Tuesday, 25 November, 2025
Police urge early but safe fire prep
A local view on State politics history
National Winter Shelter volunteers meet in Melb
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Biggest and best yet The fourth annual Lilydale Melba Festival and Street Fair is set for 7 December, promising its biggest celebration yet as it continues to expand in size and community recognition. Lead organiser Bec Rosel noted the event has grown from 60 to over 100 stallholders. This year’s festival will interweave Indigenous culture, celebrate Dame Nellie Melba’s history, and feature a partnership with the Lilydale Rotary Christmas Market. Highlights include the traditional street parade, live music, and the closing event for the Badass Women of the Yarra Ranges exhibition. It’s not one to miss. FIND ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED IN THIS SPECIAL EDITION PULL-OUT
Vintage and Collectables Marketplace owner Rob Thompson and Street Fair founder Bec Rosel. (Gary Zuccala)
Parents’ protest By Mikayla van Loon Parents at Lancaster Preschool in Mooroolbark are frustrated over the planned 2026 shift to a long-day, 7.5-hour format for both three and four-year-old kindergarten, citing concerns over its impact on children’s wellbeing and family logistics. The change, which will see three-year-olds attend two days and four-year-olds three days on a rotational schedule, aligns with Yarra Ranges Kinders’ (YRK) move to standardise its services and respond to the State Government’s $14 bil-
lion Best Start, Best Life reforms, which mandate increased hours in the coming years. YRK chief executive officer Juliette Hammond said the change will align Lancaster with 14 of its other services and allow the preschool to offer more places to meet growing demand. However, several parents, some with children who have complex health needs like epilepsy or developmental delays, argue the extended days are developmentally inappropriate and may cause issues with toileting, eating, and fatigue. One mother noted that the 8.30am to 4pm sched-
ule clashes directly with primary school drop-off and pick-up times, forcing families to compromise their children’s attendance. Parents also questioned the timing of the July notification, which they say left little time to find alternative sessional kindergartens. Furthermore, parental anxieties escalated over a potential plan for a 3/4 composite class due to high demand for three-year-old places. While YRK ultimately dropped the composite class plan following community feedback, parents contend the lack of transparency has caused significant distrust.
The situation is compounded by resignations from all current teaching staff, which YRK stated is “consistent with sector trends.” Ms Hammond reassured families that recruitment of qualified educators is complete and new teachers will be introduced soon. Despite YRK’s commitment to the reforms and sustainability, parents remain concerned that financial drivers are being prioritised over the specific needs of children at the single-classroom facility. FIND THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 7
Bridget VALLENCE MP STATE MEMBER FOR EVELYN
Working for better local roads and safer communities BridgetVallence
BridgetVallenceMP
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BridgetVallence.com.au 12821388-GS47-25
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