Tuesday, 28 July, 2026
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Yarra Ranges takes its stance on AI
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See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Strike two By Oliver Winn and Gabriella Vukman
Upper Yarra Secondary College teachers and staff donned their union red tees to support the strike. (Supplied)
Yarra Valley teachers and staff walked off the job on Thursday July 23 marking the state’s second major stop-work action this year. The statewide strike followed a narrow vote on July 21 in which 51 per cent of Australian Education Union (AEU) members rejected the Allan Labor Government’s offer of a 28.3 per cent pay rise over four years. The union is demanding a 35 per cent wage increase over four years, alongside structural measures to combat chronic teacher shortages, excessive class sizes, and uncompensated overtime. “It is about the long-term sustainability of the Victorian education system, not just this current agreement, and certainly not just about more money,” Upper Yarra Secondary College assistant princicpal Michael Schultz said. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said the government would continue working with the union. But, the AEU has not ruled out further strike action if key demands remain unaddressed. Read more on page 3
Yarra wine shift By Gabriella Vukman The Yarra Valley wine industry is restructuring its operations and tourism strategies as broader economic pressures, seasonal disruptions, and shifting consumer demand reshape Australia’s wine sector. Nationally, the 2026 winegrape crush dropped to a 25-year low of 1.27 million tonnes, according to Wine Australia’s National Vintage Report. In the Yarra Valley, the reduced harvest was compounded by late frost damaging local crops.
The financial strain from smaller yields has hit peak regional body Wine Yarra Valley, which relies on membership fees tied to grape crush volume and overall performance. Facing reduced revenue, the organisation has overhauled its operational structure and eliminated its full-time chief executive officer position for the first time in 20 years. Regional operations manager Nicole Esdaile stated that board members will take a more hands-on role to direct remaining funds toward active industry initiatives. Despite nationwide oversupply issues, local
industry leaders emphasise that the Yarra Valley remains partially insulated due to its focus on luxury, boutique production rather than highvolume fast-moving consumer wines. However, corporate restructuring within major industry players is still impacting the region. Endeavour Group, Australia’s largest retail liquor and hospitality business, has put the historic Oakridge winery up for sale and parted ways with chief winemaker David Bicknell after more than two decades. In response to tightening retail markets, regional operators are shifting focus toward direct-
to-consumer and boutique tourism experiences. Tourism East chief executive officer Louise Scott said smaller, independent winemakers are well-positioned to capitalise on growing consumer preference for personalised cellar door tastings, events, and collaborative food offerings. Local bodies are now prioritising destination marketing that integrates wineries with regional accommodation, dining, and cultural attractions to ensure long-term stability across the Yarra Valley’s visitor economy. Read more on page 2
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