mailcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 5 August, 2025 | MAIL 1
Tuesday, 5 August, 2025
Residents support program end at rally
Book launch tells stories of everyday locals
Tour murals, street art across the region
See Real Estate liftout inside
PAGE 4
PAGE 10
PAGES 14-15
PAGE 19
A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Arkie proves talent In her first Australian Gymnastics Championships appearance, Arkie Cheek proved her skill and competitive spirit, clawing back after an early score deduction to place fifth overall out of 47 competitors. The Montrose tumbling gymnast began training in the sport when she was five and has gone on to compete across various competitions, seeing her collect a haul of medals. At nine years old, Arkie was one of the youngest competitors but managed to show her ability, focus and skill in each round. To see the full story, turn to page 31
Arkie Cheek, 9, returned from her first Nationals appearance with a fifth place result. (Stewart Chambers: 493157)
Cruelty conviction By Callum Ludwig A Ringwood Magistrate handed down a jail sentence after the “vicious, deliberate and callous“ animal cruelty of two dogs, at a property in Kilsyth in December 2024. Mark Martinaj, 40, faced the Ringwood Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 31 July after pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
The story of Maltese shih tzu Millie reverberated throughout the community, seeing a raft of support from animal lovers and friends of the affected Wood family, under the banner Justice for Millie. Supporters gathered both inside and outside the courtroom on Thursday awaiting Magistrate Meagan Keogh’s decision and sentencing. Defence barrister Dermot Dann KC said Mar-
tinaj had been subjected to vigilante attacks, identifying details of his fence being the target of arson and graffiti, among social media slander. Prosecutor Holly Baxter argued Martinaj’s actions were “unnecessary“ and he could have chosen a different path or outcome. The courtroom heard how Martinaj trapped both Millie and a golden retriever named Brinnie with chicken wire before using an indeterminate
pole-like instrument at least 16 times on the dogs. Brinnie was able to escape but Millie was never located. Ms Keogh convicted Martinaj to two months’ imprisonment. He was released on appeal bail and is set to face the County Court on 1 December. Read the full story on page 3
ADVERTISEMENT
Bridget VALLENCE MP Working for better local roads and safer communities BridgetVallence
BridgetVallenceMP
9735 3208
BridgetVallence.com.au 12787696-JV31-25
Get In Touch! 9100 3600 4/260 Main St, Lilydale 3140 shop@yarrabluepoolspa.com.au | www.yarrabluepoolspa.com.au
12665415-RR05-24
Pumps | Filters | Chlorinators | Cleaners | Repairs