Tuesday, 21 January, 2025
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A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Parking furore Lilydale’s traders and Township Action Group are baffled by parking restrictions introduced by Yarra Ranges Council leaving a lack of long-term or untimed parking bays throughout the main thoroughfare. Nearly all parking on Main Street, Castella Street and Clarke Street have a time limit, some as short as 15 minutes, others three hours. But for business owners and staff without dedicated parking at their premises it has meant hundreds of dollars in fines to park in close proximity to where they work. A petition, started by LTAG and signed by businesses across Lilydale, is calling on the council to retract the fines and change the restrictions in place. To read more to turn page 4
Lilydale’s traders and Township Action Group have been left frustrated with fines piling up after street parking restrictions were introduced. (Rob Carew: 453683)
Swimming risks Despite recording increases in swimming lesson uptake over a four year period in the Yarra Ranges, drownings in teenagers particularly at the beach and in rivers increased tenfold according to the most recent lifesaving figures. With summer’s heat upon us, an awareness message of remaining vigilant around water was sparked by close to 150 rescues performed at
beaches across Victoria earlier this month. But the message for inland water safety was also prevalent after the tragic death of an eightyear-old boy in the Mitchell River. Proximity to the Yarra River makes for an easy day out by the water but even though it may look calm, conditions can change and items can be submerged underwater, putting inexperienced swimmers at risk.
“It’s about what’s under the surface that you can’t see. It might not have been there the day before but it might be there today. Logs and sticks float underwater,” School Sports Victoria Yarra Division Officer and Upper Yarra Primary Schools Sports Officer Andrew Devisser, who hosts a kayaking program for primary school students, said. The idea that “drowning is preventable” through proper swimming lessons, as a young child, a teenager and even as an adult was some-
thing Belgravia Leisure, operator of the Yarra Ranges’ pools, said was important to acknowledge. “Continued swimming lessons are crucial for reinforcing water safety skills, improving technique and building confidence, ensuring individuals of all ages remain prepared and capable in potentially hazardous water situations,” they said. Read more on page 6
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By Mikayla van Loon
Shop 4/260 Main Street Lilydale
Ph: 9100 3600 12723183-AV42-24