Melbourne Water’s standard requirement is 600mm home clearance above a 1-in-100-year flood event. Hamlet Lilydale was designed for a 1-in-2,000-year event twenty times rarer and to ensure that the site will never flood The community sits on a raised, engineered fill platform, tested layer by layer to Australian
Standard AS3798, with homes 3-4 metres above where the land currently sits. Meanwhile, the western portion, alongside the creek, is being lowered rather than filled - kept as open habitat, so the floodplain keeps the room it needs, and no home here comes at a downstream neighbour’s expense.
Why 375 Swansea Road is worth every bit of engineering A creek that floods sometimes is also a creek that carries platypus, waters forty-year-old gums, and has kept this pocket of Lilydale from ever being over-built. We think that’s a fair trade - and when the last home is handed over, this will be some of the most carefully
engineered, best-protected ground in Lilydale. If you’d like to see this unique site, Marion, our sales lead, would love to walk you through it. Visit hamletliving.com.au or call Marion on 0482 672 325. Hamlet Lilydale - grounded, elevated, here to stay. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 375 Swansea Road, LILYDALE Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: VISIT HAMLETLIVING.COM.AU OR CALL MARION ON 0482 672 325
26 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
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Come see the view that can never be built out.
Ready to have a conversation? Visit hamletliving.com.au or call 0482 672 325.
A boutique over 50s downsizer community above Olinda Creek. Only 45 homes remain. Now selling from $845,000.
375 Swansea Road sits at the edge of a floodplain, wrapped by Bellbird Park and Lillydale Lake. That’s how we’ve secured what a cleared paddock never could: parkland that stays parkland in 100 years. Fifty homes, on a building pad raised 3-4 metres a view without the flood risk. 12884025-EA38-26
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Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 27
HOME FOCUS
SPACIOUS AND STUNNING FAMILY LIVING SET on a generous, useable 4,053sqm in a peaceful Gembrook location, this beautifully presented four-bedroom, two-bathroom brick home offers an impressive combination of space, functionality and relaxed country living. With multiple living areas, excellent entertaining spaces and a picturesque rural outlook, there is plenty here for the whole family to enjoy, and all under a 2km walk to town and with a school bus stop at the end of the street. An undercover entry welcomes you inside, where the home opens into a light-filled, spacious open-plan kitchen, living and dining area. At the heart of the home, the impressive kitchen has been designed with both everyday family life and entertaining in mind. An expansive island bench with Stone benchtops provides plenty of preparation and gathering space, while an electric stove, dishwasher and generous storage add practicality. Large windows above the double farmhouse sink overlook the backyard and distant views, while a convenient servery window opens directly to the outdoor entertaining area, creating an effortless connection between inside and out. Adding another layer of functionality is the walkthrough butler’s pantry/ laundry, complete with a second sink, additional storage and convenient access directly to the outdoor entertaining area. The adjoining lounge and dining zone is centred around a woodfire, creating a welcoming place to gather throughout the cooler months. A separate second living area provides valuable flexibility for families, whether used as a kids’ retreat, media room or additional lounge, and to ensure year-round comfort & convenience there is ducted heating and cooling throughout the home. Down the hallway are three wellproportioned bedrooms, each featuring new carpet and built-in robes, serviced by the central family bathroom and separate toilet. Privately positioned at the end of the home, the generous master suite creates its own peaceful retreat. Large windows capture the surrounding outlook, while an ensuite and private lounge area provide a wonderful sense of space and separation from the rest of the home Outside, the undercover rear verandah and entertaining area provide the perfect setting for weekend barbecues, family gatherings or simply relaxing while taking in the lovely rural surrounds and distant views. A single garage and solar system complete this appealing property. Offering space to spread out, a versatile family-friendly floorplan and over an acre of land, this inviting Gembrook home presents an excellent opportunity to embrace a quieter lifestyle without compromising on everyday comfort.
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 14 Agnes Street, GEMBROOK Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Samantha Scott 0438 680 032, BELL REAL ESTATE EMERALD, 5968 6222
28 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
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P 5968 6222 311-313 Main Street Emerald
12 Arthur Road Cockatoo
$980,000 -$1,080,000
5 Vincent Street Cockatoo
$800,000 - $860,000
A Much-Loved Family Home, Offered for the First Time.
Character, Space & Family Living on Half an Acre.
Offered for sale for the very first time, this much-loved 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on 9,416sqm in a peaceful Cockatoo location, within walking distance of town, schools & public transport. Freshly painted throughout with 9ft ceilings, the home features a spacious lounge & dining area with woodfire, plus gas ducted heating throughout. The timber kitchen includes a gas cooktop, wall oven, dishwasher, walk-in pantry & excellent storage, while a second living area with split system provides additional family space. The light-filled master includes walk-in & built-in robes plus ensuite, while 3 further bedrooms with built-in robes share the family bathroom. Outside, manicured gardens, a large usable backyard, double garage, under-house storage, powered hothouse with concrete floor, garden shed & rotunda, all combining to create a wonderful family lifestyle with space & privacy.
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.
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
4
250 Phillip Road Cockatoo
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
A
2
B 2 C
$1,950,000 -$2,100,000
An Alistair Knox Design - A Legacy Estate of Architectural Significance, Income Potential and Endless Possibilities! A rare 25-acre lifestyle property combining architectural character, breathtaking Warburton Ranges views & income potential. Inspired by Alistair Knox design, the 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence showcases stonework, timber features & natural light, complemented by slab heating, a woodfire & double-sided open fireplace. Fully fenced & ready for farming, fertile volcanic red soils are ideal for an orchard, vineyard or hobby farm, supported by approximately 100,000 litres of tank storage & additional Cockatoo Creek water entitlements. “The Cottage” offers an established B&B income stream or multi-generational living, featuring a bluestone fireplace, wraparound verandah, cathedral ceilings & stained glass. A 22m x 14m shed, full-sized tennis court & established gardens. Samantha Scott M 0438 680 032
3
53 Second Avenue Cockatoo
A
3
B 10 C
2
B
$940,000-$1,030,000
Space, Character & Lifestyle on a Beautiful Block. Set on 3,035sqm in Cockatoo, this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers generous family living surrounded by established gardens. A welcoming front verandah leads to a carpeted lounge with vaulted ceilings, flowing through to the open-plan kitchen, dining & living zone. The kitchen features slate flooring, stone benchtops, a timber-topped island, SMEG oven with gas cooktop, dishwasher & excellent storage. Large windows fill the living area with natural light, while a woodfire, split system & gas ducted heating provide year-round comfort. Three bedrooms with built-in robes, a central bathroom with leadlight window & European laundry complete the lower level. Upstairs, the master retreat features vaulted ceilings, his-&-hers walk-in robes & ensuite. Outside, enjoy undercover entertaining, a fire pit, vegetable garden, water tank, double garage with powered workshop. Aaron Day M 0407 365 994
5
A
Brennan Mileto M 0422 996 451
4
A
2
B 2 C
bellrealestate.com.au mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 29
HOME FOCUS
TWO HOMES, ONE EXCEPTIONAL GEMBROOK SETTING TUCKED away at the end of a quiet no-through road just minutes from Gembrook township, 25 Agnes Street offers a rare combination of space, privacy and genuine dual-living flexibility, with two separate homes enjoying beautiful outlooks across the surrounding countryside. The main residence is a spacious ranchstyle home with a flexible four-bedroom layout, including a generous main suite with walk-through robe and ensuite. The openplan kitchen and dining area forms the heart of the home, with a large island bench, excellent storage and quality appliances, while a separate lounge with fireplace provides another inviting place to relax. A versatile rumpus room with its own access adds further flexibility as a home office, games room, studio or additional living space. Ducted heating and refrigerated cooling ensure yearround comfort. The separate cottage is light-filled, welcoming and well suited to extended family, guests or independent living. A front verandah overlooks the peaceful surrounds, while inside, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area creates an easy sense of space. Three bedrooms with built-in robes are complemented by a large bathroom, separate toilet and dedicated laundry, with gas heating and split-system comfort. Set across approximately 3,990m² of usable land, the property also includes a double garage, substantial farm shedding, an above-ground pool and an impressive 14.1kW solar system with 20kW battery storage. Adding to the charm of the setting, Puffing Billy can be seen and heard winding its way through the nearby hills, bringing a distinctly Gembrook touch to the landscape. With two distinct residences and plenty of room to spread out, this is a particularly appealing option for multi-generational families, those seeking independent accommodation for loved ones, or buyers simply wanting a property with more flexibility for the future. ●
HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 25 Agnes Street, GEMBROOK Price: On application Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sue Colic 0421 772 610, BARRY PLANT EMERALD, 5968 4522
30 MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
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25 AGNES STREET GEMBROOK
38-40 Belgrave gemBrook road COCKATOO
433-437 Belgrave gemBrook rd EMERALD
2 HOMES, 1 EXCEPTIONAL SETTING.
PRIVATE HILLS SANCTUARY ON 2 ACRES
PRIVATE HALF-ACRE RETREAT
7A
4A
6D
4A
LANA MAHER 0408 535 075
FOR SALE $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 OFI By appointment
3B
1D
FOR SALE $1,100,000 - $1,150,000 OFI By Appointment
SUE COLIC 0421 772 610 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B
1C
FOR SALE $975,000-$1,070,000 OFI By appointment
BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
2B JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
16 QUINN ROAD GEMBROOK
80 BEDFORD ROAD COCKATOO
181 RAINY HILL ROAD COCKATOO
COUNTRY CHARM, MODERN COMFORT
PEACEFUL COUNTRY LIVING
BUILD THE LIFE YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF
4A
3D
3A
JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781
FOR SALE $950,000-$1,045,000 OFI By Appointment
2B
1C
FOR SALE $1,350,000 - $1,450,000 OFI By Appointment
BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
1B
1D
8505m2 JUSTIN BARROT 0438 683 781 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
$530,000-$580,000 OFI By Appointment
JACQUI RYDER 0433 095 278 BARRY PLANT EMERALD 5968 4522
MAXIMISE YOUR SPRING SALE
LIST WITH US & GET $500 FOR YOUR SPRING CLEAN* *Terms & Conditions Apply
• Valid for new listings signed 01/09/2026 – 30/11/2026.
SCAN TO VIEW OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS
• Up to $500 toward approved trades, cleaning, repairs etc. • Paid directly to service providers upon valid invoice. • 1 per property; no cash redemptions and non-transferable.
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BARRY PLANT EMERALD 03 5968 4522
Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL PROPERTY GUIDE 31
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L O S E R
5 LETTERS ABACK AFTER ALIBI ALIGN AVERT BARDS BARNS CARGO COMMA DRESS DRIVE EAVES EDGES ENSUE ERRED EVADE EVENT HABIT HEATH HOIST HORSE
HOSTS IGLOO IRATE LEVEE LOINS LOSER MATTE OLIVE OMEGA OPENS OPERA OTHER PIANO PROBE RAVEN RINGS ROSES SLUSH START STRUM SWEET TAUNT
TEARS TEASE TENET TENTS THESE TONES TOTEM
7 LETTERS ESTATES HANDLER LEOTARD ONGOING RESTORE VENEERS
6 LETTERS ESKIES POODLE ROTORS STEREO
8 LETTERS DREAMERS ENTRUSTS SALESMAN SHINGLED
T H E S E O T H E R T O T E M P I A N O O P E R A E A V E S A B A C K T E N T S S T A R T R I D I D S D R E S S S E T S T E R E O S L U S H C E D E E S T A T E S E R A B A L D F A R T I R A T E C I T Y S H I N G L E D A V O R E S T O R E O N G O I N G D R E A M E R S W I N S G E E A V O S A N T S S T R U M N A G L E O T A R D H I L T O P E N S P O O D L E E G O H O R S E V E T R E V O M E G A O L I V E A L I B I T O N E S B A R N S R A V E N E N S U E S W E E T H O S T S
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Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL 33
SPORT
Seville’s goal shooter takes a pass in A Grade. (Armin Richter)
Carter Morrissey was selected for the national men’s netball team after an outstanding season this year. (Supplied)
A young Carter on the netball court, with his birthmark visible. (Supplied)
Mt Evelyn edges OlindaFerny Creek By Armin Richter
Morrissey ready to conquer nationals A young netballer from the Yarra Ranges is taking his career to new heights after being selected for Australia’s national men’s team. By Oliver Winn Carter Morrissey said he was in disbelief when he found out he was picked for the Australian men’s team, known as the Kelpies, on 16 August. “I went to a selection camp not thinking that I’d be getting in… And when I got the call back, I couldn’t believe it for a whole week, and I still can’t really believe it right now. It feels pretty good,” he said. His first national appearance will take place in New Zealand and he said he was excited for the challenge. “I’m more just excited to go away and play in another country for the first time. “I’m a little bit nervous. I mean, I’ve played against some really strong players, but from what I’ve been told about New Zealand, they’ll be really rough and one-on-one,” Mr Morrissey said. He is holding a trivia night fundraiser on 18 September to help pay for travel costs as men’s netball isn’t sponsored by the Netball Australia Association. It takes place at the St Mary’s Church Hall in Warburton from 7pm. Those interested can book tickets by contacting: gladysdale.ps@education.vic.gov.au. The 20-year-old is representing the Yarra Valley, having gone to Gladysdale Primary School as a child. Growing up, Mr Morrissey had to undergo multiple surgeries to remove a large birthmark that covered the right side of his head and face. Despite the hardship, he’s always been known as a bright, resilient and motivated person. Mr Morrissey was nine years old when he started his netballing career at a club in Warburton. He played until the cutoff age of 12, but three years later his mum encouraged him to get back into it. “I kind of stuck to it, and the fitter I got, the more I wanted to keep playing,” he said. Fast forward to now, and he plays for St Therese in the M-League, run by the Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association. He was MVP in the M-League last year, while in the 2025/26 Nationals league, he won the grand final, scoring a whopping 245 goals in seven games. At seven feet tall, the 20-year-old dominates the attacking half in his usual position as goal shooter. He said he plays by holding his position in the semi-circle and waits for a pass, and then 34 MAIL | Tuesday, 15 September, 2026
It turned out to be a good day for Mt Evelyn, who qualified their Seniors, Reserves and three netball sides for Grand Finals this week. The Rovers’ Senior footballers looked to be in control for most of the match and appeared home when they were leading by just on five goals early in the final term before Olinda mounted a late challenge to fall just three points shy of a place in the finale. Football Premier Division (Preliminary Finals) ■ Seniors: Mt. Evelyn 9.8.62 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 8.11.59 ■ Reserves: Mt. Evelyn 8.7.55 def Upwey-Tecoma 5.5.35 ■ Under 18: Officer 10.9.69 def Mt. Evelyn 3.4.22 ■ Division 1 (Grand Finals) ■ Seniors: Pakenham 11.13.79 def Seville 7.7.49 ■ Reserves: Pakenham 9.10.64 def Belgrave 7.7.49 ■ Under 18: Seville 14.12.96 def Pakenham 6.5.41 Netball Premier Division (Preliminary Finals) ■ A Grade: Mt. Evelyn 63 def Woori Yallock 36 ■ B Grade: Mt. Evelyn 54 def ROC 37 ■ C Grade: Wandin 40 def Woori Yallock 21 ■ D Grade: Mt. Evelyn 27 def ROC 23 ■ Under 17: ROC 35 def Woori Yallock 24 ■ Under 15: Pakenham Maroon 28 def ROC Blue 24 Division 1 (Grand Finals) ■ A Grade: Seville 49 def Pakenham 36 ■ B Grade: Seville 40 def Pakenham 27 ■ C Grade: Seville 31 def Pakenham 22 ■ D Grade: Seville 34 def Pakenham 29 ■ Under 17: Seville 42 def Emerald 29 ■ Under 15: Wandin Red 30 def Pakenham Gold 17
Belgrave vice-captain Daniel Noy marks in the Reserves Grand Final against Pakenham. (Armin Richter) Carter plays goal shooter, using his height to his advantage. (Supplied) uses his height to score. “I’ll stay in the semi-circle where we shoot and wait for a pass in, or help work the ball down to get to another position where I can just hold and catch the ball against the other player. “I do shoot from range sometimes, but it’s not often because I can usually just step in and put it straight in. I also like doing some two-handed dunks or just layups, and I really like to shake it up,” Mr Morrissey said. He thanked his family for their continuous support, driving him an hour and a half to the State Netball Centre, and his coach Grant Crocker.
“My coach Grant Crocker—he’s very big in the men’s netball world as a Victorian coach, and I think he also did some Aussie coaching. “Basically, he is very specific on how to teach tall, holding goal shooters, so he’s been helping me since I was 15 and first starting to play netball again,” he said. When Mr Morrissey told his coach that he’d been selected for the Kelpies, he said “it really filled [his] cup”. “He called me straight away and said, ‘I’m not going to let you text me. You have to tell me over the phone.’ When I told him, he was crying and so proud and happy,” Mr Morrissey said.
Olinda’s Noah Desta takes a well judged mark in the Senior Preliminary Final. (Armin Richter)
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SPORT
Barkers survive onslaught By Callum Ludwig Mooroolbark Soccer Club dug deep on Tuesday 8 September as they took on the Peninsula Strikers in a relegation decider in the State League 2 Men’s - South-East competition. The win at the neutral venue of Berwick’s Jack Thomas Reserve saw their opponents relegated to the third division, while anything less would have seen the Barkers suffer the same fate. But two second-half goals from Ryan Smith and Ross Clark were enough to secure safety for Mooroolbark as they walked away with a 2-0 win on the night. The two sides originally met at the Striker’s home ground in Round 21, where the Barkers had taken an 1-0 lead. In the 35th minute after a fair challenge, the Striker’s Max Civil suffered an unfortunate broken leg which resulted in the match being abandoned. The Strikers had since lost 1-0 away at Knox City while the Barkers had to play last Tuesday 1 September 3-2 away at Waverley City before a 2-0 win over a North Caulfield Maccabi side already condemned to relegation set the scene for the final fixture. The Tuesday fixture was to be Mooroolbark’s fourth in 10 days as a result. To the dismay of both clubs, the new fixture left them both short of key players, facing a late Tuesday night kickoff and travelling for the privilege of doing so. Prior to the game, Mooroolbark Soccer Club president Stuart Milne said he couldn’t fathom how this is good for football or for either club. “The only way these grassroots clubs like ours survive is by getting as many people to games to watch games and enjoy the sport as possible... so to put these high-value games or high-focus games at times when they’re just not accessible to even home members...it just doesn’t make any sense,” he said. “These guys are amateurs, they all work during the day and we played a game on Saturday, so they’ve only had a couple of days to recover and if they’re doing a physical job today, they’re not gonna be at their best and that’s not best for the game either... I know I’ve got a couple of players out with injury because they’ve played so many games in such a short space of time. “The pitch availability this year has been terrible because of the weather we’ve had, it’s the same across the south-eastern clubs, everyone’s in the same boat but FV don’t factor that in and put their finals a week later and leave a week for catch-up games... it’s just poorly managed.” Both clubs felt that playing the match at the Striker’s home ground on Saturday 12 September would suit them best, but Football Victoria (FV) forced the game to be played midweek to ensure the ladder is finalised in time for the league’s fi-
Mooroolbark’s Marcus Watson (left, playing a pass) was unavailable for the do-or-die tie due to suspension. (File/Mooroolbark Soccer Club) nals, despite neither side being able to make finals or cause another side to drop out. Barkers’ forward Marcus Watson wasn’t available after a red card in the previous weekend’s fixture while the Mornington Peninsula News reported that the Strikers were without Matt Har-
rington and both of their goalkeepers, having to scramble to have an emergency signing signed off by FV to ensure they have someone capable between the sticks. After the game, Peninsula Strikers’ president Adrian Scialpi said the club is hurting from the
relegation. “The fixture would of served both teams best if it was played on the Saturday 12 (September) and we are disappointed it was not considered,” he said. Football Victoria were contacted for comment.
Lions return to Premier Division after huge win By Armin Richter The Division One Grand Final day on Saturday at Healesville was about as close to ideal as could be hoped for, with warm sunny conditions and just a slight breeze. The two dominant clubs, Pakenham and Seville, had a mortgage on the day with at least one in each of the nine Grand Finals and six of the showdowns featuring a direct head to head clash between the Lions and Blues. The most significant match would be the Senior football encounter with the winner to return to the top-flight, taking the rest of their respective clubs with them. Pakenham had spent the last two seasons in Division One while for Seville it hadn’t been in the top division since 2001 but with a redeveloped oval and a magnificent new clubrooms to be open by next year they will have among the best facilities in the valley and are ready for the challenge. Seville started strongly with the first two goals before the Lions scored three majors to hit the first change with a one goal lead. It was a well contested game but Pakenham always seemed to have an answer to anything that Seville could throw at them. The Lions eventually won by 30 points to remain undefeated champions and premiers for 2026. The Pakenham Reserves were also undefeated and had a remarkable home and away percentage of 956, on the back of scoring 2209 points for and conceding just 231. They came up against a Belgrave team who had fought their way up from
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Warm sunny conditions and just a slight breeze made for a perfect day of footy. (577788)
The Lions completed their undefeated season. (Gary Sissons: 577788) the Elimination Final. While the Magpies might have lost the Grand Final they gained much respect for their fight against such a dominant force to only go down by 15 points in the end. Seville did claim the Under 18s premiership with a solid display where they were too good for their Pakenham opponents. The Blues also met Pakenham in all four senior
grade netball matches and made it a clean sweep against the Lions. Seville won a total of six premierships, two-thirds of those on offer, with their Under 17s also claiming the ultimate honours. The Premier Division Preliminary Finals at Yarra Glen on Sunday were played under cloudy skies and a strong wind, which gradually abated as the afternoon progressed.
It was a close battle between the Blues and the Lions. (577788)
Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 | MAIL 35
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