By The People, For The People
EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021
Local News Date change
■ The Marysville Music Weekend (formerly Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend) will now take place in March next year. The Weekend is a contemporary music festival now in its sixth year. The event presents some of the best Australian touring acts as well as local musicians and emerging performers, says a report being presented to Murrindindi Shire Councillors tonight (Wed.). “The Marysville Music Weekend supports, and is supported by local businesses, adds substantially to the local economy and builds community spirit. “Due to COVID-19 restrictions the event organisers plan to postpone the event from its original dates in October, to take place from March 11-13,” says the report. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Michael’s view
■ “[Whittlesea] Council seems to have sent a circular letter to every household under the heading "Getting ready for the fire danger period-Advisory Letter" “It is pertinent only to farming acreage not homes on small blocks in residential enclaves. “The cost would be quite substantial Your taxes[rates] at work!” - Michael Halley, by email
Clean energy
■ Nillumbik Mayor Cr Peter Perkins said his Council ws pleased to partner with Clean Energy Nillumbik to present the Expert Eco Chats virtual festival last weekend. “Nillumbik has been a leader in adopting sustainable practices for a long time, and events like Expert Eco Chats help reinforce this reputation,” Cr Perkins said. “The event provides an opportunity to find ideas and inspiration for making your home more sustainable, whether it’s a new build or retrofit. The Council is a sponsor of Clean Energy Nillumbik’s events. The range of experts included: ■ Romney Bishop – Clean Energy Nillumbik ■ Craig Byatt – Craig Byatt Architecture ■ Marie Carrel – Planet Architecture ■ Rob Catchlove – Wave Consulting ■ Tony Devlin – Australian Building and Maintenance ■ Lucinda Flynn – Going Green Solutions ■ Mick Harris – EnviroGroup ■ John Hassall – Greenly Landscapes ■ Bryce Gaton – EV Choice ■ Chris Johnson – EcoMad ■ Ratko Mrkogaca – 3ARK ■ Simone Schenkel – Gruen Eco Design ■ Mark Van Haandel - MVH Constructions ■ Elizabeth Wheeler – Future Focused Buildings - Lara Bailey
Lakers congrats
■ Kinglake Football Netball Club has conveyed congratulations to Amy Teodorovic who came fourth in the AFL Outer East league’s best and fairest B Grade awards. “We are excited to see our netballers hit the court next year for what we hope can be a full season,” said a Club representative. - Kinglake Football Netball Club
SHIRE’S $2.7M DEFICIT REVEALED
■ Murrindindi Shire Council will announce a $2.7 million deficit for the past financial year, when it meets at 6pm tonight (Wed.). “The operating deficit posted for the financial year of $2.76 million was largely the result of increased revenue of $2.58 million and increased expenses of $5.28 million,” says a report to Councillors. One major variance was due to extra staff engaged under the Working for Victoria program, costing $1,264,401. This program was full grant funded with funds being received in 2019-20 and balance in 2020-21. There was a $1.4 million over-run in expenses relating to unbudgeted grants and contributions. “These include materials and equipment to support staff under the Working for Victoria program $239,892, Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package $239,892, Releasing the Floating City Project $686,661. “Council also incurred expenditure of $346,436 on unbudgeted COVID-19 related items including tourism and industry support, vehicle hire, materials, supplies and advertising. The report says there was a $730,274 expenses blow-out relating to net loss on disposal of property, infrastructure, plant and equipment. A $1.56 million provision has been made for landfill liability following the annual review and alignment with Environment Protection Authority assurance requirements. “A recent tender for cell capping costs
■ A Health and Wellbeing Consortium to be considered by Murrindindi Shire Council tonight (Wed.) will bring a partnership approach to a plan to include these members: ■ Department of Families, Fairness and Housing ■ Alexandra District Health ■ Yea and District Memorial Hospital ■ Nexus Primary Health ■ Lower Hume Primary Care Partnership ■ Menzies Support Services ■ Family Care ■ Alexandra HUB ■ Yea Community House ■ Flowerdale Community House ■ Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House ■ Toolangi Castella Community House ■ Primary Care Connect ■ Valley Sport ■ Victoria Police ■ Central Ranges Local Learning Employment Network ■ AFL Eastern Division. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Grants approved
● Livia Bonazzi, Murrindindi Shire CEO has indicated the previous rates used in the provision calculation were lower than the market price. “In addition the annual monitoring and after care cost estimate has increased from $50,000 to $80,000 per year for a period of 30 years,” the report states. The report indicates a growing dependance on rates income by the Council. It is currently at the highest it has been in four years with a 61.91 per cent ratio. - Ash Long
BOOST FOR LOCAL SPORT AT DOREEN
■ Doreen’s budding football and cricket stars are celebrating the upcoming redevelopment of Laurimar Recreation Reserve, with the west oval to undergo a significant upgrade from next month. The work will include the installation of new drainage and irrigation, a cricket wicket and a natural turf surface, providing local sport teams with premium facilities for training and matches. Whittlesea Council’s redevelopment of the west oval at Laurimar Recreation Reserve will also include new fencing and coaches’ boxes. Administrator Chris Eddy said that providing first-rate facilities to support community sport was a high priority for Council. “Local sport is at the heart of our community and helps bring people together,” he said. The reserve is home to the thriving Laurimar Football Club, which includes over 600 members and teams ranging from under 9‘s to over 35’s. Laurimar Football Club President Alasdair Walker is looking forward to teams playing and training on the new ground next season. - Whittlesea City Council
Local News Health partners
■ Murrindindi Council has approved grants for two local organisations: ■ Yea Primary School – Annual Musical Event - Fee waiver – Hall hire, $1000 ■ Alexandra Secondary College - Sponsorship of 2021 College Dux Student, $600 An application from the Lions Club of Marysville and District Inc for the Marysville Music Weekend has had a date change due to COVID19. The annual Yea Primary School Musical sees all 135 students at the school participate in a musical production. Grade 6 students are involved in performing as the main characters and the students in Prep Grade 5 are involved in singing and dancing. The musical takes place in the Yea Shire Hall and the school is seeking a fee reduction of the hall hire fees. The event is an important activity on the Yea Primary School calendar and engages school families and community. The Alexandra Secondary College sponsorship will support the annual award for the Dux of the College which is the College's most prestigious award. The sponsorship is an opportunity to recognise the importance of supporting the achievements of our Shire's youth. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Testing sites
■ Local COVID-19 testing sites in the City of Whittlesea include: ■ Mernda Station in Schotters Rd, Mernda from 9.30am to 4.30pm ■ Northern Hospital at 187 Cooper Street, Epping from 9am to 5pm ■ 4Ctye Pathology at 52 Childs Road, Epping, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm ■ 4Cyte Pathology at 420 Grimshaw St, Bundoora, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm ■ 4Cyte Pathology at 6 Main St, Thomastown, 8am to 5pm ■ RMIT Bundoora East Campus car park, 264 Plenty Rd, Mill Park from 9am to 4pm. - Whittlesea CityCouncil ● Chris Eddy, City of Whittlesea Administraror
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Page 2 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Local News Dementia Week
■ Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging community members to get behind Dementia Action Week by supporting this year's campaign, 'A little support makes a big difference.' Dementia Action Week runs from September 20-26 and raises awareness of dementia and how the many people living with dementia, can continue to live well for many years after their diagnosis. The week also helps clear up the misconceptions about dementia. This year's campaign will also focus on supporting and celebrating the many carers of people who live with dementia. As part of the campaign, Dementia Australia has provided information and tips to encourage everyone to increase their own understanding of dementia and how they can make a positive difference to the lives of impacted people around them. Supporting this year's campaign is as simple as raising awareness about dementia among your friends, family and colleagues, or sending a message of support to a carer who is assisting someone living with dementia. Caladenia Dementia Care has created a number of online Q&A sessions as part of Dementia Action Week, giving community members the opportunity to have dementia-related questions answered by experts. Dementia affects close to half a million Australians, with that number expected to double over the next 25 years. Many Australians will start experiencing the impact of dementia amongst their own family and friends in the coming years. - Yarra RangesShire Council
Minerals probe
■ “[Murrindindi] Council was briefed by representatives of Victoria’s Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions on the increasing interest in resource exploration licences in our region,” said Cr Damien Gallagher. “I was interested to learn that 45 per cent of Victoria is presently covered by exploration licences. ■ Use the DJPR’s Resource Licences Near Me tool to learn about nearby resource licences ■ Land owner grounds for objection include concerns related to a detrimental effect on waterways, wildlife, tourism, or enjoyment of prime agricultural land ■ Contact Earth Resources (DJPR) on 1300 366 356 or at ERRfeedback@ ecodev.vic.gov.au to discuss any concerns. - Damien Gallagher
No conflict: Mayor
■ Murrindindi Mayor Cr Sandice McAulay told the latest Council meeting that there was no conflict of interest in a matter being heard. “"With respect to item 10.1 Grants and Contributions - August Allocations, whilst I do not have a conflict of interest I would like to note that my husband is a member of the Taggerty Progress Association. “As he sits on the Association as a general member and Council is simply noting a process that officers have undertaken and not making a decision, there is no conflict of interest in the decision making process." - Sandice McAulay
Local girl missing
■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Mernda girl Chloe. The 11-year-old was last seen on Mernda Village Drive, Mernda about 5.20pm on Sunday (Sep. 19)./ Police and family have concerns for Chloe due to her age. She was last seen wearing black track pants, black shoes, a black jacket and grey jumper. Anyone with information is urged to contact Mernda Police Station on 9216 1200. - Victoria Police
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Local People: 2
COVID-19 hits harder locally ■ Around 63 per cent of cases announced in Victoria yesterday (Tue.) are in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with about 23 per cent in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Around 84 per cent of all active cases in Victoria are people under 50 years of age, while almost a quarter of cases are people in their 20s. Of the COVID-19 patients in hospital yesterday, more than 85 per cent were not vaccinated and more than 13 per cent were partially vaccinated. Three people were fully vaccinated. Three new cases were found in Mitchell Shire. Of the 603 cases recorded on Monday, the following Local Government Areas in metropolitan Melbourne recorded more than one newly diagnosed case: 5 cases in Banyule, 242 cases in Hume, 2 cases in Maroondah, and 53 cases in Whittlesea. Latest local public exposure sites include: ■ Campbellfield. Burgies Campbellfield. 3/ 1488 Sydney Rd. Tier 2. ■ Campbellfield. Raptor Gas Springs. 29 Lara Way. Tier 2. ■ Campbellfield. Craigieburn Ribs & Burgers
- Craigieburn Central. Shop BOO-07, 340 Craigieburn Rd. Tier 2. ■ Craigieburn. DVS Kitchens. Unit 2 No.8 Poa Ct. Tier 1. ■ Coolaroo. Hungry Jacks Roxburgh Park. 185-195 Somerton Rd. Tier 2. ■ Epping. U Automotive Industries Epping. 8/17 Lydia Ct. Tier 2. ■ Mill Park. Mill Park Secondary College. 25 Moorhead Dr. Tier 2. COVID-19 viral fragments have been detected in wastewater samples taken from Macedon, Mt Macedon, New Gisborne (along Hamilton Rd), Riddells Creek. The period of interest is September 15-20. The detections could be an undiscovered new case or cases, or could be the result of one or more people in these areas who have recovered from COVID-19 but are still shedding the virus. More than 72 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over have now had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and almost 44 per cent have had both. - Department of Health and local health professionals
Latest News Highway re-opens
■ The Maroondah Hwy re-opened yesterday (Tues.) across the Black Spur between Healesville and Narbethong after heavy snow falls and debris was cleared from the road. A reduced speed limit of 60km/h remains due to bad weather. Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au - Vic Roads
Market enquiry
■ Yea Railway Market organisers would like to know if the local community would like them to run the next market on Saturday October 2. “We have a mixture of stallholders who would be travelling to Yea on work permits from both regional Victoria and Melbourne,” they said. - Yea Railway Market
It’s ‘Around The Corner’ ■ Nillumbik Shire Council is shining the spotlight on local musical talent through a new video project, Nillumbik Grooves. The project has involved filming artists performing short pop-up performances, each at a great Nillumbik location, with the video series now available to enjoy via our website. Mayor Cr Peter Perkins said Nillumbik Grooves was an innovative way to support local artists during a difficult time for the music and performance industry. “The videos help these diverse musicians find new audiences while showcasing some of our great and unique Nillumbik locations,” he said. “As the COVID restrictions continue, it’s also a great way to share some fantastic music with our community who are really missing being able to see live performances and connect with arts and culture.” The video series features: ■ Eltham solo artist Johnny Cronin, performing Home outside A Local Baker in St Andrews. ■ Hana Zreikat (Sounds like Hana), of Research, performing Black Balloons at Tancks Corner in Yarrambat. ■ Eltham band The Paperback Writers performing Train Ride at the Outdoor Performance Space at Apollo Parkways, Greensborough.
● St Andrews artist Matt Stonehouse performing Around the Corner at Edendale Community Environment Farm in Eltham.
Progress for Floating City ■ Cr Karine Haslam has spoken at the latest Murrindindi Shire Council meeting about developments at Eildon. “I attended a houseboat industry immersion tour at The Lake Eildon Houseboat Association factories, along with Councillors Gallagher and Carpenter. “There were approximately 20 Yea High School students, also Cassie and Lena from VCAL. “This provided both the students and I, a great insight into employment opportunities for our youth. “There are a wide range of trade apprenticeships, hospitality, office management and outdoor maintenance traineeships being offered at the moment by many locals businesses such as: Anchorage Houseboats, Status Luxury Houseboats, Rapid Houseboats, Edwards Family and Eildon Outboard Service and Eildon Boat Club. “I also received sensational feedback regarding the recently completed Eildon Floating Cities project. “Phil Dixon, who transports houseboats
said “It was a pleasure to use the facility. It was safe and so much easier to manoeuvre around the bends”. “He was highly complementary to both the Council and Fineblade for listening to recommendations and doing a great job. “The improved ramp and wash down bay is a great asset for the Murrindindi Shire and industry, providing houseboat builders the confidence to build the larger, in-demand houseboats which will in turn create more jobs in our community.” - Karine Haslam
Local News Optimistic outlook
● Cr Karine Haslam
■ Alexandra District Traders and Tourism Association discussions at its last meeting were generally positive and optimistic as attention turned to preparations for welcoming guests back to town for Spring Fair and Christmas Carols events in Rotary Park, said Cr Damien Gallagher.
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The Local Paper - Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - Page 3
Local People: 3
Affordable housing for locals
■ The City of Whittlesea is inviting feedback on a proposal to lease a piece of vacant land in Wollert to a community housing organisation to build much-needed affordable local homes for local people. The proposal seeks to help address a shortage of affordable housing in the City of Whittlesea. Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said research had shown 3800 affordable homes were urgently needed in the municipality. “We know there is a critical shortage of local homes that are affordable for our residents on low incomes,” she said. “One in five households in our municipality is classified as having a very low income and one in three households who are renting are experiencing housing stress, which is defined as spending 30 per cent or more of household income on rent.” Ms Wilson said the situation had been made worse with the pandemic’s impact, which has left many families with significantly reduced incomes. Other local people in essential jobs such as childcare, health care, aged care, hospitality,
IDEA FOR WOLLERT
● Lydia Wilson, Chief Administrator, City of Whittlesea
retail and delivery services have also reported an increase in housing stress. “Council is pursuing various options to address the growing need for more affordable housing to be made available locally to support City of Whittlesea residents on low incomes, including opportunities to provide its unused land for this purpose,” she said. At its meeting on September 6, the Council resolved to seek community feedback on a proposal to lease land at 1F Ashline Street in Wollert to a community housing organisation for a 50-year term. “We are confident we can secure a partnership with an experienced community housing organisation to ensure a design that fits in well with the local area,” Ms Wilson said. People can have their say on the proposal to lease the land until October 10 at engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au If endorsed to proceed, the community will be able to have input on any future development proposal designs. - Lydia Wilson
Plight of local publicans ■ Steph Ryan, Euroa MLA, has spoken in State Parliament, about the plight of local hotels during COVID restrictions. “Here, shops are shuttered, pubs are closed and our once-thriving cafe culture is gone. Noone is advocating that we should just open up and let rip, but for months now we have been putting positive alternatives to the government about how we can return to some sense of normality - measures like rapid antigen testing, a more proportionate response than lockdowns,” Ms Ryan said. “More than anything, what our restaurants and our cafes need is a plan - a plan to get us out of lockdown and a plan to return to some sense of normality. “They have been smashed by these restrictions and many are at absolute breaking point. There are thousands of stories, but tonight I want to tell you just one. “Leigh Bushell-Lowe and her husband own the Royal Hotel in Seymour. They moved from South Australia to buy the business about six years ago, with Leigh’s husband, a highly accomplished chef and business manager, at the helm. “They chose Victoria because, in Leigh’s words: It seemed like a progressive state. There was a great deal of intrastate, interstate and international travellers. “It’s more densely populated than SA, and we considered it to be the best place to start our new life. “By the end of 2019 Leigh and her husband had really built up the business and things were flying. The future was looking bright for them. This is what she has said to me in the last week or so: “The lockdowns we have had this year have been devastating. We’re struggling to hold on to our business. We are tired, demoralised, depressed and almost bankrupt. “If we lose our business we lose our house, all the money we invested, and at 70 and 58 years old, we will never rebuild financial security. “My husband has taken the last bit of money he had in his super fund and put it into the business. I have redrawn thousands of dollars off my home loan to pay staff wages. “We can’t sustain this for much longer. I promise you, the prospect of being homeless and destitute at our age is very frightening.“My husband and I are both very stressed and emotionally fragile. “He is one of the strongest, hardest-working people I have ever known, and to see him like this is breaking my heart. He is still pushing on trying to get things done, but the sadness in his eyes and the desolate expression on his face is something I haven’t seen before. I can’t deal with it.
Local News Junior Eagles plan
■ There has been discussion and communications about football development at Whittlesea Junior Football Club and what this may look like over the next threefive years for both male and female and coache. According to a Club representative, the vision for this plan is as follows: ■ Three Year Plan to build and grow junior female teams and football programs ■ Three year plan to build and grow junior male teams and football programs ■ To Build new partnerships ■ To Make the club a Female-Friendly Club that accommodates for women/girls in sport ■ Grow the Whittlesea Junior Football Program into one of the strongest in the north ■ Focus at Auskick to develop players and maintain strong numbers in the younger age groups year on year ■ To have under 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 girls teams ■ To retain players and have strong numbers in every team at WJFC, both male and female “Aaron Newport and Glen Lehner have played a major role in the planning of this program and we would like to thank them both for their contribution,” said a Club statesman. “As you may have all recently heard, both Aaron and Glen have taken on a coaching position at another club and we would like to wish them both well in their roles and thank them for their contribution to the WJFC over many years in many different roles. “Earlier in the season the WJFC female teams inclusive of the WFNC Senior Women’s, were invited to attend a Zoom meeting which outlined a three-year football development plan. “There was discussions had with both players and their parents as to how we as a club are wanting to future plan for the development of both players and coaches. “We would like announce that our vision for development and growth of our players and coaches has not changed and we remain determined to see the plan through over the next three-five years. “We are calling on expressions of interest from all players, community members and members from both senior and junior clubs who would like to contribute to the implementation of this exciting new phase at WJFC,” the Club statement said. - Whittlesea Junior Football Club
Guest speakers
● Steph Ryan, Euroa MLA.
■ Two guest speakers attended a briefing session of Murrindindi Shire Councillors held this month: ■ Bess Nolan-Cook (Tourism North East – six- monthly Council update ■ Michael Robinson (Currawong Resources) – Minerals Exploration - Murrindindi Shire Council
New-look gardens
● Royal Hotel, Seymour. “It is people like Leigh and her husband who plan to get us back to some kind of sense of are footing the bill for these lockdowns. ‘A small normal, and while some of the measures in price to pay’, the Premier says, but it is not this bill might help, it really is akin to putting a small price, it is a devastating price for a bandaid on a gaping flesh wound,” Ms Ryan people like Leigh. said. “The hospitality sector desperately needs a - Steph Ryan
■ Whittlesea Public Gardens in Lalor will soon be transformed into an inviting outdoor recreation hub, with construction set to start later this year on an extensive redevelopment of the park and playground. Signalling a new era for the popular Lalor park, the upgrade will re-energise the area and create a modern space to get active, socialise and enjoy the outdoors. The first stage of the redevelopment of Whittlesea Public Gardens will include an impressive new playground, equipped with a large play tower, double flying fox, rope climbing unit, swings, slides, in-ground trampolines, rockers and nature play. The new learn-to-ride area is sure to be a hit with young cyclists, with the park’s fun-sized roundabouts, speed bumps, intersections and crossings, providing hours of fun and education. The redevelopment of Whittlesea Public Gardens will be delivered in stages. The first stage is expected to be complete by mid2022. - Whittlesea City Council
Page 4 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Plan for wellbeing
■ Murrindindi Council, at its meeting tonight (Wed.), will consider adopting the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 and to present a copy to the Secretary of the Department of Health for endorsement. - Murrindindi Shire Council
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
Challenges for local orchardists ■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has spoken in State Parliament about workplace safety. “I do not think anyone would ever argue about the need for and the importance of having a safe workplace, protecting all workers from anything that could happen and also looking after them once there is an incident,” Ms McLeish told the Legislative Assembly this month. “I think that everyone would agree on the absolute importance of trying to create the safest workplace possible. “Again this house is addressing a bill with regard to the labour hire industry. I am speaking on the Occupational Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021, which does home in on the labour hire industry. “In doing so today I will certainly be supporting the reasoned amendment moved by the member for Mornington, because we want the government to fully address concerns about the appropriateness of the provisions in the bills relating to the powers on entry and offences by authorised representatives, and they are specifically clauses 30 and 31. “I have quite an interest in labour hire. This is an important sector in Victoria and indeed in Australia and certainly within my electorate. “There are tens of thousands of people employed in this sector across Victoria. Many people actually decide to set up their own businesses. “They employ people and provide all of these employment opportunities, and they are really the backbone of our economy. “Within my electorate specifically we have loads of agriculturalists that require the use of labour hire. “I am thinking of vineyards particularly. Smaller vineyards do not have people on their books, but they need to get the staff on board very quickly when the harvest is there. “Orchards - we have a lot of apples and stone fruits. There used to be some potatoes. There are certainly lots of berries. A lot of the employers - the orchardists and the horticulturalists—that I know, and I know well, operate reputable and excellent businesses and treat staff very well. “I find it quite offensive that the Labor Government continues to demonise all employers. “Now, not all employers are perfect - I absolutely agree with that - but saying that everybody is tarred with the one brush I find absolutely quite offensive. “I know that when the Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017 was introduced - it passed through this house - that bill got pulled up in the upper house and a number of amendments were made. “The government realised that they had stuffed up and that they needed to make some changes, and it did come back to this house. “Some of those changes actually addressed issues that are not dissimilar to the sorts of issues that we will be raising today. “One of those that got up was about the union officials not being permitted to assist an inspector, and the other one was the recognition of the labour hire licences in other states. “I will quote the former member for Box Hill, the Honourable Robert Clark: ‘… labour hire providers who provide many generally welleducated and well-informed technical staff to operate in mining and other industries around Australia will be put in the same camp as those who might be involved in human trafficking or some of the dodgy practices that occurred a few years ago in the horticultural sector. ”I think those employers that have done the wrong thing should be condemned, but we need to be mindful that that is by no means every employer. “I want to touch briefly on other areas of the bill before I home in on our reasoned amendment. “One of the main provisions here - and I think this is fine - is that afforded the same health and safety protections as the host’s other employees at the workplace.
● Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA “So that means it does not matter whether pening. “How the union behaves is out of line and or not you are a labour hire or a permanent employee, your employer has the same obli- out of order, and I think that this can exacerbate things certainly. gations regarding you. “In looking at ‘Offences by authorised rep“And just looking at a little bit of the context and the background here, there was a re- resentatives’, we can have situations where inport - Anthony Forsyth’s inquiry into the spectors can be called to a workplace. “What could happen, with the way that they labour hire industry and insecure work. “It actually identified gaps, and if those gaps behave and interact and if there is abuse by a in the labour hire industry were relevant, abso- union, is that OH&S becomes weaponised and lutely needed to be addressed and could be adversarial rather than cooperative and effective. addressed in this way, that would be fine. “It is so important when we have employer“I certainly have no problem with the employer and the employee making sure that the employee relationships that it is a two-way labour hire workers are all treated equally, with street and that they work together to get the best possible outcome. the same protections. “Where you inflame and create situations “One of the other elements of this bill basically prohibits somebody from being indemni- where it gets publicised on social media and publicised in a way that is perhaps misreprefied or insured against their obligations. “I think that if you could find that loophole, sented or misleading, you could have a whole employers could look at not taking their re- lot of legal situations and agitations as a result sponsibilities, their legal requirements, around of that. “I think that the inclusion of these clauses occupational health and safety as seriously as and legitimising this activity can certainly open they should. “It is a serious matter, and they should all up areas for abuse, and that is certainly not be looking at this as being of the utmost im- something that I would be supporting. “Our reasoned amendment absolutely calls portance rather than thinking, ‘It’s okay if I don’t quite dot the i’s and cross the t’s; I will for these clauses to be removed. As I have mentioned, some of the other clauses in the be insured for it’. “Being able to issue notices electronically - bill are fine, but these things really do need to we have all changed a lot in our workplaces be looked at because they can be misused. “We have seen pretty poor behaviour by a and in the way that we do things electronically, even in this place. I do not think anyone number of unions over the years, and we have seen union officials being charged because of has an issue with that. “But in particular the issues that the oppo- their bad behaviour. “I hear now that where workplaces do not sition have are under ‘Powers of certain office holders’ - ‘Powers on entry’, clause 30, and have union officials the unions still say, ‘No, clause 31, ‘Offences by authorised represen- we’re entitled to come in’, and the employers will say, ‘No, actually you don’t have that entatives’. “These are of particular concern to us and titlement just to walk in here; our employees are the basis for our reasoned amendment. In are happy not being unionised’. “The employees feel quite pressured when particular, clause 30: … take photographs or measurements or make sketches or record- they leave and a union official jumps out from ings at the place … We are talking about when behind the tree and tries to grab them and to people enter the workplace and are doing that coerce them. “I do worry that legitimising some of these now. “What is happening already is the unions activities—you know, entering workplaces to are actually going in and taking photos where do recordings and measurements and sketches they do not have the authority and where they and to take photographs - I think is certainly do not have the legal framework around them. out of line. “The reasoned amendment put forward by “So what we are seeing here is the government of course looking after their union mates the member for Mornington certainly should at Trades Hall and legitimising this activity be supported, and I would think that the government has an opportunity to think about that that has been happening. “You can see perhaps that activity has been seriously before this bill gets through this chamhappening illegally. I think that some of the ber,” Ms McLeish said. - Cindy McLeish activities that I hear from employers are hap-