Local People. Fri., Sep. 24, 2021

By The People, For The People

EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Local News Free wokshop

■ Parents and carers fed up with fighting mealtime battles with fussy young eaters can learn some tips and tricks to broaden their children’s diet at a new City of Whittlesea workshop.

The Council has teamed with DPV Health to deliver the dietitian-led Raising adventurous and colourful eaters online workshop on Monday, October 11.

Director Community Wellbeing Kate McCaughey said the free workshop would provide information and practical tips on ways parents and carers could encourage their children to eat a variety of healthy and nutritious foods, including new or previouslydisliked items.

“Anyone with young children can appreciate the frustration of serving up a tasty meal you’ve spent ages cooking, only to have your kids turn up their noses and refuse to eat it,” Ms McCaughey said.

“This workshop will offer families some practical ways to encourage children to be more adventurous with their eating – no more cooking multiple meals, or serving up bland and boring food to accommodate fussy eaters.”

Wollert mum Tanya Yee said the seminar would be useful for her, with son Liam, five, struggling to eat certain types of foods, including meat and soft-textured food like watermelon.

“Even getting him to eat vegetables has been quite a task, we blend them up and put them in pastas or juices to try to get some nutrients into him,” Mrs Yee said.

“I feel like the workshop will be pretty beneficial – at the moment I’m just googling.”

Booking are essential and must be done

by October 8 via trybooking.com/BMUPN - Whittlesea City Council

Works at Lilydale

■ N&I Construction & Maintenance Pty Ltd has been appointed to build Lilydale High School’s $3.2 million upgrade, and Aspyer Group Pty Ltd has been appointed to build Lilydale Heights College’s $5.35 million upgrade.

The upgrade at Lilydale High School will see the building of outdoor learning areas, while refurbishing relocatable classrooms and demolishing the administration building. This project is part of the Lilydale District and Yarra Valley Education Plan.

The upgrade at Lilydale Heights College will see the refurbishment of the Library/Humanities Building, associated site works and landscaping.

Harriet Shing MLC said: “Upgrading Lilydale High School will give local students access to great classrooms and facilities - because you can’t deliver a firstrate education in second-rate classrooms.

“The new library and humanities buildings are just part of the upgrades for Lilydale Heights College that will make a world of difference for students, staff and teachers, and transform the teaching and learning environment for this growing school.

“We are determined to continue our record investment in new and upgraded school facilities - because we know that the right teaching and learning environments enable more students to reach their full potential,” Ms Shing said.

In the past seven years, the State Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating around 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.

- Jim Medew

WASTEWATER: SEYMOUR ALERT

■ COVID-19 viral fragments have been detected in wastewater samples taken at Seymour.

The “unexpected wastewater detection” was from the period of last Sunday-Tuesday, September 19-21.

Other areas with similar alerts are Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton, Geelong, Benalla and Warrnambool.

“The detections could be an undiscovered new case or cases, or they could be the result of one or more people in these areas who have recovered from COVID-19 but are still shedding the virus,” said a Department of Health representative.

“Anyone who lives in, works in or has visited the areas above is urged to watch for the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms and get tested as soon as possible if symptoms develop.”

Some 62,408 COVID-19 tests were processed on Wednesday – a new daily record.

“Getting tested as soon as you have symptoms will help health authorities identify new positive cases and provide proper care for your family.

“If you are concerned about losing money from missing work, support is available – including the $450 test isolation payment. For more information, go to www.coronavirus. vic.gov.au/financial-support - Department of Health and local health professionals

● Wastewater tests. Photo: ABC

Road cracks after quake

Local News $900,000+ band

■ One employee at the City f Whittlesea was paid in the $900,000-$919,999 band in the 2020 financial year, the Council’s Annual Report reveals.

The highest paid senior officer in the 2020-21 financial year was in the $320,000-$329,999 band.

That is at least $6153.85 per week, or $876.71 per day, seven days a week.

Chief Executive Officer Craig Lloyd worked for almost nine months in the financial year, commencing on October 12, 2019.

Of the 43 senior officers, one was paid in the $250,000-$259,999 range, one in the $240,000-$249,999 range, two in the $230,000-$239,999 range, and two in the $220,000-$229,999 range.

There was one in each of the $210,000$219,999 and $200,000-$209,.999.

Three were in the $190,000-$199,999 range, and three in each of the $180,000$189,999 and $170,000-$179,999 range.

Ten were paid in the $160,000$169,000 bracket, with five paid between $151,000-$159,999 range. Ten received up to and including $151,000.

The number of key personnel in 202021 jumped from 34 to 43. The total remuneration for the senior officers rose from $5.36 million to $7.46 million.

Key management personnel were listed as: ■ Joe Carbone - Acting Chief Executive Officer (July 1, 2020 - October 11, 2020) ■ Craig Lloyd - Chief Executive Officer (October 12, 2020 - June 30, 2021) ■ Amy Montalti - Director Corporate Services ■ Belgin Besim - Director Community Wellbeing (July 1, 2020 - November 8, 2020) ■ Kate McCaughey - Director Community Wellbeing (November 9, 2020 - June 30, 2021) ■ Ben Harries - Director Infrastructure and Environment (July 1, 2020 - November 8, 2020) ■ Debbie Wood - Director Infrastructure and Environment (November 9, 2020 - June 30, 2021) ■ Julian Edwards - Director Planning and Development (July 1, 2020 - November 8, 2020) ■ Justin O'Meara - Director Planning and Development (November 9, 2020 - June 30, 2021) ■ Michael Tonta - Executive Manager Governance (July 1, 2020 - November 17, 2020) ■ Frank Joyce - Executive Manager Governance (November 18, 2020 - June 30, 2021) ■ Kristi High - Executive Manager Corporate Affairs.

Termination benefits in the 2020 financial year aggregated $820,000.

- Whittlesea City Council

Craig on camera

■ Normally, Craig Willis is on the studio side of the radio or television microphone.

The Mansfield Shire resident was on screen as an interviewee on 7 News on Wednesday night in a report on the earthquake.

Willis, who would normally have AFL Grand Final announcing duties at this time of the year, appeared on TV using the Zoom video conferencing platform. ● Wednesday’s earthquake left its mark on the High Country.

This crack in the road was photographed on the Jamieson-Licola Rd. Photo: Wellington Shire Council

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Page 2 - The Local Paper - Friday, September 24, 2021

Local News Free high tea

■ City of Whittlesea seniors can enjoy a delicious free high tea from local cafes delivered to their front doors at a special Victorian Seniors Festival event in October.

The unique October 13 event for over55s will see treats from several City of Whittlesea small businesses delivered free to registrants to enjoy at an online get-together with singer Brian Espiner.

It is part of the Council’s celebrations for the 2021 Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined, which runs from October 131 and incorporates International Day of Older Persons on October 1.

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the annual festival was traditionally celebrated with a variety of lunches and morning teas, but lockdowns meant 2021 needed a creative approach.

“Many seniors have dealt with social isolation during the pandemic, so we’re really excited to offer this new initiative,” Ms Wilson said.

“Our older residents in the City of Whittlesea are so valuable to us all and they deserve to be celebrated throughout this month.

“We also know many of our small businesses are doing it tough, so the high tea initiative is a small way we can show our support, and hopefully brighten the lives of our valued senior community. I look forward to meeting people and enjoying good food, music and a chat.”

Other highlights of the Seniors Festival calendar include: ■ Free online seniors’ exercise classes, running on Mondays and Wednesdays via Facebook ■ An online music and dance party ■ Art and laughter therapy classes The month-long celebrations will end with the launch of Council’s digital literacy program on October 28, which is being delivered in conjunction with the Whittlesea U3A and not-for-profit home care provider Lively.

The program will help over-55s and community groups with online connectivity, including teaching how to use various devices, and manage administrative processes online.

For more information and bookings visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/seniors - Whittlesea City Council

Insurance claims

■ Victorians are being urged to check their home insurance policy, after the state records a 5.8 magnitude earthquake, the largest in nearly 200 years.

Emergency services reported tremors as far north as Dubbo and Sydney, both about 700km from the epicentre.

Finder checked 11 home insurance policies and all cover earthquake damage, although the exclusion period varies from three to seven days.

Taylor Blackburn, insurance specialist at Finder, said: “If you already have a policy and your home or building was damaged, you should be covered.

“If you didn't have a home insurance policy at least 72 hours prior to the earthquake occurring, you won't be covered for any damage to your building it caused.

“Most policies have exclusion periods for specific insured events such as a quake to prevent people from simply taking out a policy just before damage occurs.

To make a home insurance claim, there are the three steps to follow: ■ Ensure that your property is safe and secure. You may need to call 000 or the SES. Call your insurer and let it know what has happened – it may be able to send out an emergency tradesperson if immediate help is needed.

■ Collect evidence. Take as many photos and videos of the damage as possible. Begin collecting receipts and invoices for damaged items to prove your expenses.

■ Send evidence to the insurer. Once you've collected all the evidence, you can submit your home insurance claim. You can usually do this online or by mail. - Jamie Wise

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Local People: 2

8 more cases in Mitchell ■ Eight more COVID cases in Mitchell Shire were announced yesterday (Thu.) by the Department of Health.

Victoria was notified of 766 new cases of COVID-19. All were locally acquired.

There are 6666 active cases in Victoria – 6665 locally acquired and one overseas-acquired case.

There are 257 COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. 60 of those cases are in intensive care, with 41 cases on a ventilator.

The Department was notified of four deaths: • a man aged in his 80s from Moreland • a man aged in his 70s from Hume • a man aged in his 80s from Hume • a woman aged in her 90s from Hume.

The other reported cases from regional municipalities were: • 1 in Ballarat • 1 in Greater Bendigo • 1 in Mildura • 5 in Macedon Ranges • 4 in Moorabool • 1 in Surf Coast.

Local Government Areas in metropolitan Melbourne which recorded more than one

● COVID Testing. Photo: ABC

newly diagnosed case included • 19 cases in Banyule • 4 cases in Bayside • 2 cases in Boroondara • 40 cases in Brimbank • 20 cases in Cardinia • 23 cases in Casey • 23 cases in Darebin • 10 cases in Greater Dandenong • 13 cases in Hobsons Bay • 264 cases in Hume • 8 cases in Manningham • 6 cases in Maroondah • 32 cases in Melton • 17 cases in Moonee Valley • 74 cases in Moreland • 3 cases in Mornington Peninsula • 6 cases in Nillumbik • 6 cases in Port Phillip • 3 cases in Stonnington • 4 cases in Whitehorse • 76 cases in Whittlesea • 52 cases in Wyndham • 6 cases in Yarra.

- Department of Health and local health professionals

Rail track plan welcomed ■ EuroaConnect, the representative voice of the people of Euroa has welcomed the release, by the Australian Rail Track Corporation of concept plans for the two viable options to connect the town across the proposed Inland Rail Line.

“Following more than three years of unsubstantiated argument that the only feasible way to provide for double stacked freight trains to pass through the town was to replace the 60year-old ugly overpass with an even larger and more dominant bridge structure, the ARTC committed earlier this year to develop options for both an over and under rail connection,” said spokesman John Simpson.

"We are delighted to see that this commitment has now been honoured. Our community can finally make an informed decision about the relative benefits of a ground level solution as against a bridge structure that would stand more than twelve metres above the surrounding landscape" said Euroa Connect Chair John Simpson.

“We are very much aware that many local residents and those who visit our town for business or other purposes will be saying but I have already expressed my view on several occasions.

“However, the ARTC and its partners (Department of Transport Victoria and Strathbogie Shire Council) have assured us

that the views expressed by the local community over coming weeks will be central to their final decision".

"On this basis Euroa Connect urges all of our 2300 supporters and the local community more broadly, to make use of the various communications options that the ARTC is offering.

"We need to make it clear that Euroa does not want another oversized bridge to continue the division of our town," Mr Simpson concluded.

- Shirley Saywell

Ute impounded

● John Simpson

■ Shepparton Police members have impounded a ute in Kaarimba on Thursday night (Sep. 23).

Police were initially called to check a suspicious vehicle near Pogues and Shepparton-Barmah Rds about 11.35pm.

The Holden ute was intercepted with three people on board.

Enquiries indicated that the driver, a 34year-old Shepparton man, had a suspended licence.

The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1525.

- Victoria Police

Help for small business ■ The State Government is supporting small-scale and craft businesses across the state, helping producers work together to put their high-quality produce on the tourism map.

Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Agriculture, this week visited Fleurs de Lyonville – a chemical-free micro flower farm in the Central Highlands, to officially open stream three of the Small-Scale and Craft Program.

Fleurs de Lyonville uses regenerative agricultural practices and supplies to consumers via local grocers, florists and wedding packages. Under the program, the business received funding to purchase a polytunnel and hoop houses to increase production and diversify its product line.

Alongside Fleurs de Lyonville, many other small-scale and craft producers across Victoria have received grants through previous streams of the program – including gourmet pie producers, olive growers, sake distillers and alpaca farmers.

Stream Three offers grants of between $25,000 and $100,000 for eligible small-scale and craft agribusinesses. These grants will support projects that showcase multiple produc-

● Mary-Anne Thomas

rs and support the creation of distinct visitor experiences, creating tourist attractions that put their region on the map.

The Government is helping small agribusinesses grow as a key pillar of its Agriculture Strategy, which will in turn boost visitation to regional towns and create jobs.

The Small-Scale and Craft Program supports the vision for an agriculture sector that is strong, innovative, and sustainable. It is a $10.2 million program over four years that delivers on the Government’s election commitment.

Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Agriculture, said: “Victoria’s small-scale and craft sector is central to our agri-tourism appeal and reputation as a producer of high-quality, niche agricultural offerings.”

“From truffles to craft beer, Victoria’s small-scale producers create food and beverage offerings worth discovering.”

“Our small-scale and craft sector is making a name for itself on the global stage and continues to grow as more creative Victorians use their skills and passion to make the world-class produce that our state is known for.”

- Mary-Anne Thomas

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The Local Paper - Friday, September 24, 2021 - Page 3

Local People: 3

Regional jobless rate low

■ Victoria’s regional unemployment rate is the lowest on record and lowest among the states, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics data released yesterday (Thu.).

The data shows that the regional unemployment rate declined 1.1 percentage points to 3.2 per cent across the three months to August, dropping more than any state.

While restrictions put in place to save lives and protect our health system have, and continue to put pressure on the businesses and the economy – the data shows the underlying strength of the economy heading into the most recent lockdown.

The good news continues as the unemployment rate in regional Victoria decreased by 3.4 percentage points since November 2014, the largest decrease of the states.

More than 29,000 people found work in Victoria during August alone – the highest of any state – while employment fell nationally in the month.

Victoria is well on the way to smashing its challenging target of creating 400,000 jobs by 2025, with 288,000 people finding work since September 2020.

● Jaala Pulford

The Victorian Government continues to play a significant role in creating jobs and protecting the Victorian workforce. The Government has provided more than $10 billion in direct economic support to business since the start of the pandemic, including $4.2 billion in cash grants to 145,000 businesses since the May/June lockdown.

Jaala Pulford, Minister for Employment, said: “We are getting thousands of people into work through employment programs like our $619 million Jobs Victoria initiative, which will help thousands of people find work and gain economic independence.”

Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Regional Development , said: “Regional Victoria is leading the way – with the lowest unemployment rate in the nation. We’ve invested $30 billion in our regions to create more jobs, and it’s clear through these figures that it’s paying off.“ Tim Pallas, Treasurer, said: “Our economy is much like regional Victoria – resilient. While we acknowledge this has been an unprecedented time for businesses and workers, these numbers are testament of your attitude and work ethic to simply get on with it.“ - Mary-Anne Thomas

Mill Park pet cruelty case

■ RSPCA Victoria has successfully prosecuted a Mill Park woman for grossly neglecting a dog.

The court imposied a 15-month community corrections order and a disqualification order banning her for owning or being the person in charge of a dog for a period of five years.

When a report was received about an abandoned dog in poor body condition, an RSPCA Victoria Inspector attended a residence in Mill Park on December 15, 2017, where they found ‘Dobby’, a four-year-old Poodle type dog who had been left in the yard.

Dobby was heavily matted, dirty and in thin body condition, with no access to food, water or shelter. He was seized due to serious welfare concerns and transported to RSPCA Victoria’s Burwood Veterinary Clinic for immediate treatment and care.

Upon examination, Dobby was found to be emaciated, dehydrated and anaemic, with the treating veterinarian stating he was the skinniest dog still alive that she had ever seen.

His severely matted coat had grass seeds and other debris embedded, including several small pieces of wire.

Once clipped, the removed matted fur was found to weigh 650 grams – almost 18 per cent of his total body weight.

Subsequently weighing in at only 3.05kg, Dobby was placed on intravenous fluids and hospitalised overnight for monitoring.

Dobby spent the following two months in the clinic at RSPCA Victoria where he was placed on a meal plan and received ongoing care and treatment.

Amazingly, after seven weeks his weight had increased by 75 perf cent to 5.35kg, and in early March 2018 Dobby was rehomed

● Dobby was left abandoned, RSPCA officers told the Court through a rescue group where he was quickly sage that we will continue to hold people to adopted into a loving family. account if they are not providing their pets with RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michael the required standards of care,” Mr Stagg Stagg said it was disturbing that the accused said. had shown so little regard for the poodle’s life.

“We seized this animal in December 2017 “There is no excuse for any animal to be and we have never faltered in our resolve to neglected and we want to send the strong mes- seek justice for Dobby. This case just goes to show we will not give up our pursuit of offenders who are guilty of animal cruelty and neglect.

“Last financial year we received 10,745 cruelty reports with over 1,150 reports relating to abandoned animals and more than 5,500 love about where we live,” Cr Perkins said. reports relating to animals with insufficient “The MPS will influence planning decifood, water or shelter provided. It simply isn’t sions in the Shire for many years to come good enough and the RSPCA is committed to and we encourage our community take the opportunity to provide their input into it. stamping out this behaviour.

“There will be opportunities to share and “If your circumstances change and you are discuss ideas at a series of online communo longer able to care for your animal, you nity workshops later this month.” owe it to them to do the right thing and seek Key themes and influences will be dishelp or support.” cussed at a series o programmed online comDuring an online court hearing, the dog’s munity workshops. owner was convicted under the Prevention Remaining workshops are: of Cruelty to Animals Act 1984 for: Thursday, September 30, 7pm. Natural ■ failure to provide an animal with sufficient Environment, Open Space and Climate food or drink, Change ■ abandonment of an animal, and Saturday, October 2, 3pm. Green Wedge ■ failure to provide veterinary or other approand Economic Development. priate attention or treatment.

- Nillumbik Shire Council - Camilla Speirs

Vision for local land use ■ Nillumbik residents can help shape the vision for land use and development as the Council prepares its new Municipal Planning Strategy.

A Municipal Planning Strategy provides an overview of important local planning issues and, together with the Victorian Planning Policy Framework, provides the strategic basis of the Nillumbik Planning Scheme – the ‘vision’ for the planning scheme.

It is the ‘big-picture’ part of the planning scheme that identifies key issues and influences specific to Nillumbik.

Mayor Cr Peter Perkins said the MPS was a critical blueprint for future development and land use in Shire.

“This vision needs to reflect everything we

Local News $7.7 mil. deficit

■ Whittlesea City Council will report a $7.7 million operating cash deficit for the 2020-21 financial year.

CEO Craig Lloyd said: “This is largely due to the financial impacts of the COVID19 pandemic on Council operations, with reduced income received from Council facilities due to closures required under public health orders, coupled with additional expenditure incurred in supporting our community.”

- Whittlesea City Council

Reputation hurt

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish says the violent protests in the streets of Melbourne are tearing down our city’s reputation as a safe, attractive place to visit and enjoy.

The riots, violent brawls and disrespect shown to our police force and historical landmarks over the past week by protesting mobs have decimated Melbourne’s position as a leading city, Ms McLeish said.

“Images and footage of the violent protests has been shared on the world stage, causing significant damage to Melbourne’s reputation. Melbourne has been brought to its knees taking hit after hit from the lockdowns, restrictions and now out of control riots.

“The time it will take Melbourne to recover from this negativity and violence from its own people is time the tourism and accommodation sector’s simply do not have.

“The accommodation sector is not expected to recover to pre-pandemic numbers until 2024. Melbourne’s tourism sector is struggling to stay afloat and can no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Under the Andrews Labor Government, Melbourne has lost its crown as the most liveable city, lost major sporting events including the upcoming AFL Grand Final and brought the hospitality and tourism industry to its knees.

“Out of control riots in the streets is another hit on the long list of failures. Victoria needs a new plan to get our state back to the attractive city we all know and love.

Ms McLeish, who is Shadow Minister for Tourism, Major Events and Sport, said: “Melbourne has always been a safe city, full of art, culture, hospitality and major sporting events. Not anymore.

“Melbourne’s tourism industry is shot.

First brought to its knees by Daniel Andrews yo-yo lockdowns and harsh restrictions that have gone on for nearly two years. Now, the violent protests are another slap in the face.

“Victorians needs a new plan to get Melbourne back on track and rebuild our reputation as a safe, welcoming city.”

- Talin Hadlow

Community Vision

■ The final draft of the first Community Vision for Mansfield has been released for feedback.

After months of engagement with the wider community, the Council considered the draft Community Vision 2040 at its meeting on Tuesday (Sep. 21).

The Council is now asking the community to reflect on whether the document accurately represents its vision for the future.

Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe said that the Council was grateful to have participated in the process of facilitating the community’s vision.

“This was a project with significant engagement. The resulting vision reflects a passionate, invested community that cares about its future, its environment and its character,” said Cr Holcombe.

There are five domains covered in the Community Vision, each providing a clear vision for Mansfield Shire in 2040. The domains group the themes of the community’s priorities. They are: Community and People, Health and Wellbeing, Environment and Place, Infrastructure and Services, Prosperity and Economy Feedback is requested by October 8.

- Mansfield Shire Council

Page 4 - The Local Paper - Friday, September 24, 2021

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.

18 lots approved

■ Mansfield Council has approved an 18lot subdivision at 53 Highton Lane, Mansfield including the removal of native vegetation. “When land is zoned general residential, there will be some removal of native vegetation,” the Council said.

- Mansfield Shire Council

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Local People: 4

Mental health bid blocked

■ State Labor MPs have used their numbers in Parliament to vote against a proposal to boost mental health support for young Victorians, says Euroa MLA Steph Ryan.

The Nationals moved a Private Member’s Bill this month that would have made thousands more mental health specialists available to Victorian schools.

In a move backed by the Australian Counselling Association, the Bill sought to amend the definition of a mental health practitioner under the Mental Health Act, to allow counsellors to work in schools.

Ms Ryan said that if passed, it would have made 2000 counsellors available to support Victorian kids through lockdown.

“Our youngest Victorians have been shut out of schools, banned from seeing their friends and extended family and from the things they do to keep good mental health like sport, playgrounds and music lessons,” Ms Ryan said.

“This was a simple change that would have made the world of difference to the youngest Victorians.

“The Andrews Labor Government says it’s working on reform, but this reform is

HELP IN SCHOOLS

● Steph Ryan, Euroa MLA

months if not years away when our kids need more mental health support now.”

Ms Ryan said the additional counsellors also builds on The Nationals’ calls for the Andrews Labor Government to make an extra 2000 trainee psychologists available to better support Victorian kids.

“Local GP clinics have advised me that they are seeing a notable increase in young people seeking mental health support as a result of the pandemic,” Ms Ryan said.

“However, there is significant concern that waiting lists and out-of-pocket fees are delaying kids getting the help they need when they need it most.

“Disappointingly, the government used its numbers in the Parliament to block the proposal.

“The Nationals will not stop fighting for more mental health funding in regional and rural communities.

“We need to utilise every resource available to us so our kids can get the support they need, right now,” Ms Ryan said.

- Steph Ryan

Local MP acts on Nazi symbols STATE ACTS TO HALT HATE BEHAVIOUR ■ Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes, in her role as Victorian Attorney-General, has spoken in State Parliament abou the banning of Nazi symbols.

“I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor Government’s recent announcement that Victoria will become the first in Australia to ban the public display of Nazi symbols.

“This is a significant reform to help stamp out hateful behaviour and better protect the human rights of all Victorians.

“We expect to legislate the ban in the first half of 2022 in recognition of the rise in NeoNazi activity and its role in inciting hate behaviour.

“Recent incidents have shown that NeoNazi hatred is far from a thing of the past and we need to do more to stamp out this hurtful practice.

“We will make sure to undertake extensive consultation on how the Nazi symbol ban is drafted to ensure appropriate exceptions are in place, such as for education or historical

● Jaclyn Symes MLC

purposes or for other legitimate uses of this symbol.

“Banning Nazi symbols was one of the recommendations of the Legislative and Social Issues Committee in the other place on the effectiveness of Victoria’s anti-vilification laws.

“In that report Victorian MPs from both sides of politics spoke with one voice to condemn hatred of all kinds and make recommendations for how our laws can better protect people who are targeted by bigots and extremists.

“I thank the committee and all those who participated in the inquiry for the work on these complex issues.

“Last week the government tabled its response, which supported nearly all of the committee’s recommendations.

“We are already working with experts on the best way to make these changes and will consult widely with the community and affected groups to get the settings right before introducing any further legislation.

“I look forward to bringing these reforms to the house, and I am hopeful that our bipartisan stance against hate speech will provide them with a smooth and speedy passage and send a fantastic message to the Victorians that we all serve,” Ms Symes said.

- Jaclyn Symes

More Fwy test sites needed ■ Tim Quilty, Northern Victoria MLC, has asked in State Parliament about Hume Freeway testing facilities for COVID-19.

“My constituency question is for the Minister for Health. A couple of weeks ago I received a call from a truck driver heading from Melbourne to Wodonga with a cargo of food,” Mr Quilty told the Legislative Council.

“He told me the northbound COVID testing station at Broadford weighbridge was closed and was looking for help.

“He did not realise the testing station was only open from 6 pm to 6 am. My team looked for another test centre along the Hume Freeway and could only locate one at Benalla, a suburban area entirely unsuitable for a B-double truck.

“The Victorian Government seems happy to let New South Wales show the way with a 24-hour testing facility for truck drivers at Tarcutta. Truck drivers must be tested every three days, and it is unreasonable to expect them to find their way to community testing facilities. These tests keep the regions safe and the freight moving.”

- Tim Quilty

Local News 300-word pitch

● Tim Quilty MLC

■ Victorians trying to return to the State from interstate are only allowed 300 words to plead their case, local MLC Tim Quilty has told State Parliament.

“This government is eager to remind us that there is an exemption application process for exactly this kind of issue. People ... are given 300 characters to plead their case. That is about the length of a tweet or 30 seconds of speaking.

“It is not clear that these are even read or considered, and with 16,000 people waiting it is probable that many of these are just being ignored. There is no way to follow up your application. You do not know if it has been read, and you cannot amend or support it in any way. When lockdowns were a matter of weeks, these things might have been let slide, but we are now in lockdown indefinitely.”

- Tim Quilty