Tuesday, 26 May, 2026
Hazelvale Wetlands work continues
‘Loophole logging’ in focus in Belgrave
Power in fashion: Th!s is me
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Jiu Jitsu champs Two young athletes from Tecoma’s Underdog Evolution studio secured medals at the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu State Championships in Parkville. Representing the growing ‘gentle art’ of strategic grappling, 11-year-old Blaze braved pre-match nerves and moved up an age bracket to win silver in her first state competition. Meanwhile, experienced junior coach Sienna, 17, excelled in both traditional gi and faster no-gi categories, bringing home bronze and silver. Coach Ben Wade praised both competitors for their outstanding sportsmanship, maturity, and resilience. Read more on page 32
11-year-old Blaze and 17-year-old Sienna competed at the Jiu-Jitsu State Championships. (Tanya Steele: 555042)
Bravery rewarded By Tanya Steele
On New Year’s Eve in 2019, Mr Steele and Strike Team 1392 were deployed to Mallacoota to defend a local command facility at the fire station. The situation was critical: 18 civilians had taken refuge inside the building with no means of selfdefence, while 50-metre-high flames raged just 60 metres away. The conditions were treacherous. Pitch-black skies enveloped the area, roads were blocked by fallen trees, and embers were so intense that a map Mr Steele’s team was reading caught fire right off the bonnet of their vehicle.
Ferntree Gully CFA volunteer Simon Steele has been awarded the Chief Officer’s Unit Citation for Courage, recognising his extraordinary bravery during the catastrophic 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires. Mr Steele was among 32 current and former CFA volunteers honoured during a special ceremony, reflecting on a deployment that marked the most intense experience of his 20-year volunteering career.
“I had never really felt scared before then,” he recalled. “It was then I knew we were in for a busy day.” Despite the danger, the team stood firm. Mr Steele noted that fear was quickly replaced by adrenaline as the crew focused entirely on protecting life and property. It was only days later, after the threat subsided, that the emotional weight of the dire situation truly hit him. Ferntree Gully CFA Captain Seamus Smith praised the recipients for their sacrifice and com-
mitment, noting that while members do not join for medals, the recognition allows the brigade to support one another and celebrate their shared dedication. Mr Steele, who has responded to roughly 2000 calls over two decades, remains an active volunteer. He credits the ordeal with forging lifelong friendships among his strike team and emphasises that the unique skills each member brings are vital to keeping the community safe. Read the full story on page 5
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