Tuesday, 14 July, 2026
Car sets alight in Kilsyth
Food relief seeks delivery van
Lilydale cyclist makes Tour debut
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Running for Mace Croydon father Daniel Fringuelli has transformed his health, shedding 28 kilograms in six months to prepare for the Run Melbourne half marathon on Sunday 19 July. Daniel is running as an ambassador for Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria in honour of his seven-yearold son, Mace, who is autistic and non-verbal. Variety provides critical support and sensory-friendly experiences for children living with disabilities. Having already raised over $6000 with strong community backing, Daniel aims to reach a $7000 target. Friends and family will join him on race day, tackling their own running challenges. Turn to page 11 for more
Daniel Fringuelli and his son Mace inspire each other every day. (Stewart Chambers: 562971)
Shortlist mystery Uncertainty continues to surround the future of an urban aquatic and leisure centre for the Yarra Ranges, three years after the closure of Kilsyth’s Centenary Pool. Local advocates are making a final push to save the former Kiloran Park site before the council finalises its plans. While the Yarra Ranges Council’s Aquatic and Leisure Strategy identifies Lilydale as the preferred location due to population growth, the council’s 2025–29 Action Plan set a June 2026 deadline to shortlist potential sites, with a busi-
ness case expected by mid-2027. Project delivery is not slated to begin until 2029, pending secured funding. Campaigners from Rebuild Our Kilsyth Pool argue that Kiloran Park remains the most practical and central option. Lead campaigner Janis Floyd highlighted that the council-owned land already possesses necessary infrastructure, public transport access, and site suitability. “Kiloran Park is ideally situated... right there and available,” Ms Floyd said, adding that finding a new site in Lilydale could prove unnecessarily complex compared to using existing mu-
nicipal assets. The council’s strategy notes that Kilsyth’s proximity to neighbouring Maroondah facilities, such as Aquahub Croydon, creates overlapping catchments. However, campaign member Chris Dowling expressed scepticism over the new Lilydale facility, warning that delays leave the community without essential swimming infrastructure. Ms Dowling emphasised that reduced access to pools threatens local swim clubs and water safety education amid rising statewide drowning statistics.
Yarra Ranges Council built environment and infrastructure director Anita Curnow stated that the council is testing options to support community recreation but is not yet ready to announce shortlisted sites. While Lilydale remains the primary target, the strategy allows for alternative urban locations if no suitable Lilydale site is found. Campaigners confirmed they will make one final effort to advocate for Kiloran Park, but will conclude their campaign if the site is excluded from the final shortlist. Turn to page 5 for the full story
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