Tuesday, 27 May, 2025
State Budget breakdown
Gully market donates to Breast Cancer awareness
Monbulk JFC wins ‘Pizza for a Year’
Real Estate Starts On
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Elias Gerovasilis memorial will honour those who serve By Tanya Steele Victoria Police from near and far gathered in Belgrave last week with the family of a young police graduate to celebrate one of their own and remember one who they had lost. The memorial award was given out for the first time on Friday 23 May in honour of police officer and community member Constable Elias Gerovasilis, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident at just 22. The tragedy spurred on the establishment of the award, given to recognise an individual who has shown outstanding effort and involvement in road safety within the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area. First-time winner of the award, Leading Senior Constable James Savin, hugged Elias’ parents Bill and Janine as he received the award. The family are well known in the Tecoma and in his short time as a police officer at Belgrave, Elias had a big impact and his passing has been felt deeply by family, police and the wider community. “Elias is not with us, but he lives on in this project,” said LSC Savin. Read more on page 3
The Gerovasilis family with award recipient LSC James Savin at Belgrave Police Station. (Tanya Steele: 480364)
Mixed bag budget By Shamsiya Hussainpoor The 2025 Victorian State Budget has delivered a mix of hope and frustration across the Dandenong Ranges and Outer East, as locals grapple with mounting cost-of-living pressures. Labor MPs Jackson Taylor from Bayswater and Daniela De Martino from Monbulk have welcomed the Budget’s focus on what matters to families, cheaper transport, support for schools,
and help with everyday bills. Mr Taylor pointed to wins like new funding for Wattle View Primary’s toilets and safety upgrades around Ferntree Gully. “This Budget is all about helping with the things families tell me they’re worried about, cost of living, education, healthcare,” he said. While Ms De Martino highlighted support for Monbulk Rangers Soccer Club and emergency volunteers, alongside statewide measures like
free public transport for kids and seniors, and $100 off power bills. “It’s about supporting the services our community relies on,” she said. On the ground in the Dandenong Ranges, the pressure is clear. The CEO of Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service, Tania Bevan said even families with two incomes are now asking for help.
“People are cutting back on food, skipping insurance, just trying to survive,” she said. But not everyone’s pleased. Liberal MPs said the Budget overlooks major local projects and does little to ease the region’s long-term challenges. For many, the Budget brings some relief, but also a reminder of how much more support is still needed. Read more pages 4-5
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