Tuesday, 14 October, 2025
Garden committee ‘disgusted’ after plants removed
Daniher’s Drive cruises through Yarra Valley
George Ingram honoured in service
See real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Devoted to each other 70 years on Frank and Mary Ruigrok first met by chance at a birthday party. Frank walking Mary home that evening led to a lifetime together. Travelling oceans to build a new life in Australia, welcoming three beautiful children and now grand and great-grand children, the pair have much to celebrate. But 70 years married is a milestone they never thought would come but did. Their love and devotion to each other was evident has they sat next to one another, always holding hands and sharing looks while the other wasn’t looking. To read more about their love story, turn to page 9 Frank and Mary Ruigrok are still entirely devoted to each other after 70 years. (Ruigrok Media)
Sleeping rough The issue carries an enormous mental health toll and significant health risks; according to data, individuals experiencing homelessness have a life expectancy of just 46 years. Positively, the rise in reports suggests the community is becoming more engaged in seeking help. Anchor stresses the importance of community members making a report so their Rapid Response team can attend, assess needs, and provide basic necessities and links to services. However, frontline workers and Specialist
Homelessness Services like Anchor are “underresourced and underfunded,” limiting them to providing material aid and advocacy, as they lack access to housing. Both Anchor and the Yarra Ranges Council are urgently advocating for the State Government to provide more funding for assertive outreach and to build more social and affordable housing to reverse the alarming trend. Read the full story on page 3
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Local homelessness support service Anchor Community Care reported a concerning 240 per cent rise in rough sleeper reports last financial year, made through their service or the Yarra Ranges Council portal. Anchor crisis response worker Erin called the situation an “urgent emergency,” driven by a severe shortage of affordable housing, including social and public stock, and spiralling cost of living
pressures. The crisis is now impacting working families “priced out of the rental market,” families with young children, and a rise in individuals over 55, with some clients dedicating nearly 80 per cent of their income to accommodation. Data showed reports involving 83 men, 36 women, 27 children, and 45 pets over the year. This increase is compounded by a “slowdown” in Anchor’s ability to place people, which Erin viewed as a “recipe for disaster.”
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By Callum Ludwig