www.thestar.com.au
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 - $1.40
Fabulous Festa Singing sensation A LARGE crowd turned out at the Mirboo North outdoor pool for the 11th annual Mirboo North Idol on Saturday.
SOME 5000 people flocked to Mirboo North for the Italian Festa on Sunday. Pictured from left, Traralgon’s Christina Romano and Trafalgar’s Karla Proietto enjoyed paella at the festa. They are the granddaughters of Sebastiano Romano, one of the founding members of Mirboo North’s St Paul’s Catholic Social Committee. Full story on page 6.
LEONGATHA REVAMP By Lucy Johnson
the town’s commercial sector.
SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council is finally responding to persistent calls from the community to improve Leongatha’s central business district and reinvigorate
Council will tomorrow (Wednesday) discuss the proposed Leongatha Revitalisation Project that will encompass three individual projects to hasten progress in the town, including seeking a new use for the town’s overgrown rail yards many people believe have long
been overlooked for commercial or public use. The community is just hoping the project results in action, rather than talk, especially in the wake of numerous businesses closing in Leongatha and shops remaining empty. Continued on page 4.
Rail yard rally: Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Peter Watchorn is adamant the rail yards behind Bair Street need to be redeveloped.
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Around 30 contestants showcased their talent and were thrilled to be judged by special guest Reece Mastin, who won hit TV singing competition The X Factor in 2011. Reece is pictured with Mirboo North’s Melissa Blackshaw, who was excited to meet the singer. Read more on page 9.
Schools locked down STUDENTS were locked in school buildings at Leongatha’s Education Precinct last Wednesday when Leongatha Primary School received what police believed was a hoax threat. The school received an anonymous phone call around midday that threatened the safety of students and staff. Read more on page 3.
Kevin Smith 5664 5463 A/H Kevin Smith 0409 861 771