Tuesday, 1 July, 2025
Angliss Hospital’s expansion milestone
NASA engineer Dr Kymie Tan returns to Mater
Gary Ayres steps down at Montrose
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Scouts stumped By Shamsiya Hussainpoor The Knox District Scout Association are disheartened after being told overnight stays in their halls breach building rules. The issue, raised at last week’s council meeting, 23 June, has left families and leaders frustrated, with many saying the ban and a potential rent hike threaten the future of local scouting. Nine-year-old Ruby from Fourth Knox Scout Group told councillors how sleepovers gave her confidence and a sense of safety. “Being at the scout hall made it easier for me...I was comfortable,” she said. Council said overnight stays breach building codes, but leaders argue decades of safe practice should count.
Scouts’ district commissioner, Alan Richmond said the costs of temporary permits – over $1000 each – would price some groups out. Chairperson Karin Orpen questioned both the rule’s application to scout halls and a proposed rent hike, saying it unfairly penalises self-funded, volunteer-run groups. “Council provides no maintenance or support,” she said. Both Mr Richmond and Ms Orpen said they’ve always prioritised safety and that the halls, built and maintained by volunteers, are critical to kids’ growth. They’re now calling on Council to rethink the rules. Read more on page 6
L-R: Bryce McLean, Jo Hirst, Angela Griffin and Chloe Stokes. (Stewart Chambers: 486890)
Welcome warmth for winter By Shamsiya Hussainpoor As winter sets in across the hills, Bell Real Estate has teamed up with Foothills Community Care to collect warm essentials for people doing it tough. From now until winter’s end, they’re asking for new socks, underwear, thermals, gloves, or scarves for men, women, and children.
“We’re a family-run business, and we see ourselves as part of this community,” Chloe Stokes from Bell’s Olinda office said. Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 9am-5.30pm, at Bell offices in Olinda, Belgrave and Montrose. “It might seem like a small gesture, but it means a lot,” Ms Stokes said. Read more on page 7
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