News
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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…
Digital Editions
Sport
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Tayla McMillan completes childhood 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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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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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…
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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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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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…
Digital Editions
More News
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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.…
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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,…