The daughter of a murdered Olinda chef believes mistaken identity was behind his 1976 disappearance.

Coroner Sarah Hinchey handed down a finding into the death of Cuckoo Restaurant founder Wilhelm ‘Willi’ Koeppen on Wednesday 11 July.

The celebrity chef’s body has never been found but Judge Hinchey found that he was dead and “his death is suspected to be the result of homicide”.

Daniela Koeppen Rosenfeld was 11 years old when her father vanished on 29 February 1976.

“I actually thought they were going to press charges,” she said of the findings.

“My theory is it was an accidental, mistaken-identity murder.”

She believes the target was “somebody else who owed money for gambling debt to a consortium in the city”.

“I think they thought that they’d come up here and get the money from this particular person and he wasn’t here,” she said.

“My father was locking up and leaving and they probably took him away.

“I don’t think that he was murdered here.

“I do believe he was murdered.

“There’s no way he would have left us.

“He loved his kids.

“His relationship wasn’t great with his wife but he was still here.

“He had no money, no passport. Where do you go? How do you get anywhere?”

Ms Koeppen Rosenfeld said that “as a child, you just cope”.

“You wonder and you ask questions: where’s daddy? What’s going on?” she said.

“Nobody could tell me because nobody knew.

“That was hard – the not knowing, and all the possibilities.”

She hopes this renewed publicity will encourage someone to come forward with new information.

“I would like more investigation into the women who came here the day after, for dinner – the call girls who turned up and said ‘we’re here to see him’,” she said.

“Who were they?

“Why were they here? What was the connection?

“I would like to know more from the people who saw him in his last 24 hours.”

According to the coroner’s report, Mr Koeppen drank with family friend and local GP Dr Bernard Butler at the Cuckoo in the early hours of Sunday, before they drove about 750 metres to Dr Butler’s house in their respective cars.

Dr Butler saw Mr Koeppen leave in his Volkswagen Kombi van between 3am and 4am.

“This was the last known sighting of Mr Koeppen, alive,” Judge Hinchey said.

A cleaner arrived at the Cuckoo about 4.30am and found Mr Koeppen’s van in the car park, the door open.

“In the days leading up to his disappearance, Mr Koeppen was said to have been in a depressed state and made several references to heading to Poole Island, Queensland, with two unknown women,” Judge Hinchey said.

The 46-year-old owned a holiday home there.

But police in 2012 said that a review of the file indicated it was more than likely the case was a homicide and that it would be re-investigated.

They referred the case to the coroner the following year.

“Mr Koeppen was suspected of having connections with a person who died in prison in 1988,” Judge Hinchey found.

“A person of interest was interviewed in 2014, however no charges have ever been laid in relation to the death.”

Alex Tsakmakis was beaten to death in prison in 1988.

“I do think he was involved in it,” Ms Koeppen Rosenfeld said.

“He was killed by the Russell Street bomber.

“He admitted to (Mark) ‘Chopper’ Read that he was up to his neck in the disappearance of Willi Koeppen.”

She said a former Pentridge prison warden visited the restaurant some months ago and said he, too, believed Tsakmakis was involved.

Ms Koeppen Rosenfled said the coronial process had been stressful for her mother Karin, now aged 84.

“As a mother of three children running a business, she had to survive and keep her chin up and continue working,” she said.

“She had to put bread on the table for her children and her customers.

“Most people would curl up in a ball and suck their thumb.

“She still comes in every day.

“She did love him.

“They had their differences and it was a difficult time because of the fame that he was having around his career, but they were still living together.

“They were sharing a business and sharing a family.”

Ms Koeppen Rosenfeld took the helm as Cuckoo manager earlier his year and said the restaurant was going strong.

“I’m here as the daughter, fulfilling the initial dream,” she said.

“I’m bringing the Cuckoo back to the way my dad did – the food, the atmosphere.”

Mr Koeppen learnt his trade in Berlin, Germany, before moving to Australia in 1955 and working in Melbourne’s hotels.

He was soon hosting a popular German show on radio station 3XY and became Melbourne’s first television celebrity chef on Channel Seven show The Chef Presents.

Mr Koeppen and Karin married in 1957, and bought the run-down Quamby cafe in 1958 following a day trip to the Dandenongs.

They lived in its basement as they turned it into the Bavarian-themed buffet.

The daughter of a murdered Olinda chef believes mistaken identity was behind his 1976 disappearance. Coroner Sarah Hinchey handed down a finding into the death of Cuckoo Restaurant founder Wilhelm ‘Willi’ Koeppen on Wednesday 11 July. The celebrity chef’s body has never been found but Judge Hinchey found that he was dead and “his death is suspected to be the result of homicide”. Daniela Koeppen Rosenfeld was 11 years old when her father vanished on 29 February 1976. “I actually thought they were going to press charges,” she said of the findings. “My theory is it was an accidental, mistaken-identity murder.” She believes the target was “somebody else who owed money for gambling debt to a consortium in the city”. “I think they thought that they’d come up here and get the money from this particular person and he wasn’t here,” she said. “My father was locking up and leaving and they probably took him away. “I don’t think that he was murdered here. “I do believe he was murdered. “There’s no way he would have left us. “He loved his kids. “His relationship wasn’t great with his wife but he was still here. “He had no money, no passport. Where do you go? How do you get anywhere?” Ms Koeppen Rosenfeld said that “as a child, you just cope”. “You wonder and you ask questions: where’s daddy? What’s going on?” she said. “Nobody could tell me because nobody knew. “That was hard – the not knowing, and all the possibilities.” She hopes this renewed publicity will encourage someone to come forward with new information. “I would like more investigation into the women who came here the day after, for dinner – the call girls who turned up and said ‘we’re here to see him’,” she said. “Who were they? “Why were they here? What was the connection? “I would like to know more from the people who saw him in his last 24 hours.” According to the coroner’s report, Mr Koeppen drank with family friend and local GP Dr Bernard Butler at the Cuckoo in the early hours of Sunday, before they drove about 750 metres to Dr Butler’s house in their respective cars. Dr Butler saw Mr Koeppen leave in his Volkswagen Kombi van between 3am and 4am. “This was the last known sighting of Mr Koeppen, alive,” Judge Hinchey said. A cleaner arrived at the Cuckoo about 4.30am and found Mr Koeppen’s van in the car park, the door open. “In the days leading up to his disappearance, Mr Koeppen was said to have been in a depressed state and made several references to heading to Poole Island, Queensland, with two unknown women,” Judge Hinchey said. The 46-year-old owned a holiday home there. But police in 2012 said that a review of the file indicated it was more than likely the case was a homicide and that it would be re-investigated. They referred the case to the coroner the following year. “Mr Koeppen was suspected of having connections with a person who died in prison in 1988,” Judge Hinchey found. “A person of interest was interviewed in 2014, however no charges have ever been laid in relation to the death.” Alex Tsakmakis was beaten to death in prison in 1988. “I do think he was involved in it,” Ms Koeppen Rosenfeld said. “He was killed by the Russell Street bomber. “He admitted to (Mark) ‘Chopper’ Read that he was up to his neck in the disappearance of Willi Koeppen.” She said a former Pentridge prison warden visited the restaurant some months ago and said he, too, believed Tsakmakis was involved. Ms Koeppen Rosenfled said the coronial process had been stressful for her mother Karin, now aged 84. “As a mother of three children running a business, she had to survive and keep her chin up and continue working,” she said. “She had to put bread on the table for her children and her customers. “Most people would curl up in a ball and suck their thumb. “She still comes in every day. “She did love him. “They had their differences and it was a difficult time because of the fame that he was having around his career, but they were still living together. “They were sharing a business and sharing a family.” Ms Koeppen Rosenfeld took the helm as Cuckoo manager earlier his year and said the restaurant was going strong. “I’m here as the daughter, fulfilling the initial dream,” she said. “I’m bringing the Cuckoo back to the way my dad did – the food, the atmosphere.” Mr Koeppen learnt his trade in Berlin, Germany, before moving to Australia in 1955 and working in Melbourne’s hotels. He was soon hosting a popular German show on radio station 3XY and became Melbourne’s first television celebrity chef on Channel Seven show The Chef Presents. Mr Koeppen and Karin married in 1957, and bought the run-down Quamby cafe in 1958 following a day trip to the Dandenongs. They lived in its basement as they turned it into the Bavarian-themed buffet.

Jason Wood will no longer represent the area he grew up in following the Australian Electoral Commission’s decision to redraw the electoral boundaries.

Under the new boundaries, adopted on Friday 13 July, the Casey electorate, represented by Liberal member Tony Smith, will shift further south-west and snap up La Trobe’s hills-based communities, effectively aligning Casey’s boundaries with the local government area of Yarra Ranges.

While La Trobe will lose major townships including Belgrave, Olinda, Kilsyth ,Upper Ferntree Gully, Menzies Creek and Sassafras, incumbent MP Jason Wood will gain Pakenham and nearby satellite towns.

Traditionally, Casey is a safe Liberal stronghold, while La Trobe is marginal, with Jason Wood claiming a narrow victory from Labor’s Simon Curtis in the 2016 election.

The redistribution was required to allow space for Victoria’s new seat, Fraser.

The La Trobe electorate is projected to have 116,587 voters by August next year, which exceeds the maximum number permitted by the Electoral Act.

Despite the changes, Mr Wood reassured residents that although they would no longer be voting for him, he would continue to campaign for a number of major projects that he wanted to see finished.

One of those projects was the widening and improvement of the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.

“My parting gesture is regarding the Mount Dandong Tourist Road,” Mr Wood said.

“This is the last opportunity where you’ll ever see a federal government putting $20 million on the table to make something fantastic for local residents, making it safe for them to drive, and making it wider so local residents and cyclists can use it.

“Quite simply we just need commitment from the State Government for matching funding.”

In May 2016, the Federal Government committed $10 million towards upgrading the road and recently in a letter to for Monbulk MP James Merlino, the Federal Government specified that it would consider providing an additional funding of another $10 million – subject to a matching contribution from the State Government.

“We have so many cyclists using tourists using the road it’s becoming dangerous on weekends,” Mr Wood said.

Mr Merlino said that the work, which included assessing the entire length of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, needed closer investigation.

“The works are likely to have significant environmental impacts and the community deserves to have its say and be aware of this before any decision is made to proceed or not,” he said.

Reflecting on 14 years of representing and campaigning in the electorate of La Trobe, Mr Wood said it was a magnificent place to work and he had no doubt that Mr Smith would continue to support the current hills projects.

Jason Wood will no longer represent the area he grew up in following the Australian Electoral Commission’s decision to redraw the electoral boundaries. Under the new boundaries, adopted on Friday 13 July, the Casey electorate, represented by Liberal member Tony Smith, will shift further south-west and snap up La Trobe’s hills-based communities, effectively aligning Casey’s boundaries with the local government area of Yarra Ranges. While La Trobe will lose major townships including Belgrave, Olinda, Kilsyth ,Upper Ferntree Gully, Menzies Creek and Sassafras, incumbent MP Jason Wood will gain Pakenham and nearby satellite towns. Traditionally, Casey is a safe Liberal stronghold, while La Trobe is marginal, with Jason Wood claiming a narrow victory from Labor’s Simon Curtis in the 2016 election. The redistribution was required to allow space for Victoria’s new seat, Fraser. The La Trobe electorate is projected to have 116,587 voters by August next year, which exceeds the maximum number permitted by the Electoral Act. Despite the changes, Mr Wood reassured residents that although they would no longer be voting for him, he would continue to campaign for a number of major projects that he wanted to see finished. One of those projects was the widening and improvement of the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. “My parting gesture is regarding the Mount Dandong Tourist Road,” Mr Wood said. “This is the last opportunity where you’ll ever see a federal government putting $20 million on the table to make something fantastic for local residents, making it safe for them to drive, and making it wider so local residents and cyclists can use it. “Quite simply we just need commitment from the State Government for matching funding.” In May 2016, the Federal Government committed $10 million towards upgrading the road and recently in a letter to for Monbulk MP James Merlino, the Federal Government specified that it would consider providing an additional funding of another $10 million – subject to a matching contribution from the State Government. “We have so many cyclists using tourists using the road it’s becoming dangerous on weekends,” Mr Wood said. Mr Merlino said that the work, which included assessing the entire length of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, needed closer investigation. “The works are likely to have significant environmental impacts and the community deserves to have its say and be aware of this before any decision is made to proceed or not,” he said. Reflecting on 14 years of representing and campaigning in the electorate of La Trobe, Mr Wood said it was a magnificent place to work and he had no doubt that Mr Smith would continue to support the current hills projects.

A mum’s footy match raised $14,000 for a grieving Upwey family.

The Belly-Up Cup on Friday 13 July paid tribute to Leanne Gorry, who died late last month following a long battle with cancer.

The mums of the Upwey-Tecoma and Belgrave juniors faced off at Belgrave Recreation Reserve in what was “a fabulous night”.

Kylie Orr, one of the organisers, said the final fund-raising tally was still being calculated but praised “a phenomenal effort and a grand atmosphere”.

“I think the mums and the crowd had an amazing night and the party continued well into the morning,” she said.

She kicked one of the Upwey side’s two goals.

Leanne’s husband, Dale, and three children, Emma, Ben and Adam, were involved on the night.

The money raised will support them.

The clubs hope to make the match an annual event, to raise cash for different causes.

A mum’s footy match raised $14,000 for a grieving Upwey family. The Belly-Up Cup on Friday 13 July paid tribute to Leanne Gorry, who died late last month following a long battle with cancer. The mums of the Upwey-Tecoma and Belgrave juniors faced off at Belgrave Recreation Reserve in what was “a fabulous night”. Kylie Orr, one of the organisers, said the final fund-raising tally was still being calculated but praised “a phenomenal effort and a grand atmosphere”. “I think the mums and the crowd had an amazing night and the party continued well into the morning,” she said. She kicked one of the Upwey side’s two goals. Leanne’s husband, Dale, and three children, Emma, Ben and Adam, were involved on the night. The money raised will support them. The clubs hope to make the match an annual event, to raise cash for different causes.

 Cocky by name and cocky by nature – persistent pests of the feathered variety are wreaking havoc in Healesville and surrounds.

From decks and trims to railings and furniture, few timber structures are immune to the ravages of these vandals of the sky.

When the Mail asked readers if their woodwork had been under attack the responses, just like the cockatoos, came in thick and fast.

“Yes! They’ve absolutely trashed our timber outdoor setting and the outdoor stairs, the cedar cabinetry on the spa, deck handrails etc,” Elissa Stillman said on the Mail Facebook page.

“Absolutely,” said Lauren Gordon. “Our new spotted gum deck, handrails, outdoor setting – they’re destroyed.”

Sue Bleumink lamented that the birds had ruined her freshly-painted railing and posts and destroyed the cedar around her spa.

A Healesville Sanctuary spokesperson said cockatoos were a highly-intelligent species that had adapted well to living alongside humans.

“They will seek out suitable food sources across a range of habitats, which sometimes includes residential areas and they absolutely love to chew – chewing also helps to maintain their beaks,” they said.

“Unfortunately, cockatoos cannot tell the difference between a piece of timber and a tree.

“Common building materials, such as cedar, are quite soft and present an enjoyable treat for cockatoos.

“They are not conscious of the damage they may be causing to property.”

That is no comfort to houseproud homeowners dismayed to see great flocks of birds laying waste to their prized woodwork.

Chum Creek resident Arina Gotts favours electric fencing – sufficient to give the mildest of shocks – as a cheap and easy solution.

“Or you can use a water pistol to give them a fright,” she said.

A quick spray is one of the deterrents suggested by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

Other recommendations include refraining from feeding them; making a scarecrow that looks like a bird of prey; stringing fishing line over the area to make it hard for the birds to land; hanging netting over the affected area; and using taped alarm calls or a motion-activated alarm.

The recommendations also included painting timber white, as the birds would not like it – but that, Eddie Christie said, was not the case.

Mr Christie thought he had done everything to keep marauding flocks away from his beautiful new Healesville home. He was wrong.

“I couldn’t believe they could do that much damage,” he told the Mail, pointing out a succession of gouges in the timber railing and hardwood posts of his verandah.

Not even the hard blackbutt of the baseboard was too much for the cocky beaks.

“It’s absolutely devastating,” Mr Christie said of all the damage.

He has thrown away his outdoor setting, which had five coats of marine varnish.

Still the cockies tore it to pieces.

To prevent another onslaught, he has tacked slabs of treated pine to his railing. Fishing line attached to stainless steel pegs hums when the wind blows, which seems to deter the birds.

These are makeshift solutions. Perhaps someone has the definitive answer to beaked vandals.

Eddie Christie, for one, would love to know.

 Cocky by name and cocky by nature – persistent pests of the feathered variety are wreaking havoc in Healesville and surrounds. From decks and trims to railings and furniture, few timber structures are immune to the ravages of these vandals of the sky. When the Mail asked readers if their woodwork had been under attack the responses, just like the cockatoos, came in thick and fast. “Yes! They’ve absolutely trashed our timber outdoor setting and the outdoor stairs, the cedar cabinetry on the spa, deck handrails etc,” Elissa Stillman said on the Mail Facebook page. “Absolutely,” said Lauren Gordon. “Our new spotted gum deck, handrails, outdoor setting – they’re destroyed.” Sue Bleumink lamented that the birds had ruined her freshly-painted railing and posts and destroyed the cedar around her spa. A Healesville Sanctuary spokesperson said cockatoos were a highly-intelligent species that had adapted well to living alongside humans. “They will seek out suitable food sources across a range of habitats, which sometimes includes residential areas and they absolutely love to chew – chewing also helps to maintain their beaks,” they said. “Unfortunately, cockatoos cannot tell the difference between a piece of timber and a tree. “Common building materials, such as cedar, are quite soft and present an enjoyable treat for cockatoos. “They are not conscious of the damage they may be causing to property.” That is no comfort to houseproud homeowners dismayed to see great flocks of birds laying waste to their prized woodwork. Chum Creek resident Arina Gotts favours electric fencing – sufficient to give the mildest of shocks – as a cheap and easy solution. “Or you can use a water pistol to give them a fright,” she said. A quick spray is one of the deterrents suggested by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Other recommendations include refraining from feeding them; making a scarecrow that looks like a bird of prey; stringing fishing line over the area to make it hard for the birds to land; hanging netting over the affected area; and using taped alarm calls or a motion-activated alarm. The recommendations also included painting timber white, as the birds would not like it – but that, Eddie Christie said, was not the case. Mr Christie thought he had done everything to keep marauding flocks away from his beautiful new Healesville home. He was wrong. “I couldn’t believe they could do that much damage,” he told the Mail, pointing out a succession of gouges in the timber railing and hardwood posts of his verandah. Not even the hard blackbutt of the baseboard was too much for the cocky beaks. “It’s absolutely devastating,” Mr Christie said of all the damage. He has thrown away his outdoor setting, which had five coats of marine varnish. Still the cockies tore it to pieces. To prevent another onslaught, he has tacked slabs of treated pine to his railing. Fishing line attached to stainless steel pegs hums when the wind blows, which seems to deter the birds. These are makeshift solutions. Perhaps someone has the definitive answer to beaked vandals. Eddie Christie, for one, would love to know.

 Three Bridges Enduro motorcyclist Daniel Sanders has taken a dominant victory at the 2018 Hattah Desert Race.

The eight lap course of 38kms has broken the hearts and souls of many a motorcyclist and the race is considered one of the biggest enduro events in Australia.

Having finished runner-up for the past two years running, Daniel Sanders from Three Bridges was keen to seal a victory.

On the first day of qualifying Sanders lodged a flying 2m36.256s lap time of the prologue course to seal the pole position, which set the scene for what was to come on race-day near Mildura, Victoria

With a fastest lap of 29m31.044s, he powered his factory Husqvarna FE 501 to an advantage of 1m06.175s and finished the eight laps of 38km’s in a total time of 4h15m22.802s.

Speaking to the ‘Mail’ about the four hour endurance race, he said the race was challenging and took a toll on his body, but the victory was ‘bittersweet’.

“The track is basically just deep sand similar to beach sand … it starts off smooth and gets deeper with ruts which are pretty much around the whole track, and you’re pushing for four hours.”

“This year the track was really dry as they haven’t had much rain, so it was lot dryer than what it normally is which makes it tough cause the track gets square edges and choppy.

“It made it pretty hard on the stomach; the bike is pumping a lot under those conditions.”

Despite the dry and dusty conditions Sanders lead from start to finish and was able to cruise home on the final lap to the outright and over 450cc FourStroke class victory.

Next up for the Sanders will be rounds five and six of the Australian Off-road Championship in Dungog, New South Wales, where he will resume his national title campaign.

After two years coming runner-up, Sanders said he was stoked with the victory and the 23-year-old said he aims to ‘back it up next year.’

“Hopefully we’ll back it up next year, but for now I’ll be focusing on the rest of the year and the Australian championships.”

 Three Bridges Enduro motorcyclist Daniel Sanders has taken a dominant victory at the 2018 Hattah Desert Race. The eight lap course of 38kms has broken the hearts and souls of many a motorcyclist and the race is considered one of the biggest enduro events in Australia. Having finished runner-up for the past two years running, Daniel Sanders from Three Bridges was keen to seal a victory. On the first day of qualifying Sanders lodged a flying 2m36.256s lap time of the prologue course to seal the pole position, which set the scene for what was to come on race-day near Mildura, Victoria With a fastest lap of 29m31.044s, he powered his factory Husqvarna FE 501 to an advantage of 1m06.175s and finished the eight laps of 38km’s in a total time of 4h15m22.802s. Speaking to the ‘Mail’ about the four hour endurance race, he said the race was challenging and took a toll on his body, but the victory was ‘bittersweet’. “The track is basically just deep sand similar to beach sand … it starts off smooth and gets deeper with ruts which are pretty much around the whole track, and you’re pushing for four hours.” “This year the track was really dry as they haven’t had much rain, so it was lot dryer than what it normally is which makes it tough cause the track gets square edges and choppy. “It made it pretty hard on the stomach; the bike is pumping a lot under those conditions.” Despite the dry and dusty conditions Sanders lead from start to finish and was able to cruise home on the final lap to the outright and over 450cc FourStroke class victory. Next up for the Sanders will be rounds five and six of the Australian Off-road Championship in Dungog, New South Wales, where he will resume his national title campaign. After two years coming runner-up, Sanders said he was stoked with the victory and the 23-year-old said he aims to ‘back it up next year.’ “Hopefully we’ll back it up next year, but for now I’ll be focusing on the rest of the year and the Australian championships.”

Boral Quarries’ Coldstream quarry has been given the go ahead for a new stockpile location and 24/7 operation for use of the stockpiles.

The application for creation of a new stockpile area on the northern boundary of the site at 527-529 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream and part of 110 Quarry Road, Lilydale, was heard by Yarra Ranges Council at its 10 July meeting after being called in by the ward councillor, Cr Tim Heenan.

The proposal would see relocation of the existing stockpiles from within the quarry pit to the new area.

Ten objections related primarily to 24 hour access to the site, intensification of the existing quarry, dust and air emissions and traffic and visual impacts.

The Council heard that the proposal would see an average of 17 vehicle movements per hour during the day and three during the night.

Cr Heenan said a number of objections had been dealt with through consultation and at council level through conditions on the permit.

“Yes, this is an extractive use and there were concerns and maybe still are some concerns out there in the community,” he said of the Boral application.

“I am not concerned,” he said.

He said council had a very tight commitment that vehicles would not be travelling in or out of Quarry Road and said he believed it ticked the boxes in engaging with and meeting the community’s needs.

A spokesman for Boral said the application was the result of three years of work, reaching out to the community and consulting to be sure of what the issues were.

He said the application related to establishing a safe working environment around the stock fill and 24-hour operation to cater for infrastructure projects around Victoria.

“It is not anticipated it will run 24 hours all the time but it means we can supply to our quarries in a timely way.

He said there had been robust discussion during consultation meetings and that the company believed the measures put in place would enable them to manage issues such as noise and dust and added that there were a number of conditions on the permit.

“We think we can satisfy those conditions and subject to addressing them, we can work within the realms of those conditions,” he said.

Boral Quarries’ Coldstream quarry has been given the go ahead for a new stockpile location and 24/7 operation for use of the stockpiles. The application for creation of a new stockpile area on the northern boundary of the site at 527-529 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream and part of 110 Quarry Road, Lilydale, was heard by Yarra Ranges Council at its 10 July meeting after being called in by the ward councillor, Cr Tim Heenan. The proposal would see relocation of the existing stockpiles from within the quarry pit to the new area. Ten objections related primarily to 24 hour access to the site, intensification of the existing quarry, dust and air emissions and traffic and visual impacts. The Council heard that the proposal would see an average of 17 vehicle movements per hour during the day and three during the night. Cr Heenan said a number of objections had been dealt with through consultation and at council level through conditions on the permit. “Yes, this is an extractive use and there were concerns and maybe still are some concerns out there in the community,” he said of the Boral application. “I am not concerned,” he said. He said council had a very tight commitment that vehicles would not be travelling in or out of Quarry Road and said he believed it ticked the boxes in engaging with and meeting the community’s needs. A spokesman for Boral said the application was the result of three years of work, reaching out to the community and consulting to be sure of what the issues were. He said the application related to establishing a safe working environment around the stock fill and 24-hour operation to cater for infrastructure projects around Victoria. “It is not anticipated it will run 24 hours all the time but it means we can supply to our quarries in a timely way. He said there had been robust discussion during consultation meetings and that the company believed the measures put in place would enable them to manage issues such as noise and dust and added that there were a number of conditions on the permit. “We think we can satisfy those conditions and subject to addressing them, we can work within the realms of those conditions,” he said.

Last week was a big week of cross country championships for Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes.

Victorian All Schools Cross Country Championships, Victorian Open Cross Country Cahmpioships and LAVIC Eastern Region Cross Country Championships kept everyone busy.

Congratulations to all athletes who competed and to those who meddalled or bettered their expectations.

Special mention to the six club athletes – Harry Norman, Lily Peacock, Georgia Laven, Maddie Laven, Kiara Flavel and Indigo Linde – who were selected to represent Victoria at the Australian Cross Country Championships iN Maleny, Queensland, in August.

Results from Vic All Schools Cross Country Championships:

Under 14 Girls 3km Madeline Laven 2nd 10.51, Kiara Flavel 4th 10.57, Indigo Linde 6th 11.03, Piper Naismith 45th 12.35, Ashleigh Rooke 78th 13.18. Under 15 Boys 4km Angus Norman 26th 14.09. Under 15 Girls 4km Mia Strudley 15th 15.22. Under 17 Boys 6km Harrison Van Duuren 18th 20.56, Camden Hewitson 55th 23.31, Liam Russell 86th 25.51. Under 17 Girls 4km Georgia Laven 2nd 14.00, Zoe Sibley 17th 15.34. Under 18 Boys 6km Harry Norman 5th 19.16. Under 18 Girl 4km Lily Peacock 3rd 14.03, Grace Muller 11th 14.55. Under 20 Men 8km Max Savill-Bentley 23rd 30.14

On Saturday 30 June, cross country will be the club handicap at Margaret Lewis Reserve, Coldstream.

The club welcomes all athletes of any age or ability. 

Last week was a big week of cross country championships for Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes. Victorian All Schools Cross Country Championships, Victorian Open Cross Country Cahmpioships and LAVIC Eastern Region Cross Country Championships kept everyone busy. Congratulations to all athletes who competed and to those who meddalled or bettered their expectations. Special mention to the six club athletes – Harry Norman, Lily Peacock, Georgia Laven, Maddie Laven, Kiara Flavel and Indigo Linde – who were selected to represent Victoria at the Australian Cross Country Championships iN Maleny, Queensland, in August. Results from Vic All Schools Cross Country Championships: Under 14 Girls 3km Madeline Laven 2nd 10.51, Kiara Flavel 4th 10.57, Indigo Linde 6th 11.03, Piper Naismith 45th 12.35, Ashleigh Rooke 78th 13.18. Under 15 Boys 4km Angus Norman 26th 14.09. Under 15 Girls 4km Mia Strudley 15th 15.22. Under 17 Boys 6km Harrison Van Duuren 18th 20.56, Camden Hewitson 55th 23.31, Liam Russell 86th 25.51. Under 17 Girls 4km Georgia Laven 2nd 14.00, Zoe Sibley 17th 15.34. Under 18 Boys 6km Harry Norman 5th 19.16. Under 18 Girl 4km Lily Peacock 3rd 14.03, Grace Muller 11th 14.55. Under 20 Men 8km Max Savill-Bentley 23rd 30.14 On Saturday 30 June, cross country will be the club handicap at Margaret Lewis Reserve, Coldstream. The club welcomes all athletes of any age or ability. 

Yarra Ranges Athletics’ Saturday morning cross-country was held at a sunbaked Margaret Lewsi Resreve in Coldstream.

After a robust congratulations to Rob Belli for his LAVIC – EMR life membership, an exceptional turn out of eager athletes and supporters turned their attention to the challenge ahead.

Rob Belli is a stalwart of Yarra Ranges Athletics.

Rob has been involved with the club before and after his children finished competing at Yarra Ranges Athletics Little Athletics, performing numerous roles within the club, most notably as a starter during the summer months and as a starter, organiser and competitior during the winter cross country season.

Rob is also actively involved in officiating where he is regarded as one of the premier starters in Victoria, often convening courses on behalf of LAVIC and EMR.

This recognition from EMR of Life Membership is a well earned award for a well respected, admired and loved member of the athletics community.

Rob duly started the first of five races, encouraging every athlete to push themselves, be it training for school cross country championships or just chasing personal bests and the elusive chocolate frog reward.

Once again the performance from everyone was outstanding with some very close finishes and big smiles

Results from round 9 are:

500m Hunter Lockland-Struhs 2.05 Robert McDowell 2.09 Jett Lockland-Struhs 2.17 Emily Kinwel 2.31 Sinead Willey 2.35 Bryce Fiedler 2.38 Ava Burgess 2.43 Lily Clarke 2.45 Mischa Gopal 2.52 Dihain Rathnayake 2.55 Leah Kinwell 3.19 Harlem Willis 3.19 Amelia Sketchley 3.20 ava sweeney 3.20 Georgia McKinnon 3.23 Zara Gopal 3.41

1000m Cooper Prescott 4.21 Jasmine Cochrane 4.21 Beau McKinnon 4.32 Willow Naismith 4.37 Hunter Lockland-Struhs 4.42 David Nackovski 4.42 Bodhi Lockland-Struhs 4.46 Emily Fiedler 4.46 Madeline Cannon 5.14 Blake Seeger 5.14 Patrick McErlain 5.23 Chloe Granger 5.24 Violeta Nackovski 5.29 Lachlan McNaught 5.31 Samuel Laven 5.31 Sinead Willey 5.34 Taylah Dux 5.40 Blake Freer 5.54

1500m Zoe Clarke 6.13 Ciara Willey 6.15 Sarah Rollo 6.30 Hunter Lockland-Struhs 6.32 Stephanie van Bemmel 6.35 Kaylah Cannon 6.51 Kai Freer 6.54 Sean Cannon 7.19 Robert McDowell 7.25 Jett Lockland-Struhs 7.28 Matthew Harvey 7.32 Kristina Nackovski 7.41 Noah Sweeney 8.24 Mitchell McNaught 8.35

2000m Mia Strudley 8.14 Bailey Van Bert 8.27 Mitchell. Pointon 8.28 Mia Harriss 8.53 Tiara Willis 9.03 Tyson Flavel 9.04 Cooper Prescott 9.23 Lily Cochrane 9.45 Rachael Gopal 9.54 Zoe Freer 10.18 Jasmine Cochrane 10.29 Willow Naismith 10.55 Sarah Rollo 10.56 Hunter Lockland-Struhs 11.34 Tahlia Murden 13.13 Zoe Freer 10.18

3000m Mitchell Deckert 11.32 Michael Clarke 12.23 Tahlia Harriss 14.18 Lily Cochrane 14.31 roger lord 14.37 Hunter Lockland-Struhs 14.44 Jess Dux 15.19 Mike Willey 15.4 Aleesa Keenan 15.43 Nathan Murden 15.52 charlotte lord 15.55 Charlotte Twentyman 15.55 Sarah Rollo 16.13 Zoe Clarke 16.14 Mia Strudley 16.15 Katie Clarke 16.34 Graeme Woolridge 16.40 Nicole Cannon 17.09 Sarah Adji 17.09

Next weekend is a big one for the secondary school athletes.

The Victorian All Schools Cross Country Championships will be held at Bundoora Park.

Good luck to all out athletes competing, represent your school, club and family with pride and courage.

The AV registered seniors also compete at Bundoora in the Victorian Cross Country Championships.

Saturday morning cross country will be at Morrison Reserve, Mount Evelyn, another chance for a personal best.

 

Yarra Ranges Athletics’ Saturday morning cross-country was held at a sunbaked Margaret Lewsi Resreve in Coldstream. After a robust congratulations to Rob Belli for his LAVIC – EMR life membership, an exceptional turn out of eager athletes and supporters turned their attention to the challenge ahead. Rob Belli is a stalwart of Yarra Ranges Athletics. Rob has been involved with the club before and after his children finished competing at Yarra Ranges Athletics Little Athletics, performing numerous roles within the club, most notably as a starter during the summer months and as a starter, organiser and competitior during the winter cross country season. Rob is also actively involved in officiating where he is regarded as one of the premier starters in Victoria, often convening courses on behalf of LAVIC and EMR. This recognition from EMR of Life Membership is a well earned award for a well respected, admired and loved member of the athletics community. Rob duly started the first of five races, encouraging every athlete to push themselves, be it training for school cross country championships or just chasing personal bests and the elusive chocolate frog reward. Once again the performance from everyone was outstanding with some very close finishes and big smiles Results from round 9 are: 500m Hunter Lockland-Struhs 2.05 Robert McDowell 2.09 Jett Lockland-Struhs 2.17 Emily Kinwel 2.31 Sinead Willey 2.35 Bryce Fiedler 2.38 Ava Burgess 2.43 Lily Clarke 2.45 Mischa Gopal 2.52 Dihain Rathnayake 2.55 Leah Kinwell 3.19 Harlem Willis 3.19 Amelia Sketchley 3.20 ava sweeney 3.20 Georgia McKinnon 3.23 Zara Gopal 3.41 1000m Cooper Prescott 4.21 Jasmine Cochrane 4.21 Beau McKinnon 4.32 Willow Naismith 4.37 Hunter Lockland-Struhs 4.42 David Nackovski 4.42 Bodhi Lockland-Struhs 4.46 Emily Fiedler 4.46 Madeline Cannon 5.14 Blake Seeger 5.14 Patrick McErlain 5.23 Chloe Granger 5.24 Violeta Nackovski 5.29 Lachlan McNaught 5.31 Samuel Laven 5.31 Sinead Willey 5.34 Taylah Dux 5.40 Blake Freer 5.54 1500m Zoe Clarke 6.13 Ciara Willey 6.15 Sarah Rollo 6.30 Hunter Lockland-Struhs 6.32 Stephanie van Bemmel 6.35 Kaylah Cannon 6.51 Kai Freer 6.54 Sean Cannon 7.19 Robert McDowell 7.25 Jett Lockland-Struhs 7.28 Matthew Harvey 7.32 Kristina Nackovski 7.41 Noah Sweeney 8.24 Mitchell McNaught 8.35 2000m Mia Strudley 8.14 Bailey Van Bert 8.27 Mitchell. Pointon 8.28 Mia Harriss 8.53 Tiara Willis 9.03 Tyson Flavel 9.04 Cooper Prescott 9.23 Lily Cochrane 9.45 Rachael Gopal 9.54 Zoe Freer 10.18 Jasmine Cochrane 10.29 Willow Naismith 10.55 Sarah Rollo 10.56 Hunter Lockland-Struhs 11.34 Tahlia Murden 13.13 Zoe Freer 10.18 3000m Mitchell Deckert 11.32 Michael Clarke 12.23 Tahlia Harriss 14.18 Lily Cochrane 14.31 roger lord 14.37 Hunter Lockland-Struhs 14.44 Jess Dux 15.19 Mike Willey 15.4 Aleesa Keenan 15.43 Nathan Murden 15.52 charlotte lord 15.55 Charlotte Twentyman 15.55 Sarah Rollo 16.13 Zoe Clarke 16.14 Mia Strudley 16.15 Katie Clarke 16.34 Graeme Woolridge 16.40 Nicole Cannon 17.09 Sarah Adji 17.09 Next weekend is a big one for the secondary school athletes. The Victorian All Schools Cross Country Championships will be held at Bundoora Park. Good luck to all out athletes competing, represent your school, club and family with pride and courage. The AV registered seniors also compete at Bundoora in the Victorian Cross Country Championships. Saturday morning cross country will be at Morrison Reserve, Mount Evelyn, another chance for a personal best.  

Round 9 was played in cold, slippery and sometimes foggy conditions.

There were some surprises with the wins and losses on Saturday and there is now a log jam in the Division 1 competition with the top 5 sides all sitting on six wins at the halfway mark of the season.

Division 2 sees Seville take top spot by percentage after Yarra Glen’s first loss for the season.

The winners in senior football: Wandin, Healesville, Monbulk, Olinda Ferny Creek, Woori Yallock, Alexandra, Gembrook-Cockatoo, Seville and Yarra Junction.

A Grade netball winners: Healesville, Woori Yallock, Belgrave, Olinda Ferny Creek, Wandin, Powelltown, Yarra Junction and Kinglake.

Division 1 Seniors Football

Wandin 10.7.67 d Emerald 6.18.54

Wandin share top spot but are fourth on percentage after a win over Emerald. Emerald were chasing tail all day as Wandin got off to a handy start but only had a slim lead of three points at quarter time. They kicked away in the second, with 6 goals to 1, and went into the main break 32 points up. Emerald won the third quarter, kicking 3.1 to 1.5, but the margin was still 20 points. Emerald peppered the goals in the last with 1.7 to 1 goal straight and really should have had the game won, but wastefulness in front of goal cost them in the end.

Wandin Best: S. Wettenhall (3 goals), B. Harvey (1 goal), T. Leech-Hines, P. Hodgett, P. Bruzzese, J. Byrne

Emerald Best: D. Edwards, S. Semmens (1 goal), J. Rich (1 goal), B. Wood, A. Quirk (1 goal), N. Jansen (2 goals)

Healesville 10.17.77 d Upwey-Tecoma 6.4.40

Healesville are also equal first, but fifth on percentage after a surprising win over Upwey-Tecoma. Healesville started well, kicking 4.5 to 2.2 in the first to set up a handy lead by 15 points. Upwey won the second quarter, just, and reduced the margin at the main break to 13 points. Healesville turned on the burners a bit in the third, kicking 4.2 to 1.1 and the margin was now looking tough for Upwey. Healesville peppered the goals in the last, but accuracy plagued them, and they were still able to come away with the win by 37 points.

Healesville Best: J. Nugent, L. Daly, J. Roe-Duggan (2 goals), D. Plozza, A. Fraraccio, B. Murphy

Upwey-Tecoma Best: W. Duncan, B. Bantoft, S. Waters, B. Neil, S. Dawson, D. Bell

Monbulk 13.18.96 d Belgrave 7.6.48

Monbulk sit one win out of the five after a solid performance against Belgrave. Monbulk were in control from the outset and had a big lead by 33 points at quarter time. Belgrave won the second quarter, kicking 3.2 to 1.3 and reduced the margin to 22 points. Monbulk jumped into action in the third, with 5.6 to 2.1 to put the game out of Belgrave’s reach. A lacklustre last quarter, but Belgrave still won it but the game was all Monbulk’s.

Monbulk Best: S. Williams (2 goals), N. Wall, M. Langworthy (1 goal), P. Barge (3 goals), N. McPherson, K. Linde

Belgrave Best: T. Stubley, J. McDermott (1 goal), J. Marshall, N. Somervaille (1 goal), C. Power, L. Caton-Thomas

Olinda Ferny Creek 19.21.135 d Warburton Millgrove 3.7.25

Olinda have bounced back after a 110-point win over Warburton and are back on top of the ladder by percentage. They were a bit wasteful in front of goal in the first, but had a lead of 22 points at quarter time. They increased that lead to 37 points at half-time. A big 7-goal to 1 third quarter, as heavy fog set in, and the margin had blown out to 73 points which was well out of reach for Warburton. A final 5.5 to 1 behind and the final siren was Warburton’s friend at the end of the day.

Olinda Ferny Creek Best: D. Troutman (2 goals), M. Wright (6 goals), B. Currie, M. Hottes, D. Noorda, L. Hill

Warburton-Millgrove Best: L. Barnard, T. McKail, J. Walker, S. Andueza, M. Leeds (2 goals), M. Read

Woori Yallock 19.18.132 d Mt Evelyn 6.8.44

Woori Yallock are second only by percentage after knocking over sixth-placed Mt Evelyn who are only 1 win behind Olinda at the end of the day. Woori Yallock kicked 5.4 to 2.1 in the first and really set up the rest of the game. A big 7-goal quarter to 1 and it was all Woori Yallock at half time with a lead of 55 points. Mount Evelyn could only manage 3 behinds in the third to Woori’s 4.9 and it was all over. It was goal for goal in the last but to no avail for the Mounters.

Woori Yallock Best: E. Clasby (2 goals), M. Batten, J. Smith, K. Thompson, J. Matthews (1 goal), C. Cameron (4 goals)

Mt Evelyn Best: C. Urquhart, A. Gibbons, L. Inaps, J. Thompson (1 goal), J. Beamish (1 goal), K. Jones (1 goal)

Division 2 Seniors Football

Alexandra 14.14 104 d Kinglake 15.11.101

This was certainly match of the day with just 3 points separating these 2 at the final siren. Alexandra got early honours, kicking 4.4 to 2.2 in the first and a lead of 14 points. Kinglake kicked 6.4 to 2.4 in the second to swing the lead in their favour by 10 points at half-time. Alexandra found some extra legs in the third, kicking 7.2 to 5.2 and the score was now Alexandra’s by 2 points. It was a tight, tough last quarter but Alexandra just managed to hang on.

Alexandra Best: L. Ragg, J. Daniel (1 goal), J. Goonan, S. Steiner (1 goal), P. Ferguson (1 goal), C. McKay (2 goals)

Kinglake Best: M. McAllister, J. Nixon (7 goals), J. Butterworth, B. White (2 goals), M. Newton, W. Graf

Gembrook Cockatoo 9.14.68 d Powelltown 8.10.58

In another tight game, Gembrook got home by 10 points to be sitting fourth on the ladder. Gembrook got the early break and led by 15 points at quarter time. Four goals to 3 in the second and Gembrook increased their lead to 19 points at half-time. Powelltown held Gembrook goalless in the third and kicked two goals themselves to reduce the margin to 8 points at the final change. Powelltown could not maintain it in the last and Gembrook ran away with a hard earnt 10-point win.

Gembrook Cockatoo Best: T. Lockyer (4 goals), T. Whytcross, A. Mitchell, D. South, B. Wareham, L. Henzen

Powelltown Best: B. Traynor, L. Walker, J. Iacono, J. Bruhn, J. Moore (1 goal), J. Garthwaite (3 goals)

Seville 43.17.275 d Thornton Eildon 1.3.9

Seville hosted Thornton on Saturday and now sit atop of the ladder by percentage after a very big win. Seville were in control from the outset and have kicked the highest score to date in this year’s competition. Thornton could only manage 1 goal for the day, but Seville amassed goals in the second quarter and 15 in the last to end with 43 goals for the day.

Seville Best: J. Neal (12 goals), D. Broadway (6 goals), G. Fraser (1 goal), J. Fraser (9 goals), M. Timmermeister, J. Young (4 goals)

Thornton-Eildon Best: A. Phelps, D. Creed (2 goals), J. Scotland, J. Dickson, R. Andrews, J. Parker

Yarra Junction 17.7.109 d Yarra Glen 8.10.58

In what some would say was the major upset of the day was the awesome effort made by Yarra Junction to inflict Yarra Glen’s first defeat of the season and drop them to second on the ladder albeit by percentage. Yarra Junction kicked 6 goals to 2 in the first and went into the second quarter with a 25-point lead. Both teams tightened things up in the second and only kicked 2 each so it was still game on at half time. Yarra Junction kicked 5.1 to a wasteful Yarra Glen’s 4.5 to be up by 25 points at the last change. Yarra Glen was still in with a show until the Eagles outclassed and outplayed them holding them scoreless in the last but still managed to kick 4.2 themselves.

Yarra Junction Best: C. Hoare, D. Brookes, J. Welch, T. Boxell (4 goals), B. Clark (2 goals), T. Fennell

Yarra Glen Best: A. Smith (2 goals), T. Russell, B. Binion, B. Ashton (1 goal), C. Tait, G. Filsell (1 goal)

Yea: Bye

Under 18s Football

Gembrook-Cockatoo 14.13.97 d Warburton-Millgrove 1.5.11

Monbulk 9.13.67 d Alexandra 1.6.12

Wandin 13.15.93 d Emerald 3.0.18

Healesville 15.12.102 d Upwey Tecoma 3.4.22

Mt Evelyn 9.9.63 d Woori Yallock 6.6.42

Division 1 A Grade Netball

Healesville 38 d Upwey Tecoma 37

Healesville Best: Kayla Wandin-Collins, Chenile Chandler, Georgia Ford

Upwey-Tecoma Best: Keira Venables, Peta Day, Gabriella Bull (13 goals)

Woori Yallock 67 d Mt Evelyn 26

Woori Yallock Best: Jasmine Evans, Lilly Walsh, Madeline Hargrave (39 goals)

Mt Evelyn Best: Georgia Marsh (14 goals), Stephanie Jones (4 goals), Nakita Singe, Brittney Smith

Belgrave 63 d Monbulk Hawks 25

Monbulk’s Best: Nicole MacDowell (9 goals), Kaitlyn Seamer, Sophie Stubbs (10 goals)

Belgrave’s Best: Petra Keogh, Lauren Bennett (26 goals), Kalen Winters

Olinda Ferny Creek 81 d Warburton Millgrove 20

Olinda Ferny Creek Best: Not provided

Warburton Millgrove Best: Natalia Petrucev, Zoe Abbruzzese (11 goals), Selina Fotia

Wandin 75 d Emerald 33

Wandin Best: Sinead Lumsden (31 goals), Madeline George

Emerald Best: Eilish Loveday, Sally Rush, Abbey Dejong (8 goals)

Division 2 A Grade Netball

Powelltown 77 d Gembrook Cockatoo 19

Powelltown Best: Demi Barber, Amanda Martin, Olivia Caneva (43 goals)

Gembrook Cockatoo Best: Brooke Munnerley, Lainey Williams, Kaitlyn Dullard

Yarra Junction 59 d Yarra Glen 50

Yarra Junction Best: Courtney Lever, Hannah Sciberras, Mia Motteram

Yarra Glen Best: Nicole Moate (25 goals), Edana Lacey. Kali Fraser

Kinglake 63 d Alexandra 41

Kinglake Best: Monique Nagle (39 goals), Caitlin Ryan, Bridget Waack

Alexandra Best: Ellie Hedger (20 goals), Louise Chapple (5 goals), Lauren Steyger (16 goals)

Seville: Bye

Yea: Bye

 

Round 9 was played in cold, slippery and sometimes foggy conditions. There were some surprises with the wins and losses on Saturday and there is now a log jam in the Division 1 competition with the top 5 sides all sitting on six wins at the halfway mark of the season. Division 2 sees Seville take top spot by percentage after Yarra Glen’s first loss for the season. The winners in senior football: Wandin, Healesville, Monbulk, Olinda Ferny Creek, Woori Yallock, Alexandra, Gembrook-Cockatoo, Seville and Yarra Junction. A Grade netball winners: Healesville, Woori Yallock, Belgrave, Olinda Ferny Creek, Wandin, Powelltown, Yarra Junction and Kinglake. Division 1 Seniors Football Wandin 10.7.67 d Emerald 6.18.54 Wandin share top spot but are fourth on percentage after a win over Emerald. Emerald were chasing tail all day as Wandin got off to a handy start but only had a slim lead of three points at quarter time. They kicked away in the second, with 6 goals to 1, and went into the main break 32 points up. Emerald won the third quarter, kicking 3.1 to 1.5, but the margin was still 20 points. Emerald peppered the goals in the last with 1.7 to 1 goal straight and really should have had the game won, but wastefulness in front of goal cost them in the end. Wandin Best: S. Wettenhall (3 goals), B. Harvey (1 goal), T. Leech-Hines, P. Hodgett, P. Bruzzese, J. Byrne Emerald Best: D. Edwards, S. Semmens (1 goal), J. Rich (1 goal), B. Wood, A. Quirk (1 goal), N. Jansen (2 goals) Healesville 10.17.77 d Upwey-Tecoma 6.4.40 Healesville are also equal first, but fifth on percentage after a surprising win over Upwey-Tecoma. Healesville started well, kicking 4.5 to 2.2 in the first to set up a handy lead by 15 points. Upwey won the second quarter, just, and reduced the margin at the main break to 13 points. Healesville turned on the burners a bit in the third, kicking 4.2 to 1.1 and the margin was now looking tough for Upwey. Healesville peppered the goals in the last, but accuracy plagued them, and they were still able to come away with the win by 37 points. Healesville Best: J. Nugent, L. Daly, J. Roe-Duggan (2 goals), D. Plozza, A. Fraraccio, B. Murphy Upwey-Tecoma Best: W. Duncan, B. Bantoft, S. Waters, B. Neil, S. Dawson, D. Bell Monbulk 13.18.96 d Belgrave 7.6.48 Monbulk sit one win out of the five after a solid performance against Belgrave. Monbulk were in control from the outset and had a big lead by 33 points at quarter time. Belgrave won the second quarter, kicking 3.2 to 1.3 and reduced the margin to 22 points. Monbulk jumped into action in the third, with 5.6 to 2.1 to put the game out of Belgrave’s reach. A lacklustre last quarter, but Belgrave still won it but the game was all Monbulk’s. Monbulk Best: S. Williams (2 goals), N. Wall, M. Langworthy (1 goal), P. Barge (3 goals), N. McPherson, K. Linde Belgrave Best: T. Stubley, J. McDermott (1 goal), J. Marshall, N. Somervaille (1 goal), C. Power, L. Caton-Thomas Olinda Ferny Creek 19.21.135 d Warburton Millgrove 3.7.25 Olinda have bounced back after a 110-point win over Warburton and are back on top of the ladder by percentage. They were a bit wasteful in front of goal in the first, but had a lead of 22 points at quarter time. They increased that lead to 37 points at half-time. A big 7-goal to 1 third quarter, as heavy fog set in, and the margin had blown out to 73 points which was well out of reach for Warburton. A final 5.5 to 1 behind and the final siren was Warburton’s friend at the end of the day. Olinda Ferny Creek Best: D. Troutman (2 goals), M. Wright (6 goals), B. Currie, M. Hottes, D. Noorda, L. Hill Warburton-Millgrove Best: L. Barnard, T. McKail, J. Walker, S. Andueza, M. Leeds (2 goals), M. Read Woori Yallock 19.18.132 d Mt Evelyn 6.8.44 Woori Yallock are second only by percentage after knocking over sixth-placed Mt Evelyn who are only 1 win behind Olinda at the end of the day. Woori Yallock kicked 5.4 to 2.1 in the first and really set up the rest of the game. A big 7-goal quarter to 1 and it was all Woori Yallock at half time with a lead of 55 points. Mount Evelyn could only manage 3 behinds in the third to Woori’s 4.9 and it was all over. It was goal for goal in the last but to no avail for the Mounters. Woori Yallock Best: E. Clasby (2 goals), M. Batten, J. Smith, K. Thompson, J. Matthews (1 goal), C. Cameron (4 goals) Mt Evelyn Best: C. Urquhart, A. Gibbons, L. Inaps, J. Thompson (1 goal), J. Beamish (1 goal), K. Jones (1 goal) Division 2 Seniors Football Alexandra 14.14 104 d Kinglake 15.11.101 This was certainly match of the day with just 3 points separating these 2 at the final siren. Alexandra got early honours, kicking 4.4 to 2.2 in the first and a lead of 14 points. Kinglake kicked 6.4 to 2.4 in the second to swing the lead in their favour by 10 points at half-time. Alexandra found some extra legs in the third, kicking 7.2 to 5.2 and the score was now Alexandra’s by 2 points. It was a tight, tough last quarter but Alexandra just managed to hang on. Alexandra Best: L. Ragg, J. Daniel (1 goal), J. Goonan, S. Steiner (1 goal), P. Ferguson (1 goal), C. McKay (2 goals) Kinglake Best: M. McAllister, J. Nixon (7 goals), J. Butterworth, B. White (2 goals), M. Newton, W. Graf Gembrook Cockatoo 9.14.68 d Powelltown 8.10.58 In another tight game, Gembrook got home by 10 points to be sitting fourth on the ladder. Gembrook got the early break and led by 15 points at quarter time. Four goals to 3 in the second and Gembrook increased their lead to 19 points at half-time. Powelltown held Gembrook goalless in the third and kicked two goals themselves to reduce the margin to 8 points at the final change. Powelltown could not maintain it in the last and Gembrook ran away with a hard earnt 10-point win. Gembrook Cockatoo Best: T. Lockyer (4 goals), T. Whytcross, A. Mitchell, D. South, B. Wareham, L. Henzen Powelltown Best: B. Traynor, L. Walker, J. Iacono, J. Bruhn, J. Moore (1 goal), J. Garthwaite (3 goals) Seville 43.17.275 d Thornton Eildon 1.3.9 Seville hosted Thornton on Saturday and now sit atop of the ladder by percentage after a very big win. Seville were in control from the outset and have kicked the highest score to date in this year’s competition. Thornton could only manage 1 goal for the day, but Seville amassed goals in the second quarter and 15 in the last to end with 43 goals for the day. Seville Best: J. Neal (12 goals), D. Broadway (6 goals), G. Fraser (1 goal), J. Fraser (9 goals), M. Timmermeister, J. Young (4 goals) Thornton-Eildon Best: A. Phelps, D. Creed (2 goals), J. Scotland, J. Dickson, R. Andrews, J. Parker Yarra Junction 17.7.109 d Yarra Glen 8.10.58 In what some would say was the major upset of the day was the awesome effort made by Yarra Junction to inflict Yarra Glen’s first defeat of the season and drop them to second on the ladder albeit by percentage. Yarra Junction kicked 6 goals to 2 in the first and went into the second quarter with a 25-point lead. Both teams tightened things up in the second and only kicked 2 each so it was still game on at half time. Yarra Junction kicked 5.1 to a wasteful Yarra Glen’s 4.5 to be up by 25 points at the last change. Yarra Glen was still in with a show until the Eagles outclassed and outplayed them holding them scoreless in the last but still managed to kick 4.2 themselves. Yarra Junction Best: C. Hoare, D. Brookes, J. Welch, T. Boxell (4 goals), B. Clark (2 goals), T. Fennell Yarra Glen Best: A. Smith (2 goals), T. Russell, B. Binion, B. Ashton (1 goal), C. Tait, G. Filsell (1 goal) Yea: Bye Under 18s Football Gembrook-Cockatoo 14.13.97 d Warburton-Millgrove 1.5.11 Monbulk 9.13.67 d Alexandra 1.6.12 Wandin 13.15.93 d Emerald 3.0.18 Healesville 15.12.102 d Upwey Tecoma 3.4.22 Mt Evelyn 9.9.63 d Woori Yallock 6.6.42 Division 1 A Grade Netball Healesville 38 d Upwey Tecoma 37 Healesville Best: Kayla Wandin-Collins, Chenile Chandler, Georgia Ford Upwey-Tecoma Best: Keira Venables, Peta Day, Gabriella Bull (13 goals) Woori Yallock 67 d Mt Evelyn 26 Woori Yallock Best: Jasmine Evans, Lilly Walsh, Madeline Hargrave (39 goals) Mt Evelyn Best: Georgia Marsh (14 goals), Stephanie Jones (4 goals), Nakita Singe, Brittney Smith Belgrave 63 d Monbulk Hawks 25 Monbulk’s Best: Nicole MacDowell (9 goals), Kaitlyn Seamer, Sophie Stubbs (10 goals) Belgrave’s Best: Petra Keogh, Lauren Bennett (26 goals), Kalen Winters Olinda Ferny Creek 81 d Warburton Millgrove 20 Olinda Ferny Creek Best: Not provided Warburton Millgrove Best: Natalia Petrucev, Zoe Abbruzzese (11 goals), Selina Fotia Wandin 75 d Emerald 33 Wandin Best: Sinead Lumsden (31 goals), Madeline George Emerald Best: Eilish Loveday, Sally Rush, Abbey Dejong (8 goals) Division 2 A Grade Netball Powelltown 77 d Gembrook Cockatoo 19 Powelltown Best: Demi Barber, Amanda Martin, Olivia Caneva (43 goals) Gembrook Cockatoo Best: Brooke Munnerley, Lainey Williams, Kaitlyn Dullard Yarra Junction 59 d Yarra Glen 50 Yarra Junction Best: Courtney Lever, Hannah Sciberras, Mia Motteram Yarra Glen Best: Nicole Moate (25 goals), Edana Lacey. Kali Fraser Kinglake 63 d Alexandra 41 Kinglake Best: Monique Nagle (39 goals), Caitlin Ryan, Bridget Waack Alexandra Best: Ellie Hedger (20 goals), Louise Chapple (5 goals), Lauren Steyger (16 goals) Seville: Bye Yea: Bye  

Cakes, cocktails and castles.

That’s what’s on offer these school holidays at Mary Eats Cake in Montrose, which is holding a fairytale-themed high tea just in time for the school holidays.

A special treat for the little princes and princesses in your life, the themed high tea includes a range of activities and delightfully themed food to keep your little ones entertained.

Sarah De Witt, owner at Mary Eats Cake, Montrose, invited parents to bring their kids along.

“It was about putting on a special event, for the communities out this way,” Ms De Witt said.

“It’s a fairytale-themed high tea for the first week of the school holidays.

“There’s a big buffet of high tea, cupcakes, cookies, popcorn … there’s also a live show fomr a local fairy who will be doing a magic show, and a craft area with facepainting.”

“It’s just a really nice time and offers all the things that your kids can enjoy for a special occasion.”

There will be plenty of sweet and savoury nibbles for parents, too, including the opportunity to have some quiet tea away from all the fairytale excitement

Though, Ms De Witt said parents were quite welcome to dress up too.

For more information visit https://www.maryeatscake.com.au/event/

Cakes, cocktails and castles. That’s what’s on offer these school holidays at Mary Eats Cake in Montrose, which is holding a fairytale-themed high tea just in time for the school holidays. A special treat for the little princes and princesses in your life, the themed high tea includes a range of activities and delightfully themed food to keep your little ones entertained. Sarah De Witt, owner at Mary Eats Cake, Montrose, invited parents to bring their kids along. “It was about putting on a special event, for the communities out this way,” Ms De Witt said. “It’s a fairytale-themed high tea for the first week of the school holidays. “There’s a big buffet of high tea, cupcakes, cookies, popcorn … there’s also a live show fomr a local fairy who will be doing a magic show, and a craft area with facepainting.” “It’s just a really nice time and offers all the things that your kids can enjoy for a special occasion.” There will be plenty of sweet and savoury nibbles for parents, too, including the opportunity to have some quiet tea away from all the fairytale excitement Though, Ms De Witt said parents were quite welcome to dress up too. For more information visit https://www.maryeatscake.com.au/event/

Up-and-coming South Belgrave executive producer, Lachlan Nash, has helped to secure a second season for his show, ‘The Modern Middle East’.

What started out as a collaboration between friends has grown into a unique, well-received project, with the first season gaining unexpectedly high ratings.

Nash said he never anticipated such a positive response, or the breadth of potential topics.

“We’ve only just began to touch the surface of what we’d like to cover,” he said.

“Our ultimate aim is to help foster a more positive image of the Middle East. Yes, there are conflicts – but a lot of people are doing good in the region, too. Then, there is the significant history.”

‘The Modern Middle East’, which is presented by Nash’s friend Gemma Neary, reports on everything from escalating protests and diplomatic blockades, to the discovery of ancient artefacts in Egypt.

The first series aired weekly on Channel 31 in 2017, with an average of 10,000-40,000 viewers an episode.

Season 2 is scheduled to broadcast Australia-wide on Foxtel’s Aurora channel on 6.30pm Thursday nights, from 12 July to 27 September.

The second season intends to increase the production scale and further engage audiences, through in-depth analysis and guest interviews.

Nash said the project has evolved organically and was created simply through pursuing his own interests.

“I’ve always had a keen interest in politics and world affairs. But I’ve also been involved in theatre in various roles, including writing, set-design and performing,” he said.

“It felt like a natural fit. The show highlights news, offers editorial slots and a chance to interview people on many relevant topics, such as religion, resource politics and power-plays.”

Nash said the show was important, because he wants to impart knowledge and inspire younger generations.

In an effort to further the show, the team have set up a crowd-funding campaign.

The funds will go towards three of the production’s most significant expenses: studio hire, catering for the crew and broadcast fees.

To contribute, visit www.australianculturalfund.org.au/projects/the-modern-middle-east/.

 

Up-and-coming South Belgrave executive producer, Lachlan Nash, has helped to secure a second season for his show, ‘The Modern Middle East’. What started out as a collaboration between friends has grown into a unique, well-received project, with the first season gaining unexpectedly high ratings. Nash said he never anticipated such a positive response, or the breadth of potential topics. “We’ve only just began to touch the surface of what we’d like to cover,” he said. “Our ultimate aim is to help foster a more positive image of the Middle East. Yes, there are conflicts – but a lot of people are doing good in the region, too. Then, there is the significant history.” ‘The Modern Middle East’, which is presented by Nash’s friend Gemma Neary, reports on everything from escalating protests and diplomatic blockades, to the discovery of ancient artefacts in Egypt. The first series aired weekly on Channel 31 in 2017, with an average of 10,000-40,000 viewers an episode. Season 2 is scheduled to broadcast Australia-wide on Foxtel’s Aurora channel on 6.30pm Thursday nights, from 12 July to 27 September. The second season intends to increase the production scale and further engage audiences, through in-depth analysis and guest interviews. Nash said the project has evolved organically and was created simply through pursuing his own interests. “I’ve always had a keen interest in politics and world affairs. But I’ve also been involved in theatre in various roles, including writing, set-design and performing,” he said. “It felt like a natural fit. The show highlights news, offers editorial slots and a chance to interview people on many relevant topics, such as religion, resource politics and power-plays.” Nash said the show was important, because he wants to impart knowledge and inspire younger generations. In an effort to further the show, the team have set up a crowd-funding campaign. The funds will go towards three of the production’s most significant expenses: studio hire, catering for the crew and broadcast fees. To contribute, visit www.australianculturalfund.org.au/projects/the-modern-middle-east/.  

Dandenong Ranges Music Council (DRMC) has announced an exciting program for 2018, with some major community music projects in the works.
Ensembles are expected to resume in early February, with the feature music projects aimed at community wellbeing and wider education.
DRMC member Ray Yates said there was an air of excitement over 2018.
“The DRMC is looking forward to a fantastic year of music-making, with new projects such as ‘Forgotten Heroes’ and ‘The Dutchies of the Dandenongs’,” he said.
“All the orchestras, bands and choirs have begun rehearsals and are gearing up for a great year of music-making for all ages and abilities.”
Among the bigger projects includes ‘Forgotten Heroes – Vietnam Veterans’, which aims to engage Vietnam Veterans and their families.
Planned activities will explore and assist with the wellbeing and validation of the veterans’ experiences, and culminates in an event showcasing the music of the era and a new song expressing thoughts and feelings of present-day vets.
The DRMC is asking for assistance to locate veterans and their families.
Enquiries to Cath Russell at mscathsemail@yahoo.com.
Meanwhile, the DRMC will be holding ‘Penny Drive’, a project that combines history and music to tell the story of the fundraising campaign by Victorian children after World War I.
The campaign helped to build a school at Villers-Bretonneux in France.
The DRMC will also work with the Dutch community in the project, ‘Dutchies of the Dandenongs’.
The project aims to tell stories through music about the journey after World War II, with settlements aplenty in the Dandenong Ranges.
Community members of Dutch decent can register their interest to play a part.
Email drmc@drmc.org or contact (03) 9754 6566.
For more information, contact the DRMC on (03) 9754 6566.
More details at www.drmc.org.au.
 

Dandenong Ranges Music Council (DRMC) has announced an exciting program for 2018, with some major community music projects in the works. Ensembles are expected to resume in early February, with the feature music projects aimed at community wellbeing and wider education. DRMC member Ray Yates said there was an air of excitement over 2018. “The DRMC is looking forward to a fantastic year of music-making, with new projects such as ‘Forgotten Heroes’ and ‘The Dutchies of the Dandenongs’,” he said. “All the orchestras, bands and choirs have begun rehearsals and are gearing up for a great year of music-making for all ages and abilities.” Among the bigger projects includes ‘Forgotten Heroes – Vietnam Veterans’, which aims to engage Vietnam Veterans and their families. Planned activities will explore and assist with the wellbeing and validation of the veterans’ experiences, and culminates in an event showcasing the music of the era and a new song expressing thoughts and feelings of present-day vets. The DRMC is asking for assistance to locate veterans and their families. Enquiries to Cath Russell at mscathsemail@yahoo.com. Meanwhile, the DRMC will be holding ‘Penny Drive’, a project that combines history and music to tell the story of the fundraising campaign by Victorian children after World War I. The campaign helped to build a school at Villers-Bretonneux in France. The DRMC will also work with the Dutch community in the project, ‘Dutchies of the Dandenongs’. The project aims to tell stories through music about the journey after World War II, with settlements aplenty in the Dandenong Ranges. Community members of Dutch decent can register their interest to play a part. Email drmc@drmc.org or contact (03) 9754 6566. For more information, contact the DRMC on (03) 9754 6566. More details at www.drmc.org.au.  

After a number of years hosting the Biggest Morning Tea to raise funds for cancer research, Lorraine Dunbar felt she needed a change.

“It came out of the blue. I woke up one morning with the idea to have a tea cosy competition,” she explained.

“I just thought, that’s a good idea,” and with the Tea Cosy Exhibition and Competition now in its fifth year at Warratina Lavender Farm in Wandin, it’s certainly turned out to be an excellent idea!

Lorraine is a keen knitter, and although she had never knitted a tea cosy, she had lots of crafty friends more than willing to put their hands and minds to creating quirky, pretty, cute, functional, themed and some quite strange tea cosies.

Annemarie Manders from the Lavender Farm didn’t hesitate to provide a home for the competition and the rest is a cosy little bit of history, as they say!

Lorraine said whatever was needed, the answer was always ‘yes’.

“People just joined in; they just helped. It seemed like it was being scripted from above,” she said reflecting on the reason she is so passionate about supporting cancer research – the loss of a husband and daughter to cancer.

So making tea cosies is one thing – and entries come in from overseas and around Australia for the competition – but who buys them?

According to Lorraine, lots of people and all sorts of people.

Essentially the job of the tea cosy is to keep the tea pot nice and hot, but it’s the fantastic variety and the fabulous makers that make the exhibition such a success and such fun.

The core group of around a dozen ladies meets every week.

“They’re just lovely, caring people with positive attitudes who just want to do stuff,” Lorraine says.

“There’s a buzz in the shed, a beautiful, happy noise that’s really amazing.”

Others, including local Country Women’s Association members have come on board with a range of handmade items which are sold in the gift shed, adding a bit of variety.

The 5th Annual Tea Cosy and Exhibition is open until 22 July, between 10am and 4pm. Entry by gold coin donation.

Warratina Lavender Farm is at 105 Quayle Road, Wandin Yallock. Phone 5964 4650.

After a number of years hosting the Biggest Morning Tea to raise funds for cancer research, Lorraine Dunbar felt she needed a change. “It came out of the blue. I woke up one morning with the idea to have a tea cosy competition,” she explained. “I just thought, that’s a good idea,” and with the Tea Cosy Exhibition and Competition now in its fifth year at Warratina Lavender Farm in Wandin, it’s certainly turned out to be an excellent idea! Lorraine is a keen knitter, and although she had never knitted a tea cosy, she had lots of crafty friends more than willing to put their hands and minds to creating quirky, pretty, cute, functional, themed and some quite strange tea cosies. Annemarie Manders from the Lavender Farm didn’t hesitate to provide a home for the competition and the rest is a cosy little bit of history, as they say! Lorraine said whatever was needed, the answer was always ‘yes’. “People just joined in; they just helped. It seemed like it was being scripted from above,” she said reflecting on the reason she is so passionate about supporting cancer research – the loss of a husband and daughter to cancer. So making tea cosies is one thing – and entries come in from overseas and around Australia for the competition – but who buys them? According to Lorraine, lots of people and all sorts of people. Essentially the job of the tea cosy is to keep the tea pot nice and hot, but it’s the fantastic variety and the fabulous makers that make the exhibition such a success and such fun. The core group of around a dozen ladies meets every week. “They’re just lovely, caring people with positive attitudes who just want to do stuff,” Lorraine says. “There’s a buzz in the shed, a beautiful, happy noise that’s really amazing.” Others, including local Country Women’s Association members have come on board with a range of handmade items which are sold in the gift shed, adding a bit of variety. The 5th Annual Tea Cosy and Exhibition is open until 22 July, between 10am and 4pm. Entry by gold coin donation. Warratina Lavender Farm is at 105 Quayle Road, Wandin Yallock. Phone 5964 4650.

Warm Up Ya Wiggle and Boogie for Bali is a fabulous invitation in the middle of winter, but there’s a whole lot more behind it.

Friends Liz Cadzow and Miranda Wills are part of a group of Healesville women heading for Bali on an annual retreat organised by movement therapist Michelle Redman.

Michelle puts together the retreats which Liz said takes participants on a wonderful, mindful journey through Yin Yoga, Qi gong and meditation.

“In addition to this, her philosophy is to give back to the community that the retreat is held in,” Liz said.

Participants are asked to raise funds for the communities in which the retreats are held and this year the money will be donated through the Gaia Foundation to support two Balinese schools

The Tejakula Scholarship Program will help students from poor families continue their education, providing greater potential to go on to further study while Kutuh School will receive assistance with nutritious foods.

“We receive so much when go to these third world countries and I believe we should be giving back to the communities we visit,” Michelle said.

Over the past four years the retreats have raised over $30,000 supporting clean water for villages, building a house, building wheel chairs for landmine survivors and putting money into schools.

“The focus this time on keeping girls in schools. We stay a week, we don’t get overly involved, the communities direct us,” she said.

Liz and Miranda’s Warm Up Ya Wiggle and Boogie for Bali is part of the 2018 fundraising effort and a fun way that the wider community can help achieve those goals.

There will be some great bluesy grooves from local band The Dustmen and tunes to get you moving on the dance floor from DJ Lex on Dex.

Thanks to the support of local businesses, there will also be lots of opportunities to win fabulous raffle prizes.

Warm Up Ya Wiggle and Boogie for Bali is on at the Healesville Scout Hall on Saturday, 28 July, with doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $20 through TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=401635&

or $22 at the door on the night.

Warm Up Ya Wiggle and Boogie for Bali is a fabulous invitation in the middle of winter, but there’s a whole lot more behind it. Friends Liz Cadzow and Miranda Wills are part of a group of Healesville women heading for Bali on an annual retreat organised by movement therapist Michelle Redman. Michelle puts together the retreats which Liz said takes participants on a wonderful, mindful journey through Yin Yoga, Qi gong and meditation. “In addition to this, her philosophy is to give back to the community that the retreat is held in,” Liz said. Participants are asked to raise funds for the communities in which the retreats are held and this year the money will be donated through the Gaia Foundation to support two Balinese schools The Tejakula Scholarship Program will help students from poor families continue their education, providing greater potential to go on to further study while Kutuh School will receive assistance with nutritious foods. “We receive so much when go to these third world countries and I believe we should be giving back to the communities we visit,” Michelle said. Over the past four years the retreats have raised over $30,000 supporting clean water for villages, building a house, building wheel chairs for landmine survivors and putting money into schools. “The focus this time on keeping girls in schools. We stay a week, we don’t get overly involved, the communities direct us,” she said. Liz and Miranda’s Warm Up Ya Wiggle and Boogie for Bali is part of the 2018 fundraising effort and a fun way that the wider community can help achieve those goals. There will be some great bluesy grooves from local band The Dustmen and tunes to get you moving on the dance floor from DJ Lex on Dex. Thanks to the support of local businesses, there will also be lots of opportunities to win fabulous raffle prizes. Warm Up Ya Wiggle and Boogie for Bali is on at the Healesville Scout Hall on Saturday, 28 July, with doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $20 through TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=401635& or $22 at the door on the night.

Mail readers will be familiar with Healesville photographer Jesse Graham’s work as a former photojournalist with the Mail, but not perhaps with his brilliant portraiture.

His interest in photography developed from taking photos on his first camera phone to when he got his first ‘real’ camera at 16 while still at Healesville High School.

The ‘bug’ really bit around four years ago when he challenged himself to take a photo a day.

“It was a way of learning my way around the camera and learning the different techniques and use of the settings through taking photos in different situations, landscapes, under different light conditions, day and night …” he said as he prepares to hang a major exhibition which launches in July.

The 1000 Portrait Project, a three-year documentation of people from the wider Melbourne area and their stories followed on from that first photo-a-day challenge, inspired by a growing admiration for the art of portraiture.

Jesse said he was particularly inspired by National Geographic photojournalist Steve McCurry’s famous 1984 photographic portrait of Sharbat Gula titled ‘Afghan Girl’.

“I’ve always loved portraiture. I bought McCurry’s book and decided I wanted to do a large-scale project which I thought would also be another worthwhile learning tool.”

Undoubtedly his experience as a journalist has played into the way he approaches participants, who vary from family members and friends to co-workers and passers-by on the street.

While the photographs in many ways speak for themselves, and stand alone as compelling portraits, the words are important.

“I write a bit about how I know the person, about my relationship with them, and more recently I’ve been interviewing people and asking a few questions.

“The words are important in contextualising and giving an insight into the person,” Jesse says.

The project which is due to finish in 2019, is halfway completed and one of the biggest challenges right now for the artist is choosing the works that will feature in the exhibition which opens at Red Earth Gallery, Mooroolbark Community Centre, on Thursday, 5 July at 6pm.

In the meantime, Jesse said he is looking for another 480 people to complete the project.

For more information on the 1000 Portrait Project visit facebook.com/1000portrait project ; on the exhibition bit.ly/1000PortraitsExhibition, or email 1000portraitproject@gmail.com .

1000 Portrait Project is part of Yarra Ranges Council’s  Framed Festival which celebrates photographic portraiture in the Yarra Ranges and includes exhibitions, floor talks, workshops and a competition. Visit www.culturetracks.info for more information.

Mail readers will be familiar with Healesville photographer Jesse Graham’s work as a former photojournalist with the Mail, but not perhaps with his brilliant portraiture. His interest in photography developed from taking photos on his first camera phone to when he got his first ‘real’ camera at 16 while still at Healesville High School. The ‘bug’ really bit around four years ago when he challenged himself to take a photo a day. “It was a way of learning my way around the camera and learning the different techniques and use of the settings through taking photos in different situations, landscapes, under different light conditions, day and night …” he said as he prepares to hang a major exhibition which launches in July. The 1000 Portrait Project, a three-year documentation of people from the wider Melbourne area and their stories followed on from that first photo-a-day challenge, inspired by a growing admiration for the art of portraiture. Jesse said he was particularly inspired by National Geographic photojournalist Steve McCurry’s famous 1984 photographic portrait of Sharbat Gula titled ‘Afghan Girl’. “I’ve always loved portraiture. I bought McCurry’s book and decided I wanted to do a large-scale project which I thought would also be another worthwhile learning tool.” Undoubtedly his experience as a journalist has played into the way he approaches participants, who vary from family members and friends to co-workers and passers-by on the street. While the photographs in many ways speak for themselves, and stand alone as compelling portraits, the words are important. “I write a bit about how I know the person, about my relationship with them, and more recently I’ve been interviewing people and asking a few questions. “The words are important in contextualising and giving an insight into the person,” Jesse says. The project which is due to finish in 2019, is halfway completed and one of the biggest challenges right now for the artist is choosing the works that will feature in the exhibition which opens at Red Earth Gallery, Mooroolbark Community Centre, on Thursday, 5 July at 6pm. In the meantime, Jesse said he is looking for another 480 people to complete the project. For more information on the 1000 Portrait Project visit facebook.com/1000portrait project ; on the exhibition bit.ly/1000PortraitsExhibition, or email 1000portraitproject@gmail.com . 1000 Portrait Project is part of Yarra Ranges Council’s  Framed Festival which celebrates photographic portraiture in the Yarra Ranges and includes exhibitions, floor talks, workshops and a competition. Visit www.culturetracks.info for more information.