‘Prouder, safer’ schools a Premier priority
Schools back, slow down
PATTERSON River Secondary College staff and students are enthusiastic about the school’s role as one of 120 schools taking part in the Safe Schools Coalition Victoria program, which preaches tolerance and acceptance of gay students. Premier Daniel Andrews, Education Minister James Merlino, and Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny, visited the Seaford school on Monday - a day after Mr Andrews became the first premier to lead a gay pride parade in St Kilda. Schools will be “prouder and safer� and teachers will get the resources they need to help students “be who they are,� he told students. “Everyone has the right to feel safe at school.� Mr Andrews said the Safe Schools Coalition would “use the power of education to promote diversity and greater understanding in our schools and in our communities�. The program aims to create safe and supportive classrooms for same-sex attracted and gender-diverse students at all government secondary schools. It will involve training 4000 staff to support more than 20,000 students. “We’re putting equality back on the agenda, and this program is about working with teachers to provide a respectful and safe environment where every young person can belong,� Mr Merlino said. Private and independent schools will also be encouraged to participate in the program, which is run by La Trobe University’s Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria. Patterson River’s assistant principal Daniel Dew said the school – which has 1150 students - promoted itself as being “safe and supportive� of same-sex attracted students. He said statistics relating to the incidence of assault and bullying of gay or lesbian students “were pretty horrifying� and often responsible for later incidents of self-harm and mental health issues. Stephen Taylor
DRIVERS are being reminded reduced speed limits apply again near schools since students returned to classes late last week after the summer holiday break. Outside many schools where a speed limit of 50 km/h would normally apply, there are permanent 40 km/h speed limit zones. In some cases, a time-based 40 km/h limit may be in place. Advanced warning signs advise motorists they are approaching a school zone with reduced speed limits. Drivers should be prepared to slow down during school times. Reduced speed limits are in force throughout each school term at peak times that children arrive at and leave schools. Time-based speed limits outside schools apply from 8-9.30am and 2.30-4pm on school days. See vicroads.vic.gov.au for further information.
Toy library back
Pride on display: Amy Burchell and Premier Daniel Andrews at Patterson River Secondary College’s Safe Schools Coalition Victoria program launch on Monday. Picture: Gary Sissons
Action on dog attacks ‘a must’ Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au DOG attacks in Kingston have fallen but still remain a concern for many residents. There have been just under 400 reported dog attacks on people or animals in Kingston over a three-year period. Kingston Council figures reveal the number of reported dog attacks in the municipality in 2013-14 was 103, down from 134 in 2012-13 and 146 the year before. Council CEO John Nevins said anyone who has been attacked or whose dog has been attacked by a dog should
immediately contact Kingston Council. “It is critical that we can act quickly to help you and ensure the community is safe,� he said. “Try to pass on as much information as possible including the time and location of the attack plus a description of the dog and people involved.� Labor pledged to review Victoria’s restricted dog laws and a parliamentary inquiry will be carried out into breed-specific laws before winning state government late last year. Dog attack victims, the RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary Association will be invited to make submissions. Paws Behaviour Dog Training expert
Jennifer Wilcox said “dog attacks happen all the time.� The Carrum dog trainer said “you don’t read about them in the paper unless a person is seriously injured or animal is killed.� “Yes, it’s sometimes hard to track down owners and not all dogs are registered. So, why if we have tougher laws against so called ‘dangerous’ dogs, are we still seeing so many attacks?� Ms Wilcox said some dog owners are not taking responsibility for their pets’ actions. “Laws alone will not resolve this problem. Action must be taken by our government leaders to ensure councils have the resources, training and man-
power to prevent dog attacks,� she said. “Councils must follow through on community complaints, enforce leash laws and identify dogs that are potentially dangerous before they cause injury and suffering.� Ms Wilcox has recent experience of a dog attack on her two dogs while walking them on-leash in Carrum last weekend. She said “a large Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute� attacked her dogs “without warning�. The incident has been reported to Kingston Council. Dog attack victims should contact Kingston Council on 1300 653 356.
KINGSTON Toy Library has reopened for this year and staffmembers are keen to continue bringing fun and play to local children. The library offers affordable access to a wide range of toys, games, puzzles and play equipment to assist in the educational development of preschool children aged up to six. The library at 2B Lewis St, Mordialloc, is open Mondays and Fridays 9.3011am and Saturday 10am-1pm. See kingstontoylibrary.com.au for further details.
Business survey KINGSTON Council’s Economic Development team is conducting an online survey of local business women - from small business owners through to multi-national employees - to hear their ideas on ways council can support them. The results will help set the agenda for the Kingston Business Women’s Network for 2015. Survey topics include social media, business planning, e-commerce and work/life balance and workshop format preferences. Complete the short survey before Friday 20 February at kingston.vic. gov.au/business
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LAST FEW UNITS SELLING NOW Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 4 February 2015
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