Tuesday, 7 January, 2025
Person of the Year
Issue of the year 2024
Best photos of 2024
Real estate lift-out inside
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A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Upwey High School teacher Grant Nichol retired in March 2024 after 35 years of an extraordinary career, making it difficult to say goodbye. (395101)
In late November 2024, two houses were devastatingly engulfed in fires one tragically claiming a life, and the other completely destroying a family home. (434564)
Highs, lows of ’24 By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Reflecting on the highs, lows, and everything in between, this special edition of the Star Mail takes a look back at 2024. It was a year marked by extraordinary acts of courage and generosity, such as Boronia’s Prabodh Malhotra walking 1325 kilometres to raise nearly $95,000 for breast cancer research. Local tragedies also shaped the year, from devastating house fires in the Hills to the loss of life and community hardship following the shut-
BEST STORIES OF
2024
down of Victoria’s timber industry. Despite these challenges, the spirit of resilience prevailed, with the Heading family’s 100 years of service to the CFA and the community’s heartfelt support for Big Freeze 10 standing as symbols of local solidarity. The year also saw moments of creative flair, with Tecoma’s Michelle Trebilco inspiring others with her sustainable fashion creations, while tragedies like Isla Bell’s death reminded the community of the continued struggle against violence toward women.
From environmental concerns like the landslide on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road to acts of kindness like the rescue of a young man from the mountains, 2024 showed the strength of our community through both triumph and hardship. Inside, we reflect on these pivotal stories and celebrate the moments that defined the year – be it the best of entertainment, sporting achievements, or those unforgettable photo moments that brought us all together.
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