One of 2025’s most inspiring stories of community spirit and personal determination came from Boronia resident Dr Prabodh Malhotra, who completed his third consecutive long-distance walk in support of the McGrath Foundation. Over two months, Dr Malhotra walked from the Melbourne Cricket Ground to the Sydney Cricket Ground, covering thousands of kilometres to raise awareness and funds for cancer support. Beginning on 3 November 2024 and finishing on 3 January 2025, the journey tested him both physically and mentally, with challenging terrain including the Gippsland coast, Clyde Mountain, and the busy roads surrounding Canberra. In the final stages, his son joined him, driving the support van and providing vital assistance. Having lived in Boronia since 1989, Dr Malhotra described the walk as his way of giving back to the community that had welcomed him after retiring from academia. Over three years of these walks, he has raised more than $123,000 for the McGrath Foundation, with donations still coming in. Along the route, he met people whose stories reinforced the importance of the cause, including a breast cancer survivor who shared how a McGrath nurse had provided her with care and support. Dr Malhotra described the journey as as much a mental challenge as a physical one, and while he is unsure if he will attempt the walk again, his 2025 effort stands as a testament to perseverance, generosity, and community spirit.
In July, Monbulk netballer Jorja Wragg stunned the local sporting community by breaking the Outer East record for most goals scored in a single game, sinking an incredible 106 goals in a B-Grade clash against Healesville. Her effort helped Monbulk to a dominant 115–5 victory, surpassing the previous record of 91 set in 2017. Ms Wragg, who started playing netball at Monbulk as a nine-year-old, credited her teammates and coach Christina Puopolo, highlighting that disciplined team play made the record possible. Despite the record-breaking tally, she also praised the young Healesville side for their resilience, showing humility and sportsmanship.
Belgrave South cafe owner Rebecca “Bek” Hamer demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience in 2025 when she completed the Buffalo Stampede Marathon in Bright just two weeks after collapsing unexpectedly at her cafe. The mother of four temporarily lost all movement in her arms and legs, prompting a hospital visit, with a tick bite later suspected as the cause. Despite this scare, Ms Hamer ran the marathon, pacing herself and focusing on simply crossing the finish line. Her children also joined the event, with seven-year-old Phoenix finishing third in the 2 kilometre race. Ms Hamer said the experience gave her a renewed appreciation for health, family, and the strength of community support.
Monbulk Football Netball Club celebrated a landmark year, sending three netball teams to the Grand Finals at Healesville, a feat last achieved in 2006. The B-Grade team claimed the premiership with a 61 to 48 win over ROC, with Jorja Wragg contributing 53 goals and Olivia Crook adding eight. D-Grade also triumphed 27 to 23 against Mt. Evelyn, while the Under 15s Gold team fought hard but fell 31–20. The season doubled Monbulk’s netball premiership tally and marked a fitting end to Grant Dennison’s seven-year tenure as club president.
In cricket, the Ferntree Gully community mourned the tragic loss of 17-year-old Ben “BA” Austin, a gifted cricketer, football fan, and boundary umpire. Ben’s dedication, athleticism, and kindness left a lasting impact on teammates and the wider sporting community. In his first year as a VAFA boundary umpire, he officiated the Premier Men’s Reserves Grand Final, an honour that reflected his skill and maturity. Tributes poured in, with local associations holding moments of silence and campaigns like “Bats out for Ben” celebrating his legacy.
Knox Kyokushin Karate instructor Keelan Lang also made headlines in 2025, earning the honour of representing Australia at the sixth World Kyokushin Karate Tournament in Maebashi, Japan. Selected for his skill and dedication, Mr Lang described the experience as a mix of disbelief, excitement, and nerves. Competing against top international fighters, he gained invaluable experience to share with his students back home, supported by a local fundraising campaign that rallied the community. “This is not just about competing,” Mr Lang said. “It’s about representing Australia and sharing knowledge with my students. The support I’ve received means the world.”
From life-changing charity challenges to record-breaking sporting achievements and extraordinary acts of resilience, 2025 was a year that showcased the determination, generosity, and spirit of communities across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Each story, whether of personal triumph, collective effort, or enduring legacy, served as a reminder of the extraordinary potential within ordinary lives when passion and perseverance come together.
