Mail - Ranges Trader Star Mail - 28th April 2026

Stretching from the foothills into the high reaches of the Yarra Ranges, Anzac Day services were attended in massive numbers across the region. Veterans alongside active service people attended the Dawn services held across the Dandenongs, and by mid-morning, the communities marched together in the Autumnal sunshine. People, young and old, some fresher to the tradition of the day than others, marked a minute’s silence as local wildlife contributed bird calls into the rising sun.

Bringing together the people, the ceremony allows locals to connect after the annual services, with space to take a moment away from a busy life to reflect on the effects of war on the world, and a chance to honour people who often had no choice but to be placed in combat.

Anzac Day has long held importance for Australians since the first service held in 1916. The community honours the sacrifices made by the Australian Defence Force personnel who have served and those who continue to serve with their

presence. 111 years since the first Anzac landing at Gallipoli, Anzac Day across the hills, numbers were reported as high this year, and some pointed to the current state of the world as a reason for people returning to active participation in Anzac Day customs.

Pulled together every year by volunteers and sponsors, it is a huge undertaking that all agreed was well worth the time.

By late morning, the sun was truly out as the Royal Australian Air Force did their flyover with

a PC-21, and as the day wound on, crowds slowly dispersed in bunches.

Open Arms is a Veterans & Families Counselling Service that provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. The service is 24/7 on 1800 011 046, or people can visit the Open Arms website for more information.

Read and see more coverage on pages 8 to 14

SES units so hard-working

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Two Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) units in Melbourne’s east and south-east have been ranked among the five busiest in the state.

Across the latest reporting period, the SES Whitehorse Unit was the busiest in Victoria, followed by the SES Heidelberg Unit, SES Emerald Unit, SES Knox Unit, and SES Wyndham Unit.

The figures highlight a sustained operational load across the network, with SES Emerald and SES Knox both managing significant volumes of requests for assistance while balancing the unpredictable nature of severe weather events.

The SES Emerald Unit recorded more than 530 requests for assistance, including almost 450 callouts for fallen trees, more than 20 road crash rescues, around 32 assists to other emergency agencies, and more than 15 building damage jobs.

Deputy controller of operations and members at SES Emerald Unit, Craig Gye, said the workload for volunteers varies significantly day to day depending on weather conditions.

“On a day like today, where the weather’s pretty benign, we’ll get the occasional fallen tree, but primarily our work comes as a result of storm events or strong wind events,” Mr Gye said.

He said during more severe weather, the unit can be pushed to significant levels of demand.

“We could get anything up to 50 or 60 jobs on a given day. That would be unusual to get that, but it has happened in the past,” he said.

“The response times and job duration vary de-

pending on complexity, you might be out for one hour, you might be out for five or six hours. Just depends.”

He said there is no clear seasonal pattern driving demand.

“Summer storms are just as destructive as winter storms,” Mr Gye said.

The volunteers are supported through structured training pathways, with all training, checks and licensing fully funded by the State Government.

Fatigue management is taken seriously across all units.

“We have a really strong policy around fatigue management. There are duty time limitations as well,” Mr Gye said.

Volunteers are supported during major incidents through dedicated support systems.

“We have welfare kits on the trucks, we have safety officers on each vehicle when they go out,” Mr Gye said.

The SES Knox Unit responded to approximately 500 requests for assistance during the Oc-

tober 2025 to April 2026 high-risk weather period, while broader figures show 847 incidents attended in 2025 and 1130 incidents in 2024, reinforcing its position as one of the busiest units in Victoria.

Unit controller, Kristian Schouten said the figures reflect a sustained operational tempo.

“That level of demand translates into a sustained, high-tempo operational period for our volunteers,” he said.

Nearly 200 of the recent callouts involved fallen trees, along with storm damage, roof tarping, property protection and road crash rescues.

“A single fallen tree job can take several hours,” Mr Schouten said.

Volunteers are often balancing SES work with other responsibilities, including employment and family commitments.

“It’s not just the headline numbers; it’s the cumulative impact,” he said.

Safety remains the priority during major events, with crews rotating through structured shifts, limiting duty lengths where possible, and encouraging volunteers to step back when required to ensure they are not fatigued while responding to incidents.

“We actively encourage volunteers to step back when they need to,” Mr Schouten said.

Both units said volunteers are trained across a wide range of emergency scenarios including storm damage response, road crash rescue, urban search and rescue category one, chainsaw operations and land search.

Mr Schouten said Knox volunteers maintain

skills through regular training and shared learning within the team.

Mr Gye said Emerald places strong emphasis on peer support and psychological preparedness. Both officers said coordination with other emergency services is critical during major events, with SES crews operating alongside Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria and Ambulance Victoria under shared incident management structures.

Mr Schouten said multiple agencies work together during major incidents.

“It’s a well-rehearsed, team-based approach built on training together,” he said.

Mr Schouten said tree-down incidents reflect a combination of factors including ageing vegetation and severe weather, while Mr Gye said community preparedness plays an important role in reducing risk.

“Getting your gutters cleaned, checking for overhanging branches, getting dangerous trees removed,” Mr Gye said.

Despite the demands, both units said volunteering remains strongly driven by community service.

“It’s really good. I’ve really enjoyed it,” Mr Gye said.

Mr Schouten said community patience during major events is important.

“Our members are volunteers balancing callouts with work and family,” he said. He encouraged residents to support preparedness efforts and consider volunteering.

Monbulk and Ferny Creek face mobile phone disruptions

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Residents in Monbulk, Ferny Creek and surrounding areas are being warned of temporary mobile disruptions as Telstra upgrades its network to improve 4G and 5G performance.

The upgrade will focus on the mobile base station serving Monbulk and Dunns Hill, with the aim of boosting capacity, improving reliability and delivering a better overall user experience for the local community.

Works in Monbulk East are scheduled to begin today, 23 April and run for seven-days, while upgrades in Ferny Creek will take place over six days from Friday, 24 April.

Telstra has advised that services may be impacted at various times throughout both upgrade periods.

In Monbulk, customers can expect intermittent disruptions during daylight hours today and tomorrow, before the site is taken offline during daylight hours between 27 and 29 April.

A Telstra spokesperson said the upgrades were part of planned works to strengthen network performance and meet growing demand.

“Telstra is undertaking planned upgrade works in Monbulk and Dunns Hill to improve our 4G and 5G services, helping deliver better capacity and reliability to the local community,” the spokesperson said.

are

“Some customers may notice short periods of disruption while this work is underway. However, nearby mobile sites will continue to provide some coverage.”

The company said the outages would not affect NBN, satellite internet, landline services or

mobile coverage from other providers. Calls to Triple Zero (000) made from a Telstra mobile while the site is offline will automatically connect via any available network.

Residents are encouraged to use Wi-Fi calling via an NBN or other broadband connection

where possible to maintain service during the outages. For the latest updates, affected residents are encouraged to check Telstra’s social media channels, including its Facebook page. shorturl.at/2YVai shorturl.at/nJIAq

Blaze claims house

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A house in Upwey has been destroyed after it was engulfed in flames just before midnight on Sunday, 19 April.

Emergency services were called to the blaze on Ropley Grove at about 10.57pm, with seven CFA units responding alongside Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police.

A CFA spokesperson said crews arrived to find a two-storey home fully involved in fire.

Upwey CFA captain Mr Rhodes, who attended the scene, said firefighters were on site within minutes of the call.

“We were alerted just before 11pm on Sunday and were there within about eight-minutes,” Mr Rhodes said.

He said the fire had already taken hold by the time crews arrived, and the house was unable to be saved.

“Anything that was inside the house is gone,” he said. “There’s only about a third of the roof left up, so the rest of it has come down, unfortunately.”

Mr Rhodes said the initial knockdown of the fire took about 45 minutes, with crews remaining on scene for several hours to ensure it was fully extinguished.

“The majority of the time for us is what we call the overhaul stage, where we’re making sure everything is out,” he said.

“It’s time-consuming, it’s dirty and quite often dangerous because of the risk of structural collapse.”

A CFA spokesperson said the scene was declared under control at 11.49pm and deemed safe by 12.38am.

More than 30 personnel attended the incident, with support from multiple CFA brigades as well as paramedics and police.

CFA crews attended the scene with support from Upper Ferntree Gully, Ferntree Gully and

Bayswater brigades, with Upwey CFA thanking firefighters in a Facebook post for their assistance.

Mr Rhodes said there was only one person home at the time of the fire, who was able to evacuate safely.

“There were no injuries, very lucky,” he said.

Fire investigators attended the scene the following morning, with the cause of the blaze still under investigation.

However, Mr Rhodes said it is believed a battery charger may have been involved.

“We believe it was a charger at fault, whether there might have been incorrect batteries being charged on the charger, or whether the charger itself just failed,” he said.

Mr Rhodes urged the community to take care

when using lithium batteries and charging equipment.

“They need to be treated with the utmost respect,” he said.

“Ideally you wouldn’t charge them inside a house, and they should be supervised whilst on charge.”

“They shouldn’t be charged if there’s obvious signs of damage or water ingress, and they don’t last forever either.”

Mr Rhodes said the incident was a stark reminder of how quickly house fires can escalate.

“It’s devastating that a community member has lost their home,” he said.

“It shows how quickly house fires can get going and be uncontrollable.”

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.

On Sunday 26 April, around 6pm, a multiunit 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, Lilydale 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.

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.

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.

“A reminder that walking in the dark comes 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.

Over 4000 traffic offences clocked over Anzac Day

Operation Tribute saw police targeting high-risk driving behaviour across the state’s roads, in an effort to reduce road trauma.

Despite it not being a traditional long weekend in Victoria, police ramped up road policing enforcement from Friday to Sunday as Victorians hit the roads for the public holiday.

With Anzac Day traditionally experiencing a spike in impaired driving detections, police had a major focus on roadside alcohol and drug testing during the operation.

A total of 279 impaired drivers were detected over three days, with 105 of these caught on the public holiday. There were 178 drink driving offences detected from 68,610 preliminary breath tests – a strike rate of 1 in every 385 tested caught over the limit. A further 101 drug driving offences were detected from 1663 roadside drug tests.

Almost half of all offences detected during Operation Tribute were for speeding, with police issuing over 100 speeding infringements.

There were also over 300 drivers detected behind the wheel who were either unlicensed, suspended or disqualified from driving, and over 180 drivers caught using a mobile device while driving.

More

train services

The Lilydale and Belgrave train lines will run more frequently after more investments into public transport are delivered off the back of an 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 due to the US and Israel’s war with Iran that forced the closure of the world’s busiest fuel corridor. The cost of public transport has also been reduced, with free travel now and half-price fares from 1 June.

Glass recycling thoughts

The Yarra Ranges Council is asking locals for their thoughts on a State Government request to add a glass recycling bin.

The State Government has directed councils to introduce a new glass recycling service by mid2027, adding a fourth bin at home.

“More bins can mean less space, more confusion and higher costs for Yarra Ranges residents, at a time when many are already feeling the pressure of rising living expenses. It could also mean more trucks on our roads and increased emissions,” the council said in a Facebook post. “We think there’s a better way to recycle glass, and we want the State Government to hear what you think.” Locals can share their thoughts by completing this short, anonymous survey: forms.office.com/r/ em2QJVtrnG

Tradies take care

Yarra Ranges Police are alerting tradespeople that thieves have been targeting utes and trailers, looking for easy wins.

Taking anything from basic tools to highvalue gear police are urging workers to park off street where possible and keep tools locked up and out of sight. If you’ve got information about stolen tools, including those being sold online, report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersvic.com.au. Thefts can also be reporting to police online at police.vic.gov.au/palolr. If the crime is currently happening, always call Triple Zero (000).

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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 realities 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.

Community Bank helps vandalised club

By Mikayla van Loon

After a “senseless” act of vandalism at Knox United Soccer Club’s ground, the quick-acting work of Community Bank Ferntree Gully helped the club get back on its feet.

Knox United president Felice Lomuto said the club discovered that six metres of the cricket pitch cover was missing when the facilities changed hands earlier this year, and the wheels from the goals had been stolen.

“It’s quite a large and cumbersome set of goals. So we had to very quickly get a replacement set of wheels for those goals,” he said.

Seeing the post on the club’s social media, Community Bank FTG board member Karin Orpen said the committee moved quickly to get a grant of $1500 approved for Knox United.

“We know how hard it is for clubs, with parents fundraising and doing what they can for their children. And it was a pretty ordinary thing for somebody to do, just senseless vandalism. We felt really quite sad about that,” she said.

Mr Lomuto said the grant covered the cost of replacing the wheels, and Knox Council arranged a temporary fix for the pitch cover that would see them through this season. But the damage meant the first home game of the season could not go ahead and instead had to be relocated to the opposition’s ground. It was also meant to be the final hoorah for the pavilion, which is now undergoing works.

“We lost further revenue for the canteen because we weren’t able to operate on the day. So it was quite a bit of organising to try and make that happen within kind of 24 hours as well,” Mr Lomuto said.

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 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

“To say it was an impact on us was an understatement, especially for several of us who have to handle these kinds of things.

“It wasn’t ideal, but like most things, we just work our way through and push through.”

Despite that somewhat negative start to the season, Mr Lomuto said the support from the Community Bank and the official reveal of the grant on Sunday 19 April was such a positive for the club.

“It was great to be able to unveil that donation to the club on a day when we have a lot of our newer members come to the club for our Preseason Gala Day. So it was fantastic to see many of our members really taken aback by that gesture from Bendigo Bank.”

Ms Orpen said the appreciation from parents, players and the club’s committee could truly be seen on Sunday, and it was wonderful to be there to present the giant cheque.

“The futility of what was done and the effect that that has on a club, all clubs, that are raising funds in difficult times, it was lovely to be there and to see firsthand what they do,” she said.

Keeping the positive energy for the rest of the season, Mr Lomuto said it started with the first women’s match for Knox United being played on Sunday 26 April.

“We’ve been working extremely hard on growing our female football programmes, and this year’s a bit of a milestone that we, after 15 years, get a senior women’s team back out on the park and playing state league football for Knox United.

“So it’s a big weekend and a big season overall for us.”

Pitt stakes her MP claim

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 first-hand 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-

Cardinia Shire Council

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 Victo ria.”

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

Draft budget and updated Rating and Revenue Plan open for feedback

You’re invited to provide feedback on Council’s 2026–27 draft budget and updated Rating and Revenue Plan 2025-29.

Cardinia Shire Council’s draft 2026–27 budget

Council has developed a balanced and responsible draft 2026–27 budget, supporting the services and infrastructure our growing community needs while planning for long-term financial sustainability.

Draft budget highlights:

• $23.4million to renew and upgrade roads.

• $16million to renew Council facilities and deliver major community assets.

• $13.9million to maintain parks and playgrounds.

• $6.3million for maternal and child health services.

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 web-

• $2.9million to support community recreation and accessible facilities.

Updated Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-29

Council is reviewing how rates are shared across different property types to ensure the system remains fair, simple and reflective of how land is used across the shire. An independent community panel was engaged as part of the review and has provided recommendations to update the plan.

The updated plan does not change the total amount of rates collected. Instead, it aims to ensure each ratepayer contributes a fair share based on their property type and value.

We invite you to review both documents and provide your feedback before Tuesday,19May at www.cardinia.vic.go.au/haveyoursay

Libs: Break it, pay for it

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 differently 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 about the Liberals chasing One Nation votes,” they said.

“If Liberals win power, it’s veterans who will pay the price, with cuts to the health services they rely on.”

Beekeepers a mite alarmed

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.

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.

ANZAC DAY

Monbulk pauses at dawn

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A huge crowd gathered across Monbulk in the early hours of Saturday, 25 April, as thousands of Australians gave up their comfortable morning sleep to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand veterans through dawn services, marches and wreath-laying.

At Monbulk RSL, both the dawn service and the main service drew what organisers described as a “colossal” turnout, with a huge number of people attending across the morning.

The dawn service began just before 6am, with Mick Ryan playing the bagpipes from 5.55am.

Monbulk RSL president, John Surridge welcomed those gathered at around 5.57am, before the service formally commenced at 6am with the reading of In Flanders Fields.

At 6.05am, the Ode to the Fallen was recited, followed by the Last Post at 6.07am.

A minute’s silence was observed at 6.08am, before the raising of the flag at 6.09am, followed by the Australian and New Zealand national anthems.

The dawn service concluded shortly after, with a Gunfire Breakfast held at 6.15am and hosted by members of Bendigo Bank.

Mr Surridge said he was grateful for the strong turnout at the dawn service.

“We appreciate the number of people that turned up, it just goes to show that those who gave up their lives for us are not gone in vain.”

The main RSL service carried the same tone of reflection and remembrance, with Mr Surridge opening the address by recalling those who served and did not return, and those who now rest in places far from home, from Gallipoli and France to Palestine, Greece, Crete, Lebanon, Syria, and across the Pacific and Asia.

He also remembered those who served in more recent conflicts including Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Somalia, the Gulf, East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, and said it was important that their sacrifice not be forgotten.

Mr Surridge, who served as a driver in the Vietnam War in 1971 towards the end of the conflict, said wearing his medals on the day made him feel proud, reflecting service that included the Vietnam Medal, the National Service Medal (1951-1972) and the Australian Defence Medal.

He said seeing younger people in attendance was especially meaningful, saying it was “very impressive” for returned servicemen and current serving members to see future generations present at commemorations.

Monbulk RSL vice president and veteran, Ted Beard said the day was about remembering those who died in service of their country and ensuring their sacrifice was not forgotten.

HedescribedAnzacDayassitting“somewhere between” mourning and celebration, explaining that remembrance could include both reflection and camaraderie among those who served.

“There is value in acknowledging shared experience, that remembrance is about recognising ‘what a good person that person was’ and the life they lived,” Mr Beard said.

The turnout reflected growing interest in history and Australian values, though wars were ‘generally not a good thing’ and Mr Beard hoped Australia would not be drawn into future conflicts.

Emerald resident Mr Anton Cabret attended the service with his dog, Astro, representing

family members who had served across generations, including his father-in-law and others who served in the first and second world wars.

“It’s heart-touching to be here and see all of these people - it gives you a feeling of full pride,” he said.

“It’s important to remember those who have given their lives, and remembering history is essential so that we don’t do it again.”

Mr Cabret also spoke of family military history, including Clyde Alexander James Farnell, his father-in-law, who joined the Navy at 16, and other relatives who served across wartime generations, including one who served in the merchant navy and survived being sunk twice during service.

The Monbulk RSL service also acknowledged contributions from community groups, volunteers, emergency services including CFA and

police, and local supporters who assisted with sound, catering, the Gunfire Breakfast and the morning tea.

As the day concluded, Mr Surridge thanked those who supported the service year after year, saying the community turnout reflected deep respect for veterans past and present.

The service concluded around 10.30am, following morning tea.

ANZAC DAY

Upwey gathers to connect

By Tanya Steele

Walking with a united purpose in the pre-dawn light, the streets of Upwey quietly filled with people walking towards their local RSL as a community.

The Upwey Belgrave RSL and Running Rabbits Museum hosted a crowd of thousands on Anzac Day this year, taking a moment to gather and make space for those who serve the nation.

The annual dawn Anzac service filled the amphitheatre and overflowed into the car park beyond as Michael Coe opened and welcomed the crowd.

RSL President Fred Schmager read the morning prayer, and community came to lay their wreaths at the site’s memorial.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the hills, Dave Newdick played The Last Post and then, after a minute’s silence, the Reveille, as the flags were raised, with cadets of the 31ACU from Ringwood close by in formation.

Arnold Tihema led the crowd for both the Australian and New Zealand national anthems and also sang in te reo M?ori (the M?ori language).

He spoke of his grandfather, who served, to the crowd.

“I miss him every day,” he said.

The focus of this year’s ceremony was Women in Defence and amongst its many atrocities, war has been a catalyst for change in gender roles.

Crowd members met, reminisced, and chatted as the local Belgrave Rotary got to work serving up a Gunfire breakfast, selling out of sausages before 10am.

111 years since Gallipoli, Anzac Day remains a special day for the community to gather and reflect on the sacrifices of young men and women throughout history in the name of war.

President Fred Schmager and committee member Graeme Tuplin at the Upwey Belgrave RSL both shrugged off the effort and planning that goes into the big day, and both spoke of their continued drive to support veterans in the local community.

“We are here to support the younger veteran generation,” said Mr Schmager.

The Upwey Belgrave RSL has a long history, and the Belgrave RSL branch originated around 1917 and the RSL volunteers credit support from the community for their longevity as a non-gaming venue. The site offers not only support to veterans and their families, but a place to gather for food and fun. It also has an accredited military museum, the Running Rabbit, which houses over 4,000 items and has a special focus on the Kokoda Campaign.

Over time and changes, the venue has also become known for its music, and Anzac Day was no exception.

Folk-blues artist Tim Ireland took to the stage tosingadedicationsong,“YourDad’sPrayer(Lest We Forget), which is based on a postcard written by William “Dad” Ireland in 1916 as a blessing to his sons before they left for service.

By mid-morning, the march through the Upwey township had begun and the Victoria Police Mounted Branch led the march with Leading Senior Constable Meg Clements and Senior Constable Christine Brown on horseback, and Parade

Marshal Connie Van Kollenburg, a former ADF member, oversaw the parade.

Still active in her service as a Royal Australian Navy lieutenant, Rebecca Atherton was the special guest of the day.

Lieutenant Atherton grew up in Upwey, with

family

Upwey High School, and one of her first jobs was at the Upwey Belgrave RSL By 11am the sun was truly out as the Royal Australian Air Force did their flyover with a PC21, and as the day wound on, crowds slowly dispersed in bunches, a little louder and lighter than they came.

Open Arms is a Veterans & Families Counselling Service provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. The service is 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit people can the Open Arms website for more information.

ANZAC DAY

Quarry Reserve reflects

By Tanya Steele

Thousands stood vigil as dawn broke over the Quarry Reserve on Saturday 25 April, to acknowledge the sacrifice of those who have served the nation and continue to do so today.

Community and volunteers from across Knox, from CFA to Rotary, the SES, Scouts and Rovers joined the annual dawn service in Ferntree Gully for Anzac Day.

Captain Seamus Smith of the Ferntree Gully CFA said it was heartening to see so many young people there for the service.

“The sacrifice of our brave soldiers will continue to be honoured for years to come,” he said.

Emcee Karin Orpen OAM said the moving dawn service is led by the community, for the community.

“It was uplifting to see so many make their way here this morning to show their respect to the fallen,” she said.

This year, Ms Orpen said the huge crowd had both young and old, and it was touching to see the younger community stepping up to attend the service.

“The world is so unpredictable at the moment,” she said in reflection of the turnout.

St Joseph’s College led the attendees in the national anthem, and the local kookaburras joined in to the delight of all, and attendees were able to learn local history on soldiers from the Knox area, thanks to research from the Knox Historical Society.

The event, one of many across the outer east, is pulled together every year by volunteers and sponsors and is a huge undertaking and lights up the community as cafes across Upper and Ferntree Gully opened their doors after the service.

Upper Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade hosted the volunteers with a sponsored breakfast after the service and also thanked their volunteers and those from the Rotary and SES Knox Unit, as well as one of the event sponsors, the Community Bank from Ferntree Gully, on social media.

The local brigade also supported the Glengollan Village aged care in Ferntree Gully to provide an Anzac Day service for residents and their families offering a chance for the older community members to honour the Anzacs. Lest we forget.

Hills folk gather with a vanguard of mountain ash

By Tanya Steele

Dandenong Ranges RSL gathered the folk of the hills to mark Anzac Day over the weekend, held in Sherbrooke Forest, Ferny Creek, with a vanguard of Mountain Ash overhead and later in the morning in a service in Sassafras.

As dawn broke on Saturday, 25 April, the 2026 Anzac Day community gathered as sunlight filtered through the forest trees, and the kookaburras heralded the service with a song of their own.

Sub-Branch President Bob Richards of the Dandenong Ranges RSL said they were honoured this year to be joined on their march by a 95-year-old veteran, Charles Johnson, who served in the RAAF in Korea, and he laid a wreath on behalf of the RSL this year.

“It was wonderful to see so many local people join in commemorations to honour those who have served Australia in uniform,” he said.

Sometimes called ‘the forgotten war’, Mr Johnson represents a cohort of over 18,000 Australians who served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring. 2025 marked the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War.

A traditional ‘gunfire breakfast’ was prepared on the day by the 1st Ferny Creek Scout troops and served to those who attended the Dawn Service, and later, a sausage sizzle was served in the Dandenong Ranges RSL clubrooms in Sas-

1st Ferny Creek Scout volunteer Pamela Lambert said that she and Scout leader Terry Lambert get a lot of pride and delight in helping the Ferny Creek Scouts and cubs prepare wreaths ahead of the Anzac service.

“Our annual delight is to guide the Ferny Creek Scouts and cubs to prepare wreaths for ANZAC Day,” she said.

“Thanks go to the Yarra Ranges Council and the Upwey Community Bank for subsidising the costs of refreshments provided to the public,” said Mr Richards.

The warm autumnal day saw large crowds attend both Anzac services in Ferny Creek and Sassafras, beginning with the Dawn Service at the Anzac Avenue of Honour memorial in Ferny Creek and then the mid-morning march and commemorative service on the Sassafras Village Green.

Royal Australian Navy personnel from HMAS Cerberus paraded a catafalque party at the Dawn Service and Mr Richards said that this his year’s services recognised several anniversaries including the 111th year since Australian and New Zealand forces landed at Gallipoli as part of the Allied invasion of Turkey in WW1, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong, a key battle for Australian troops during the Korean War which took place in April 1951 and the 75th anniversary of the introduction National Service in Australia (1951-1972).

VETERINARY DAY

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• High-standard care built on integrity, compassion, and a commitment to excellence

Is your horse not quite right under saddle? Ask us about our Performance & Soundness Assessmentincluding objective gait analysis. 0412 619 740 | eliteequinevets.com.au

Welcome to Mt Evelyn Veterinary Clinic and Animal Hospital

At Mt Evelyn Veterinary Clinic and Animal Hospital we provide compassionate, high-quality care for pets while ensuring a welcoming, supportive experience for owners.

As an accredited Hospital of Excellence and award-winning clinic, our skilled team delivers trusted veterinary services with a strong focus on comfort, communication, and personalised treatment. We prioritise each pet’s wellbeing through attentive care, tailored pain management, and close collaboration with owners to achieve the best possible health outcomes.

Mount Evelyn Veterinary Clinic & Animal Hospital 19 York Rd, Mount Evelyn 9736 3088 Opening hours

Ferntree Gully Veterinary Hospital is more than a clinic — it has been a trusted part of the community for over 40 years. Using fear-free techniques for Dogs and is a Gold Certified Cat Friendly Clinic, with two highly experienced vets (over 20 years each) supported by a mix of skilled and emerging nurses, the team delivers compassionate, friendly care. Together, they keep pets healthy, families reassured, and offer a broad range of services under one roof and support local wildlife.

Dandenong Ranges Veterinary Centre World Vet Day 2026

Dandenong Ranges Vet Centre (DRVC) has been serving the residents of the hills for over 25 years. We understand that problems and emergencies can happen any time which is why we are open Sundays 9am-12pm without a surcharge and clients have access to free vet nurse advice after hours by calling our regular number 9751 2999. Our convenient Platinum Paws Club also has an option for unlimited vet consultations at no charge. The vets and nurses at DRVC are experienced, caring and community minded. DRVC has been a long time supporter of local sporting and community groups including the OFCFNC, Olinda Cricket Club, church groups, Mt Dandenong Pre-School chestnut festival, local schools and the local CFA groups. DRVC has treated over 15000 wildlife cases free of charge since opening in 1999. Thank you to the staff of DRVC (Dr Moss, Dr Mick, Dr Tian, Sheridan, Brittney, Brooke, Mel and Charli) on World Vet Day - you are an essential part of the community.

1449 Mt Dandenong Touriast Road Olinda Ph: 9751 2999

ANZAC DAY

Big Knox student turn-out

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

The Boronia Rotary Club brought together hundreds of students, teachers and community leaders for its annual Anzac commemoration, held at the Tim Neville Arboretum in Ferntree Gully, on Wednesday, 22 April, to ensure younger generations understand the meaning of service and remembrance.

The service started at 11am and concluded around 12pm, with 574 students and 35 teachers from 17 schools across the Knox region in attendance.

Participating schools included St Joseph’s College, St Joseph’s Primary School, The Knox School - Primary School, Boronia Heights Primary School, Wantirna Primary School, St Bernadette’s Primary School, Park Ridge Primary School, Boronia K–12 College Primary School, Ferntree Gully North Primary School, Regency Park Primary School, The Basin Primary School, Knox Central Primary School, St Luke’s Primary School, Dillbadin Primary School, Bayswater South Primary School, Mooroolbark Grammar, and Karoo Primary School.

It marked the 11th year the Rotary Club of Boronia has organised the event for Grade 5 and 6 students, with 25 rotary members assisting in its delivery and coordination.

The morning program began at 10.45am with music from St Joseph’s College concert band and choir, conducted by Matt Sutherland, followed by MC Rotarian Leigh Elsey welcoming guests and schools.

At approximately 11.05am, the Australian National Anthem was performed by the St Joseph’s College concert band and choir alongside the St Joseph’s Primary School choir.

Official welcomes were delivered by Knox City Council Mayor Cr Paige Kennett and State MP for Bayswater Jackson Taylor.

Guests in attendance included Commander Andrew Fraser RAN (guest speaker), Boronia Rotary Club president Bernadette Vanderwolde, Cr Susan Pearce (Taylor Ward), Deputy Mayor Cr Chris Duncan, Hon Jackson Taylor MLA (Bayswater), District Governor Peter Behm (District 9815), Incoming District Governor Emma Clark (District 9815), Boronia RSL president Steve Everett, Boronia RSL vice president Bob Menzies, and Darcy, representing MP Mary Doyle, who laid a wreath.

During the service, Mayor Kennett shared a brief reflection on her family’s history on Anzac Day.

“I think it’s really important to continue our next generation’s understanding about Anzac and what the day means to Australians and to continue supporting our Australian Defence Forces (ADF) and the courageous work that they do,” Mayor Kennett said.

Navy Submariner retired commander Andrew Fraser RAN addressed students as guest speaker, speaking on HMAS AE2 and what Anzac service means to him personally.

“I was pretty patriotic back then - the opportunity, the excitement of joining as a marine engineer and travelling all over the world,” Commander Fraser said.

“But it was tough. where we dwelled was very tight and very cramped but the camaraderie was fantastic - it really felt like you were part of an elite team.”

Commander Fraser said his time in the Navy reinforced the importance of teamwork and respect.

“Service in the Navy is fundamentally about teamwork, learning to operate as one unit, where far greater outcomes are achieved collectively than individually,” he said.

Reflecting on Anzac Day, Commander Fraser said remembrance was essential for

younger Australians.

“It’s so important for them to remember the sacrifices that older Australians and those who came before have made to maintain their freedoms,” he said.

The service also featured performances by St Joseph’s Primary School choir, conducted by Gayle Ashdowne, singing In Flanders Fields and Little Red Poppy, before wreath laying took place between 11.30am and 11.45am.

Official guests and schools laid wreaths, accompanied by music from the St Joseph’s College concert band.

Boronia RSL President Steve Everett then led the Ode, followed by the Last Post and Reveille played by St Joseph’s College student Thomas Evans, a one-minute silence, and a period of reflection from students and guests.

Federal MP for Bayswater Jackson Taylor told students the day carried national significance beyond ceremony.

“On Anzac Day, we as a collective nation pause in solidarity to remember those who showed

courage and sacrifice in the face of unfathomable hardships and adversity,” Mr Taylor said.

“I believe it is a duty and a debt we all owe as free Australians, young and old.”

He also reflected on the scale of sacrifice across Australian history, particularly during the First and Second World Wars.

“We will remember them,” Mr Taylor said.

Ms Vanderwolde said the strength of student participation was a highlight of the day.

“Turnout is the best we’ve had yet, nearly 600 kids, and they were all very quiet in the minute silence, which was lovely,” she said.

Ms Vanderwolde said the event’s purpose was to help young people connect with resilience and history.

“I think after World War I and World War II, interest dipped a little, and it is now starting to increase again, which is really great to see,” she said.

“The resilience that the men and women had, hopefully these kids will never see a world war, but they can still experience and draw on that resilience.”

Mayor Kennett also spoke about the importance of involving younger generations in remembrance.

“I think it’s really important to include our younger generations, it teaches them about community and what it means to come together, to celebrate and to remember and reflect,” she said.

Knox Mayor also shared a personal connection to Anzac history through her great grandfather, who served in World War I.

“It means a lot for me to have some connection, because I see what it means to my family,” she said.

Mayor Kennett said she hoped students would one day carry those stories forward themselves.

“It’s part of the reason I ran for council, because I want kids and girls in particular to see that if you’re passionate about something and you care about it, you should be there front and centre, giving it your all,” she said.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks, followed by final music from the St

College concert band.

In the heart of Monbulk, a quiet transformation has been taking place, one driven by resilience, vision, and a strong belief in community and empowerment.

What was once a traditional, old school newsagency has evolved into a vibrant retail space, thanks to the dedication and forward thinking approach of its owners over the past three and a half years.

When they first took over Monbulk Newsagency, the business offered a limited range of products and followed a conventional model that no longer reflected the needs of a modern, growing community. The early days were focused on restoring and refreshing the space, creating a more inviting environment, and reimagining what a local newsagency could be. From there, the transformation truly began.

Today, Monbulk Newsagency offers far more than newspapers and magazines. Customers can browse an extensive range of toys, a thoughtfully curated selection of genuine leather goods, unique gifting options for all ages, and a wide variety of craft and art supplies. The store also boasts one of the largest collections of magazines and greeting cards in the Hills, alongside a comprehensive range of stationery. It has become a destination for those seeking quality, variety, and something a little different from the norm.

A significant decision was also made to stop selling cigarettes, reflecting both a commitment to community wellbeing and a practical response to the risks associated with the product in today’s retail environment. Instead, the focus has remained firmly on positive, family friendly offerings that bring value to customers.

At the centre of this journey is Neha, whose story is one of determination and empowerment. Arriving in Australia in 2016, she began her working life as a delivery driver for a pizza shop in Clayton, before moving on to factory work in Dandenong and later securing a role as a support executive in an IT company in the city. Her path has been defined by hard work and a willingness to embrace new challenges. In 2022, while expecting a baby and building a new home in Officer, Neha and her husband took on the additional responsibility of the newsagency. It was a demanding time, balancing family life, a new business, and major personal milestones. With the support of family, they navigated this period with strength and determination.

In 2025, Neha stepped fully into the business, taking on the day to day management. Over the past ten months, her impact has been clear. Her warm, approachable nature and genuine connection with customers have enhanced the overall experience in store. Locals are drawn not just to the products, but to the friendly conversations and welcoming atmosphere she creates. Her innovative mindset has also led to practical improvements, including the installation of solar power to combat rising energy costs, reducing electricity expenses to almost zero and ensuring the business remains sustainable in a challenging retail climate.

Monbulk Newsagency stands today as more than just a shop. It is a reflection of hard work, adaptability, and the empowering journey of a woman who continues to shape its future with passion and purpose.

ANZAC DAY Mt Evelyn marks 111 years

By Callum Ludwig

In Mt Evelyn, many made their way to the memorial park in the dark on Saturday 25 April.

One hundred and 11 years since the landing at Gallipoli, large crowds in our local communities still gather to honour the legacy and sacrifice of those who fought in that fateful campaign and all that followed.

2026 also marked 75 years since the inception of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) and National Service, including Mt Evelyn RSL’s own treasurer Chris Thiele, as RSL president Matt Crymble acknowledged in the opening of the service.

“Today we pause and pay respect to our servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation, further, we acknowledge and respect all those who have served our nation in defense, both in war and in peace,” Mr Crymble said.

“Today at home and abroad, our servicemen and women continue to defend our values and way of life, we thank them for their service and the continued protection they provide.

“The Anzac legacy remains today and is carried on by our current serving members.”

Pastor Lukas Edwards of the Mt Evelyn Christian Reformed Church then came forward to lead a prayer, followed by the Anzac Requiem, read by president of the Mt Evelyn Cricket Club Tim Heaphy.

The poems ‘In Flanders Fields’ and ‘We Shall Keep the Faith’ were read by Mt Evelyn Football Netball Club president Steve Martin and Tess Barreiro of the Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade respectively.

RSL vice president Brad Jones stepped forward to read Mt Evelyn’s honour roll, consisting of 15 men who died while on active service during World War One, World War Two and the Vietnam war.

Piper Iain Townsley played as community members laid wreaths followed by the Ode to the Fallen by Mr Crymble and The Last Post performed by trumpeter Paul Winter.

Vocalist Robyn Farrell helped bring the service to a close with her rendition of the New Zealand and Australian national anthems.

The Anzac spirit lives on in the young at Montrose

By Mikayla van Loon

Under a beautiful autumn day, a crowd gathered in Montrose’s town square to remember the men and women who sacrificed so much to ensure others could live freely.

The 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, which would later become a day of respect and reflection known as Anzac Day, was told through the words of St Richard’s Primary School students Alyssa and Mason.

“Anzac Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a day that carries deep meaning for Australians and New Zealanders. It is a day when we pause to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and mateship shown by those who came before us,” Mason said.

“They were ordinary people, farmers, teachers, shopkeepers and students who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

“They looked out for one another, shared what little they had, and never gave up, even when things seemed impossible. This is what we call the Anzac Spirit.”

Alyssa said the values so ingrained in the Anzacs “are not only for soldiers, they are for all of us,” and every time the community pauses to remember, it is “a promise to live our lives in a way that honours their memory”.

“Let’s carry the Anzac Spirit with us. Let’s be brave when things are hard. Let’s be kind to those around us, and let’s never give up on making the world a better place, because the best way to honour the Anzacs is not just to remember them today, but to live by the values they showed,” she said.

Young people played an integral role in the service on Saturday 25 April, with Montrose

Primary School students Oliver, Chris and Elise reading the honour roll, while Billanook Primary School’s choir sang Can You Hear the Children Marching?

The Montrose Scouts read a Scout Promise “to do our best and to help others. On Anzac Day, we are reminded that doing our best means standing up for what is right, caring for those around us, and never giving up, no matter how tough the challenge is”.

Attention was also drawn to the women who served in the Australian Army Nursing Service, paying particular homage to women like Sister Edith Yeaman, whose statue sits as a permanent reminder of all those who served.

“More than 2000 women served in the Australian Army Nursing Service during (World War I), and today, I’d like to pay a special tribute to them, their sense of duty, their resilience in such terrifying conditions, going to far places, Egypt, France, to help those wounded soldiers,” Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence said.

“All these women went above and beyond in the treatment and the care that they provided to the wounded men. There is no doubt that they comforted the soldiers suffering from the most horrendous injuries and saved countless lives, and for that, we are eternally grateful.”

Casey MP Aaron Violi also drew attention to Pearl Corkhill, who served in the Australian Army Nursing Service. She served in Egypt, tending to soldiers injured in Gallipoli and then France, first in Le Havre and then Rouen.

She received the Military Medal for her service.

In a special arrangement, Montrose was greeted by a World War II biplane overhead.

Marvellous: Alex gets bike

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Little Alex from Boronia could barely wait to get home and try out his new bike after receiving it at a special Variety Bikes for Kids event held at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, 16 April.

The event brought together children and families from across Victoria, where 100 children were each gifted brand new bicycles through Variety’s Bikes for Kids program in what organisers called “Victoria’s largest single-day bicycle gifting event”.

For many, it was the first time they had ever owned a bike and among them was nine-yearold Alex, who joined families from across the state’s east and north-east, including Ferntree Gully and Mount Evelyn.

Alex’s mother, Qun Wu, said her son had been excited in the lead-up to the event and could not stop talking about getting his bike.

“He was so excited before the day to pick up the bike,” Ms Wu said.

“He was very eager to ride it around the house when we got it.”

Ms Wu said Alex, who has haemophilia and is deaf, had previously faced barriers to participating in many physical activities, with

swimming often being one of the few options available to him, she said the cost and safety concerns around bicycles had made it even more difficult for the family in the past.

“Sometimes it’s hard to let him ride, because I worry he might get hurt,” Ms Wu said.

“Having his own bike is especially meaningful for Alex, after previously having to share with his older brother or borrow onekids compare to what others have, so it’s really meaningful for him to have his own bike now.”

Ms Wu said community programs had played an important role in supporting her family, including disability-focused events and annual Christmas activities.

Variety supports children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability - its motive is to remove cost barriers and provide everyday childhood experiences that many families take for granted.

Ms Wu said caring for children with disability can be exhausting at times, but support initiatives like this one makes a real difference.

“Sometimes I’m really, really tired,” Ms Wu said.

“But I can feel it; helping the kids helps lift some of that exhaustion.”

Safe communities event approaches at the Cameo

By Tanya Steele

A chance to support and raise awareness on family violence fast approaches as local Rotary prepare to screen the movie “I Swear”, along with a presentation by the Rotary 9815 Safe Communities volunteers.

Rotary District 98115 will host the screening and awareness event at Cameo Cinema, Belgrave, Friday 1 May from 6pm - 9.30m.

Belgrave Rotary member and teams management for District 9815, Gus Rozycki, said the evening will feature a short presentation before the movie.

“Building awareness for this movie night is also about coming together at the beginning of this movement for Rotary,” he said.

“This is Rotary saying no to domestic violence and yes to respectful relationships.”

The event is a first for the Rotary 9815 Safe

Communities sub-ground and will be hosted by Rotary Belgrave.

Continuing in their journey to support the community, the Rotarians have been hard at work pulling together the event, and Mr Rozycki said that what’s most important is the message.

“We want to support so that we can get in

and help prevent family violence,” he said.

Pointing to the need for real, face-to-face conversation about the issue, Wandin Rotary member Jeanette Jensen said that building awareness of this movie night is also about coming together.

“I think it’s also such a complex topic,” she said.

Looking to both grow and provide a central resource for people who need it to reference it and smaller information cards, the district members have set their sights high in tackling the issue, and aim to connect and support organisations to get the right help to people in a safe and accessible way.

Ms Jensen said that she thinks the solution has to be multifaceted and Rotary is well placed to help.

“Rotary has such a dedicated group of people,” she said.

The movie “ I Swear is a new release film based on the life of John Davidson and set in Scotland, telling the story of a young man living with Tourette’s disorder.

“We picked the movie as it is a true story and is a comedy as well as an insight into an illness we know little about,” said Ms Jensen.

The film is rated MA15+ and does have some intense themes surrounding violence, suicide, and adult themes.

9815 District is made up of Rotary Clubs across the southeast of Victoria, Australia, Bayside Melbourne, down to the Mornington Peninsula and eastward across to Orbost.

People can head to the Rotary Belgrave social media or the Wandin Rotary event link below for more information and to book.

https://wandinrotary.org/event/movie-event---rotary9815-safe-communities/

Selby fire brigade marks 100 years of volunteer service

The Selby fire brigade will mark a significant milestone in 2026, celebrating 100 years of volunteer service to the Selby and Dandenong Ranges community with a planned community open day on Saturday, 2 May from 11am until 2pm at the Selby fire brigade.

Founded on 26 April 1926, the Brigade was formed in the aftermath of devastating bushfires that swept through the Dandenong Ranges earlier that year, destroying homes and claiming lives. In response, local residents came together with a shared determination to protect their community from future disasters.

From humble beginnings - with firefighters equipped with little more than axes, watering cans and spray pumps stored in a local shed - the Brigade has grown alongside the town itself. Early alerts relied on the tolling of a church bell to signal the direction of approaching fires, a far cry from today’s modern communication systems.

Over the past century, the Brigade has operated from several stations, evolving to meet changing demands, growing membership and increasingly sophisticated fire appliances. The current purpose-built station, completed in 2019 after many years of advocacy, represents the latest chapter in that history.

A strong theme throughout the Brigade’s history has been community support. From early fundraising dances and water cartage jobs to countless sausage sizzles, Selby residents have played a vital role in sustaining their local Bri-

gade. In return, volunteers have worked hard to ensure funds are used carefully and locally, reinforcing a deep sense of mutual trust and respect.

While proudly 100 per cent volunteer-run, the Selby Fire Brigade also acknowledges the essential support provided by CFA career and seconded staff, recognising that modern firefighting is a true partnership.

The centenary open day will include a free sausage sizzle, hot and cold drinks, and heaps of activities for kids, as well as a Captain Koala visit.

Live music will run from 12.30pm to 1.30pm featuring Anya Hynninen (Selby musician, and Australian Idol finalist 2023).

Displays showing local fire history will also be on show, with a birthday cake cutting at 1.45pm.

Portrait honours Arnold Dix

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Monbulk barrister and engineer Professor Arnold Dix will see his life’s work immortalised in paint this week, when the Peter O’Callaghan QC Gallery Foundation unveils a portrait of him painted by realism artist Murali Surya.

At 5.30pm on Tuesday, 28 April, the Hon Justice Robert Osborn of the Supreme Court of Victoria’s Court of Appeal - Professor Dix’s mentor at the start of his career - will formally unveil the portrait.

Professor Dix has spent decades at the Victorian Bar, maintaining a dual practice as a barrister and engineer, while establishing himself as an international expert in tunnelling and engineered spaces.

He described the recognition as a “rare honour”.

“A very small number of barristers ever get a commissioned portrait in the bar - on average, it’s only every two or three years, and I’m one of just a few dozen in 125 years.”

He has contributed to major international evacuations, including the aftermath of 9/11,

terrorist attacks in London and Madrid, and various building collapses.

In 2023, he played a key role in the rescue of 41 miners trapped in the Uttarakhand tunnel in the Himalayas, India.

“I feel really honoured,” Professor Dix said.

“To me, it says I’ve made a positive difference and fulfilled my responsibilities as a human being. The real test is whether you’ve lived in a way that contributes to others - what you give, not what you take,” Professor Dix said.

“There’s nothing particularly remarkable about me - it’s the circumstances that allowed me to step up and help when I could. Many people would have done the same, but they don’t always get the opportunity, and I’ve been very lucky to have had those chances.”

Professor Dix is a former president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association and was appointed last year as the inaugural chair of its nuclear waste disposal working group.

The artist, Mr Surya, trained in drawing and painting at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy and specialises in realism portraits.

He approached the portrait with a deep sense of purpose, telling Professor Dix he felt it was his “destiny” to paint him.

He said the process took months, with the total time sitting for the portrait reaching about 60 hours.

“Murali painted me because he felt the universe wanted him to. When the Bar approached me about commissioning a portrait and suggested some well-known artists, I was honoured and surprised. He genuinely believes this is what he’s meant to do, and that mattered to me. Having him paint me is part of the honour of being recognised by my peers,” Professor Dix said.

“Commissioning a portrait isn’t an intellectual decision. It’s an emotional one. This tells me I’ve done more than make an intellectual impact - I’ve touched the hearts and souls of people.”

He said the trust involved in being portrayed by another was an honour.

“I value honesty and sincerity more than fame. I wanted the real heart and soul of the artist, and that’s what Murali brought,” Profes-

sor Dix said.

For him, the portrait captures more than professional achievement.

“I hope he’s captured a bit of a smile,” Professor Dix said.

“Although I deal with very serious things, I also enjoy having a laugh and enjoying the silliness of being alive. I want the humanness to come through.”

Professor Dix described the portrait as recording a chapter of his life, with “calmness and compassion reflected and also an informality without it being informal.”

Following the unveiling, Upwey musician Jason Vorherr will perform his song ‘Arnold’, inspired by Professor Dix’s work in the 2023 Uttarakhand tunnel rescue.

The portrait will hang at Owen Dixon Chambers West, pledging a lasting tribute to a career that has spanned law, engineering, and international humanitarian efforts.

“It’s lovely to be acknowledged while you’re still alive,” Professor Dix said.

“This is a way of giving flowers to the living, not the dead.”

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-

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.

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 filmbasedontheiconicliminalonlinehorrorstory of the same name, which comes out next month.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

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

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.

Autumn shades of meaning

By Maria Millers

The falling leaves drift by the window

The autumn leaves of red and gold

I see your lips, the summer kisses

The sun-burned hands I used to hold Autumn Leaves (Johnny Mercer lyric) Autumn, immortalised by English Romantic poet John Keats as the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,” has finally arrived with days that start out with misty mornings then unfold into gently sunny days.

But glorious as the days are, the sun now sets earlier and there’s a definite chill descending in the afternoons, a reminder that winter is just around the corner.

Autumn in Australia (March to May) has a different feel to the classic Northern Hemisphere where autumn transforms whole landscapes to seemingly on fire with colour.

In Australia, other spectacular displays are confined to cooler areas in the country where deciduous trees planted in parks and older suburbs by Europeans are framed by the sombre green of our native eucalypts. Nor does the season tug at the heart of travelling Australians as it does for Americans who, when away, are often heard to express a wish to be home in time for The Fall.

Culturally and emotionally, autumn in Australia tends to feel calmer and more relaxed than summer. Summer is intense—heat, beach, bushfire risk, and long holidays—so autumn is often welcomed as a relief after the summer break, and outdoor activities become more comfortable again.

It’s the football season and it’s a time when people settle back into routines after the summer break. It’s often referred to as liminal because it sits in an in-between state, neither fully alive like summer nor fully dormant like winter. Autumn is a transition a gradual crossing from growth to rest.

For Robert Frost in After Apple Picking it’s a feeling of exhaustion after working his apple or-

chard, but not hopelessness just that since the work has finished he can now rest:

For I have had too much

Of apple-picking: I am overtired…

But not everybody appreciates this liminal time. Rainer Maria Rilke’s Autumn Day captures those isolating feelings some have when the season changes:

Whoever has no house now, will not build one anymore.

Whoever is alone now, will long remain so…

In mythology, literature and art, autumn is frequently used to represent later stages of life or a period of introspection. In Japanese tradition, autumn is less about a single myth and more about aesthetic and spiritual awareness, influenced by ideas like “mono no aware”—an appreciation of the beauty in things that don’t last.

Falling leaves and fading light aren’t tragic; they’re meaningful because they’re temporary. The Cherry Blossoms are stunningly beautiful, but they don’t last. This should not be sadness but a reflective appreciation of life’s fleeting moments. Matsuo Bash ’s Autumn haiku turns autumn into something quiet and peaceful rather than sad.

Autumn moonlight— a worm digs silently into the chestnut.

In Celtic traditions autumn marks the end of the harvest and the start of the darker half of the

year. It was believed that during this time, the boundary between the living and the dead grew thin. Autumn here isn’t just about nature changing, it’s a liminal, almost mystical period when unseen worlds feel closer.

Instead of one universal autumn story Indigenous Australians have many local stories about seasonal transition, each tied to a specific place and people. The Wurundjeri people (near Melbourne) describe seasons based on plant flowering and animal behaviour rather than fixed dates.

Emotionally, people tend to view autumn in mixed ways. Some experience it as cosy and comforting—think warm drinks, layered clothing, and indoor gatherings. Others associate it with melancholy, since the fading light and cooling weather can feel like an ending.

Mary Oliver in October makes quiet seasonal shifts feel reassuring rather than bleak. Even as things fade, she keeps returning to attention, gratitude, and small moments of beauty.

Still, what I want in my life is to be willing to be dazzled

Traditionally autumn is linked with harvest and gratitude. Communities would hold harvest festivals and churches had services in gratitude

In the past when we lived closer to our food sources it was also a time of coping with the tyr-

anny of the backyard harvest as some fruits and vegetables came into their most flavoursome and plentiful in autumn. It’s the season for figs, apples, pears, grapes, and the wonderful quinces, persimmons, chestnuts and the many vegetables that thrive in cooler weather.

And it was the time for bottling, jamming and freezing, turning ripened fresh produce for future winter meals. Today fewer and fewer of us have the time or indeed the skills and supermarkets take advantage of this.

But there are some people who develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symptoms can include low mood, low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep, and loss of interest in things you normally enjoy. Even people without full SAD can feel a milder autumn slump.

One big factor is reduced daylight. As days get shorter your body gets less exposure to sunlight. That affects your internal clock (circadian rhythm) and can lower levels of mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin. It can also increase melatonin, which makes you feel more tired and sluggish.

Autumn is powerful because it holds a paradox: it is the season of endings that is also full of beauty. It also invites inwardness, reflection and appreciation of home comforts. The image of falling leaves may also bring memories of lost loves and the passage of time

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

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)

3

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. ●

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. ●

PEACEFUL HILLS LIVING ON A FULLY FENCED 3,985SQM.

SET in a quiet Cockatoo setting on a fully fenced 3,985sqm, this inviting three-bedroom home combines character with a relaxed Hills setting.

An undercover front verandah welcomes you on arrival, with a handy storage room at one end and a front deck—an ideal spot to sit with a morning coffee and enjoy the peaceful surrounds.

Inside, the home opens to a light-filled open plan kitchen, living and dining area where polished timber flooring and vaulted ceilings create an immediate sense of openness. A skylight enhances the natural light, while a woodfire, ceiling fan and split system keep the space comfortable year-round.

The kitchen is well designed for everyday living, featuring timber benchtops, a walk-in pantry, dishwasher, gas stovetop and generous bench space.

The master bedroom is positioned beside the family bathroom with separate toilet for convenience. Upstairs, two carpeted bedrooms enjoy large windows that capture plenty of natural light, with one also including a split system.

Outside, the property continues to deliver with a 6m x 7m shed with concrete floor, an 8m x 6m carport, garden shed and an undercover entertaining area complete with an open fireplace—ideal for relaxed gatherings with family and friends.

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. ●

AProvenHillsBNBinPrimeGembrookLocation!

SetintheDandenongRangesjustoveranhourfromMelbourne’sCBD,theestablished& well-loved GembrookCottagespresent acharmingaccommodationbusinessopportunityintheheartof Gembrook.WithineasywalkingdistanceofPuffingBilly,Gembrook–EmeraldWalkingTrail,cafés, restaurants& thelocalbar,thelocationattractsvisitorsseekinga relaxingHillsescape.Theproperty comprisesthreebeautifullystyledcottages,eachfeaturingfour-posterbeds,leatherlounges, kitchenettes,Wi-Fi& woodheaters.BluebellCottageofferscalmingbluetones &a privatedeckwith spa.HaremCottagefeaturesearthyinteriors& sunkenovalspaindoors,whileKookaburraCottage showcasessoftpastelhues& tranquilatmosphere.Witha loyalrepeatclientele &strongreputation, thebusinessenjoysconsistentdemand,supportedbynearbyparks,wildlife& walkingtrails.

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EasyLivingintheHeartofEmerald. Perfectlypositionedona low-maintenance246sqm,thiswell-designeddouble-storeyhome offersmoderncomfort& everydayconveniencejusta shortstrollfromEmerald’sschools,kinder, supermarket& vibrantmainstreet.Filledwithnaturallight,theopen-plankitchen,living& diningarea formstheheartofthehome.Thekitchenfeaturesstonebenchtops,breakfastbar,gasstovetop, dishwasher &excellentstorage,whiletheadjoininglounge &diningareaincludesa splitsystem, gasductedheating &ceilingfanforyear-roundcomfort.Slidingdoorsopentothereargarden. Themasterbedroomwithwalk-inrobe &ensuiteisprivatelypositionedatthefront.Upstairsoffers twofurtherbedroomswithbuilt-inrobes,a centralbathroom &secondlivingarea.Outside,thefully fencedyardincludes agardenshed,watertank& 5kWsolarsystem.

EasyFamilyLivingwithPlentyofRoomtoMove. Seton1052sqminbeautifulGembrook,thisdouble-storeybrickhomeoffersflexiblefamilylivingwith spacetorelaxinside &out.A circulardrivewaywelcomesyoutotheproperty,wherethethoughtfully designedlayoutunfoldsacrosstwolevels.Upstairs,thekitchen/diningareaformsthehubofthe home,featuring awalloven,gasstovetop,dishwasher &excellentstorage.Thediningspaceopens to abalcony,whiletheadjoiningloungeisfilledwithnaturallight,a splitsystem &slidingdoorstothe undercoverentertainingarea.Themasterbedroomisalsopositionedonthislevel,completewitha walk-inrobe& ensuite.Downstairs,threecarpetedbedroomsareservicedby acentralbathroom withseparatetoilet, asecondlivingareawithsplitsystem &accesstothedoubletandemcarport. Outside, adeckedentertainingarea,gardenshed &5000Lwatertankcompletetheproperty.

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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).

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Micah snares triple gold

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

A Kalorama student has returned from the national stage with an impressive performance after competing at the 2026 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC) in Brisbane earlier this month.

11-year-old Micah Friend, a Kalorama resident and Grade 6 student and school captain at Mount Dandenong Primary School, represented Victoria at the championships held on April 13 to 14, following selection after success at the State Championships in Knox in March.

“I’m really happy with what I was able to achieve at ALAC in Brisbane,” Micah said.

The event has been running since 1973, is the annual Little Athletics National Championships, which brings hundreds of young athletes from across Australia together to compete in a range of track and field events.

Athletes take part in opening and closing ceremonies, team marches and traditional state chants, while also competing for individual honours and team points.

Micah is a member of the Yarra Ranges Little Athletics Club at Morrison Reserve in Mount Evelyn - he competed in six events in the Boys Under 12 Multiclass category and delivered an outstanding performance.

He recorded three gold medals in the 400 metres, long jump and javelin, and three silver medals in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 800 metres.

He also achieved personal bests in five of his six events and set three championship meet records.

“To get five personal bests (PB) out of six events was a surprise but definitely the best part of it for me,” Micah said.

“I was hoping to get at least one ‘PB’ in Brisbane but to get one in nearly all my events was huge for me. I have been working a lot on my sprint events in training, so I was really happy to do my fastest times in competition.”

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Micah has cerebral palsy and is a nationally classified T/F35 para athlete, he trains several times a week across the Yarra Ranges, including local parks and hills in Kalorama, Mount Dandenong and Olinda, the Morrison Reserve athletics track, and the quarry steps in Ferntree Gully - he also completes daily physiotherapy sessions at home.

“I work really hard on fitness, running and athletics. I like challenging myself to see what improvements I can make,” the 11-year-old said.

“I owe lots of thanks to my physiotherapist, Tanja, who sets my gym program and helps me build up my strength, speed and endurance so that I can compete but also just do everyday stuff better.”

Micah said representing Victoria was a high-

light of the experience.

“I am always really proud to represent Victoria. It was great to meet some kids from other states and singing the team chant was so much fun,” he said.

“It was really warm and sunny the whole time so I really didn’t mind giving up some of my school holidays and going up there with my family. It was a great trip.”

He said one of his standout moments came in the 400 metres.

“Normally the 800m is my best event, but in my 400m at ALAC I finished well and actually smashed my PB. That was a big surprise and something that I was really happy about,” he said.

Micah said he is now looking forward to the winter cross country season.

“I am looking forward to the winter cross country season that is about to start,” he said. He also encouraged other children to get involved in sport.

“If you’re interested in athletics or any other sports then find a local club or team and get involved,” Micah said.

“Just going for the first time can be the hardest part but really it’s heaps of fun. You don’t have to already be great at sports just to start and you don’t know what you can do until you try. If you get good coaching and just keep trying, then you’ll just keep getting better.”

Micah’s father, Haydn Friend, said balancing training, physio and school has been part of his son’s routine while competing at a national level.

“Micah loves being busy,” Mr Friend said.

“As well as athletics, he also does swimming, drama classes and wheelchair basketball. He does love a challenge, trying new things and working hard to find out what he is capable of.”

“He now has confidence to have a crack at anything and has learnt the value of persistence and resilience if things don’t initially come easily. As parents, we’re grateful to be able to give him opportunities for him to grow, get stronger and improve. It’s really satisfying to see him achieving and also learning some really useful life lessons along the way.”

Mr Friend said Micah’s journey reflects his approach to sport and life.

“Para-athletes and especially kids with physical disabilities don’t do athletics or other sports because it is easy for them. They embrace the challenge, overcome obstacles and test their own limits in exactly the same way that they try and navigate through everyday life,” he said.

“Any success in competing that Micah has, however he defines it, acts as motivation for him to keep trying harder in the future. More than that though, it also provides an opportunity for other people to see and recognise his commitment and the effort that he makes every day.”

Five goals and five wins

their longest away trip of the season, travelling by team bus to face Fortuna 60.

The Morwell-based side won State League 5 last season after going the entire campaign undefeated, so this was never going to be an easy game for the visitors.

The first 15 minutes saw Monbulk’s Seniors on the back foot, forced to defend waves of Fortuna attacks as they took time to settle into the match.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute, when a deep free kick from Jack Higgins eventually fell to Ollie Grujic, who struck a sweet volley into the corner of the net to make it 1–0 to the visitors.

Just before halftime, Higgins doubled Monbulk’s lead, capitalising on a defensive error and calmly chipping the goalkeeper.

Twenty minutes into the second half, Steve McRae continued his impressive record of a goal per game, finishing neatly from another well-delivered Higgins free kick.

The remainder of the half proved a rollercoaster for both sides.

Fortuna responded with two quick goals, a

bundled finish from a cross and an unfortunate Monbulk own goal, bringing the score back to 3–2.

However, substitute Daniel Biondo restored the two-goal buffer after a slick passage of play down the left involving McRae and Lucas Schmidt.

In added time, McRae chested the ball in front of Grujic just inside the box, who then curled a finish into the bottom-left corner to make it 5–2.

Fortuna’s captain managed to pull one back with the final kick of the game , but it was too late, with the Rangers securing a 5–3 victory.

It was an impressive overall performance from Monbulk, who may not have dominated possession but were clinical in front of goal.

A particularly strong display came from right back Ricky Bodnar, who kept Fortuna’s dangerous winger quiet throughout the match.

The result maintains Monbulk Rangers’ perfect start to the season, remaining undefeated with five wins from five games.

They will be looking to continue their 100 per cent record at home this Friday against the Sandown Lions.

Anzac camaraderie on show from Belgrave and Emerald

It was a show of true camaraderie ahead of the clash between Emerald and Belgrave’s senior football teams on Saturday 25 April, as they lined up, linked arm-in-arm to honour the service of men and women.

The service was led by Emerald RSL and saw the crowd stand to remember the fallen.

The match, however, was played with determination and grit, as the two teams gave their all for the win.

In the end, Emerald came out on top, with a score of 17.9.111 to Belgrave’s 11.10.76.

Photographer ROB CAREW captured the action.

Woori Yallock trounce Hawks

By Armin Richter Football Seniors

Monbulk and Woori Yallock met on the ground of the latter in warm and sunny conditions for an ANZAC Day clash. The Hawks welcomed back Lachlan Sheppard after he got married last week. On a fast track it was the Tigers who grabbed the early ascendancy and had six goals to none on the board by half time. Woori had better cohesion in switching play, were stronger in the air and slick ball movement by hand through the corridor broke the game open.

The Hawks clawed their way to some goals in the second half but momentum remained with the Tigers who scored an impressive 11 goal win. The Hawks have slumped to a 0-3 start but will remember that they had a similar slow start in 2024 and got their season back on track with a win over Officer, their opponents this week.

Monbulk 4.8.32 def by Woori Yallock 15.9.99

• Best: Joshua Spencer, Kai Linde, Mitchell Veit, Riley Finlay, Caleb Quirk, Max Thornton

• Goals: Josh Wentworth 1, Charlie Barge 1, Taylor Joyce 1, Joshua Dawson 1 Reserves

This year the OEFN League is celebrating 60 years since the formation of the YVMDFL in 1966. In the Reserves the head to head record for Monbulk stood at 110 clashes for 58 wins, 51 losses and a draw. 2026 is the 55th season that Monbulk and Woori Yallock have found themselves in the same division since then.

Clashes between the Hawks and Tigers often bring evenly matched teams together and this year was to be no different. The teams kicking with the breeze to the Yellingbo end won each quarter and Monbulk’s 6 point buffer at the final change looked precarious. The Hawks fought back after Woori had drawn level when Abel Teese kicked a long goal into the breeze to again establish a 1 goal buffer with a few minutes remaining. Woori managed a reply with about a minute on the clock and the match ended in a draw. This is just the second draw between these teams since the first occurred in 1971, when they were also tied on 75 points apiece.

Monbulk 12.3.75 drew Woori Yallock 11.9.75

• Best: Adam Banks, Thomas Berman, Abel Teese, Callan Brinkmann, Trent Purcell

• Goals: Callan Brinkmann 4, Kieren Galloway 2, Matthew James 1, Adam Banks 1, Thomas Berman 1, Noah Rutherford 1, Abel Teese 1, Steven Shankly 1 Under 18s

The thirds made their second trip to Alexandra in little over a month as they had played a practice match there in March. Having lost their opening two games, Monbulk were looking to make a statement and did so with a commanding 105 point victory over the Rebels. This is a club record against Alexandra at this level, the previous best win having been 50 points in 1982 when it was Under 17s.

Monbulk 15.19.109 def Alexandra 0.4.4

• Best: Eamon Dawson, Jed Fraser, Thomas Hill, Myles Koelewyn, Lucas Ibarra, Finley Ede

• Goals: Finley Ede 6, Eamon Dawson 2, Charlie Seamer 2, Riley Broadbent 1, Lucas Ibarra 1, Mitchell Clark 1, Jack Ritchie 1, Thomas Hill 1

Netball

A Grade

Monbulk and Woori Yallock were both finalists last year and had played close matches where the Hawks had prevailed narrowly. The closeness of the teams was again on show as the match ebbed and flowed. The Tigers won the first quarter 12-8 before Monbulk responded with a 14-5 second term. Holding a ten goal lead by the final change looked to be under challenge when Woori rattled on 6 quick goals before the Hawks steadied for a hard fought 5 goal win.

Monbulk 45 def Woori Yallock 40

• Best: Rihanna Kelly, Grace Scott-Thomas, Peri Reid

• Goals: Peri Reid 41, Jorja Wragg 2, Nicole Macdowell 2

B Grade

Monbulk’s B Grade suffered their first defeat for 2026 on Saturday. Woori had a strong first half where they established a 15 goal lead. The Hawks managed to win the second half but were unable to make up the leeway and went down by 13 eventually.

Monbulk 51 def by Woori Yallock 64

• Best: Dayna Walsham, Olivia Crook, Chloe Baker

• Goals: Dayna Walsham 36, Olivia Crook 9, Chloe Baker 6

C Grade Monbulk also had a slow start in this match before leveling the contest in the second half.

Monbulk 24 def by Woori Yallock 34

• Best: Laura Del Biondo, Candice Freeling, Maddy Buckland

• Goals: Macy Giling 10, Grace Sands 9, Maddy Buckland 5

D Grade

The Hawks went down by 10 goals but the match was more competitive than the final results showed. Bronte Passingham, who is also on the club committee, played her 50th match for Monbulk.

Monbulk 20 def by Woori Yallock 30

• Best: Katrina Wragg, Brooke O’Loughlin, Jamie Sands

• Goals: Jamie Sands 17, Emiley Asling 2, Ella Flynn 1 Under 17s

The Monbulk Gold team came up against a very well drilled Woori Yallock team who had their measure all throughout. The Maroon team traveled further up the highway to meet the Burras and played out a close fought thriller. Monbulk led all day but the margin never exceeded more than a few goals.

Monbulk Gold 18 def by Woori Yallock 51

• Best: Bridie McCormick, Kaia Stewart, Isabelle Cross

• Goals: Summer Kuppers 9, Amelia Magarry 7,

Bridie McCormick 2

Monbulk Maroon 34 def Warburton-Millgrove 32

• Best: Isla Stubbs, Chelsea Ferguson, Tully Caccia

• Goals: Chelsea Ferguson 20, Kiara Xuereb 9, Isla Stubbs 3, Charlotte Hare 2 Under 15s

The Monbulk Gold team continue on their barnstorming way with another impressive victory. The ball movement and understanding that the players have really shows out. They sit on top of the ladder undefeated with a percentage of 983.33, the highest percentage by any Monbulk team after round 3 since the Reserves had one of 2988.9 in 2004. The Maroon team had a bye.

Monbulk Gold 59 def Woori Yallock 10

• Best: Eden Murphy, Alanna White, Amelia Magarry

• Goals: Eden Murphy 34, Amelia Magarry 19, Ria Greenaway 6

Around the Outer East footy ovals and netball courts

By Armin Richter

Football Premier Division

• Seniors: Wandin 12.9.81 def Officer 9.9.63; Woori Yallock 15.9.99 def Monbulk 4.8.32; Mt. Evelyn 20.13.133 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 5.6.36; Healesville 16.20.116 def Warburton-Millgrove 11.6.72; Olinda-Ferny Creek 12.10.82 def Upwey-Tecoma 9.11.65

• Reserves: Mt. Evelyn 17.15.117 def GembrookCockatoo 1.4.10; Healesville 11.12.78 def Warburton-Millgrove 7.6.48; Upwey-Tecoma 11.7.73 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 5.5.35; Officer 8.16.64 def Wandin 4.3.27; Monbulk 12.3.75 drew Woori Yallock 11.9.75

• Under 18 (combined): Mt. Evelyn 15.15.105 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 1.4.10; Healesville 22.10.142 def Warburton-Millgrove 1.1.7; Officer 13.7.85 def Wandin 4.6.30; Upwey-Tecoma 9.12.66 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 9.6.60; Monbulk 15.19.109 def Alexandra 0.4.4; Seville 9.5.59 def Woori Yallock 3.11.29; Pakenham 15.13.103 def Yarra Glen 4.2.26

Division 1

• Seniors: Alexandra 24.9.153 def Yea 8.6.54; Seville 35.18.228 def Yarra Junction 0.3.3; Emer-

ald 17.9.111 def Belgrave 11.10.76; Pakenham 9.15.69 def Yarra Glen 4.6.30; Powelltown bye

• Reserves: Alexandra 13.15.93 def Yea 1.6.12; Seville 19.18.132 def Yarra Junction 2.4.16; Emerald 9.10.64 def Belgrave 4.6.30; Pakenham 24.20.164 def Yarra Glen 1.1.7; Powelltown bye

• Women (Div 1): Mt. Evelyn 17.23.125 def Pakenham 2.1.13; Olinda-Ferny Creek 6.4.40 def Upwey-Tecoma 5.6.36; Warburton-Wesburn 6.5.41 def Healesville 2.7.19; Belgrave bye

• Women (Div 2): Emerald 11.21.87 def Gem-

brook-Cockatoo 1.1.7; Seville 8.10.58 def Woori Yallock 1.2.8; Wandin 5.7.37 def Officer 1.7.13; Yea 19.15.129 def Thornton-Eildon 0.0.0

Netball

Premier Division

• A Grade: Mt. Evelyn 79 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 16; Warburton-Millgrove 66 def Healesville 39; Wandin 48 def ROC 33; Monbulk 45 def Woori Yallock 40; Olinda-Ferny Creek 85 def Upwey-Tecoma 15

• B Grade: Mt. Evelyn 60 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 35; Warburton-Millgrove 38 def Healesville 23; Olinda-Ferny Creek 74 def UpweyTecoma 37; ROC 46 def Wandin 33; Woori Yallock 64 def Monbulk 51

• C Grade: Mt. Evelyn 45 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 17; Warburton-Millgrove 57 def Healesville 10; Wandin 30 def ROC 29; Woori Yallock 34 def Monbulk 24; Olinda-Ferny Creek bye

• D Grade: Warburton-Millgrove 37 def Healesville 7; Mt. Evelyn 42 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 15; ROC 36 def Wandin 23; Woori Yallock 30 def Monbulk 20; Olinda-Ferny Creek bye

• Under 15: Wandin Red 24 def ROC White 11; ROC Blue 30 def Wandin Blue 16; Monbulk Gold 59 def Woori Yallock 10; Pakenham Maroon 41 def Pakenham Gold 10; Monbulk Maroon bye Division 1

• A Grade: Yea 54 def Alexandra 50; Seville 62 def Yarra Junction 28; Emerald 69 def Belgrave 27; Pakenham 52 def Yarra Glen 35; Powelltown bye

• B Grade: Yea 48 def Alexandra 35; Seville 72 def Yarra Junction 17; Emerald 43 def Belgrave 27; Pakenham 54 def Yarra Glen 41; Powelltown bye

• C Grade: Yea 48 def Alexandra 22; Seville 62 def Yarra Junction 6; Belgrave 37 def Emerald 26; Pakenham 47 def Yarra Glen 27; Powelltown bye

• D Grade: Seville 40 def Yarra Junction 7; Emerald 41 def Belgrave 12; Pakenham 57 def Yarra Glen 13; Powelltown + Yea bye

• Under 17: Emerald 45 def Seville White 16; Seville Blue 101 def Yarra Junction 2; Pakenham Gold 42 def Pakenham Maroon 6; Alexandra bye

• Under 17: Monbulk Maroon 34 def Warburton-Millgrove 32; Mt. Evelyn 83 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 3; ROC White 60 def OlindaFerny Creek 6; ROC Blue 48 def Wandin 18; Woori Yallock 51 def Monbulk Gold 18

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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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