Tuesday, 16 September, 2025
CFA Youth Fest celebration
Dandenong Ranges Festival launched
10-year-old Harlie represents Victoria nationally
Real estate liftout inside
PAGE 6
PAGE 10
PAGE 31
PAGE 15
A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
A life in art is celebrated By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Emerald artist Stewart MacInnes spent most of his life quietly creating, not for fame, but for the pure need to express himself. Now, his family is sharing his world with the public through a retrospective exhibition, ‘A Life in Art’, at Burrinja in Upwey. “He once said, ‘Art is the key to my existence, and it carried me through,’” his daughter Cat MacInnes said. “He didn’t create for recognition, it was therapy, survival, something deep inside him.” Mrs Carole MacInnes recalled how the idea to exhibit his work came during his final months, when each family member independently expressed the same wish to Stewart. “That’s when I knew we had to do it.” The exhibition, offering a rare insight into a deeply personal and emotional artistic journey, celebrates a man who created from the heart for more than 60 years and runs until 19 October. Carole and her daughter Cat McInnes with artwork by Stewart McInnes. (Stewart Chambers: 502505)
Read more on page 10
Treaty welcomed By Callum Ludwig Victoria is the first state in Australia to table a treaty in its Parliament in a move welcomed by mob across the state. Widely expected to pass with the support of the Greens and other crossbenchers, the Statewide Treaty Bill will expand and enshrine the existing First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and is set to hand decision-making power and responsibility to the democratically elected members of the assembly.
Education is a big focus of the treaty, with truth-telling of First Nations history to be incorporated into the Victorian curriculum, while the assembly will also have the power to establish its own First Peoples’ Institute to close the gap in tertiary education. The First Peoples’ Assembly will be responsible for getting out into communities to conduct truth-telling and gather stories as well as for leading the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Fund, Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll and NAIDOC Week.
Other colonial countries like New Zealand (Aotearoa), the United States and Canada (Turtle Island) have long-established treaties while Norway, Sweden, Finland, Greenland and Japan also have treaties established with their indigenous people. The Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin announced at the end of June that the Liberals and Nationals would not support treaty in parliament and told ABC News Breakfast on 10 September that we need to seek a ‘genuine alternative.’
Wurundjeri man and indigenous studies professor Dr Andrew Peters said the commitment from the State Government is both unprecedented and very welcome by Aboriginal communities. “It’s a very exciting step for Aboriginal people in the state, particularly those who continue to live with the legacy of colonisation in many areas, it’s a clear indication that the Victorian government is listening to its Aboriginal people and its history,” he said. Turn to page 4 to read the full article
Over 209 years of experience combined. Experience = Expertise = A Great Result. We Put You First. 9754 6111
Widetread
•TYRES•WHEELS•SUSPENSION•
UV 4&S the4x ialsts c e Sp
!
nuff said
Approved Dealer for
F E R N T R E E G U L LY 9758 9288 1158 Burwood Highway (towards Belgrave) www.widetread.net.au
12394728-ACM32-18
12793271-JV33-25