News
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Rocky Mountaineer Magic
For more than 30 years, Rocky Mountaineer has welcomed guests from around the world to experience luxury rail journeys through some of the most spectacular…
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To stay or go
Friday’s extreme fire conditions and statewide total fire ban has raised one question for many Yarra Ranges locals. ‘Should I stay or should I go?’…
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Edwards’ top Upper Yarra pics from 2025
Local photographer Graeme Edwards has shared his work with the Star Mail throughout the year. His excellent photography has featured in multiple editions, capturing the…
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Lilydale acts as relief hub for evacuees
Lilydale opened a relief centre, seeing evacuees make use of the space as they wait to learn the fates of their properties and townships. Cars,…
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Lilydale relief centre pivots to information only after weekend
Yarra Ranges Council has advised the community that the Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) opened at the Lilydale Highschool basketball stadium is now closed. Originally opened…
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Healesville remembers lost ambos
With the coming of January, the Healesville community pauses for a moment of recognition for two ambulance drivers who died on their way to attending…
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E-bike to blame for night time blaze in Warburton
An exploding E-bike battery ignited a fire in Warburton on 8 January, sending local CFA crews into a scramble to prevent a major bushfire. CFA…
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Quarry Lake still off limits for water acess
Knox Council has reminded residents via their news updates page that Quarry Lake is still hosting levels of bacteria considered risky to animal and human…
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Community bushfire sessions approach
Two free and vital bushfire prep sessions run by the local CFA in the Dandenong Ranges will go ahead this week. The Sassafras-Ferny Creek Fire…
Digital Editions
Sport
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Sanders holds firm after time penalty
Motocross maestro Daniel “Chucky” Sanders remains on top position after stage seven in the 2026 Dakar Rally, despite suffering a speeding penalty. The Three Bridges…
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Basketball Victoria leading the way with road safety message
Blue armbands will be a familiar sight across courts in the east after Basketball Victoria partnered with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to support a…
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Olympians descend on Yarra Valley
Thursday 8 January marked the commencement of a four-day frenzy at the Melbourne Gun Club in Yering. From the Commonwealth Championship competition to the Australian…
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Smith steers Mounters’ Seconds to victory
Cricket returned after its summer siesta over the Christmas period on Saturday, and Mt Evelyn’s cricketers braced themselves for the big run into finals with…
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Tayla McMillan completes childroom dream of being drafted to Carlton
Wantirna South superstar Tayla McMillan, raised in Boronia, is another AFLW draftee from the Outer East hoping to leave a mark on the competition in…
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Sky’s the limit for new Pie Josie Bamford
From signing up to play footy with her sister to being drafted alongside some of her closest friends, it’s been a meteoric rise for Josie…
Entertainment
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2025 arts keep community stitched together
The Dandenong Ranges is brimming with artists of just about every kind you can imagine from painters, to photographers, musicians and more. Beyond the bottom…
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The creative scene across the Valley and Ranges
The arts and creative scene across the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges offers something for everyone. And better yet, there are so many free galleries…
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Playlunch packs out Sooki Lounge
Local Dandenong Ranges band Playlunch raised the roof at their sold out Sooki Lounge show on 5 December with an electrifying performance. The self-described “bogan…
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Oracle of Sassafras hosts Tropfest crew for short film
Oracle of Sassafras welcomed the cast and crew of the short film, ‘Sand Trap’ on Tuesday, 2 December, for the 2026 Tropfest competition, the world’s…
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Revisions unfolds to community
Sunday 23 November saw the Yarra Ranges community experience a unique and immersive art experience, which featured tours and artist talks to reflect on a…
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Art for the teens, mural artist steps up
Youth art is firmly in focus, with a local mural artist unveiling big plans, stepping forward to give local teens the spotlight alongside the creative…
In Business – Sponsored
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Experience country racing at its best in Healesville
Just an hour from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, the Healesville Amateur Horse Racing Club delivers one of regional Victoria’s most enjoyable and family-friendly…
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Connect with free advice and support when you need it most
Accessing mental health support can feel overwhelming, especially during times of stress, anxiety or emotional uncertainty. Knowing where to turn and what options are available…
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Flowery family fun at Blue Lotus Water Garden
With the pressures of Christmas now over, I’m sure many parents are looking for ways to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays. The…
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Soar to new heights
Take your family on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Arthurs Seat Eagle, a thrilling gondola ride that soars high above the stunning Mornington Peninsula. Whether…
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Discover the spirit of Killik
Killik Handcrafted Rum was born in the hills of Belgrave with a single ambition-to bring Australian rum back into the spotlight. In a world where…
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Fragrant and fresh
Just an hour from Melbourne, nestled in the charming hills of Olinda, lies Australia’s most exceptional tea experience. Tealeaves, a family-run business with over 30…
Digital Editions
More News
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Selby House shuts for first part of the year
A local community house has had to pivet after an unexpected closure, letting the community know via social media. Selby Community House has reported via…
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Recovery mission begins amid ongoing bushfire threat
Recovery efforts are ongoing in a region completely decimated by raging bushfires, though for many, the future remains uncertain. Two major Victorian bushfires are expected…
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Cold ash falls on Buxton
A resident in Buxton confirmed cold ash began to fall over the township early on Friday afternoon, but was hopeful it wouldn’t increase before the…
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Time to explore some Mekong magic
If it is time for that holiday of a lifetime, a retirement trip with a chance to see and visit exotic countries and cultures then…
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AusNet warns of potential power outages during heatwave
Today, Friday 9 January is a day of extreme risk in Victoria, with fires already burning, extreme weather forecast and a catastrophic fire danger rating…
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Streamline or avoid scrutiny: fire management strategic assessment underway
Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is seeking federal approval for its forest fire management works, with a strategic assessment underway. An…
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Water storage levels dip below 75 per cent, water saving efforts encouraged
Melbourne’s water storages levels have dipped below 75 per cent in 2026, caused by hot, dry conditions, record-low streamflows and higher household use last year…
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New rebates to help councils and land managers tackle illegal dumping
The state government is supporting councils and land managers to tackle illegal dumping with a new $8.5 million Illegal Dumping Clean-up Rebate Program. The government…
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Relief centre opens in Lilydale, wind change imminent
Lilydale has opened a relief centre seeing evacuees make use of the space as they wait to learn the fates of their properties and townships.…
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‘Like a bomb’: properties lost as fire engulfs region
Multiple houses and a school have been lost as out-of-control bushfires burn under catastrophic hot and windy conditions. Emergency warnings remain in place for thousands…