Tuesday, 28 January, 2025
Over 50 years of service recognised
Former Hillcrest CFA Captain honoured
Share your opinions for new Monopoly edition
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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From trash to cash! By Callum Ludwig Upper Yarra residents keen to pocket some extra cash, do their bit to recycle or simply make bin night easier have an exciting new opportunity to do so at the Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre (YREC) in Warburton. Installed on Thursday 23 January and aiming to be operational by Thursday 30 January, a new Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) as part of the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) will provide a refund point for eligible drink containers of both locals and visitors. YREC Director John Ridley said they think it will be a terrific impetus for more recycling in the town. “I expect that quite a few clubs will make use of the way the app can be configured so that if you’re a member of a sports club you can take your cans along and the money goes to your sports club,” he said. “The history of these units in other similar towns is very positive and in particular the location with the caravan park will be very significant as people will be bringing their bags over, and it’s certainly convenient for people going further out to call by.” Turn to page 5 for more
L-R: John Ridley (Director of Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre), Michael Griffiths (Project Manager at Visy) and Alison Fitzgerald (Executive Officer of Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre). (Stewart Chambers: 455180)
Our local heroes Locals with collective decades of experience contributing to the Yarra Ranges Community have been awarded for their passion and commitment, as part of the Council’s Community Awards handed out on Australia Day. The awards, announced following the Council’s Australia Day 2025 Citizenship Ceremony
on 26 January, recognised volunteering, environmental protection and advocacy for vulnerable community members. Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child congratulated the award winners for their efforts and said the winners would be role models for others in the community.
“A small bit of effort can go a very long way for our communities – and volunteering can be as simple as a few hours a week, which add up to make a colossal difference,” Cr Child said. “If you’re looking at ways to start your 2025 with a change, I’d strongly encourage anyone reading this to find a local group to volunteer
with. It’s a great way to make friends and rest in the comfort that you’re doing something to make the Yarra Ranges an even more special place to be. “Congratulations to all of our 2025 award winners, and our community members becoming citizens on this Australia Day.”
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