By The People, For The People
EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021
MAJOR EARTHQUAKE HITS THE NORTH-EAST Local News 99 per cent mark
■ COVID-19 vaccinations of staff in private residential aged care facilities in the Murray Primary Health Network region reached 99 per cent this week. The Murray PHN region spans from Mildura in the north west, to Woodend in the south, across to Seymour and up to Albury - an area of almost 100,000 square kilometres. To reach the milestone, more than 3700 residential aged care staff across 80 facilities in the region received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose from late July. Melitta Zobec, Care Services Manager at Warramunda aged care in Kyabram said many of the facility’s staff initiated getting vaccinated before they could organise an in-house vaccination clinic. “More than half of our staff were vaccinated before we could access vaccine doses as an aged care facility,” she said. “We are pleased and extremely proud that 100 per cent of our residential care team members have now had at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or have an upcoming appointment to meet the national framework timeframe. This is a wonderful outcome for us all and we are grateful for our team’s proactive approach to protecting our residents, our community and each other.” Rose Tunious, Service Manager at Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged in Golden Square said all their facility’s staff have received their COVID vaccinations. “Vaccination clinics commenced here in April and we’re thrilled that 100 per cent of our staff have now received their COVID vaccination,” she said. “We’re grateful for the uptake from staff who expressed their understanding of the potential risk of the spread of the virus in our Bethlehem home and the community.” Kate McIntosh, Murray PHN COVID Vaccination Strategic Lead said, “We’re really appreciative of the work that the management and staff of each of the facilities have done to meet this milestone. It has been a real team effort.” - Amity Bradord
■ A 5.9 earthquake with an epicentre around Woods Point and Licola rocked North-East Victoria yesterday (Wed.). The area around Mansfield and Alexandra was heavily affected. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre reported that the earthquake hit at 9:15 am at "a very shallow depth of 1.2 miles". Peter Rice of local radio station UGFM said: “ GeoScience indicating epicentre near Woods Point, 5.7 magnitude, 10 km below ground level. Felt Statewide. Alexandra well shaken for 30 seconds at 9.15 am. No reports of local damage. But reports of minor damage in some areas across the State. Reportedly most noticeable shake in Victoria since 1966.” Readers of the Local Paper social media page reported on the most serious shake for decades. Bev Johns of Kinglake West described the earthquake as “big”. Isabel Moore: “Big one in Benalla”. Janene Nicholson: “Big enough in Croydon, thought the house was going to fall down, dogs freaked as well.” Nola Willis-Borrie: “Bunnings Eltham was evacuated.” Friends of The Local Paper had more to say: Jason Allan: “Lasted about 20 seconds in Thornton, whole house shook.” Rick Newbery: “Same in Montrose.” Wendy Roberts: “Certainly was felt in South Gippsland as well.” Susan Barras: “Pakenham scary”. Georgina Ilekosa: “Yes it was in Mooroolbank.” Sally-Anne Russell: “In the west too. All the way up to Wagga apparently.” Neil Addison: “On Zoom meeting being felt from Swan Hill through to Colac and as far west as Horsham.” Shannon Mitrow: “Just had friends from Dandenongs, Cobram and Mansfield say they all felt it too.”
● The earthquake eipcentre was described as near Licola and Woods Point. John Cantrill: “I felt as though I was sitting pushed onto the street. Pool outside had waves in it, Ground just kept moving. Very scary on it in Mernda.” Bev Purcell of Viewbank: “That was scary. moved, to a doorway and put my arms, out nothing broken.” The house just shook.” Seymour: “ Moderate shaking. Heard rumThe Volcano Discovery website listed rebling noise, back verandah/patio shaking very ports from around the region: Mount Evelyn: “Light shaking, rattling, vi- noticeably and large hanging elk swinging. Winbrating. Rumbling, whole house shaking. Dog dows were rattling violently.” Eltham North: “Light shaking/ rattling, vibon high alert, barking. New respect for New rating / 5-10 s : Felt rattling. Hanger on line swinging.” Zealanders. That was scary.” Wollert: “Moderate shaking/horizontal (sideBenalla: “Rattling, vibrating. Outdoor heard loud cracking noise. When we got home ways) swinging / 30-60 s : Whole house shook, - all pictures skewed, items had been knocked I’ve never experienced anything quite like this over, in shed - ladders and other items knocked/ before. Pretty scary. An hour after and the cats fallen over to floor, garden ornaments toppled.” still hiding.” Near Mount Buller: “36 km of Mount Wantirna South: “Light shaking/ rattling, vibrating: I was in bed sleeping when Mum woke Buller, Victoria (2.6 km NNE of epicenter) Light me up and we thought that it was some strong shaking /both vertical and horizontal swinging / wind until Dad burst in thru the door and said 5-10 s : Sounded like a train coming. Mirrors and anything on walls shaking. Can still feal it was an earthquake.” Wangaratta: “Moderate shaking/vibration floor shanking under foot For quite a few minand rolling : “It was crazy, the doors were shaking utes after the first. There was 3 times it seemed - Local Paper readers and windows felt like our house was being to roll in.”
Youth Council sworn in
Youth Council meets
■ Seven aspiring young leaders have been given the opportunity to help shape the future of Mitchell Shire and be a voice for the region’s youth. The group was sworn in as Mitchell Shire’s Youth Council for 2021-2022 during Monday night’s Council meeting. During their 12-month term, the group will share their passions and ideas for young people and provide a youthful voice to feed in to the Mitchell Shire Councillors and the organisation. Thomas Starkey will serve as Youth Mayor, Georgia Fletcher will serve as Youth Deputy Mayor and Trinity Marshall will be Youth Council Secretary. - Mitchell Shire Council
● Photo of the Mitchell Shire Youth Council. Report at left.
Page 2 - The Local Paper - Thursday, September 22, 2021
Local News Report issued
■ Whittlesea Council has prepared its Annual Report for the year ended June 30, 2021. The Annual Report includes a Report of Operations, Performance Statement and Financial Statements including the Auditor’s Reports for the Performance and Financial Statements. The Annual Report will be considered by Council at a meeting to be held at 6.30pm on Monday, October 4. This is in accordance with section 394 of the Local Government Act 2020. This meeting will be held remotely via electronic means and will be livestreamed via Council’s website. - Whittlesea City Council
At Steels Creek
■ Contact Steels Creek Tennis Club Secretary, Graham Lloyd, for updates and detailed information about Tennis Club activity or Lindy Montell for Ladies Tennis information: Graham Lloyd 0430 243 442, Lindy Montell 5965 2202. Membership fees are due for the coming membership year starting July 1, 2021. Family memberships will be $90, Senior memberships will be $35, Junior memberships $20 and Social memberships still $10. The membership year runs through to June 30. To play on the courts, you must be a Family, Senior, or Junior member, except for Open Days. To have a court key, you must be a Family or Senior member. Keep up to date with the club news on: Web site: steelscreek.vic.au/community-groups/ tennis-club/ Facebook: www.facebook. com/SteelsCreekTennisClub - Steels Creek Grapevine
Farm efficiencies
■ Victorian farmers are saving on their energy costs and reducing their emissions on-farm, thanks to a State Government grant program supporting investments in more energy efficient technology. Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Agriculture, said the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan offers grants up to $250,000 to install infrastructure and technology that will make farms more competitive and protect local jobs. The AEIP supports farm businesses better understand their on-farm energy usage and how to reduce it. This includes free on-farm energy assessments to assist farmers in identifying how they can improve energy efficiency and productivity, as well as research partnerships, demonstrations of energy-efficient technology on-farm, and educational resources for producers on alternative energy options. Under the AEIP, 546 grants totalling $29 million have been awarded so far and almost 1,370 on-farm energy assessments have been completed, valued at $12 million. - Mary-Anne Thomas
Dispute process
■ Mansfield Council has confirmed its position in relation to the ongoing dispute between MACE and the Men’s Shed regarding the lease of community shed facilities in Erril Street, Mansfield. The Council has urged MACE to honour the intent of the original agreement, documented in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by MACE and the Men’s Shed in 2003. The MOU outlines an auspice agreement that supported the Men’s Shed, which was unincorporated at the time, to apply for funding for the construction, upgrade and maintenance of the building. The intention was that the project would be handed to Men’s Shed Inc. when it was incorporated. Council’s position is that the intent of the MOU is that the land and building were to be the responsibility of the Men’s Shed Inc. and it is reasonable that the Men’s Shed is now seeking to enter into a lease directly with Council for the site. - Mansfield Shire Council
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Restrictions apply in Mitchell ■ For the Mitchell Shire and Metropolitan Melbourne, during COVID-129 lockdown there are five reasons to leave home: ■ Shopping for food and supplies ■ Authorised work or permitted education ■ Care and caregiving ■ Exercise for up to four hours and with one other person (within 10km from home) ■ To get vaccinated or tested outdoor social interaction (conditions apply) Other restrictions are as follows: ■ Visitors to home are not permitted. ■ 10km travel limit applies from place of primary residence. ■ Schools will continue remote learning ■ Masks must be worn indoors and outdoors ■ Public gatherings permitted for personal training (for up to two people plus the trainer), social interaction (for up to two people from separate household) and for five people from two households if people aged 18 and over are fully vaccinated. ■ No private gatherings allowed ■ Playgrounds are open for children under 12, with one parent or carer. ■ Outdoor skateparks and outdoor gym equipment is open now.
■ Cafes and restaurants can open for takeaway only. ■ Schools, Childcare and Early Childhood Care are closed except to children of authorised workers. - City of Whittlesea and local health practitioners
Exposure sites
● Prof. Brett Sutton, Chief Health Officer
■ Latest local public exposure sites have been listed. They include: ■ Craigieburn. Green Leaves Early Learning Highlands. 281 Marathon Boulevard. Tier 1. ■ Epping. Woolworths Epping. Pacific Epping, Corner Cooper and High Sts. Tier 2. ■ Lalor. Lalor North Primary School. 2 Derna Crescent/ Tier 1. ■ Thomastown. Inghams Enterprises Pty Ltd, 319 Settlement Rd. Tier 2. - Department of Health and local health practitioners
Book about Voices for Indi ■ It started with a small group, meeting in a side room at the Wangaratta Library to talk politics in June 2012. Now, almost 10 years later, the Voices for movement has produced three independent MPs, and 'Voices for' groups in every state across the country, hoping to change the face of politics in Australia. The story of that meeting of community members to a movement across the country is set to be told in a book, the definitive story of the journey that has led to breaking the shackles of party politics in Indi and beyond. The book will cover the journey from that first meeting where the local grassroots community group Voices for Indi was formed, determined to improve representation in the Australian Parliament and to encourage more people to get involved in their democracy. To have their voices heard. Today, there are close to 38 'Voices for' groups in electorates across the country, inspired by Voices for Indi and what has been achieved with two federal independent MPs, Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines. With growing dissatisfaction of mainstream party politics, people are organising kitchen table conversations to share and hear the views of others in a respectful way and for some, to identify community independent candidates to stand for election.
● Cathy McGowan
The book, to be published next year, will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the first tentative meeting convened by Cathy McGowan, that ultimately led to a change in who and how Indi is represented. It will go behind the scenes of three successful, history-making federal elections, as well as detailing the campaign ahead of the next election which is due by May 22 next year. To help fund the production of the book, Voices for Indi have launched a crowd-funding campaign at https://chuffed.org/ project/v4ibookfunder 'Voices for Indi has always been a group that involves a community of people contributing and making decisions about their preferred future. This book is being written by a team of authors and contributors with a deep knowledge of what went on behind the scenes. It will be a story that our community participated in over the last 10 years" said Rob Carolane, the current convenor of the group. The contributing authors are volunteering their time to work on the narrative. Cathy McGowan wrote a compelling personal story last year, including her experiences as the Independent Member for Indi, but there's even more to share, and who better to tell the definitive story of Voices for Indi than the people involved? - Rob Carolane
4 more cases in Mitchell ■ Four more Coronavirus cases in Mitchell Shire were announced yesterday (Wed.) in the latest Department of Health statistics. There were 11 cases notified in regional Victoria. Other areas included: • 1 in East Gippsland (currently interstate) • 2 in Geelong • 1 in Macedon Ranges • 2 in Moorabool • 1 in Wangaratta Premier Daniel Andrews urged people to follow the rules, ahead of the Grand Final Holiday on Friday (Sep. 24). Of Of the 628 cases announced yesterday, the following Local Government Areas in metropolitan Melbourne recorded more than one newly diagnosed case: • 10 cases in Banyule • 3 cases in Boroondara • 34 cases in Brimbank • 14 cases in Cardinia • 26 cases in Casey • 23 cases in Darebin • 3 cases in Frankston • 4 cases in Greater Dandenong
● Daniel Andrews, Premier
• 7 cases in Hobsons Bay • 194 cases in Hume • 7 cases in Kingston • 3 cases in Knox • 3 cases in Manningham • 6 cases in Maribyrnong • 5 cases in Maroondah • 25 cases in Melbourne • 27 cases in Melton • 4 cases in Monash • 8 cases in Moonee Valley • 47 cases in Moreland • 8 cases in Port Phillip • 7 cases in Stonnington • 4 cases in Whitehorse • 80 cases in Whittlesea • 52 cases in Wyndham • 8 cases in Yarra Around 57 per cent of cases identified in Victoria are in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with about 24 per cent in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Around 83 per cent of all active cases in Victoria are people under 50 years of age. - Department of Health and local health professionals
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The Local Paper - Thursday, September 22, 2021 - Page 3
Local People: 3
Councillors meet by Zoom
● Murrindindi Shire Councillors met by Zoom last night (Wed.).
Anniversary for Avenue
■ Mitchell Shire Council and the custodians of the Avenue of Honour on High St in Wallan have acknowledged the 103rd anniversary of the planting. A joint project between the Custodians, Council, and the Victorian Government to install brand new name plaques is now on hold due to the COVID-19 restrictions. A grant was obtained through the Victorian Government’s Veterans Affairs Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grant Program to renew the plaques to replace exiting damaged nameplates and ensure the survival of the plaques into the future. All 53 of the plaques will be updated to be robust, vandal-proof, and avoid decay over time to ensure the military history of Mitchell Shire is maintained for generations to come They will be made from stainless steel and mounted in a small concrete footing at the base of the trees, one metre from the tree to minimise root damage. The original plaques will be removed from the tree trunks to avoid any future damage to the trees. The project is fully supported after extensive consultation with the Wallan Commemorative Committee who are the custodians of the Avenue of Honour.
The plaques were set to be in place for the 103-year anniversary of the original tree planting on August 31, however, timelines will be reviewed after restrictions are lifted. Mitchell Council has thanked the Wallan Commemorative Committee, the Kilmore Wallan RSL Sub-Branch and the Victorian Government for their assistance in this project. - Mitchell Shire Council
Jamieson purchase
● Cr Rhonda Sanderson
■ Council has resolved to purchase the ‘Police Paddock’ on Brown St, Jamieson. The Council intends for the land to be used by the Jamieson Community group and Jamieson and District Historical Society Inc. The land was offered by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning at a cost of $25,000. The site has a community storage shed that is being used for equipment and community resources, such as additional firefighting equipment and the community maintenance trailer. - Mansfield Shire Council
School holiday fun in W’sea ■ An interactive escape room experience, trivia and a photography challenge are among fun school holiday activities on offer in the City of Whittlesea. Administrator Peita Duncan said the Council had put together a program of online fun to give young people a break from their immense home-schooling efforts while in lockdown.
Local News Festive grant
■ The countdown to Christmas has begun with applications now open for Nillumbik Shire Council’s festive grants. Local community groups, not-for-profit organisations and schools are invited to apply for grants of up to $1000 to deliver a project, program or activity that celebrates the festive season in a COVID-safe way. The activities will be showcased in the Nillumbik Festive Calendar in the leadup to Christmas. - Nillumbik Council
● Peita Duncan
“Our young people have risen to the challenge of home-schooling, and our school holiday program aims to give them a break and a bit of fun,” Ms Duncan said. Those aged 12-18 are invited to join the online escape room experience, called Isolation and designed and delivered by Melbourne Escape Rooms via Zoom. “We’re holding two escape room sessions guaranteed to get your brain ticking and your blood pumping. “Participants will interact with a real-time actor and work together to solve a series of puzzles,” she said. Quiz buffs will enjoy putting their pop culture knowledge to the test at a trivia event, covering music, movies, television shows and general knowledge. Photography enthusiasts can go in the running to have their work feature on the Whittlesea Arts website by joining the ‘Positive Image’ challenge and submitting a positive photo from across a range of categories. For more information or to register for any of the events, visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au - Whittlesea City Council
Local News Recovery meetings
■ Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging community-minded individuals to be a part of one of four Regional Community Recovery Committees, to support their local communities in recovering from the social, economic and environmental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and storm event. The Council has committed $800,000 to implement recommendations for projects that will be made by four RCRCs, spread over different localities within the Yarra Ranges. Those four areas will be defined as Hills, Urban, Valley and Upper Yarra. All RCRCs will be inclusive and be made up of diverse membership. We encourage anyone who is passionate, interested and wants to take part in community led recovery to nominate through the Expression of Interest process. To find out more, register to attend one of the Information sessions that will be held via Zoom by contacting Tracey Reid at t.reid@yarraranges.vic.gov.au ■ Saturday, September 25, 10am ■ Tuesday, September 28, 2pm Expressions of Interest close 5pm Thursday, October 7. - Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Vax chat replay
■ If you missed the City of Whittlesea Vax Chat session with Northern Health's Head of Infectious Diseases’ Dr Craig Aboltins, you can watch it on YouTube. Listen to Dr Aboltins's presentation and hear him answer questions from our community. The live stream has an approximate nineminute delay until it starts. For those who require close caption text, click on the CC icon located bottom right of the video. If you'd like to make a vaccine booking visit the Coronavirus website. Contact the Council if you would like a transcript of the video or other COVID-19 related information in other formats. - Whittlesea City Council
Webinar tonight
■ A free webinar will be held at 7pm tonight (Thu.,, Sep. 23). Titled ‘Are We There Yet? Getting There Together’, the webinar is focused on meeting the needs of parents, carers and families who may be wondering, what is normal, how do I balance competing commitments and get through this, how do I best support family and the young people in my life, and how do I look after myself? It will be facilitated by David Younger, Clinical Psychologist, and an expert in the area of natural disasters and emergencies. David has worked with many communities and individuals throughout Victoria and Australia. He is a member of the Education Department’s Trauma Recovery Team and is on the advisory panel of Melbourne University’s Children and Disasters Group. - Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Nappies research
■ Nillumbik Shire Council has joined 11 councils to research and understand how to implement a best practice reusable nappy program to reduce waste to landfill. The Best Practice Reusable Nappy Program – Feasibility Study, led by Monash Council, has been awarded up to $80,000 from Sustainability Victoria, through the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria Councils Fund. Disposable nappies are becoming one of the most significant waste issues, comprising 5 to 15 per cent of waste in household bins. The feasibility study will engage with parents to understand current barriers to using reusable nappies and will benchmark existing programs of other councils to reach target audiences, meet parents’ needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs to reduce waste and change behaviour. - Nillumbik Shire Council
Page 4 - The Local Paper - Thursday, September 22, 2021
KG Park comments
■ The draft Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park Management Plan is now open for community feedback. The draft management plan was endorsed by Nillumbik Council at the August Council meeting. - Nillumbk 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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Police blitz this weekend ■ Police are ramping up enforcement on Victoria’s roads across the AFL Grand Final long weekend following a spate of tragic deaths over the period last year. Operation Scoreboard will run statewide from 12.01am today (Thu.) to 11.59pm Sunday (Sep. 26), with a focus on speeding and impaired driving. Five lives were lost over the Grand Final long weekend last year while there were more than 120 collisions which resulted in injury. Police are determined to avoid a repeat of the same tragic loss of life. Last year also saw some Melburnians breaking the ‘no visitors to your home’ restrictions during Grand Final weekend celebrations, and Police are warning against the same behaviour. More than 110 drivers were detected for alcohol and drug offences over the Grand Final weekend last year despite lockdown restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne. While travel restrictions remain in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire due to COVID-19, Police warn drivers not to un-
derestimate the danger on the roads despite reduced traffic. Those drinking are urged to think twice before getting behind the wheel, especially with a long day of celebrations given the evening game kick off. Relaxed travel restrictions in some parts of regional Victoria mean more motorists are expected on rural roads Motorists are urged to slow down, take extra care on unfamiliar roads and take regular breaks if travelling longer distances. Operation Scoreboard will involve general duties and road policing units with support from the State Highway Patrol, Heavy
Vehicle Unit, Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section and Public Order Response Team. Some 166 lives have been lost on Victoria’s roads so far this year, with 14 recorded this month. Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir said : “If you decide to drink and drive on Grand Final day there’s no guarantee you’ll live to hear the final siren “We know after a trying year many Victorians are looking forward to celebrating the biggest day on the footy calendar. We encourage everyone to have a great day and support their team. But don’t let this be a day your loved ones remember for all the wrong reasons. “We will be conducting alcohol and drug tests at every opportunity. While we won’t hesitate to take dangerous drivers of our roads we ask all Victorians to make smart decisions this weekend. “The consequences of driving whilst impaired are catastrophic and we’ve seen far too many tragedies already this year.” - Victoria Police
Review for regional telco ■ Submissions to the Regional Telecommunications Review close in one week, with residents in rural, regional, remote communities across Australia encouraged have their say. The Review, which is held every three years, assists the Australian Government to understand telecommunications in regional Australia and develop policy and programs in response. The Committee is due to report back to government by the end of the year. Chair of the Review Committee, Luke Hartsuyker, said final submissions to the Review are due by 5pm Thursday, Sepotember 30. “Everyone’s feedback is vital for improving regional telecommunications – now is the time for you to be the catalyst for further improvements.” Mr Hartsuyker said. “The views of individuals, families, businesses and organisations, including those in vulnerable areas, will provide important insight and help inform the final report card back to government. “Our focus is on understanding the adequacy of broadband and mobile services for people in regional, rural, and remote areas, how they are currently being used and, crucially, what changes the Committee can recommend to government to ensure any issues
● Luke Hartsuyker
raised are addressed.” Other issues affecting consumers in the Review’s Terms of Reference include the response to COVID-19, ways of improving government coordination, the reliability of local services, and whether current policies to improve connectivity, competition, and digital literacy are effective. Mr Hartsuyker said feedback on these topics will be vital in setting the Government’s regional telecommunications policy agenda over the coming years and that the Review is an opportunity to make a real difference for people living and working in regional Australia. “This is your chance to share your views using telecommunications services in your area. Your input does not need to be long – what we are interested in is the issues that are important to people, as your first-hand insights to this Review will inform government action,” he said. “Previous reviews have led to new rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, the Regional Connectivity Program, and other initiatives. This highlights the benefit of lodging a submission.” Interested parties can still provide a written submission by uploading a response to the consultation page at www.rtirc.gov.au - Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
Justin may be in Ranges ■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Lancefield man Justin Thomas. The 31-year-old has an outstanding warrant in relation to charges of theft, deception, and drug offences. He is known to frequent areas between the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury. Investigators have released an image of Thomas in the hope someone may have information on his current whereabouts. Anyone who sights Thomas or has information about his current whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report to www. crimestoppersvic.com.au - Victoria Police
Local News Wellness Walk
At Panton Hill
■ The endangered Rosella Spider-orchid population has received a substantial boost with the planting of 200 of the species across the Panton Hill bushland reserves. - Nillumbik Shire Council
● Justin Thomas
■ The Walk for Wellness, usually held in the North-East, will be held this Sunday (Sep. 26). Olivia Newton John will celebrate her 73rd birthday by joining people all over the country in the Walk for Wellness taking place virtually. The walk invites people to walk 5km within their local neighbourhood and enjoy other specialised wellness activities hosted online. "The last 18 months have been really hard for so many people around the world - and even harder if you have been diagnosed or living with cancer through this time. That’s why I wanted to make this year’s fundraising walk even more special and coincide it with my birthday,” said Dame Olivia NewtonJohn. - Angela Ceberano