Tuesday, 12 August, 2025
Little Hendrix cafe giving keeps rising
Truffle market in a pickle
Local hero sizzles to the top
Real estate liftout Inside
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A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
PJ party with a purpose By Tanya Steele The Patch Store kept things warm and wonderful with a pyjama party on Tuesday, 5 August, all in support of Foothills Community Care’s annual Winter Appeal. Staff spent the day brewing coffee in their best bedtime gear to help collect new socks and underwear for locals doing it tough. “We thought a pyjama day would be a fun way to get people talking about the appeal and it worked,” manager Jas said. “Some customers even rocked up in their PJs too, kids and all we had a great laugh.” Donations of brand-new socks and undies can be dropped at The Patch Store until the end of August. Read more on page 6
L-R: Rinny, Jas, Eliza and Freja from The Patch Store had a PJ day to promote that they are a drop off point to donate winter essentials for Foothills Community Care. (Stewart Chambers: 494482)
Tiny home, big fight By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Evrim Sen and her partner Benny Redfern were recently forced to leave their tiny home in Belgrave South after Yarra Ranges Council ordered them to vacate by the end of July. Although their home met safety standards, the council deemed it an illegal dwelling under strict
planning laws. The couple, now living in West Gippsland, had hoped to build a life in the area but were left with no choice but to move. Their situation has sparked widespread concern among tiny home residents and advocates, who argue that council policies are pushing vulnerable people out of safe, affordable housing
options. A petition, launched by Ivor Wolstencroft, urges the council to allow temporary use of tiny homes and caravans, particularly during the current housing crisis, where rental vacancies are below 2.5 per cent. A formal human rights complaint has also been lodged, alleging that the council’s actions
may have breached the Charter of Human Rights. Advocates like Aimee Clark and others are calling for urgent reform, warning that continued enforcement sets a dangerous precedent. Despite their eviction, Ms Sen remains committed to pushing for change. To read more, turn to page 4
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