School readies for buildings but MP doubts funding MOOROODUC Primary principal Peter Quigley is getting ready to choose architects for a new teacher resource centre and administration block funded by a $1 million grant allocated in the recent state budget. “The $1 million is certain,” he said. “It is to be fully funded within the next months. We have done quite well.” However, Mornington MP David Morris doubts that the full amount needed for the new buildings will come through. “Promises have been made to a great many schools, the projects promised far exceed the funds available. Let’s hope Moorooduc is not one of them ... but the fact remains there is no money specifically for Moorooduc in the budget.” Mr Quigley says Moorooduc Primary had been “neglected by governments for the past 50 years – now we are catching up”. “We received $300,000 for a water treatment facility in 2012 and $759,000 last year to refurbish six classrooms and a library - work which will be finished in a fortnight. And now we have received $1 million in the budget to choose architects for the resource centre and administration block.” The money was contained in the
state budget’s $207 million Education – School Upgrades fund to renovate, refurbish and rebuild 46 schools - with 19 other schools funded for maintenance and planning projects. “Both Osborne Primary School and Mornington Primary School were promised rebuilds by the Brumby government, but they were never funded,” Mr Morris said. “The tactic was to get architects in, get the plans drawn, but not fund the construction. “I notice Mr Quigley says they have money for architects, I hope this is not an indication this government is going down the same path.” Mr Morris said the previous Coalition government in 2014 announced funding of $759,000 to update the school’s ageing infrastructure. “As this month’s budget papers clearly show, works to the value of $58,000 was undertaken in the current financial year, $571,000 is scheduled for 2015-16, with the balance of the project to be completed in 2016-17. “There is no new project for Moorooduc Primary School, and the only existing project was funded by the Coalition in 2014. Not one additional cent has been allocated in the coming year.” Stephen Taylor
Taking control to change life for the better FORMER police officer turned business and life coach Ruth Cyster-Stuettgen wants women to know they can have a bright future no matter how dark the present can be. The mother-of-three has turned her life around after leaving an abusive situation and has written a book called From Misery to Mastery: Journey to Freedom and Empowerment as a guide for anyone who has “ever felt lost, helpless or scared of what your life has become”. She hopes the book can find an audience with “women who are suffering in silence behind closed doors” and give women tips and strategies to empower themselves to make a change. “The reason why I wanted to write the book was to use it as a tool for myself to heal and to be a voice for other women going through the same thing.” The book includes practical exercises to enable women to forgive themselves for tolerating abusive situations due to feeling isolated before seeking support. The author’s own life has been a journey to seek freedom from oppression. In the early 1980s her family left South Africa and moved to Australia. “We left to basically escape the Apartheid regime and have a better life in Australia,” she said. After studying for a degree at La Trobe University, Ms Cyster-Stuettgen joined Victoria Police and spent time living in Germany after leaving the force. Despite an outwardly happy disposition and life, she said appearances can be deceiving.
Strong advice: Ruth Cyster-Stuettgen has written a book she believes can help women navigate themselves away from unhappy and abusive domestic situations. Picture: Yanni
“There are so many women out there in an abusive situation who don’t appear to be going through things like that and that’s a dangerous thing. “Try to be strong enough to step out and create of seek help from support systems to not have to be scared of consequences of speaking out.” Ms Cyster-Stuettgen used to attend domestic violence incidents during her time in the police force and she believes the way authorities in the legal system deal with such cases has improved since the 1980s. “Decide that enough is enough, and take control of your life – move to-
wards one of peace, love and success, for yourself and your family.” From Misery to Mastery: Journey to Freedom and Empowerment published by Busybird Publishing will be officially launched at Petersen’s Bookstore, 103 High St, Hastings on Sunday 14 June, 3-5pm with special guest Rose Batty, domestic violence campaigner and Australian of the Year. Entry is free. Light refreshments will be provided. Call Ruth Cyster-Stuettgen on 0432 441 146 or see ruthstuettgen.com.au for further details. Neil Walker
UNIT 75 385,000*
$
2 1 1
Mornington News 9 June 2015
PAGE 9