News
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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…
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Smoke extent so great, it reaches Dandenong Ranges, causes concern
The extent of smoke emanating from the Longwood fires in the northeast of the state travelled so far on Friday 9 January it caused several…
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Escalated fire warnings, dry lightning predicted and people missing
Three people, including a child, are currently unaccounted for, increased warnings have been issued for Alexandra, and dry lightning strikes are predicted to hit central…
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Local CFA strike team assembling in Alexandra as Longwood fire rages on
The fire that originated from Longwood is continuing to spread in the catastrophic fire conditions, with an increasing number of towns under threat. Since 9am…
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Brigades request Triple Zero calls left for emergencies as smoke haze drifts over Hills
Fire brigades across the Dandenong Ranges have put out pleas to the community not to call Triple Zero unless flames can be seen. A number…
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Major park closures as state heads toward catastrophic and extreme fire day
Many parks across the state will be closed due to Catastrophic and Extreme Fire Danger Ratings. Stay home and stay safe. Friday 9 January, is…
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Sherbrooke Gallery postpones opening because of heat
The Sherbrooke Art Gallery has advised that it will be closed on Friday 9 January, due to the weather warnings. Meant to reopen for the…
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Licensed premises targeted in Belgrave
Police are seeking to identify two men who allegedly helped themselves to several items at a licensed premises on two different occasions late last year.…
Digital Editions
Sport
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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…
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Growth strong in community football
Football participation across Victoria continued to grow in 2025 surpassing 250,000 registered participants to mark an all-time record for the state. Victorians accounted for more…
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Some important wins and significant losses to round out 2025
After an inconsistent month of weather, all cricketers took the field for the second last weekend of cricket for 2025, with the Mt Evelyn Cricket…
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Josie Bamford drafted to the Pies
High-decibel celebrations echoed through the loungeroom of Josephine Bamford on 15 December last year when the young footballer was drafted by the Magpies to the…
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The Momentum rolls on the Monbulk greens.
Tuesday Midweek Pennant The weeks results in Midweek Pennant has delivered the Bowling club with a very nourishing treat, a very tasty clean sweep with…
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Hills clubs rewarded for road safety efforts
Six football clubs in the Hills have been rewarded for their efforts to promote road safety in their communities through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC)’s…
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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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…
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Discover the magic of Grace and Louie
Grace and Louie Booksellers is a must-visit experience offering a warm, inviting space brimming with a selection of carefully curated titles, antique touches, and plenty…
More News
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‘Not about panic’: Brigades urge Yarra Ranges to heed warnings, act early
The entire Yarra Ranges region is being urged to heed warnings and act early, as Friday is shaping up to be one of the “most…
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Star’s Bushfire Resilience Project
Star Mail was awarded a grant from the Walkley Solutions Journalism Fund to deliver an in-depth journalism project examining how communities across the Yarra Ranges…
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AusNet works to restore Dandenong Ranges power outages
Power outages across the Dandenong Ranges were starting to be recorded early on Wednesday 7 January, ahead of the forecasted 40-degree day. Properties in Emerald,…
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Deadly year on the roads
Road safety will remain a key focus for Victoria Police in 2026 following another tragic year on the state’s roads. There were 288 lives lost…
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Local Freemasons donate $55k to Interchange Outer East sibling program
The Freemasons of the Monash Gully District, together with the Freemasons Foundation Victoria, have proudly funded the Interchange Outer East Sibling Program since 2009. The…
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First total fire ban declared for central districts as temperatures rise
The first total fire ban of the season for the central region has been declared alongside much of the state as temperatures are set to…