Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
Businesses prep for card surcharge changes
Battery boosts energy resilience in Warburton
Vietnam vets honoured for service
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Valley voice By Oliver Winn When Yarra Junction local Jessica McPherson-Riley performed on The Voice stage, it immediately left an impact on the judges and the audience. Soulful and powerful in tone, her vocal prowess was plain and clear. Each note carried weight and intimacy, a balance only achieved by the best. It was no surprise to most watching when all four judges turned their chairs. But Ms-McPherson is shortsighted, and it wasn’t immediately obvious that she’d succeeded in stunning her the panel of judges. “It’s funny actually, I’m very shortsighted… I actually had no idea that I’d turned four chairs. It was a real surprise. “The only reason I knew I’d turned a chair is because Kate Miller-Heidke had a really sparkly dress on, a really gold dress, and my eyesight caught a glimpse of all the sparkles,” she said. She ended up joining Team Richard Marx, who will help guide her for the rest of her The Voice journey. Read more on page 23
Jessica McPherson-Riley turned all four chairs during the blind auditions. (Channel 7/The Voice Australia)
Bird flu precautions By Gabriella Vukman Local wildlife rescuers across the Yarra Ranges are stepping up biosecurity precautions as Australia’s H5 bird flu outbreak spreads, with experts warning the virus poses a serious threat to native fauna. State authorities have confirmed 236 detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds nationwide, including 58 in Victoria. While there are currently no detections in Australian poultry or commercial agriculture, local volunteers are altering how they handle sick and injured wildlife.
Rescuers with the Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network are now using masks, gloves and full personal protective equipment when responding to calls. Veterinary clinics and facilities such as Healesville Sanctuary have established outdoor quarantine tents and strict exclusion zones to examine incoming birds safely. University of Melbourne Veterinary Microbiology expert Professor James Gilkerson described the spread as deeply concerning, noting that Australia’s unique species face unpredictable risks. Endangered populations with limited genetic diversity are particularly vulnerable if susceptible
to the strain. Because current vaccines require manual injection, mass vaccination of wild populations remains unfeasible. Consequently, authorities and experts are urging backyard poultry owners to secure coops with solid roofs and netting to prevent contact, shared airspace or contaminated water exposure with wild birds. Community members are being asked to act as the eyes and ears for biosecurity authorities but must strictly avoid touching sick or dead wildlife. Symptoms of the respiratory virus include
difficulty breathing, tremors, twisted necks, loss of coordination and sudden death. Victorian guidelines instruct the public to report single sick or dead seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey, as well as any clusters of five or more wild birds of any species. Reports can be made directly to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, while residents requiring local wildlife rescue coordination can contact the Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network on 0427 088 121. Read more on page 6
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