Tuesday, 24 February, 2026
Delays nearly over for new Spartans Gym
No luck for bobsled Bree at Olympics
Zine club up for Young Achiever’s Award
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Join in ride By Callum Ludwig In memory of an active and adventurous Mt Evelyn boy, community members are called to take part a charity bike ride, Join in for James. James Granger was 16 when he died in February 2025 from complications related to cancer and a bone marrow transplant and the money raised from the ride will go to Challenge, a not-for-profit supporting kids with cancer. James’ mother Saskia Granger said before James became unwell, one of his greatest joys was riding his mountain bike with his mates. “That’s why we’ve created this event; a charity bike ride in honour of James, celebrating what he loved, while we support the incredible people who helped carry him, and us, through the worst of times,” she said. “So we’re calling on James’ local community, and anyone looking for a meaningful way to make a difference, to register to ride, every dollar raised will go directly to Challenge this ride is a way of keeping James’ spirit alive - his strength, his fun, his love for riding with mates - and helping other kids with cancer, and their families, feel supported and loved.” Turn to page 10 for more
Friends of James, including his sister Chloe and best mate Jack, are gearing up for the ride next month. (Saskia Granger)
Algae outbreak the recent situation at Lillydale Lake. “Melbourne Water recently tested Lilydale Lake after community members reported potential algae, while they found that the current levels of toxic blue-green algae are low and do not currently pose a severe health risk to people or pets, the Yarra Ranges Council continues to strongly advise that swimming in the lake is not recommended at any time,” she said. “What is a ‘low, safe level’ on a Tuesday can explode into a highly toxic, deadly bloom by Fri-
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day if the weather gets hot, sunny, and the water is stagnant.” Algal blooms have been in the news in Australia due to an ongoing toxic bloom that has affecting the South Australian gulfs for over a year. Dr Oosthuizen said humans usually know better than to drink smelly, green lake water, but dogs don’t. “Furthermore, humans don’t use their mouths to clean their bodies, a dog’s natural behaviour— splashing in the shallows, drinking from the edge,
and licking their wet fur—puts them directly in the line of fire and because of their smaller body weight, a much smaller amount of toxin is fatal,” she said. “It is one of the most dangerous, fast-acting natural toxins a dog can encounter, consuming toxic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is an extreme veterinary emergency and is often fatal. “While not all algae blooms produce toxins, the ones that do are incredibly lethal.” More on page 6
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Dog owners are warned to be wary when walking at Lillydale Lake, and other Victorian waterways, due to a potentially deadly risk in the water. Blue-green algae has been detected in the water and the Lilydale Vet Centre is trying to warn dog walkers of its toxicity. Dr Miranda Oosthuizen from Lilydale Vet Centre said it is critically important for people to be aware of blue-green algae, especially in light of
12842383-FR07-26
By Callum Ludwig
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