Tuesday, 12 May, 2026
Fireworks malfunction in Coldstream
Mental health advocate presented with OAM
Two local fashionistas review Met Gala red carpet
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Healthy mums and bubs Lilydale mum Celeste knows the importance of having community services wrap around you as a new mum, receiving both the financial and mental relief that came when she was referred to Inspiro’s Healthy Mums, Healthy Babies program. Gaining support, guidance and essential items to make the transition into motherhood that little bit easier, Celeste said it alleviated so much stress for her and her partner. Having been through the challenges herself, Celeste encouraged mums to seek help and to “connect with your community”, so the struggle can be shared. To read more, turn to page 9
Lilydale mum Celeste and her four-month-old son Teo. (Stewart Chambers: 551856)
Budget slammed The Yarra Ranges region is reeling from a state budget that local representatives claim has “dumped” critical infrastructure, with the Evelyn district and the Maroondah Hospital redevelopment noticeably absent from new capital funding. Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence criticised the 2026-27 Victorian Budget, labelling it a “massive kick in the guts.” Despite a state-wide road maintenance pool of $1.04 billion, Ms Vallence noted that not a single cent was allocated to fix danger-
ous roads in her electorate, including the longstalled Maroondah Highway and Killara Road intersection. Concerns are most acute regarding the $1 billion Maroondah Hospital redevelopment. Despite being a headline 2022 election promise, the project, rebranded as the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, received no dedicated construction funding in this year’s budget papers. While the Victorian Health Building Author-
ity maintains that planning is “well underway,” the lack of a clear timeline has led Ms Vallence to claim the project has been “scrapped.” The budget comes as Treasurer Jaclyn Symes navigates a financial tightrope, with state debt forecast to hit $175.6 billion next year and approach $200 billion by 2030. Despite a modest $1 billion operating surplus, interest repayments are projected to reach $32 million a day. Cost-of-living measures were key announce-
ments in this budget, including half-price public transport for the remainder of 2026 and a 20 per cent reduction in vehicle registration. But Ms Vallence argues these measures are offset by Victoria’s tax burden. The Victorian Government forecasts that taxation revenue will be $43.2 billion in 2026-27, then grow by an average of 5.1 per cent a year over the forward estimates. To read more, turn to pages 4-6
Bridget VALLENCE MP Working for better local roads and safer communities BridgetVallence
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