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Riverbank works: consultation has come too late

OPINION

In the August Warrandyte Diary we reported that Melbourne Water and Manningham Council would be undertaking stabilisation works on the Yarra River walk between Anderson Street and Webb Street in early 2027 (Birrarung rehabilitation works planned for Warrandyte).

The project is planned to:

  • Stabilise and repair damaged sections of riverbank
  • Build a rockwork terraced amphitheatre to formalise access to the water
  • Revegetate the area with around 10,000 native plants
  • Install fencing to guide pedestrian access to more resilient areas

Manningham Council and Melbourne Water held an information session at the September Riverside Market.

JAMES CHARLWOOD has provided an account of what he learnt at the pop up.

THE WARMTH and willingness of Melbourne Water and Manningham Council staff —giving their time and goodwill at the public information tent at today’s market — was most welcome.

But this engagement has come too late.

At the community level, there has been a striking absence of detailed information about the project: the proposed rock type and placement style; pathway surfaces and edge treatments; permanent or temporary pathway closures; drainage and concrete works; landscape design; and other important details.

It is bewildering that the project has progressed to a near-ready stage without a meaningful public engagement process, such as a community advisory or liaison committee.

Early engagement would have encouraged greater community understanding, support and ownership of works that are undoubtedly long overdue.

Melbourne Water has a statutory responsibility to manage riverbank hydrology.

Manningham Council cannot formally endorse Warrandyte’s much-loved “goat tracks” because they do not comply with the relevant codes.

But these constraints should not translate into: “We don’t need to consult.”

Instead, they should provide a staging for conversations with Warrandyte’s knowledgeable and creative community — working together towards the best possible outcomes in an increasingly complex and over-codified world.

There is also a larger question: why has there been so little preventive maintenance along the precious river-walk zone?

A modest amount of timely work can go a long way towards slowing riverbank degradation and reducing public hazards.

We would all benefit from a visible, locally based maintenance crew.

It would demonstrate an active commitment to the river, improve public confidence in our authorities, and help postpone — or perhaps avoid — expensive and disruptive capital works.

It could also create skilled, well-informed and creative local employment, while reducing reliance on large outside contractors unfamiliar with Warrandyte’s particular landscape and character.

Manningham should remember that its extensive frontage to Birrarung — and Warrandyte’s standing as the premier riverfront township — make this river corridor and township jewels in the crown of its civic responsibilities.

At present, we appear to be over-governed and under-serviced.

That does not represent a good return on ratepayers’ investment in public services — and it does not provide the attentive, collaborative stewardship that our river and community deserve.

 

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Warrandyte’s “Dopey Dumper”

Dear Diary,
Over the last six to eight months, someone has dumped a Coles bag of rubbish at multiple locations along Beauty Gully, Harris Gully, and Warrandyte-Heidelberg roads, breaking the brown paper bag and spreading their rubbish along the verge.
This seems to happen weekly (twice this week).
The rubbish has a distinctive pattern: Lots of tissues, cotton buds, blood orange and watermelon skins, hand-soap boxes, lactose-free yoghurt packaging and containers, pages from the Herald Sun, plastic food containers, paper towels, tissue boxes, toilet roll inserts, delicatessen wrapping, and shampoo containers.

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But, of course, nothing that would identify these gutless morons.
We, and other disgusted citizens, have cleared up the mess many times.
I cannot fathom how someone can do this; they don’t seem to care or understand the implications and impact of their irresponsible actions on the creeks, rivers, and the environment in general.
Warrandyte needs to help stop this vandalism.
If you see someone throw a brown paper Coles bag from their vehicle, please report the rego to the police.|
Thank you,

A CONCERNED RESIDENT OF BEAUTY GULLY ROAD
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

 

Clean energy can help protect our future

I’VE BEEN THINKING a lot about war lately — not just the headlines or the geopolitics, but what conflict does to the systems people rely on to survive once the fighting moves on.
We talk about lives lost and cities destroyed.
We talk far less about broken water systems, contaminated land, polluted rivers, and air you can no longer breathe safely.
Increasingly, I can’t separate those impacts from the dirty energy we used every day to power our world.
Reading WWF-Australia’s new report, A Future Made with Australia: The New Energy Security, landed uncomfortably close to home for me.
Because it turns out Australia — despite all the stories we tell ourselves — is one of the most exposed countries in the IndoPacific under a fossil fuel based energy model.
Australia exports vast amounts of coal and gas.
We’re often told that makes us secure, resilient, independent.
But the report shows the opposite is true.
Our high dependence on fossil fuels, thin liquid fuel reserves and reliance on imported oil leave us dangerously vulnerable to global shocks.
We already know this but remain in denial.
When war broke out in Ukraine, global gas prices soared.
And despite producing more fossil fuels than we need domestically, Australian households and businesses were hit hard.
That wasn’t a failure of supply.
It was a failure of the model.
Fossil fuel systems are brittle in ways we don’t like to acknowledge.
They’re centralised.
Highly flammable.
Easy to disrupt.
Pipelines, refineries, and shipping routes are magnets for conflict and pressure.
When they fail, the damage ripples fast — through prices, supply chains and people’s lives.
What’s become clearer to me is that this isn’t just about Australia.
It’s about how energy sits at the heart of security, stability, and power across our region.
The good news is that our neighbours have already worked this out (even if we haven’t).
Across the IndoPacific, countries aren’t waiting for the next crisis to confirm what they already know.
China, for example, now ranks as the least exposed major economy in the region under this analysis — not because it drills more, but because it invested early in electrification, renewables, and strategic resilience.
South Korea is accelerating its transition, framing energy shocks as reasons to move faster, not slower.
They’re not debating whether to move beyond fossil fuels — they’re already doing it.
Meanwhile, Australia risks clinging to an energy story the region is already moving beyond.
This is ironic.
Australia already has all the ingredients to lead a different future.
World-class solar and wind.
Critical minerals.
Proximity to Asian markets.
Strong institutions.
Deep regional relationships.
There are very few countries that hold this combination.
And yet our energy diplomacy still leans heavily on an old promise: that digging and shipping fossil fuels somehow guarantees longterm security — for us and for others.
The report makes it clear this offer is expiring.
Renewable energy changes the equation in ways that matter deeply for security.
Sun and wind can’t be blockaded or sanctioned.
Distributed systems are harder to knock out and quicker to repair.
Power is generated closer to where it’s used.
Communities gain resilience instead of exposure.
This is why energy security and climate security are no longer separate conversations.
In a world shaped by conflict, climate shocks and instability, clean energy isn’t just about emissions targets.
It’s about whether societies can keep hospitals running, water flowing and lights on when things go wrong.\
Australia has a choice to make.
We can keep pulling on an energy lever that increases our risk — or we can step into a role that reflects the world as it is now.
It’s not only governments that have a part to play.
Here, in Warrandyte, the clean energy transition is already unfolding on our streets and rooftops.
For some, that looks like putting solar on the roof, adding a battery, or moving off gas when appliances need replacing.
For others, it’s joining or supporting local climate and energy groups like Menzies for Climate or the Nillumbik Climate Action Team (NCAT).
These are quiet actions, but they add up to something powerful: less exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets and more resilience right where we live.
We can’t control global conflicts from Warrandyte.
But we can decide whether we keep tying ourselves to an energy model that heightens risk, or help build something more stable, cleaner and more resilient.

This article was written by Charlotte Sterrett, former Yarra Riverkeeper, and member of Menzies for Climate and advocates for a swimmable Birrarung.
It has been adapted from a WWF-Australia report published in April 2026 A Future Made with Australia: The New Energy Security.

Pink Ladies are Rollin’ with Mary

THE WARRANDYTE Pink Ladies are turning red this month in support of Multiple Sclerosis.
The trio are supporting local woman Mary Bekirofski, who has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of MS, and is slowly losing control of her body.
The Pink Ladies will be joining her at this year’s MS Walk Run + Roll with team “Rollin’ with Mary” to raise awareness of MS and to raise money for a cure.
Mary said it began with a sore back, which went on for several years, and developed into getting stiffness in her leg when she was walking.
In 2020, she received the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
Pink Lady Nicole Huseby said Mary has tried everything possible, and nothing so far has worked.
“She’s progressively getting worse, having trouble walking, and with her hands as well.”
Mary has just been accepted into a new drug trial at the Alfred Hospital.
“There are only six in Australia that have been selected to undergo this drug trial.”
Mary explained that the trial is for CAR T-cell therapy.
The therapy is specifically manufactured for each individual using their own T-cells.
Mary’s daughter, Bella Guliani, explained that Mary had some CAR T-cells extracted in late March, and they were sent to the United States for re-engineering.
“The treatment involves a low dose of chemo to suppress her immune system, and then they’ll re-inject those CAR T-cells back into her.”
While the treatment will not reverse the effects, it is hoped it will prevent her MS from getting worse.
Nicole said the Pink Ladies are branching out from their breast cancer focus to support this very worthwhile cause.

“Mary’s husband, Rick, was my inspiration for our Prostate Cancer benefit last year.
“He had a new treatment following his early detection of Prostate Cancer.
“I just think people need to be aware of what treatments are available for different things, and the Pink Ladies can share that information with whoever and anyone — that’s what we do.”

The Walk Run + Roll for MS will be held at Albert Park Lake on May 31.
“This event is not only about fundraising — it’s about community, connection and showing Mary she is not facing this journey alone,”
Nicole added.
You can join the Pink Ladies in supporting Mary to reach their $5,000 goal by visiting mswalk.org.au/fundraisers/RollinWithMary4788/melbourne.

It’s that time of year to test your smoke alarm

VICTORIA’S FIRE agencies are encouraging residents to make sure they have tested their smoke alarms now they have wound their clocks back, as data shows more than half of serious house fires start in the bedroom or living room.
Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning if a fire breaks out, but only when they are installed and working properly.
On average, 18 people die in preventable house fires in Victoria each year, with two in every three fatalities occurring in a bedroom or living area.
Preventable fatalities are those that could have been avoided through safer practices, maintenance or education.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said the figures are a timely reminder that in the event of a fire, every second counts.

“Using the end of daylight saving is a simple way to remember to check your smoke alarms are in working order as we head into the cooler months,”
“Smoke alarms save lives and provide you and your family the opportunity to escape danger.
“Fires can engulf an entire room in just minutes, and smoke will not wake you up.”

He said it was important not only to install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways, but to test them regularly.
“To test your smoke alarm, simply press the ‘test’ button for about three seconds.
“If you don’t hear three beeps, it’s a clear sign the battery or the unit itself needs replacing,”
CO Slijepcevic said.
“All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and those with replaceable batteries should be changed annually.”
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Deputy Commissioner Community Safety and Operational Training Joshua Fischer said that testing your smoke alarm should be part of your annual Easter activities.
“Only working smoke alarms save lives, so taking a moment to crack open your Easter long-weekend by cleaning and testing your smoke alarm could be the most egg-cellent fire safety step you take for your home,”
he said.
If you missed out on doing it on Easter Sunday, it’s not too late to hop to it.

“There are plenty of smoke alarms available to suit every budget and living arrangement, and interconnected smoke alarms are a good option to ensure everyone in your home is alerted if a fire takes hold.
“It’s essential to have working smoke alarms installed in your home, but it’s just as important to give them a test regularly to make sure they continue to protect you, your loved ones, and your home — make no egg-scuses.”

What is Fight, Flight and Freeze?

Mental Health

BACK IN THE days of living in caves, having an inbuilt alarm and action system based on danger makes great sense, doesn’t it?
And we humans have one built in.
So, if we are being chased by something dangerous, for instance, a tiger, our body would activate to either be able to fight the threat or run away fast (flight).
Unfortunately, these days that system gets activated for less dangerous events like sitting an exam or doing a public presentation, and it’s extremely hard to deal with.
Going into fight, flight, or even freeze, all starts in the amygdala, which is deep within the brain.
If we think about how our brains developed over our evolution, it is in the ancient part of the brain from early humans, and not all that logical processing that we have developed over time with our frontal cortex.
Once that button is pushed, a myriad of activities happen within the body, thoughts, and emotions.
The amygdala tells the hypothalamus to get the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol.
That is the cue to the rest of the body that we need to move up to top gear and get moving.

Fight or flight

If we are looking to “fight” or “flight” we need our muscles at peak performance.
In response, our heart rate rises, and we start breathing heavily to move oxygenated blood to our muscles fast.
Blood moves away from our digestive system to get into the muscles, and that is often why we feel a bit nauseous, experience butterflies, or dry mouth.
It’s like the digestive system is saying, “Hey — what’s the deal here?”
All of this is a lot like hardcore exercise, so people can start feeling hot and sweaty.
Some people may even feel dizzy, as if they are exercising too hard.
Some get tunnel vision.
Even the muscle associated with our bladder releases a little to hold more urine.
I mean, there is no time for a pee break if you are being chased by a tiger, right?
Our thoughts become very narrow, and we struggle to think of anything outside of the event.
Our decision-making can be fast but not always logical — it’s more instinctual.
People often question why they behaved the way they did afterwards.
Emotionally, we tend to either respond in an anger-based way — mild frustration, anger, through to rage; or in the fear-based way — worry, anxiety, and fear, through to panic.

What happens with freeze then?

Freeze generally happens if fight or flight won’t work.
If you can’t fight something and you can’t run away from it, then your body and brain just stop.
It’s almost like an immobilisation device on your car.
The best way I ever heard it explained is it’s like being in a plane that is going to crash.
You can’t fight the crash, you can’t run away from it, you just sort of freeze in the moment.
Where fight and flight are all about activating, this is the opposite, but not in a calm way.

So how does all this impact us today?

For people with high levels of anxiety and stress, it’s frequent, and can be multiple times a day.
The problem with being in regular fight, flight or freeze is it’s hard on our bodies and minds.
Little blips here and there are normal, but when people are activated for too long, it affects their sleep, eating, and digestion patterns, headaches, and the production of the happy neurotransmitters we need in our brains for emotional regulation, and we can eventually burn out.
So how do we deal with it?
First is to identify that is what your body is doing and know it’s a protective thing.
We need to get our bodies to deactivate, and techniques like deep breathing (I teach all my clients a circular-breathing method coupled with specific hand movements) and mindfulness help you feel more grounded and aware.
Physical activity can also be good — go for a big run or shoot hoops.
Social or physical connection with others can help like a big hug.
Once we are out of fight, flight, or freeze mode, our parasympathetic nervous system releases some “chill out” chemicals that can make some people feel a little tipsy and tired.
Ultimately, what we want is the ability to re-engage the logical thinking in our frontal cortex.
Asking someone to have great logic when they are in that state is too much.
Help them deactivate first, then you can have a more logical discussion.
It’s like asking a car to drive forward when the gears are stuck in reverse; it just can’t do it.
Experiencing fight, flight or freeze at times is evolutionarily programmed into us.
However, if you or your loved ones are in that state a lot of the time, whether it’s trauma-based, anxiety, or other causes, you do need to act.
Otherwise, the nervous system becomes so wired for it that it’s hard to deactivate, which is what happens for people with PTSD and other ongoing mental health conditions.
Until next time, folks!

Natalie Rinehart is a Young Person & Family Counsellor/Life Coach, Author.
Visit youthlifecoach.com.au, email youthlifecoach@healthpriorities.com.au or phone 0425 735 106.
Advice in this column is of a general nature.

Santa swaps his sleigh for a fire truck

IDDLE TIDDLE

LOLLY AND OIGS have landed firmly on Santa’s Nice List this year, Father Christmas has personally invited them to join the annual CFA Santa Run, one of Warrandyte’s most cherished festive traditions.
Each year, Santa hitches a ride with our local brigades, who take him on the big red truck on a tour of the local streets, to say hello to the waving children who run down their steep driveways to greet him.
This annual tradition brings the magic of Christmas to our doorsteps and is another way of maintaining our Bush Christmas feel.
And to add to the community spirit, Warrandyte Community Bank has again provided Santa with enough Chips and Twisties to provide Christmas cheer to the whole of Warrandyte, North Warrandyte, South Warrandyte and Wonga Park.
This year, Lolly and Oigs will accompany Santa dressed in full Elf on the Shelf gear.
In the lead up to the big event, the CFA Volunteers gave the girls a crash course in safe Twisty throwing and gave strict instructions not to touch any of the buttons on the truck, a rule Oigs is already struggling with.
So, on the weekend before Christmas, keep an eye out for the flashing lights of the big red truck — and an ear out for those familiar bursts of the siren and come down to your letterbox to say hello to Santa.
To make sure you are not going to miss him, Warrandyte CFA has again launched its Santa Tracker App, which you can download from your favourite App Store to follow Santa’s journey across greater Warrandyte and Wonga Park.
Wonga Park will be out and about with Santa on Saturday, December 20 and will visit Wonga Park, Croydon North and parts of Croydon Hills.
On Sunday, December 21 CFA units will be taking Santa around Warrandyte, North Warrandyte and South Warrandyte, Park Orchards, Donvale, North Ringwood and Warranwood and parts of Croydon Hills.
You can follow Santa’s journey by downloading the Santa Tracker App.

Warrandyte’s wombats need urgent help

Listen to this story on our podcast

STATE MEMBER UPDATE

WOMBATS ARE an iconic part of our local landscape, but right now many in Warrandyte are under threat from sarcoptic mange, an invasive disease introduced by early settlers.

Mange is a cruel but preventable condition.

Mites burrow beneath the skin, leading to thickened and cracked hides, painful lesions, and fur loss.

As the disease progresses, wombats become weaker, stop eating, and often do not survive.

Infection levels can reach up to 90 per cent in some areas, and the parasite can also spread to pets, livestock, and other wildlife.

But there is a cure; we can save these wombats, and they are being saved by Mange Management, a remarkable grassroots organisation that punches well above its weight.

What began in 2012 with a handful of wildlife carers has grown into a statewide network of more than 140 trained volunteers who work with landowners, Parks Victoria rangers, councils, vets, and everyday residents.

In the past year alone, the group received over 1,600 reports of suspected mange, including more than 200 via Wildlife Victoria.

Locally, volunteers are active across Warrandyte, North Warrandyte, Templestowe, and Kangaroo Ground.

The charity also operates a phone line and website.

Services provided include reporting sick wombats, mapping sightings in an interactive database, providing free treatment kits to landholders, and training new recruits.

Mange Management is partnering with researchers to keep improving results.

In 2020, the Victorian Government backed this work with $100,000 a year for four years.

That funding expired in May.

Without renewed support, medication purchases will shrink, volunteers will shoulder higher personal costs, response times will slow, and hundreds of wombats will go untreated.

New South Wales has committed $2.8 million to a statewide program, which shows what coordinated investment can achieve.

Victoria’s wombats deserve the same commitment.

As your local MP, I am taking this fight to Parliament.

I am pushing to restore funding for Mange Management and to lock in ongoing, coordinated support so volunteers have the medication, training, and resources they need.

I have raised this issue in Parliament with the Minister for Environment and look forward to their response.

Victoria’s wombats deserve nothing less.

If you see a wombat with patchy fur, scabby skin, or daytime wandering, please call the mange hotline on 0431 600 125.

Nicole Werner is the Member for Warrandyte in the Legislative Assembly.

________________

Editors’ note: Mange Management has started a GoFundMe page to raise money to cover the shortfall in funding.

If you can donate, please do — every dollar helps.

Visit: gofundme.com/f/help-us-help-the-wombats

 

Photo: Katja Gutwein

A celebration of a living river

NAARM, MELBOURNE will once again host the Birrarung Riverfest, a three-week long grassroots celebration of the iconic Birrarung, Yarra River culminating on World Rivers’ Day.
From September 6 to 28, journeying from Warburton to Westgate Park, this year’s festival features more than 60 events to bring communities and the river together to inspire collective care and deepen our connection to the heart blood of our city — the Birrarung.
Presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA) in partnership with Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo and Melbourne Water, Riverfest embodies the principle that what’s good for the Yarra is good for all, through activities that engage the head, heart, and hands.
It’s a wonderful and heartwarming example of how grassroots communities, local governments, and those that already care for the river can come together to imagine a better future for a river that has a catchment of over a 4,000 square kilometres and sustains the life of a third of Victoria’s human and animal population.
Now in its third year, Riverfest continues to grow from its humble beginnings (the first year saw 16 events).
It is growing into a powerful community-led movement.
As Paul Kelly sang:

“From little things, big things grow.”

Riverfest brings together Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Traditional Owners, local councils, artists, educators, scientists, everyday riverkeepers, and river-lovers to celebrate the Birrarung as a living entity, which is a concept enshrined in the Yarra River Protection Act, 2017 (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron).
This legislation recognises the river’s cultural and ecological significance and calls on all Victorians to protect her health and future.
The 2025 program offers a range of unique of experiences along the river’s length.
Highlights include:

  • Guided walks and clean-ups along the riverbanks
  • Creative workshops and art installations
  • Live performances, storytelling, and cultural ceremonies
  • Educational talks and panel discussions on river health and climate adaptation
  • Paddling adventures and community picnics.

Events are organised by a variety of hosts, from local artists and educators to community groups and environmental organisations.
Every individual and organisation brings their unique perspective and passion for the river so that festival participants can experience first-hand how to celebrate, connect and care for Birrarung.
There are, of course, local activities for Warrandyte folk including:

  • Know the Flow: River Education for Kids (two sessions with Manningham Council),
  • Drawing as Conversation with Craig Burgess, and
  • a paddling event led by Up the Creek.

The festival culminates and concludes on World Rivers Day, Sunday, September 28, with a celebration at Federation Square.
This final event brings together river champions from across Victoria for a day of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to ongoing river stewardship.
Highlights from the day will include:

  • A Welcome to Country and cultural performance by the Djirri Djirri dancers
  • A flotilla of boats gathering near Queens Bridge
  • River songs performed by the Climate Choir
  • A thought-provoking panel discussion, “Our Yarra Birrarung: Who’s Caring for Who?”, featuring voices such as Dr Mandy Nicholson (Wurundjeri woman), Brendan Condon (Australian Ecosystems), and Chris Chesterfield (Birrarung Council Chair)
  • A showcase of Prayer for a River, a new book by Uncle Glenn Loughrey and former Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly.

As the Birrarung flows from the mountains to the sea, so too does the spirit of this festival — it reminds us that rivers like the Birrarung are not merely resources but living entities with rights of their own and stories to tell, if only we will listen.
For the full program and event details, visit riverfest.org.au

This article was written by Charlotte Sterrett, former Yarra Riverkeeper and member of WarrandyteCAN and Advocates for a Swimmable Birrarung.

Job seeking and working with young people

Listen to this story on the Diary Podcast on YouTube

TRYING TO find your first job as a young person has often been a hard task.
In days gone by, it was who your parents knew, or taking around your CV to the local shops.
These days, it’s much more complicated.
Some are massive systems online for a big supermarket, Kmart, Rebel Sports, Bunnings, or the like.
You go through multiple processes rather than just handing in a resume, so you end up slicing and dicing your information.
For example, for Bunnings, there is an online chat for 20 minutes, then a personality profile survey, a video interview, and so on.
So many hoops, and so many places where you can slip up because it’s a world you don’t yet understand.
Even for more straightforward online jobs, such as those found on Seek.
There are applications where they want your resume, and other ones where you are just directed to a different website to answer questions.
In many cases, it’s identified that you won’t be contacted unless you are shortlisted.
So, a young person may see and apply for a job they really want and then wait… and wait… and wait… nothing.
They ask me: “How long do I wait after I apply for a job before I guess that I’m not in the running?”
It’s ridiculously hard to answer, as some places just like having a stash of applications on hand when they might want someone, a role may not even be available right at this moment to apply for.
There is also a low tolerance in workplaces for training young people who don’t already have experience.
How on earth do we expect young people to get experience if no one will give them their first job?
I’ve been asking some of my clients about these things before writing this column.
One smart young guy currently looking for work said, “It’s actually better to train me up fresh because then I will do it exactly the way they want it, not a habit from my last job.”
When a young person finally lands their first job, there is excitement.
Finally, some money that they can spend on things they want, a sense of independence, and achievement.
A real coming of age.
It does wonders for their self-esteem.
Of course, there are complaints around early starts or late finishes, but didn’t we all do that when we started?
Gosh, some days, I still do now!
Clients come in and tell or show me the awesome things they have bought or are saving up for.
I’ve seen cameras, make-up kits, killer shoes, and even a dirt bike.
They are talking about saving for holidays they would like to take after high school, buying a car, and some even starting to save for a house deposit!
Several complain about spending too much money on food or drink, and a lack of saving skills.
But all of that is an opportunity to learn money management.
Then winter comes (yes, sounds a little like Game of Thrones), and many businesses have a downturn in their profits.
Young people, often casuals, are the first to go.
Frequently, with little explanation, sometimes week after week of logging their availability on an app to find no shifts are offered to them.
The lack of common courtesy and respect offered to young people in these times blows my mind.
There is a real narrative amongst those who run many businesses that young people are irresponsible, disrespectful, lack loyalty, and won’t go the extra mile.
However, when we look at how many businesses treat young people, do we ever ask what we have done to breed those attributes?
When they struggle to get an acknowledgment that their application is received, if their application has been rejected, on hold, or moving into an interview process?
When they’re spurned for not immediately jumping on a shift when requested at the last minute by a manager because they already have plans with their sports team, family, or friends?
When they’re dropped from shifts with little explanation or even an indication of whether they may get offered more work in a few months?
How can we expect our young people to play our grown-ups’ game when we show them so little respect?
It is nonsensical.
It just broadens the “us vs them” narrative.
What do we need to do differently?
It’s very simple.
Communicate!
Sending out a “rejection” or “on hold” email isn’t hard and can easily be automated.
If a young person has taken the time to apply either online or in person, you can take a minute to respond.
Let young people move on if they have been unsuccessful.
Be clear about what the expectations are around shifts and how that can vary throughout the year.
Answer their questions when they are confused.
Give feedback about their strengths and where they can improve.
To create loyalty, you need to show loyalty, understanding and kindness.
As my client said, this is an opportunity to train me the way you would like things done if you just take the time.
I know I am personally a fan of working with young people for a range of reasons.
Passion, ideas, humour, and openness to different points of view are some of the many ways I enjoy their company.
If you can approach young people fairly and as the individuals that they are, you will likely have a loyal employee for a long time to come.
Until next time, folks!
Natalie Rinehart (B.A.Sci (Psych); Grad.Dip.App.Psych) is a Young Person & Family Counsellor/Life Coach, and Author.
Visit youthlifecoach.com.au, or email at youthlifecoach@healthpriorities.com.au, or on phone 0425 735 106, to contact her.

Frost on the Warrandyte Garden

WOW, WINTER has come crashing in with cold and frosty mornings.
Our first frosts of the season but we are still short on rainfall which hopefully will not become a problem.
The soil under the falling autumn leaves is still bone dry.
We continue to be treated with brilliant sunrises and sunsets, and the river seems to be visibly breathing its misty breath as it quietly rolls on by.
What a stunning town and area we live in.
I have a favourite place on Everard Drive where you can, with very little effort, have a brilliant view of the Yarra River back to the Warrandyte township.
This elevated position is a favourite of locals and many take opportunities to take breathtaking ever-changing photos.
Make sure you look in Warrandyte Nature Facebook page for locals with pure talent with the camera recording the area in all its wintery glory.
This view is quintessential Warrandyte.
Further down the road you will see kangaroos and wombats looking cold in the misty morning light.
Black cockatoos and particularly the yellow tailed black cockatoos are hovering around at the moment looking for seeds and insects to supplement their diet.
By planting hakeas, grevilleas, and wattles, we can help provide food and shelter for these threatened birds.
A lot of pine trees have been taken down around my area and the cockatoos are not happy with the gap in their feeding areas.
They love feeding on my Pincushion Hakea (Hakea Laurina) though.
I managed to pick up three more pots of these beauties this week.
A fabulous tree growing to about three metres high very quickly.
The cockatoos are delighted chowing down on the seed heads.
As winter approaches, the risk of frost increases in Warrandyte, while many winter vegetables can tolerate light frosts, and some, like Brussel Sprouts, even improve in flavour with the cold snap, other plants need protection.
Frost sensitive plants like basil, tomatoes and some citrus varieties should be sheltered.
Simple techniques might include cloths, bird netting, a simple tarpaulin, cloches or even upturned plastic containers overnight to prevent frost damage.
For larger garden beds consider using straw or sugarcane mulch to insulate the soil and protect root systems.
Watering in the morning rather than the evening can also help.
Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil and can act as a buffer against overnight temperature drops.
Whether your sowing winter crops, repurposing leaf litter from raked up leaves, or planting native flora to support wildlife, every action contributes to a healthier and more resilient environment.
Use packed straw mulch (the stuff you buy in big plastic bags at the local garden centre) or rotted down hay to protect the plants.
A simple mulch like this traps the air, retaining more warmth around the plant as well as in the top few centimetres of the soil.
Other materials you could use for a frost-resistant mulch is pea straw, bark chips, rotten down grass clippings or even ripped up plain cardboard.
It is not the frost itself that is dangerous to plants it is what happens after it has landed that is so dangerous.
The cells in the plant’s leaves and stem freeze and swell and eventually burst.
If frost damage is to be minimised, they need to thaw out gently before the morning sun hits them.
By spraying water over plants that have been hit by a frost, you will raise the temperature around the plants leaves.
The plant will thaw gently, and damage will be minimal.
But you will need to get up early as your effort will be too late once the sun hits the plant.
Still water can also reduce the effects of frost.
If you have a pond somewhere in your garden it will keep the air slightly warmer at night.
Even swimming pool will retain enough heat to protect surrounding plants and shrubs from frost.
If one of your plants has been burned by frost you don’t need to worry, it may not have killed the plant.
Young shoots of new plants are particularly susceptible to frosts, more so than mature plants.
Tidy up the plant in spring by pruning all the affected leaves and branches back to fresher, greener growth.
Make sure you look at the labels of new plants that you are purchasing and take note of their “frost tender” or “frost hardy” information.
Correa Alba or Correa Rubra or any of the Nandinas are fantastic frost hardy plants that are flowering profusely at this time of year.
It is also a perfect time to plant a wide variety of winter vegetables into carefully prepared beds.
Prepared before time with compost and a handful of fertiliser.
The soil is still relatively warm, but the air is cooler, its ideal for sowing cool-season crops.
Brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale thrives when planted at this time of year, and root vegetables like carrots, beetroot and parsnips also do well when seeds are sewn directly into loose, well-draining soil.
You can also purchase punnets of seedlings but with any new planting beware of snails, slugs, and rats, which will love to have a nibble at the succulent new growth.
Spinach, silverbeet, and lettuce are fast growers in the cooler months and can be harvested continuously if leaves are picked regularly.
Bay trees are also a necessity in the garden at this time of year with leaves plucked off to be added into casseroles and soups.
I have learned the hard way to restrain them in pots as my beautiful Bay has sent up shoots everywhere and they are hard to get back into control.
Garlic is also best planted in June.
Remember leaf litter supports biodiversity in your garden.
It provides habitat for insects, frogs, lizards and even small mammals.
Raking leaves into garden beds, or if you are lazy or time-poor like me I just blow them into the garden beds with my garden blower.
Placed in compost piles or heaped under plants creates micro-ecosystems that benefit your entire garden.
Again, don’t forget the old saying “Prune in June”.
Roses should be cut back now.
Don’t be timid.
Roses can cope with harsh pruning.
Even a hedge trimmer will do the job every second year when time gets away from you.
June is the time for planting spring bulbs and strawberries.
Always so much to do in the garden.
Remember to take the time to rug up, wander down and sit by our beautiful Yarra and watch the world roll by and hopefully overhead you will be treated with the raucous cry of a Black Cockatoo.

 

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Exploring Aboriginal myths and monsters

BIRRARUNG STORIES

IN ALL WORLD cultures, there are many ghost and monster stories featuring supernatural beings like Trolls, Goblins, Vampires, and such.
However, I would say that ghost and monster stories have a particularly strong place in Aboriginal myth and legend, and it is interesting how historically accurate some of these stories have proved to be.
This is particularly so in relation to a fabled being, variously called the Hairy Beggar, the Yowie, or the Drop Bear.
In Victoria, it is known as the Dooligar.
I have spoken to Aboriginal people all over Australia, and this fearsome creature is always described very similarly.
The Dooligar is commonly said to have shaggy brown to fair hair, huge scythe-like teeth, and vicious talons on its hands.
It was likely to drop from a tree onto its prey, bite its head clean off, and at the same time completely eviscerate the victim.
It would then carry the headless and gutted corpse up the tree and lodge it in a branch fork.
Apparently, the purpose of this action was that it did not like fresh meat, so it would leave the carcass up there for a few days until it went off.
The Dooligar, or Hairy Beggar, was apparently most active in the late afternoon or early evening.
If it was not lurking in a tree canopy, it was likely wandering around the bush on all fours in search of prey.
When confronted with its prey, which might be a random person strolling through the bush, the Dooligar reared up on its hind legs to its full height of about two metres and attacked.
So, unless you were quick on your feet, you were likely to be decapitated, eviscerated, and parked up in a tree fork until you went rotten.
Apart from hopefully seeing the Dooligar early and outrunning it, one other factor could save you.
The Dooligar is consistently reported in Aboriginal stories as suffering from the foulest body odour imaginable.
So, if you are out in the bush and suddenly smell an overpowering pong, you have two options.
Either hit the trail back to where you came from (without running under any trees), or drop to the ground and play possum.
If the Dooligar thinks you are already dead, it will just carry you up the tree, stick you in a fork and wait for you to go off.
So, all you then do is wait until the pong has gone, climb down, and run back home.
Right from the first time Europeans stepped off the boat, there has been a fascination with Australia’s unique wildlife, and ancient bones of extinct giant marsupials were soon discovered.
Although these bones did not include carnivorous animals, it was nonetheless quickly postulated that there must have been an “apex predator”.
So, the idea of a “marsupial lion” category was created even before the bones of any such creature had been found.
Well, that is, in fact, not quite true because the explorer, Major Michell, found a legbone of such an animal in the early 1830s, except that it was not recognised as such at the time.
However, as various other bone fragments began turning up, a species category of “Thylacoleo” (marsupial lion) was finally created in 1859.
It was not until 1966, however, that a nearly complete 40,000-year-old skeleton was finally found.
This allowed many of the academic arguments that had raged over the previous hundred years to be resolved.
Then, in 2002, eight remarkably complete skeletons were discovered in the Nullarbor Caves, so a fairly complete picture was finally formed.
The result was that the creature depicted in Aboriginal stories and myths was strikingly similar to the real thing.
It was indeed a creature that was often around two metres or more tall when standing erect and probably weighed up to 160 kilograms.
To give you some idea of a human equivalent, Aaron Sandilands was the biggest person ever to play Australian Football, and he was 2.13 metres tall (seven foot) and weighed 130 kilos.
Interestingly, Thylacoleo had fused second and third toes, which meant it was adept at climbing and ambushing its prey by dropping out of trees.
It also had strong forearms for grappling prey and semi-opposable thumbs with retractable claws to eviscerate its prey.
It had blade-like upper and lower back teeth and enormous jaw strength, which gave it an extremely efficient and unique bite.
Pound for pound, Thylacoleo had the strongest bite of any mammal species, living or extinct.
In other words, it could drop from a tree onto its prey, bite its head off, eviscerate it, and then carry its victim back up the tree.
Scientists also concluded that while capable, Thylacoleo was not particularly fast, so the Aboriginal folklore of running away from the Dooligar seems quite credible.
As a final point, while scientists have no opinion on the possibility of Thylacoleo suffering from body odour, I would suggest that as a relative of the Tasmanian Devil,
that idea would also seem to have some merit.

Jim Poulter is a local history author with an interest in Aboriginal history and culture.

Contemplating mindfulness

MENTAL HEALTH

MINDFULNESS is a term that has been bandied around a lot lately.

I thought a good positive way to start the column for this year is to look at mindfulness and how it can work in everybody’s life, young or old.

At its core, mindfulness is about attention.

In our busy lives and hectic minds, we tend to constantly multitask across worries of the past, needs of the present, and concerns about the future.

This causes anxiety and stress for many of us.

Underneath that mental chatter, there can be calm, and mindfulness aims to get us there.

For others who experience periods of disassociation, it can be helpful.

Disassociation is when one feels disconnected from thoughts, feelings, and identity.

I refer to it as a “movie-set” day.

The world feels unreal and out of sync, and you feel detached from others and yourself.

Dissociation can range from mild brief moments to a quite severe disorder.

I find it is quite a common experience for neurodivergent people with ADHD and Autism for chunks of time.

It is almost like the brain is giving you a break which is ok for a little, but not all the time.

Mindfulness is about using attention to bring you back to the moment if your brain is running too fast or is experiencing a sense of disconnection.

Different experts discuss it in various ways, including the four Cs, five steps, and the five Rs.

Pushing all those categories aside, I like the notion of three core elements:

  • Intention: Consciously deciding to be mindful in a moment.
  • Attention: Focusing very specifically on a moment and all the aspects of your interaction with it — sensations, your thoughts, and your environment.
  • Attitude: Being non-judgemental and curious about the experience.

Mindfulness doesn’t need to be viewed as a hugely complicated meditation process.

It can be incorporated into our daily experiences to reduce stress, reconnect with ourselves and our environment, and become more positive and grateful.

So how do we do it?

Simple mindfulness activities

Breath: We have been told to breathe deeply so often we begin to get annoyed with the idea.

However, whether we are anxious or angry, breathing exercises have been shown to help slow our systems away from Fight or Flight mode.

For my clients, I teach them a method I developed called finger breathing.

It uses a combination of touch across each finger followed by circular breathing patterns.

The sequence helps to keep them in the moment and their bodies and slow their systems down.

Mindfulness breathing can also be as simple as sitting with your hand on your stomach and just noticing the movements and sensations of breathing in and out.

The more we practice these activities, the more our body recognises what it needs to do — which, in this case, is to slow down and connect. 

Eating: Mindful eating can be especially useful for people who tend to disconnect from what they are putting in their mouths.

Mindful eating can also slow the eating process, allowing our bodies to better alert us when full.

Mindful eating involves closing your eyes and tasting the food, noticing its texture, flavours, and smells and how it activates different parts of your tongue.

We chew slowly and intentionally, focusing on all the sensations associated with what we are eating.

Walking: Walking is actually a complicated set of movements that our bodies naturally perform for most of us.

The length of steps, the balance, the placement of heel to toe, and when the next leg starts its movement.

If we pay close attention, there are a lot of sensations across the body.

Mindful walking can take place out in nature, where we focus not just on what is occurring in the body but also on the environment.

Alternatively, it can occur on your walk to the bathroom first thing in the morning.

Focus on how your body moves, how the floor feels under your feet, and the ambient temperature of the house.

Move slowly so you can absorb all the elements you are experiencing.

Anywhere and everywhere

You can incorporate mindfulness into almost any activity, even daily tasks like washing the dishes or watering the garden.

Naturally, our brains, especially the busy ones, will eventually try and take back the reins to multitask again.

That is ok.

Let the thought pass without judgment and then refocus.

Over time, you will find that you can go for longer periods of mindfulness.

Overall, mindfulness can be as big or as little as you want.

I always say to start small, and then you can work it up as you want to.

That achievement of our calm and centred self allows us to deal with the hectic world better.

We are more present and positive to those around us, strengthening our relationships.

We connect with our current reality if we are struggling to.

So, next time you feel stressed, find regular times to practice mindfulness, and you will reap the benefits.

Until next time, folks!

Natalie Rinehart
Young Person & Family Counsellor/ Life Coach, Author
youthlifecoach.com.au
youthlifecoach@healthpriorities.com.au
0425 735 106

Looking forward to a second-term

Ward Report: Cr Carli Lange
I WOULD LIKE to take this opportunity to thank our Yarra Ward community for their support, even though Yarra Ward residents didn’t have to vote as I was re-elected due to being uncontested.
However, I did receive many messages and affirmations of support, which I am so grateful to receive.
During my last term as councillor and by being an active community member, I know what matters to my represented Yarra Ward community, such as authentic, proactive, and transparent advocacy, protecting Manningham’s Green Wedge, and treasured historic heritage, responsible development and infrastructure planning, community safety and environment protection.
I am someone who will champion the best result for our community, such as quality services, park and bushland protection, genuine community consultation, wise financial management and rate efficiencies.
I am incredibly honoured to be sworn in as a Manningham Councillor for Yarra Ward again, for another term (2024–27), and deeply grateful to be trusted by the community, and work in partnership with Wonga Park, South Warrandyte, Park Orchards, North Ringwood and Warrandyte residents, who have placed me to represent them and make the best decisions for our Manningham community.
I know this role to be a privilege, and I am an active communicator and constant advocate for our community’s needs, desires, and vision.
I look forward to working with my fellow councillor colleagues to set the strategic direction and policies that are in the best interest of our community and aligned with our Community Vision and work tirelessly towards positive outcomes for everyone.
A huge and heartfelt thank you to the Yarra Ward community and family supporters, as your belief in me made this all possible.
I look forward to being a strong voice for quality service delivery in local government and a strong advocate for delivering environmental protection for our community.
In addition, I look forward to our current Yarra Ward community consultation drop-in sessions and all Yarra Ward residents having their say on everything Manningham.
Thank you, Yarra Ward residents, for your faith and trust!
Happy Christmas, and a safe New Year!

This column was written by Cr Carli Lange and reflects her views and opinions.
Cr Lange is not the official spokesperson for Council.

Staying sun smart this summer

FOR MANY of us, summer is our favourite season.
Backyard barbecues, trips to the beach, and long outdoor afternoons.
With all the fun that summer brings, it also brings high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can have serious health impacts if we don’t take the proper precautions.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and one of the main culprits is overexposure to UV radiation.
The UV Index, which measures the intensity of ultraviolet rays, reaches extreme levels during the summer months in Australia.
The sun is at its most harmful between 10am and 4pm, and even on cooler and overcast days, UV radiation can be dangerously high.
UV radiation can lead to sunburn, premature ageing, and in the long term — skin cancer.
That’s why being sun smart is essential, not just for hot beach days but throughout the entire summer.

UV and your skin

Understanding how UV rays affect your skin can help you fully appreciate the importance of sun protection.
There are two main types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB.
UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, causing premature ageing and wrinkles, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, and play a key role in developing skin cancer.
Just a few sunburns in childhood can increase the risk of melanoma later in life.
Even if you’re diligent about avoiding sunburn, long-term exposure to UV rays without protection can cause damage over time, leading to skin cancer.

Sun smart tips

Being sun smart isn’t complicated, but it does require awareness and a few good habits.
Protective clothing: Clothing is one of the most effective barriers between your skin and the sun.
When it’s hot, we tend to wear shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and any cool clothing.
However, if you are going to be outdoors when UV rays are high, choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants that cover as much skin as possible if you can’t stay in the shade.
A wide-brimmed hat will shield your face, ears and neck from the sun’s harmful rays.
These areas are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin damage.
SPF 50+ sunscreen: Sunscreen is a must when spending time outside.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, which offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply it generously 20 minutes before heading outdoors, and cover all exposed areas, including those easily forgotten, like the back of your neck, tops of your feet, and behind your ears.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you’re swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel.
However, sunscreen cannot be relied on alone; it’s part of a broader sun protection plan that includes shade, protective clothing, and hats.
Shade: Staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10am and 4pm) is a simple way to reduce UV exposure.
If you’re spending the day outdoors, bring a beach umbrella or set up a sun shelter.
While shade reduces UV exposure, it doesn’t completely block it, so make sure you’re still using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
Sunglasses: Your eyes are just as susceptible to UV damage as your skin, so protect them with sunglasses that block out 100 per cent of UV rays.
Look for sunglasses labelled UV400 or those that meet the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1067:2016).
Monitor your skin: Keep an eye on your skin for any new moles or changes in existing ones.
If you notice any changes in the size, shape, or colour of a mole, or if a spot becomes itchy, painful, or bleeding, see your GP as soon as possible.
Children: It’s never too early to start teaching children about the importance of sun protection.
Encourage your kids to practice the sun smart steps — slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide.
Make putting on sunscreen a routine, just like brushing their teeth, and lead by example.
When children see adults consistently using sunscreen, wearing hats and seeking shade, they’re more likely to follow suit.
You can also make sun protection fun.
Let children pick out their own sun hats or colourful long-sleeved rash shirts.
Ensure your little ones are covered in appropriate clothing, sunscreen and hats, and try to schedule outdoor playtimes for the early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are lower.

The friendly team at TerryWhite Chemmart Warrandyte is always here to offer personalised advice.
Feel free to drop by and chat about the best suncare routine for your skin type and enjoy all the outdoor fun Warrandyte has to offer.
David Cannalonga is the owner of TerryWhite Chemmart Warrandyte, Goldfields Plaza.
He has a Bachelor of Pharmacy and is an accredited Consultant Pharmacist.

Moving on to the next chapter…

ARE YOU CONSIDERING moving into a Retirement Village or Residential Aged-Care Facility?
This will be a time of significant change for you.
Here are some helpful tips for you to consider before making the move.

Get financial and legal advice

It is essential to work with your financial advisor to seek the appropriate advice about how moving into a Retirement Village will financially affect you and your estate.
There are a number of different arrangements in which a Retirement Village can be purchased.
You should note, regardless of the option, there will be departure fees payable upon you vacating and the contracts require careful consideration and review by a Property Lawyer.
Once the review is complete, you will likely have further questions, and the documents may require further clarification and discussion.

What fees will be payable when I move into a Retirement Village?

In addition to the Ingoing Contribution Fee, you will likely be charged the following fees:

  • A monthly service charge is usually payable, and if you are purchasing a freehold title, there will likely also be a monthly owner’s corporation fee, rates, and water charges.
  • Additional services may be available at an extra charge, including laundry, meals, medical services, and hairdressing.

Things you may wish to consider when choosing a Retirement Village

  • Can I take my pet, and if so, what are the restrictions for what type of pet?
  • What type of Security is offered?
  • What services and amenities are offered?
  • How much is the monthly service charge, and what does this include?
  • Is there a carport or garage included?
  • Is the settlement date flexible, or do I need to sell my home first?
  • What are the by-laws and covenants that I must adhere to?
  • Do I share in any capital gain/loss when it comes time to vacate?
  • Is there an onsite residential or aged care facility?
  • What are the departure fees, and how are they calculated?

Cooling-off period

The prescribed cooling-off period for Retirement Villages is 21 days and usually starts from the date you receive the disclosure statement, and all associated documents are delivered to you and your lawyer, if applicable.
A holding deposit is required during this period, and it will most likely be a minimal amount of $1,000–$2,000.
Alternatively, you may want to move into a residential aged care facility.
It is important to recognise that not all residential aged care facilities are the same, so it is imperative that you undertake the appropriate research to determine which one is right for you.
You may even consider booking a respite or a short-term stay to experience the facility and get to know the staff.

Things you may wish to consider when choosing a residential aged care facility

  • Does the facility as a whole meet your unique needs?
  • What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
  • What type of care do they offer, and does it meet your requirements?
  • What services and activities are on offer, and are they relevant to you?
  • When are the scheduled activities, visiting hours, mealtimes and bedtime?
  • Are the buildings, gardens and grounds well maintained or in need of repair?
  • Are the staff friendly and courteous?
  • What are the fees you need to pay for care and additional services?

One of the challenges of the Australian aged care system is navigating and understanding the various costs and options available when going into a residential aged care facility.
Depending on your assets and income, the government may partly or fully subsidise the accommodation costs.
Accommodation costs can vary between facilities, depending on the quality of the accommodation and the services offered.

Costs that you may need to pay to reside in a residential aged care facility

In addition to the accommodation costs, other costs that may be payable include:

  • A basic daily fee
  • Means-tested care fee
  • Additional service fee
  • Extra service fee

Moving into an aged care facility is a big financial decision, so it is imperative that you seek the appropriate financial advice prior to signing any agreement.
Whether you are planning to move into a Retirement Village or Residential Aged Care Village, it is important to do your research to ensure it is the right option and place for you and to obtain the appropriate financial and legal advice to enable you to make an informed decision.
Once you make the move, sit back and enjoy this next chapter of your life.

Madison Sloan Lawyers will be hosting an Are You Ready for the Next Chapter Downsizer Event at their office in Park Orchards on Wednesday, November 13, at 6pm
Louise Aitken is Conveyancing Manager and Melisa Sloan, Lawyer at Madison Sloan Lawyers, Park Orchards.
For more information, go to madisonsloanlawyers.com.au.

Outdoors, but not wandering

WITH MANNINGHAM Council’s 24-hour Cat Confinement Order now in place, Cat Considerations offers a monthly column on cost-effective ways to keep your cats healthy and happy while living indoors or confined to limited space.
By way of introduction, this month answers a much-asked question, “How can my cat have outdoor time and not go wandering?”
While allowing your cat to roam wide may seem more sympathetic to its natural behaviour, several key factors make it more beneficial to encourage your cat to adjust to a more contained lifestyle.
Throughout spring and summer, unwanted kittens appear in their hordes in pounds and animal shelters.
There is not room for them all, and ultimately, deciding what to do is extremely difficult.
The rest is for your imagination, so nothing more to be said, apart from please, please, desex your cats.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus — transmitted through biting, which 15 per cent of all outdoor cats carry — as well as roundworm, tapeworm, lungworm, heartworm, ringworm, fleas and ticks, and bacterial infections, can all be prevented by limiting your cat’s contact with other infected animals.
Cats with paler noses and ears are also susceptible to skin cancer.
Roaming cats are also at risk of injury from humans, dogs, and other wild animals, as well as death and injury on the road.
Even powerful owls will hunt and catch an unsuspecting cat. But cats are also a danger to wildlife — research shows they have directly contributed to the extinction of more than 20 Australian native mammals and are implicated in a further eight.
Lastly, some more food for thought regarding those who care for cats suffering from the above-listed problems.
Victorian vets have the highest rate of suicide in the health professions.
Their valuable work includes attempting to mend the results of roaming cats again, and again, and again, a tragedy they know is preventable.
So, what can be done to give your cat some enriching outdoor time?
Much of this depends on your garden size and the type of fencing you may or may not have.
A garden with solid fencing or fencing a cat cannot get through can be set up as an outdoor space.
There is a roller-type product on the market that is attached along the top of a fence line to prevent cats from getting out or in.
Simply put, a cat cannot grasp the top of the fence if it wants to launch itself over.
Google Oscillot or Rapid Mesh Cat Roller to find it.
The following options are ideal if you have a larger, unfenced garden, a veranda, or a small, enclosed yard.
Catios are quite the thing and can be purchased in various sizes, custom built or self-made.
A catio needs shelving, protection, and space for your cat’s scratching post, toilet, and feeding and resting areas — designing one for your feline can be a delightful, creative project.
They can be constructed separately from the house, but supervision is needed, i.e. not leaving a cat in it all day with no one home.
A cat door leading out to your catio is more suitable, as your cat can come and go as it pleases.
A catio must include space for stretching, walking, climbing, and resting.
Research online will provide many ideas for catio design and construction and a surprising number of cat door options.
While most catios are made using wire mesh, a netting mesh can be a suitable option to enclose a veranda or a small yard space whereby the netting can stretch from the fence to the roof.
Lastly, the idea of walking a cat sounds odd but is indeed possible.
However, it does depend on the cat’s personality, as no cat can be led anywhere like a dog.
Walking a cat is a slow process and requires patience and observation to get it happening.
You will need a harness of appropriate size and comfort.
Try the harness indoors first, then attach the lead to it.
Then, open the door and let your cat explore.
What happens from there depends very much on the cat’s personality.
If your cat is already an indoor cat, exploring outdoors will be a new experience for them, so simply follow your cat around with the lead.
It is not likely cats new to this experience will charge off confidently into the wilderness.
If they want to disappear into tiny spaces you cannot get into, deter them by picking them up and placing them somewhere else.
Cats like to establish an area to check out and leave claim to, and such a path becomes the traversed route, so walking can eventually become an off-the-lead time when you just follow your cat on its route around your property.
Having said this, however, keep watch.
If the kitty gets a twinkle in their eye planning an escape, pick her up and bring her indoors again.
If they are used to being outdoors, they will likely immediately head off along their familiar territory-checking routes.
In this case, they will suddenly experience restraint and struggle to be released, so take them indoors and try again later.
As said, walking takes time and patience.
Much better is to build the aforementioned catio or confined garden space.
Whatever you do, do not take your cat away from your home to a park or unfamiliar area where the very high possibility of it completely freaking out will occur.
To help your cat adjust to contained living requires some forethought and planning.
The best aspect is hanging out with your cat and knowing them better.
They’re quite quirky creatures, and if you work towards confining your feline to your property, you will benefit not only them but also many others in the community.

Jennah has gained her knowledge as a volunteer at Animal Aid Coldstream and gives Happy Healthy Cat talks through Friends of Manningham Dogs and Cat.

How to care for your household appliances

APPLIANCES: they’re the unsung heroes of our homes, tirelessly working behind the scenes to make our lives easier.
From the trusty refrigerator to the faithful washing machine, these marvels of modern technology deserve a little TLC to keep them humming along smoothly.
So, grab your cleaning supplies and let’s dive into some essential appliance care and cleaning tips that will have your home shining brighter than ever before.
Regular maintenance routine: Like a well-oiled machine, your appliances need regular maintenance to stay in top shape. Set aside time each month to give them a once-over.
Check for loose screws, clean out any dust or debris, and inspect hoses and cords for signs of wear and tear.
Prevention is key to avoiding costly repairs down the line.
Keep it clean: A clean appliance is a happy appliance! Get into the habit of wiping down surfaces regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up.
A gentle cleaner like white vinegar and a microfiber cloth will keep stainless steel appliances looking shiny and new.
And don’t forget about those hard-to-reach spots — a toothbrush or cotton swab can work wonders.
Tackle those filters: Filters are the unsung heroes of many appliances, from the air conditioner to the dishwasher.
Make sure to clean or replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Clogged filters can decrease efficiency and even lead to appliance malfunctions, so take notice of this important step.
Defrosting delight: If you have a frosty friend in the form of a freezer, be sure to defrost it regularly.
A build-up of ice can create an ice monster, restricting airflow and making your freezer work overtime, leading to higher energy bills.
Plus, nobody likes chipping away at an iceberg to get to the ice cream.
Gentle care for delicates: Certain appliances, like the microwave and coffee maker, require extra attention.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage delicate surfaces.
Instead, opt for gentle cleaners and a soft touch. Sometimes, washing up liquid will do the trick.
Your appliances will thank you with years of faithful service.
Don’t forget the exterior: While it’s easy to focus on the inner workings of our appliances, don’t neglect the exterior.
Dust and grime can accumulate on knobs, buttons, and handles, so wipe them down regularly.
For appliances with vents or coils, like the refrigerator or dryer, vacuum or brush away debris to ensure proper airflow.
Safety first: Last but certainly not least, safety should always be a top priority when caring for your appliances.
Never attempt to repair a malfunctioning appliance yourself.
Enlist the help of a qualified technician to avoid accidents and ensure proper repairs.

Roll up your sleeves

By following these simple appliance care and cleaning tips, you’ll extend the lifespan of your trusty machines and keep your home looking and functioning at its best.
So, roll up your sleeves, put on your cleaning cap, and show those appliances some love.
Michelle Sterling is the owner of Sterling Renovation.
Contact her on 0413 745 485.

Accelerating the move towards solar energy households

AS PREVIOUSLY reported (Warrandyte Diary, May 2023), WarrandyteCAN has been advocating for the Manningham Council to develop a plan for implementing its Climate Emergency Response Plan.

We have indicated to Council that we see the development of a detailed implementation plan as the only reliable way of achieving the ambitious community target of net zero emissions by 2035.

Apart from continuing to advocate an implementation plan, WarrandyteCAN has also been working with Council on a specific, very important area of emissions reduction for the Manningham community: the transition of households to solar energy.

According to the Australian PV Institute, the proportion of dwellings with solar energy in Manningham as of the end of last year was approximately 21.3 per cent, while in Warrandyte and North Warrandyte (in Nillumbik), the proportion was 30.5 per cent.

There is clearly a long way to go in terms of households converting to solar, and Manningham Council is seeking to increase the uptake of solar in its municipality by various means, including the Solar Savers program.

Solar Savers is a non-profit association comprising a partnership of some 17 councils, including Manningham — although not Nillumbik — supported by the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action.

Solar Savers aims to make it easier for people in participating council areas to access solar energy and batteries by helping them install quality, affordable rooftop solar and batteries from a single supplier.

It has selected this supplier on the basis that it is a trusted company that provides quality products and services.

When Solar Savers is contacted by a resident, it will advise the resident as required.

If the resident would like to go ahead with solar, Solar Savers will put them in contact with the supplier for a quote.

If the resident obtains an acceptable quote, Solar Savers will help them claim any financial assistance to which they may be entitled.

Readers interested in learning more can visit the Solar Savers website at solarsavers.org.au.

Rebates and other subsidies are offered to households by the three levels of government, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.

The Commonwealth government offers a financial benefit towards the purchase cost of installing solar (or other renewable energy) systems under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (this benefit is gradually decreasing in value).

The Victorian government at present offers: an interest-free loan of up to $1,400 for solar PV systems; a rebate of up to $1,400 for solar installations and an interest-free loan of $8,800 for batteries.

The Manningham Council offers: subsidies of up to $2,000 plus GST for pension card holders for solar PV systems purchased through Solar Savers and subsidies of up to $2,000 plus GST per household for battery systems purchased through Solar Savers.

To learn more about the subsidies offered by Manningham Council, see www.manningham.vic.gov.au/news/solar-subsidies-manningham-residents.

WarrandyteCAN encourages everyone who has not converted to solar to think seriously about doing so, especially considering the advantages of reducing their dependence on the grid, lower electricity bills, fewer power outages, less reliance on fossil fuels, and the financial incentives being offered by the different levels of government.

Become a Solar Saver Manningham Council, in conjunction with WarrandyteCAN, will conduct an information session about the Solar Savers program at the Warrandyte Community Centre, 168-178 Yarra Street, Warrandyte, at 2pm on May 15, 2024.

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

And please note that Council is offering to donate $100 to WarrandyteCAN for every completed solar panel or battery installation for a client who mentions they have been referred to Solar Savers by WarrandyteCAN.

Jeff is a member of WarrandyteCAN, a local climate action group advocating for positive climate change outcomes
Find them on Facebook.

Preparing for the 2024 flu season

AS THE 2024 flu season begins, we are seeing new strains, updated vaccines, and an empowered public ready to fight this illness.
Luckily, getting vaccinated is easier than ever in Victoria, with pharmacies offering vaccination services for individuals aged five and above.
However, recognising flu symptoms and knowing how to treat them is still crucial.
The flu is more severe than a common cold, with symptoms like high fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, and fatigue.
Early detection and treatment are vital, especially for vulnerable groups like young children and the elderly.
f you believe you have symptoms of the flu or have tested positive on a home-based rapid antigen test, please get in touch with your doctor immediately.
Do not visit the doctor or pharmacy in person — first, make contact via phone.
If positive, your doctor may provide antiviral medication if appropriate, and your pharmacy can provide a medication delivery service.
The best defence against the flu still remains to get your yearly flu shot.
Vaccinations not only reduce the risk of getting the flu but also lessen its severity.
The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program(NIP) provides free flu vaccines to high-risk groups, including children under five, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, those aged 65 and older, and individuals six months and older with certain medical conditions that put them at risk of severe flu.
If you fall into these categories, make sure to take advantage of the NIP benefits.
If you do not fall into these groups, you can still receive your flu vaccine at a small cost.
This year’s flu vaccine is tailored to the strains most likely to circulate.
Recommendations from the World Health Organisation guide the vaccine composition to offer broad protection against the latest virus variations.
Monitoring from sources like the Immunisation Coalition and HealthDirect Australia helps Australians stay informed about influenza trends.
While flu activity is generally low, staying vigilant is essential.
Navigating influenza can be challenging, but with advancements in vaccination and improved access to immunisation services, we can fight back.
Your first line of defence starts with vaccination — for your health and the well-being of the community. Stay informed, stay healthy, and remember that your local pharmacist in Victoria can help protect you and your loved ones against the flu from as young as five.
In addition to getting vaccinated, it’s crucial to adopt preventive measures to reduce the spread of the flu.
Simple practices like regular handwashing, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can make a significant difference.

Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle improves overall well-being and boosts your immune system.
Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and stay physically active if you can.
These habits not only help protect you from the flu, but they also contribute to your overall health.
It’s essential to stay informed about the flu vaccine’s availability and any updates on recommended strains.
TerryWhite Chemmart Warrandyte often provides information on our websites or through local community channels.
Keeping an eye on such updates ensures that you can plan and schedule your vaccination well in advance.
If you’re unsure about the flu vaccine or have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at TerryWhite Chemmart Warrandyte.
We can address any questions you may have and provide personalised advice based on your health condition.
As part of our commitment to community health, TerryWhite Chemmart Warrandyte invites everyone in the community to visit in-store and learn more about how to protect themselves and their loved ones during this flu season.
Preparing for the 2024 flu season involves a multi-faceted approach, including vaccination, preventive measures, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
With increased accessibility to flu vaccines and valuable information, we have the tools to combat the flu effectively.
By staying informed, taking proactive steps, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, we can collectively create a healthier and safer community.|
Join us in the fight against influenza and prioritise your well-being this flu season.
Let’s stick together, stay informed and make Warrandyte a flu-free zone.