Tuesday, 31 March, 2026
Man pulled from burning house in Lilydale
Repair responsibility questioned by council
Community hall, church opens in Kilsyth
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Games and festival merge It was a display of Scottish and Celtic heritage in Croydon on Sunday as the 2026 Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival returned for another year. The hum of bagpipes and the beat of drums could be heard throughout Eastfield Park, the background music to the heavy games. Dancers showed skill and talent, while clans helped people trace their family history. Turn to page 14 to see more highlights from the day
Pipe bands warmed up as they prepared for the championships at the Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival. (Cath Odgers)
Teachers walk out By Mikayla Van Loon On Tuesday 24 March, Lilydale High School’s principal Wendy Powson, and 30,000 other teachers, principals and public school educators walked off the job in a 24-hour stop-work action. During the strike, teachers marched through the city, rallying for better working conditions and pay. Ms Powson said Victorian “teachers are the
worst paid in the country” and for the effort, the hours and the care shown by teachers, it was not financially recognised. “It would be good if we were brought up to the other states’ level in terms of a pay deal, for starters, because we’re quite a way behind what teachers in all other states actually get,” she said. “So that’s the first thing, just to be on equal footing.”
that we can do what we have to do.” Of the 103 staff who would have typically been at work, Ms Powson said 73 decided to attend the rally. All 1600 Victorian public schools were open, but 500 were significantly disrupted, with parents told classes wouldn’t run and asked to keep their children home if possible. Read more on page five
The strike and march through the city of Melbourne is Victoria’s first in more than 13 years and comes eight months out from the state election. Describing what goes on behind the scenes as akin to a duck paddling in water, Ms Powson said her staff go above and beyond to keep everything on “an even keel” and “provide a great education, a great environment”. “All looks calm on the surface, but underneath, there’s a lot of movement happening to make sure
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