Tuesday, 2 December, 2025
Knox City welcomes new mayor
Activism across the Ranges
Selby Community House hosts talks on grief
Real estate liftout Inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Kids on run for a cause By Shamsiya Hussainpoor The Rotary Club of Emerald and District’s popular Kids Fun Run returned to Puffing Billy Railway Station in Gembrook over the weekend, Sunday, 30 November. The annual event designed for kids aged three-12, brought families together for a fun day filled with running, colour, and a great sense of community spirit. All proceeds from this year’s event will go towards a special project called the ‘Healing Mural’ at the children’s ward of William Angliss Hospital in Ferntree Gully. The mural will be painted by artist, Tess Dawson, who has already created a similar mural at Box Hill Hospital. To see more pics of happy feet running the Fun Run, turn to page 19
More than 300 children registered for Rotary’s Fun Run. (Gary Sissons: 520412)
Vale, Mr Monbulk By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Raymond Leslie Yates, known as “Mr Monbulk,“ was farewelled on Monday, 1 December, after he peacefully passed away on 18 November at the age of 86, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for generations. A memorial service to celebrate his life was held at Tatra Receptions in Mount Dandenong, with a livestream available for those unable to attend. Mr Yates was a beloved educator who spent 38
years at Monbulk Primary School, including 28 years as principal. Under his leadership, the school transformed from a struggling institution into a thriving educational hub. Monbulk Primary School Principal Estelle Alder praised his deep connection with students, remembering their names even years after they left. In addition to his work in education, Mr Yates was a central figure in the Monbulk community. He founded the Raymond Yates Arts Centre at
the school and played a significant role in local organisations, including the Monbulk RSL, Rotary Club, and the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. Mr Yates also served as a Shire Councillor and Mayor of Lillydale for 21 years and was instrumental in establishing the community bank in Monbulk. His impact extended beyond Monbulk, inspiring countless people through his leadership, dedication, and service to the community. His commitment to arts education and his support for students and teachers alike made a lasting impression on those who worked with
him. Mr Yates is remembered not only as a leader but as a cherished husband, father, and grandfather. His passing is deeply felt by his family and the broader Monbulk community, which gathered to honour his memory at the memorial service. In tribute, students at Monbulk Primary School created drawings for the memorial, and the school’s iconic Bell Tower rang 38 times to mark each year he served as principal. Full story page 6
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