Tuesday, 16 June, 2026
Demolition approved for 10 sites, one saved
Flynn Kroeger inspires and kicks goals
Artist launches first exhibition in Lilydale
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Tough defeats for Eagles The Lilydale Eagles made a return to the pitch after a King’s Birthday weekend break, but unlike the Socceroos, the results weren’t fruitful for the Masters or Seniors. It was a disappointing weekend for the Lilydale Eagles, suffering heavy defeats in both fixtures. In the Masters clash, Knox dominated out wide, exposing Lilydale’s defence to secure a clinical 4-1 victory. Allen Dickson scored Lilydale’s lone consolation goal following a goalkeeper error. Meanwhile, the Seniors fared even worse against Hornbill. Despite starting with a two-man advantage, Lilydale missed a penalty and crumbled defensively. Ramtha Ceu Pa Chung netted a hat-trick for Hornbill, handing the Eagles a bruising 7-1 defeat. TURN TO PAGE 28 FOR THE FULL REPORT
Soccer made a return to the pitch after the King’s Birthday weekend. (Callum Ludwig: 559465)
A living memorial By Mikayla van Loon Montrose’s tree-planting tradition dates back to 1909, serving as a way to beautify the township and unite the community. On Arbor Day, 26 July 1918, five Red Flowering Gums were planted as an “Honour Row” to remember five local students lost in World War I. In 1920, five more gums were planted for five additional fallen soldiers. While original records omitted the specific
location, local historian Eddie Tichelaar and several long-time residents of Montrose used historical photos and a process of elimination to deduce the site. Honour rows typically lined township approach roads, and old photos of Mt Dandenong Road showed young trees protected by timber guards. Over time, all but one surviving specimen disappeared. When a planned intersection upgrade threat-
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ened this final tree, Mr Tichelaar sought help to preserve its history. Horticulturalists confirmed that transplanting gums is rarely successful, leaving grafting as the only viable option. In February 2024, Humphris Nursery took cuttings from the tree just a month before the original specimen was removed for the roadworks. The preservation effort succeeded, yielding two surviving grafted Red Flowering Gums, which were delivered to the Yarra Ranges Council
depot in January 2026. On Arbor Day, 26 July 2026, at 2pm, one of these grafted gums will be planted in the Montrose Town Square. Ironically, it will stand between the historical Yeaman family cottage and the Sister Edith Yeaman Memorial garden. The planting serves as a lasting tribute to the pioneers and locals of Montrose. READ THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 10
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