Thursday, 16 January, 2025
Phone: (03) 5945 0666 Trades & Classifieds: 1300 666 808
starcommunity.com.au FREE
Fire under investigation
Inspiring leader’s enduring legacy
In honour of Peter
Hat-trick havoc at Clyde
PAGE 2
PAGE 6
PAGES 8, 10
SPORT
Cooking up a storm With cream of vegetable soup, salads from coleslaw, beetroot carpaccio, herb focaccia and carrot and zucchini fritters, it didn’t take long for the aroma of a hearty and nutritious meal to fill the kitchen at Hallam Primary. On a December morning, children from as young as seven took the mantle of chefs, guided not just by elder students, but by the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and VicHealth, who announced a $2.7 million partnership. With the funds set to be invested throughout the next three years, the partnership aims to give children at more than 500 Victorian schools, such as Hallam Primary, the learning foundations of fresh and healthy food. Stephanie Alexander, the founder of the not-for-profit was present during the event, and while 20-plus years into the path, remained filled with love and purpose as she guided the younger cooks. Story page 12
Adna, like the other students got busy with her hands and got to making the coleslaw salad that was soon to be served with the other meals. (Stewart Chambers: 449743)
Permit confusion Information on Casey Council’s webpage about private land use permits caused significant backlash over the Christmas break. The City of Casey has since conceded wording on its website had “inconsistencies“. Activities like vehicle maintenance and storing caravans on private land would require a per-
mit, as suggested by the website initially. Council has since clarified that a permit is only required in circumstances where the activity or use is detrimental to the amenity of the area in which the private land is located. A petition against the perceived overreach gained nearly 15,000 signatures, and critical vid-
Thinking of
Selling?
eos circulated widely online. Inconsistencies between the Local Law and webpage content were later detected by the community members. The information on the webpage was revised in early 2025 to align with the Local Law, which requires permits only under specific conditions, such as nuisance caused by recreational vehicles or more than two unregistered vehicles.
Residents remain concerned about the Local Law’s lack of exemptions for large rural properties and perceived overreach. Local residents have been arguing for clearer, common-sense regulations and are worried about the financial motives behind permit fees, which range from $150 to $473. Story page 3
With Finning's NO SALE – NO CHARGE & SMART SALE platform YOU can't lose.
Visit our website
Here's your sign!
Call us any time (24hrs) and find out more NOW!
finning.com.au
T 5996 1200 enquire@finning.com.au 12728051-MC02-25