Unlike today's heat in the forties, on Carols evening, the community gathered comfortably on the lawns of Hookey Park for the annual Mooroolbark Community Carols.

Five local primary school choirs, the Croydon Citizens Brass Band, SES, Lion’s Club, electrical and audio visual technicians, a community choir, community volunteers* and Mooroolbark Christian Fellowship members all contributed to providing this lovely community event.

We loved hearing the primary school choirs perform seasonal items, interspersed with the community choir singing Christmas Carols accompanied by the Brass Band.

All in all, a lovely afternoon and evening!

Last year’s Carols had to be cancelled due to the heat, so it was good to be back this year!

*We acknowledge and appreciate the assistance of the Yarra Ranges Council providing waste bins, chairs for band, and ensuring the lawns were mowed.

Great articles in the latest edition of Living Today in Mooroolbark published as a gift to the community by Mooroolbark Christian Fellowship.

Don't miss the opinion piece of the iconic station and the importance of retaining this important built history as plans are finalised for the new elevated rail and station for Mooroolbark.

Click the cover illustration to download the December Issue pdf.

There will be a community drop-in session tonight at Mooroolbark Community Centr between 6-8pm.

This is your opportunity to contribute thoughts and ideas before designs for the elevated rail are finalised. Of particular concern is the retention of our 140-year old station building which is our oldest surviving built history. Although the building can no longer serve as the station, it could be refitted to serve as a community hub defining the open space below the rail.

There are also concerns about a proposed multi-storey car park exit onto Brice Avenue which would destroy much of the ambience, cohesion and ease of access to our convenient and friendly shopping precinct.

Have your say tonight, or online.

Thanks goes to Marion Stott, President of the Mooroolbark History Group and her community team for the organisation of Mooroolbark's Remembrance Day service on Sunday 10 November in Hookey Park.

Attended by local residents and political leaders, the crowd listened attentively as MC Neil Mitchell introuced the guest speaker - local historian Anthony McAleer, who spoke about Courage, Mateship, Sacrifice, Service.

The fourth plaque at the War Memorial was unveiled during the service. Some of those named on the plaque were in attendance along with family members of others.

Twins Peter and Marj Hookey - (children of Jack Hookey the first Mooroolbark school principal after whom Hookey Park is named) laid a wreath at the memorial.

Remembrance Day - the silencing of the guns at the end of World War I - is celebrated on the eleventh day, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh month annually.

Mooroolbark will host a commemorative service on Sunday 10 November commencing 10.45am at the Hookey Park War Memorial. The service will also include the unveiling of the War Memorial's fourth plaque.

At the Mooroolbark Umbrella Group annual community forum four new Quiet Achiever awards were presented to individuals who have helped enrich and enhance our community life!

Pictured from left are Mooroolbark Umbrella Group Secretary and President - Matt Gudze and Randall Bourchier, the four Quiet Achievers - George Nantes for services to the Lions Club, St Peter Julian Eymard parish and Jim Fuller house, Amy Gardam and Rhys Marshall for services to the sport of Taekwondo and local families and youth, and Leigh Johansen for services to education and community. Pictured at right are Lauren and Cr. Mike Clarke from YRC.

On 9 October Sydney Olmpic Gold Medallist Lauren Burns spent the day with us in Mooroolbark!

First stop - 200 plus students at Mooroolbark College

Come to the Mooroolbark Community Centre for Mooroolbark's annual Community Forum on October 9 starting at 7.30pm. Our guest will be Sydney Olympic Taekwondo gold medallist and motivational speaker, Lauren Burns..

http://ach.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Venues/Mooroolbark_Community_Centre

Be ready to be inspired, informed, challenged and encouraged as Lauren shares some of her life story:

Entry - gold coin donation. More information - Randall 0425716655

Yarra Ranges Council’s submission to the Planning Scheme Amendment to Remove Level Crossings at Lilydale and Mooroolbark is being tabled at Council meeting next Tuesday 24^th September.  The report is available in the agenda on Council’s website, starting from page 31.

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Council-meetings/Minutes-and-agendas

From the above link a pdf download is available - pp. 59-64 give succinct details of recommendations being made by YRC to the Crossing Authority based on the feedback gathered thus far from concerned Mooroolbark residents and traders.

Mooroolbark Umbrella Group, Mooroolbark Traders, Mooroolbark History Group and concerned residents have been gathering the views of Mooroolbark residents and traders with a view to shaping the proposed plans to enhance and bring benefit to our town.