Tuesday, 4 February, 2025
PM drops in to visits Boronia Heights
Paddle boats no more in Emerald
Warburton photographer in mass art expo
Real estate liftout Inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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School’s back! School is back across the Yarra Ranges and students from prep and beyond have put on their hats and began stepping out to their local schools. Introducing foundation students is a big milestone and Principal Rebecca Honeysett from Upwey Primary School said the first week begins with a gentle introduction to school life. “Students will start with play-based learning and fun activities, helping them feel comfortable and connected in their new environment,” she said. Monbulk Primary School students are also back in the swing of things and for many, the start of the school year is an exciting time filled with fresh opportunities. Angus, a Grade 6 student, is looking forward to his role as a School Captain. “I’m excited to be in Grade six,” he said. In Kallista, Principal Justin Benne said making students feel comfortable from day one is a top priority. “By focusing on developing social bonds early, we help students feel secure and supported, which sets the foundation for a successful year of learning,” he said. Tucked away in The Patch, the ‘Patch Preps’ also cheerfully jumping into school life. Assistant Principal Alesha Sangster said there were lots of smiles and one Prep exclaimed, ‘this is the best day of my life’. To read more turn to pages 9 and 10 Upwey Primary school preppies Maya and Luciana. (Stewart Chambers: 456432)
Inferno deja vu By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Sally Dusting-Laird, a Ferntree Gully resident who experienced the 1997 Dandenong Ranges fires, never imagined she’d face similar devastation in the United States. However, in 2020, the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, shattered her life, leaving her with a deep understanding of the importance of fire preparedness. “I held my newborn baby in my arms, and when I stepped into our backyard, just 300 metres from the Dandenong Ranges National Park, I saw nothing but a pitch-black sky,“ she recalls.
“It was terrifying - but by the time I realised what was happening, the fire had already passed through.“ Sally’s personal loss was compounded by the trauma of seeing her community devastated. The fire’s intensity, combined with evacuations, left her in disbelief. She calls for better fire preparedness in communities globally, urging individuals to create fire plans, clear gutters, trim trees, and consider emergency plans for pets. Sally’s experience in Altadena was nothing short of traumatising.
“We evacuated several times during previous fires, but we thought our homes were safe - they were several blocks from the wildland and sheltered by an irrigated park,“ she said. “But the fire tore through the neighbourhood with such intensity that nothing could stop it - I never expected to see the destruction on such a scale.“ With longer and more intense fire seasons expected, Sally advocates for proactive preparation, stressing that individuals must take responsibility for their safety. Communities must prepare for
the unexpected and rebuild together after disasters. “The CFA has already warned that fire activity will increase this season,“ she said. “We all need to clear gutters, trim trees, and create fire breaks. It’s also important to have an emergency plan for pets. The CFA and RSPCA Victoria are reminding everyone to include their animals in their survival plans. Having food, water, and bedding ready for your pets could save precious time in an emergency.“ Read more on page 6
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