Tuesday, 20 January, 2026
Community rallies to help fire-affected
Kallista CFA selling Amarok vehicle
Belgrave runner honours friend Jake
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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New canvas for Skubz By Tanya Steele Connection and art have driven a somewhat special project that saw two artists from different worlds come together across mediums. Cole Becker, a Monash PhD student, visited the Dandenong Ranges late last year to get a tattoo in November, after spotting the work of local artist Skubz Mope’s work by chance. He said he thought it would be really cool to get inked with Skubz’s work and this led to another Hills local and seasoned tattoo artist Sammi coming onto collaborate. The fun part? Sammi and Skubz are good friends and have known each other for years. Read more on page 15
Artist Skubz and local tattoo artist Sammi, longtime friends and first-time collaborators. (Stewart Chambers: 522198)
Key signs missed By Shamsiya Hussainpoor A coroner’s report has revealed that the murder of a pregnant mother from The Basin followed a pattern common in intimate partner violence, but warning signs were underestimated because she had not experienced prior physical abuse. The coroner stated that the risk was treated as a mental health issue rather than family violence, despite research showing physical abuse is often the last stage, not the first.
The woman was killed in October 2021 by her long-term ex-partner, Benjamin Coman, while 12 weeks pregnant. Coman, who had a history of obsessive jealousy, controlling behaviour, and rapid mood instability after the relationship ended, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with a 20-year non-parole period. His appeal for a reduced sentence was dismissed in December 2025.
The report highlighted that systems continue to misread danger in coercive relationships, especially when the perpetrator appears mentally unwell. Coman had attempted suicide a month before the killing, which was treated as a mental health crisis rather than a warning of potential fatal family violence. Pregnancy, separation, obsessive jealousy, and prior suicide attempts are recognised red
flags for lethal risk. The coroner recommended reviewing pregnancy as a risk factor in family violence assessments and requiring hospitals to screen for family violence when patients present with suicidality after relationship breakdowns. Support services include Triple Zero (000), 1800 Respect, Lifeline, Women’s Crisis Line, and Kids Helpline. Read the full story on page 3
Is the New Year the Right Time for Your Next Move? Careful planning, clear advice and a strategy built around your goals Sam Skolnick | Fletchers Yarra Ranges 0478061706 • sam.skolnick@fletchers.net.au
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