Tuesday, 23 June, 2026
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A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Solstice joy By Tanya Steele
Baba Desi came out with some helpers for the solstice, greeting the crowd as the sun set. (Patrick Poke)
Cold hands, warm hearts and the lights of hundreds of lanterns filled the streets of Belgrave once more for the annual solstice parade over the weekend. The Belgrave Lantern Parade celebrated the winter solstice on Saturday 20 June, as people from all across Melbourne came and lined the streets to watch the parade. As darkness settled, local wizard Baba Desi emerged along the main street, and the parade began in earnest. Belly dancers, cos players, kids, and more. Lanterns of every variety filled the streets, with students and families from primary schools across the region attending, proudly showing off their own creations for the big day. Photographers and videographers moved about in and among the crowd, capturing the moments in a glowing tableau as thousands attended to both watch and march in the parade. Turn to page 10 for more
Harry Singh honoured for road safety work as Belgrave Police keep the...
Elias flame alive annually in line with his graduation date of 23 May. Accepting the award, Mr Singh said it was both a privilege and a personal responsibility. “I feel amazing, it’s been an honour to receive an award on Elias, he was my colleague and he just left his legacy behind,” Mr Singh said. “Road safety is something I’m passionate about, and I will continue my best to reduce road trauma and keep our community safe.” Janine Gerovasilis, the Elias’s mother, de-
scribed the occasion as “bittersweet”, saying the continued recognition of her son brought both pride and sadness. Senior Sergeant Cassandra Forbes said the award had become an important part of the station’s healing process and a way to honour Mr Gerovasilis’ legacy. A candle-lighting ceremony formed part of the commemoration, with family and colleagues joining in reflection before attendees gathered for morning tea. Read the full story on page 4
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Belgrave Police honoured the memory of fallen constable Elias Gerovasilis for a second year, presenting the annual memorial award in his name to Harvinder (Harry) Singh for his work in road safety across the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area. The ceremony, held at Belgrave Police Station on Tuesday 16 June, brought together police members and the Gerovasilis family to remember the young officer, who died in a motorcycle ac-
cident in Emerald on 6 August 2024 while riding with friends. Although constable Gerovasilis spent just eight weeks at Belgrave Police Station after graduating from the academy, colleagues said he made a lasting impact on the station and wider community in that short time. The award was established in his honour and is peer-nominated, recognising police members who demonstrate strong commitment to road safety through enforcement, education, community engagement and mentoring. It is presented
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By Shamsiya Hussainpoor