Issuu

Tuesday, 8 July, 2025

One more step for Angliss

Fast-track permit to include Boronia

Upwey-Tecoma confirm bold bid for EFNL

Real estate liftout inside

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

12781685-CV26-25

Bold step for son housemates.

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor An Emerald couple has taken a bold step to secure a brighter, more independent future for their 27-year-old son with a disability by purchasing a home and partnering with disability support provider, Hearth Australia.

The goal is to create a genuine share house experience, complete with tailored support, but rooted in independence and community. “In the hills, there’s just nothing like this, this home could be the only SIL house in the area,” Catriona said.

Catriona and Ian, long-time residents of Emerald, used their superannuation to buy the property, with the aim of creating a Supported Independent Living (SIL) home tailored to their son’s needs.

Hearth chief executive officer Justin Scanlon praised the initiative, calling it a unique and much-needed model for inclusive, non-institutional housing.

Active in the local community, their son is well-known for volunteering and participating in local programs through his NDIS funding.

The family encourages interested families with SIL-approved NDIS plans to reach out and learn more about this rare opportunity in Emerald.

Working closely with Hearth, the couple is now seeking two other NDIS participants with similar support needs to join their son as

“This could really set a new standard,” he said.

L-R: Sadie (Grade 1), Bronte Hughes (Grade 2), Harrison Shannon (Grade 3), who all worked extremely hard on the ocean-themed project. (488218: Shamsiya Hussinpoor)

Reef-reshing creativity on display at Menzies Creek By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Despite the rain and winter chill, Menzies Creek Primary School bubbled with excitement on Wednesday, 2 July, for their oceanthemed Underwater Exhibition. The students turned the school corridor into a colourful underwater adventure, filled with glowing reefs, shipwrecks, and sea creatures they made with heaps of care

and creativity. The project combined STEM, art, and environmental awareness, highlighting issues like ocean pollution and trawling. Acting principal Nadja Wood called it a “really proud moment” for the whole community. For the full story and more photos, turn to pages 10 and 11