the Lilydale Croquet Club Division 1 level play team played host to the Mornington club
This week’s team was Craig McCracken and Murray Howlett
Craig and Murray started well and were taking their opportunities to run the hoops and controlled the pace of the game to go on and have a comfortable 7 hoops to Mornington 2 hoops
Murray Howlett played in the first singles game
Mornington started well and had the first three hoops on the board before Lilydale got off the mark
Murray slowly worked his way into the game and eventually took the lead and went on to win 7 hoops to Mornington 5 hoops
Craig got off to a good start and was able to put his opponent under pressure which caused his opponent to make some crucial errors
Craig went onto win 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops
the scores were Lilydale 3 games 21 hoops to Mornington 2 games 10 hoops
With two games to play Lilydale had already won the day
Murray Howlett played in the next singles game
Murray got off to a good start and controlled the game with some steady well thought out plays and went on to have a comfortable 7 hoops to Mornington 3 hoops win
This game was possibly Craig’s best for the season so far
clearing balls or jumping balls all came off and he had a dominant 7 hoops to 0 win
The final scores were Lilydale 5 games 35 hoops to Mornington 0 games 13 hoops
Lilydale are in fourth position two wins behind the ladder leader in Kew
so it is going to be a close finish to the season
The Lilydale division 2 level play team of Alan Jones
Kerri McCracken and Mick Crawley travelled to Kew Croquet club
Kerri McCracken and Mick Crawley played in the doubles
This was a very close game with both teams going hoop for hoop and after the twelfth hoop had
been played the scores were 6 hoops each with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner
Both teams set up reasonably well but it was the Kew team that was able to run the hoop and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops
Alan Jones played in the first singles game
Both teams started ok but then Alan missed a couple of hoops that he would normally have run which let in his opponent and Kew went onto win 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops
Mick Crawley played in the next singles game
Mick got off to a good start but the Kew player started to peg him back a bit
then Mick steadied and took the win 7 hoops to Kew 4 hoops
the scores were Kew 2 games 18 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 16 hoops
both teams still had a chance of winning the day
Kerri McCracken played in the first game after lunch
Kerri got off to a flying start and really did not let her opponent settle into the game at all and in the end had a comfortable 7 hoops to Kew 2 hoops win
This win to Lilydale put both teams on 3 wins each with Lilydale holding a 3 hoop advantage
so it was all down to the last game to decide the winner on the day
As you would expect for a deciding game things were tight
with both players not giving an inch and after twelve hoops had been played the score was six hoops a piece
with the thirteenth hoop to be played to decide the winner
like all the rest was a close affair but in the end it was the Kew player who came out on top
The final scores for the game were Kew 3 games 27 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 29 hoops
Lilydale sit on top of the ladder from Kew
but Lilydale hold the lead by 7 games and 33 hoops
Thursday saw the start of the Round Robin between the four top teams and the club that finishes on top after the round robin will be the season’s winner
Lilydale was playing at home this week against the team from Sandringham
The last time these two teams played one another,r it was a marathon match that did not finish until 5pm
hopefully this will not be a repeat of that day
This week’s team for Lilydale was Murray Howlett
Mick Crawley played in the first singles game
both players were on the same handicap so neither player had an advantage
Mick started strongly and had the first three hoops on the board before his opponent was able to run his first hoop
Mick continued to control the game and went on to win 7 hoops to Sandringham 2 hoops
Lilydale were starting with a one-hoop disadvantage while Sandringham had a one-hoop advantage
Lilydale had made up their disadvantage at the first hoop
then it was just a matter of clearing their opponents away from the hoops so that Lilydale could set up and run the hoops
Drew was starting with a one-hoop disadvantage
The game was close all the way with both players playing some good and not-so-good croquet
it was the Sandringham player who came out on top 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops
Mick Crawley and Kerri McCracken played in the next doubles game
Mick and Kerri quite often team up well in their doubles and this game was no exception as they controlled the game to go on and have a comfortable 7 hoops to Sandringham 2 hoops win
the scores were Lilydale 3 games 27 hoops to Sandringham 1 game 15 hoops
Sandringham have their work cut out for them if they want to win with just two games to play
Kerri McCracken played in the last singles game
Kerri was starting with a one-hoop disadvantage
Kerri unfortunately missed a couple of hoops she would normally have run and this was all it took for the Sandringham player to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops
Howlett and McLean that teamed up for the last doubles game
Lilydale were starting with a 2 hoop disadvantage
Sandringham were 5 hoops and Lilydale still had 1 hoop in disadvantage
then a complete transformation in the game happened and Lilydale then just controlled the play and scored the next 8 hoops to go on and win 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops
The final scores for the day were Lilydale 4 games 39 hoops to Sandringham 2 games 27 hoops
This win puts Lilydale on top of the ladder by one game with two games to play
There is no games next week due to the Australian Open competition at Victorian Croquet Centre at Cairnlea
Saturday 3 May was a great day for anyone wearing red shirts as the Lilydale Eagles picked up two comprehensive wins away at Croydon Ranges
the Eagles’ Reserves quickly got to work dismantling their opponents
pressing effectively and particularly finding joy down the left-hand side through Trent Scott-Elsley
They would have to wait a little while for a breakthrough
but eventually it came in the form of centre back James ‘Becks’ Laine
bundling the ball home following a corner and seemingly having put his goalscoring yips behind him
The Eagles were largely on top in proceedings
only giving away a few half-chances to Croydon’s tricky left-winger while getting shots on goal in dangerous areas themselves
It was another unlikely goalscorer who would double Lilydale’s lead in the 43rd minute as underlapping left back Theo Georgiou marauded forward and getting off not one shot
before getting the ball into the back of the net despite some desperate defending from Croydon at his fourth attempt
It was the first goal for the newly-bald barber in some time and might mean he has to keep the chrome dome for good luck
however and could sniff the chance for another goal on the stroke of halftime as Scott-Elsley was played completely through down the left-hand side with the keeper left in front of him and a wide-open Lucas Cordedda to his right
Unselfishly playing the pass across goal to his cheesemonger colleague
Cordedda had the goal at his mercy and proceeded to put it wide of the right post
much to the disbelief of everyone on the pitch
Croydon Ranges managed to muster their first meaningful shot on the stroke of halftime
but it was smothered by keeper Callum Ludwig and it remained 0-2
however and this one he really couldn’t miss
tapping home from the shortest range in the 53rd minute to put Lilydale 0-3 to the good
Perhaps a bit of complacency set him from here
as Lilydale continued to create chances at their attacking end but also allowed their opponents some opportunities on the break
Croydon’s left winger Christian Yusti broke away down his wing and fired off a shot that had to be quickly palmed over by Ludwig
Croydon Ranges mustered up some more chances
with Lilydale forced into some big blocks and Ludwig needing to make a couple of saves and claims
The Eagles would pick up the last remaining goal of the game
courtesy of Byron Loveless’ trusty left boot to make it 0-4 in the 82nd minute and other than a last-minute trivela attempt from a Croydon Ranges midfielder with the last kick of the game
looking to pick up their first win of the season
Looking to keep the ball on the deck and build from the back
the Eagles immediately looked more comfortable and assured than in previous weeks
with some nice interplay and good looks on goal
was played completely through one-on-one but almost had too much time
it wouldn’t be long before J Blair would have his redemption
wiped out in the box while chasing a ball across the box that was seemingly going nowhere
J Blair tucked it away to the left and the Eagles had a lead for the first time this season
The Eagles were well in control throughout the half but hadn’t managed to turn their dominance into more goals
though they did snuff out all of Croydon Ranges’ attacks
There was a sense of deja vu when in the 44th minute
Lilydale winger Christian ‘Flik’ Lindner-Mark was fouled in the box going after a ball that didn’t look to be an immediate threat to the Croydon goal and winning another penalty
which he dispatched this time to the keeper’s right to give the Eagles a 0-2 halftime lead
Going out into the second half intent on scoring from open play this time
Lilydale managed just that with a nice move eventually falling to the feet of Ethan Emmett who made it 0-3 early in the half
Nothing seemed likely to threaten the Eagles’ control of the game until the 51st minute
when a dubious penalty was awarded to Croydon Ranges
which was tucked into the bottom right corner to make it 1-3 and to add insult to the injury
Lilydale fullback Braden Zammit was given a yellow card for the crime of asking a question about the decision
This seemed to rattle the Eagles for a moment
as shortly after Croydon Ranges broke through with a long ball over the top
with the attacker putting it through the legs of keeper Ludwig before the Lilydale defenders could get back and clear
even celebrating the clearance a little prematurely while the ball was still in play
eventually restoring their lead with a towering header from J Blair from a corner because scoring goals from open play is overrated anyway
Things quietened down for a few minutes but Croydon Ranges looked to find joy through long passes in behind the Lilydale defence and eventually got their second
with a deflected effort bouncing off Lilydale defender Lachy Hamling falling to the feet of John Hnialum who finished and was awared the goal despite the Eagles’ protests for offside
Lilydale upped the ante and aimed to finish the game strongly
with midfielder Gilbert Harries eventually adding a fifth goal in the 88th minute to restore the comfortable cushion which the Eagles held until full time
A 2-5 win away from home for their first of the season
and an ‘unofficial clean sheet’ according to Hamling
Both Lilydale sides will play Monbulk at home on Saturday 10 May
Aaron Violi retained the seat of Casey against Labor’s Naomi Oakley amid a Liberal fallout this election
He said he was honoured that the community has re-endorsed him for the next three years
“I’m very pleased locally that it looks like I’ve been able to increase my margin
it’s something I’ll never take for granted,” Mr Violi said
The ABC’s initial election results forecasted Mr Violi to hold the electorate
but a midnight scare saw Ms Oakley briefly in front of the Liberal incumbent by a fine margin
But Mr Violi said he was confident he’d pull through in the end
If it had been flipped and the Lilydale pre-poll had been added before Boronia
But I know my booth in areas well enough to understand what was happening
“So I was confident once the Lilydale pre-poll was added to the count
it would show the true reflection of the result.”
When asked about what went wrong nationally for the Liberal party
Mr Violi said it was too soon for him to tell
I’m not going to be making an analysis of what went right and what went wrong publicly.”
“There’s lots of lessons that we need to learn and diligently work through
so I want to understand that unique dynamic locally.”
he said it was obvious the Liberal party needed to change to ensure it can face Labor in three years
“Clearly we need to change when you get a result like this
as a party to make sure we can be a strong opposition and a strong government again.”
Mr Violi said there was a number of reasons why he maintained the seat of Casey and that he’d focus on continuing to be a strong voice for the community for the next term of government
“The constant feedback I got from community members was that they appreciated that I was a genuine third generation local who’s engaged with the community.”
“I will continue to be out there and be a strong
and I passionately believe that we need a strong opposition and a strong Liberal government into the future.”
He also thanked the other candidates who ran for the seat of Casey and the members of the community who didn’t vote for him
“I wanna acknowledge all the other candidates and also acknowledge that while I was lucky enough to get the majority support of the community
there was many that didn’t support me and that’s okay.”
“My role three years ago when I was elected was to represent every community member in Casey
not just those that supported me and I’ll continue to do that.”
to look after his large Victorian house (and himself)
wearing sneakers and carrying her belongings in a grocery cart
but she seems eager to please that he relents – after which their relationship progresses rapidly from initial reserve to active hatred
but when he advances on Anne with strangulation in mud
has entered its incredible 40th record breaking year
Cameron Macintosh has put together the most spectacular Arena production of a musical ever staged which has played to rave reviews and sold-out Arenas in the UK and major European cities before it arrives in Australia
The ensembles of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council are performing at Burrinja
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear the local musicians and to consider joining the CRMC groups
the performance will showcase The Dandenong Ranges Big Band
the Happy Wanderers singers and the Col our Notes Choir
You may have but mistaken it for something else these ornate birds are expert copycats
mimicking all sorts from kookaburras to camera shutters
one trickster lyrebird goes a step too far and gets into trouble with their friends in the flock
The other birds banish the lyrebird and curse them: never again will the lyrebird be able to use their own voice
the lyrebird meets a quirky assortment of Australian animals
With performances in the outer suburban ring of Melbourne
An hilarious musical about the importance of believing yourself and realising your dreams and … a dancing kangaroo
Joséphine is a kangaroo who loves to dance
they hop – but Josephine continues to point her toes and leap through the air
When a ballet troupe comes to the sleepy town of Shaggy Gully
Josephine desperately wants to dance like the ballerinas n pink tutus silk ballet shoes
The prima ballerina twists her ankle and the understudy has a splinter in her toe
Josephine’s talents are called upon to help save the day
The seat of Casey remained on a knife’s edge until late in the night and a late shift has seen the seat still in doubt
The ABC had declared the seat had been retained by incumbent MP Aaron Violi but a 12am update reversed this call in an electorate not even considered a ‘Key Seat’ prior to election day
where 60 of 65 polling places in Casey and 99.99 per cent of have had a two-candidate-preferred vote count undertaken
Labor’s Naomi Oakley currently has her nose ahead 50.19 per cent to Violi’s 49.81 per cent
It’s a remarkable shift with Violi previously leading the TCP count 50.98 per cent to Labor candidate Naomi Oakley’s 49.02 per cent at 11.30pm on Saturday 3 May
The ABC had called the seat for Violi with 50 per cent of the vote counted
when he held 50.6 per cent to Oakley’s 49.4 per cent
expecting him to increase his margin to 1.6 per cent
now Oakley is ahead of Violi by a mere 262 votes (50.2 per cent of the vote) with 57.2
The Greens Merran Blair had 12.2 per cent of the first preference vote and independent Claire Ferres-Miles is not far behind with 12.1 per cent
They are followed by One Nation’s Ambere Livori (5.1 per cent)
Trumper of Patriots Phillip Courtis (3.3 per cent)
Family First’s Dan Nebauer (3.1 per cent) and the Animal Justice Party’s Chloe Bond (2.2 per cent)
What’s one thing you would like Casey residents to know about you as a person or as a leader
I am a highly empathetic and compassionate leader
and she doesn’t tolerate any rubbish”
Can you tell us about your life outside of work
I am also a mushroom forager and love to spend autumn looking for edible mushrooms
and posting non-edible ones on iNaturalist
When I have more time on my hands I love to craft
I also love to dance and am currently looking for a swing dancing class
I also love to read and a favourite book that I have read recently was The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate
Cost of living – everyone is struggling with the cost of housing
Casey is in a childcare desert and many families are struggling to find and afford appropriate childcare to help them get back to the workforce
Accessing affordable medical care is also an issue
Climate change – we are the third most likely electorate in Victoria to suffer a climate emergency
This has resulted in increased house insurance premiums; mine have gone up 300 per cent in the past five years
I believe climate change is also contributing to mental health concerns
as we are anxious all the time about when the next event will occur
Storms and bushfires continue to devastate our region
and things are only going to get worse unless the government takes strong action
Environmental protections – many of us live in Casey because we love the natural environment
There are many well organised and active community groups doing great work in this space
the current government has succumbed to corporate pressure and we now have worse environmental protection laws than we did under a coalition government
There are no jobs on a dead planet and our leaders need to do much better to protect our environment
What are some of your key policies both locally and nationally that you would like to highlight
The time to transition from coal and gas is now
By transitioning to renewable energy sources we can lower our global greenhouse gas emissions
lower the cost of electricity and provide better energy resilience for the residents of Casey who too often lose power due to climate related storms and weather events
I have a great policy that includes up to $10,000 subsidies for homes to transition to solar and battery storage so we can all be less reliant on gas and coal
Currently one in three corporations in Australia pay no tax
while you and I are diligently paying our income tax
There are 150 billionaires in Australia and over the past five years
We are not very good at taxing wealth in this country and we need to do better
By reforming tax and making sure billionaires and corporations pay their fair share
we would have enough money to fund the things we need
like mental health and dental into Medicare
I think all politicians should be forced to use the public health system and to send their kids to public schools…I wonder if we would see better funding models then
To combat the housing crisis I want to see the establishment of a publicly owned housing developer that builds quality homes and sells them to first home buyers at 5% above cost
We have relied on the private sector for too long and now we have land banking
developers delaying building until it is most profitable and a housing crisis
Housing is a human right and it is time the government took back some of the control to make sure everyone can afford to have a roof over their heads
What’s your number one policy to reduce cost of living pressures
I have a full suite of policies to tackle the cost of living
Home Keeper – last year the big four banks posted $44 billion in profits at a profit margin of more than 25 per cent
They make around $200,000 on the life of a mortgage
I want to see better regulation of banks and have them offer a Home Keeper product to all owner occupiers where the bank can only charge one per cent above the cash rate (they currently charge around two per cent)
This would save the average mortgage holder around $340 per month
which would go a long way towards providing cost of living relief for all mortgage holders
Why should people give you their vote on 3 May
What’s your final elevator pitch if someone is undecided
The two major parties continue to disappoint and I have spoken to so many voters in Casey who are disillusioned and fed up with the current state of politics
We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result
The two majors receive large donations from supermarkets
online gambling companies…the list goes on
How can we trust them to make decisions that benefit us
when they are so reliant on them for funding
Greens do not accept donations from these types of corporations
and all donations over $1000 must go through an ethics review committee
I have a full range of costed policies on my website and I am committed to upholding the values of the Greens
so you can rely on me to vote in a very predictable way for all decisions that need to be made
I will not be making any snap decisions or going rogue in respect to parliamentary legislation
A vote for me is a vote for putting people before corporate profits
I believe we can change the political landscape so that we all get a better deal and can live our best lives
and I am ready to stand up and fight for the people of Casey
Though it was a Labor landslide across the rest of Victoria
Naomi Oakley fell short of clinching the Casey seat from Liberal incumbent Aaron Violi
A late shift in the polls briefly put the Labor candidate ahead of Mr Violi by a slim margin
but as the count continued it became apparent Mr Violi escaped the damage dealt by Labor on a national level
Ms Oakley said she was disappointed by the result but would continue her work with the community for the next election in 2028
“It’s disappointing but now it’s time to reset
Labor values are still really important to me and I’ll continue to advocate with community groups and ensure that the promises that the sitting member has said will be put in place.” 
Her priorities would include organising forums on community safety and family violence
aging residents and increasing awareness surrounding police veterans mental health
“All these things that are really important
I think people still want people to advocate for those things.”
So I’ll just continue to sort of work with the groups.”
Ms Oakley ran for the seat of Menzies in the 2022 election and despite losing to Liberal member Keith Wolahan
she managed to close the voting margin by seven per cent
She said she had “chipped away” at the Casey electorate for this election and hoped to capitalise on that next election
“I know there’s some gaps that we could fill and really it’s about continuing to advocate for community groups and I’m letting them know that we’re still here,” she said
Greens candidate for Casey Merran Blair said this year’s campaign was the strongest ever for the Greens
“I am so proud of what our team achieved this election.” 
“We brought together a great team of passionate and dedicated volunteers
the Greens primary vote was up and this is something we are really proud of
We are a resilient bunch and we will keep working because we believe politics should be about genuinely helping people and having ambition for a better future,” Ms Blair said
Ms Oakley said she’d also focus on recognising police veterans
I went to school at Yarra Glen Primary School
had my first jobs in local Yarra Valley businesses and am raising my children in Lilydale with my wife
Casey is more than an electorate – it is my home
and that is what drives me to work for our community each and every day
Whether it is spending time with my family
going for a run or visiting our local attractions and businesses
Cost of living is the biggest issue impacting families and businesses across the board
In some areas telecommunications are a huge challenge
in others it is access to healthcare and the need for better local roads
I work everyday to improve each of these things for locals
what matters to locals depends on where they live and their individual circumstances
I’ve announced that an elected Liberal Government will deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Healesville to increase local access to healthcare
We don’t have a single emergency department within our electoral boundaries
Locals deserve access to healthcare that is close to home and doesn’t break the bank
and I am proud that an elected Liberal Government will deliver this in Healesville
I’ve also announced that an elected Liberal Government will reinstate the program to seal Yarra Ranges dirt roads
Labor’s decision to rip this funding from our community was devastating
and it’s time these roads were sealed to end the days of dust
Another issue that has been raised with me since I was a candidate is the need for back up on our telecommunications network
I’m proud that an elected Liberal Government will provide $3 million to strengthen telecommunications resilience with increased battery back-up and generators in our community
we will increase the number of Medicare funded mental health session from 10 to 20
provide small businesses with $12,000 to support apprentices and trainees in their first two years and get our economy back on track
The Liberals have long term and short term plans to reduce cost of living pressures
Our commitment to halving the fuel excise will see local residents save 25c on every litre of fuel
That’s a saving of almost $1,500 in a year for a family with two cars
We will provide up to $1,200 in tax relief to Australians earning under $144,000
which will directly benefit 67,800 locals here in Casey
we will introduce the toughest divestiture laws to ensure all Australians get a fair deal at the supermarket checkout
alongside a suite of tax relief measures to support small and family businesses
I’ve spent the past three years working and delivering for our community
I have a strong local plan to deliver quality healthcare
stronger telecommunications and improved local facilities
alongside our national plans to lower inflation
You can read more at liberal.org.au/our-plan and on my website at AaronVioli.com.au
What is the major issue you are concerned about which influenced your vote for this federal election
early voting will be running at a number of locations from Tuesday 22 April right up to the day before the election
Hundreds of early voting centres across the state will be open progressively across the country from Tuesday 22 April 2025 and will run up to and including Friday 2 May
Please remember to check the opening dates as not all early voting centres are open for the entire two-week early voting period
Most will operate from 8.30am to 5.30pm weekdays
with a 9am start on Saturday 26 April and a late finish at 6pm on Friday 2 May
All early voting centres will be closed on Easter Monday
Boronia – The Orchard Church of Christ
Rowville – 1st Rowville Scout Group Hall
Croydon – Old Croydon Community School
Lilydale – St Patrick’s Parish Community Centre
Chirnside Park – Chirnside Park Community Hub
you can vote early either in person or by post if on polling day you:
are outside the electorate where you are enrolled to vote
are unable to leave your workplace to vote
infirm or due to give birth shortly (or caring for someone who is)
are a person with disability (or caring for someone who is)
are a patient in hospital and can’t vote at the hospital
have religious beliefs that prevent you from attending a polling place
are in prison serving a sentence of less than three years or otherwise detained
have a reasonable fear for your safety or wellbeing
For more information on early voting head to the AEC website: https://aec.gov.au/
With Anzac Day falling on the Friday after Easter
here’s where to attend your local services across the Outer East
Dandenong Ranges RSL will hold a 6.30am Dawn Service at the memorial on the corner of Sherbrooke Road and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road
which will be followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at the Ferny Creek Scouts Hall
there will also be a Commemorative March and Service at the Sassafras Village Green on the corner of Mountain Highway and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road
including refreshments at the Sub Branch at 1773 Mountain Highway
Upwey/Belgrave RSL will hold a 6am Dawn Service at the RSL at 1 Mast Gully Road
which will be followed by a gunfire breakfast
There will then be a Services March from 9.45am through the main street of Upwey
starting from the IGA before the main morning service at the sub-branch at 10am
traditional games of ‘two-up’ and screening of the Collingwood vs Essendon Anzac Day match will follow
Ferntree Gully will be held at 5.45am with attendees welcome to bring a torch and chair if needed
the usual Commerative March held the Sunday before Anzac Day has been cancelled this year due to Easter
Emerald RSL Sub-Branch’s Dawn Service at Anzac Place
A march will also be held from 10am at The Cenotaph in the town centre with a 10.30am service to follow
Kalorama will hold a 9am Commemorative Service at the Peace Memorial
located at Ellis Jeeves Reserve on Mt Dandenong Tourist Road in Kalorama
Monbulk RSL will host 5.45am Dawn Service at the sub-branch at 48 Main Road
Monbulk as well as a 9.45am Commemorative March starting from St George’s Church
Monbulk and ending back at the RSL for a 10.00am Commemorative Service
Wandin’s Commemorative Service hosted by the Rotary Club of Wandin will be held again at 8.30am at the Wandin Cenotaph on the corner of Hunter Road and Beenak Road
The restored Seville War Memorial will host its 5.45am Dawn Service with a free community breakfast provided
Yarra Junction’s Dawn Service hosted by the Upper Yarra RSL will start at 6am sharp at the Yarra Junction Cenotaph near the Yarra Centre with attendees asked to arrive and be settled in by 5.45am to reduce interruption to the service
attendees are asked find a spot on Main Street from 10am before it steps off from the Commonwelath bank at 10.30am
where the march will proceed to the Cenotaph for the Morning Service at around 10.45am
Millgrove’s Dawn Service will be held at Millgrove Memorial Park from 6am with car parking available at Millwarra Primary School and a gunfire breakfast at the Wesburn/Millgrove CFA
Warburton will have a Commemorative Parade
at 10.40am followed by a Commemorative Service at the Cenotaph on Warburton Highway
There will be a 5.45am Dawn Service at Healesville RSL on Maroondah Highway followed by Gunfire Breakfast
There will also be a 10.00am Commemorative March
which will assemble at 9.30am at the corner of Maroondah Highway and Church Street
and then a 10.30am Morning Service at the Healesville Memorial Hall
Yarra Glen will have a Commemorative March
assembling outside the Yarra Glen Police Station at 10.00am and commencing at 10.15am followed by a Commemorative Service at the Cenotaph
There will be a 5.45am Dawn Service at the Lilydale Cenotaph
with attendees asked to assemble at 5.30am
followed by refreshments at the Lilydale RSL in Anderson St
Mt Evelyn will also hold a 5.45am Dawn Service at Mt Evelyn War Memorial Park on the corner of Wray Crescent and Birmingham Road
There will be a 10.00am Commemorative Service at the Montrose Memorial on Mt Dandenong Tourist Road
Mooroolbark will host a 12pm Commemorative service in Hookey Park on Charles Streeet
followed by refreshments and sausage sizzle put on by the scouts
Croydon RSL asks attendees of their Dawn Service to arrive at the Croydon War Memorial at 5.30am for a 5.45am start with a gunfire breakfast afterwards at the RSL at 1 Civic Square
If A Minecraft Movie is a great video game adaptation but a poor movie
Until Dawn is both an excellent horror movie and and a great spin on the 2015 game
Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends find themselves trapped in a time-loop and murdered over and over again
Until Dawn’s horror is a solid mixture of jump-scares and slow
with fantastic practical effects and sparse
crisp sound design to really put you on edge
The well-developed characters are flawed without being hateable (you want them all to survive
and balances their helplessness with a sense of discovery (and just a dash of morbid comedy)
as they explore their death-loops and myriad terrors and try to overcome them
the Until Dawn movie seems to have nothing to do with the game
which is about college friends being hunted by wendigos (monsters from Native American folklore) in the snowy mountains
With the main characters trapped in a house and dying on loop
the film has enough in common with the game – gloomy early twentieth-century art direction
themes of entrapment and psychological manipulation
the central monster threat and Peter Stormare in the cast – to be worthy of the name
and is more of a spin-off in the same universe than a direct adaptation
The tension sadly dips a little in the third act
as the plot doesn’t stick to its own rules for the time-loop or mutating curse (or the masked killer’s durability)
clever horror film and one of a growing number of good video game movies
Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh famously said: “So often
and reminded me that there are good things in the world.” 
American comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld put it more bluntly: “A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking.”
The idea of a “book crawl” is to explore a (new) place via the bookstores there
Such a trip is often curated by individuals or small groups seeking to connect with books and each other
so book crawls are personalised and first-hand experiences of different shops and their staff of diverse backgrounds
as well as the distinct communities they belong to
These are cultural and intellectual experiences never to be replaced by shopping online
they enrich our relationships with books and inspire meaningful and fulfilling reading journeys
the first Global Book Crawl (April 21-27) will have just concluded
This annual celebration of independent bookstores opens a window into the passion for books shared by readers
Coordinated by three indie booksellers in Spain
the Global Book Crawl invites each participating city or town to organise a book crawl tailored to its unique community
“requiring only creativity and local collaboration
while benefiting from the global reach and shared excitement of a worldwide movement”
the Global Book Crawl website lists 64 cities and towns across 17 countries joining forces in the international initiative – from Argentina to Austria
over 60 bookstores participated in the global event across cities and regions such as the Blue Mountains
More bookstores in other areas are expected to jump onboard in the years to come
legendary Australian bookseller Mark Rubbo said: “Australia’s independent bookshops play a leading role in showing people how great our own writers are…Australian creatives now tend to stay and develop their work in Australia
because there is demand for their work and they are appreciated.”
with books competing against screens for people’s time and interest
and with physical bookshops competing against online booksellers
it is a challenge to get people back into bookstores – and that’s what book crawls are all about
“It’s to show people how wonderful the bookshops are
where people can discover books so much better than online,” Rubbo said
“It’s for people to realise what a wonderful pleasure it is to find a good book and read it
book crawls are also about discovering some awesome cake and coffee shops along the way
Coldstream Primary School is crowded with campaigners and voters for the day of selecting Australia’s future for the next three years
Democracy Sausage is also located on-site to add the election vibe
The voters at Coldstream Primary School pointed out the cost of living as one of the major issues that influenced their vote for this election
The Star Mail will follow up with the election result as soon as it is announced
The Lilydale Lions Roller Hockey Club is beaming with pride
with four of their own players selected to represent Australia in the Under-19 national teams this year
This incredible achievement is a testament not only to their talent and dedication
but to the growing strength of roller hockey in the local hills communities
With local players Tiger Myres from Emerald
Lachlan Carlisle from Mount Evelyn and Lachlan Milikins from Monbulk
the hills are certainly growing some talented players
Roller hockey is fast becoming the sport that hills kids thrive in
and fun—with boys and girls of all abilities playing together and developing real confidence on and off the court
These young players have worked so hard and shown what’s possible with passion and determination
I feel very excited about discovering how they will grow as people and hockey players,” coach Miguel Martinez said
Miguel started coaching in 2017 in his home country of Spain
with his teams competing in several international championships
he’s taken Australian teams to international Championships in Italy
The Aussie team is now training hard with their sights on competing in South Korea in July
Representing Australia is a dream come true for these young athletes
“I still can’t believe it—I’m so excited to play for Australia
I’ve made lifelong friends through this sport
and it’s amazing to think where it’s taking us,” Lachlan Milikins
The entire Lilydale Lions community is rallying behind them as they prepare to wear the green and gold on the international stage
Whether you’re familiar with the sport or just curious
or even give it a try—because in the hills
The Lilydale Lions are hosting a Come and Try Day on Sunday 4 May
it’s the perfect way to discover this exciting
No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm and give it a go
I am a hard worker who is straight forward and a passionate advocate for causes
I believe in standing up for what I believe to be right
I also believe strongly in good governance
Humanity and charity are so very important to our society
I am a very proud sole parent of 3 adult kids – although some stages of my life have been challenging (living pay cheque to pay cheque working a few jobs including running my business ) these same things have defined me as an individual – and also enabled me to be a loving mother and a good role model for my children
– Family related (family violence)/Cost of living (health/education /housing)
– Family focused support- childcare/kinder
public school investment/free TAFE/ HECS debt relief/family violence support (front line workers/social housing)
– Investment of $1 billion for mental health
– Small Business investment- $640 million
– Personally – highlighting how police veterans nationally require support (the same as our diggers)
Effective support requires a range structural actions to be taken by government
Providing fair tax cuts aimed to help those on lower incomes
Supporting wage increases that keep up with the CPI
Minimising the cost of going to the doctor and the cost of childcare
Reducing student debt and helping young people find an affordable housing and building social housing
A strong local voice is important- to ensure this electorate receives the support it needs from Federal governments
the member for Casey will go to Canberra and take part in deciding national programs that will have a profound impact on the people of Casey
Casey has been in the hands of the Liberal Party for the past 40 years and the current member has been up in Canberra voting against positive programs that would assist the people of Casey and supporting nuclear reactors
I will be part of a Labor government and capable of advocating for Casey from inside government
I will be in Canberra not voting for nuclear reactors
but supporting programs that our community desperately needs:
– Funding for Family violence programs
– Housing for young and first home buyers
– Supporting renewable and our Environment
– Supporting funding for roads and improvement in Casey’s internet and mobile connectivity
– Supporting programs to assist people with mental health issues
Vote for someone that has worked in the community for 35 years
understands the issues we have here in Casey but who also understands how Federal government policy impacts everyone
A serious collision in Lilydale under the rail bridge has seen one person airlifted to hospital and forced Maroondah Highway to close
Police believe a pedestrian was struck by a bus on Main Street at around 7.20am on 9 April
“Paramedics provided treatment at the scene before he was airlifted to hospital in a serious but non-life-threatening injury,” a police spokesperson said
“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.”
Ambulance Victoria confirmed paramedics were called to the incident just after 7am
“One person has been airlifted to the Alfred Hospital,” they said
Traffic is detouring around the closure using local roads under the direction of emergency services
“We ask motorists to allow extra time and to consider detouring wide to avoid local congestion
using Swansea Road and Canterbury Road through Montrose,” a Department of Transport spokesperson said
and will adjust traffic lights where possible to minimise congestion
This closure is under the control of Victoria Police
Maroondah Highway will re-open to traffic as soon as investigations are complete
Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.transport.vic.gov.au
The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app
dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
There was no level play competition this week due to the Easter Monday Public Holiday
the Lilydale handicap team travelled down Maroondah Highway to take on the Ringwood Croquet Club
Lilydale’s team this week comprised of Murray Howlett
Mick was starting with a two-hoop disadvantage while his opponent had a one-hoop advantage
Mick has been in good form of late and he carried this form into this game
Mick made up his deficit quickly and had soon taken the lead in the game to go on to win 7 hoops to Ringwood 4 hoops
Lilydale had a one-hoop advantage while the Ringwood team had a two-hoop disadvantage
it was the Ringwood team who controlled this game and were the stronger combination and went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops
The Ringwood player got off to a good start and had Drew 6 hoops to 4 down
then Drew started to find some form and evened the score up to 6 hoops each
so the thirteenth hoop had to be played to decide the winner
Mick Crawley and Mark Edgell played in the next doubles game
Lilydale had a one hoop advantage while the Ringwood team had a two-hoop disadvantage
but in the end it was the more experienced Ringwood team that were the winners
it was all tied up with both teams on 2 games 24 hoops
Ringwood were starting with a one-hoop disadvantage
Drew started this game where he left off his last game
clearing his opponent’s balls and running hoops and generally controlling the game to win 7 hoops to Ringwood 0 hoops
Murray Howlett and Michael Crawley played in the last doubles game
Lilydale were starting with a two-hoop disadvantage
while Lilydale struggled and could not make up the two-goal disadvantage with Ringwood going on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops
The final scores were going to be close with both the captains checking and double checking the scores
the final scores for the day were Lilydale 3 games 34 hoops to Ringwood 3 games 31 hoops
This win puts Lilydale into second position on the ladder
Next week will see the four top teams play off in a round robin to decide the overall winner for the season
A fire that engulfed a unit and spread to an adjoining property’s roof in Lilydale saw one person injured but remaining residents safely evacuated
to bring the fire under control on Tuesday 11 March at around 7.30pm
Flames and smoke billowing from the unit complex drew onlookers from their homes as firefighters worked to contain the blaze
crews found a unit well alight and immediately began suppression efforts,” a CFA spokesperson said
“The fire spread to an adjoining unit via the roof
Ambulance Victoria paramedics also responded providing treatment to evacuated residents
“Paramedics treated a man in his 50s at the scene for upper and lower body injuries,” a spokesperson said
“He was taken to the Alfred Hospital in a stable condition.”
The incident was deemed under control at 8.08pm and declared safe at 9.33pm
The cause of the fire is being investigated
Uncover the untold stories of a global icon
A Toast to Melba shares rarely seen objects
and personal treasures from Coombe Yarra Valley
Arts Centre Melbourne and Yarra Ranges Regional Museum—brought together for the first time in this dynamic new exhibition. 
Beyond the international fame and behind Coombe’s iconic hedge lived a woman of complexity and charisma—a feminist
humanitarian and practical joker who defied expectations and made space as a modern woman and a proud Australian. 
almost within sight and sound of the same trees and vineyards in which I played as a child
facing the same sudden storms that sweep in … from the hills … If you wish to understand me at all … you must understand first and foremost
From the chic streets of Paris and London to the tranquil beauty of the Yarra Valley
A Toast to Melba reveals intimate glimpses of Melba’s life
enjoy the humorous tale of her son’s racing jersey in British suffrage colours and celebrate the innovator who made history as the first internationally renowned performer to broadcast live on radio in 1920. 
Melba’s warmth extended to those around her—loving letters
and commissioned artworks speak to her generosity as a friend
grandmother and champion of emerging female artists
her story also reveals a woman navigating the pressures of fame
and facing relentless media scrutiny with wit and playfulness. 
Join us in exploring the modern life of Dame Nellie Melba—a woman who dared to live on her own terms. 
A Yarra Ranges Regional Museum exhibition presented in partnership with Coombe Yarra Valley and Arts Centre Melbourne. 
special events and more starting in February 2025
full details will appear on this page as programs are announced. 
Groups can book a self-guided or museum-led tour of the exhibition, find out more and make a booking via our <a href="https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/The-Arts-and-Our-Creative-Community/Cultural-venues/Yarra-Ranges-Regional-Museum/Visit-Us/Group-Visits" target="_blank">group visits page</a>
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum promotes a greater understanding of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Yarra Ranges region through exhibitions
The Museum is custodian of a collection of over 13,000 cultural objects
including Indigenous belongings related to Coranderrk Aboriginal Station and a sub-collection related to opera diva Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931).&nbsp;
Fields marked as 'Required' must be completed
Enter your email address or your friend's email addresses all separated by commas
This event occurs every 1 day(s) for 40 times
For opening hours, contact information and accessibility details visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Yarra-Ranges-Regional-Museum" data-uw-rm-brl="false">Yarra Ranges Regional Museum</a>&nbsp;venue page
<a href="https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Compliance/Parking/Paid-parking-in-Warburton/Residents-Parking-Permit"  target="_self">Yarra Ranges resident can park for free with a permit - Apply Online</a>
' + noBrDesc.replace(/(\r\n|\r|\n){2}((\r\n|\r|\n)+)?/g
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged two women as part of separate investigations into the importation of border-controlled drugs concealed in luggage at Melbourne Airport in recent weeks
appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 30 January charged with allegedly importing 18kg of methamphetamine and 2kg of cocaine into Australia
who appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 20 January charged with allegedly importing 16kg of clothing impregnated with methamphetamine
The Lilydale woman arrived at Melbourne Airport from Los Angeles
United States on 29 January and was selected for a baggage examination by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers
Officers allegedly found vacuum-sealed bags containing 18kg of methamphetamine and 2kg of cocaine
The AFP charged her with four different counts of possessing and importing a commercial and marketable quantity of illegal substances
carrying maximum sentences of 25 to life imprisonment
The woman appeared before the court where she was formally refused bail
She is expected to return to the same court on 23 April
arrived at Melbourne Airport from the United States on 18 January
ABF officers examined her luggage and allegedly found vacuum-sealed bags containing clothing impregnated with methamphetamine
AFP Commander Raegan Stewart said the AFP and its partners were committed to stamping out criminality in the airport environment
including by transnational drug syndicates
we are still arresting people who attempt to bring illicit drugs into our country through our airports,&#8221; Commander Stewart said
&#8220;No matter how elaborate or creative the attempts are
the AFP and our partners are committed to preventing airports from being used as part of the criminal supply chain
&#8220;It’s about protecting the community from the scourge of drugs and targeting individuals who seek to profit from the illicit trade.&#8221;
ABF Acting Commander Fiona Strong said the ability of ABF officers to detect illicit substances at the border should serve as a strong deterrent for anyone looking to traffic drugs into Australia
“Our ABF officers are highly skilled and well equipped to identify any number of methodologies that criminal enterprises utilise in an attempt to breach our borders through smuggling illicit drugs,” a/Commander Strong said
“Illicit substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine have lethal consequences for too many people
destroying lives and wreaking absolute havoc in the community.&#8221;
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015
who was Shadow Minister for Housing among other roles and had held the seat since 2013
has lost to Labor’s Matt Gregg at his second attempt
Gregg is currently projected to receive 56.57 per cent of the two-candidate-preferred (TCP) count
The ABC has called the seat with 44.9 per cent of the vote counted and Gregg holding 56.4 per cent of the preference count
Gregg has seen a 2.1 per cent swing in his favour at his second attempt while Sukkar suffered a fatal 4.6 per cent swing against
The Greens candidate Amy Mills is currently in third with 12.9 per cent (1.3 per cent against) and independent Jess Ness gained 8.2 per cent of the vote at the first time of asking
Family First Richard Griffith-Jones (1.8 per cent)
Libertarian Will Vandermeer (1.5 per cent) and Trumpet of Patriots Milton Wilde (1.4 per cent) round out the Deakin vote count
which left a section of the grandstand at Lilydale Recreation Reserve unusable
was not unexpected after months of damage and vandalism
Lilydale CFA Brigade firefighters were paged to the blaze in the grandstand
suspected to have been called in by a passing train driver
The brigades First Lieutenant Ron Haines said the fire was “well alight” when the responders arrived within five minutes of getting the call
“It did manage to start in the floorboards
It spread to the chairs in this grandstand
then it went up into the part of the roof,” he said
very quickly and we contained the fire to approximately an area of five by five metres
plus there must have been about 30 chairs damaged
and a small portion of the roof was scorched by fire
“It was a very quick save by the fire brigade backed up by CFA Chirnside Park and also CFA Mooroolbark.” 
With no one around and no evidence of how the fire started
the CFA called police identifying the fire as suspicious
A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed “no one was injured” and “an investigation into the circumstances is underway”
Lilydale Cricket Club president Steve Oxley said unfortunately “we&#8217;ve been preempting the bad news” with a group of young people hanging around
because there&#8217;s not much we can do but talk to the police,” he said
“We get the PSOs over there and the police themselves but for the police
there&#8217;s not much they can do which leaves us in a terrible predicament.” 
First seen using the grandstand at the start of football season last year
Lilydale Football Club president Anthony Simmons said the activity picked up throughout summer and the school holidays
“They have no respect for the building or the facilities
Graffiti sprouts as soon as they start hanging around there,” he said
built in 1923 and fitted out with seats acquired by the two clubs from the MCG’s southern stand
as well as housing the visitor and umpire change rooms underneath
“(The fire was) directly above the shower area for the visitor rooms…whether or not the fire damaged the roof structure
we’re not sure but the water that was used to put the fire is possibly going to do some damage,” Mr Simmons said
I’d be very surprised if there&#8217;s not some damage associated with that whole process.”
As a Yarra Ranges Council managed and owned building
the structural assessment falls to its engineers who have since carried out make-safe works
The tiered timber steps will be replaced over the coming days
some of the seating was not able to be saved
The seats that were salvaged have been relocated,” a spokesperson said
with approaching cricket finals and Lilydale a potential host of these matches
as well as the position of the training nets
“The premier grade cricket around the eastern suburbs is the RDCA Trollope Shield
So we would have had a packed grandstand there,” he said
“The damage has impacted the safety of any players who train around the back of the grandstand because we&#8217;ve got our nets there
and obviously anything within the vicinity
I don&#8217;t know what their safety rules are going to be
but they&#8217;re going to cordon off our nets
and then we&#8217;re going to be in trouble.”
Mr Simmons told Star Mail late on Wednesday that the new coaches box
had also been damaged after someone had appeared to gain access and “bent the door on its hinges” from the force
Trying to work with the young people to come up with a solution
Mr Oxley said a couple of Saturdays ago he approached them to chat
where they said “we just need a space we can sit”
“That didn&#8217;t work because they burned the place down,” he said
they’ve just done themselves an injustice because now
they&#8217;re not going to be able to go up there at all and the police will crack down.”
This fire has reignited calls from both Mr Oxley and Mr Simmons for new club and community facilities that were not accessible to the public like the grandstand is
“We’d like to see the place turned into something like what Mount Evelyn now has or what Montrose has
we&#8217;ve got a viewing facility that&#8217;s not accessible to the general public,” Mr Simmons said
“We&#8217;ve been calling out for new club rooms for a long time where we&#8217;ve moved up the scale
We don&#8217;t really know what the protocol is
but other clubs locally to us are getting the funding
Something like this makes it prevalent and only shows how much we really need something there,” Mr Oxley said
both presidents said there were countless issues with the current facilities
like having no air conditioning nor suitable change rooms for the female players
Although the ground itself has been repaired and maintained by the council to a standard that makes it one of the best
Mr Oxley asked why would parents choose Lilydale for their child based on the current clubrooms
We get the juniors looking at the club room saying
‘we&#8217;re not going to play at that club’
or ‘we&#8217;ll go to the next big thing’ and ‘who&#8217;s giving us the best facilities’
1864 we started and it&#8217;d be sad to see a club like ours go down the gurgler,” he said
you can feel it but if you&#8217;re a parent of a child these days
and you look at the change rooms you’d think
‘I&#8217;m not going to send my kids into a dungeon’
has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
This is probably not the page you’re looking for
On Monday 14 the Lilydale Croquet Club’s Division 1 team made the journey to the Sandringham Croquet Club
Sandringham’s courts are in a very picturesque setting overlooking Port Phillip Bay
Craig McCracken and Murray Howlett played this week
Lilydale won the toss and hit off first in the doubles
The game was close all the way through with neither side able to establish a lead
after the 12th hoop had been played the scores were 6 hoops each with the 13th hoop to be played to decide the winner
Both sides set up well and it was Lilydale who were able to take their opportunity and run the hoop to win the game
This game was also very close with both players trading hoops and after the 12th hoop the scores were 6 hoops each with the 13th and deciding hoop to be played
both players set up well but this time it was the Sandringham player that was able to run the hoop to win the game
Craig got off to a slow start by missing some hoops that he would normally have run
By the time Craig got going the Sandringham player had built up a lead and won 7 hoops to Lilydale 4 hoops
The scores at the break were Sandringham 2 games 20 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 17 hoops
With two games to play Lilydale could still win
Craig was slow out of the blocks in this game as well
with the Sandringham player building quite a big lead to go on and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 1 hoop
Murray got off to a good start and was determined not to let this one slip and was in control for most of the game winning 7 hoops to Sandringham 2 hoops
The final scores for the day were Sandringham 3 games 29 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 25 hoops
This loss drops Lilydale to fourth spot on the ladder and with only three weeks left in the season Lilydale has to not only win their games but also rely on other results going their way to get back up the ladder again
The Lilydale Division 2 side played at home this week against the Kew Croquet Club
This week&#8217;s Lilydale team as always was Alan Jones
The experience of Alan and Kerri showed in this game as they were able to control the game from the start and were able to have a comfortable 7 hoops to Kew 3 hoops win
Mick’s experience playing in competitions was the reason he was able to build a lead and go onto win 7 hoops to Kew 4 hoops
This game was a carbon copy of the first two games with Alan being able to control the game and go on to have a comfortable 7 hoops to Kew 3 hoops win
At the break the scores were Lilydale 3 games 21 hoops to Kew 0 games 10 hoops
With 2 games to play Lilydale had already won the day
This was a much closer game with both players not giving their opponent a break
After the 12th hoop the scores were 6 hoops a piece
The Kew player was first to the 13th hoop and set up beautifully and from there was able to run the hoop and win the game
Mick took up from where he left off in his last game and was able to control the game to win 7 hoops to Kew 4 hoops
The final scores Lilydale 4 games 34 hoops to Kew 1 game 21 hoops
This win keeps Lilydale on top of the ladder with three weeks to play
There are no level play games next week due to Easter Monday holiday
Due to the Easter weekend there are no handicap games this week
Lilydale has been flagged as a potential location for an urgent care clinic in a more than $600 million funding pledge from the Labor government if re-elected
The expansion of the existing 87 clinics by a further 50
would aim to be delivered by the end of June 2026
but the final sites would be decided independently
Medicare urgent care clinics offer free care by GPs or nurses for non life-threatening conditions or injuries
and were initially set up to take pressure off public hospitals
Treatment is offered for minor injuries &#8211;  cuts
suturing and bandaging and foreign objects in ears
nose or throat; or minor illnesses &#8211; bronchitis
&#8220;This announcement of 50 additional urgent care clinics
will provide the urgent care people need &#8211; and all you will need is your Medicare card
not your credit card,&#8221; Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday 2 March
about 80 per cent &#8211; or four in five &#8211; Australians &#8220;will live&#8221; within a 20-minute drive of one of 137 facilities
according to the Department of Health and Aged Care
Urgent care clinics were a major part of the Albanese Labor Government’s platform in its first term
The Liberal opposition also threw its support behind the walk-in
Opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston said the coalition supported increasing bulk billing rates through urgent care clinics after Sunday&#8217;s announcement
⁠&#8221;We recognise the clear need for better access to urgent bulk billed services,&#8221; she said
&#8220;A Dutton coalition government will deliver urgent care clinics as they were intended: focused on relieving pressure on local hospitals and providing real access to bulk billed urgent healthcare.&#8221;
“Local residents have little option when it comes to urgent healthcare
Travelling over an hour to a stretched emergency room or struggling to find a bulk-billed GP appointment isn’t good enough,” he told Star Mail in April 2024
Labor announced that 29 new clinics would be funded in the 2024-25 budget but Mr Violi claimed the seven in Victoria were just rebranded from priority care to urgent care clinics
shifting the funding responsibility from State to Federal government
Labor’s announcement of 29 clinics delivered nothing in terms of increased access to healthcare for our community,” he said
Mr Violi confirmed his party still supported the roll out of bulk billed urgent healthcare for Australians and his community
“There is not one emergency department in our community and bulk billing has fallen from 87.1 per cent under the Coalition to 73.3 per cent under Labor
It is clear our community needs better access to healthcare,” he said
“The Coalition is committed to addressing Labor’s primary care crisis and ensuring all Australians
have timely and affordable access to essential healthcare.”
Despite being critical of the Labor Government’s bulk billing figures
the Coalition’s record in freezing Medicare rebates from 2014 to 2020
with a phased lifting of the freeze from 2017
did hike up the costs for medical professionals to run a clinic
“The freeze means those medical professionals who have not seen it lifted are reimbursed the same for delivering health services today as they were in 2014,” The Conversation’s article reads
filtered down to local GP clinics years later
with many choosing in 2022 to convert their services from bulk billed to mixed billing
Lilydale Doctors and Mount Evelyn Doctors owner Dr Binay Kumar attempted to delay the change from bulk billing to mixed private billing as long as possible but had to make the difficult decision that came into effect as of 1 August 2022 to charge $30 per visit
“Everyone knows inflation has gone up tremendously
everything is more expensive but probably what no one knows is for us Medicare rebates
were frozen from 2014 to 2020,” Dr Kumar told Star Mail in 2022
we didn’t really have any increase at all in any rebate that we were getting.”
Mooroolbark Super Clinic and Lakeside Medical Centre in Lilydale followed suit
adjusting their billing model by 1 September 2022
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP)
questioned the suitability of rolling out more urgent care clinics without clear evidence of how they are benefiting patients
“We are now seeing more than $1 billion will be spent on setting up these clinics
and we still have no sign of an evaluation to show whether they are providing value for money
or helping people keep away from hospital,” RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said
Dr Wright argues the money would be better spent funding existing general practices
“This will result in better health outcomes
as people will be able to access urgent care from their usual practice
and supports their continuity of care,” he said
“Spending millions setting up new clinics is not value for taxpayers’ money
There are reports that each visit to an urgent care clinic costs approximately $200 per head
“This is cheaper than a visit to a hospital emergency department
but it’s far more expensive than if the patient is treated by a GP
which for a standard consult costs a little over $42.”
The urgent care pledge followed the bipartisan announcement
first made by Labor and matched by the Liberals
of $8.5 billion in Medicare funding over four years
the Lilydale Division 1 team travelled to Kew
The Lilydale team consisted of craig McCracken and Murray Howlett
The first game was the doubles and this game was extremely tight with neither side able to get a break and after the twelfth hoop
the scores were 6 hoops a piece so the thirteenth hoop had to be played to decide the winner
This hoop was also hard fought with a lot of clearing of the opponents balls until Lilydale were able to seize an opportunity to run the hoop and win 7 hoops to Kew 6 hoops
The Kew player got off to a good start and had a slight lead
Murray fought back but unfortunately just could not bridge the gap and Kew won 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops
Craig McCracken played in the next singles game
This game was almost a copy of the last with Craig just not able to get on level terms with his Kew opponent
At the break the scores were Kew 2 games 20 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 17 hoops
Lilydale had to win both games to win the day
Craig McCracken played in the next singles
The Kew player soon had a good lead in the game as Craig was struggling to run his hoops when the opportunity arose
This was a very close game with both players trading hoops
The score was 6 hoops each after the twelfth hoop so the thirteenth hoop had to be played to decide the winner
Murray was first to the hoop and set up well and from there was able to run the hoop and win the game 7 hoops to Kew 6 hoops
The final score in what was a very hard fought encounter was Kew 3 games 33 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 27 hoops
the Lilydale Division 2 team hosted the Sandringham team
This week&#8217;s Lilydale team was Alan Jones
Alan Jones and Mick Crawley played in the doubles
Lilydale got off to a good start and were able to control most of the game and built a comfortable lead and win 7 hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops
Kerri McCracken played in the first singles
The game was even to start with but Kerri eventually was able to get a break and go onto win 7 hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops
This game was very close but Alan was able to get away late in the game to take the win 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops
At the bread,k the scores were Lilydale 3 games 21 hoops to Sandringham 0 games 13 hoops
The Sandringham player started well and was able to build a decent lead
Mick fought back late but the gap was just a bit too much
This game was a close affair with both players not giving an inch until late in the game Kerri was able to get a slight break and win 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops
The final scores were Lilydale 4 games 33 hoops to Sandringham 1 game 25 hoops
the Lilydale handicap team hosted the team from Sandringham
Both of these teams are on the same amount of tests and are first and second on the ladder
so the winner will be on top of the ladder at the end of the day
Lilydale won the toss and Drew Pawley played in the first game
Drew was starting with a one hoop disadvantage
Drew got off to a solid start and had made up his disadvantage on the first hoop
From there on he played a very steady game running and clearing his opponent&#8217;s balls whilst building a good lead to go on and win 7 hoops to Sandringham 4 hoops
Mick Crawley and Mark Edgell played in the first doubles game
The Sandringham team had a one hoop disadvantage in this game
Lilydale started well but the Sandringham team had soon made up ground and were back on level terms with Lilydale
A couple of bad decisions and missed hoops by Lilydale gave Sandringham the ascendancy and they went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops
Both of the first two games were extraordinarily long
Mick Crawley was playing in the next singles
Mick was starting with a one hoop disadvantage
Sandringham ran the first couple of hoops but Mick clawed his way back and got on level terms and then was able to get a break and win 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops
Murray Howlett and Mark Edgell played in the next doubles
Sandringham were starting with a one hoop advantage in this game
This game was tight all the way with both teams going hoop for hoop and after the twelfth hoop the score was six all so the thirteenth hoop had to be played to decide the winner
Neither team setup well and there was a lot of negative play until finally Sandringham were able to run the hoop and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops
the difference in the end was the one hoop start that Sandringham had due to handicaps
Due to the games all going for so long there was no lunch break it was just grab a drink and something to eat when you could
The scores at this point were Lilydale 2 games 25 hoops to Sandringham 2 games 23 hoops
Drew Pawley played in the last singles game
Sandringham were starting with a one hoop disadvantage
Sandringham made up their disadvantage on the first hoop
The game was close but marred with a number of mistakes from both sides
Sandringham in the end was able to go on and win 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops
This gave Sandringham the lead by one game but Lilydale were ahead by 1 hoop with a doubles game to be played
Murray Howlett and Mick Crawley played in the last game
Lilydale had a 2 hoop disadvantage while Sandringham had a 1 hoop advantage
Lilydale certainly had their job cutout for them
but the more experienced Lilydale team were able to get the ascendency and go on to win in another tight game 7 hoops to Sandringham 5 hoops
This gave Lilydale not only the win on the day but top spot on the ladder
The final scores were Lilydale 3 games 38 hoops to Sandringham 3 games 35 hoops
This match was what you would expect and hope for from the two top teams
tough day which started at 10.30am and did not finish until 5pm
Lilydale’s motto is &#8216;Every Hoop Counts&#8217; and it was certainly the case in this match
Lilydale and the surrounds may have a small population but throughout its history there have been a large number of violent murders committed for various reasons
Each murder is different and some had very different outcomes
the Lilydale and District Historical Society’s new exhibition will feature some of those murders from various times
George Syme murdered his mother-in-law because she interfered in his family – his wife and 10 children
was sentenced to eight years gaol and immediately deported to Italy
Lilydale’s Main Street was turned into a crime scene when Philip Dobell shot John Nicholson over a cards dispute
Nicholson was shot in the street and stuffed into a culvert where he died
When Dobell served only 24 hours over the death
two effigies of him were hung in the street
The society has also included Melba in the display featuring the operas in which she was murdered – and there are a few
The display will be officially opened from 2.30pm
immediately after the March general meeting which begins at 1pm on Saturday 1 March
The display will remain until the end of the year and can be viewed at the Old Lilydale Court House
The Court House is open Sundays and Mondays 11am to 4pm
The level crossing at Maroondah Highway is being removed by building a rail bridge over the road
A new elevated station will be built as part of the project
More than 29,000 vehicles use the crossing each day where the boom gates can be down for 17% of the morning peak
causing congestion and frustration for motorists
the station and bus interchange will be relocated to better integrate with the town centre
Walking and cycling connections will be improved between the shopping precinct
new station and the Lilydale&ndash;Warburton Trail
The project will be complete in 2022 and will lay the groundwork for further line upgrades
including the duplication of sections of the Lilydale line and a potential new station between Mooroolbark and Lilydale
Lilydale is situated at the gateway to the Yarra Valley region
The new station design and architectural approach acknowledges past and present elements of the area
A key palette of softer and earthier tones will complement the low-rise and leafier characteristics of Lilydale
The planting and landscaping plan will use indigenous species to connect with the local character
We are referencing the agricultural and rural connection to Lilydale with Coldstream stone and metal cladding on the new station
A new community space will be created under the rail bridge
We are maximising active transport connections for the Lilydale precinct including connecting the station to the Warburton Trail
local residents and community groups and will continue to provide frequent community updates throughout the project
Community feedback has helped to determine how to use the new open space underneath the rail bridge at Mooroolbark
These figures are based on community engagement conducted up until January 2020
If you have any questions, LXRP has a 24/7 hotline <a href="tel:1800105105">1800 105 105</a> or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au">contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au</a>
Please note that the timeline is subject to change
What&rsquo;s on in Lilydale on SUNDAY 7th DECEMBER 2025
THE LILYDALE MELBA FESTIVAL &amp; STREET FAIR!&nbsp;
Commencing at 9am in the Main St Service Road and Clarke Street - Wander around a large range of 100+ market stalls with an amazing array of fresh produce
Classic Car Show n' Shine plus LOADS of FREE children&rsquo;s activities such as face painting
Our fabulous Street Parade starts at 10am with Fire trucks
Call into the HUGE CFA Open Day and Emergency Services displays and&nbsp;activities to&nbsp;join in the fun &amp; games and learn about fire behaviour &amp; control
Soak up the atmosphere of music and entertainers on the lawn with live performances throughout the day at the Main Stage located at Ralph Goode Reserve (Lilydale Cenotaph) as well as a First Nations&nbsp;story-time and cultural experience
As part of the celebration of Lilydale&rsquo;s heritage; you will see people wandering the area in vintage style dress PLUS for just $5 you can join a guided walking Heritage Tour of Melba Park and surrounds starting from the&nbsp;LilydaleHistorical Society Banner&nbsp;near the main stage at 10:45 am
and 2.45pm.&nbsp;Finish&nbsp;with a ringing of the significantly historical Lilydale Fire Bell
Engaging tours to learn about the&nbsp;rich history and heritage of&nbsp;Lilydale
and the town&rsquo;s unique connection to&nbsp;Dame Nellie Melba
who was once the most famous woman in the&nbsp;world
As well as enjoying the market stalls and entertainment
why not take the family across the road to the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum in Castella St for some fun
All ages are invited to make Melba-inspired artworks throughout the day and to explore the exhibitions
AND don&rsquo;t forget the Pool Party with inflatables at the Lilydale Outdoor Pool located at the end of Market St - open 9am to 3pm
Disability-friendly parking and accessAll agesFree entry and activitiesDog friendlySupporting local
with the last sighting reported near Lilydale Railway Station yesterday
Police and her family are growing increasingly worried about her wellbeing
Ami is known to spend time around the Lilydale
and authorities are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward
If you have seen Ami or know where she might be
please get in touch with Lilydale Police Station on 9739 2300
Every bit of information could help bring her home safely
multi-storey medical centre and childcare facility will be moving into Lilydale despite concerns of a lack of parking and increased traffic in an already congested part of town
voted to approve the development for the vacant block between the Lilydale CFA and Hyundai dealership on Main Street
The three storey building will house three medical centres
a shop and food and drinks premises on the ground floor
seven separate office spaces on the first floor
and a further two office spaces and the childcare centre on the second floor
It is proposed that a maximum of 130 children will attend the childcare centre
while a total of nine practitioners will occupy the medical and allied health spaces
Access to the onsite car parking will be at the rear of the building via Hardy Street
with the ground floor providing 41 car spaces and a further 46 car spaces on the first floor
the statutory requirement for parking would require 129 spaces but the developer argued in the planning application
“the parking demand generated by the proposed development would not require the full statutory rate”
This was cause for objection by the Lilydale Township Action Group (LTAG)
even though it supported the development as a whole secretary Sharyn Manning said it would only exacerbate existing parking and traffic problems in Lilydale
and we&#8217;re also concerned about the amount of cars that will be coming out onto Hardy Street,” Ms Manning told Star Mail
Calling the proposed parking arrangements “inadequate and impractical”
LTAG’s objection to the proposal was based on the “significant impacts on traffic flow
doesn&#8217;t adequately address parking needs”
Speaking at the council meeting on Tuesday 8 April
Ms Manning said “LTAG support appropriate developments” but were “disappointed” in their need to object to the approval
Having submitted a petition calling for the council to reassess its parking restrictions in Lilydale earlier this year
Ms Manning and the Township group have been advocating for improved conditions for traders and the community to park in town for many months
With impending changes to the current parking conditions in Lilydale
Ms Manning said this “will change both the demand and the capacity” which was not taken into consideration in the planning application
Ms Manning also referred to three other approved developments in the vicinity where parking requirements had been reduced
equating to around 62 additional parking spaces lost
It was also not confirmed whether adequate staff parking would be provided onsite
this most likely being a decision within the tenancy agreement
and the report noting nearby street parking to cater to overflow
Ms Manning said it was not fair to staff who work eight hours to have to move their vehicle throughout the day if they can only park in a two hour zone
The “high volume” business types was also a major concern for Ms Manning
suggesting that 130 children using the childcare service could mean 260 parental comings and goings each day
“That&#8217;s 260 extra cars going on to Hardy Street
And the other thing is the medical clinic…one doctor equals 10 patients a day
It&#8217;s just going to be quite busy because they&#8217;ll be doing that all day and Hardy street at school times and at peak times
Metropol Planning Solutions director Michael Dunn said at the Tuesday meeting
that its “comprehensive” parking report “stacks up
“Childcare has a peak demand at drop off and pick up times
whereas the other businesses that we&#8217;re proposing obviously have their peak demands during business hours,” he said
“We don&#8217;t think the parking dispensation is unreasonable
Our traffic engineers and the council&#8217;s traffic engineers are the experts in the field of what the parking and traffic demands (will) be
and they&#8217;ve both found it to be reasonable.” 
Moving the motion to approve the application
Cr Tim Heenan said because the council “commissioned a separate parking survey” to compare against the developers
he was satisfied this report had been appropriately assessed
“For the figures to gel almost identically
it gave me a greater degree of confidence in knowing that obviously the developer got it right,” he said
Cr Cox said “Hardy Street at peak hour is an absolute mess
He also commented on the obstruction it may cause for the CFA when responding to call outs
A condition of the build requires cars to exit the site by turning left onto Hardy Street only
The council estimates that 17,000 cars use Hardy Street per day
noting the “traffic team is assessing potential upgrades and traffic management strategies for the entire length of Hardy Street”
said “I&#8217;m not opposed to the development itself” but was concerned about increased traffic and parking
we&#8217;d love to have as many people as we can on public transport…People will drive
and I don&#8217;t think we can afford to negotiate away as many of these parking spots as we are.”
Cr Heenan said he could understand the concerns and points raised but believed the planning application met all requirements
“I&#8217;ve been led to understand through our planning department
the needs that would exist throughout the day of the different uses within the facility
the reduction in the statutory minimum car parking requirements is alleviated through the use of shared car parking spaces,” he said
“This application is an important example of activating that space in that part of Lilydale…this particular development has come at the right time for the right area.”
The application was approved seven votes to two
the Liberals have promised to fund a much-needed upgrade to Lilydale Recreation Reserve’s sporting facilities and build a community space
federal member for Casey Aaron Violi said if he and his party gets a majority in the upcoming election
they will invest $5 million into upgrading the reserve
As there are currently no change rooms for women
no air conditioning and structural issues with the pavilion
Lilydale Cricket Club president Steve Oxley said this is welcome news
“We&#8217;re pretty excited as a cricket club
Since the 1850s this club has been going and I think our rooms may look like they were built in the 1850s really,” he said with a chuckle
He said it inevitably hurts the growth of the cricket club when they are faced with “all our local competitors getting new club rooms”
Though he said the club has been communicating with Yarra Ranges Council for 10 years about the issue and getting updates
“We&#8217;re seeing club rooms be built around us
“I&#8217;m sick of the empty promises and the broken promises.”
The Liberal Party pledged $1 million to the reserve in the lead up to the 2022 federal election and though Mr Violi was elected for Casey
Mr Violi said improving these facilities will help create a “community hub” and encourage more people to participate in local sports
community groups and Lilydale sporting clubs that we need a place for community to come together
Lilydale clubs have seen exciting growth in women’s sport
but their facilities are holding them back,” he said
Lilydale Football Netball Club president Anthony Simmons is particularly keen to see Lilydale have this community hub
Part of the Lilydale Township Action Group
he said the consensus is “there&#8217;s no community building in Lilydale that&#8217;s there as a centre.”
This is about actually utilising that precinct to its maximum and putting a community centre there
but for other community volunteer organisations to utilise as well.”
Mr Simmons said the council will not be able to fund a project of this magnitude on their own
Yarra Ranges Council&#8217;s planning and sustainable futures director Kath McClusky told Star Mail since funding has been delivered to other higher priority projects such as the Don Road Recreation Pavilion
the Lilydale Recreation Reserve is now their “top priority” and they will seek Federal support for the upgrades
“We will advocate to all candidates and MPs
and engage with clubs and the community to strengthen funding requests
We seek bipartisan support and matched funding commitments,” she said
The council said its Community Heart in Lilydale (CHIL) project highlighted a “strong need” for a community space
“We are working on early site plans and will engage the community in further discussions
This need is recognised at a Federal level.”
Labor candidate for Casey Naomi Oakley told Star Mail the $5 million promised by Aaron Violi and similar pledges
“The grants he has promised are usually around 50 per cent of the capital required and the additional 50 per cent has to be stumped up by the council
This puts financial pressure on the council resources and the services and programs they have prioritised,” she said
“Lilydale may well need this significant grant
but there are many significant sporting clubs in the Yarra Valley that are desperate for capital funding
“My approach is to advocate to Government at all levels for significantly increase [sic] funding for Yarra ranges infrastructure projects
I would work with Yarra Ranges Council and community groups to identify the electorates priority needs.”
Other candidates vying for the Casey seat have also weighed in on the recreation reserve and Aaron Violi’s pledge
Independent candidate Claire Ferres Miles told Star Mail the pledge is “nothing short of pork barrelling [sic]”
a term used to describe parties allocating public money to projects for their own electoral interests
“Pork barrelling of marginal seats is not about investing in strategic priorities for the Casey community
These one-off election announcements are pet projects chosen by political parties
announced to photograph the cutting of ribbons
“They bypass the council&#8217;s long-term infrastructure priorities which are based on a robust assessment of community needs,” she said
“A better solution is to increase federal funding for local councils
with an increase in Federal Assistance Grants (FAG) from 0.5 per cent to one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.”
She said this would ensure funding is “strategic” and “responds directly to priority community needs”
Greens candidate Dr Merran Blair said her party would support upgrades to the reserve
“I am firmly committed to investing in our community and want local governments to have the resources they need to provide and maintain safe and inclusive community infrastructure
and fight to make sure that our community is heard in Canberra.”
“I’m especially keen to ensure the sporting facilities across Casey encourage women
First Nations people and disabled people to participate in sport
Lilydale Recreation Reserve is a fantastic facility that we should support,” she said
Lilydale Cricket Club president Steve Oxley said the lack of female change rooms is the primary reason why the club has no women’s team
it&#8217;s very hard to attract a ladies cricket club,” he said
We&#8217;ve got ladies that would like to coach
they walk away because there are better opportunities for ladies locally.”
“Every one of our competitors locally has a ladies cricket side
As the last of the night sky lingered over Lilydale
thousands gathered at the war memorial to bring in the dawn of Anzac Day
led by Lilydale RSL treasurer John O’Donahue
including the 110th year since the Gallipoli landing
the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War
among a host of other significant milestones
to remember and honour the sacrifices that our defence men and women have made over the past 100 plus years
defending the freedoms of not just Australians
but many other nations since World War Two,” Mr O’Donahue said
we face a world that has yet again torn with conflicts and tensions on many fronts
and we must always be ready and willing to once again stand and defend what we have
As the eternal flame burned and the catafalque party stood guard of the Cenotaph
paying their respects to all who never made it home from war
Yarra Ranges Council deputy mayor Richard Higgins spoke of not just remembering these people as a name but as a person with family and friends
“Each person who took up arms and took part was a person with a family and friends
Many had partners back at home waiting for them
Many had friends fighting right along beside them
“When we talk about the thousands lost…it&#8217;s important that we never forget that every loss
And while 2025 is significant for remembering conflicts of the past
for former Australian Regular Army combat field engineer
the battle for so many continues long after service
“Defence personnel do not choose their missions
That responsibility lies with the chain of command and our government
but what they do choose is to stand in defence of our freedoms and way of life
That cost is something I know well,” he said
Mr Issac said the transition out of the army came with a “loss of identity
understanding the mental health challenges that come with that
he has helped and supported seven of his own mates who found themselves in a similar position
Despite his work with Solider On Australia
Mr Issac said more could and needs to be done to alleviate the transitional challenges veterans and their families face when returning to civilian life
“We must acknowledge not only that burden today
but also the trauma our veterans continue to carry from their service
particularly paying attention to the growing crisis of defence and veteran suicide in our nation,” he said
Laying bare the horrifying statistics that came from the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicides
Mr Issac said “since 1985 over 2000 ADF personnel and veterans have died by suicide”
The risk for male veterans is 26 per cent higher than the national average
It’s even greater for female veterans who are 107 per cent more likely to take their own lives than someone who hasn’t served
more of our veterans have died by suicide than were killed in combat,” Mr Issac said
“Service does not always end when the uniform is removed.” 
Mr Issac said the first step to healing was acknowledging and paying respect to all those “who have signed the line to serve”
It must also be a community effort to support veterans because “it becomes easier when surrounded by a community that values and uplifts them by fostering a culture of inclusion
we can create a community where veterans and families are not only supported but empowered to thrive
we strengthen the very fabric of our nation
“Let us ensure that our gratitude extends beyond Anzac Day
support and stand with those who have served
Lilydale’s division 1 team of Craig McCracken and Murray Howlett made the journey to the Monash Croquet Club
The first game as always is the doubles and the Lilydale team jumped out to a handy early lead and were able to hold on to this lead winning 7 hoops to Monash 4 hoops
This time the Monash player was able to get away to a good start
Murray then started to settle into the game and after twelve hoops had been played the score was six hoops each
both players set up reasonably well and both players missed hoops that they should have run
but in the end it was the Monash player that ran the hoop to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 6 hoops
This game was close early but a couple of missed hoops by Craig let in his opponent and Monash went on to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops
At lunch the scores were Monash 2 games 18 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 18 hoops
he struggled to run hoops when he had the opportunity and the Monash player won 7 hoops to Lilydale 3 hoops
Murray Howlett played in the last singles game
The Monash player won the first hoop but from then on Murray controlled the game and went onto have a comfortable win 7 hoops to Monash 1 hoop
The final scores were Monash 3 games 26 hoops to Lilydale 2 games 28 hoops
It is not often that the losing side actually wins more hoops than the winning side
After this loss Lilydale have dropped to fourth on the ladder
with four weeks to go in the season they will probably have to win all of their matches to get back to the top again
After Division 2 had their bye last Monday
they are still sitting on top of the ladder with all of the other teams still to have their byes
so the equation is simple: keep winning and you will stay on top
the Lilydale handicap team travelled to Ringwood
Murray McLean played in the first singles game
the Ringwood player was playing with a one hoop disadvantage
Both players started off well but as the game progressed the Ringwood player had made up his disadvantage and then set about building a lead to win 7 hoops to Lilydale 5 hoops
Kerri McCracken and Mark Edgell played in the first doubles game
Lilydale were starting with a one hoop disadvantage
The Ringwood pair got off to a good start and from then on Lilydale were on the back foot and could not make up any ground
Kerri McCracken played in the next singles
Kerri was starting with a one hoop disadvantage
This game was almost a carbon copy of the previous doubles game where Ringwood was able to control the game and Lilydale not able to make up any ground
Murray McLean and Mark Edgell teamed up in the next doubles game
the handicaps were even between both teams so neither side had any advantage
This time Lilydale were able to get off to a reasonable start and although the game was close Lilydale was able to get a small break and go onto win 7 hoops to Ringwood 5 hoops
At the break the scores were Ringwood 3 games 26 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 16 hoops
With two games to play if Lilydale were going to win
they would need to win both games by a good margin
Kerri McCracken played in the last singles game and Ringwood were starting with a one hoop advantage
the game was very close but Ringwood had their one hoop advantage and in the end that was the difference in the game
Murray Howlett and Murray McLean teamed up for this game and Lilydale were starting with a one hoop disadvantage while Ringwood had a one hoop advantage
Lilydale were able to make up their one hoop disadvantage fairly early with the rest of the game being close except that Lilydale just could not get on even terms with Ringwood and the one hoop advantage that they had was again the difference in the end
The final scores Ringwood 5 games 40 hoops to Lilydale 1 game 28 hoops
This loss has dropped Lilydale to third on the ladder with one week to play before the four top teams play off in a round robin to decide the winner for the season
so Lilydale need to get back onto the winners list next week
The Lilydale Line is Melbourne&rsquo;s first rail line to be boom gate free with the final 2 dangerous and congested level crossings now gone for good
Lilydale Line trains have resumed running following a 6 week construction blitz to remove level crossings at <a href="https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/dublin-road-ringwood-east">Dublin Road, Ringwood East</a> and <a href="https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/coolstore-road-croydon">Coolstore Road, Croydon</a>
The new Ringwood East Station is also now open
with the new premium Croydon Station set to open to passengers later this month
the Level Crossing Removal Project has removed 9 level crossings and built 6 new stations along the Lilydale Line
is Melbourne&rsquo;s second busiest rail line on the network
used by more than 72,000 passengers each weekday
Getting rid of these crossings has eliminated more than 5 hours of boom gate down time from the Lilydale Line in the morning peak and reduced frustrating delays for the more than 123,000 vehicles travelling through these crossings every day
Separating trains and vehicles along the busy rail line has also made the road and rail network safer for all users
serious accidents and fatalities had been recorded at several of the level crossing sites
fast-tracked for removal in 2023 after the deaths of 2 people
The new transport precincts have transformed communities along the rail line
delivering almost 7km of new walking and cycling paths to link to surrounding bike networks
and thousands of square metres of new and upgraded open spaces landscaped with more than 260,000 trees
World class station designs have also improved local amenity
with the Lilydale and Mooroolbark stations nominated for several national and international design awards
and Union Station in Surrey Hills recognised for its environmental focus
awarded the Infrastructure Sustainability Council&rsquo;s highest rating for a Victorian rail project
Pakenham and Sunbury lines will be Melbourne&rsquo;s next rail lines to be boom gate free next year
followed by the Frankston Line in 2029 and the Werribee Line in 2030
A heritage overlay application for a Mangans Road property has moved forward after councillors agreed to push the request to the planning minister
was identified as an uncommon “interwar era dwelling designed in the Spanish Mission style” during a Heritage Review Gap Study undertaken by Trevor Westmore in 2019
This later led to an assessment from a qualified heritage consultant who confirmed the significance of the property for the Yarra Ranges and guided the proposal for the planning amendment
but previously a heritage adviser for the council
Mr Westmore attended the Tuesday 28 January meeting to speak in support of the motion
having previously tried to gain protection of this site himself
I nominated it for inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register
Unfortunately due to the great number of places submitted to the Heritage Register
unless there is an immediate threat of its loss,” he said
this makes inclusion on the Yarra Ranges Heritage Overlay schedule vital for its preservation and conservation.” 
Originally built in circa 1905 in Edwardian style
the dwelling was then known as Lismoyne and occupied by Henry McHenry and his family in the early part of the twentieth century
the property was purchased by Captain Cecil Martin Keppel Palmer and his wife Nora who engaged influential Melbourne architect Marcus Martin to design and renovate Lismoyne
“It is a place probably derived directly through its owner&#8217;s travels in South America and Central America,” Mr Westmore said
“It&#8217;s a unique expression of the Spanish Mission and haciendas of these areas
and it is of considerable heritage significance to the shire
“It’s a remarkable adaptation of an earlier building…its unique reversed layout and courtyard and its innovative cladding of mesh enforced render (sic) also make it architecturally and technically important
It therefore deserves protection on the local planning scheme.” 
The Keppel Palmers were also said to be closely associated with Dame Nellie Melba who christened their eldest daughter Angela
Newspapers of the day reported of Madame Melba’s many visits to Coldstream Hill
the property’s ownership passed through many well-known families
including Darren and Diana Margaret Baillieu
The last owner then held the property for 40 years until her death
With the site neighboured by Tudor Village Mews retirement village
This expansion has resulted in the loss of trees
original driveway and landscaping and several outbuildings
Speaking in objection to the proposed heritage overlay
barrister Daniel Epstein said they too would be engaging a heritage expert to conduct an assessment
“I don&#8217;t have the qualifications to comment
on the business paper prepared by the council and the comprehensiveness of that paper
but it is my intention to have a peer review of that report prepared and then present it to the council,” he said
“It also is my intention to have prepared a valuation of the property as is
and then sold with the Heritage Overlay in place
“My client&#8217;s concern as executives of the estate is that it&#8217;s going to affect the beneficiaries the overlay by restricting the possibility of sale
an aged care facility and a facility that would probably have interest in this very land
but perhaps not with the restrictions the overlay would cause.”
councillor Tim Heenan said he was “very honoured as a ward councillor for this area to move the motion”
“We haven&#8217;t got a lot of heritage that we can hang on to in the whole Shire
Lilydale has got a very rich understanding in certain quarters where that history and heritage still remains,” he said
“And I&#8217;m very thankful to members of the community
in particular the historical society that worked so hard.”
Gaining support from seconder Cr Mitch Mazzarella said it was extremely important to recognise heritage and “remember that heritage buildings
“The speaker who spoke against seemed to really revolve around property prices and property sales and I don&#8217;t think that property sales should hold up or be beholden to preservation
Preservation is far more important in this situation
“If we decide not to go ahead with any heritage
The vote saw all councillors in favour of the heritage overlay bar deputy mayor Richard Higgins
The proposal will now be sent to the planning minister
with a requirement for the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme to be amended
Detectives from the Sexual Crime Squad have charged a man following an alleged aggravated burglary and sexual assault in Lilydale on Sunday
A 32-year-old man was arrested at Melbourne Airport on Tuesday 19 November attempting to board an international flight
intentionally cause injury and criminal damage
The man will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today
Police will allege he forced entry into a residential Lilydale address around 4.30am on Sunday 17 November before sexually assaulting a 49-year-old woman
By Felicity van Rensburg and Mikayla van Loon
Described by the director as a dark fantasy and sitcom
Haunted is yet to be another local sensation at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
“It’s a bit of smoke and mirrors,” director Nicholas Ryan says with “a lot of different twists and turns.” 
A play that incorporates elements of the historical poet and playwright
Haunted revolves around the story of Nigel Burke
a neurotic and “agoraphobic” character with “a lot of fears and phobias.” 
“It runs at a good pace,” the director says
more of a situation comedy than a comedy comedy.” 
The director speaks about the theatrical elements used to create a ‘ghostly’ and illusory feel onstage
stating he “must take the audience’s sightline away from what’s happening
“It&#8217;s enjoyable and it&#8217;s a good story line with different plot twists to it
Embarking upon the theatrical journey once again
says the show is “not a heavy-set drama or anything
where these very raw emotions have to be bubbling at the surface constantly,” rather “on the outset
Woltersdorf concurred with the director and praises the play’s technical aspects
which enhances the ghostly effect of Lord Byron and the overall mood of the play
“With everything we&#8217;ve put together with all of the guys in terms of the set design and what they&#8217;re doing to their technical elements in order to
I think it&#8217;ll be a lot of fun for the audience when he does make that appearance,” he says
“And that&#8217;s probably the most technical part of the whole show
The lead actor discusses his attraction to the role of Nigel
as well as describing the character’s depth and complexity which adds to the full scope of the story and “how the narrative is weaved.” 
just the scale of what is involved as well as where the characters are introduced and it&#8217;s almost me and another person sort of on rotation,” Woltersdorf says
“I think people will just enjoy having a famous literary figure present before that time
and the playful eccentricities that he exuded through his lifetime
“The more I&#8217;ve been able to read it and discover the character
the more nuanced and more interesting I find him
and there&#8217;s always something new to find.” 
Woltersdorf reveals how he thrived upon the challenge of quickly shifting focus between different characters
stating there “is a constant relationship change that you have with everyone that you’re communicating with onstage.” 
“I thought it was a really fun little test of my own skill in how you have to quickly shift your focus
depending on who it is that you&#8217;re talking to
the challenge of doing that was probably the most appealing thing to me.” 
Woltersdorf is confident the audience will delight in these shifting aspects of the show and in “the dynamic relationships” which consist of “a constant rotation of characters on stage.” 
“I think people will enjoy just seeing those relationships and how each of the conversations and relationships do intertwine with the other relationships,” he says
director Nicholas Ryan highlights the work that has been put into “building up all the characters” to prepare them for the eventful and exciting storyline
and they&#8217;re all different,” the director says
Woltersdorf wishes to pay homage to the collaborative effort
as well as the professional and creative dedication of the team
and the collaboration he&#8217;s had with all of the people behind the scenes has really brought it to life to help suspend the audience&#8217;s disbelief,” he says
It&#8217;s a really beautiful combination of collaboration
where everyone has had a chance to express themselves in a way that helps serve the story
I think there&#8217;s this really beautiful connection between everyone that&#8217;s been working on it
and the result on the stage is quite exceptional.” 
Don’t miss the second season of this phantasmic
The season begins on Thursday 24 April and runs to Saturday 10 May at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
A Lilydale man was among three arrested after $12,000 of 1,4-Butanediol was seized in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
The arrests follow a 14-month investigation led by the Croydon Divisional Response Unit into an alleged drug trafficking ring operating across Lilydale and Mordialloc
Croydon DRU with support from Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit
and Dog Squad executed two search warrants in Lilydale and Mordialloc
Detectives executed a search warrant in Lilydale
where they seized 7.75 litres of 1,4-Butanediol stored in professionally packaged bottles
Other drugs seized include methylamphetamine
A second search warrant was executed at a factory in Mordialloc where detectives located and seized three allegedly stolen passports and other fraudulent documents
Police also seized buprenorphine strips at the address
A 42-year-old Lilydale man was arrested and charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of 1,4-Butanediol
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 25 January 2025
A 42-year-old Mordialloc man was arrested and charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of 1,4-Butanediol
Also arrested was a 44-year-old Mordialloc woman who was charged with failing to nominate driver
She was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court on 6 December
Anyone with information about illicit drug trafficking or criminal activity is urged to call local police or make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of knitted poppies later
a special commemorative Anzac Day display has been installed in Lilydale
once again put a tremendous amount of effort into designing and knitting poppies for the bigger than ever before display
Ms Chuck said “the ladies have done an incredible job”
as well as the Lest We Forget banner which were installed on Main Street on Saturday 19 April by a team of volunteers from the Rotary Club
Marking the 110th year of the Gallipoli landing
the scale of the display matches the impact of the war and tells the stories of those who returned
“It’s about people in our town and how they came back from war and contributed to making the town as it is,” Ms Chuck said
his parents owned the general store in Lilydale
He came back to take over the running of the general store
The (other) soldier came back and he went to Silvan and took up one of the allotments that the government was giving
“The nurse came back and she raised her family
She&#8217;s buried over at the Lilydale cemetery
that we recognise these wonderful people for what they did.” 
With the help of the Mooroolbark Men’s Shed this year
some very lifelike rifles were created and crafted to accompany the soldiers
They&#8217;ve worked on these for 12 months now,” Ms Chuck said
The help also spread further with the leader of the Melbourne Football Club cheer squad lending a hand after hearing of the project and Ms Chuck’s worries about sourcing a full size horse cut out
A couple of days after it was mentioned to him
Ms Chuck opened her door to find just that waiting for her
very lucky the amount of people who have come aboard…everyone&#8217;s been magic
and they&#8217;ve all become very enthusiastic about it.”
Ms Chuck is usually asked ‘what’s next’ but after such a large effort of time and knitting
she said she’ll just have to wait and see about next year’s design
“I just need to have a break and restart rethinking
But usually it happens that somebody tells me a story
A probationary driver from Lilydale has been caught upside down after rolling his vehicle
The 21-year-old man lost control of his four wheel drive after allegedly doing &#8216;circle work&#8217; in grassland at the corner of Alfred Road and Old Gippsland Road
Lilydale at about 9pm on Thursday 6 February
Police members from Yarra Ranges and Knox Highway Patrols attended and conducted a preliminary breath test in which he returned an alleged reading of 0.152
He will be charged on summons with a number of traffic offences and will face the Ringwood Magistrates Court
Police will continue to target deliberately dangerous and high-risk road users who engage in dangerous driving behaviours
Any person who witnessed the driving is urged to contact Knox Highway Patrol on 9881 7000
Questions and concerns about parking monitoring in Lilydale have triggered calls from councillors for a review into its processes and revenue acquired from fining people in the municipality
Yarra Ranges Council revealed exponential growth in its revenue garnered shire-wide from number plate recognition technology introduced for infringing timed parking
Prompted by a question at the council meeting on Tuesday 28 January by Lilydale Township Action Group secretary Sharyn Manning
the council executive outlined the approximate $470,000 increase in infringements year-on-year
“Council systems don&#8217;t currently identify a location based record of revenue at this stage…(but) council received approximately $27,600 in parking revenue across the whole municipality in the 2022-23 financial year
and approximately $501,200 in the 2023-24 financial year,” Yarra Ranges Council communities director Leanne Hurst said
the number of infringements recorded in 2023 totalled 143
This increased in 2024 to 1608 parking infringements
Ms Manning said in a later submission at the meeting that timed parking felt like an “opportunistic use…generating council revenue” which was “targeting and entrapment”
“People expected to see parking inspectors marking tyres and a chance to move their cars
There was no information about the licence plate recognition system communicated to the community or traders,” she said
“People were caught under the new system and had no way of knowing
They did not get a ticket on their windscreen
They received their infringement notice three to four weeks later
“The enforcement of restrictions is intended to act as a deterrent and force people to change their behavior
The system implemented gave people no warning and no chance to do this.”
Ms Hurst confirmed physical tickets had been reinstated after hearing “loud and clear” from the community on this matter
“(We heard) it can be far more effective and provide more notice for people if they actually receive them on their wind screens and so that is our target
are actually issued on the spot and on the windscreen,” she said
Councillors Tim Heenan and Fiona McAllister both voiced their bewilderment at the considerable change in infringement-created revenue
“I&#8217;m absolutely shocked to see the substantial increase from one year to another
and I know that it&#8217;ll be seen that Yarra Ranges Council is just trying to raise revenue,” Cr Heenan said
“I’m pretty taken aback by the revenue figures that have been reported,” Cr McAllister said
Cr McAllister made a formal request to the executive for councillors to be briefed about issues raised in relation to parking
“Certainly (with a) focus on Lilydale but I&#8217;d also probably like it more broadly
because I have had conversations with other townships
but certainly with similar concerns,” she said
The items requested to be reviewed and detailed include: revenue figures and how those funds will be used; the communication approach that was taken with the community
including consultation; alignment with council policy; the issuing of multiple fines and potential changes to this system; and fines that were reviewed
the outcomes and percentage of fines taken to court
Cr McAllister said it would be preferable if councillors could receive a briefing before the end of February
understanding the “fairly substantial amount of information” asked for but highlighted that “this is a critical one for us to better understand”
Mayor Jim Child confirmed the review had been accepted and minuted
with the executive team to prepare a report
“The process is now that we&#8217;ve dealt with the matter now
The item has been taken on board through councillor McAllister’s request
that&#8217;s being minuted and that timeline has been accepted by the executive,” he said
to see what comes out of that investigation
As the first of the townships to gain a CCTV network in the Yarra Ranges
the desire and need for this system in Lilydale remains
But being the oldest means over time the critical infrastructure has become dilapidated beyond repair with no funds available to fix it
It’s something that has been on the agenda for the Lilydale Township Action Group (LTAG) since its inception but like most groups
finding the right avenue to fund the replacement has been met with challenges
“We&#8217;ve advocated pretty strongly that these cameras need to come back for a safety point of view and for a community response
It&#8217;s hard because no one seems to be able to say definitively what we need to do
Most of the cameras are obsolete and no longer in use,” LTAG president Neal Taylor said
“There&#8217;s been a lot of hand wringing and tossing the ball to and from different organisations.” 
Mr Taylor estimates that 90 per cent of the cameras in Lilydale need replacing but “there&#8217;s no money around at the moment for them to be repaired or replaced”
Lilydale CFA captain Warren Davis has been on the other side of the response over the years
responding to fires around town but also noticing vandals targeting places like the White Dog Hotel
“The crime in Lilydale is getting out of control
We’ve responded to rubbish bins that have been set fire to
they&#8217;re treating (the White Dog) now like it&#8217;s a haunted house
breaking into it constantly and our concern is that someone&#8217;s going to set fire to it
“Shops are vulnerable now because we don&#8217;t have CCTV
People feel vulnerable walking down the street at night time.” 
Seeing the benefit of the cameras when the existing ones were in good condition
It helps with crime prevention and also keeping track of crime
I think it would deter things like drug and alcohol abuse
particularly drug transactions that are happening,” he said
“I think it&#8217;s going to be beneficial for the community
So there&#8217;s a lot of questions around this that need to be answered.”
Mr Davis said from what he understands the cameras originally installed only lined one side of Main Street but he would like to see this extended to both sides and throughout the main parts of the township
He too said active CCTV would benefit the township greatly
“Just to try and curb vandalism and make the streets safer
If people know that there are cameras operating in the area
it may deter them from venturing into the area and causing vandalism,” Mr Davis said
“Graffiti at the moment around Lilydale is totally out of control
they could see who&#8217;s doing it and make an arrest
“I don&#8217;t know whether it&#8217;s the state government or local government
They really have the duty of care to make sure that everybody has a safe passage whilst being in the main street.” 
is keeping township groups like LTAG in limbo
“There&#8217;s no real definitive funding choice
it&#8217;s had federal funding but it&#8217;s unfortunate that that funding is not available at the moment,” Mr Taylor said
we brought it up at a shire-wide meeting and a lot of the township groups that have cameras in their areas are still also struggling for the same reason
There was some movement about maybe banding together to try and find some funding.”
Mr Taylor said while LTAG would be happy to advocate for the upgrading
he does not think the responsibility should fall on the township and traders groups to manage the maintenance and funding
Lilydale Library is about to become a little bit more magical
visitors will be able to take part in &#8216;Purple Pea Wonders&#8217;
a playful art installation that’s all about discovery
a collaboration between local artist Dani-Ela Kayler and emerging illustrator Mim White
is bringing whimsical postcards to the library’s shelves
“The idea behind Purple Pea Wonders is to offer a simple
joyful moment that people can stumble upon unexpectedly,” Dani-Ela said
“It’s about finding wonder in the everyday and making art accessible to everyone.”
though – they’re little bursts of encouragement
designed to surprise and delight you when you least expect it
like “Peas keep showing up” or “Peas hunt the good in others,” are paired with charming illustrations
all created to offer a moment of joy and reflection
700 of these postcards will be hidden in books across Lilydale Library’s collections
waiting for the next person who borrows them
while others will pop up as you wander through the library’s shelves
but with a twist – instead of looking for gold
you’re searching for a little nugget of positivity
These postcards aren’t just there to be discovered – they’re there to be shared
Each one has a QR code that lets you share your experience and maybe even leave your own little postcard-art for someone else to find
spontaneous way to engage with the community and spread a little cheer
Dani-Ela said what makes &#8216;Purple Pea Wonders&#8217; so special is how it connects with everyone
no matter your age or interests &#8211; they have designed the project to be accessible and inclusive
reaching people who might not typically engage with the arts
&#8220;Libraries are public spaces that bring people together
and this installation is all about creating those serendipitous moments that can brighten your day,&#8221; Dani-Ela said
&#8220;Whether you’re a bookworm or just popping in for a visit
there’s a chance you could stumble upon something that makes you smile.&#8221;
The concept for &#8216;Purple Pea Wonders&#8217; was born from Dani-Ela’s love for spontaneous moments of joy
She wanted to create something that could touch people’s lives in unexpected ways
offering a reminder that positive change can happen in fleeting moments
which was launched in Belgrave earlier last year
Dani-Ela said she knew this was a project that could spread good vibes and make people feel seen
feedback showed that people of all ages – from school kids to those in their 70s – appreciated these small
Many shared how discovering a card made their day just a little bit brighter
whether they decided to keep the card or not
Some found themselves smiling simply because someone had thought to leave a bit of art and encouragement for a stranger
is what Dani-Ela hopes to bring to the wider Lilydale community with this new installation
&#8216;Purple Pea Wonders&#8217; also highlights the power of local collaboration
Dani-Ela and Mim’s work was supported by Yarra Ranges Council through a small grant
which has allowed them to expand their project and bring it to new audiences
Dani-Ela’s commitment to supporting local artists is evident
having worked on the illustrations since late 2023
is a talented young artist with a diverse practice that spans watercolour
and her illustrations for &#8216;Purple Pea Wonders&#8217; reflect her love for whimsical
She’s drawn inspiration from everything from Studio Ghibli films to Japanese art styles
infusing each piece with a sense of wonder and playfulness
this project is not just about creating art – it’s about bringing people together and sharing a moment of joy,&#8221; Mim said
if you’re in Lilydale and in the mood for something a little different
why not head to the library and see what you can find
You might just discover a &#8216;Purple Pea Wonder&#8217; hiding between the pages of your next great read
It’s a simple way to add a little spark to your day
and who knows – you might end up brightening someone else’s day
and maybe leave one behind for someone else to find
It’s a simple yet heartwarming way to engage with your local community and experience art in a new
2024 was a year where flooding and stormwater management dominated Star Mail’s headlines
The year began with the stories of residents impacted severely by continuous flooding especially in suburban Lilydale
Having finished 2023 with a letter of complaint to Yarra Ranges Council and a story on the inundation seen throughout the Gateway Estate
it wasn’t far into January that residents began telling their own stories of flooding
from Megan and Billy who live on Hermitage Street
to Rosemary and Marlene who both live on Chapel Street and to a group of residents who live on or around Bristol Crescent
with complaints of inadequate stormwater management to cater to the growth in the region and increasing heavy rainfall events
Although they experienced some flooding instances in the 40-odd years living on Bristol Crescent
resident Julie said the issue was only increasing
With climate change and the torrential downpours it’s getting worse of late,” she said
“The volume of homes in the street has doubled but they haven’t upgraded anything and every time they put a unit in
they dig across the road and they tap into this pit
Everyone’s just tapping into this one point which is right at the foot of our property and it can’t cope,” Billy said of Heritage Street
“There’s unmade gutters and nothing from the corner [of Clarke Street] except the dip in the land
There’s no continuous drainage to allow the water to get away,” Rosemary said
With many residents submitting petitions to Yarra Ranges Council
council meetings were regularly attended by residents seeking action and responses to questions or submissions
It was at the Tuesday 12 March meeting that the first mention of a “catchment analysis” and stormwater management plan was heard
Councillors also voted at this meeting to put forward a motion that would ask the Municipal Association of Victoria to advocate on behalf of the shire for the State Government to improve flood mapping data
develop a Flood Information Framework and invest in flood mitigation infrastructure
Questions were still being raised in April on the progression of the stormwater management plan
to which council’s building environment and infrastructure director Hjalmar Philipp said assessments and investigations were underway
Lilydale Flood Watch member Michelle said at the top of the list when it comes to putting the stormwater plan together
empathetic and genuine face to face engagement” and “inclusive and prolonged and proactive consultation” would be a priority for residents impacted by the experience of flooding
“[I would like to see] Yarra Ranges Council officers actively survey the land with members of the community whose streets and homes which experience flooding to accurately hear first-hand of the direction
frequency and the impact of the upstream housing subdivisions and what impact it is having downstream,” she said
Yarra Ranges Council’s draft budget in April allocated an amount of $16 million to drainage and infrastructure over six years
Andrew Hilson agreed “it’s probably never going to be enough” but it would have to be a smart investment over time
“We’ve just got decades of old drainage infrastructure that needs to be upgraded over time
It’s going to take this kind of conservative investment over a long period of time,” he said
“I imagine there’ll be plenty of people who sort of say
actually my road or my area isn’t on the list for the next couple of years
“There’s only so many dollars that have to be prioritised in terms of what we can do quickly and now and then the rest has to come over time.”
The fear of further flooding and greater impacts for houses downstream of the Olinda Creek when a 50-house retirement village was proposed for the land opposite Bellbird Car Park
Despite both concerns of the land at 375 Swansea Road being a floodplain and in direct connection to Olinda Creek’s platypus population
the council voted in favour of the proposal
“This is an inappropriate development on a floodplain for a retirement village
and with three lifestyle villages already in Lilydale with current vacancies on appropriate sites
this is not the right thing to do to protect our vulnerable community,” objector Kim-Maree said at the Tuesday 14 May council meeting
the long awaited stormwater management plan had been released as a draft for community consultation
“There’s been a definite shift in the council’s thinking around the importance of drainage and flooding over the past 12 months,” then councillor Andrew Fullagar said
The 10 year plan looked to not only mitigate the flood risk but “protect and maintain the natural water cycle and health of waterways from urban development impacts” across the whole municipality
Lilydale and the rest of the Yarra Ranges was once again inundated with flood waters
The rain event which increased from Monday 15 July through to the early hours of Tuesday morning
Lilydale SES unit controller Shaun Caulfield said
saw sharp bursts of heavy rainfall in specific locations
we’re just having it in shorter bursts which seems to be the pattern of the last couple of years,” he said
“So our average rainfall for the year might be a very similar amount but we seem to be getting it on less days
“A lot of the rain was focused over the Ferny Creek
The discussion of flood impacts also reached the ability of SES to respond after the October 2022 flood inquiry report was handed down
inadequate resources and a changing climate making it increasingly difficult and unpredictable
“It was good to see those recommendations reflect what we’ve been saying for a long time
which is that SES in Victoria has been grossly underfunded for decades,” Lilydale SES unit controller Shaun Caulfield said
“So it’s fairly reassuring to see that recognised
that there’s both a gap in the funding for equipment
but also in terms of being able to attract and retain new volunteers
Returning to the adoption of the stormwater management plan in August
raised concerns about transparency in the plan and the need for immediate assistance for areas that experience flooding
Ms de Lima outlined multiple items missing from the documentation as well as administrative errors in the reports
Ms de Lima said “the stormwater management plan and policy are progressive and highly important initiatives for the future development of the Yarra Ranges Shire
But she said “as a guiding principle for the next 10 years
The plan was given the green light in September
October brought with it yet another major flood
seeing an estimated 75ml of rain falling per hour
seeing pooling water under the Lilydale Train Station and Beresford and Cave Hill Roads requiring police assistance to direct traffic around flood waters
drainage and stormwater management at the top of the list for nearly all council candidates
as well as the topic requiring the most discussion in 2025 and beyond
Flooding and stormwater management will certainly continue to be a heavily talked about topic but 2024 really was a momentous year for enacting change to past practices and the community making a stand for their safety
The culmination of two years worth of work to bring a contemporary view of famed opera singer Dame Nellie Melba to the Yarra Ranges finally launched with a Toast to Melba
The exhibition at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum in Lilydale brings together many firsts for both telling the true story of Melba as a woman before her time and in collaboration to make it possible
Described as the Taylor Swift or Kylie Minogue of her era
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum director Megan Sheehy and curator Maddie Reece said this fresh perspective of the singer
mother and revered woman was designed to cater to an entirely new audience
“What we are trying to do with the exhibition
is to find the elements of her story that are of interest and relevance today particularly for young women who might look to different pop stars and social media influencers
and to really position her as the first person to do that
and to help people understand that she really was the Taylor Swift of her era,” Ms Sheehy said
Celebrity and the concept of fame is coined off of Melba
Engaging young people on the Yarra Ranges Council youth advisory committee
Ms Sheehy said it was their input that helped guide and shape the exhibition
In introducing the exhibition at the launch on Saturday 15 February
Ms Sheehy said by delving into the contemporary aspects of Melba
“We spoke to everyone we could and dug into the new ways of seeing Melba
we learned that the global superstar loved Lilydale and the Yarra Valley more than any other place in the world,” she said
“We learned about her being a strong business woman
She was a modernist and a really forward thinking woman
and who was a supporter of women&#8217;s rights and also really helped support other creative women.” 
Hardened by the experiences of life before becoming a superstar across the world
separated from her husband just a year after marriage and became a single mother
she never lost her spark and so a ‘Toast to Melba’ also delves into her personality
the one she kept hidden from stage for just her family and friends
practical joker who was acutely aware of the role of play in life,” Ms Sheehy said
It was this element that inspired Melba’s Vintage Playroom
inviting people of all ages to live by the singer’s most known quote
“She encouraged her students and everyone to indulge in a bit of nonsense to offset the harsher realities of life,” Ms Reece said
Replicating a 1920s photograph of Coombe’s nursery
drawing and a play mat to engage yet another age group in Melba
Aside from telling parts of the Melba story perhaps not known
the exhibition also shows items never seen on display before
including Melba’s son George’s racing silks in the traditional British suffrage colours of green
Other items come directly from Melba’s chosen home of Coombe in Coldstream
like the handpainted lanterns that were uncovered in a trunk
one that the region has always claimed Melba as one of their own
“discovering that it&#8217;s completely the opposite
Melba loved this place more than any other in the world”
“The true love that she feels for the Yarra Valley just comes through in everything she&#8217;s written
to the newspaper interviews she&#8217;s done on it,” Ms Reece said
The collection was sourced from the Museum’s archives
Arts Centre Melbourne and Coombe Yarra Valley
a collaboration first to ensure Melba’s legacy and influence carries through to the next generation
“When we were planning the exhibition and curating it
our target audiences weren’t the people who love Melba
If they can leave knowing a little more about who Dame Nellie Melba was
A Toast to Melba reveals intimate glimpses of Melba’s life
enjoy the humorous tale of her son’s racing silks in British suffrage colours and celebrate the innovator who made history as the first internationally renowned performer to broadcast live on radio in 1920
special events and more for individuals and groups throughout the exhibition which runs until 29 June
Full details can be found here as programs are announced: yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events/A-Toast-to-Melba
A Lilydale woman who took human toes from dog vomit to sell them on an online black market has avoided jail &#8220;by the barest of possible margins&#8221; for her macabre crime
A Melbourne court was told Joanna Kathlyn Kinman collected bizarre items and previously sold stillborn pets through the &#8220;Bone Buddies Australia&#8221; Facebook group
She was employed at a Victorian animal shelter as a ranger when two dogs regurgitated the toes and other remains in February 2024
They had been surrendered after the death of their owner
He died of natural causes before the pets ate parts of his body
Kinman faced Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday
where she pleaded guilty to offensive conduct involving human remains
Magistrate Andrew Sim sentenced her to an 18-month community corrections order
&#8220;By the barest of possible margins you will not be going to jail today,&#8221; Mr Sim told her
disgust or repulsion in the minds of any reasonable person in the community.&#8221;
The 48-year-old was not required to speak during her appearance
Prosecutor Melissa Sambrooks said Kinman was not present when the dogs regurgitated the remains
but searched a wheelie bin looking for the toes
&#8220;She located two human toes and took them home and placed them in a jar containing formaldehyde,&#8221; Leading Senior Constable Sambrooks said
Kinman discussed how she planned to sell them online and research suggested she could get as much as $400
Police soon arrived at her Lilydale home after a tip-off from an unknown source
Kinman made full admissions to possessing the remains and intending to sell them online
She showed police where the jar with the toes was located
beside other oddities including an alligator claw
guinea pig trotter and her childrens&#8217; teeth
Police found the mother-of-five was a member of the &#8220;Bone Buddies Australia&#8221; Facebook group
Snr Const Sambrooks said Kinman was an avid contributor to the site and had previously sold &#8220;wet specimens&#8221; of a stillborn kitten and puppy
She did not say where those remains were sourced
Kinman told officers she was curious about the toes and took them because &#8220;I know someone who collects weird things&#8230; I thought &#8216;cool&#8217; it&#8217;s a toe&#8221;
Many of the dead man&#8217;s relatives are unaware of the crime
with his son choosing to shield them from the investigation
Kinman&#8217;s lawyer Rainer Martini told Mr Sim his client had also been impacted by her &#8220;spontaneous&#8221; crime
including losing her job and having her name spread online
&#8220;She has regretted fulsomely &#8230; not just for herself but for the impact on the family of the deceased,&#8221; Mr Martini said
Mr Sim said it was &#8220;hardly surprising&#8221; Kinman
who had studied psychology as well as animal science
lost her job over the &#8220;entirely odd behaviour&#8221;
&#8220;I find it remarkable that someone of the accused&#8217;s experience and education would not know it was an offence,&#8221; he told the court
&#8220;It&#8217;s astounding that she didn&#8217;t understand taking two toes that had been vomited up by one or two dogs from a deceased person and sell them on the internet was the wrong thing to do.&#8221;
He accepted Kinman had expressed remorse but said it wasn&#8217;t a &#8220;momentary lapse of judgment&#8221;
She had been facing up to two years in prison
but the prosecutor and Kinman&#8217;s lawyer agreed she should be assessed for a corrections order
Kinman did not comment to media outside court
Seeing double at Mount Lilydale Mercy College will be a common occurrence for the next six years with the largest cohort of twins to attend the school in its history beginning their secondary journey in 2025
The 12 sets of twins started Year 7 on Thursday 30 January alongside 262 classmates
It makes nearly 10 per cent of this Year 7 cohort a twin
They joined MLMC from eight different primary schools from across the Yarra Ranges
St Mary’s Mount Evelyn and The Basin Primary
Already enjoying and settling into secondary school life
the students said it was nice having a ‘built in friend’ in their twin while navigating the new environment
“I think it&#8217;s better to have someone
often comes with a lot of questions about what that actually means
“Who’s older?” and “can you read each other’s minds?” were the first two most common questions asked of them
girl twins being asked if they are identical
they said they will answer to each other’s names
Some noted a competitive streak among themselves
others not so much but universal excitement for both food tech and PE classes could be seen among all 24
To keep things easier for teachers but mostly for “their individual growth” each pair has been separated among the 11 Year 7 homerooms
Year 7 Level Leader Rachel Berka said everyone so far has seemed really comfortable and well adjusted
“We&#8217;re one week in today (6 February) and they&#8217;ve made a really good start
The year level seems to be settling in and it definitely helps when they&#8217;ve got a sibling to make that transition a bit smoother,” she said
The graduating class of 2030 will spend their second week at the college getting to know each other better when they attend their first school camp in Alexandra.