Local People

NILLUMBIK: Eltham apprentice Jaeden is national winner

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Victorian apprentice technician Jaeden Matteo D’Aloia has been named the Overall Australian Winner in the 2026 Capricorn Rising Stars Awards, after being named Victoria/Tasmania Regional Winner.The 20-year-old, from Eltham, is completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Technology at Box Hill TAFE while undertaking his apprenticeship with Technique Automotive, a specialist European vehicle workshop.Jaeden stood…

OBSERVER: Recording industry giant Bill Armstring dies at age 97

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Bill Armstrong , Australian recording industry pioneer, has died aged 97.He was a sound engineer, studio owner, producer and broadcaster, who was a founder and managing director of Melbourne’s EON-FM.His career began with primitive recording equipment in post-war Mel-bourne and extended through the development of Armstrong Studios, and the launch of Australia’s first commercial FM…

OBSERVER: Sad passing of Barry Dickins

Friday, July 17, 2026

In 2014, I first had the pleasure of meeting Barry Dickins when he accompanied his brother Rob to a recording session of Rob’s delightful children’s radio play, Max the Polar Bear, which I directed for broadcast on 88.3 Southern FM.It was wonderful news in 2022 when Barry kindly agreed to be interviewed to share his…

WHITTLESEA: Epping’s tribute to player Nathan Fitzgerald

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Hundreds of supporters gathered at Epping Football Ground last Saturday (July 17) to salute the life of Nathan Fitzgerald, who died the previous week after an accident in a Reserves game the previous weekend at Lalor.The 27-year-old teacher at Mernda Central College died after a head injury.Last Saturday’s Reserves match between Epping and Heidelberg in…

MANSFIELD: 12 honoured on Wall of Fame

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Twelve of Mansfield Shire’s most accomplished athletes will feature on a new Sporting Wall of Fame mural at the Mansfield Sporting Complex after Mansfield Council endorsed the selections at its ordinary meeting for June.The selection of athletes, chosen by the community through a Council engagement, celebrates the depth and breadth of sporting talent to come…

YARRA RANGES: Congratulations to Tony Vallance

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Croydon MLA David Hodgett (pictured) has spoken in State Parliament top congratulate Tony Vallance from Building Better Brains on his recognition at the Australian Counselling Association excellence in counselling awards.“Tony was awarded the 2026 ACA Excellence in Counselling Community Impact Award in recognition of Dads Chat, an initiative that he facilitates incollaboration with Building Better…

BOROONDARA: Kew link for Neale Daniher

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Football identity Neale Daniher’s links to the Kew community were discussed in State Parliament last week by local MLA Jess Wilson.“I want to take a few moments to acknowledge Neale (pictured) and his wife Jan as members of the community in my electorate of Kew,” Ms Wilson said,“Just two nights ago I was with the…

MURRINDINDI: Cr Lording on the mend

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Cr Eric Lording has sent us an update og his condition after emergency open-heart surgery on Friday (Apr. 25): “I have had the operation and they say I am Rex,” Cr Lording said in an email to The Local Paper. “Recovering well, but open heart surgery recovery if darn painful. I will leave hospital on…

NILLUMBIK: Sporting grants for locals

Saturday, March 21, 2026

A number of grants were due to be presented at the Nillumbik Council meeting due to be held last night (Tues., Mar. 24) as this issue of The Local Paper went to press.Recipients were to be:Paige Lyon (Edendale Ward) receives $250 for being selected to represent Australia at the ICU Cheerleading Championships in the USA.Aaliayah…

WHITTLESEA: Community Award winners

The annual City of Whittlesea Community Awards were presented at the Community Festival on Sunday, March 15, celebrating the strong sense of community spirit and honouring the exceptional service, leadership and dedication of residents.Five locals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community.Citizen of the Year: Dr Swati SharmaSenior Citizen of the Year: Barrie…