Shanaye’s rural career start Catchment recruits to key role

Shanaye graduated from La Trobe University Bendigo last month and wanted to practice in a rural community.

“I grew up in Nhill, I like country life,” she said last week.

Shanaye will be working with Inglewood and Districts Health Service patients and clients living with chronic disease, using exercise and lifestyle recommendations to help them maintain a quality of life.

Also joining IDHS last week was cardiopulmonary nurse Michaela Murray.

Michaela said providing a cardiopulmonary outpatient service would reduce travel and improve access for people in the area.

She will run eight-week programs for patients recovering from heart attacks or with cardiovascular or respiratory lung diseases.

“People will be able to access services locally instead of travelling,” she said.

New RAT kit rollout drops eligibility requirements

LODDON Shire will be part of an expanded State Government offer of free rapid antigen tests.

The program, announced by the Government last week, will see local councils distribute the RAT packs.

A shire spokesperson said:

“Council is currently in the process of organising delivery of the tests and arranging distribution sites, after which further information will be provided to the community as to where residents can pick up the free RATs.”

The Government said all Vic- torians would be eligible to pick up two free packets of RATs through their local council to help with early detection and treatment of COVID-19.

“Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests,” the Government said.

The Government said previous eligibility requirements for free RATs had been removed.

NORTH Central Catchment Management Authority has started the search for a new member on its strategic direction committee.

The board sub-committee role has input on the authority’s regional catchment strategy for managing land, water, and biodiversity.

The committee also supports the development of the authority’s climate change action plan, North Central river health strategy 2005, North Central floodplain management strategy 20182028 and business development strategy.

Board member Richard Carter said the committee played an important role shaping the authority’s response to natural resource management.

“We’re looking for a community member who has an interest in wanting to see the environmental assets of the region improved and can think broadly and strategically,” he said.

“They don’t have to be an expert or have a big list of qualifications. They just need to care and want to contribute to the way their region is managed. We’d love someone from the region who will build on the diversity of views around the table.”