Kathleen Ward stands with Travis and Donna Draper and their sons Marcus and Lee in the parking space where baby Lee was born. 18401
A MONBULK family told the Mail they feared for their lives after the fourth tree in 34 years crushed their house, narrowly missing their dogs.
At the time Anthony Corbett renewed calls for the Shire of Yarra Ranges to take action to remove several dangerous trees. But the shire said the trees were not considered dangerous and denied the request.
DISTRICT Inspector Mick Beattie shot down claims Boronia police station could be left unmanned at night. Locals were concerned about the speculation after several night-time crimes and calls for more police.
POLICE renewed calls for information on the tragic 1997 Ferny Creek bushfires that killed three people and destroyed 42 homes.
The public were also reminded that a $100,000 reward was still on offer to anyone who could bring the arsonist to justice. Arson squad detectives at the time were chasing new leads in the 11-year investigation and calling for anyone to come forward who might have seen a Ford XD in the area at the time of the fires.
FERNTREE Gully farewelled war veteran and local identity Bob De Coite just days after Anzac Day.
The sportsman and blacksmith died suddenly on Friday 18 April, aged 85.
WITH raw courage and determination, David Gatt fought his way back to play his 100th game, defying medical opinion. The Emerald Junior footballer was told he would never play again after he broke his arm in round three in 2007. But Gatt was determined to get back on the field for his 100th game. The courageous full-forward not only reached a major milestone but kicked two goals.
A MAN was convicted of the stabbing on a train of former Emerald Secondary College student Darren Jones.
Corey Acuna, 25, formerly of Kilsyth, was found guilty of the murder of the much-loved hills musician The verdict came after a week-long trial where an impassioned cry of “I hope you’re happy” echoed across the court from bereaved relatives as video footage of the stabbing was shown.
Mr Jones, 28, died after he was stabbed three times in an unprovoked attack in February 2006.
A BELGRAVE woman came to a couple’s aid after they welcomed their third child into the world in the front seat of their car. Kathleen Ward drove Donna and Travis Draper to Angliss Hospital after their son Lee’s birth in Belgrave’s main street.
SUPERMARKET giant Woolworths was sent packing after Mt Evelyn residents halted its plans to build a new store in their town. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision to uphold the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ decision to refuse an application for the supermarket was met with jubilation. Townspeople labelled the victory as a historic win after a six-year conflict to save Mt Evelyn from the proposed development.
CLIMATE change, aged care and asset renewal topped the agenda in Knox Council’s $114.5 million 2008/2009 draft budget.
AUSTRALIA’S top women youth volleyball team took on Tianjin Province at Monbulk College.
Monbulk’s head coach Craig Smith said it was a fantastic opportunity for the players to experience a home crowd. But it wasn’t the home side’s day, going down in a close five-setter.
ANTI-QUARRY campaigners celebrated a 10-year victory to stop Boral expanding the Montrose quarry. Planning Minister Justin Madden said he would uphold the Shire of Yarra Ranges decision not to expand the quarry.
COMMUNITY pressure forced a $2 million Federal Government backflip over Burrinja’s performing arts centre redevelopment. The Upwey gallery was left in limbo when the new Labor government announced it would not commit to spending agreements made by the Howard government in May. But Regional Development Minister Anthony Albanese announced a funding review for the project after intense media scrutiny.
EVELYN Rannstrom kicked a goal for girls in football with her historic victory to play with the boys. The 14-year-old Gembrook-Cockatoo footballer was granted an injunction to allow her to play.
Under the AFL gender rules girls can’t play mixed football past the age of 14. After the victory, the Rannstroms were calling for a review of the age limit for mixed competitions.
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges announced plans to ban residents from feeding cockatoos to stamp out millions of dollars damage caused by the birds. More than 150 people attended a public meeting at Burrinja to discuss the issue. Councillors called on Parks Victoria to stop public feeding at Grants Picnic Ground.
COCKATOO’S pint-sized answer to Valentino Rossi was leading the field in pocket bike racing. Callum Alderson was leading the field at the Victorian titles after just one round. Despite being just 10 years old, Alderson was proving to be a true contender for the championships.
