Tuesday, 22 April, 2025
Coalition pledges road funding
Upwey jumble sale returns in May
All about Anzac Day
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Hills community rallies to save boy
Parsa, 6, survives ordeal The amazing Dandenong Ranges community turned out in hundreds to lend strength and heart to a family visiting the hills as their worst nightmare unfolded just before Easter. Emergency volunteers and residents came together to search, comfort and help in whatever way they could as a search and rescue effort unfolded in Olinda. “Yes, it’s true - my son Parsa was on the news,” said parent Sahar Abedi on Sunday 20 April on social media. “My worst nightmare came to life — I lost my son in one of the most beautiful places I know, and he spent 17 hours alone overnight in the bush,” she wrote. Six-year-old Parsa Naimi was found around 8.20am on Saturday 19 April, by a local Kalorama resident, Asher Schinkfield, eight kilometres from where he went missing. Talking with Star News and multiple media outlets at the Olinda Playspace on Saturday
morning, Acting Senior Sergeant Melissa Gostimir from Knox Police said Parsa has been reunited with his parents and has been checked over by Victoria Ambulance staff. “There’s not a scratch on him, thankfully,” she said. The community had rallied completely around the situation as it became clear the young boy was missing, spreading the news across social media and lending support on the ground as Police, SES, CFA searched the trails around the Olinda Playspace. Parsa travelled around eight kilometres north overnight, and while the young boy had been wearing an AirTag - he had taken it off. On having found the young boy, Asher said it did make him feel good, but that the huge community effort was amazing. “I feel good, obviously, but it’s great that so many people here are helping, like volunteers and the police and everyone,” he said. For more on this story turn to page 3
South Belgrave Captain Tim Smith celebrates with ahead of the Anzac Day Clash with Upwey Belgrave RSL President Fred Schmager. (Tanya Steele)
For the love of the jersey By Tanya Steele In a powerful Anzac Day tribute, South Belgrave Football Netball Club will wear a special commemorative jersey for the first time as they take on Beaconsfield this week for the Anzac Day Clash. Funds raised at the match will go towards
the Upwey Belgrave RSL and the Running Rabbits Military Museum, with the local community rallying behind the cause. Club President Chris Huglin says it’s set to be a “cracking day of football,” and they’re proud to have the RSL involved. Read more on page 11
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