Tuesday, 9 December, 2025
CFA grant boosts for regional brigades
Local tourism award winners celebrated
Students shine bright at Yarra Valley schools
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Apples aplenty for all By Oliver Winn If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then children from eight Yarra Ranges primary schools won’t be making appointments anytime soon after the efforts of a local rotary club. Rotarians and partners from the Rotary Club of Wandin packed one kilogram bags at Old Oak Orchards on Wednesday 3 December to be given to every student and teacher from eight local schools. Rotary Club of Wandin international chair Gavan McIntyre said the initiative was always well received from students and teachers alike. “It’s been a big hit, the schools have always loved it, the kids always love it,” Mr McIntyre said. The rotarians always find the apple packing a very fulfilling activity and it was a great chance to get together for a working bee. “It’s a great feeling for all of us, for all the members as you can see here today with the rotarians and partners all coming along to help. It’s something that’s simple, it’s easy. Turn to page 11 for more
Woori Yallock Primary School happily accepted their apples. (Supplied)
Not Happy Paws By Oliver Winn The Happy Paws Boarding Farm had its permit application rejected at the 25 November Yarra Ranges Council meeting. One year after the dog boarding home was shut down due to operating without a permit, the property on Rodger Road in Wandin North sought to acquire the permit to continue running. But councillors weren’t satisfied with the applicant’s proposal, even though council officers recommended the proposal to be approved.
The application received 29 objections primarily surrounding noise from barking dogs, traffic safety and incompatible use in the Green Wedge Zone. Representing the applicant was Peggy Man, who said the shed had been fitted with acoustic lining and a 1.8 metre fence was installed to prevent dogs from escaping, and the boarding house would be staffed 24 hours to attend to dogs if they start barking. “All the dogs will remain contained within the property and under 24 hours staff supervision…
We mentioned that there is 24-hour staff that have over 15 years [of experience] in pet caring. They are able to pamper the pets within that situation.” Rodger Road Resident Graeme Nation spoke at the meeting and said the noise from dogs barking at night couldn’t be ruled out. “Based on the assumptions and expected noise levels, the assessment actually states that there’s still a potential risk of sleep disturbance associated with the barking events during overnight housing,” Mr Nation said.
Cr Jim Child agreed with Mr Nation and didn’t believe the additional measures, which also included reducing the number of dogs from 22 to 18, was enough. “I just wasn’t convinced with what I was hearing,” Cr Child said. The business was shut down late last year after neighbours to the Rodger Road property raised complaints surrounding barking dogs and animals escaping the property. Read more on page 3
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