Tuesday, 21 April, 2026
ADRA devastated after food pantry robbed
Murder mystery at Millgrove attracts hundreds
Boxing brings community together at men’s shed
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Jack and Bill from the Mill By Oliver Winn When community rallies together, anything is possible. This was proved by a group of caring and determined Yarra Junction locals last week when they rescued two sheep from the old Reid Bros Timber Mill site. Nicknamed Jack and Bill from the timber mill, these sheep are now at the Forever Friends Animal Rescue (FFAR) where they will be relocated to a good home. It all started after Facebook posts asking about the two sheep left abandoned the old Reid Bros Timber Mill site began circulating in February. “I thought I really need to do something,” concerned local Catherine Thambirajah said. A group of loving locals then started to care for the sheep, turning up every day to feed and socialise them. Their efforts are a reminder that in a world where negativity dominates the headlines, humanity can always be found right around the corner. Full story page 2
Meaghan Adams from Forever Friends Animal Rescue joined Yarra Junction locals in their efforts to rescue the sheep. (Oliver Winn: 547810)
Scholarships over By Callum Ludwig A set of scholarships that helped set up careers in healthcare for Yarra Ranges students were quietly scrapped after over a quarter of a century. After healthcare provider Inspiro merged with Access Health and Community, a change in leadership ceased funding for the scholarships without warning. The Inspiro Tertiary Health Scholarships previously provided $22,500 via two scholarships to Yarra Ranges students studying in healthcare. No public statement was made to
announce that the Tertiary Health Scholarships would be discontinued. Hamish Russell was the inaugural Inspiro chair and said he was deeply disappointed as the scholarships were a great opportunity for students in the Yarra Ranges. “We saw these continuing scholarships as a real way of saying we appreciate what you’re doing and we want to make it as easy as possible for people living in the Yarra Ranges to actually continue their studies,” Mr Russell said. But, Access Health and Community chief ex-
ecutive Anna Robinson said new scholarships were on offer to support staff serving the Yarra Ranges community. “Our Practice Scholarships are for staff in service delivery roles, who are looking to develop their practice to have greater impact on clients, innovate or better integrate services.” However, with the new scholarships not targeting students, it doesn’t address the barriers to furthers studies often experienced by Yarra Ranges students. Mr Russell said these scholarships enabled
dedicated students to further their studies in healthcare. “Students have to travel in many cases and seek accommodation because of the distance they are further up in the Yarra Valley for instance, it’s not easy for them to undertake tertiary study and it is expensive. It’s much more difficult for someone as a student from here… to complete their studies than someone who lives in Doncaster, Balwyn or Richmond.” Full story page 4
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