By The People, For The People
EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021
Local News 7 new COVID cases
■ There were 14 cases notified in regional Victoria on Saturday (Sep. 18) – seven in Mitchell Shire, two in Geelong, two in Surf Coast, one in Ballarat, one in Bass Coast, one in Moorabool. The following Local Government Areas recorded more than one newly diagnosed case on Saturday: ■ 10 cases in Banyule ■ 3 cases in Bayside ■ 2 cases in Boroondara ■ 14 cases in Brimbank ■ 9 cases in Cardinia ■ 16 cases in Casey ■ 13 cases in Darebin ■ 7 cases in Glen Eira ■ 14 cases in Greater Dandenong ■ 17 cases in Hobsons Bay ■ 158 cases in Hume ■ 6 in Knox ■ 4 cases in Manningham ■ 3 cases in Maribyrnong ■ 10 cases in Melbourne ■ 16 cases in Melton ■ 4 cases in Monash ■ 13 cases in Moonee Valley ■ 40 cases in Moreland ■ 3 cases in Nillumbik ■ 6 cases in Port Phillip ■ 67 cases in Whittlesea ■ 40 cases in Wyndham ■ 2 cases in Yarra ■ 3 cases in Yarra Ranges. Of the COVID-19 patients in hospital on Saturday, 87 per cent are not vaccinated and 12 per cent are partially vaccinated. One per cent of people were fully vaccinated. - Department of Health, and local health professionals
Latest sites listed
■ The Department of Health has issued listings of the newest public exposure sites: ■ Epping. Goodstart Early Learning Epping Pacific Epping, 571-583 High St. Tier 1. ■ Lalor. High Street Collision Repair Centre, 434/436 High St. Tier 2. ■ Mernda. Mernda YMCA Early Learning Centre, 2 Goulburn St. Tier 2. ■ Mill Park. Mill Park Primary School. 2/ 10 Blamey Ave. Tier 2. ■ Mill Park. Mill Park Superclinic, 250 Childs Rd. Tier 2. ■ Thomastown. Thomastown West Primary School, 98-112 Main St. Tier 1. A full list of public exposure sites appeared in the September 19 issue of Local People. - Department of Health, and local health professionals
More clinics please
■ The City of Whittlesea is urgently calling on the State Government for more localised vaccination centres as local infection numbers continue to rapidly rise. Recent vaccination data released by the Commonwealth has highlighted the alarmingly low vaccination rates in the City of Whittlesea. Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the City of Whittlesea has the fifth lowest vaccination rate in the state. “Our community, local CALD community leaders and our multifaith networks have thrown their support behind the vaccination campaign but we are just not getting the numbers through the doors of the mass vaccination sites. It is clear we need a different approach for our multicultural community,” she said. - Whittlesea City Council
SNAP LOCKDOWN FOR MITCHELL
● Mitchell Shire Council offices at Broadford. ■ Mitchell Shire will enter a seven-day becoming red zones – except for Albury, which lockdown commencing at 11.59pm on Sun- is in lockdown. If you live in the cross-border community – and you haven’t left the crossday (Sep. 19). Rrestrictions will be the same as those in border area or you haven’t been in an Extreme the City of Ballarat and metropolitan Risk Zone any time in the previous 14 days – you can cross the border and enter Victoria Melbourne, excluding the curfew. Prof. Brett Sutton, Chief Medical Officer, without a permit for any reason. People who have been in an Extreme Risk has declared similar lockdowns for the City of Zone – such as Albury – in the previous 14 Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast. Caseloads in Greater Geelong and days are still required to obtain a Cross-Border Mitchell Shire have increased in recent days, Community – Extreme Risk Zone permit and with 17 and 15 active cases in these Local travel only for permitted reasons should they Government Areas respectively as of last Sat- wish to enter or re-enter Victoria. Limited exemptions and exceptions, and other valid perurday (September 18). A further two new cases in Geelong, two mits, apply. For more info on restrictions, visit on the Surf Coast and seven new cases in Mitchell Shire were confirmed in Sunday www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronaviruscovidsafe-settings. For more info on morning’s numbers. Under lockdown restrictions, Mitchell Shire Victoria’s travel permit system, visit won’t be able to leave home other than for www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victoriannecessary goods and services, caregiving or travel-permit-system. Premier Daniel Andrews said: “If you’re in compassionate reasons (including medical care and getting a COVID-19 test), authorised work Geelong, Surf Coast or Mitchell Shire, folor permitted education, exercise and outdoor low the restrictions, get tested if you have social interaction in limited groups, and get- symptoms, and get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Regional communities have overcome ting a COVID-19 vaccine. Those residents can also leave home to visit outbreaks before – and this will be no differtheirintimate partner or single social bubble ent.” Martin Foley, State Minister for Health, buddy. Shopping, exercise and outdoor social in- said: “We know that communities along the teraction will be limited to 10km from theuir border have seen a lot of changes to the syshome. Masks will be mandatory indoors and tem, but it’s good news that most border resioutdoors – and there will still be no visitors dents will be able to use the permit exception that used to be in place – and additionally, allowed to the home. Mitchell Shire resident have four hours a many Victorians who have been in regional day for exercise and outdoor social interac- New South Wales will now be able to come tion. They can meet with one other person, or home to isolate in Victoria.” - Department of Health, up to four others from two households if all and local health professionals present have received two vaccine doses. Dependants can also join you. The Chief Health Officer has also declared that 66 Local Government Areas in NSW, plus Jervis Bay, will move from an Extreme Risk ■ Police are appealing for public assisZone to a Red Zone under Victoria’s travel tance to help locate Adam Lewis. permit system. The 47-year-old is wanted on outstand“This will help Victorians who have only ing warrants relating to bail, traffic, and been in these areas to come home, where they drug related offences. need to isolate for 14 days and get tested reguHe is known to frequent the Millgrove, larly. The areas changing are those which are Wadin North and Kilsyth areas. not in lockdown and are listed here: Lewis is Caucasian, about 174cm tall, www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/limitedwith a medium build, short brown hair, hazel restrictions,” said a Government represeneyes and a fair complexion. tative. - Victoria Police All LGAs on the NSW-Victorian border are
Where is Adam?
Local News Cautionary step at Kinglake Hotel
■ The Kinglake Pub may have become a Tier 1 site, the owners confirm. In an online statement, the proprietors noted: “As some of you have heard the pub is a possible Tier 1 Covid site. “[This] means that a person who has been confirmed as having the COVID virus attended at the Hotel. “We are told it was between 11am and 1pm, Saturday, September 11. Again not confirmed. “We cannot confirm this until it appears on the DHHS website under exposure sites. “We are closing the pub until further notice until we can get some clarity. Worst case scenario is we will not be able to reopen until Sunday, September 26. “If the case is confirmed then we will be in quarantine until then. “ For those people who attended at the pub you will obviously be contaced through the QR code reporting. “In the meantime please dont call as we are closed. We will keep everyone updated.” - Kinglake Hotel
Roadblocks ahead
■ “Victorian businesses wanted a pathway to prosperity, but instead we got a roadmap with roadblocks,” said Paul Guerra, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive. “Victorians deserve answers as to why Victoria’s health advice and roadmap is so different to NSW. It is extremely tough to look over the border and see our NSW neighbours get back to relatively normal life while we continue to be locked down in a holding pattern. “The State Government must urgently commit to additional financial support for the many businesses that remain in limbo and do more to incentivise vaccination, such as public health orders to mandate vaccination for workers in all consumer-facing sectors. “Business has been in crisis for the last 20 months, today’s announcement further intensifies that crisis and many businesses will not make it through.” - Paul Guerra
Eltham comments
■ The Victorian Government is upgrading the Eltham train substation. The site upgrade will make it ready for bushfire protection technology, which is being installed on the electricity network. Works will include the construction of a retaining wall between the new building and the road/footpath. The Government is inviting the community to provide feedback on the external characteristics of the retaining wall. To have your say, go to the Engage Victoria website. - Nillumbik Shire Council
Broadford ideas
■ Eleven community members presented to Mitchell Shire Councillors at a special Questions and Hearings Committee. CEO Brett Luxford said: "Consultation for the Broadford Structure Plan has been widespread," he said. “We have received over 70 individual submissions and had 11 people present at our last Community Questions and Hearings Committee Meeting.” - Mitchell Shire Council
Page 2 - The Local Paper - Monday, September 20, 2021
Local News W’sea wants more
■ “We urgently need more local vaccination options especially through the Lalor, Thomastown, Epping-Wollert corridor,” says Lydia Wilson, City of Whittlesea Chief Administrator. “We know our community is having difficulty navigating the booking system for the State-run sites. More localised walk-up options would make it so much easier for our CALD community and other local residents to access a vaccination. “We recognise the incredible effort of the State and Federal Governments to curb transmission of COVID-19 and boost vaccination rates. This week I have written to the Premier to offer Council’s support for a more localised rollout and I urge the State Government to take up the offer,” Ms Wilson said. - Whittlesea City Council
Readers required
■ Nillumbik Shire Council is seeking readers to be part of the volunteer reading teams that read entries and create shortlists for the Nillumbik Prize Contemporary Writing 2022. Reading is a way to contribute to the success of the Nillumbik Prize. Participants will be part of one of our teams of passionate readers. Lovers of literature, keen to support literature Nillumbik, in a supportive team environment, ware sought. Entries for the Prize close in November, and the reading period runs from November 9 to January 10, with reader team meetings later in January. Those who would like to be involved should send an email to artsinfo@ nillumbik.vic.gov.au with the subject heading NPCW reading groups. Applicants are asked to Include a little about themselves as a reader, and if tehy have a preference for ‘short story’ or ‘poetry’, if there’s one of those categories they don’t wish to read for, and if they would be interested in reading for both categories. For more information call Arts Development Officer, Richard Holt, on 0414 359 001. - Whittlesea City Council
Leaders’ workshop
■ Aspiring young leaders who dream of representing their community can take the first step at a special school holiday workshop exploring the concept of civic leadership. The City of Whittlesea is teaming with the Centre for Multicultural Youth to run the free workshop, which will cover topics such as enrolling to vote, how to run for local government and how to have their voice heard to make a positive change in the community. Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the workshop would be a valuable event for young people who might be interested in one day running for local, state or federal government. “If you’re a young person who’s ever dreamed of representing your community as a councillor, or even a politician, this workshop will give you some practical tips on where to begin,” Ms Wilson said. “It will also teach you how to have your voice heard and make a difference in the community, which are valuable skills for all young people. “We look forward to one day perhaps seeing participants representing their community as City of Whittlesea councillors.” Topics explored at the workshop will include: ■ What is Civic Leadership? And how can you be a part of it? ■ Young people running for local election – the who, what, when, where and how. ■ Mock elections and understanding the systems The workshop will run via Zoom on Thursday, September 30, from 1.30 – 4.30pm, and registration is essential. For more information visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/civicleadership - Whittlesea City Council
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Local People: 2
Some RidgeWalk paths re-open ■ Yarra Ranges Council has been working closely with Parks Victoria to reopen several walking tracks associated with RidgeWalk after the June storm event brought down hundreds of trees in the area. The Dandenong Ranges National Park was heavily impacted by the storm, with 373 hectares of land within the park affected by downed trees and branches needing to be cleared. This equates to around 10 per cent of the park being flattened by the storm, with a number of the proposed tracks for RidgeWalk being affected. As debris clearing works continue, more of these much loved walking tracks are being reopened to the community, providing a key link between local townships in the area and giving those lucky enough to live within a place to get some exercise within the current COVID19 restrictions. Once all trails are made safe, assessments will be made to determine any damage associated to the existing tracks and what further repairs may need to be made as a result. Chandler Ward Councillor and Deputy
● Cr David Eastham, Deputy Mayor
Mayor, David Eastham, said he was excited to see the project continuing to take shape. “It’s been a tough time for our community with the impacts of the June 9 storm on the back of multiple COVID-19 lockdowns,” Cr Eastham said. “RidgeWalk is a project that the community can really look forward to after recent challenges and I think it will be something that really benefits the health and wellbeing of everyone who comes to check it out. “There are a number of exciting opportunities coming up that will allow for local artists and community members to really help shape the look and feel of RidgeWalk, and ensure that it represents the cultural history and current occupants of the area.” RidgeWalk runs through most areas of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, stretching from suburbs such as Mt Evelyn, Kalorama and Montrose, all the way through to Kallista, Belgrave and Upper Ferntree Gully. RidgeWalk is a $9.8 million project. - Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Premier reveals Roadmap ■ Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews made this announcement on Sunday (Sep. 19): “These past 20 months have been incredibly hard on all Victorians. We have missed our loved ones and doing the things we love, all the while buying time for people to get vaccinated,” Mr Andrews said. “Opening up too soon – before people had the chance to get the jab – would mean our hospital system simply could not cope and catastrophic numbers of Victorians would become seriously unwell. “However, as more and more Victorians get that protection, we move to the next phase of the pandemic and we have the opportunity to open up. The path to being open again will be difficult – but essential to moving forward as a state. “Victoria’s new Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan released today sets us on a hopeful path to opening while also preserving our health system and ensuring Victorians can still get the healthcare they need, when they need it most. “The Roadmap has been developed based on expert modelling from the Burnet Institute and is set against COVID-19 thresholds including hospitalisation rates, and the vaccination targets already set out in the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response. “The modelling has helped our public health teams get a picture of what our hospitalisation rates could look like while cases are still rising and develop trigger points to indicate if the system is becoming overstretched – allowing time to implement further health measures and protect it from becoming overwhelmed. “While we’re no longer aiming for COVID zero, it’s imperative we don’t jeopardise our health system as we open up – too many Victorians rely on it every day. “The COVID-19 thresholds detailed in the Roadmap will be important measures to maintain as we move through the different stages in order to safeguard the health system. There will be a “guard rail” system in place, which will allow our public health team to adjust restrictions if hospital admissions become too high. “The Burnet modelling also shows that the key to opening up and reducing risk in Victoria will be making sure workers across the state are vaccinated. “To help ensure this, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer will assess vaccination requirements for all authorised workers in Victoria. These requirements and potential deadlines will be assessed progressively as the Chief Health Officer considers each sector. There are already vaccine requirements for aged care, construction, and freight workforces.
● Danierl Andrews, Premier “Following the recommendation from AHPPC to National Cabinet, we can confirm that healthcare workers will be the next workforce to have vaccination become a requirement to work. Healthcare workers will need to have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by October 15 or provide evidence that they have an appointment to be vaccinated before November 1 to continue working. “The next workforce group prioritised for assessment will be school staff and childcare staff. We will also have more to say soon about Victoria Police and disability worker vaccinations requirements. “As we reach 70 per cent and 80 per cent double dose vaccination targets, the Roadmap lists certain venues for opening – but only on the condition that all eligible attendees to the venue are vaccinated. “While we remain constrained by Pfizer vaccine supply from the Commonwealth, the Moderna vaccine will start being delivered through pharmacies this week, more GPs will have access to Pfizer and we’ll continue to do everything we can to prioritise vaccination those who need it – and make access to vaccinations as easy as possible for all Victorians. “As we’ve flagged before, there will come a time when Victorians who choose not to get
vaccinated will be left behind – that time has now been firmly set in the Roadmap. “When Victoria reaches 70 per cent double dose vaccination, changes will include an increase in numbers for public gatherings outdoors, funerals, weddings and religious gatherings – with larger caps for people who are fully vaccinated. “Creative studios, amusement parks, entertainment venues and hospitality will also reopen with patron cap and density limits but only to people who are fully vaccinated. “There is very little precedence in Australia for fully vaccinated events, which is why the Government will conduct trials to support businesses as much as possible in the lead up to transitioning to a ‘vaccinated economy’ in this state, and ensure we have the right systems in place. “Both one-off events and specific venues will be considered – with businesses permitted to operate with higher patron caps if all staff and patrons provide evidence of full vaccination. Areas in regional Victoria with highest vaccination rates and no COVID-19 cases will be the first to be considered for these trials. “Proof of vaccination options will also be part of the trials. The Service Victoria app will be integrated with a Medicare Certificate that shows proof of vaccination and other proof of vaccination options may also trialled to determine what works best for both businesses and patrons. “Another key part of the Roadmap when we hit 70 per cent double dose vaccination, getting more activities outside is a key part of keeping us safe and slowing case numbers. We want to see retail shopping in laneways and fitness classes in our parks. “Based on the overwhelming success of last Summer’s Outdoor Dining program, we will be looking to provide additional funding to councils and businesses to get even more activities outside and more details will be released about this soon. For the final phase of the Roadmap, we will wait for more details to be developed as part of the National Plan as we move beyond 80 per cent double dose vaccination rates and we will update Victorians on that final phase in coming weeks. “We know how important getting to the end of the year and being able to celebrate Christmas will be for so many. That’s why we are working towards having 30 visitors to the home by late December – and with travel across both interstate and international borders open again, many families will be able to reunite. So, if you are yet to book your vaccination, now is the time. In our state clinics there are 4796 AstraZeneca appointments and 9076 Pfizer appointments available over the next week. Victorians can also book through their trusted GP or local pharmacist. More than ever, the best vaccine is the vaccine that’s available today,” Mr Andrews said.
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The Local Paper - Monday, September 20, 2021 - Page 3
Local People: 3
Recipe for disaster: Law ■ Felicity Law of Kinglake Friends of the Forest says that a cake competition has seen the Federal Environment Minister, Sussan Ley, with egg on her face. The people’s choice entry illustrates Ms Ley’s government’s failure to stop threatened species decline, Ms Law said. More than 700 people across Australia baked cakes and cookies to participate in the national ‘Threatened Species Bakeoff’. A protest entry by Ms Law cooked up a storm on Twitter and overwhelmingly won the people’s choice on Facebook. Law’s “logging coupe-cake” depicts a dead and bloodied Greater Glider sprawled on a destroyed forest made from crumbled flake bars, chocolate mud, and raw sugar. In a second Twitter post Ms Law showed the cake being set on fire, representing the post-logging burns that further degrade habitat and quite literally cook surviving wildlife. “A cake competition is a manifestly inadequate response to the extinction crisis by our Federal Environment Department,” says Ms Law. “ We don’t need governments to raise more
● Ms Law’s winning entry.
awareness, we need effective environment laws. Threatened Species need habitat, so why do Federal and State Laws enable endless logging and land clearing? “Why have the recommendations from the Samuel Review of the EPBC Act not been implemented or even responded to? This cake competition is a crumby way to sugar coat the issue.” In a surprise announcement this month, the Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan announced that WA will be ending native forest logging by early 2024. “Our native forests are unique, beautiful and important, particularly in the fight against climate change. And today we’ve announced our plan to end the logging of our native forests,” Mr McGowan was quoted to say. The announcement has been welcomed by conservation groups and predictably lambasted by those with vested interests in the logging industry. Across the country state governments are coming under increasing pressure to make similar commitments to rapidly end native forest logging, Ms Law said. - Kinglake Friends of the Forest
Indi MP says she is optimistic
■ Indi MHR Helen Haines says she welcomes the decision by the Australian Rail Track Corporation to listen to the community of Benalla on the inland rail project. The options for track realignment and a second platform at Benalla are on the table for the next stage of consultation. Dr Haines says she has been working closely with the town of Benalla, as well as Euroa, Glenrowan and Wangaratta, to ensure the best outcomes for each town on the inland rail project. The ARTC this month gave the proposed design visualisations to the Benalla Working Group, showing realigning the track and building a second platform was one of two options, with the other option being the expanded overpass. "I am cautiously optimistic about this latest development on the inland rail project," Dr Haines said. "This seems to show the ARTC is listening to the people of Benalla. After being told relocating the track would never happen, the option is now on the table and we can talk about how best to make it a reality." The North East leg of the Federal Government's $15.4 billion Inland Rail project requires major infrastructure works to for allow taller and heavier double-stacked trains
● Helen Haines, Indi MHR
to run on the North East line. There has been deep concern in towns in Indi along the rail line about what the works would mean for their towns, with strong opposition to large new overpasses to accommodate the doublestacked trains. "I have worked with the people of Benalla every step of the way on this journey, advocating for transparency and a proper commitment to community consultation and the best outcome," Dr Haines said. "It now appears the ARTC is listening and I hope this signals a new phase in the inland rail journey in the North East. The towns of Euroa, Glenrowan and Wangaratta are watching these developments closely in the hope that their wishes will also be taken into account." Former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack visited towns in Indi affected by inland rail at the invitation of Dr Haines, who wrote to new Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce inviting him to Indi to ensure he properly understood the needs of towns along the rail line. Communities along the rail line are energised to keep consulting with the ARTC on what inland rail means for their towns. "This is in no way the end of the line for the inland rail project in Benalla," Dr Haines said. - Sally Whyte
Snakes alive across North East ■ With the weather warming up, snakes are starting to emerge from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and search for food and a mate. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Senior Wildlife Management Officer, Therese Davis said: “Spring weather has brought some snakes out of hibernation across Victoria. “Snake species commonly found in North East Victoria include Tiger Snakes, Red-Bellied Black Snakes, Easter Brown Snakes and Copperhead Snakes. “Most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill a snake. “Snakes can be known to bite animals, such as dogs, if they feel threatened. If your dog or cat encounters a snake, the best course of action is to remove your pet from the area or tie it up while the snake passes and if you suspect your pet has been bitten take it to a vet immediately. “Snakes are more common around the urban fringe or in rural parts of Victoria, but they can also be found close to cities and towns, particularly around watercourses and parkland.” - Therese Davis
Local News Barber shop work
● The old barber shop in Church St, Whittlesea. ■ Whittlesea's Old Barber Shop is being renovated.is renovating the Old Barber Shop. Work is underway to realise the building’s historical value and significance. - Whittlesea Township Page
Dean at Powelly
■ Powelltown Football Netball Club has announced that Dean Roy will be returning in 2022. Dean had an injury interrupted season in 2021 but still managed to hit the score board and have a significant impact. - Powelltown Football Netball Club
Rec Cross alert
■ “As people continue to suffer the mental health effects of the pandemic, Red Cross is reminding that there are things they can do now to regain a sense of control, and prepare for the inevitable disasters ahead,” says Sue Cunningham, Director Australian Red Cross, Victoria. “New research by Australian Red Cross has found that two in five Australians’ mental health has been hit by COVID, and a similar number say they feel less hopeful about the future. Some 37 per cent feel less secure and safe. “This week is our annual campaign to encourage people to prepare for disasters, as the better prepared people are, the better their experience when a disaster hits. Better preparation also leads to a better recovery. “There are excellent resources on the Red Cross website www.redcross.org.au/ prepare including steps to create your own emergency plan, to download the Red Cross Get Prepared App, a survival kit, emergency contacts list, keepsake list, information to help manage stress and more. “With disaster season almost upon us, we strongly encourage people to start thinking now about how they will manage. Your mental health will be better for it.” - Sue Cunningham, Director, Australian Red Cross, Victoria
8 more weeks
■ Victorian businesses are left shattered with news that many will have to remain closed until Victoria hits the 80 per cent double COVID-19 vaccination target, which is about eight weeks away on current predictions. The Victorian Chamber has been advocating for a balanced and practical roadmap reflective of the National Cabinet Plan and Doherty Institute modelling, similar to that of NSW, they are ahead of us and they have determined that their model will enable them to open safely and effectively. Under Victoria’s Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan, announced on Sunday: At 80 per cent single vaccination (September 26): ■ Outdoor leisure activities such as golf and cricket permitted ■ Outdoor personal training for up to five fully vaccinated people permitted At 70 per cent double vaccination (October 26): ■ Reasons to leave home and curfew dropped ■ Strip shopping open for outside trade only In Regional Victoria only, hospitality venues can serve up to 30 vaccinated people inside - Local health professionals
Page 4 - The Local Paper - Monday, September 20, 2021
Electricity outage
■ Part of the City of Whittlesea was affected by a power supply outage yesterday (Sunday, September 19). Thomastown area residents reported that their electricity supply was cut in the early morning hours. Some 1847 connections were affected. - Thomastown 3074
Local News Thanks to these local contributors Local contributors include: ■ Ann Argent, Central Bowls Division. ■ Stephen Baker, Seymour Railway Heritage Centre. ■ Julie Blyth, Y Water Discovery Centre. ■ Liz Bower, Nanna’s Makers Market. ■ Laura Caine, Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House. ■ Beth Caldow, Shepparton Festival. ■ Meagan Callander, Middle Kinglake Primary School. ■ Bonnie Cavanagh, Broadford Football Netball Club. ■ Viv Cavanagh, Yea Bowls Club. ■ Gayle Cole, Kinglake Friends of the Forest. ■ Stuart Dale, Albert Edward Lodge, Alexandra Masonic Centre. ■ Paul Denham, Buxton CFA. ■ Holly Ditchfield, Eltham Jazz Festival. ■ Andrew Embling, Alexandra Truck Show. ■ Chrissy Eustace, Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges. ■ Patrick Evans, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ Hannah Graham, Green Wedge. ■ Sam Hicks, Fawcett Hall, Alexandra Indoor Pool. ■ Ryan Hurst, Kinglake Football Netball Club. ■ Alison Huth, YAPPERS, and Yea Arts. ■ Bev Johns, Kinglake. ■ Ross Malcolm, sports photographs. ■ Rhyll McCormack, Mountain Cattlemen. ■ Kelly McLeish, Yea CFA. ■ Shannon Mittrow, Alexandra SES. ■ Sara Murray, Alexandra Show. ■ Eden Elizabeth Nicholls, St Luke’s Anglican Church, Yea and Molesworth. ■ Alan Pell, Yea Golf Club. ■ Pam Petersen, Alexandra Christmas Tree Festival. ■ Brian Phillips, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ David Purcell, Healesville Amateur Race Club. ■ Peter Rice, UGFM - Radio Murrindindi. ■ Clinton Robinson, Kinglake Football Netball Club. ■ Sacred Heart Primary School, Yea. ■ Michaela Sargeant, Goulburn Valley Water. ■ Denis Smith, Yea St Pats Race Club. ■ Megan Smithwick, Whittlesea activities. ■ Ian Staff, Whittlesea Table Tennis, agricultural items. ■ Steels Creek Grapevine, newsletter. ■ Sarah Stevenson, Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club. ■ Ray Steyger, Alexandra Football Netball Club. ■ Jeffrey Swain, Yea-Kinglake RSL, Alexandra-Mansfield-Yea Legacy. ■ Cat Thomas, Upper Goulburn Landcare Network. ■ Heidi Twining, Victoria Police. ■ Nikki Vanderwerf, Alexandra District Health. ■ Iris Vrzovski, Bollygum Community Market. ■ Ash Walsh, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ Caroline Weeks, Murrindindi Beanie and Fibre Festival. ■ Peter Weeks, Alexandra SES. ■ Glenda Woods, Rotary Club of Yea.
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Local People: 4
Embassy of Ideas meets ■ An outdoors gtet-together was held at the Embassy of Ideas at Alexandra on Saturday (Sep. 18). “The rain held off and we were blessed with a sunny Spring afternoon which enabled us to gather outdoors to connect, share and learn together,” said an EOI representative. “We had a great turn out of people eager to make queen wasp traps. “It was a fabulous opportunity to meet other keen gardeners in the community who wish to be involved in creating a garden group and participate in regular garden working bees and gatherings. “Special thanks to Liz Baker for giving her time and talent to show us how to make wasp traps. “A shout out to EdenLibby Nicholls for providing homemade scones, jam and cream for afternoon tea - what a treat. “Thank you both for your contributions to making this a fun and fabulous afternoon. Keep an eye out for future EOI Garden 'N' Gather events.” - Embassy of Ideas
● Alexandra locals gathered at the Embassy of Ideas on Saturday.
Local kids can return home ■ Travel for boarding students and their families will become easier following the endorsement by National Cabinet of the National Code for Boarding School Students. The Code provides states and territories with principles to develop common-sense, COVIDsafe travel arrangements to help students and their families navigate border restrictions. This will enable students to now plan their travel to return to their families, not only for school holidays, but also during school terms. Senator Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, urged all jurisdictions to implement arrangements as soon as possible to help facilitate travel during the Term 3 school holidays. “I want to thank the states and territories for helping end the isolation and uncertainty being experienced by the more than 23,000 boarding students across the country. “Many of these students are from regional and remote areas,” Senator McKenzie said. “While border closures and intrastate travel restrictions have helped contain the spread of COVID-19, it has unintentionally left some boarding students isolated and unable to receive the support and care of family, causing additional stress and anxiety during what is already a difficult time.
“Today’s decision is a win for common-sense. The National Code takes a clear, compassionate and practical approach to supporting the travel needs of boarding school students.” Particular consideration will be given to the complexities for Indigenous boarding students and the needs of their communities. COVID-safe travel will remain the priority as part of the agreed national code, with movements to be via the most direct route between a boarding school and home, as well as the return trip. Jurisdictions will be responsible for implementing the Code in line with the relevant health advice. Usually, around 1600 students would cross a state or territory border to return home from boarding school for the Term 3 holiday period. - Laura Kemp
Manager sought
● Senator Bridget McKenzie
■ Murrindindi, Mitchell and Mansfield Shire Councils will receive $1.2 million through the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund to create large-scale art installations along the Great Victorian Rail Trail. A Project Manager is sought to take the lead. - Rosie Kane
Lovell pushes for interchange ■ Wendy Lovell, Liberal MLC for Northern Victoria, has again pushed for the Andrews Labor Government to prioritise the construction of a full diamond interchange at the Watson St and Hume Freeway intersection at Wallan East. In a constituency question to the Minister for Roads Ben Carroll, Ms Lovell said the interchange was needed at the intersection to ensure a free flow of traffic in one of Victoria’s most rapidly developing regions. Ms Lovell last raised the status of the project in November 2019 only to be informed by the then Minister that planning approvals were progressing to allow for future funding. Ms Lovell, in her latest contribution in Parliament, sought an update from Mr Carroll on the status of the project. Ms Lovell said Mitchel Shire Council had long advocated for the project to be elevated as a priority by the Andrews Labor Government and the interchange project fell within both Infrastructure Australia and Infrastructure Victoria’s priorities and recommendations. “Despite the continued advocacy of Mitchell
Shire and the local community, the Andrews Labor Government continuously refuses to prioritise the Watson St interchange for funding and construction. “This infrastructure project is desperately needed to ensure people in this widely developing area can commute safely to and from the Melbourne metropolitan area,” Ms Lovell said. - Jason Kelly
Local Briefs Garage Sale Trail
● Wendy Lovell, Northern Vic. MLC
■ Australia’s largest sustainability and community festival, the Garage Sale Trail, is back this November 13-14 and 20-21, restrictions permitting. Murrindindi Shire Council is supporting this event and is encouraging residents to sell, shop and learn about the circular economy. - Rosie Kane