Ferntree Gully Belgrave
Warning for wet road dangers
Veteran ambo farewelled in tribute service
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Tuesday, 28 June, 2022
Mail Clematis pub wins best parma
SPOTLIGHT: Upwey local becomes ninja warrior
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A Star News Group Publication
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12 year wait By Parker McKenzie 12 years after the demolition of its resource centre, Knox Historical Societies is still waiting for a new facility to be built. The land at 1-3 Olivebank Road, Ferntree Gully — including the still-standing historic Ambleside Homestead — was donated to the council by Oliver David in the 1970s, under the proviso it wouldn’t be subdivided and was used for the preservation of Knox history under the auspice of the Historical Society. With their temporary facilities not fit for purpose, members of the late Mr David’s family and volunteers from the Knox Historical Society are calling on Knox City Council to commit to a three-year plan to ensure the facility is finally delivered. Turn to page 4 to read more Knox Historical Society volunteers outside the temporary facilities they’ve used as a resource centre for over a decade. Picture: PARKER MCKENZIE
Merlino to retire Monbulk MP James Merlino has resigned as Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Minister for Mental Health and won’t contest his electorate in the November state election. Mr Merlino announced he had advised Premier Daniel Andrews of the decision on Friday 24 June. In a statement, Mr Merlino said his 20year journey is coming to an end.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in the Victorian Parliament and represent my community of Monbulk,” he said. “I leave with feelings of deepest gratitude, a little sadness and excitement for the future.” Mr Merlino was first elected to government in 2002 and briefly served as acting premier when Dan Andrews was injured in March 2021. He thanked Mr Andrews and said he was a
leader of courage, determination, intellect and kindness. Mr Andrews said in a statement Victoria has never had a better acting premier. “In 2021, James seamlessly took over chairing the Cabinet and leading the Government at a difficult time for our state and a tough time for me and my family,” he said. “I will forever be grateful for his care and
concern but moreover, his competence, allowing me to focus on recovering from very serious injuries, confident, indeed certain, that the state was in the best of hands.” Mr Andrews said he has asked Mr Merlino to stay on in the role as campaign chair, a role he unofficially filled over the last two election campaigns “and I am grateful he has accepted.” Continued page 2
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