Tuesday, 21 April, 2026
Opposition puts up proposal for police
Grammynominated Blues star to come to Upwey
Anzac Day across the Ranges
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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From Upwey to opera’s centre stage By Shamsiya Hussainpoor Montrose resident and 2018 Herald Sun Aria winner Rebecca Rashleigh will star as Zerlina in Melbourne Opera’s Don Giovanni (The Rake Punished) at the Athenaeum Theatre. The production runs on 26 April, 29 April and 3 May, and reimagines Mozart’s Il dissoluto punito ossia Il Don Giovanni with a focus on women and their pursuit of justice. Ms Rashleigh, who grew up in Upwey, said she aims to make Zerlina relatable and real balancing naivety, desire and resilience. Director Suzanne Chaundy said the work rejects romanticised views of Don Giovanni and centres on the women who confront him. Ms Rashleigh said the role has been both vocally and dramatically demanding, shaped by collaboration with her colleagues. Read the full story on page 12
Rebecca Rashleigh at the 2018 Herald Sun Aria final. (Supplied)
Knox camera trial Highway Patrol Eastern Division Two Senior Sergeant Brendon De Schwartz emphasised that the primary goal is education and behaviour change. Electronic signage has been installed to alert motorists, fostering a safety-first mindset. “Children’s safety is paramount... we want to change the pattern of behaviour drivers have when dropping off their kids,” he said.
The pilot program was modelled on the Mitchell Shire’s rollout of a similar initiative four years ago. Snr Sgt De Schwartz said he hoped this would become standard practise across the three eastern region council areas his division covers, including Yarra Ranges, to ensure a universal approach to school crossing safety. To read more, turn to page 3
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On Monday 20 April a new safety initiative launched at Holy Trinity Primary School in Wantirna to protect students and refine driver behaviour. This pilot program, a collaboration between Knox City Council, Victoria Police, and the school, features portable trail cameras installed
at the Riddell Road crossing for the duration of Term Two. The initiative was prompted by increasing reports from crossing supervisors regarding driver distraction and vehicles queuing across pedestrian lines. Small cameras are attached to crossing posts during morning and afternoon shifts when the crossings are under supervision.
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By Mikayla van Loon