Tuesday, 8 September, 2026
Ex-bikie gang boss arrested in Wandin East
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A Star News Group Publication
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Duo set for world stage By Gabriella Vukman Two Healesville athletes are set to take their passion for triathlon from the Yarra Ranges to the world stage, with Chris Poole and Karen Mays preparing to compete at the 2026 World Triathlon Championship Finals in Pontevedra, Spain. The long-time Healesville residents, who train in the same local group, will join thousands of athletes from around the world at the five-day championships, running from 23 to 27 September. The event will open with the Parade of Nations and Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, 23 September, before the Elite World Champions are crowned on Sunday. For Mays, however, reaching the world championships represents more than a sporting achievement. Her journey into triathlon began after she decided she needed to make a change, starting with short workouts at home before joining a local gym and discovering the sport. Read more on page 25
Chris Poole and Karen Mays are gearing up to ‘tri’ their luck in the Spain triathlon World Championships. (Gabriella Vukman: 576174)
Safety concerns By Oliver Winn A recent crash at the Beenak Road and Queens Road intersection conjured up calls for more safety measures to be installed while current upgrades lag behind. Yarra Valley local Joshua Hollyoak said the infamous Seville intersection’s poor design was making it dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. “It’s just the way the intersection is set up, and to be honest, there’s a lot of intersections in that area that are pretty similar.
“It’s just dangerous,” Mr Hollyoak said. Joshua Hollyoak’s partner died after a threecar collision on 17 January 2023. A man in his 40s crashed into the side of a car carrying a horse float, which then crashed into his partner’s car and killed her. The intersection has seen several serious crashes take place in the last three years. The Federal Government’s Black Spot Program has the intersection earmarked for safety upgrades. The intersection was one of five projects in
the Casey electorate designated $3.97 million in funding under the program last year. The Beenak Road and Queens Road intersection would be realigned to become a staggered Tintersection on Beenak Road. The upgrade will be delivered by the Yarra Ranges Council. The “complex” projects require detailed design and development processes, along with approvals and engagement with locals. “Subject to these processes, delivery of the works is anticipated to be completed by late2028,” the Yarra Ranges Council’s acting director
of built environment and infrastructure, Vincenzo Lombardi said. But Mr Hollyoak said the intersection might need a roundabout to force drivers to slow down. “How much signage can you put up, you know? Adding another sign or something probably isn’t going to cut it. “I’m not sure whether they need to put a roundabout in or something to force people to slow down and visually be able to see it.” Read more on page 5
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