Waiting and watching

By CHRIS EARL

TAMMY Martin is watching playful son Charlie out of one eye as she runs the local butcher shop with husband Cam.

The days of Charlie contented with toys in the playpen are over. The typical 20-month-old toddler wants to be on the move.

It’s a speed of growth that Tammy wishes could be matched by governments in ending the child care desert across the Loddon Shire.

“Charlie comes into the shop with us four days a week - 8.30am to 5pm - when he could be with other kids at child care, exploring a young person’s world,” said Tammy.

Two years ago, Tammy and other young mothers in Wedderburn began their campaign to bring child care to local communities.

There have been promises, commitments but Tammy says: “We’re still waiting.”

“I don’t understand why we can’t have what the rest of the state has just because we are in the bush. We are being treated differently to city people.”

Charlie was still to be born when more than a dozen local mums started their campaign.

Tammy fears he will be at school before a planned State Government-owned child care centre opens somewhere in the Loddon Shire in the next two to five years.

The young mums are annoyed that the State Government’s site selection process is playing one local town off against another.

“It’s not an ideal situation to feel as though you’re competing against other towns to prove you’re the most deserving of the golden egg, particularly when that golden egg is an essential service. It is reality that all towns need and deserve access to child care,” said Maddi Postle who with husband Adam is about to welcome their third child.

“One child care centre in Loddon is not a solution to the child care problem in Loddon, it is a so- lution for the town that it will be located in.

“All we can do is advocate for our local community and be a representative voice for all of the Wedderburn families that are in desperate need of child care access.

“For over two years, families in Wedderburn, with the support of Wedderburn College, have passionately campaigned, collected poignant data and impact statements, worked with members of parliament and secured land.

“We have had child care workers contact us, willing to seek employment locally and we have had families contact us to share their desire to move to Wedderburn once a child care solution is secured.

“We are ready to go and will continue to be a representative voice, in hope that there is a child care commitment for the Wedderburn families and local employees.”

Wedderburn College has had its offer of land for a child care centre on the table in an effort to end the crisis in Loddon.

“Child care should be like a doctor ... it’s essential,” said Tammy.

“We’re told that governments are making fees so that child care is more accessible. We just actually want to have child care.”

Loddon Shire Council last year used the federal election campaign to call for a new funding model that would provide special subsidies for businesses running child care in rural towns.

Council’s director community Wellbeing Wendy Gladman says: “The proposed early learning centre for Loddon Shire, which is anticipated to be ready for 2028, will be government-owned and government-run.

“Council’s role is to contribute local knowledge to the Victorian Government – including Loddon Shire’s unique geographic and demographic needs – as outlined in council’s 2020 child care feasibility study and business case.”

“Council has met with the Department of Education to provide advice and local knowledge around our communities.

“Council is supportive of all our communities in their advocacy for childcare in Loddon Shire”.

The State Government 12 months ago changed its policy and decided to enter the child care space.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett said: “While child care is a Common- wealth responsibility, we know many families can find it hard to find a place - that’s why the Victorian Government is stepping in to create 50 government-owned and operated child care centres in areas that need it most, including the Loddon Shire.

“The centres have been fully funded in the recent State Budget and I am looking forward to consultation with local government, service providers, and locals.”

Ms Haylett said child care supply was normally provided by a mix of non-profit, for-profit and local government providers.

“The Victorian Government has primary responsibility for kindergarten programs,” she said.

“This includes significant investment in new and expanded kindergarten infrastructure including kindergartens on school sites, in addition to the 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres, which will offer a mix of child care and kindergarten.

“The timeline for the construction and delivery of the future early learning centre in Loddon is subject to planning, approvals, and other variables.

“The department will work closely with local government, service providers and other stakeholders to identify an appropriate site in the Loddon Shire and deliver this new facility.”

Tammy, who is also president of Wedderburn Development Committee, says the demand for child care in Loddon communities will only grow.

“There are 23 kids at the local kindergarten this year and the majority of them have younger siblings,” she said.

Tammy said options for child care in adjoining areas were either limited or had evaporated.

There were no vacancies in St Arnaud and a centre built in Charlton has yet to welcome its first child after Buloke Shire was excluded from the Federal Government’s community child care fund.

“As with all other services, child care is in short supply in regional communities. This means parents who could be working, in the healthcare system as nurses for instance, are prevented from doing so for want of adequate child care,” said Mallee MP Anne Webster.

“This is a perverse situation when you consider how badly nurses – among a range of other professions across many sectorsare needed in the regions.”

Construction of the Charlton centre, funded by the State Government, was finished in June 2021 but since then a provider has been unable to be found.

“Families, regardless of where they live, ought to have equal access to quality child care services so they can contribute to the desperate workforce shortfalls across the nation, especially in regional towns,” said Dr Webster.

The child care sector in some parts of Australia has also been impacted by staff shortages.

But Maddi Postle, a qualified school teacher, believes the rural lifestyle of the Loddon will be a bonus in attracting staff for a child care centre.

“We believe the viability is here in Wedderburn for a child care centre. We don’t need more studies. We just want a place for our toddlers,” said Tammy.

Barbara Loretta Weaver

25.1.1938 – 27.5.2023

Loretta passed away peacefully on Saturday morning 27th May 2023 with her family by her side.

Dearly beloved wife of Barry.

Much adored mother of Louise, Jane, Rachael and Bronwyn.

Affectionate mother-in-law to Peter Ellis, Craig (dec) and Peter Mews.

Treasured sister of James (dec), Stanley (dec) and Brenda and sister-in-law to Lal (dec), Marle (dec), Norman (dec) and Elaine.

Much loved Grandma to Evie, Jethro, Elliott and Llewyn. The family are so grateful for the wonderful care offered to Loretta by the staff at Maldon Hospital.

A private memorial service will be held for Loretta tomorrow (Friday)11.00am.

You are welcome to join us via livestream. For details please visit Loretta’s tribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Maldon Bicycles

are offering the residents of Inglewood and surrounding area a free pick up/ drop off service for bicycle repairs.

Basic services $65.00. Also buying and selling vintage bicycles

Our workshop is located at 4/8 High Street Maldon.

Phone or text Glen 0499 876 594

Email ballingerglen@y7mail.com

To Let - Dingee

A vacancy has occurred in the Loddon Shire Council Elderly Persons Units located in Grevillea Court, King Street, Dingee.

The unit comprises:

 open plan kitchen and living area

 two separate bedrooms with built in robes

 large storage cupboard

 separate laundry and bathroom

 reverse cycle heating/cooling

 oor and window coverings throughout

 single car garage

Rental: $202.00 per fortnight

Applications close: Monday 26 June, 2023

Application forms:

Please contact Council on (03) 5494 1200 or via email at loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au to request an application form or download one from Council’s website: https://www. loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Servicesfor-our-older-residents-and-people-withdisabilities/Housing-for-seniors

For further information or to arrange an inspection please contact Council’s Acting Community Care Coordinator, Lisa Dunn on (03) 5494 1200.

Employment

Employment

Home Care Support Worker (HCW)

An exciting opportunity for Home Care Support Workers (HCW) to join Boort District Health in a vibrant and supportive team.

About BDH

Boort District Health is located in Northern Victoria (75 minutes from the centre of Bendigo). We serve a diverse community in and around the district. We provide a range of services including residential aged care, acute inpatient care, transitional care, community and allied health services and home support program. We live by our Values: Integrity, Respect, Inclusivity and Collaboration. We care about our consumers and our sta members.

Why work with us?

 Flexible working arrangements.

 Attractive pay, salary packaging bene ts for more take home pay.

 Opportunity for professional development.

 Employee wellbeing services.

 Be part of a friendly and supportive team.

Key Selection criteria for HCW

 Certi cate III in Aged Care, Disability or Home and Community Care or equivalent

 Experience or strong interest in working with aged people

 Ability to work e ciently and e ectively without direct supervision

 Experience in providing personal care and high-quality domestic assistance

Careers at Loddon

Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a di erence and help shape our future.

Inclusive Communities O cer- ref.J/201

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at our Wedderburn O ce with exible work location options available  Band 6 - $85,590.96 - $92,720.68 per annum plus employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 26 June 2023 at 5pm.

Maternal Child Health Nurse - Universal/ Enhanced – ref.J/220

 Part-time, xed term position (until June 2024)

 Based from our Serpentine O ce

 Maternal Child Health Nurse Level B Year 1 $110,065.28 per annum pro rata plus  employer superannuation

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 19 June 2023 at 5pm. For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s OrganisationDevelopment Unit on (03) 5494 1200.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Pups, 3 M, purebred (no papers) Black, Tan and Tri colours. Ready to go - microchipped, vaccinated, wormed ead. Horsham.

1985141005201475

985141003955788, 956

Source # MB113692

$2250 - Phone 0409 498 729

 Good communication skills and high level of customer service

 Understanding of the needs of older people, carers and people with disabilities

 Ability to engage clients and work in partnership with them to achieve their goals

 Utilizing a re-enablement approach.

 Current Victorian Driver’s License

 Immunization requirement as per BDH sta immunization policy

Applications closes COB Monday 19 June 2023

To apply please submit your resume and cover letter addressing key selection criteria to employment@bdh.vic.gov.au

For further information please call Mubarak Meera Sahib, Director of Clinical Services on 5451 5200 or email Mohammed.MeeraSahib@bdh.vic.gov.au or visit www.bdh.vic.gov.au

BDH is an equal opportunity employer. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory Police and Working with Children Check. www.bdh.vic.gov.au

Agistment Wanted

Agistment for 100 sheep in exchange for fencing, plumbing or maintenance

Salisbury West area

Phone Neil 0417353929

North Central Juniors

BEST - Boort: C. Gould, C. Gooding, F. Arnold, M. Young, C. McNally. St Arnaud: A. Lowe, J. Batters, B. Donald, C. Hendy, S. Kay, N. Ezard.

GOALS - Wedderburn: J. Thomas. Nullawil: T. Vearing 6, C. Poyner, H. Humphreys 3, N. Harrison 2.

BEST - Wedderburn: T. Lovett, B. Cramp, J. Thomas, B. Mansell, B. Turnbull. Nullawil: T. Vearing, H. Humphreys, C. Poyner, D. Poyner.

GOALS - Wedderburn: T. Lowe, R. Whyman. Nullawil: M. Fawcett, T. Perry 3, T. Vearing 2, A. O’Toole, L. Cooper, H. Humphreys, W. Gilchrist.

BEST - Wedderburn: D. Caruana, J. Luckman, T. Lovett, O. Huismann. Nullawil: M. Fawcett, L. Cooper, T. Perry, W. Gilchrist, R. Hogan.

GOALS: Not supplied.

BEST - Boort: L. Hall, R. Wagner, M. Beattie, S. Toose, H. Malone. St Arnaud: A. Wickham, O. Lowe, R. Bigmore, T. Funston, S. Bridgeman, J. Needs.

Boort’s Jack Potter, Max Beattie, Sam Toose and Lachlan Hall along with Wedderburn’s Travis Lowe were members of the North Central under 16 football academy team that played a combined Central Murray-Golden Rivers side under lights at Boort on Friday night. North Central’s best player was Jeswin Daniel (Birchip Watchem) in the match won by the visitors.