Tuesday, 21 October, 2025
Unpopular Woolies expansion approved at council meeting
Warby photographer wins top award at AWMA
Sanitarium soaked in light every night until March 2026
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A Star News Group Publication
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Reducing road risk Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol is launching two operations, apex and aero, over the next three months to target solo motorcyclists and reduce road trauma during warmer months. Senior Sergeant Brendon De Schwartz noted a significant increase in serious injuries and fatalities among motorcyclists. Police will use patrol vehicles, solo units, and pioneering drone technology, along with number plate recognition, to enforce the law. Acting Sergeant Mick Pryor emphasised the goal is to flood the main thoroughfares with a police presence to deter high-risk riding behaviours, reminding riders that impounding their bikes is an option. Full story on page 2 Sergeant Andrew Sands, Senior Sergeant Brendon De Schwartz and Acting Sergeant Mick Pryor. (Stewart Chambers: 508662)
Greyhound death By Callum Ludwig A sudden rise in greyhound deaths has prompted calls for an independent inquiry into the greyhound racing industry. Between 2 September and October, a total of 12 dogs died in Victoria, seven on-track and a further five from racing injuries away from the track. Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) chief executive Trish Ennis demanded an independent inquiry into the racing industry.
“We stand with the Animal Justice Party and Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds in demanding a full, independent inquiry. “It’s time to end this cruelty once and for all.” Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) data has also noted 23 serious injuries (stand down period of 60 days or more) at Healesville in 2025. In 2024, there was a total of three deaths, all as a result of leg fractures either on the track or in the catching pen.
Out of the 94 greyhounds that have died nationwide in 2025, 38 deaths came from Victoria. In comparison, the second-worst state when it comes to greyhound deaths is Queensland, which only has 23 on track deaths in comparison. CPG Victorian director Steve Cook said the state has the worst greyhound tracks in Australia. “This level of animal abuse in a taxpayer-funded industry cannot continue,” he said. A policy costing from the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), requested by Ms Purcell and
released in August, estimated that the Victorian government could save as much as $451.6 million over a decade if it chose to immediately ban greyhound racing. A GRV spokesperson said racing fatalities in Victoria over the past four years have decreased by more than 10 per cent and total racing injury rates are also down over that same period. “The rate of serious injuries was also down year-on-year in 2024-25,” they said. Read more on page three
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