Mail - Mountain Views Star Mail - 28th April 2026

The sun shone brilliantly over the Yarra Valley for Anzac Day this year, where people gathered for dawn and midday services across the townships to commemorate and honour the sacrifices made by those who served.

In Healesville, the day began in darkness at 5.45am, as the Dawn Service gathered locals in solemn tribute.

Later in the morning, among those watching the march was Geoffrey White, an 80-year-old veteran whose reflections carried both humour and depth.

In Yarra Glen, crowds gathered along Bell Street and Melba Highway for the 10.30am march toward the cenotaph at McKenzie Reserve.

Treasurer at the Yarra Glen RSL Ed Bartosh described the day as something uniquely Australian.

In Wandin, a steady crowd of community members, veterans, rotarians and school students gathered at the Wandin Cenotaph for the Rotary Club of Wandin’s Anzac Day service.

Rotary Club of Wandin foundation chair Brian Hodgson led the ceremony and he reflected on those who’ve served valiantly for Australia.

“Today we acknowledge that 111 years ago we had the first instance of an Anzac service on the shores of Gallipoli,” he said.

In Seville, a dawn service was held at the magnificent Seville War Memorial, where an intimate

and moving ceremony casted a solemn, yet grateful feeling over the attending crowd.

Lilydale RSL member Jack Brunker led the service in Seville War Memorial Committee chair Anthony McAleer’s absence, and he said if it weren’t for the Anzac diggers, we wouldn’t be here today.

“It’s our culture, it’s history. It’s where we’ve come from, where we’ve devised from.”

Millgrove’s dawn service was one for the record books, with an estimated 2000 people attending. Not bad for a town of 1700 people.

Hosted by Millgrove Resident’s Action Group (MRAG) and led by Wesburn-Millgrove CFA president Andrew Bennett, he said the devotion of the

locals was incredible.

“Just to see a little town like Millgrove host something like this and to get those numbers is quite extraordinary,” Mr Bennett said.

In Warburton, Australian Defence Force personnel led the Anzac Day parade through the town, walking with pride and honour as locals watched on.

Warburton RSL member Wayne Morgan led the service and said Anzac Day was incredibly important for keeping communities connected.

“It just brings all the community together to commemorate each other and embrace one another for the sacrifice they gave for the township and the country,” he said.

Shadow Minister visits the Ranges

By Tanya Steele

Federal Shadow Minister Matt O’Sullivan met with several community groups across the Belgrave area in outer east Melbourne on Tuesday 21 April.

Invited by Federal Member for Casey MP Aaron Violi, Senator Matt O’Sullivan, the Shadow Minister for Child Protection and the Prevention of Family Violence, and Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning, talked with a range of community stalwarts of the Yarra Ranges.

Mr Violi said it was fantastic to have Senator O’Sullivan in Casey to hear firsthand about local childcare and family violence challenges.

“We have many wonderful volunteer-run groups doing incredible work across our community, and it is important for the Shadow Minister to hear about the issues impacting communities like ours,” he said.

Key members from Mums of the Hills, Foothills Community Care, Selby Community House and Rotary Belgrave were invited by the Coalition to sit down with Mr Violi and Senator O’Sullivan to bring their voices and experience to the newly appointed Shadow Minister.

The two toured parts of Belgrave and Upwey, listening to the local groups discuss local takes on issues related to both child care and family violence.

Mums of the Hills (MotHs) President Belinda Young took the visiting politician through what their community group does for mothers in the region, from their online support to real-time classes.

“Sadly, we’ve got a lot of Mums that do or have experienced family violence,” she said.

Other MotHs present dived into the challenges of childcare, career and the cost of living, detailing the frustrations and harsh real-

ities faced by mothers caught in long waiting queues for spots, a lack of options and working to foot a childcare bill.

Senator O’Sullivan said on the day that he wanted to understand where the challenges are across his portfolios, particularly in the child care area, and learn what they can do to make things better.

“I’m really trying to learn as much as I can,” he said.

Over in the newly opened Foothills community hub in Upwey, the duo joined with CEO Stephen Barrington, staff and volunteers on-site around mid-morning.

Members of the family violence peer support group spoke passionately about their lived experiences with family violence, the court system, restraining orders and the huge difficulties women face when leaving a partner.

“It was a significant morning of connection and deep listening,” said Mr Barrington on social media.

At Selby Community House, house manager Danielle Steele showed the Shadow Minister around the empty grounds of the house, which is still closed due to structural issues and operating out of multiple venues in the area.

In a win for the house, the Selby childcare services have just begun again at Menzies Creek Primary, and Ms Steele said the service is vital to locals.

“We’ve got people that really need this service,” she said.

In Belgrave South, hosted by staff at the White Wolf Cafe, Rotary members from across Belgrave and Victoria sat down with the politicians to discuss their plans to throw more of their support to boost local awareness to both support impacted families and prevent future family violence in the area.

“We’re moving on to raise awareness in the

Cranbourne man rescued off Kyeema

By Tanya Steele

A Cranbourne man has landed in the hospital after slipping down off a popular walking track and lookout in Mount Dandenong over the weekend.

Sunday 26 April, around 6pm, a multi-unit response from emergency services assembled to rescue the lone hiker from the Kyeema walking track, which is popular for its city views.

A media spokesperson from Victoria Police said the man was walking solo on the trail between Burke’s Lookout and Kyeema Track when he slid down a steep embankment about 6.10pm.

Monbulk and Wandin CFA, Police, Lilydae SES and Victoria Ambulance staff and volunteers attended the rescue, bringing specialised expertise for the high-angle rescue to the situation.

A media spokesperson from Victoria SES said that the VICSES Lilydale Unit volunteers were called on the night to assist ambulance crews following reports of an injured patient.

“Upon arrival, VICSES volunteers worked alongside CFA to undertake a steep angle rescue operation and successfully retrieve a single patient from down an embankment, before transferring them into the care of paramedics,” said the spokesperson.

local community,” said Gus Rozycki, District 98115.

Deputy Opposition Whip in the Senate, Chair of the Education and Employment References Committee and Deputy Chair of the Education and Employment Legislation Committee, Matt O’Sullivian was sworn in as a Senator for WA in 2019 and is not the first Shadow Minister to tour the Yarra Ranges with Mr Violi.

Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education Angie Bell MP also visited the Casey electorate in February 2024, visiting Cire Services, MotHs and Orange Sky Australia.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) classifies any seat held by less than six per cent as marginal, and at the moment, the next Federal Election is not expected until early to close to mid 2028.

2025’s Federal election saw the Liberals win the Casey seat with 52.89 per cent of the vote.

Earlier this month, the Coalition began suggesting a policy overhaul in childcare and Senator O’Sullivan was appointed to his current role from his previous position as Shadow Assistant Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Infrastructure.

He said in his appointment speech that the Coalition believe that parental choice should drive childcare policy.

“Governments should empower families with real options, not force them into a ‘one size fits all’ approach favoured by Canberra,” he said on 2 March.

“As a Coalition, we will continue advocating and developing policies that restore Australians’ standard of living and protect our way of life,” said Mr Violi.

With another day of visits across Montrose and parts of the Upper Yarra community planned for Wednesday 22 April, the Liberals were on the move across Casey.

Ambulance Victoria Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics assessed and treated the man at the scene, and a media spokesperson said the man, in his 20s, had suspected upper and lower body injuries when he was first assessed.

“He was transported by road ambulance to the hospital,” they said.

The site of the rescue has a steep incline, and local volunteer emergency services often caution visitors to take care when trekking around the area.

Unit Controller at Lilydale SES, Shaun Caulfield, said that with the west-facing sunset views, the Kyeema track has a steep incline and can be quite rocky.

“It’s about being safe and aware,” he said.

“Areminderthatwalkinginthedarkcomes with risks and the walking tracks around Mt Dandenong are narrow, and while the views are spectacular, real caution is needed to avoid falls down the steep hills,” read the Lilydale SES social media.

Locals left waiting for intersection fix

By Gabriella Vukman

Locals have been left in the lurch as works on the promised new intersection of Killara Road and Maroondah Highway are yet to take place.

Following a seven-year process from advocacy to funding allocations, the intersection of Maroondah Highway and Killara Road in Coldstream remains unchanged.

The plan was initially to build traffic lights on Coldstream’s Killara Road-Maroondah Highway intersection, which would provide huge convenience for drivers to turn right from Killara onto Maroondah Highway.

Federal Member for Casey Aaron Violi, said, “It is really frustrating that we’re still waiting for the Killara Road intersection to be upgraded.”

“The facts are that in 2019 the Liberal government at a Federal level gave the money to State Labour, so they’ve had the money for over seven

years,” he said.

Funds for the intersection’s upgrade were saved after a 90-day infrastructure review of the federal budget in 2024.

According to Mr Violi, the State Minister confirmed in writing that pre-work would start in 2024 for construction in 2025.

Mr Violi said, “We’re in 2026 now, and nothing has happened.”

“I’ve been advocating since being elected in 2022 for the road to be upgraded and to be built.”

The Victorian Government confirmed the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has been engaged in preconstruction activities on the project, including a detailed assessment of scope elements, determination of site impacts, and work on the delivery strategy for the project.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Planning said, “We’re continuing to work with the Commonwealth Government to

assess options to upgrade the Maroondah Highway and Killara Road intersection in Coldstream.”

The Maroondah Highway and Killara Road intersection upgrade project was committed to by the previous Commonwealth Government in 2019, without prior consultation with the Victorian Government on project scope and costings.

According to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), since that initial commitment, the Department has conducted essential planning investigations and value engineering reviews.

The Department noted in May 2025, upon completing these assessments, DTP informed the Commonwealth Government that the revised cost estimate for delivering the final project design exceeded the original funding allocation.

According to DTP, it is working with the Commonwealth Government to review these investigations.

IN BRIEF

Woman wanted for failing to attend court

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Katherine Kouloris after she failed to attend court.

The 36-year-old is known to frequent Yarra Glen.

She is described as 152cm tall, thin build, brown eyes and fair complexion.

Ms Kouloris also frequents Wangaratta, Wodonga, Yarra Glen, and Redfern NSW.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.

Planned burn at Three Bridges

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) have announced the Three Bridges - Slaty Creek Track planned burn at 1.7 kilometres north west of Three Bridge will be ignited in the next 10 days if weather is suitable.

Note that some burns are carried out in stages, with part of the burn completed, and crews returning later to carry out further work within the burn area.

If so, you will receive notifications when the burn is once again scheduled to be carried out.

Access may be restricted where planned burning is being carried out – this can include forests, parks, national parks, state government and council reserves and along roadsides.

Stay informed about this planned burn here: plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

Missing Coldstream woman found Police have thanked the public for their assistance after a woman who went missing in Coldstream was found on 21 April.

She was located safe and well in the morning.

Because the original post on the Yarra Ranges Eyewatch Facebook was shared around a number of times, the increased awareness brought forward information from the public which helped police find the woman.

“Thank you to the public for all the shares of the original post, which has assisted in her being located,” Yarra Ranges Eyewatch said.

“Thanks to the Coldstream CFA Fire Brigade, the Lilydale State Emergency Service and their neighbouring units for helping us out over the duration of the search.”

Bike park crash hopitalises rider

A mountain bike rider ended up in hospital after crashing at the Warburton Bike Park on 26 April.

The man in his 60s crashed on the Runaway Bride track and members from the Upper Yarra SES assisted Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics in his retrieval.

“Our crew walked in approximately one kilometre, assessed the patient with paramedics and loaded them onto the mule and commenced a 1.6km walk out to the waiting ambulance,” the Upper Yarra SES said.

An AV spokesperson said the Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics assessed and treated one person at the scene.

“A man in his 60s with upper and lower body injuries was transported by road ambulance to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition.”

Crackdown on vandalism

By Callum Ludwig

The Victorian Liberals are taking a pledge with a long history in the Yarra Ranges for this year’s State election.

If elected, the Liberals are promising to legislate a specific offence for vandalism and desecration of war memorials and other religious, cultural and historic sites.

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence jointly announced the policy with Opposition leader Jess Wilson, having campaigned on the issue in Parliament for years after a spate of incidents in her district.

Ms Vallence said this is a really important announcement not only for our local community but for the whole state of Victoria.

“I think sadly, tragically, for over a number of years we’ve seen too many cases of vandalism of our war memorials and other significant monuments, particularly through the Yarra Ranges, from low-level to more serious offending,” she said.

“Any attack on a war memorial is an attack on those people who have served our country to protect our way of life, to protect our freedoms, our democracy and we owe a duty to them to respect them through the war memorials.

“It’s why we have Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and we all gather around these places of significance to pay our respects and honour all of our servicemen and women, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Liberals propose that the new offence will carry a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment and, notably, result in a mandatory order that offenders must pay the costs of repair and restoration. Incidents in the Yarra Ranges have cost anywhere between hundreds and tens of thousands of dollars to restore war memorials, with RSLs or community groups often footing a fair portion of the bill.

Mt Evelyn RSL president Matt Crymble said he wanted to raise an incident at the Montrose memorial in 2023.

“Montrose was deliberately done in the dark hours, and the following day was Remembrance Day, they deliberately did that to stop us paying our respects to our fallen, and I was most upset,” he said.

“It’s not tagging a shop window or something like that, and the penalty, we believe, should be firmer, harder, and I support this proposal for tougher laws.

“The RSL is an apolitical organisation, we can’t jump from one party to another, but I know Bill (Dobson) will agree, if it’s a good proposal and it does better for our community and the veteran community, then let’s get it in.”

Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson said the

names on these war memorials are names of people who didn’t come home.

“It’s like a cemetery, you’re desecrating something that is very important to Australian families,” he said.

“We do a lot of the education side of things going around to schools as much as we can and generally speaking, the kids are terrific out there but there must be an element out there that don’t care.

“It’d be a long bow to say that it’d never happen again, but you’d think people would think about it a bit more and if it’s worked in New South Wales, why can’t the government here introduce these laws.”

Currently, the vandalism and desecration of war memorials is treated the same as any other intentional destruction or damaging of property, also with a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment or up to 15 years’ imprisonment if lives are endangered. Theft also carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

Damage considered to be less severe, such as scratching or graffiti, is likely to receive a lesser sentence, but it remains to be seen whether the courts would consider the new offence any differ-

ently from other property damage.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said memorial vandalism is already punishable by jail time and huge fines under existing laws.

“This policy isn’t about fixing a problem – it’s

“If

Experienced and level-headed: Hillcrest elects new captain

By Oliver Winn

Hillcrest CFA’s brigade elections saw a change of guard on 1 April with the appointment of Norm Dean as captain. With 18 years of CFA experience under his

CHARTERS & TOURS

belt, Mr Dean brings level-headed leadership to the brigade, prioritising meaningful outcomes over rigid order.

He said being elected came as a shock as he had never envisioned himself taking the captain’s role.

“I mean it’s actually overwhelming that the brigade have instilled the confidence for me to be the captain, it feels good,” Mr Dean said.

Mr Dean has big shoes to fill, with previous captain Colin Dickson stepping down after six years of leadership to take the role of brigade treasurer.

“We discussed it and I was asked if I would run… so I gave it a bit of thought and said that as long as I get the support from the brigade, I’m happy to take the role on.”

Rather than running a tight ship, Mr Dean said his goal is to make sure things get done.

“As long as things get done, training gets done and we get more recruits, I’m happy with that.

“I hope to be as good a captain as the previous two and get the brigade’s stamp of approval on what I do and the way I run it,” he said.

His firefighting origins date back to 1985, when an 18-year-old Mr Dean joined Hillcrest CFA alongside his housemate at the time.

“We rented a house on Selby Road, which was virtually directly opposite the fire station.

“Most Friday or most weekends, the fire siren would go off. We figured… if it’s going to go off and we’re going to be awake, we may as well be

members.

“So we walked across the road and became members.”

He served for six years, but constantly witnessing car fatalities started to take its toll on him.

In 1991, turning out to the death of a coworker

was where he drew the line and resigned.

“At that age, I got sick of turning out to fatalities, because car accidents were big in the valley back then. They were all high-speed accidents, so chances were it was going to be a fatality.

“The last one was a work colleague… who was killed by a drunk driver coming the other way. I gave it away then.”

Come 2014, and Mr Dean returned to the Hillcrest CFA with a mature mind and a desire to protect the area from bushfires.

“I went down and walked in, and it’s just like one big family, right from the start. The camaraderie was great, I went through the basic training again, and yeah, I enjoy every day of it.”

Throughout his second stint at Hillcrest CFA, he’s taken on duties as the brigade’s facilities and infrastructure office, taking pride in making sure the fleet’s in good nick.

“My main role over the time I’ve been a lieutenant is to make sure that all the gear’s in the condition it should be in… that the appliances are on the road and on the road properly and there’s no faults in them.

“It’s just up to me to organise to get it repaired. It’s not up to me to repair it. It’s just up to me to make sure it’s repaired or equipment’s replaced or things are where they should be.”

Mr Dean’s tenure as captain goes from 1 July to 30 June 2028. If there’s anything obvious from the outset, it’s that Hillcrest CFA has a seasoned yet humble leader fronting the brigade for the next two years.

Pitt throws hat in the ring

By Callum Ludwig

Another Outer East candidate for the 2026 Victorian election has emerged, seeking a spot in the state’s upper house.

Lifelong Yarra Ranges local and independent candidate Antoinette Pitt has put her hand up for the Eastern Victoria region.

Ms Pitt said she decided to run because she’s seen firsthand where the system is falling short — in healthcare, housing, and cost of living.

“I don’t believe the major parties are moving fast enough or listening closely enough to the people on the ground,” she said.

“Running as an independent means I’m not tied to party lines or political agendas, it means I can represent the community directly, focus on practical solutions, and work with those following the evidence, to get outcomes.

“This campaign is about putting people before politics — and bringing real-world experience into decision-making.”

Ms Pitt’s connection to the region is strong, having grown up in Lilydale, married her husband from Mooroolbark and started a family in Montrose.

Not just content to live in the community, Ms Pitt is committed to it having been part of Friends of Music at Yarra Hills Secondary College to help fundraise and support their carols, helped out with the Montrose Community Cupboard and volunteered as an Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation job representative for her workplace, Lifeblood Ringwood Donor Centre, where she is a nurse.

A “deep interest” in recycling has also led her to establish a special interest group within Lifeblood to support staff engagement with recycling at home and at work which has grown to over 150 members nationally.

Ms Pitt runs an annual Trash Art challenge to promote National Recycling Week in November, assists her team to recycle polystyrene, rescue unused saline and bandages for Animal Rescue Co-Op, collects containers from refresh-

ments to raise funds for the Leukaemia foundation through Envirobank and holds another position with Medcycle, supporting healthcare to reduce their waste to landfill.

Ms Pitt said her work in nursing has given her a clearer picture of her community.

“I’ve worked across Eastern Victoria, taking nursing placements in Bairnsdale and Philip Island and filling in at Traralgon donor centre… working alongside patients, families, and other healthcare workers, and understanding the real pressures people are under, ” she said.

“Through my work as a nurse and in healthcare sustainability, I’ve connected with communities right across the region — from outer metro growth areas through to regional towns.

“As a nurse, I’ve been trained to assess problems, prioritise what matters, advocate and act with a holistic approach, that’s exactly the approach I’ll bring to representing Eastern Victoria.”

The biggest issues Ms Pitt is hearing across Eastern Victoria are:

■The housing crisis — people being priced out, pushed into insecure housing, or at risk of homelessness.

■Homelessness — people are embarrassed and ashamed that we are a 1st world country that chooses to make people beg.

■Public school funding — paying teachers a respectful, liveable wage and fully funding public schools before 2031, so teachers don’t have to

fill the gap out of their own pockets.

■Cost of living pressures — affecting families, workers, and small businesses.

■Food security - Victoria’s farmers feed our communities, steward the land, and face increasing droughts, floods, and extreme weather.

Ms Pitt said these aren’t isolated issues — they’re connected.

“For example, housing instability is directly impacting health outcomes and putting pressure on hospitals, she said.

“Investing in food security will keep food abundant and affordable, to help with cost of living.”

For her personally, the most important issues are:

■Strengthening our public healthcare system, including supporting the workforce and addressing system pressure.

■Addressing the housing crisis, including recognising public housing as preventative healthcare.

■Cost of living relief, especially where it intersects with essential services.

■Climate action that is practical and community-focused.

“Across all of these, my focus is on prevention, long-term thinking and making sure policies actually work in the real world,” Ms Pitt said.

Ms Pitt encourages constituents to find out more about her or reach her via the website kindcouragechange.com, or on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or Youtube.

Ms Pitt said she’s not coming in with all the answers, she’s coming in with real experience and a commitment to work with the community to get better outcomes.

“If something isn’t working for you, I want to hear about it, that’s how we build policies that actually reflect people’s lives,” she said.

“I’m running because I believe people are ready for a different kind of leadership — one that’s grounded in lived experience, honesty, empathy and practical action.”

Varroa mite’s in the Valley

By Oliver Winn and Gabriella Vukman

Beekeepers of the outer east are on alert after the world’s deadliest honey bee parasite was found in Gembrook on 16 April.

Six registered beekeepers from the Yarra Ranges have reported the dreaded varroa mite, which has wreaked havoc among beekeepers since it was introduced in 2022.

With the ability to destroy entire colonies, varroa mite poses an existential threat to honey bees in Australia and the industries reliant on their pollination.

When Gembrook-based beekeeper Michelle Van Der Vlugt discovered the small, brown, eight-legged mites within her bee hives, she knew she had to act fast.

“If I left it any longer, chances are my hives would not survive winter,” she said.

Scientifically known as Varroa Destructor, this parasitic mite is one of the most damaging pests in modern beekeeping.

Like a silent killer, varroa spreads undetected within hives, feeding on the bodily tissue of worker bees and eventually crippling entire colonies.

But Ms Van Der Vlugt, who runs Bec’s Beehive Supplies, has managed to detect the mites in her hives before it’s too late.

“Well I’ve only just found it so it’s about meeting the threshold of how many mites are in the hive to work out whether we need to treat yet,” she said.

But treating varroa mite is a tricky game. Use too much of one treatment, and the mites become chemically resistant. Use too little, and the mites spread throughout the hive.

When varroa mites develop resistance to one or more treatment chemicals, valuable tools for controlling their populations are lost.

“By treating when there are not enough mites it can be a little bit detrimental to the mode of action and overuse of chemicals,” she said.

The varroa mite originates from Asia, where it has been a natural parasite of the eastern honey bee for hundreds of years.

While the eastern honey bee can coexist with the varroa mite, Western honey bees have been unable to adapt to the presence of the mite, which spread to other bee species during the 1940s.

Despite invoking the largest multi-agency plant biosecurity response in Australia’s history upon its arrival in New South Wales in 2022, the varroa mite has continued to spread.

The mite has now been found throughout Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland, with a new, chemically resistant population emerging up north.

The costs of treating varroa mite forced many beekeepers out of the industry in 2022 and has had flow-on effects to other industries too.

“It becomes quite expensive for each hive when you need to use a different treatment and how many treatments you need per hive and as compared to how many you purchase at once,”

Ms Van Der Vlugt said.

Aside from using common chemical treatments such as Bayvoral and Apitraz, early detection, education and local support are also essential for beekeepers when managing varroa mite.

An Agriculture Victoria spokesperson said beekeepers should inspect their hives to look for signs of a varroa mite infestation.

“Early detection is important, and being prepared to manage the pest if it is found.

“Beekeepers are encouraged to ensure they are registered with Agriculture Victoria and report positive Varroa detections through their online BeeMAX diary,” an Agriculture Victoria spokesperson said.

Ms Van Der Vlugt said she’d taken an active approach to raising awareness around varroa mite.

“I have my Facebook posts or social media where I’m even showing myself using the treatments and showing the equipment and different uses, multiple uses for it,” she said.

Member of Emerald Regional Beekeepers

Club Bronwyn Koll said beekeepers are best positioned to fight varroa when they’re a part of a local beekeeping club.

“That’s where all of the interconnectedness and cooperation is.”

While the threat of varroa mite is unprecedented, beekeepers from the Yarra Ranges and beyond have reason to remain hopeful.

Australian beekeepers have had time to learn from other countries affected by varroa mite, and while other nations have calculated that they could lose up to 50 per cent of their hives over their winters, Australia’s milder winter could lessen the damage down under.

But, as chemically resistant populations emerge, Ms Van Der Vlugt said there’s no doubt varroa mite poses an existential threat to honey bees and destroying beekeepers’ livelihoods.

“It’s devastating when they think their livelihood is coming to an end.”

Beekeepers should report any suspected exotic bee pests and diseases to the national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 immediately.

Questions linger over worker accommodation availability

By Gabriella Vukman

Local industry figures are voicing growing concern that labour hire in the Yarra Ranges is being increasingly constrained by a single, persistent issue: accommodation.

Across both agriculture and tourism, employers describe a system where their ability to secure workers, whether through visa programs, labour hire agencies, or local recruitment, is ultimately determined by the availability of housing for those workers.

The pressure is unfolding against a slow-growing and structurally constrained housing market in the Yarra Ranges.

Population growth in the Yarra Ranges is projected to average just 0.6 per cent per year between 2016 and 2041, an increase of about 24,037 people.

At the same time, Yarra Ranges data from id demographic resources shows only 12.5 per cent of residents are renting privately and just 1 per cent are in social housing, with the vast majority of properties either owned outright or under mortgage.

The dominant housing type remains separate houses, limiting the availability of higher-density or short-term accommodation options that could support a more mobile workforce.

This housing profile leaves little flexibility for incoming workers, particularly seasonal or temporary labourers, effectively tightening the labour pool despite ongoing demand.

While the council facilitates on-farm housing through seasonal worker accommodation permits and planning processes, industry operators say these frameworks are not doing enough to address the underlying shortage of available housing.

Director at Australian Strawberry Distributors (ASD) Joe Ripepi, said the issue is limiting how many workers farms can bring in, even when labour is available through established schemes.

“Unfortunately, we’d love to hire a lot more people but we need to be able to accommodate them to do that.”

“We can house 40 people here on our property comfortably but we used to be able to accommodate 80 before the one person per 10 square metre rule came in after Covid,” he said.

“Now we can only have one person per room, so that means we need to rely on finding accommodation in Lilydale for the rest.”

According to Mr Ripepi, the reduction in onsite housing capacity has had a direct impact on labour supply, forcing farms to scale back hiring despite ongoing demand for workers.

Ripepi said the problem extends beyond individual businesses and requires broader coordination.

“The problem is that the agriculture industry can’t provide enough accommodation on its own, so state and local governments need to step in and help create housing if we want more overseas workers to come,” Mr Ripepi said.

An employer of workers participating in the PALM scheme, Mr Ripepi noted he wants to increase the number of workers ASD takes on board.

Mr Ripepi said, “The people we’re getting at the moment are from Vanuatu and they are beautiful people and they make some good money coming here.”

“We’re happy to pay them because they’re lovely people and they do a really good job,” he said.

Labour hire arrangements themselves also add complexity and cost, with agencies playing

a central role in managing overseas workers and their logistics.

Mr Ripepi said, “The labour hire agency takes care of the PAM scheme, under government control.”

“On top of paying the workers, we also have to pay a commission fee to the agency for providing and managing that service,” he said.

“I don’t know why we’ve got to pay superannuation for people that come here and work for six months from overseas and then go back home.”

Despite these structured systems, accommodation shortages in towns such as Lilydale continue to restrict how many workers can be placed.

The same pressures are being felt in the tourism sector.

Owner of Kangaroo Ridge Retreat in Healesville Rebecca Ritter, said housing affordability is making it difficult to attract and retain staff on a domestic level.

Ms Ritter said, “Housing’s an issue for multiple reasons.”

“People who need to work are not looking for

a 10-hour, or 15-hour job during the high season. They’re looking for full-time work.”

“To be able to afford a house out here on that casual wage that most of us offer is almost impossible,” she said.

Ms Ritter described the situation as complex and unlikely to be solved by a single policy change.

“Housing is really such a multifactorial issue.”

According to Ms Ritter, the absence of affordable housing is also limiting the ability of businesses to employ locals, even where there is a willingness to build a local workforce.

Ms Ritter said, “It would be really great to be able to hire a lot more people from the local area, but housing for locals is very expensive, so therefore it’s really hard to hire locally,” she said.

Backpacker labour, often tied to the 88-day regional work requirement, is another potential workforce stream, but access depends on both postcode eligibility and the availability of accommodation.

While some postcodes in the Yarra Ranges qualify for the 88-Day working visa that allows internationals to stay longer in Australia, others do not, rendering it difficult for hirers outside of those postcodes to source labour through 88-Day visa extension scheme.

Across the Yarra Ranges, the message from industry is consistent: workers are available, and businesses are willing to hire, but without sufficient, affordable and compliant accommodation, labour hire systems cannot operate at the scale required.

Housing, rather than labour supply itself, is emerging as the defining constraint on the region’s workforce.

The Yarra Ranges Council and the Labour Hire Authority were contacted for comment.

Find a buddy at this bench

By Gabriella Vukman

The culmination of community spirit and hard yakker, a new ‘Buddy Bench’ stands tall and grand on the grounds of Healesville’s St Brigid’s Primary School.

Initiated by volunteer of the school’s Parents and Friends Group, Elyce Matthews, the new ‘Buddy Bench’ will serve as a safe place for students to go when they need someone to talk to.

After months of looking around for affordable options, Ms Matthews reached out to the Lions Club of Healesville in 2025.

Ms Matthews said, “We wanted the Buddy Bench to be a place to go where other kids and teachers in the playground will see that you may need a chat, or some assistance, or someone to play with.”

“It just gives that feeling of belonging, of

somewhere that’s safe to go, and then either teachers or children will come up and speak to you or play with you,” she said.

“The Lions Club were pretty keen on the idea, and they approached the Men’s Shed in Badger Creek to see if they would make it.”

After a brief tour of the Men’s Shed, their work on the project was settled.

Secretary of the Lion’s Club of Healesville Garry Butler said, “I thought of the Men’s Shed because we’ve always supported and had a good relationship with them.”

We’re a community-based club, and schools and different community groups struggle to get funding, so it’s great we are able to help,” he said.

“When you get involved with the community, you meet such lovely people who are very passionate.”

Secretary of the Badger Creek and Dis-

trict Men’s Shed, Graeme Chester, said, “We thought the Buddy Bench was a good idea and we’re always out to help the community, so we quite happily took this on as a project.”

Belgrave train line to get increased services for 2026

The Lilydale and Belgrave train lines will run more frequently after more investments into public transport are delivered off the back of a international fuel crisis.

Trains will run every 20 minutes to the end of the line on weekday evenings – up from every 30 minutes, while every 10 minutes trains will run on the Ringwood corridor.

The State Government made the announcement on Monday 20 April to address rising costs

CEO makes a return for the CEO Sleepout

On 18 June, Your Library’s chief executive officer, Dr Karina Lamb, is stepping outside her comfort zone for the second year in a row, participating in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

The initiative focuses on raising funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society, which provides vital support to numerous Australians experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

The theme for this year - See It. Solve It - brings focus to the crisis hidden behind doors of domestic and family violence, which is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children.

The Your Library board chair, Cr Kylie Spears, said, “The CEO Sleepout highlights both the scale of homelessness in our community and the impact we can make when we come together.”

Over $9.48 million was raised at the 2025 national event, which resulted in providing more than 79,000 nights of safe accommodation and 316,000 meals. “The funds raised will directly support vital frontline services, helping provide safety, dignity, and hope to those who need it most,” Cr Spears said. This year, Dr Lamb has set herself a fundraising goal of $10,000 to continue supporting these critical frontline services.

“Taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. I’m proud to be returning in 2026 to help raise awareness and funds for these essential services,” she said.

“I’m incredibly grateful to our staff and supporters – we have raised $4296 so far, and every contribution helps ensure more people have access to safety, dignity and support.”

This amount raised by Dr Lamb has helped provide up to 39 beds and 156 meals so far.

Though one night spent outside doesn’t truly replicate the reality of homelessness, all the funds raised still ensure that safe options remain available for those facing these hardships.

Those in the community wishing to support Dr Lamb’s fundraising efforts can donate directly to: ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/karinalamb/victoria

due to the US and Israel’s war with Iran that forced the closure of the world’s busiest fuel corridor.

Meanwhile, 25 X’Trapolis 2.0 trains will be built locally, delivering fancy new trains for the Cragieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines in the coming months.

The investment also supports 750 jobs across Victoria.

The cost of public transport has also been re-

duced, with free travel now and half-price fares from 1 June.

More additional services are being delivered in the metropolitan region - they include upgrades to Glen Waverley and Alamein lines, and the Mernda and Hurstbridge lines.

Increased train services from Werribee to Warragul and Sandringham to Sale will also be delivered.

Check out all the additional services being

delivered at the link: shorturl.at/8pbBv.

Half-price PT saves the regular daily commuter more than $850 and keeps a lid on fuel demand for everyone else.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said more services were being delivered across the network.

“We’re putting our expanded network to work – delivering more services, more often across the network.”

Wandin pays its respects

Underneath the warm glow of the autumn sun, a crowd gathered by the Wandin Cenotaph for the 111th Anzac Day ceremony.

Held by the Rotary Club of Wandin, the 8.30am service saw community members, veterans, rotarians and school students stand solemnly as the spirit of Anzac filtered through the fresh valley air.

Rotary Club of Wandin foundation chair Brian Hodgson led the ceremony and he reflected on those who’ve served valiantly for Australia.

“Today we acknowledge that 111 years ago we had the first instance of an Anzac service on the shores of Gallipoli. Personally, I’m here to remember the service that my father gave 80 years ago, and the service of my colleagues, who like I, were conscripted for the war in Vietnam around 30 odd years ago,” Mr Hodgson said.

Mr Hodgson acknowledged the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the land, and thanked the young school students for extending the Anzac legacy.

The crowd sung the hymn, O God, our Help in Ages Past, and their harmonious voices reflected the strength of community connection.

Federal Casey MP Aaron Violi spoke of the immense gratitude held by Australians for those who served.

“The freedom that we have today as a country was not preordained, the democracy we have today was not preordained, it was given to us and gifted to us by previous generations through the sacrifices they made.

“Many gave the ultimate sacrifice - they gave all of their tomorrows so we could have today,” Mr Violi said.

A brilliant “Lest We Forget” banner crafted from knitted poppies was attached to the fence in front of the cenotaph, courtesy of the Country

Women’s Association (CWA) Wandin Branch.

CWA Wandin members spent countless days knitting and preparing the amazing banner. In State Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence’s address, she reflected on the incredible resilience shown by women during the war.

“More than 2000 women served in the Australian Army Nursing Service during World War One, and today I’d like to pay a special tribute to them, their sense of duty and resilience, serving in places far away back then as Egypt and France, caring for the wounded in terrifying conditions.”

These nurses were expected to pay their own way, and had to be single or widowed in order to join the service.

“In all these women went above and beyond in the treatment and care that they provided to the wounded men and there’s no doubt that they comforted the soldiers suffering from the most horrendous injuries and saved countless lives, for which we are eternally grateful,” Ms Vallence said.

Wandin Yallock Primary School students read the poem, The Soul of Australia, reciting the reading with respect and reverence.

Will Goodchild, Everley Kinsmore, Tahlee Holmes and Isaac Gurr from Wandin North Primary School delivered a faithful and moving recitation of Faded Suits of Green.

Then, Lilydale RSL’s Jack Brunker delivered the Anzac requiem, and it was followed by bugler Meg Benger’s performance of The Last Post.

The Wandin Anzac service is especially profound because many of the region’s families are generational and maintain close ties to the district’s history.

As the ceremony wrapped up, the Wandin Cenotaph stood tall, overlooking everyone like a sentinel as they milled out from the property.

It was as if the engraved names of locals who’d served were watching over us all in spirit.

We will remember them

By Oliver Winn

The Seville township paid their respects to those who’ve served at the 2026 Seville War Memorial Anzac Day service, marking the 111th commemoration of 25 April.

An intimate crowd of veterans and locals honoured the town’s close ties to World War One, commemorating the sacrifice of prominent local soldiers like Victoria Cross recipient George Ingram.

Lilydale RSL member Jack Brunker led the service in Seville War Memorial Committee chair Anthony McAleer’s absence, and he said if it weren’t for the Anzac diggers, we wouldn’t be here today.

“It’s our culture, it’s history. It’s where we’ve come from, where we’ve devised from.

“They’ve provided the pathway to where we are now. As a community, they forged together to provide that support, and it’s allowed us to get to where we are now. Without that, where would we be?”

Following the service, a free community breakfast sponsored by the Wandin-Seville Community Bank drew a significant crowd as locals caught up over breakfast and coffee.

Seville CFA captain Andrew Butler gave a historical reading to the crowd, while Chandler Ward councillor Gareth Ward recited the poem, Our Freedom.

Victoria Police Sergeant John MacBeth paid

tribute to all of those from the township who’ve sacrificed themselves for the nation by reading the role of honour.

Mr Brunker said all over the country, Australians were commemorating our heritage and remembering those who have served.

“And in remembering those who fought in defence of our freedom, the Seville community would also like to acknowledge those currently serving with the Australian Defence Force, here in Australia and on active service overseas,” Mr Brunker said.

The magnificent Seville War Memorial stood like a beacon, illuminated by lights that brought the structure to life.

Local poet Jim Brown read his poem, A Splash

of Read, paying tribute to the nurses who supported the soldiers during war.

Mr Brunker paid respects to the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people, who also played a significant role in the Anzac movement.

“I would also like to pay our respects to those elders of the Seville community, especially any ex-service men and women who are with us today,” he said.

Attendees were invited to attend the inaugural George Ingram Cup matches at the Seville Football Netball Club later in the day, where Casey MP Aaron Violi delivered the George Ingram medal. Bugler Ian Douglas delivered a haunting rendition of The Last Post which echoed through the night time air.

ANZAC DAY

Yarra Glen, Healesville march

By Gabriella Vukman

The hum of engines came before the sky revealed its source.

Heads tilted upward across Healesville’s main street as a red PC-1 sliced through the morning air, its flyover arriving just after the final notes of the national anthem.

… It was a moment that seemed to suspend time. An audible reminder of service and sacrifice before the day settled back into the steady rhythm of marching boots, quiet reflection, and community pride.

This Anzac Day the townships of Healesville and Yarra Glen once again embodied the spirit that defines the Yarra Valley on April 25 - remembrance and togetherness.

From the early hours before dawn to the late morning marches, the towns drew in veterans, families, schoolchildren, and volunteers, all united in honour of those who served.

In Healesville, the day began in darkness at 5:45am, as the Dawn Service gathered locals in solemn tribute.

The Healesville RSL followed with its traditional Gunfire Breakfast, warming both hands and hearts after the chill of the morning.

By mid-morning, the streets were alive with scouts in uniform, vintage trucks rolling slowly forward, and community groups assembling for the 9:45am march along Maroondah Highway toward the Memorial Hall.

Among those helping lead the dawn service were Healesville High School captains Kaylee Short and Erica Wiggans, whose reflections captured both the nerves and honour of representing their school on such a significant day.

For Kaylee Short, the role carried a quiet weight.

“It feels really special that I get to be a big part of the Dawn Service, especially because it’s such a significant day for us,” Ms Short said.

“It feels pretty huge… really special,” she said.

Despite her experience with public speaking, the scale and meaning of the occasion made this one different.

Ms Short said, “I was a bit nervous.”

“We were given a different poem this time and it is one I haven’t really read or heard of before, so that’s a little bit scary for me,” she said.

Still, it was an opportunity she embraced, particularly the chance to lay a wreath and perform music as part of the ceremony.

Erica Wiggans echoed that mix of nerves and gratitude, describing the chance to speak as both daunting and meaningful.

“I’m a very nervous person, so I’m always terrified,” Ms Wiggans said.

“But I was excited as well.”

For Wiggans, the importance of the day extended beyond personal connection.

“I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to read out the poem for the community” Ms Wiggans said.

“It’s a good chance to reflect and pay respects.”

Both captains were also part of the school band, contributing musically to the service performing the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand, adding another layer to their involvement.

Later in the morning, among those watching the march was Geoffrey White, an 80-yearold veteran whose reflections carried both humour and depth. Conscripted in 1966, Mr White recalls his service as transformative.

Mr White said, “I was a bit of a smart arse back in those days so it was a really good attitude change.”

“I quite enjoyed it… I look back and it was a very good time. Everyone should do it,” he said.

Though illness cut short his deployment, the experience left its mark.

For White, Anzac Day is not just about memory, rather it is about continuity.

“This year I’ve got my nephew and his mum and her kids here and it is important that we keep the spirit of Anzac going,” Mr White said.

“It starts from the youth and is up to us.”

That passing of memory from one generation to the next was on full display.

Students from Healesville High School addressed the crowd at the dawn service, while Chum Creek Primary School students continued their tradition of signing the Australian and New Zealand national anthems in AUSLAN outside the Memorial Hall.

Chum Creek Primary School Student Ruby, the experience carried a mix of nerves and pride.

“It was a little bit scary but fun,” Ruby said.

“My favourite part was the Australian national anthem.”

When prompted on what Anzac Day meant to her, Ruby said, “It means remembering the people who fought in the war and those that helped save the country.”

“Anzac Day is important because some of those people died and it is nice to say thank you,” she said.

Healesville Veteran Don Ashton joined his family at the Healesville RSL after the service.

Having joined national service in 1953 and served in the reserves for five years, Ashton reflected on the enduring meaning of the day.

“Anzac Day is to remember the ones that never came back,” he said simply.

When asked what defined his service, his answer was just one word: “Comradeship.”

While footsteps pounded the pavements of Healesville, crowds gathered in Yarra Glen along Bell Street and Melba Highway for the 10:30am march toward the cenotaph at McKenzie Reserve.

Veterans marched alongside community groups, while families lined the streets, many

wearing medals passed down through generations.

Treasurer at the Yarra Glen RSL Ed Bartosh described the day as something uniquely Australian.

“Anzac Day really is a community event,” Mr Bartosh said.

“It’s when Australia seems to congeal as a nation,” he said.

“We all come together around the sacrifice that occurred at Anzac Cove as well as in the European Theatre.”

The Yarra Glen service drew a crowd of approximately 700 people by local estimates, and again, it was the voices of young people that stood out.

Students from local primary schools delivered speeches and read letters written during World War I, bringing history into the present with remarkable poise.

“Probably still the kids,” Mr Bartosh said when asked what stayed with him most.

“They spoke about what Anzac Day meant to them and they were very eloquent, these kids,” Mr Bartosh said.

“It was amazing.”

The ceremony concluded with a gunfire breakfast and sausage sizzle at the Men’s Shed, where conversation flowed easily between generations.

Stories were shared, and laughter broke through the solemnity of the morning.

Across both Healesville and Yarra Glen, the pattern was the same: the old and the young, side by side.

Veterans who had lived through service stood shoulder to shoulder with children just beginning to understand its meaning.

Trucks rumbled, scouts marched, and the crowd fell silent when it mattered most.

In Healesville and Yarra Glen, Anzac Day was not just observed, it was celebrated and carried forward with community spirit.

ANZAC DAY

Thousands reflect in Lilydale

By Mikayla van Loon

As dawn broke across Lilydale, the cenotaph was surrounded by thousands of community members who gathered to pay their respects to servicemen and women of decades gone by.

The Anzac Day service on Saturday 25 April was another showing of gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who chose army, navy, airforce and nursing service in World War I and beyond.

The service opened with the names of Lilydale’s fallen read by students from Chirnside Park Primary School, a sombre reminder of the reason for gathering at the War Memorial.

“We’re here to acknowledge the sacrifices of the original Anzacs in 1915. This includes all the ADF people since World War One, who have patriotically served our country,” Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson said in his opening address.

“Over 107,000 gave their lives in the hope that we can live peacefully. May we, as the modern day successes, prove worthy of their sacrifices.”

Current Army serviceman Trooper Bailey spoke of the significance of 2026 as being 125 years since the Australian Army formed.

“For 125 years, the Australian Army has stood as a symbol of service to our nation, from its beginning of Federation in 1901 through to the present day, it has been shaped not only by conflict, but by the character of the men and women who have worn this uniform,” he said.

Trooper Bailey said the “Anzac spirit was first forged under the harshness of conditions” in Galliopoli where “ordinary Australians showed extraordinary resilience”.

Whether closer to home on the trails of Papua New Guinea or further away in the jungles of Vietnam, Trooper Bailey said the legacy of Australia’s first diggers was carried with them.

“Australia has served far from home, entering the call of duty in complex and challenging environments, and in more recent decades, in

places like Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Australian soldiers have continued that legacy, serving with professionalism, courage and commitment across all of these conflicts.”

As someone who now puts on the uniform himself, Trooper Bailey said the values of mateship, resilience and selflessness were not just words but lived everyday.

He spoke of the generations of Australians who have gathered similarly on Anzac Days to not only remember the past but to reflect on who we are today.

“In the stillness of this morning, as the sun

rises, we are reminded of something simple yet powerful, that even in the darkest of times, there is light.

“So today, we stand together, not just in memory, but in gratitude.”

The service was attended by Yarra Ranges Council mayor Richard Higgins, Casey MP Aaron Violi and Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence.

Students from Mount Lilydale Mercy College, Lilydale Primary School, Lilydale High School, Chirnside Park Primary School and St Patrick’s Primary School played an active role in the service.

Huge turnout for Millgrove

By Oliver Winn

The people of Millgrove showcased their unwavering respect and gratitude for those who served at the 2026 Anzac Day dawn service.

In a testament to Millgrove’s unwavering commitment to the Anzac spirit, an estimated 2000 people turned up to the service this year - not bad for a town of 1700 people.

Hosted by Millgrove Resident’s Action Group (MRAG) and led by Wesburn-Millgrove CFA president Andrew Bennett, he said the devotion of the locals was incredible.

“Just to see a little town like Millgrove host something like this and to get those numbers is quite extraordinary,” Mr Bennett said.

The dawn service took place at the Memorial Rock and Mr Bennett said Anzac Day was a time for people to nurture the deep sense of honour

and gratitude Australians have for the Anzac diggers.

“I personally think that there’s something in the human heart that really has a need to honor and respect people who do great things. I don’t think all of us recognize that, but I think it still exists.

“I think when we stop, both as individuals and as a community, we stop expressing the gratitude for those who’ve done extraordinary and sacrificial things. Then, I think something in our own heart dies a little bit, and Anzac Day allows us to continue that as a community.”

Wayne Morgan from the Warburton RSL delivered the Anzac requiem where he solemnly honoured those who’ve fought for the freedom of Australians.

His address focused on commemorating those whose last steps were made on the shores

and slopes of Gallipoli.

Eildon MP Cindy McLeish led the Ode of Remembrance at the service, while students from Millwarra Primary School formed a lantern pa-

rade.

Mr Bennett said although the weather was perfect this year, even if it was raining, there’s always a strong attendance from locals.

“Some dawn services for us have been pouring with rain and freezing cold, and every year that happens, I think this is going to impact our numbers because it’s pouring with rain. And it never does. It never affects the numbers.

“One year I remember it was pouring with rain, and I was chatting to people afterwards and they said, ‘Mate, the least I can do is stand out here for a little while and get wet. If those young blokes did what they did, I can get wet for half an hour,’” Mr Bennett said.

As the kookaburras heralded the morning sun and the sound bagpipes pierced the taut morning air, the Anzac spirit was flowing through everyone at Millgrove’s service on 25 April.

‘It brings the community together’: Warburton marches

By Oliver Winn

The whole of Warburton reflected and remembered for its 2026 Anzac Day parade, which saw veterans, community leaders and many more join for a march through town.

Warburton RSL member Wayne Morgan led the service and said Anzac Day was incredibly important for keeping communities connected.

“It just brings all the community together to commemorate each other and embrace one another for the sacrifice they gave for the township and the country,” he said.

He spoke of the young Anzac diggers with reverence, respect and a genuine sense of appreciation.

The parade started at the Warburton Bakery, led by veterans and their families who marched down the main road to the cenotaph.

Australian Defence Force personnel stood tall, marching with pride and discipline as they joined the march. Students from Warburton Primary School too formed part of the parade as they held their heads high.

The Warburton, Millgrove and Wesburn townships saw 151 of its own men leave their families 111 years ago, yet 47 men never returned.

It is no doubt the souls of those men were in the hearts of the Anzac Day service attendees today.

tend to the soldiers on the front lines at the time.

Mr Morgan said not only must we remember the soldiers who fought, but also the ladies who were left to deal with taking care of the families.

“It’s a time to reflect and appreciate not only our soldiers, airmen, airwomen, our naval personnel that sacrificed their time during the wars, also the ladies and the children who were left behind to provide for the communities to provide for the soldiers, making the Anzac cookies, the socks, the scarfs, other items like that to ex-

“It’s a big part we forget about that went behind the scenes that we don’t really learn in life, but that’s what it means to me, to pay respects to all of them, at home and away,” Mr Morgan said.

The traditional Warburton v Healesville Anzac clash also took place later in the day, which was the first time fixture was held in over 10 years. Healesville beat the Burras 116 to 72.

Two trains, two locations

By Becki Vandenboom

We are very proud of our station building at the Upper Yarra Museum, besides being a beautifully restored example of railway days past, it has a unique history.

To the best of our knowledge our station building is the only one in Australia to have witnessed two different Royal trains in two separate locations.

Constructed at Lilydale in 1888, our station building served travelers in that location for 16 years until a bigger, more modern building was required. According to the Reporter (Box Hill) newspaper 22 January 1915 “the railway department does not allow any of the old station buildings…to go to waste” and in line with this policy the station building was transferred to its current location in Yarra Junction.

In 1901 the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (future King George V and Queen Mary) visited Melbourne to celebrate the opening of Parliament. After days of official duties, the royal couple had earned a personal day.

While the Duke headed off towards Sale for a day of hunting, the Duchess chose to visit the Yarra Valley for a picnic.

The 15th of May 2026 marks 125 years since our station building played host to the Duchess’s Royal Train while still located at Lilydale.

“In honour of the duchess’s visit…townspeople decorated the station with greenery, flags, etc” reported the Argus on 16 May 1901.

The Royal train stopped for a few minutes in Lilydale and the duchess was heartily cheered by the gathered crowd when she “appeared on the

CARTOON

platform” . She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by a Lilydale Shire councilor, before her train continued its journey toward Healesville.

Over fifty years later, our station building witnessed a second Royal train and the associated public celebration, this time in its Yarra Junction location. During their 1954 visit to Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh were granted a rest day in Warburton and spent two nights at the O’Shannassy Lodge.

According to the Royal Tour Itinerary the Royal Train was due to pass through Yarra Junction

about 7pm on 6 March.

The Sun News Pictorial reports that over 200,000 people lined tracks and slowed the train from Melbourne to Warburton, 1500 of those at Launching Place and Yarra Junction.

Eventually rail passenger travel gave way to the roads and in August 1965 one last commemorative train steamed its way from Flinders Street station carrying over 500 people.

With the decline of railway traffic our station building fell into disrepair.

However, in 1969, the recently established

Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society was able to secure a lease for the building with the intention of establishing a museum to preserve significant Upper Yarra History.

Over the years UYVHS has gathered the Upper Yarra collection, which includes restored buildings, artifacts, trades and archives.

Interested in Upper Yarra stories like this one? Have one of your own to share?

Drop by the museum on Wednesdays and Sundays 10-4 to visit the station building that witnessed two royal trains in two different locations.

Exit 8 review: Liminal horror

Exit 8 is a remarkable surreal Japanese psychological horror film based on a 2023 video game.

A hapless young man (Kazunari Ninomiya) finds himself trapped in an endlessly-repeating subway passageway, and must keep track of any changes (“anomalies”) in each loop if he hopes to escape.

Liminal art, which is increasingly popular online, conjures uncanny feelings of nostalgia and foreboding from transient spaces such as malls, waiting rooms, lobbies and pools, and liminal horror brings a sense of permanence and entrapment to such places. Exit 8 is an outstanding cinematic expression of liminal horror, and like Iron Lung, it’s one of the best video game movies ever made.

Exit 8 is endlessly eerie and intriguing. The monotony of the staging is a large part of the despair and claustrophobia the film invokes, and Exit 8 invigorates its single setting with disturbing anomalies, flashbacks that explore the plights of other people stuck in the tunnel, and highly ambitious cinematography. The opening is shot in first-person (through the main character’s eyes),

Can the law help promote reading?

In response to this reviewer’s 7 April article, Reading: Different strategies work for different people, a local reader pointed to the Regulations on the Promotion of Nationwide Reading recently coming into effect in China.

Can the law really help promote reading?

China, currently the second-largest consumer market, seems determined to make it work.

As the Chinese government designated the fourth week of April as the annual National Reading Week, its official news agency announced: “China has issued its first-ever administrative regulation dedicated to nationwide reading, which outlines measures to boost reading promotions, improve the quality of reading services, and strengthen support systems, providing a solid legal basis for building a society that loves reading.”

Statistics show that, by the end of 2025, there were 3253 public libraries across China offering free access to readers.

The country’s national comprehensive read-

and the rest of the film is full of impressive long takes. Exit 8 also uses a cool distorted two-tone leitmotif to signal when the strangeness kicks in. The main character (known only as “The Lost Man”) starts the film frantic and close to collapse, but as he figures out and pushes through the loop, helping a lost boy (Naru Asanuma) sees him grow the confidence to face some life-changing news. Yamato Kochi delivers a creepy, tragic, tightlycontrolled performance as The Walking Man.

A masterwork of tone, tension and camerawork, Exit 8 is playing in select Victorian cinemas. This also has me even more eager for Backrooms, a film based on the iconic liminal online horror story of the same name, which comes out next month.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

Reality is, extracurricular reading and/or reading for pleasure remains rare.

PASSION FOR PROSE

WITH CHRISTINE SUN

ing rate – measuring the speed at which a person reads with at least 70-80 per cent comprehension – had risen from 76.3 per cent in 2012 to 82.1 per cent in 2024.

(Note: The phrase “national comprehensive reading rate” is mainly used in China and covers books, newspapers and digital content. As a comparison, 75 per cent of the Australian population are considered “general readers” who read at least one book per year in any format.)

Meanwhile, a national reading survey revealed that 82.3 per cent of Chinese adults engaged in reading in 2025, with the combined reading volume in digital and print reaching the average of 8.39 books per person.

Data show that 80.8 per cent of Chinese adults now read digitally, whether it is through e-books, online literature or audiobooks.

By the end of 2025, China’s digital reading user base had reached 689 million.

Less than half of adults (45.9 per cent) still prefer print books.

The aforementioned national reading survey further revealed that, among those Chinese aged 18 and younger, 86.7 per cent read books, while 75.9 per cent engaged in digital reading.

According to an “ideological and political education” course presentation released early this month, although the average Chinese teenager reads 36.30 minutes per day or 11.65 books per year, these are mainly for schoolwork and tests/exams.

As a countermeasure, China’s Regulations on the Promotion of Nationwide Reading aims to “promote nationwide reading, advance the building of a society of avid readers, enhance the ideological, moral, scientific and cultural qualities of the entire nation, raise the level of civility across society, and promote the building of a leading socialist cultural power”.

The law demands the establishment of reading facilities across the country, mandates schools at all levels to build reading into the curriculum, and requires setup of accessible formats for elderly readers and those with disabilities.

Overall, China’s push for a “society of readers” and “culturally strong nation” is meant to direct its citizens away from video and the mobile screen and back to the printed page.

Let’s hope it will work.

REV IT UP Excellence and innovation

the 1980s, this family-run business began humbly in a Wandin home garage, specialising in fitting LPG systems imported from Holland.

The high standards and exceptional quality of their installations quickly earned them a stellar reputation, necessitating a move to a larger facility at 21 Industry Court in Lilydale.

Today, AG Automotive stands as a beacon of excellence in the automotive industry, offering a comprehensive range of services including automotive repairs, Vicroads inspections and certificates, and specialised services for EV/Hybrid vehicles, LPG systems, and automotive air-conditioning systems.

Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of the latest specialist equipment and employment of highly trained and skilled technicians.

One of the most respected names in the LPG industry, AG Autogas has a rich history of innovation and customer satisfaction.

After a brief hiatus, the business was rejuvenated in 2006 when John, the original founder, returned to the LPG industry.

In 2017, John entrusted the leadership to David, a longtime employee, ensuring that the same high standards and dedication to excellence would continue.

AG Automotive is committed to providing great value for money, a tradition that continues with their latest offer: a 10 per cent discount for readers who mention this article.

This gesture reflects their ongoing dedication to serving the community and providing topnotch automotive services.

For all your servicing and customising needs, AG Automotive remains your trusted one-stop shop, delivering unparalleled service and expertise.

Fun in store for Healesville

By Gabriella Vukman

Healesville is set to come alive with music, colour and community spirit as the Healesville Festival returns for a jam-packed two-day celebration on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May.

The festival is back for its second year with an expanded program, more venues, and a purpose of bringing the community together.

Festival Founder and Healesville local Rose Herring is looking forward to seeing the community come out on mother’s day weekend.

“I can’t wait to see people get out into the community and go and visit different shops,” Ms Herring said.

“Last year the town was really buzzing, and we want to see that again,” she said.

While the festival ran for the first time in 2025, the ideation process for the creation of such a festival began for Ms Herring in 2024.

“I started having a chat with people around town and noticed there was this desire for there to be a festival here in Healesville, so I started putting ideas together,” Ms Herring said.

“We have an incredible team of volunteers and we brought together Healesville Festival Incorporated, so that we could do the festival,” she said.

“Our volunteer committee members were and still are hitting the streets, knocking on doors, and looking up grants to run the festival.”

While last year’s festival was a success, Ms Herring noted the event has quickly grown into something much bigger than initially imagined, with a packed schedule across the weekend.

“We have applied the same model as last year, except this year we are going to run more workshops and they will be completely free,” Ms Herring said.

“We are adding a festival market and ride as well,” she said.

“This year we are going to have two stages, and rides, so it has definitely gotten bigger.”

Day one of the festival will see Healesville’s main street buzzing with the return of the popular Venue Hop, featuring an electrifying mix of blues, funk and rock across eight venues.

From 1pm through to late, festivalgoers can roam between venues including My Little Kitchen, Watts River Brewing, Barrique Wine Store, Four Pillars Gin Distillery, Payten & Jones Wine and the Healesville Hotel, with most gigs free to attend.

Street activation performances will also keep the energy high, including indie-folk favourite Angus Legg and roots rocker Joshua Batten performing along the main strip.

The evening will culminate in a dual headline concert at The Memo, featuring Tessa Devine and Rufous Whistler, followed by an official after party at Herd Bar.

Workshops will also run from 10am on the Saturday in the Memo and Healesville Library, offering free sessions in songwriting, Irish dancing, looping and even comic book creation.

“Last year our Studio to Stage workshops programme was really popular,” Ms Herring said.

On the Sunday the festival will shift gears into a relaxed, family-focused celebration at Queens Park, running from 10am to 5pm.

The Free Family Fun Day will feature two stages of live entertainment, a festival market, rides, and activities for kids, making it an ideal Mother’s Day outing.

community and even visitors all together on the Sunday,” she said.

“This year we will be filling the day up on Mother’s Day, so kids have got so much to do and hopefully mum can sit down and chill out and enjoy the live music.”

Herring emphasised that the festival is entirely community-powered, with volunteers, sponsors and local businesses playing a crucial role.

“We have got a great group of volunteer committee members,” Ms Herring said.

“This community is also pretty incredible with how much support they give to put an event like this on,” she said.

From council grants to small business donations, the festival has been built on grassroots support, allowing many events to remain free.

isn’t just the music, it’s the atmosphere the festival creates across the town.

“I really look forward to seeing the community come out together, and seeing families in the park on the Sunday,” Ms Herring said.

“It was just incredible last year seeing all these families, whether they’re on picnic grounds with their own food brought from home, or buying pizza, fish and chips, or something from a local business,” she said.

“It was lovely seeing people sitting with their families and just having a really nice day.”

With world-class performers, local talent and a strong partnership with multicultural music organisation The Boite, the festival promises a diverse and vibrant program.

Families can enjoy everything from live music and cultural performances to colouring competitions, shortbread decorating workshops, and interactive activities, while sampling local food, wine and beer.

Ms Herring is excited to be holding the festival over mother’s day weekend again.

“It turned out to be a really lovely thing to have this free festival on for that weekend last year,” Ms Herring said.

“We had so many families turn out last year and it was really lovely to have people from the

WIRE INDUSTRIES

Where Quality Counts

Ms Herring said, “We’ve had the Community Bank of Healesville sponsor our main stage, and we’ve had the Lions Club of Healesville sponsor the community stage.”

“We received a small grant through the Yarra Ranges Council, which is going to pay for the free workshops too, which is fantastic,” she said.

“We have also had many businesses who were willing to put their hands in their pockets and give us some financial support or offer us a service through sponsorships too.”

For Ms Herring, the highlight of the weekend

Most events across the weekend are free, with tickets required for the headline concert and small fees for Sunday ride passes. Free workshops must be booked in advance via the festival website.

Whether you’re hopping between venues on Saturday night or enjoying a relaxed picnic in the park on Sunday, the Healesville Festival is shaping up to be one of the region’s must-attend events.

For more information and to register for free events, head to the Healesville Festival website at www.healesvillefestival.com.au/

Celebrate awards night

By Gabriella Vukman

Residents of Healesville and surrounds are urged to head down to the Healesville RSL at 6pm on Monday, 4 May to celebrate local craftsmanship and sustained commitment to community.

The annual Rod Goding Business Excellence Award will be presented on Monday night by the Rotary Club of Healesville, to a local business in recognition of professional achievement and community contribution.

The award perpetuates the memory of the late Ron Goding, a charter member and former president of the Rotary Club, who applied the highest ethical standards and led by example in his business as well as in the Rotary Club activities.

With last year’s event well attended by the local community, local councillor Fiona McAllister and MP Aaron Violi have been invited to this year’s shin dig.

Director of Vocational Service at the Rotary Club of Healesville Clifton Maberly said the Ron Goding Excellence Award is a special award for the Rotary Club of Healesville.

Mr Maberly said, “Ron was a very respected and well-loved member of Rotary and he was into everything as far as the club was concerned a decade ago.”

“The Ron Goding Excellence Award is important because we are trying to add value to vocations and business in the local community,” he said.

“We want to recognise businesses so that locals will be encouraged to buy from them, and to inspire other businesses to want to get the award.”

Last year’s award recipient was given to Montesanto Coffee Roasters owner Mario Morales who was recognised for business excellence and his community work which included volunteering with national disaster relief organisations, local rubbish-clean up group No Reason 4 Rubbish, running a regular community-based chess club, and for being

involved with the local Traders Group.

Monday’s event will start with some mingling before commencing formal proceedings

at 6:30pm with the event expected to wrap up by 8pm.

Community members are encouraged to

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Musically short, clipped and separate (8)

5 New York City neighbourhood (6)

10 Clear (5)

11 Cattle (9)

12 Minister (6)

13 Town in France with a shrine to St Bernadette (7)

14 Military unit (8)

15 Ill-gotten (6)

18 Constabulary (6)

20 Fauna (8)

21 Central Italian region (7)

24 Steering device (6)

27 First meal (9)

28 Established truth (5)

29 Widespread dominion (6)

30 Quaint houses (8)

DOWN

1 Senior barrister (coll) (4)

2 Divine being of high rank (9)

3 Military student (5)

4 Open-minded (8)

6 Attack (7)

7 Father of Beau and Jeff Bridges (5)

8 Be logical or comprehensible (4,5)

9 Wickedness (4)

14 Respectable (9)

16 Hanging around (9)

17 The text of an opera (8)

19 Savoury biscuit (7)

22 Woolly mammal (5)

23 Chinese currency (4)

25 Preliminary drawing (5)

26 Flightless birds (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

3

LETTERS

ARCHITECTURAL LIVING WITH ELEVATED VIEWS

ARCHITECTURAL LIVING WITH ELEVATED VIEWS ON HALF AN ACRE (APPROX.)

POSITIONED in a tightly held pocket just moments from Emerald Village, this architecturally designed residence delivers space, light, and flexibility on a beautifully usable half-acre (approx).

From the moment you step inside, the scale is immediately apparent. Soaring ceilings and expansive glazing draw natural light deep into the home, while polished timber floors and a striking timber staircase introduce warmth and texture. The main living domain is open, inviting, and well-proportioned, anchored by a gas log fire and seamlessly connecting through to the outdoor patio-creating a natural extension for entertaining and everyday living.

The kitchen is centrally positioned and highly functional, complete with quality stainless steel appliances, glass splashbacks, and a generous walk-in pantry-effortlessly servicing both the dining and living zones.

Accommodation is intelligently zoned across two levels. Upstairs, the main suite enjoys a private, elevated position with walk-

in robe and ensuite, complemented by a generous retreat and adjoining study nook-an ideal space to work or unwind. From this level, the deck provides a private vantage point to relax and take in leafy surrounds and distant views towards Western Port Bay and Cardinia Dam.

Downstairs, the floorplan offers exceptional flexibility. A bedroom with its own ensuite and walk-in robe is positioned separately-perfect for guests or multi-generational living-while two additional bedrooms are serviced by a central bathroom.

Outdoors, the fully fenced grounds are both usable and private, with established gardens, a vegetable patch, and a separate bungalow offering excellent versatility as a studio, workspace, or additional accommodation.

A double garage with workshop space and sealed driveway completes the offering.

A home that balances architectural interest with everyday functionality, in one of Emerald’s most tightly held locations. ●

SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING IN A PEACEFUL SETTING

POSITIONED in a quiet Gembrook location just a short stroll to the main street, local schools and public transport, this welldesigned four-bedroom home offers multiple living zones and easy indoor-outdoor living on a substantial 1,117sqm.

An undercover entry welcomes you inside where floating floors flow through the main living areas. At the front of the home, the master bedroom enjoys a private position and includes a walk-in robe and ensuite, while a second bedroom nearby offers flexibility as a nursery, guest room or ideal home office.

The heart of the home is the open-plan kitchen, living and dining area with the kitchen featuring a gas stovetop, wall oven, dishwasher, large island bench, walk-in pantry and plenty of storage. Internal garage access positioned beside the walk-in pantry adds everyday convenience.

The adjoining lounge is filled with natural light and includes a split system for additional comfort, while gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling throughout the home ensure year-round climate control. Sliding doors open from the living area to a generous undercover entertaining zone, providing the perfect space to host family and friends while overlooking the backyard.

Further down the hallway are two additional bedrooms, each with built-in robes, serviced by the central family bathroom with separate toilet. A spacious rumpus room adds valuable extra living space and enjoys direct access to the outdoor entertaining area, making it an ideal retreat for teenagers, guests or a games room.

Outside, the fully fenced rear yard offers plenty of space for children and pets to play, along with a garden shed for additional storage. A double garage completes this appealing family property, delivering comfort, functionality and a fantastic location within walking distance to everything Gembrook has to offer.

This property has it all so don’t miss outcall to arrange a private inspection today.

Please note: All property details shown are correct at time of publishing. Some properties may have been sold in the preceding 24 hours and we recommend that you confirm open for inspection times with the listing agent direct or the listing office. ●

IMPRESSIVE SCALE  FLEXIBLE LIVING AND LOCATION

IMPRESSIVE in scale, setting, and versatility, this solid 1960s residence is positioned on a beautifully flat allotment of approximately 3,300m², just minutes from Gembrook Township. Surrounded by quality homes and enjoying filtered paddock views, it offers a rare combination of usable land, privacy, and convenience in a tightly held pocket.

Inside, the home is warm, functional, and filled with natural light. A spacious lounge with a feature wood fire anchors the living zone, complemented by timber floors throughout. The traditional wood-fired baker’s oven adds a distinctive touch-perfect for cooking pizzas while creating a warm, ambient atmosphere to enjoy from the comfort of the lounge. The updated kitchen is well-appointed with excellent storage, a Euromaid cooker, dishwasher, and connects seamlessly to the adjoining meals area.

Accommodation comprises three bedrooms with peaceful garden outlooks, plus a dedicated study. The layout is highly practical, with a main bathroom, separate shower room, and separate WC-well suited to family living. The bathroom is enhanced by a rain-sensored skylight, allowing natural light to filter in while automatically closing during wet weather.

Double-glazed, timber-framed windows enhance comfort throughout, while downlights with dimmers feature across the bedrooms and living areas, maintaining a consistent ambience. Ceiling fans are also installed throughout, complemented by gas ducted heating and a split system for year-round climate control.

Additional features include UV water filtration, tank water servicing the home and gardens.

A standout feature is the converted garage, currently operating as a clinic with its own private entry and waiting area. This space offers exceptional flexibility-ideal for a home business, consulting rooms, studio, or potential dual accommodation (STCA).

Outdoors, the infrastructure is substantial.

A large shed with wood heater and mezzanine storage, along with abundant offstreet parking, caters to trades, creatives, or those needing space to operate. The flat land is highly usable, with fenced areas, a chicken coop with a solar-operated automatic door, a sheep paddock, and established fruit trees including cherry and fig.

With mains water and gas connected, and scope to live, work, and create, this is a property that delivers genuine lifestyle flexibility.

A compelling opportunity for families, home-based professionals, or those seeking a semi-rural setting without compromise. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS

4

HOME FOCUS

LIFESTYLE EXCELLENCE ON 2.6 ACRES

SET across approximately 2.6 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, this expansive family residence delivers the ultimate lifestyle retreat, combining space, privacy and outstanding entertaining features in a tranquil Selby setting.

From the sweeping driveway arrival, the home makes an immediate impression.

Framed by established trees and lush lawns, the property offers a serene, almost park like atmosphere while still providing all the functionality a growing family could need. Inside, the thoughtfully designed floorplan showcases multiple living zones, including a formal lounge, dining area, and a spacious open plan family and meals zone anchored by a well-appointed kitchen. A separate rumpus room at the rear adds further flexibility, perfect for a games room, theatre or teenage retreat, while a dedicated home office caters effortlessly to remote work.

Accommodation is well zoned for privacy, with the main bedroom positioned at the front, complete with walk in robe and ensuite. Additional bedrooms, all with built in storage, are serviced by a central bathroom and separate powder room, while a second ensuite (unfinished) at the rear creates an ideal guest or multi-generational living option.

Step outside and the lifestyle truly comes to life. A vast paved entertaining area flows seamlessly from the home, overlooking a stunning inground pool, perfect for summer gatherings and relaxed weekends with family and friends. The expansive grounds provide endless space for kids and pets to roam, while a private basketball court adds another layer of enjoyment for all ages.

Car enthusiasts, tradies or those requiring serious storage will appreciate the substantial garage/workshop, complemented by ample off-street parking.

Key features:

• Approx. 2.6 acres of private, usable land Multiple living zones including lounge, dining, family and rumpus

Well-appointed kitchen with adjoining meals area

• Four bedrooms plus dedicated home office

• Two ensuites; one unfinished , central bathroom and powder room

Expansive outdoor entertaining area with in-ground pool

• Private basketball court

• Huge 8 car garage/workshop with extensive parking options

• Beautiful established gardens and sweeping lawns

Offering a rare combination of lifestyle, scale and versatility, this is a standout acreage opportunity in one of Selby’s most peaceful and picturesque pockets. ●

Loved and loving and devoted Mother and Mother in

of Geoff & Jennifer, Peter & Heather, lan & Julie. Grandmother (& in law) of Susannah & Kirk, Marcus & Melane, Stephanie & Mitchell, Vanessa & Chris, Daniel & Jess, Ashley & Sarah, Tiffany & Jovin, Rhys, Chloe. Great grandmother (Nanna) of Micah, Simon, Gordon, Noah, Michael, Hannah, Aurora, Samarah, Harlow, Phoenix and Elle. Sister of Henry (dec), Sylvia (dec), Violet,

An opportunity of a lifetime

By Callum Ludwig

A few young Yarra Ranges umpires had the opportunity to walk out onto the hallowed turf of the MCG in the aim of supporting and acknowledging the officials who ensure our national game can be played.

The Yarra Ranges Umpires Association was able to send some junior umpires to the Carlton vs Collingwood game on Thursday 16 April for Community Umpiring Week.

One of them was 13-year-old Chase who said he has loved footy since he was born.

“Umpiring is something I picked up last year when I found out I was old enough to umpire,” he said.

“I absolutely love going out on the ground to umpire, I love the energy of the game and being a part of footy in every way.

“I also love meeting the other umpires and learning new skills from them.”

Chase is a boundary umpire for Reserves and Seniors games on a Saturday before taking on the main gig in the juniors on Sunday.

Chase said he would encourage anyone interested in umpiring to start.

“I have learnt so many things from other umpires like boundary throw-in technique and how to position yourself as a field umpire,” he said.

“I have learnt life skills like always showing respect to the umpires because they put in a lot of work on and off the ground with their fitness and skills.

“You get a whole new perspective of the game, you stay fit and active, you meet so many new people and make lots of new friends and connections.”

There are more than 1400 registered umpires nationally, 13 per cent of which are women and girls, a significant rise in those taking up officiating roles in recent years.

Chase said his experience at the MCG was was

one of the best experiences of hise life.

“I loved every single bit, it was such a cool environment, all of the AFL umpires were so kind and helpful,” he said.

“They showed us their pregame warm-up which included lots of stretching and running, they took us out on the ground for a run and we even had a kick of the footy and practiced our throw-ins.

“I couldn’t believe I had the chance to be at

the MCG, kicking a footy on the ground.”

One of the umpires accompanying Chase was field umpire Nathan Williamson who was the Community Umpire Week Ambassador, having officiated 221 matches since making his AFL debut in 2017.

Williamson said his dad used to umpire in country Western Australia, so he grew up wanting to be like him and give it a go.

“It means a lot to be able to give back to com-

munity umpires like my younger self during this week,” he said.

“The numbers and standard of umpiring across community football continues to grow, which is great to see, and weeks like this help maintain and strengthen that connection between elite level and grassroots.

“It’s also a chance to say thanks to the thousands of umpires who make the game possible every weekend.”

Some tough fourth quarters on the road

By David Ball

Yarra Glen travelled to Pakenham to take on one of the Premiership fancies in an Anzac evening commemoration game.

The River Pigs started well to take a 5 point lead at quarter time.

They were moving the ball with speed by hand and foot and applied great pressure on their opponents to force numerous turnovers.

In the second quarter Pakenham settled and lifted their intensity.

Whilst Yarra Glen remained competitive they were not as effective with their disposals as they had been earlier in the game.

Pakenham scored the only 2 goals for the quarter to go into half time leading by 9 points.

Pakenham came out firing in the third quarter, running hard into space and using precise foot skills to break the game open. They banged on 5 goals to Yarra Glen’s 1. Yarra Glen were lucky that Pakenham did not convert all their chances.

The last quarter was a real battle of the defences. The River Pigs lifted their pressure and in real slog, neither side was able to score a goal.

■Final Scores were: Yarra Glen 4.6 to Pakenham 9.15.

■Best Players: Aussie Smith, Blake Binion, Oscar Grenfell, Cooper Barbera, Luke DeGoldi, Tom Sullivan.

■Goalkickers: Luke DeGoldi 2, Jared McCann 1, Travis Cloke 1.

The Yarra Glen Reserves had to take on last year’s unbeaten premiers and with a strengthened line up. Pakenham were always going to be a tough team to play.

Whilst the River Pigs were very competitive in general play, every time they turned the ball over, Pakenham would swarm forward.

With a quicker and more skilled list it was difficult for Yarra Glen to stem the flow of goals.

To the boys credit they never gave up and made sure their opponents had to work for their goals.

In the end, they were far too good.

■Final Scores were: Yarra Glen 1.1 to Pakenham 24.20.

■Best Players: Ben James, Jake Oultram, Raedyn Lostitch, Matt McKenzie, Max Murphy, Ryan Backhouse.

■Goalkicker: Raedyn Lostitch.

Pakenham too strong for Yarra Glen

By David Ball

In the netball, all the Yarra Glen teams faced very strong Pakenham teams.

A Grade were competitive throughout their game with just the occasional ball handling error letting their opponents consistently outscore them in each quarter.

In the end they went down 35 to 52.

Best players were: Charlotte Sparkes, Maddie Hargrave, Georgia Crundale.

The B Grade team put in a great performance and whilst they were beaten 41 to 54, they matched with Pakenham for large chunks of the game.

Best players were: Ellen Brown, Abby Stranger.

C Grade started brilliantly, leading for most of the first quarter before ending the quarter with scores tied.

For the next 3 quarters Pakenham proved too slick and with excellent shooting they outscored Yarra Glen, with Yarra Glen going down 27 to 47.

Best players were: Abbey Page, Ashleigh Wallace and Annie Dietrich.

The Yarra Glen Under 18’s faced the mammoth tasks of coming up against a top team for the third week in a row.

Losing the toss and having to kick into a

strong wind, Yarra Glen created some early opportunities but when they failed to convert, Pakenham pounced and moved out to a 6 goal lead at quarter time.

In a spirited second quarter the River Pigs outscored their opponents to narrow the halftime deficit.

The boys worked hard to restrict Pakenham to a 3 goal quarter with the wind.

Sadly the boys tired in the last but did manage to add a couple of goals.

■Final scores were: Yarra Glen 4.2 to Pakenham 15.13.

■Best Players: Dylan Shambrook, Sam Gloury, Alex Toscano, John Pavic, Robert Pavic, Lachie Beaton B.

■Goalkickers: Lachie Beaton 2, Jai DeGraaf 1. John Pavic 1.

D Grade were in trouble early in their game with Pakenham’s shooters on fire. They battled hard and were much improved in the second half as they started to connect and score.

They were well beaten by a very good team.

The final score was Yarra Glen 13 to Pakenham 57.

Best players were: Sarah Matthews, Lily Dove and Jasmine Williamson.

Next week all teams play at home, with the Vets playing on Friday night against Officer, with the Under 18’s hosting Healesville and all other teams playing Powelltown.

Horse talk

By Anita Prowse

Awesome to see so many members of the public out at the Upper Yarra RSL Anzac Parade, this is very much a favourite for our pony club kids, who look forward to participating every year. Many thanks to the Upper Yarra RSL.

AnzacWeekend:Fourdaysofcompetition at Shirley Heights EC had gorgeous weather, blue skies and sunshine.

The Saturday Dressage Jackpot winners were:

■ADV - Mandy Edwards on San Sassy from Yarra Glen ARC.

■L1 - Rachael Rudd on Tooradin Park Givenchy from Pakenham Upper ARC.

■L2 - Jessica Welch on DJ Jacques De Noir from Wandin Park RCA.

■L3 - Kerry Jackson on Royal Adelphi from Warnambool RC.

■L4 - Karen Paine on Georgio fromKangaroo Ground ARC.

■L5 - Kylie Slockwitch on Native EtchedInInk from Upper Yarra ARC.

Sunday:

■Adv - Kathryn Bravaro on Bloomfield Vivante from Bunyip EC.

■L1 - Rachael Rudd on Tooradin Park Givenchy from Pakenham Upper ARC.

■L3 - Alla Keogh on Special BW from Dewhurst EC.

■L4 - Ashlee Whitworth on Al Maximus from Yarra Glen ARC.

■L5 - Catherine Grayson on Jack from Amaroo RC.

Anzac Day clash returns as Warby hosts Healesville

By Alex Wood

Another beautiful day in Warburton as we hosted our Anzac Day match against Healesville.

The morning started at the Millgrove Dawn Service and as always, it was a fantastic morning.

We hosted Monbulk from 8.30 for the U17s and the crowd flowed in from then.

A big day with lots of wins and some losses. Another great Anzac Day.

FOOTBALL

Seniors:

The Warburton-Millgrove v Healesville Anzac clash was back again this year, continuing a traditional rivalry that’s gone on for over a decade.

While the Burras came bursting out the gates with a blistering first quarter, their momentum slipped and Healesville came clawing back.

Jack Farrugia, Jakob Upton, Brayden Woolridge and Bailey Humphrey led the scoring in the first quarter for Warburton.

Their efforts saw them finish the first term in front, 39-4.

The second quarter began with a bit of backand-forth, with Healesville opening the scoring and Warburton replying with a goal of their own.

But Healesville’s Tennyson Amarant sparked a four goal tirade from the Bloods, and they ended the first half just two points shy of Warburton at 46-44.

Healesville continued to kick goals, putting on an aggressive attacking display that continuously penetrated Warburton’s defence.

The Burras remained competitive through goals from Humphrey and Blake Muir, though by the end of the third quarter, Healesville had gained the lead.

A final quarter would see many goals kicked by both sides but in the end, Healesville had suc-

cessfully regained their composure from a first quarter thrashing.

FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Healesville: 16.20 (116) - 11.6 (72).

Best: Nelson Aldridge, Jame Iacono, Tom Baker, Tom Barr, Jakob Upton and Aiden Westlake.

Goals: Blake Muir one, Jack Farrugia two, Brayden Woolridge one, Bailey Humphrey two, Lachlan Hewitt one, Jakob Upton three and Liam Westlake one.

Women’s:

FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Healesville: 6.5 (41) - 2.7 (19).

Grace Rankin was awarded the Anzac Medal

Goals: Jasmine Enever two, Katie Ruehmer

Wandin shake off spirited challenge from Officer

Wandin travelled to Officer on Saturday to face a much-improved home side, with both teams entering the contest undefeated after the opening two rounds.

Despite being without several senior regulars, including key forwards Aaron Mullett and Joel Garner, Wandin matched Officer in a tightly contested first half, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage.

The game began to open up midway through the third quarter as Wandin’s pressure and ball movement started to take control.

From there, the visitors steadily built their lead to claim an 18-point victory, 12.9 (81) to 9.9 (63).

Cody Hirst spent most of the afternoon deep forward and was a constant threat, finishing with five goals in a strong attacking display.

Daniel Willis delivered a best-on-ground performance, dominating in his usual half-back role before being swung forward in the final term to provide another avenue to goal.

The win keeps Wandin’s unbeaten start intact, but Officer showed enough to suggest they will trouble plenty of sides as the season progresses.

one, Scarlett Henderson two, Emerson Woods one.

Reserves:

FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Healesville: 7.6 (48) - 11.12 (78).

Shannon Noonan was awarded the Best on Ground Anzac Medal

Goals: Shawn Andueza one, Marcel Kocher one, Brayden Ferguson one, Matt Sidari one, Ash Taylor two and Aaron Pye one.

U18s:

FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Healesville: 1.1 (7) - 22.10 (142).

Best: Kai Harrison, Max Blunt, Josh Holmes, Brody Urquhart, Arlo Haynes and Zane Wunhym

Goals: Reece Irvine.

NETBALL

A Grade:

FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Healesville: 6639.

Best: Bianca Daniels, Ally Langdon, Indiana Pinnock.

Goals: Lara Nathan 21, Bianca Daniels 33, Alyssa Walker 2, Ally Langdon 10. B Grade:

FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Healesville: 3823.

Best: Tanner McCurdy was awarded the Anzac Medal.

Goals: Tanner McCurdy 18, Cam Holland 11, Emerson Woods eight, Emily Biddle one.

C Grade: FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Healesville: 5710.

Best: Alexandra Woods was awarded the ANZAC Medal.

Goals: Alexandra Woods 20, Mel Hancock 23, Tiahn Syme 14.

D Grade:

FT: Warburton-Millgrove def Healesville 377.

Best: Isabella Maurici was awarded the Anzac Medal.

Goals: Tiana Purchall 15, Amarli Weir five, Tayah Humphrey 17. U17: FT: Warburton-Millgrove def by Monbulk: 32 - 34.

Bests: Makayla Pye, Maisy Toy and Lili Gentiluomo.

Goals: Miami Rowland 12, Arabelle Syme five and Maisy Toy 15. Next weekend we are over at Wandin with some more big games set to be had.

Yarra Valley women’s too tough for Mooroolbark while men fall

By Kayley Brewington and Aden Kerridge

It was a win and a loss for the senior teams at Yarra Valley Soccer Club over the Anzac weekend, with the women’s victorious and the men’s suffering an unfortunate defeat.

Senior women’s:

Yarra Valley SC Women secured a strong 2–0 victory over Mooroolbark SC Women in a home fixture at Millgrove Recreation Reserve, with a 1.00pm kick-off under clear, sunny skies.

The team arrived early to run through their game plan, positioning, and warm-ups, setting the tone for a focused performance.

Before kick-off, both sides observed a prayer and a minute of silence in recognition of Anzac

Day, before shaking hands and beginning the match.

With no substitutes available, Yarra Valley played the full match 11 v 11, showing resilience and determination from the outset.

The first half was a tough contest, but through strong communication, disciplined defence, and well-executed cross-field plays into the attacking line, the home side broke through to take a 1–0 lead into halftime.

The break allowed the team to regroup, recover, and discuss tactical adjustments. Returning to the field with renewed energy, Yarra Valley continued to control the game in the second half. While a couple of promising chances were ruled offside and others went narrowly wide, the

team maintained pressure and composure. Their persistence paid off with a second goal, sealing a well-earned 2–0 win.

A determined team effort in challenging conditions highlighted the squad’s adaptability, communication, and fighting spirit.

Senior men’s:

Travelling to Knox on Anzac Day for the teams first away game, the team was keen to bounce back after a loss last week.

With a few players injured Yarra Valley took a smaller squad with a lot of players playing out of position. The club fought hard against the wind in the first half, struggling to get the ball out out of their half as they repelled long ball after long ball. A missed clearance presented Knox with

their first clear cut opportunity to go one nil up just before the end of the first half.

The second half with the wind behind their backs, Valley pushed hard to equalise, but yet again some poor finishing and decision making in front of goals was our enemy. Another missed clearance allowed Knox in again to go two up, against the run of play.

The team didn’t let up however, and Baya Litchfield got his third goal of the season beating the oncoming keeper in what is becoming a trademark finish of his. Unfortunately the scoreboard pressure came to late, with Knox finishing 2-1 winners, with Yarra Valley again left to rue mistakes, the club will be needing to sharpen up for their next game at home vs Khangtak warriors.

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1. What emoji do you use the most?

SMILEY FACE AND FIST PUMP

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

GIRLFRIEND, DOGS, COCA COLA

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

THE SNOWY MOUNTAIN HYDRO SCHEME, MOST AMAZING THING I HAVE EVER SEEN

4. What was your first car? Did you name it? FORD CORTINA – CALLED HER GIRL

5. Where would you like to retire? LITTLE COUNTRY HIDEAWAY CALLED GILDEROY, SO PEACEFUL

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

PICKLED OX TONGUE KEBABS – JURY STILL OUT ON THEM

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

SUPERMAN – FLY ALL OVER THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY AND EXPLORE

8. What movie title matches your job role RAMBO – FIRST BLOOD

9. What is the craziest thing you believed as a child? IF YOU DIDN’T EAT YOUR GREENS YOU WOULDN’T GROW UP - IT ACTUALLY TURNED OUT TO BE TRUE

10. If you could have a conversation with your pet, what would you talk about? WHAT DO YOU MEAN, I ALWAYS HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH MY PETS

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