If it feels like you took a deep breath, blinked a few times and 2025 was over, you aren’t alone.
Across the Ranges and Ferntree Gully areas Star Mail cover, the paper saw countless newsworthy events blitz by as the Yarra Ranges lived, worked and played in our beautiful hills, all while coping with the regular challenges of life.
Month by month, here are some of the stories that crossed the newsroom floor.
January sets off alarms for community in health
2025 took off quickly and life did not slow down for residents when Upper Ferntree Gully’s Angliss Hospital announced plans for the closure its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in January, bringing causing initial concerns, however renovations that year reopened the unit ahead of schedule.
Originally scheduled to reopen in August, the unit resumed full service on 30 June, well ahead of plan.
The ICU was temporarily closed on 3 March to facilitate the progression of stage two of Eastern Health Angliss’ redevelopment project.
At the time, the decision, driven by ongoing construction works at the hospital, sparked serious concerns about the impact on patient care, hospital operations, and the local community.
February sees paddle boats leave for good and weather events impact everyone
As prep began for the year, there was sad news in Emerald as a local business closed up for good, while the region dealt with summer weather systems that kept emergency responders very busy.
The beloved paddle boats were announced to be closing down at Emerald Lake and the attraction stopped running by 9 February.
Early February saw temperatures soar and a power widespread outage as a result, in what Ausnet has described as a ‘challenging’ weekend.
The tail end of some weather systems had crossed the state over the weekend, and Sunday 9 February, saw residents of nearly 5,000 homes in Ferntree Gully, Sassafras, Boronia, The Basin, Ferny Creek, Upwey and more drop power overnight.
The weather did more than drop power; it also caused many fires from lightning strikes, including one which took out the local community radio station’s antenna, located in Kallista.
CFA confirmed in early 2025 that by February, over 200 fires caused by lightning had occurred in Victoria.
This includes 71 incidents in the North East Region, which covers the Yarra Ranges, and 67 incidents in the South East Region.
Summer storm weather did not let up, and the weekend of 22 and 23 February saw high callouts reported by SES Emerald and Knox, with lots of fallen trees causing havoc.
Tiny Homes seen as a solution for many, but poses a massive issue for local council
In March, what had began as a hopeful plea to the Yarra Ranges Council for flexible housing options ended in disappointment for Belgrave South tiny house residents, Evrim Sen and partner Benny.
Despite the initial support from councillors, the couple had no choice but to leave the area they had called home for the past three years.
Cost-of-living, a rental crisis and a housing market out of reach for many, the council’s ultimate ruling was that the couple must leave their tiny home on wheels.
Ms Sen, who has lived in her tiny house on wheels for three years and had hoped to settle in the region, build a life, and start a family.
Despite community support and a petition with over 1000 signatures urging the council to allow tiny homes on wheels as legitimate housing, Ms Sen and Mr Redfern were told to vacate their home by the end of July and have already been evicted, with the tiny house itself required to be moved as well.
Stating that he fully acknowledged it was a complex issue, Mayor at the time, Cr Jim Child said that many community members feel strongly about it.
The Statewide and local regulations that govern the use of Tiny Homes, and non-compliance can result in enforcement action.
While some planning exemptions exist for small second dwellings, they do not automatically apply to Tiny Homes.
In the Yarra Ranges, many properties have planning overlays including bushfire management, environmental significance, erosion management and land subject to inundation overlays.
Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures, Kath McClusky said to a resident at question time in August that the rules that govern the placement and use of Small Second Dwellings are set by the State Government and apply across all Victorian councils, which are then embedded into the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and the Building Regulations.
“Yarra Ranges Council cannot change these planning or building requirements, nor does Council have flexibility in how they are applied,” she said.
Ms McClusky said the council understand the issues confronting the community and that they continue to engage with State bodies, while being committed to reviewing Local Law.
“We are actively listening,” she said.
Huge community relief in April, as young Parsa was found
Against the challenging terrain of the Dandenong Ranges and cold nighttime conditions, a young boy was found in the early hours of a Saturday morning in April by a young Kalorama resident out mountain biking.
Six-year-old Parsa Naimi was found around 8.20am Saturday 19 April by a local Kalorama resident, Asher Schinkfield, eight kilometres from where he went missing.
Parsa travelled around eight kilometres north of the playspace overnight and the young boy had been wearing an AirTag, but he had taken it off.
Emergency service staff and search and rescue volunteers all searched but had no luck locating him, while the family were supported by the local community as they waited.
Mountain biker Asher Shinkfield was out for his morning ride and had heard the little boy was missing, but did not expect to find him.
“I was coming up the fire road and saw him just on the side of the road,” he said.
On having found the young boy, Asher said it did make him feel good, but that the huge community effort was amazing.
May sees Legacy award begun Elias’s name
A memorial award was given out for the first time on Friday 23 May in honour of police officer and community member Elias Gerovasilis, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident at just 22.
The local tragedy spurred on the establishment of the award by Victoria Police to recognise an individual who has shown outstanding effort and involvement in Road Safety within the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area.
First-time winner of the award, Leading Senior Constable James Savin, hugged Elias’ parents Bill and Janine as he received the award.
The family, along with Elias’ older brother, Joaquim, and younger sister, Poppy, are well known in the Tecoma area.
In his short time as a police officer at Belgrave, Elias had a big impact and his passing has been felt deeply by family, police and the wider community.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give, Winston Churchill said that,” LSC Savin said.
“Elias is not with us, but he lives on in this project.”
The Elias Gerovasilis memorial award is peer-nominated and selected, and will now be awarded on 23 May each year.
June: serious erosion issues emerge for the Ranges
New mapping revealed that the risk for landslides in the Yarra Ranges is much higher than previously thought and has prompted the council to rush to adopt new erosion management overlays (EMO).
Commissioned by the Yarra Ranges Council after the June 2021 storms, the “concerning” report was delivered in late April 2025 and identified a whopping 13,400 landslide-prone properties.
By December 2025, the matter had seen growing concerns from residents and after much debate, councillors ultimately voted in favour of sending the amendment to an independent planning panel at their final meeting for the year.
Winter robberies hit business in July
In July, Emerald business owners were left reeling after a series of overnight break-ins targeted three shops along Kilvington Drive.
Hush Beauty and Skin, Bill’s Fish ‘n’ Chips and The Laughing Fox Cafe were all hit, with damage discovered around 5am on Thursday, 24 July, when a passer-by reported smashed storefronts. The break-ins involved vandalism and alleged theft, leaving owners and staff shocked as they arrived to assess the damage.
Hush Beauty and Skin owner Jessica Callahan said it appeared a sledgehammer had been used in an attempt to access cash, adding it was the second break-in the business had faced in six months. Staff spent the morning cleaning up broken glass and damage inside the treatment space.
Despite damage to its front door, The Laughing Fox Cafe opened for business the same day. Owner Ali said staff were initially shaken but determined to keep going. “We are open today, better to show that we are strong,” he said. The cafe has operated in Emerald for six years and had never experienced a break-in before.
The incidents followed reports of similar break-ins earlier that week in nearby Kallista and Olinda, raising concerns among Dandenongs business owners.
Victoria Police confirmed Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit was investigating the Emerald burglaries, saying it was believed the three businesses were broken into sometime overnight. The investigation remains ongoing.
For the Emerald community, the July break-ins were a stark reminder of the vulnerability of local traders, but also highlighted their resilience in the face of disruption.
Devastating fire in Hoddles Creek
In August, the Yarra Ranges was shaken by one of the most devastating fires of the year, when a Hoddles Creek woman in her 70s was seriously injured after her home was destroyed by fire.
The blaze broke out at a property on Grover Road on the night of Saturday, 2 August, with emergency services called just after 9.30pm. Hoddles Creek CFA crews arrived to find the single-storey weatherboard house fully engulfed, the glow of the flames visible from the road.
Hoddles Creek CFA first lieutenant Brett Kerford said the fire was already well established when firefighters reached the scene.
“As we came around the bend, we could see the red glow coming from the house,” he said.
“By the time we arrived, it was completely involved and there wasn’t much chance of saving anything.”
The woman managed to escape the burning home before firefighters arrived, but suffered serious burns and smoke inhalation while trying to contain the fire herself. She made her way to a neighbour’s property, where Triple Zero (000) was called.
Ambulance Victoria dispatched multiple crews, including a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance and an air ambulance, and the woman was airlifted in a serious condition to Angliss Hospital.
Nine CFA units responded, supported by neighbouring brigades, Emerald SES and Victoria Police. The fire was brought under control just after 10.15pm and declared safe later that night.
While the cause remains under investigation, early indications suggest the blaze was accidental and may have started in a wood heater.
Tragically, two pet puppies were also lost in the fire, making an already heartbreaking incident even harder for the local community.
A driving force behind the establishment of Selby Community House and an icon in her own right, community members came together in August to honour Jocelyn Selby in a Celebration of Life.
Jocelyn’s son, David Aytan, said the gathering had an enormous amount of love around it.
“More than anything else, she was surrounded by her people,” he said.
A great conservationist and lover of nature who believed in communal living, Jocelyn was part of a tremendous time of community action and development in Sherbrooke from the early 1970s through to the mid-1980s.
The Selby Community House, as it stands today, may not have come to be if not for Jocelyn’s influence.
Planting for the future in September
In September, the feel-good story of the month came from the Dandenong Ranges, where Belgrave Heights Christian School celebrated 15 years of its much-loved Keen on Green planting day.
The event took place on Wednesday, 10 September and brought students, parents, staff and Federal Member for Casey Aaron Violi together to plant 1400 native trees and shrubs along the Monbulk Creek corridor.
Principal Peter Cliffe said Keen on Green was about more than planting trees, describing it as a chance to instil responsibility and care for the environment in students.
Over 15 years, more than 15,000 native plants have been established and transformed the grounds into a thriving habitat and encouraging the return of local wildlife.
Students from different year levels worked side by side, with older students mentoring younger buddies.
Year 6 school captain Eleanor Bird said the day reflected the school’s values.
“We value trees and the life they bring. Keen on Green is always a great day,” she said.
For the Belgrave Heights community, September’s Keen on Green event marked another step in a growing legacy of environmental stewardship.
Weather statistics roll in for October
In October, Ferntree Gully claimed the unenviable title of Victoria’s top severe weather hotspot, according to recent data from insurer AAMI.
Analysis of natural disaster claims from July 2022 to June 2025 revealed the suburb has been hardest hit by wind, hail, and storms, with homes and businesses suffering widespread damage and significant social and economic impacts.
Knox SES unit controller Kristian Schouten said the suburb’s location at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, combined with dense vegetation, steep terrain, and older housing, makes it particularly vulnerable.
Mr Schouten said short, intense storm cells in recent years have added to the risk, while preventable issues like untrimmed trees, blocked gutters, and a lack of emergency planning have contributed to the damage.
Ferntree Gully tops AAMI’s severe weather rankings, followed by Rochester, Shepparton, Mulgrave, and Mornington.
Major events driving claims included Victoria’s October 2022 floods, the November 2022 floods, and February 2024 storms.
Knox SES has been proactive in preparing the community, encouraging residents to clear gutters, secure outdoor items, trim overhanging branches, and prepare an emergency plan and kit.
Josh Kelland from AAMI said the data is a timely reminder to prepare homes and families for summer disasters, while Mr Schouten urged the community to take simple but effective steps to reduce risk.
In November, the community farewelled “Mr Monbulk”
In November, the Monbulk community mourned the loss of Raymond Leslie Yates, fondly known as “Mr Monbulk,” who passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 86.
Mr Yates dedicated 38 years to Monbulk Primary School, 28 as principal, transforming it from a struggling institution into a thriving centre of learning.
Principal Estelle Alder said he “wasn’t just a principal, he was a part of every student’s life,” always remembering former students’ names and showing genuine care.
His legacy includes the Raymond Yates Arts Centre, which continues to give students opportunities in music and the arts.
Beyond education, Mr Yates was a pillar of the wider community.
He served as a Shire Councillor for 21 years, including a term as Mayor of the Shire of Lillydale, and contributed to numerous local organisations such as the Monbulk RSL, Rotary Club, and Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.
He helped establish the Japara Community House in Kilsyth and a community bank in Monbulk, which still serves the area today.
Tributes poured in from across the region. Casey federal MP Aaron Violi praised Mr Yates for being “truly immersed in community life,” while Bendigo Bank Monbulk and District closed to attend his memorial.
Students at Monbulk Primary School honoured him with drawings and by ringing the school’s Bell Tower 38 times, once for each year he served as principal.
Mr Yates is remembered as a devoted husband to Cathie, father to Richard and Samuel, stepfather and Poppa to Clare, Marcus, and their families, and a beloved brother.
His commitment to education, local government, and community life leaves a lasting impact on Monbulk, where his legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service will continue to be felt for generations.
In December, Belgrave’s Cameo Cinema celebrated a remarkable milestone, turning 90 years old.
More than just a place to watch movies, the cinema has long been a cherished community hub, creating memories, fostering connections, and bringing the magic of film to life for generations.
Cameo Cinema manager Danielle Burgess said the venue’s enduring appeal reflects the town’s love of cinema.
“I think it is a testament to this community’s love of cinema, we wouldn’t be here without our incredible customer base, and I think our customers know that the love goes both ways,” she said.
The cinema has remained committed to accessibility, with features like wheelchair access and hearing loops to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.
The cinema has faced challenges, including a near-demolition in 1995, but passionate locals fought to have it heritage-listed.
“Multiple times throughout history, it has been threatened by recessions, wars, and changing audience habits, but it has remained open thanks to owners and community members who love cinema,” Ms Burgess said.
Long-time customers and locals echoed the cinema’s significance. Ferntree Gully resident Myra Camm described weekly visits as a treasured outing, while Mooroolbark resident Gerdina Jansen said it is “part of what makes this town special.”
Local businesses also highlighted the cinema’s role in supporting the community and economy.
To mark the anniversary, Cameo hosted a week of special events, including discounted tickets, combo deals, and a retrospective screening featuring one film from each decade, including David Copperfield, the first movie shown at the cinema in 1935.
For nearly a century, Cameo Cinema has remained a place where people gather, share experiences, and feel at home.
“As long as people love movies and love this place, Cameo will keep thriving, one story, one screening, and one generation at a time,” Ms Burgess said.
