Tuesday, 5 May, 2026
Full-scale evacuation drill a success for church
Postie bike fundraiser breaks records
Emersyn to make her professional stage debut
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Planting hope for the future Candlebark Community Nursery has secured a 2026 Australia Post People of Post grant, marking a significant recovery after recent hardships. The Mooroolbark-based hub will use the funding for specialised seedcleaning equipment and nursery benches to boost production of indigenous seedlings. These upgrades help meet rising demand for habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation in Melbourne’s outer east. The volunteer-run nursery remains vital in providing local wildlife habitat amidst increasing urban development and land clearing. Read the full story on page 7
Candlebark Community Nursery volunteers Tristan, Deb, Heather, Kerrie, Lisa, Heather, Myah and Liam. (Stewart Chambers: 550341)
Selfless service from 15 members to a thriving veteran support network. Even today, Ms Crittenden is a familiar face at local shops, selling poppies and Anzac badges. She notes that the friendly conversations with neighbours are the highlight of her volunteer work. Beyond fundraising, Ms Crittenden is most proud of the Memorial Gardens on Wray Crescent, which she helped transform from a weedchoked corner into a beautiful sanctuary she calls her “baby.” She also remains active in educational
programs, sharing war history with local primary school students. Reflecting on nearly half a century of service, Ms Crittenden emphasises that volunteering is a two-way street. “It’s valuable to whoever gets it, but it’s also valuable to the person who gives it,” she said. Having previously received the RSL National Certificate of Merit and a Gold Badge, this latest honour cements Betty Crittenden’s status as a local legend. Read more on page 5
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At 98 years old, Betty Crittenden remains a powerhouse of the Mount Evelyn community. Her 45year legacy of unbroken service was recently honoured with the RSL Australia Anzac of the Year for Victoria, a prestigious award recognising selfless compassion and community impact. Ms Crittenden’s journey began in 1981 when she and her late husband, John Urand, moved to Mount Evelyn. Finding a small but struggling RSL sub-branch, Ms Crittenden took initiative.
When told the club couldn’t afford its own home, her philosophy was simple: “You can’t do it if you don’t try.” She successfully lobbied the Shire to build a dedicated clubroom and established a Women’s Auxiliary, which she presided over for 22 years. Alongside John, and later her second husband Derek Crittenden, both former RSL presidents, Ms Crittenden became the heart of the subbranch’s fundraising. From calling bingo twice weekly to hosting dinner dances, her efforts ensured the club grew
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By Mikayla van Loon
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