Tuesday, 19 August, 2025
Wellington Road wildlife petition
Council shuts down tiny home questions
Monbulk’s community piano officially revealed
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Book Week brings joy By Shamsiya Hussainpoor During Book Week from 16 to 23 August, Kallista and Menzies Creek primary schools celebrated the joy of reading with costumes and storytelling. At Kallista, acting principal Robyn Mowat shared how excited everyone was for the parade and surprise story readings, with kinders joining in too. Over at Menzies Creek, kids like Thomas loved the humour in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, while Maya and Frances got lost in magical worlds filled with dragons and warrior cats. From pirates and slime monsters to scavengers and princesses, these kids showed just how much fun reading and imagination can be. Read more on pages 16-17
Acting principal Robyn Mowat, Ezra, Jed, Max. (Front row) Eddie, Aotea, Xoanna and Ray. (Stewart Chambers: 496046)
Overdoses on rise Thinking of your next chapter? We’d love to be part of your journey. Call our Emerald office on 5954 0900.
2024, an average of 39 per year, a rate that only seems to be increasing year-on-year. Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri said every one of those deaths would have been preventable and represent real people. “These deaths reflect systemic failures - there are effective supports and treatment, and these deaths are preventable,” she said.
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The most concerning substances, which have seen significant increases in the cause of death, are heroin and methamphetamine. Ms Bortignon said another concerning aspect of the report was the indication that restrictions or lack of availability of legal drugs may be forcing people to turn to the illegal drug market. To read the full story, turn to page 3
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Drug overdoses have spiked across Victoria over the last decade, a sad reality being witnessed in the eastern suburbs. A Coroners Court of Victoria report released last week identified that 584 Victorians suffered a fatal overdose in 2024, 37 more than in 2023 and the highest number of deaths in one year
on record. The report’s figures were confirmed to be on par with what Anglicare Victoria’s program manager for community services in the east, Stephanie Bortignon, said is occurring across the Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah and Cardinia. In total, 390 people died due to an overdose throughout the Outer East between 2015 and
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By Callum Ludwig