Tuesday, 30 September, 2025
Jackson Taylor to exit politics in 2026
Tesselaar Tulip Festival in photos
Upwey-Tecoma EFNL transfer disappointment
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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A lifetime of art is on display By Shamsiya Hussainpoor A Gembrook artist is opening up her home studio on 2526 October and the following weekend, inviting the public to step inside her creative world and explore decades of her artwork. What started as finger painting in kindergarten for the visual artist, Lesley Dickman has blossomed into a lifelong passion that’s taken her from painting huge stage backdrops for the Australian Ballet to creating deeply personal and thought-provoking pieces at home. “I react to art emotionally, whether it’s my own or another artist’s and that feeling has never left me,” she said. Ms Dickman has transformed her garden property into a cosy, immersive space where visitors can see her work alongside creations by her partner, Roger Strickland. Her art often explores stories about women, identity, and resilience, including her striking installation ‘Salt and the Dress,’ inspired by memories of her mother and ideas about femininity. Read more on page 12
Lesley Dickman unveils a lifetime of art in her home studio. (Stewart Chambers: 505818)
Sombre reflection On Monday 29 September, it was National Police Remembrance Day and Blue Ribbon Day, dedicated to honouring the officers who’ve sacrificed their life for the greater good of the community. 2025 has been a significant year for the police force, with the alleged shooting of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah sending waves of grief and shock throughout the country.
The Star Mail has produced a series of articles on police in the Yarra Ranges, acknowledging those who are no longer with us and those affected by the burdens of police work. We remember the shock death of Senior Constable Tony Clarke for its 20th anniversary and explore the grief felt by a Dandenong Ranges family after their son died serving in 2024. While National Police Remembrance Day is about celebrating and commemorating the lives taken too soon in the line of duty, as well as those
who have died outside of the force, it is also a chance to thank current members. We take a look at the life of Yarra Junction Officer In Charge Andrew Coulson, exploring the ins and outs of police work in the Yarra Ranges. We also tell the stories of those closest to the officers themselves, such as Lilydale’s Kelly Parker, who’s supported her husband during his eight years of service. Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne
Gatt said the events in Porepunkah meant this year’s National Police Remembrance Day was especially significant. “It reminds us of the spectre of self-sacrifice that shadows every police officer and every police family, whenever a member puts on the uniform, sets foot into the unknown in pursuit of justice or puts themselves between good and evil in the protection of those who rely on them.” Read more on pages 8 to 10
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