Tuesday, 14 April, 2026
Selby childcare returns after closure
Monbulk hosts Dutch migration exhibition
Good Friday Appeal breaks record
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Sports clubs share honours By Armin Richter A large crowd gathered at Moores Road, in Monbulk, for the opening round of the Outer East Football and Netball League as traditional rivals Monbulk and OlindaFerny Creek met across eight contests, with the Hawks finishing 5-3 across the day. The weekend also marked a premiership reunion for Monbulk, with 10 flag anniversaries celebrated, highlighted by the 20-year milestone of the club’s 2006 double, when both the senior football and A Grade netball sides claimed premierships. In the seniors, Olinda-Ferny Creek proved too strong, defeating Monbulk 9.11 (65) to 5.6 (36) in a wet and slippery contest. Monbulk’s reserves responded with a dominant 14.7 (91) to 4.3 (27) win, while the Under 18s went down 10.8 (68) to 6.10 (46). In netball, Monbulk’s A Grade side opened strongly with a 59–31 win, while B Grade, D Grade and both Under 17 teams also recorded victories. Read the full story in the sports section on page 33
Monbulk’s Lochie Beecroft competes in a marking contest against Olinda-Ferny Creek. (Anthea Heagney)
Calls to stop falls By Shamsiya Hussainpoor A renewed focus on preventing falls from height has been reinforced in Victoria, alongside increased enforcement action against employers who fail to manage workplace risks. The push comes as WorkSafe continues to pursue compliance outcomes linked to serious incidents, including the death of a 66-year-old maintenance worker at a Monbulk plant nursery in June 2022. The man fell through a polycarbonate roof
panel on a shed while attempting to replace roofing sheets. He was working alone without fall protection when he fell 3.3 metres to the floor below. He was taken to a hospital with serious head injuries, but died a few days later. Van Berkel Distributors Pty Ltd, linked to the Monbulk incident, was later sentenced without conviction in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to failing to reduce the risk of a fall by using a fall arrest system. According to a state government recent me-
dia release, WorkSafe charged 67 employers with falls-related breaches last year and issued $3.75 million in penalties, more than double the previous year. The release also stated 11 workers died in falls from height last year, mostly in construction. Deputy Premier and WorkSafe minister, Ben Carroll said fall prevention was essential and lifesaving. WorkSafe chief health and safety officer, Sam Jenkin said WorkSafe is also investing in education programs such as falls basics alongside in-
spections and guidance to improve compliance. WorkSafe data shows 1452 injury claims from falls in 2025, along with 52 enforcement outcomes involving 67 duty holders and $3.75 million in penalties, compared with 36 outcomes and $1.66 million in 2024. Professor Sharon Newnam, a systems-thinking workplace safety researcher, said effective safety systems rely on strong leadership, two-way communication, and ongoing monitoring of controls. Read the full story on page 3
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