Tuesday, 11 August, 2026
Search continues for missing Evan
State Schools Spectacular returns
Aussie rock faces change
Real estate liftout inside
PAGE 3
PAGE 9
PAGE 16
PAGE 21
A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Scouts’ honour By Mikayla van Loon Thousands of Scouts across Victoria gathered to commemorate World Scout Day on Saturday 1 August, where they participated in community activities from city quests to local festivals. District contingents showcased youth-led initiatives statewide. The Knox District hosted a “ScoutFest” at Rowville’s Arcadia Reserve, offering archery, rock climbing, and ten-pin bowling to engage prospective families. Elsewhere, Pakenham Joeys undertook an adventure hike through the Dandenong Ranges, 1st Croydon Hills erected a custom timber-and-rope playground, and 1st Healesville joined roughly 200 cyclists on a 17-kilometre ride along the Warburton Rail Trail. Meanwhile in the CBD, Maroondah District Cub Scouts navigated Melbourne landmarks during a “Cub City Quest.” Despite national post-pandemic declines in volunteering, Scouts Victoria reported a thriving roster of over 23,000 members. Chief commissioner Daniella Taglieri attributed the growth to outdoors-focused programs offering youth real responsibility. The day also marked the 80th anniversary of the state’s Venturer Scouts section, established in 1946.
Mason from the 1st the Basin Scouts tries his hand at some axe throwing. (Gary Sissons: 569009)
Macclesfield relief ber Fiona Sewell said the experience highlighted the need to better prepare for future emergencies, particularly in a smaller community that can wait longer to be reconnected to the grid. The hall is already an important part of local life, hosting community groups, school activities and family events. It has a kitchen, communal area, toilets and dedicated spaces including a child-safe area and low-sensory or confidential meeting room. Ms Sewell said local volunteers had worked
hard to ensure the hall could support residents when they needed it most. The project is one of 15 Victorian initiatives funded in the final round of AusNet’s program, with almost $1.7 million awarded to councils and community groups. Planning for the upgrade will now begin, with the community to be kept updated as the project progresses. Turn to page 4 to read the full story
S/TMAXX
STTPRO
A/T3
Heavy Duty All-Terrain 50% ROAD & SAND 80% DIRT & MUD
Super Traction Tyre 20% ROAD & SAND 80% DIRT & MUD
All-Terrain 70% ROAD & SAND 30% DIRT & MUD
PICK UP
4WD
THE LATEST GENERATION MOST ADVANCED MUD TYRE
SUV PICK UP 4WD
MILEAGE WARRANTY UP TO 90,000KM
Widetread are Authorised Dealer for...
12330988-RC46-16
PICK UP 4WD
MILEAGE WARRANTY UP TO 80,000KM
FERNTREE GULLY 9758 9288 1158 Burwood Hwy (towards Belgrave)
12823815-JV48-25
Macclesfield Public Hall is set to become an even stronger community hub during emergencies after receiving $121,695.48 through the AusNet Energy Resilience Community Fund. The funding will allow the hall to install solar and battery storage with generator back-up, helping it stay operational when power outages hit. Residents will be able to access lighting, communications, food preparation, toilets, re-
ticulated water, device charging and a safe place to gather. The project follows the lengthy outages experienced during the June 2021 and February 2024 storms, when Macclesfield was without power and phone services for weeks. Many homes also rely on tank water and electric pumps, leaving some residents without water for drinking, washing and flushing toilets when the power was down. Macclesfield Disaster Recovery Group mem-
12861237-JV17-26
By Shamsiya Hussainpoor