Your Yarra Ranges - Winter 2026

Your Yarra Ranges – Winter 2026

A word from our Mayor

For more than a decade, Council has been working on a vision we call Ridges and Rivers, an ambitious plan to make the Yarra Ranges a must-visit destination on Melbourne’s doorstep for forest walks, trail riding and opportunities for exploration.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see this long-held vision start to coming to life.

We’ve recently celebrated the official launches of two major projects – ngurrak barring, a 39km arts and culture trail weaving through the Dandenong Ranges, and the Warburton Bike Park, a 70km world-class mountain biking destination.

Exciting progress is also being made on the third Ridges and Rivers project, the Yarra Valley Trail, which will one day span from Lilydale to the Upper Yarra via Yarra Glen and Healesville. We’re continuing to advocate for significant funding to help deliver the full vision, including a vital bridge crossing over the Birrarung | Yarra River to connect the trail through to Yarra Glen.

Together, these projects are helping to position the Yarra Ranges as a premier destination, supporting local businesses and giving our community access to world-class experiences right on their doorstep.

Recently we marked National Reconciliation Week with our annual community event, embracing this year’s theme of All In.

It’s a powerful reminder that reconciliation requires all of us to work together and that progress relies on listening, learning and acting.

I encourage everyone to visit Council’s website to watch the event recording, hear from inspiring speakers, and reflect on how each of us can help make a positive difference.

Finally, this winter marks five years since the devastating 2021 storms in the Dandenongs. For many, the impacts are ongoing, and the memories remain close when severe weather returns.

I want to acknowledge the extraordinary community spirit we have seen since the storms. Whether it’s building resilience and preparedness for future extreme weather events, supporting community initiatives, or simply checking in on a neighbor during difficult weather, these acts of care and connection define who we are.

We are fortunate to live in such a remarkable part of the world, but it’s the people of Yarra Ranges who make it truly special.

Cr Richard Higgins, Mayor of Yarra Ranges

Sign up to have your say

Shaping Yarra Ranges is Council’s one-stop webpage for community engagements.

By signing up, you can be notified directly when new engagements open, for everything from playground

designs to pavilions, master plans through to Council’s annual budget.

You can choose what projects you’re interested in hearing about, and find out more about pop ups, information sessions and other in-person events.

We’d love to hear from you. Find out more and sign up at shaping. yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

Recycling hubs now available at Community Links

Community members can now recycle items such as small e-waste and light bulbs in recycling hubs located across the municipality.

In partnership with Sustainability Victoria, Council has established six recycling hubs, located at Council’s five Community Links in Upwey, Lilydale, Healesville, Monbulk and Yarra Junction, and at the Belgrave Library.

The recycling hubs can collect household batteries, small e-waste and vapes, light globes, fluorescent tubes, x-rays, CDs, DVDs, VHS and cassette tapes.

Collections will be trialed over a 12-month period to make sure they achieve safe and efficient recycling of waste and meet the needs of the community.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the recycling hubs will mean more items being recycled, and less batteries and e-waste ending up in landfill.

“In 2019, the State Government announced a ban on e-waste in kerbside bins, meaning that anything powered by a battery or a power plug was not allowed to be put in household bins, and had to be taken to a transfer station or put out for hard rubbish collection,” Cr Higgins said.

“However, the Yarra Ranges is an incredibly large area; waste transfer stations aren’t always accessible for people for several reasons, and people can’t always store items for hard rubbish. Meanwhile, we know that the prevalence of battery-powered items has risen dramatically.

“Batteries in landfill pose a significant environmental risk, and batteries put in kerbside bins can lead to fires in rubbish and recycling trucks, putting the drivers, community, and the environment at risk.

“This project will make the disposal of items that we don’t want in our kerbside bins more accessible for everyone, including people using public transport or dropping in for other services.

“People will be able to bring in small items such as rechargeable torches, small radios, electric toothbrushes and household batteries, and we will send them off to be processed and recycled.”

For more information on recycling items correctly, please visit our website at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/waste

Safe crossings save lives

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

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

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

“Each year, more than 4.5 million people visit our region, with significant numbers of those

visitors coming on weekends and public holidays,” Cr Higgins said.

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

“It is unacceptable that in 2026 we have some townships, with major StateGovernment managed arterial roads running through them, that do not have any signalised pedestrian crossings.

Council’s list of priority locations for new pedestrian crossings includes:

• Kallista, on Monbulk Road near the roundabout

• Lilydale, along Swansea Road at the Olinda Creek Trail

• Mooroolbark, on Pembroke Road at the Brushy Creek Trail

• Mount Evelyn, on York Road at the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Trail

• Olinda, on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in the township

• Sassafras, on Mountain Highway in the township

“This risk has a very real impact, and a lack of crossings increases the risk of serious incidents, injuries or worse. In Victoria alone, 52 pedestrians lost their lives on the roads in 2025.

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

Members of the community often raise locations in need of safer crossings and Council will continue to collate and assess these locations and highlight to the State Government the highest priorities for investment.

Young voices, mighty ideas

Students from four Upper Yarra primary schools are driving positive change through Change Squad, a new pilot program helping young Yarra Ranges voices turn ideas into action.

After several weeks preparing in the classroom, Grade 5 and 6 students from Warburton Primary School, Millwarra Primary Schools, Wesburn Primary School and Yarra Junction Primary School recently visited Lilydale Civic Centre for a full day of activities with Council.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the Change Squad program combines a series of classroom activities and in-person events at Council, to help students learn more about the role of local government and the democratic process.

“This event brought together a room full of enthusiastic students keen to learn more

about how they can help make positive difference in their community,” Cr Higgins said.

At the event, students heard from Australian of the Year finalist Jack Berne, who spoke about his TED Talk and raising more than $2 million for farmers at just 10 years old, and from four inspirational young Yarra Ranges residents who shared their experiences of driving change in the local community. They also learned about the variety of council roles and rotated through workshops focused on turning ideas into action.

Students have completed the final four class activities to help them develop their ideas further, and returned to Council to ‘pitch’ their ideas.

“It was an honour to meet these young people and see them engage with civic life,” said Cr Higgins.

“These students will put everything they’ve learned into practice by pitching their ideas for the chance to receive some funding to bring them to life.”

“I’d like to thank their leaders and teachers at Warburton, Millwarra, Wesburn and Yarra Junction Primary Schools for working in partnership with Council to bring this opportunity to their students.”

Council developed the new Change Squad program this year and invited four local schools to participate as part of a pilot. When it concludes later in the year, the pilot will be evaluated with the view to expanding it to more schools across the Yarra Ranges in future years.

Burrinja Climate Change Biennale

Sat 22 Aug – Sun 25 Oct

Burrinja, Yarra Ranges Regional Museum

The Memo Healesville

Art. Activism. Adaptation. Hope.

The Burrinja Climate Change Biennale unites artists and communities to confront the climate emergency, transforming the Dandenong Ranges into a site of creative action and hope.

Gondwana VR

Exhibition On Display

15 Jul – 1 Nov 2026

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum

Free entry

Gondwana VR is a living, breathing virtual ecosystem that invites you to a one-of-a-kind, multiplayer durational experience. Gently unfurling over a day, each showing is unrepeatable: a quiet meditation on time, change and loss of an irreplaceable ecosystem.

Selby Community House to reopen

Gondwana VR is presented at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum as part of the 2026 Burrinja Climate Change Biennale.

Gondwana VR , installation view in Wales, 2023, photo by Polly Thomas, © the artists

Council will begin works to repair and revitalise the Selby Community House building this month, with services expected to progressively return to the building from spring.

20 Aug – 13 Dec 2026

Arts Centre Warburton

Free entry

In December 2025, extensive termite damage was uncovered at the community house. Council has since been working to eradicate the termites, assess the extent of the damage and finalise plans and permits to undertake repairs and improvements.

Silent Stories

During this time, Council has been working closely with the team at the Community House to support the logistical challenges of relocating and operating its wide range of services from other locations.

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Free entry, bookings required

Museum After Dark: Creatures of

“We appreciate that it’s been a disruptive time for the house and for residents accessing their services. I’d like to extend a sincere thank you on behalf of Council for everyone’s patience, understanding and flexibility while we worked through this process.

EXHIBITION

the Night

Rishu Kapoor Atelier

Lyster Ward Councillor, Peter Mcilwain, said Council was committed to the future of the Community House.

Silent Stories – Stories in Coffee, Coffee in Stories explores the artist’s cross-cultural journey, using coffee tones as a universal medium to connect people through conversation and community.

“We know how much the Selby Community House means to the community. It’s adored locally and has long been a place where so many have come to learn skills, make connections in their community and receive support,” Cr Mcilwain said.

looking forward to seeing it reopen, better than ever.”

Fri 28 Aug, 6pm–9pm

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum

Stories in Coffee, Coffee in Stories

Rishu Kapoor Atelier, The First Fleet.

$30 Full / $52 Double Pass 18+ only

Selby Community House Manager, Danielle McMinn, said the news had brought relief and hope to the community.

“I’m pleased to share that we’re not only getting underway with these essential repairs to the Selby Community House but taking the opportunity to make other general improvements to the building.

“In addition to repairing the termite damage, we’ll install new flooring and split-system heating and cooling units, address some of the temporary fixes that have been made to the building over the years and, generally, freshen up the building.

“Council has reaffirmed their commitment to the future of Selby Community House. They understand how important this place is to the township and the wider hills community, and they’re just as excited as we are to see it open, better than ever,” she said.

“We expect to have the works completed later this year, with services gradually returning to the building from spring, and everyone back and settled into their new home for the new year.

26 May – 30 Aug 2026

“Yarra Ranges Council is committed to the future of Selby Community House, and I’m

The Memo Healesville Free entry

“While there is still a lot of work though, we are hopeful of having everyone back together again in our beautiful building by the beginning of next year.

All In: Our Community

“For the first time in a long time, this genuinely feels hopeful. We can finally start looking towards the future of Selby Community House with confidence again.”

For more information about Selby Community House’s current classes and offerings, visit www.selbyhouse.org.au

All In: Our Community celebrates community, creativity and shared stories. Created with Yarra Ranges Council and Yaggera artist Jenine Godwin-Thompson, it showcases local children’s voices during Reconciliation Week 2026.

Spike The Echidna

Mon 6 Jul, 10am

Montrose Town Centre

$16 Full/$11 Youth (12yrs under)

Follow a baby echidna on his journey to find out where he belongs. Blending shadow puppetry and slapstick, Spike is an interactive show for the whole family.

Aboriginal Comedy All Stars

Fri 26 Jun, 7:30pm

The Memo Healesville

THEATRE

Sea Wolves Howl

Sat 11 Jul, 7:30pm

Arts Centre Warburton

$33 Full / $29 Conc

$31 4+ Group / $20 Youth

Finding your mojo and your people in VERY cold water!

Two women meet on a beach during Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown, unknowingly sparking a movement. Sea Wolves Howl brings true stories to life through comedic theatre and music.

Warburton Film Festival

Fri 12 Jun – Sun 14 Jun

Arts Centre Warburton Cinema

Season (All 8 films)

$95 Full / $90 Conc

$25 Full / $20 Conc Free Mobtix

Featuring Australia’s premier First Nations comedians Andy Saunders, Elaine Crombie, Janty Blair, Jay Wymarra, Kevin Kropinyeri & Sean Choolburra, the Allstars deliver huge laughs and 5-star-reviewed fun across Australia and the UK.

“Belly aching, cheek-hurting, hilarious” Adelaide Advertiser.

Movies in and

Healesville Warburton

Melbourne Welsh

Male

Choir

Sat 22 Aug, 2pm

Mooroolbark Community Centre

$27.50 Full / $24.50 Conc

This truly splendid choir delivers a world-class concert of musical hits, spiritual melodies and Welsh repertoire in four-part harmony.

“They are nothing short of majestic. Their sound is as smooth as the green valleys of Wales.” Herald Sun

Sat 15 Aug, 7:30pm Arts Centre Warburton

$56.90 Full

$51.90 Group 10+

Open Studios

2026

30 Sep – 1 Nov 2026

The Memo Healesville Free entry

Yarra Valley Open Studios returns this spring with its annual event, held 10–11 and 24–25 October 2026, alongside a month-long exhibition at the Memo.

COMEDY

Akmal returns with outrageous tales of the characters who shaped his life, from fake doctors and dubious priests to eccentric uncles, delivered with his trademark wit.

“Akmal’s comedic prowess shines brightly throughout the show. It will leave you both entertained and enlightened, with a newfound appreciation for the absurdities of life.” ArtsHub

Wed 8 Jul, 7:30pm

The Memo Healesville Tickets from $49.90

Celebrate Broadway’s greatest songs and stories in OFF BROADWAY – a glamorous, high-energy musical theatre event spanning classics to modern hits with a powerhouse cast.

Burrinja Climate Change Biennale

Sat 22 Aug – Sun 25 Oct

Burrinja, Yarra Ranges Regional Museum

The Memo Healesville

Art. Activism. Adaptation. Hope.

The Burrinja Climate Change Biennale unites artists and communities to confront the climate emergency, transforming the Dandenong Ranges into a site of creative action and hope.

Gondwana VR

Exhibition On Display

15 Jul – 1 Nov 2026

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Free entry

Gondwana VR is a living, breathing virtual ecosystem that invites you to a one-of-a-kind, multiplayer durational experience. Gently unfurling over a day, each showing is unrepeatable: a quiet meditation on time, change and loss of an irreplaceable ecosystem.

Gondwana VR is presented at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum as part of the 2026 Burrinja Climate Change Biennale.

Gondwana

20 Aug – 13 Dec 2026

Arts Centre Warburton Free entry

Silent Stories

Rishu Kapoor Atelier

Silent Stories – Stories in Coffee, Coffee in Stories explores the artist’s cross-cultural journey, using coffee tones as a universal medium to connect people through conversation and community.

Floortalk: Gondwana VR

Sat 25 Jul, 11am–12pm

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Free entry, bookings required

Museum After Dark: Creatures of the Night

Fri 28 Aug, 6pm–9pm

EXHIBITION

Stories in Coffee, Coffee in Stories

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum

$30 Full / $52 Double Pass 18+ only

Rishu Kapoor Atelier, The First Fleet.

26 May – 30 Aug 2026

The Memo Healesville Free entry

All In: Our Community

All In: Our Community celebrates community, creativity and shared stories. Created with Yarra Ranges Council and Yaggera artist Jenine Godwin-Thompson, it showcases local children’s voices during Reconciliation Week 2026.

creative yarra ranges

All in for Reconciliation

“We were the first level of government to make a formal apology to the Stolen Generation, and we have a passionate team of experts who have developed strong, respectful and productive relationships with local First Nations groups for more than 20

“This event is a chance for community members to hear more about First Nations

our tracks. We walked away reminded that Reconciliation isn’t a word, it’s something we share, something we feel, and something we have a collective responsibility to achieve.”

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People as Custodians of this land and its waterways. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge ensures the continued protection of Country and culture.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Richard Higgins, said the event was a space for listening, learning,

Attendees heard from Darug man and professional Yidaki/Didgeridoo player Kiernan Ironfield, a panel discussion on treaty and truth telling, a comedy set from Sean Choolburra and a personal reflection from Council CEO Tammi Rose, which was followed by a performance from Baker Boy that had the audience on their feet and singing.

“Every year, we at Council are proud to host

commit to reconciliation. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t something that happens in the

The area we know today as Yarra Ranges has a deep and rich Aboriginal heritage extending beyond 40,000 years ago. This continuous culture is reflected in our community, organisations, festivals, celebrations and art. @CultureTracks @CultureTracksYarraRanges @baysidegaller y

Audience members commented that the day was “an unforgettable experience,” and a day “filled with learning, celebration, culture and connection.”

To find out more about Reconciliation and Council’s work in this space, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/reconciliation

listening and moments that stopped us all in

Councillors’ Corner

Cr Richard Higgins

Chirnside Ward - Mayor

I was proud to support my fellow Councillors in recently endorsing our 2026-27 Council Budget.

Our budget is one of the most significant ways we invest in our community, shaping how we deliver services, maintain assets and plan for the future.

The budget outlines both immediate priorities and long-term planning, including the upkeep of essential infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, drains and trails, alongside improvements to parks, facilities, bushlands and reserves.

Key projects include the renewal of Seville Recreation and Community Pavilion and the redevelopment of the Don Road Pavilion in Healesville.

Thank you to everyone who took time to learn about the budget and share feedback.

Your input helps ensure our decisions reflect community priorities, and this budget positions us to continue delivering for our region now and info the future.

Cr Peter McIlwain

Lyster Ward

Lyster Ward continues to thrive thanks to the incredible contributions of our many community groups and volunteers. From Friends and Township groups to the CFA and dedicated local organisations, there is a strong culture of people stepping up to support one another and strengthen our communities.

It was a pleasure to recently join Foothills Community Care at the opening of their new centre in Upwey, an inspiring example of local support in action. I was also proud to attend the Adaptation Game Day hosted by the Belgrave and Tecoma Township Group. Their work continues to make a real difference, from organising murals and tackling graffiti to exploring local responses to climate change. Initiatives like The Adapation Game help communities think about how we adapt to future challenges and build resilience together.

So many people across Lyster give their time and energy to improve the places we live. I encourage everyone to get involved - being a part of your community not only makes Lyster stronger, it also enriches your own sense of connection and wellbeing.

Cr Mitch Mazzarella

Melba Ward

I have had the privilege and honour of representing Council at our recent Citizenship Ceremonies.

These ceremonies are such a special moment for the attendees, as it represents the end of the long journey that brought them to Australian citizenship. Seeing the excitement and joy in those moments is one of the great privileges of being elected to represent my community.

I’ve also recently represented Council as Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC). It’s well-known by locals that public transport in the Yarra Ranges isn’t up to scratch. The ETC is a group of representatives from Councils in the east, who meet to discuss public transport issues and combine our voices to advocate for positive change.

Our Advocacy Platform, released earlier this year, outlines our asks of the State Government ahead of this year’s election. We want to see additional pedestrian crossings and improvements to bus and train scheduling along with infrastructure upgrades to make more frequent train services possible.

Find out more about our work here at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/advocacy or the ETC at www.etc.org.au

Cr Gareth Ward

Chandler Ward - Deputy Mayor

Our region is a remarkable agricultural hub, with much of the food Victorians eat grown right here in the Yarra Ranges. Chandler Ward plays a key role and is home to a thriving agricultural centre supporting fruit, vegetable and flower growers, among many others.

The Yarra Valley produces more than 70% of Victoria’s gross value of brussels sprout by value and over 65% of its strawberries. We’re also a major producer of berries, apples, pears, cherries and wine grapes, with more than 35% of land in the valley zoned rural.

I’m proud to serve as Chair of the Rural Advisory Committee and as a delegate for Agribusiness Yarra Valley. This group supports local producers by sharing information and coordinating responses to key challenges, including collaboration between Agribusiness Yarra Valley and Council to help manage Queensland Fruit Fly.

Living in such a productive food bowl, I encourage residents to support local where they can. Look for Yarra Valley-grown produce when shopping or better yet, visit a local farm or producer and buy direct.

Fiona McAllister Ryrie Ward

We’re fortunate to have such a connected community in the Ryrie Ward, with many people playing an active role in their towns and across the region. A great example is the Yarra Glen Township Group, formed following last year’s Place Plan engagement.

This group will be an important voice for Yarra Glen—working with Council to advocate for local priorities, tackle challenges, and help bring the Place Plan to life. While the plan provides clear direction, our work continues alongside the community to turn these ideas into reality.

Our focus is also turning to Healesville, where the next phase of the Township Design Framework is underway. We look forward to working closely with community to map a shared vision and refine priorities for the next decade. We’ll soon share ways for you to get involved, and I encourage everyone to have their say.

It’s also wonderful to see progress on the new footpath along Don Road, between Chalet and Badger Creek Roads. Projects like this make a quiet but real difference, helping people move around safely while enjoying our beautiful environment.

Cr Tim Heenan

Billanook Ward

It’s great to see strong progress across several longawaited projects in our community.

We’re nearing completion of the all-abilities upgrade to the Mt Evelyn Community House and Reading Room, a project I’ve been closely involved with for many years. This upgrade will make a real difference, ensuring the space is accessible to everyone, including TastyAz participants and older residents who can now access the facility without stairs. We’re also close to finishing the walking track from Tramway Road up to the Mt Evelyn township. This vital link between Montrose and Mt Evelyn has been a long time coming and will, for the first time, provide a safe, well-constructed pathway up the hill.

Improving drainage alongside key paths also remains a priority in Billanook Ward, helping ensure our footpaths and tracks are reliable, safe and accessible year-round.

Looking ahead, exciting plans for Lillydale Lake, including disability, sailing, upgraded athletics facilities and improved amenities, will further enhance recreation opportunities for all at this fantastic community space loved and enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Cr Jeff Marriott

Streeton Ward

In late April, my fellow Councillors and I adopted the Upwey Town Centre Master Plan following extensive community engagement.

The plan outlines a clear vision to revitalise key public spaces along the main street, strengthen connections to Burwood Highway and Morris Road, and address issues raised by residents.

Importantly, it reflects priorities heard directly from the community, including flooding and stormwater management, parking challenges, trip hazards, and opportunities to improve crossings, the skate park and local playspaces.

While many projects are not yet funded, the Master Plan provides a strong foundation for advocacy to other levels of government and will help guide Council’s future budget decisions.

In the short term, we will prioritise stormwater management and road safety works to address the most pressing concerns.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and feedback. You can read the full Master Plan at shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

Cr Jim Child OAM

O’Shannassy Ward

As a board member of Your Library Limited, I encourage residents to visit our local libraries this winter. We’re fortunate to have high-quality, welcoming spaces that offer not only resources, but opportunities to connect with others and enjoy a wide range of events and activities.

Also at this time of year, I enjoy driving along the Warburton Highway on weekends and seeing football ovals and netball courts full of activity. From Woori Yallock to Warburton and beyond, clubs rely on dedicated local volunteers. It’s a great reminder of what makes our community strong, and I thank all of our volunteers for your efforts.

Council has recently concluded the 12-month Warburton Paid Parking Pilot. As we review the data and consider next steps over the coming months, paid parking arrangements - including existing permits - have been extended until 30 September. If you hold a permit, no action is required, and we will keep the community updated on the outcome of the review.

Cr Len Cox OAM

Walling Ward

Recently, our local community came together for a tree planting at Cambridge Road. Expanding our tree canopy is important for providing habitat for local wildlife and enhancing our natural environment for future generations. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Beyond Walling Ward, I’ve been proud to serve as Council’s representative on the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) for many years.

The DAC meets regularly to discuss local issues and ensure access and inclusion are central to Council decisions. Their advice helps guide programs, projects and services, drawing on lived experience to support a more active and inclusive community.

It’s a privilege to work with such passionate members. Across Yarra Ranges, from the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail to local water fountains, many improvements reflect DAC input.

To learn more about the DAC and our advisory committees, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ committees.

New wetland works to protect platypus habitat and community

A new wetland area in Belgrave will be created to help prevent stormwater erosion, habitat destruction and localised flooding, thanks to a partnership between Council, the State Government, Melbourne Water and University of Melbourne.

In May, Member for Eastern Melbourne and Minister for Water, Harriet Shing, announced grant funding to establish a new wetland at Birdsland Reserve.

A new wetland system on council land will divert water from the Hazelvale Creek to slow the flow and capture sediment and pollutants. The wetland will be upgraded with real-time communication technology, allowing for cleaner water to be released slowly back into the Monbulk Creek.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the works will address an ongoing issue with stormwater from the Hazelvale Creek impacting Monbulk Creek at Birdsland reserve.

“When the Hazelvale Creek drains into Monbulk Creek, it enters very quickly and in high volumes, which causes erosion,

deteriorates the water quality, increases flood risk to nearby homes and, crucially, causes biodiversity loss by damaging or destroying habitat – including platypus habitat” Cr Higgins said.

“The Monbulk Creek is one of our significant platypus habitat locations, and this project will help manage the water flow into the creek.

The Birdsland project is an extension of the Tanks for Platypus project, set up in 2021, where Council established rainwater tanks on private land with similar technology, to catch and release rainfall to manage the health of Monbulk Creek.

“When a storm is forecasted, the smart technology installed will be able to release water into nearby creeks. When the storm hits, the wetlands and tanks will have greater capacity for storing rainwater, which will help prevent flooding, manage creek flows and protect local platypus.”

“This technology has already been fitted onto Melbourne Water existing wetlands at Birdsland, and the new wetland will

complement the work of the last five years.

“With an additional storage capacity equal to about 200 household water tanks, this will have an exceptional, generational impact on our local waterways.

“Our sincere thanks to the State Government for their support in making this project a reality.”

This Hazelvale Creek wetland project is funded through a grant from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Integrated Water Management program, with contributions and support from Council, Melbourne Water and the University of Melbourne.

These partners are key to the Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network (Tanks for Platypus) success along with South East Water and funding from the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

For more information about Tanks for Platypus, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ tanksforplatypus

ngurrak barring

The arts and culture trail, ngurrak barring (meaning ‘mountain paths’ in Woiwurrung), launched in April with the event honouring the project’s strong partnership with Traditional Owners with a Call to Country by Wurundjeri woiwurrung woman, Chenile Chandler, and a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO. Formalities were followed with a performance by the Djirri Djirri dancers and artist talks.

The following Open Day featured a program of events and workshops including a History and Heritage Talk, with Dr Bronwyn Hanna, Artists Talks with Tiriki Onus and Anton McMurray, Designer Talks with Djinjama and COLA Studios, a design talk with students from Kallista Primary School, and guided bushwalks.

Anchored by eleven permanent artworks commissioned specifically for the project, five Architectural Nodes, and a rich network of interpretive storytelling, the trail invokes the cultural heartbeat of the Dandenong Ranges and establishes a unique destination for arts and culture-led experiences.

Enjoy the misty mountain magic of the Dandenong Ranges in Winter with a walk along the ngurrak barring trails. There are multiple entry and exit points so you can create an itinerary to suit your time frame, fitness levels and interests. Be sure to follow the trails into some of the vibrant villages of the Hills and visit the contemporary artists, creatives and galleries that continue to be inspired by the region.

www.ngurrakbarring.com.au

Warburton Bike Park

Warburton Bike Park has taken its place as one of the premier mountain bike parks in Australia with the official opening marked with a visit from Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP, and Victorian Senator Lisa Darmanin.

Stage 1 of the project is now open to riders with over 70kms of new trails and bridges, surpassing the halfway point of the fully funded 125km Southern Network, which is on track to be complete by 2027.

The trails are designed and constructed to be ridden all year. Significant weather events – like unseasonal snowfall – may close the trails for a day or two. However in these rare situations the dedicated trail crew work hard to get the trails back up and open as soon as possible. Winter is the off-peak season making it the perfect time to explore the new trails.

Shuttles are running every weekend. You can book your spot on the website www.warburtonbikepark.com.au

Rail Trails

Shake off the winter blues, rug up and enjoy the fresh and frosty air with a walk, run or ride along one of the over 200kms of trails in the Yarra Ranges.

A perennial trail favourite - the Lilydale to Warburton Rail trail covers 40kms of beautiful countryside, farmland, forests and mountain scenery.

You can even stop in at the original 1882 railway station - now known as the Upper Yarra Museum.

The Rail Trail’s gentle gradients make it ideal for all levels of fitness including families. The well-maintained trail crosses many restored bridges while meandering past the former station platforms.

Passing through 10 former stations, why not spend the winter weekends checking off a visit to each of the unique townships connected to the trails?

Explore the town-by-town itineraries here: www. rideyarraranges.com.au/yarra-valley-trail/rail-trailitineraries

Councils across Victoria unite to find a better way to recycle glass

Thirty-four Councils across Victoria have united to launch let’s be clear on glass – a campaign calling on the State Government to delay the rollout of a costly fourth bin for glass recycling and instead expand Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said councils support glass recycling but believe expanding the Container Deposit Scheme is a smarter, proven alternative to introducing a new, fourth bin for residents.

“The Container Deposit Scheme is already working well, it’s familiar to residents and it delivers strong recycling outcomes without adding complexity,” Cr Higgins said.

“Yarra Ranges, and the 34 other partnering Councils, believe it makes far more sense to build on a solution that’s already in place and widely used, rather than replace it with an expensive new system.

“We’d much rather see an expanded Container Deposit Scheme than watch a successful program be undermined by the introduction of a fourth bin residents don’t need.”

Instead of rolling out a glass-only kerbside service, councils are calling for the Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles, an approach already adopted in Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.

“Rather than forging ahead with an unnecessary new bin, we’re urging the State Government to work with councils on a smarter, more cost-effective solution that is already proven to work,” Cr Higgins said.

Independent economic modelling conducted in 2025 found that introducing a glass-only kerbside service would cost a typical council about $4 million to set up, with households then paying an average of $27 more per year to cover ongoing collection and processing.

Councils say these additional costs would come at the worst possible time, as households face cost-of-living pressures and councils manage rising operational expenses.

“In a cost of living crisis, we can’t justify an expensive bin rollout that will increase

annual waste charges for every household, when the Container Deposit Scheme is already running well,” Cr Higgins said.

A recent survey, run by the partnered Councils, received more than 25,000 responses, with more than 2000 responses from Yarra Ranges community members.

Of the Yarra Ranges community members surveyed, 81 per cent were against a fourth kerbside bin, and 83 per cent wanted the Container Deposit Scheme expanded.

Councils are continuing to urge the State Government to listen to communities, pause the mandatory implementation date for a fourth glass bin, and work with local governments on a more cost-effective solution that improves recycling without increasing costs for households.

Yarra Ranges Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri and other Kulin Nation peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of these lands and waterways. We pay our respects to all Elders, past, present, and emerging, who have been, and always will be, integral to the story of our region. We proudly share custodianship to care for Country together.

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