Tuesday, 7 July, 2026
Arrest after series of arsons in Lilydale
Opposition push upgrade for Coldstream intersection
Lilydale train driver retires after 60 years
See Real Estate lifout inside
PAGE 3
PAGE 7
PAGE 10
PAGE 21
A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Hairdressers give back Wandin salon owner Nadine Amy and apprentice Hayley Stephens recently volunteered with Australian non-profit Hair Aid on a weeklong humanitarian trip to Bali. The duo visited a local orphanage, a women’s prison, a trade school, and a community centre to teach foundational and advanced haircutting skills. The program aimed to empower women and girls living in poverty by giving them vocational tools to achieve financial independence, culminating in an emotional graduation ceremony. Read the full story on page 11
Nadine Amy and Hayley Stephens travelled to Bali to teach women and girls haircutting skills. (Stewart Chambers: 563006)
Swim club folds By Mikayla van Loon The historic 123-year-old Lilydale Swimming Club has suspended operations following a gruelling three-year struggle to remain viable after the loss of its home facilities. The committee’s tough decision followed a steep drop in membership, halving from 70 to just over 30 swimmers, alongside soaring commercial lane hire costs reaching $120 per hour. The final catalyst arrived when long-term coach Duana McLeod accepted a position at another club. The club’s displacement began in 2023 with
the closure and subsequent demolition of its home base, the Kilsyth Centenary Pool. As the only indoor 50-metre pool in the Yarra Ranges, its loss forced athletes to commute to distant, scattered facilities across neighbouring council areas, fractured the club’s junior development pathway, and escalated operating costs. Club president David Macrae noted that the displacement shattered the club’s community fabric and financial sustainability. “Financially, you can’t justify the cost,” Mr Macrae said, adding that without a local pool, the
essential influx of junior swimmers dried up. Community advocates and former members expressed deep sadness, drawing parallels to local aqua aerobics groups that also dissipated after the Kilsyth closure. Lead campaigner Janis Floyd criticised local sports infrastructure priorities, alleging a “great inequality” between the council’s support for sports like football and cricket versus swimming. Yarra Ranges Council built environment and infrastructure director Anita Curnow expressed sadness at the news but emphasised that the op-
erational decision rested solely with the committee. Ms Curnow stated that the council had actively supported the club during the transition through financial aid and alternative lane allocations. The club is currently exploring a “hibernation” model to preserve its name and legacy for potential future revival. A final presentation night will be held in August to celebrate the club’s long history and state and national swimming achievements. Read more on pages 4 and 5
PROVIDING ALL GENERAL DENTAL & EMERGENCY SERVICES Check up, Clean, 2 X-rays
$227.00 Please call for appointment 9737 6453
:H FRPH WR \RX
2XU SRRO VHUYLFHV LQFOXGH
Regular, green pool & on-demand pool servicing On-site water testing and chemical balancing
FREE onsite equipment check* *T&Cs apply, see website for details.
Poolwerx Boronia Shop 7, 109 Boronia Road, Boronia | 03 9762 4955
Poolwerx Lilydale 5/9 Clarke Street, Lilydale | 03 9735 3179
12861203-EA17-26
12860207-LD15-26
Shop 43 Lilydale Market Place Hutchison Street Lilydale “Next Door to Lowes”
12788889-MS31-25
Your Local Dentist in Lilydale.