Boronia man walks 1325 km for breast cancer
The new year kicked off on a powerful note for a Boronia resident, Prabodh Malhotra, who started 2024 by completing a 1325-kilometre walk for breast cancer research. The 72-year-old retiree and philanthropist walked from the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), raising nearly $95,000 for the McGrath Foundation. Starting on October 29 2023, Mr Malhotra traveled through regional towns like Geelong, Ballarat, and Wagga Wagga, meeting people whose lives had been touched by breast cancer. “This walk was never just about me, it was about the countless lives impacted by breast cancer and the support that keeps them going,” Mr Malhotra said. Despite blistered feet, he arrived at the SCG on January 3 2024, just in time for the Pink Test between Australia and Pakistan. His inspiring journey highlights the power of personal commitment and community support. “If one single Australian gets a better life, it’s worth it,” he said.
Victorian timber shutdown left many in crisis
The shutdown of Victoria’s timber industry sparked widespread concerns over worker compensation and the future of regional economies.
Many former employees, including ex-seed collector Brendon Clark, voiced frustration over unfulfilled promises.
“I was told I would be looked after, but I haven’t been—now I’m on the verge of bankruptcy,” Mr Clark said.
The Labor government’s 2019 pledge to phase out native timber logging by 2030 encouraged industry transitions, but many workers have yet to receive the promised support. Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) general manager, Tim Lester highlighted the ongoing struggles.
“Some timber industry providers can’t even get their loss of income recognised by the government,” he said.
The collapse of the timber sector also jeopardised forest and fire management.
A state silviculture consultant Owen Bassett warned that vital environmental efforts, particularly regarding Alpine Ash forests, were at risk.
“Loss of our forests would impact biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and water values,” he said.
As local economies faltered and forest management faced uncertainty, the future of over 100,000 hectares of young forest remained in jeopardy.
Fire engulfs Tecoma house, teen injured
A Tecoma teenage girl suffered burns but managed to escape as her family home was engulfed by flames early morning.
The fire tore through the second storey of the weatherboard house on Francis Street, igniting around 5.50am on Tuesday 19 March.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with 15 CFA vehicles battling the blaze, compounded by strong winds.
Firefighters brought the fire under control by 7.10am, though crews remained on-site to monitor the scene.
A second person in the house at the time also escaped uninjured but was shaken, according to residents.
The injured teenager was taken to Dandenong Hospital, though no further treatment was required.
Residents in the area were evacuated due to fears the fire could spread.
The CFA issued smoke warnings for Belgrave, Tecoma, and Upwey.
The end of an era
After 35 years of dedication, Upwey High School teacher Grant Nichol retired, leaving a lasting impact on his students and the community.
Known for his engaging personality and passion for education, Mr Nichol was much more than a teacher – he was a mentor and a friend.
“I couldn’t retire at 65, I couldn’t walk away. But I had to move on at some point,” he said, reflecting on his decision to retire.
While he looked forward to spending more time with his family, especially his grandson, he admitted he would miss the daily interactions with students, which he described as keeping him “young.”
Over the years, Mr Nichol became a fixture at the school, organising outdoor camps, reunions, and even running volleyball teams.
“I was never paid to organise reunions… it’s a great way to catch up with former students,” he said.
More than just teaching, he instilled a philosophy of making a positive difference.
“You’ve got to try and make your life better and make a difference,” he said.
Despite his retirement, he continued to volunteer at the school.
His retirement celebration was held on Sunday 3 March, with more than 100 former students and colleagues gathered to celebrate his remarkable career.
Man rescued after fall at Mount Dandenong
A young man narrowly escaped with minor injuries after falling near Burke’s Lookout on Mount Dandenong on 19 April.
The man, in his 20s, tumbled around 10 metres down a steep embankment, creating a multi-agency rescue operation.
Emergency services, including Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, SES, and CFA, coordinated efforts to retrieve him using a rope pulley system around 9.30pm.
Lilydale SES Unit Controller, Shaun Caulfield, described the rescue as complex, given the narrow, damp terrain.
“The access is difficult, and the track was too narrow for traditional methods,” he said.
CFA units from Montrose, Kalorama, Monbulk, and Wandin were called in, with Monbulk and Wandin providing specialised rope rescue equipment.
The team used a ‘mule’ – a stretcher-carrying device – to safely move the patient through the challenging terrain.
After receiving treatment from paramedics, the man was hauled up and transported to The Alfred Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Mr Caulfield praised the teamwork: “Many hands make light work. It was a well-coordinated effort, with everyone working together seamlessly.”
The joint rescue effort exemplified the strength of cross-agency training and collaboration.
Thrifted looks and Met Gala inspiration
Forget the Met Gala – creating standout fashion looks was as simple as a visit to your local op shop, according to Tecoma icon Michelle Trebilco, known as the Veteran Vamp – A Thriftilicious Fashionista.
Reflecting on the 2024 Met Gala theme, ‘The Garden of Time’, Ms Trebilco praised the floral-inspired outfits, with Zendaya’s looks standing out as her favourites.
“The more outrageous, the better,” she said, adding that while some missed the brief, she appreciated the risks taken by stars like Lana Del Rey.
While the Gala was a fashion spectacle, she preferred to wait for inspiration to strike.
“I have to wait for the inspiration to come,” she said.
Known for her eclectic creations using items like cat toys, silicone moulds, and even water filters, Michelle’s designs turned heads.
“I made handbags from fabric bins and added spiders for fun,” she said, celebrating the creativity of recycled fashion. Encouraging others to embrace unique styles, she said, “There are no rules. It’s good fun.”
The Veteran Vamp’s creative spirit thrived in Tecoma, inspiring many through her social media as she continued her playful, sustainable fashion journey.
Icy splash raises warm hearts at Big Freeze 10
Big Freeze 10 made an icy splash for another year up in the hills with over $100,000 raised for Fight MND.
Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis hosted Hills MND’s Big Freeze with hundreds gathering to support the cause and see many members of the community take the plunge.
The day was joined by Matt Strickland and his family, who have been leading locally for Fight MND since his diagnosis with motor neurone disease almost a decade ago.
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin also joined the event with her family, congratulating the work of Hills MND Big Freeze and the Stickland family for their work she said inspires her after her own recent diagnosis.
Many took the slide from Hawthorn Football Club player Dylan Moore, North Melbourne Football Club player Jaidyn Stephenson to Emerald SES Unit Controller Ben Owen and Emerald RSL president Peter Maloney.
Landslide disrupts Mount Dandenong Tourist Road traffic
A chaotic weather week in the Yarra Ranges saw Mount Dandenong Tourist Road reduced to single-lane traffic after a landslide near Sassafras on 16 July. The heavy rainfall and flooding prompted Emerald VICSES volunteers to assess the scene before handing it over to VicRoads.
Emergency services quickly closed the road in both directions, with traffic management in place. By 17 July, the road reopened, but the damage left the road down to one lane.
“The main concern now is the ongoing winter weather,” said SES Emerald unit controller Ben Owen.
By 19 July, the road was re-opened, with repair and cleanup expected to continue for weeks.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area, with alternative routes including Burwood Highway, Monbulk Road, and Olinda-Monbulk Road.
Hacketts Road danger persisted
Kallista CFA members expressed growing concerns over drivers becoming trapped on Hacketts Road in Olinda, a steep route unsuitable for non-four-wheel-drive vehicles. CFA member Chris Job highlighted the ongoing danger, noting that despite previous complaints to the council, delivery drivers continued to get stuck due to poor signage and road conditions. “If we can send people to the moon, I’m sure we can resolve this issue,” Mr Job said. Yarra Ranges Council confirmed they had worked to improve signage and were in talks with Google and Uber to prevent further incidents.
“Flames” of tragedy in the Hills
It was a tragic 24 hours in the Hills, marked by two devastating house fires – one resulting in a fatality and the other destroying a family home.
A major fire broke out in Selby just before 7pm, prompting a large emergency response from local CFA crews, including those from Menzies Creek, Clematis, Emerald, Monbulk, Kallista, and Belgrave. Firefighters worked through the night, relying on a water relay system due to the lack of reticulated water, but the home was completely destroyed. Selby CFA First Lieutenant Paul Mather confirmed that five residents were at home, but no injuries were reported. Earlier that morning, a fire in Emerald tragically claimed the life of a woman in her 50s. Two other residents managed to evacuate safely. Police launched an investigation, but the cause was not deemed suspicious.
Heading family celebrates 100+ years of service
The Heading family from Olinda was honoured at the CFA’s annual awards on November 8 for over 100 years of combined firefighting service. Phil Heading, who began in 1983, received his 40-year life membership badge. “The biggest highlight has been seeing my family carry on this important work,” he said. Phil’s son, Peter, was recognised with Firefighter of the Year and the Jack Ernie Award, while his 17-year-old grandson, Sam, earned Best Junior Member. The Heading family’s dedication spans generations, with Phil inspired by his childhood experiences with bushfires. “That early experience… strengthened my desire to help fight fires,” he said. Despite the challenges, including near misses in bushfires, Phil emphasised the importance of community spirit and resilience. “It’s about duty, training, and supporting one another,” he said. The Heading family remains a cornerstone of Olinda’s firefighting efforts.
$10K for Info on Reservoir Shooting
A $10,000 reward was offered for information regarding the illegal shooting of several kangaroos at Cardinia Reservoir Park in early November. Victoria Police responded to the incident, which occurred overnight on 3-4 November, where five kangaroos, including a mother, were killed. A surviving joey, ‘Cardi’, was saved and raised by a wildlife carer. Volunteer wildlife rescuer Sarah Cooke attended the scene, where two other joeys were recovered but did not survive. The Victorian Kangaroo Alliance (VKA), Gariwerd Animal Biodiversity Alliance (GABA), and Advocacy for a Kinder World (AKW) offered the reward, calling for information to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Our community stands firmly against such cruelty,” VKA spokesperson Jane Gibb said.
Vigils cancelled, ribbons tied: Isla Bell’s memory honoured
A planned vigil for Isla Bell, the young woman tragically murdered in November, was cancelled after threats of violence, but her memory continued to inspire tributes and actions. On December 7, instead of the public vigil, supporters were encouraged to tie red and orange ribbons around the hills to honour Isla. A secret vigil was held in her memory, according to Australian Femicide Watch.
In Isla’s name, her mother, Justine Spokes, launched The Isla Bell Charitable Fund. The fund aims to establish an art award and scholarship for young women, celebrating Isla’s passions for art, animals, and nature.
Isla’s death, which shocked the Dandenong Ranges community, sparked public tributes, including flags at half-mast and a moving speech by MP Daniela De Martino in Parliament. The tragedy added to Australia’s grim statistics, with 66 women killed by violence in 2024.
