NEWS DESK Picture: Gary Sissons
Youth workers told to stick to the script A REVIEW into a presentation by Kingston Youth Services at Parkdale Secondary College has been completed. A statement from Kingston Council read “the review found that the presentation included a short activity that - while it was not intended to shame the students, to make them feel uncomfortable or to be malicious in any way - was unwise and an error of judgement. The activity asked students, if they were comfortable, to stand if they were white, straight males from Christian influenced households and told they belong to a group that holds the most privilege in this world. When some students clapped this statement, the presenter responded with an unscripted off-thecuff comment ‘no, that’s not what
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we’re doing here. The problem with having the most privilege is you’re also the biggest oppressor’.” After the program was presented, Kingston councillors were confronted over the issue by a man at a public council meeting. A first-person video of the stunt was uploaded to the Youtube page of a far-right extremist and convicted criminal once described by the state government as a “neo-Nazi sympathiser”. The man was swiftly removed from the meeting, and has since been jailed for unrelated matters. Kingston Council interim CEO Tim Tamlin said “the intention of our diversity and inclusion program has always been to bring people together, so everyone is included, heard and understood. The independent review
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
16 June 2021
found the positive intent of the hourlong presentation was unfortunately lost due to a one-minute unscripted section. We will be taking immediate steps recommended under the review to prevent this from occurring again.” The review recommended increased supervision of presentation content, the creation of a list of guiding principles such as “treating all individuals with respect, being tolerant of all beliefs and values, refraining from singling out any particular groups such as gender, race, religion, gender identity, and avoiding jargon and complex words”, considering any issues that might arise and designing the program with care, and working from a script “particularly on controversial issues to ensure consistent messaging and quality control”.
Parkrun approved PARKRUN events will soon begin in Frankston. The popular weekly program brings people together for running events across the country. A five kilometer run on the perimeter path of the Seaford wetlands and also through the Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve is expected to start soon, pending Melbourne Water approval. Parks Victoria, which manages the Frankston reserve, has approved the event. Parkruns are held at 414 locations nationwide including the Cascades on Clyde Wetlands, Rosebud, the Hastings foreshore, and more. Frankston councillor Claire Harvey said “this will be an exciting addition to the recreational opportunities available to our community. We expect it to be a well-run event that can build healthy habits among people of all ages who may not otherwise be engaged with organised sport, and contribute significantly to wellbeing.” “Parkrun has shown itself to be a socially responsible organisation, so I expect it will work closely with council to provide more – or more suitable – locations in the future should these groups outgrow these ecologically sensitive areas.”
More cash for tourists A FOURTH round of travel vouchers will be available soon in an effort to boost regional tourism. The scheme has proved popular so far, with vouchers usually being swept up within moments of their release. The latest round of vouchers will be valued at $200 each. Around 80,000 are expected to be released.
Tourism minister Martin Pakula said “travel vouchers provide a terrific incentive for Victorians to explore their own backyard and we know from recent experience that they will be popular.” Acting Premier James Merlino said “the effort to combat this outbreak makes a call on all of us – and we know that means a significant pause in the steady recovery being experienced in our tourism sector, especially across regional Victoria. We have backed business with announcements over the past seven days and today we’re showing regional tourism businesses and their workers that we understand the pressures they face.” A release date for the next round of vouchers is yet to be confirmed. For more information visit vic.gov.au/ regional-travel-voucher-scheme
Sensational senior awards NOMINATIONS for the 2021 Victorian senior of the year awards have opened. Categories include the Premier’s award for Victorian senior of the year, the promotion of multiculturalism award, the healthy and active living award, the veteran community award, and the ageing well award. Victorian disability, ageing and carers minister Luke Donnellan said the awards are “our opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions senior Victorians make to our state.” Nominees will receive a certificate acknowledging their contributions, and winners will be honoured at Government House during the Victorian Seniors Festival in October. First Nations people over age 50 and other people over age 60 are eligible to be nominated. Nominations close 9 July. Visit seniorsonline.vic. gov.au/awards for more information.