Tuesday, 24 March, 2026
Fuel impacts felt across the Yarra Valley
Outer east teachers go on strike
Warby Weapons make sponsor call-out
See Real Estate liftout Page 29
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PROPERTY GUIDE
A Star News Group Publication
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Vale Vinny By Gabriella Vukman Yarra Glen Football Netball Club is mourning the loss of its former president, Vincent “Vinny” Erickson. The life member of the club died suddenly on the evening of Thursday 12 March. Known for his warmth, generosity and unmistakable presence, Vinny has left a lasting mark on all who knew him. In a statement, the Yarra Glen Football Club shared t he news “with heavy hearts,” describing Vinny as “a kind and loyal friend who touched the lives of so many people in our club and local community.” Club treasurer David Ball said his contribution to the club was enormous, but it was his personality that people will remember most. Vinny served as president for over a decade from 2013 to 2023, only stepping down due to health concerns. Vinny will be honoured at his memorial by his friends, family and the Yarra Glen community on Friday 27 March. Read more on page 19
Vinny with Netball coach, Lauren Bull after a Premiership win. (Supplied)
Labour hire focus By Oliver Winn and Gabriella Vukman Labour hire regulators descended on the Yarra Valley in March, launching court action over a renowned apple orchard and holding a forum to educate businesses on compliance issues in the region. It comes after two damning investigations identified the region’s horticulture industry as among the worst for serious issues such as labour hire licence fraud and unlicensed operation. The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) took aim at
Sanders Apples for allegedly sourcing workers from the unlicensed labour hire provider, Dombin Workforce Pty Ltd. The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and LHA held a forum with local growers, industry groups and labour hire companies on 17 March to engage with local businesses and industry bodies about ways to improve compliance. Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said it was a priority to improve compliance in order to protect labour hire workers vulnerable to exploitation.
“Improving compliance in the agriculture sector, including horticulture, is a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman given its reliance on vulnerable migrant and seasonal labour, as well as its often complex labour supply chains. It is important for growers to have oversight of the labour on their property.” Sanders Apples, Dombin Workforce and its director Bintari Endang Purwati will face the Supreme Court of Victoria, and could cop fines of up to $650,000 per breach, which could top a total of $19.5 million.
Worker exploitation is rife within the horticulture industry due to the seasonal nature of the work and high proportions of migrant workers from a range of backgrounds, including Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers. While enforcement activity is set to continue across the Yarra Valley, both regulators and industry believe a coordinated effort is required to address unlawful practice and fix structural issues in the industry. Read more on pages two and three
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