Local People. Sat., Sep. 25, 2021

By The People, For The People

EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

Local News Finals Forecast

■ The forecast for Seymour for Grand Final Day (Sat., Sep. 25) is cloudy, 3°13°.

At Lake Mountain, temperatures are expected to range from -2°-1°, and snow showers clearing.

Jim Ashley of the Bureau of eteorology says: "Fans, players, and coaches alike will be pleased to hear that Perth will likely see only partly cloudy skies for the first bounce at 5.15pm (AWST) [7,.15pm Melbourne].

"For those lucky enough to have a ticket to the Grand Final, it could be worth packing a jacket – whether it's the red, white and blue of the Western Bulldogs, or the red and blue of Melbourne – as conditions will cool down during the game.

"By the time the winner is lifting the Premiership Cup aloft, the temperature at the ground is expected to be around 18C. Grand Final weather facts: ■ 2020 AFL Grand Final (October, 24.

Brisbane): Daytime storms clearing, humid.

Maximum temperature: 26C. Rainfall: 0.4mm to 9am and 37.8mm from 9am.

■ Last AFL Grand Final win by the Western Bulldogs (October 1, 2016, Melbourne): Partly cloudy. Maximum temperature: 18.6C. Rainfall after 9am: 0mm.

■ Last AFL/VFL Grand Final win by Melbourne (September 19, 1964, Melbourne). Fine and sunny. Maximum temperature: 20.8C. Rainfall after 9am: 0mm.

■ L ast time the Bulldogs and Melbourne played in an AFL/VFL Grand Final (September 25, 1954, Melbourne): Cloud clearing. Maximum temperature: 14C. Rainfall after 9am: 0mm.

■ Warmest AFL/VFL Grand Final (October 3, 2015, Melbourne): Maximum temperature: 31.3C. ■ Coldest AFL/VFL Grand Final (September 20, 1958, Melbourne): Maximum temperature: 11.3C. ■ Wettest AFL/VFL Grand Final (October 1, 1927, Melbourne): Steady rain.

Muddy, slushy surface. Rainfall to 9am: 21.1mm and rainfall from 9am: 16.3mm (* wetter than 2020 because of rain during the game).

Exposure sites

■ Latest Coronavirus exposure sites have been listed: ■ Bundoora. Bundoora Fruit Market - Uni Hill Town Centre. 5 Janefield Drive. Tier 2.

■ Doncaster. Woolworths Doncaster Westfield Doncaster. 619 Doncaster Rd. Tier 2.

■ Epping. Costco Warehouse Epping. 60 Deveny Rd. Tier 2.

■ Kilmore. ALDI Kilmore. 97 Sydney St. Tier 2.

■ Kilmore. Woolworths Kilmore. 109 Northern Hwy. Tier 2.

■ Roxburgh Park. Captain Roxburgh Fish and Chips. 101 Ravenhill Boulevard. Tier 2 ■ Roxburgh Park. FoodWorks Roxburgh Park. 101 Ravenhille Boulevard. Tier 2.

■ Roxburgh Park. Prestige Tyre and Auto Service Roxburgh Park. 5/12/20 Reservoir Drive. Tier 1.

- Department of Health and local health professionals

Tobacco worry

■ Northern Victoria MLC Tania Maxwell has raised the topic of the proliferation of illicit tobacco in Victoria, during a discussion in the Legislative Council of State Parliament this month.

- Tania Maxwell

HANG IN THERE SAYS MAYOR

■ Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr Sandice McAulay has appealed to local businesses to “hang in there” has the community works its way out of the COVID lockdowns.

“On Sunday, September 19, the Premier announced the road map for easing out of restrictions,” Cr McAulay told Wednesday’s Zoom meeting of Councillors.

“One thing seems clear – each easing of restriction is related to the community achieving vaccination milestones. So please if you can, please get the jab.

“Local vaccination statistics as of Monday: First dose 74.7 per cent and Second dose – 47 per cent.

“I have continued to take every opportunity to discuss the ongoing concern that even when Regional Victoria isn’t in lockdown, regional businesses are still impacted by the metropolitan lockdowns as our businesses still rely heavily on customers from Melbourne.

“Particularly now that many of our hospitality businesses are restricted to 10 people inside their venues – hardly viable for businesses to continue to stay open.

“Support packages that are put in place for Melbourne businesses are now extended to regional Victoria until the end of September.

“Hang in there. Wear your masks, wash your hands, get vaccinated and use the QR codes,” Cr McAulay said.

The Mayor addressed other Council issues: “It’s wonderful that at least here in Murrindindi we are able to travel from home and we are able to chat to locals down the street – albeit with plenty of space between us.

“This last month has been a series of disappointing cancellations of events and forums.

“A number of Primary School invitations to recognise school leaders and present certificates continues to suffer with the lockdowns and having to resume schooling from home.

“I enjoy meeting with the children and answering their many questions as well as recognising the respective school leaders.

“I’m looking at the possibility of conducting those opportunities on Zoom.

“The draft Council Plan community consultation has also been affected. The consultation period was extended which allowed people the opportunity to respond via the on line forum - The Loop.

“Fortunately we were able to conduct a couple of online consultation sessions to allow for some community and business input.

“This last month has demonstrated that regionally we are still vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19.

“Luckily Shepparton is now out of lockdown but other communities are now locked down.

“Here in Murrindindi we have had a number of cases at the Southern edge of the shire.

This is a eminder to all that if you have any symptoms at all, no matter how mild to get tested as soon as possible.

“I ask people once again to be kind to others and if someone you know needs assistance Council’s DindiLink service helps people to connect to services as well as organising practical help with deliveries – so please call 5772 0333 and speak to one of our friendly team members.

“Personally I have been cheered up and inspired by the many random acts of kindness,

Local News Refugee vote

■ Murrindindi Shire Council will sign a declaration to become a Refugee Welcome Zone with the Refugee Council of Australia.

This follows a motion successfully put by Crs Sue Carpenter and Damien Gallagher at last Wednesday’s Council meeting.

“The proposal for a Refugee Welcome Zone and the Scroll is sponsored by the Refugee Council of Australia, which is supported by Rural Australians for Refugees. Rural Australians for Refugees is an association of about 90 local groups around Rural Australia which are dedicated to improving the conditions of asylum seekers and refugees, as well as changing government policy on boat arrivals, offshore processing and mandatory detention,” a report to Councillors said.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

243 cases in Hume

● Cr Sandice McAulay, Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor such as the distribution of spring seeds by a number of Community groups and random purchases of coffee to distribute to regular customers to brighten others day as well as supporting the business.

“I am always so happy to share these random lovely acts of thoughtful community members.

“Last Friday was Australian Citizenship Day. Each year on September 17 we celebrate the value and significance of Australian Citizenship and the privileges and responsibilities it embodies.

“To mark the 20th anniversary, I was honoured to conduct Council’s first online citizenship ceremony where two of our community members became Australian citizens.

“The day was made even more special with Dr Helen Haines, Federal Member for Indi, and Cindy McLeish, State Member for Eildon, taking the time to participate in this our first online ceremony.”

- Cr Sandice McAulay

Brewery bid at Alexandra ■ An application has been submitted for a brewery at Alexandra, Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Carpenter revealed at last Wednesday’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting.

“Another interesting application is being sought for is for a planning permit for the use and development of land for the purpose of a brewery, restaurant, retail premises (manufacturing sales),and liquor licence (producers licence) at the former Alexandra Dairy Company building. This application is currently being advertised,” Cr Carpenter said.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

■ Some 243 new Coronavirus cases in the nearby municipality of Hume were reported in the figures announced on Friday (Sep. 24) by the Department of Health.

Around 58 per cent of cases identified in Victoria are in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with 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 23 per cent of cases are people in their 20s. More pn Page 2.

- Local health professionals

Partners on board

■ “In development of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 20212025, officers have worked in partnership with a number of external agencies involved in delivering health-related outcomes in our community,” Cr Damien Gallagher told Murrindindi Shire Council this week.

“That consortium of agencies will work in collaboration with Council to deliver.

“It is particularly heartening that there are strategies designed to target mental health and wellbeing key focus areas, and acknowledging the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on communities. “he plan carefully outlines Council¡s direct involvement in all manner of strategic initiatives and recognises the value of a concerted team approach to targeted, consortium-supported advocacy,” Cr Gallagher said.

- Damien Gallagher

Red zone permits

■ All Local Government Areas on the NSW– Victorian border are now classified as red zones under Victoria’s travel permit system, after the NSW LGA of Albury was reclassified at 11.59 pm on September 23.

Residents of the cross-border community who haven’t left the cross-border area or been in an Extreme Risk Zone at any time in the previous 14 days can enter Victoria without a permit for any reason.

Victorians who do not live in the crossborder community can apply for a Red Zone permit to re-enter Victoria.

- Department of Health and local health professionals

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Page 2 - The Local Paper - Saturday, September 25, 2021

Local News Welcome mat out

■ Cr Damien Gallagher told this week’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting about the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration.

“In light of the invitation to declare Murrindindi Shire a Refugee Welcome Zone: ■ What is a refugee and why should we welcome them?

■ Are we opening the door to people to take our jobs?

■ What does any of this have to do with Council?

“Australia’s Department of Home Affairs distinguishes refugees as people unable or unwilling to return to their home country or to seek the protection of their own country because of a wellfounded fear of persecution.

“That is, a fear of serious harm because of their: ■ race, ■ religion, ■ nationality, ■ social group membership, or ■ political opinion.

“We are incredibly fortunate in Australia that the weapon of choice for our electoral battles is a three-inch pencil and a ballot paper. No blood is shed.

“I contrast our freedom with that of a person with a well-founded fear of persecution for their political opinions or ideological associations.

“A person who leaves their home country because they are seeking better economic opportunities for themselves or their families is not a refugee.

“There is a well-established, orderly program for welcoming economic immigrants to our country.

“There is a queue, and there is a process, but that group of new contributors to Australia are not subject to our consideration. No, rather we’re considering the prospect of declaring welcome, people who aren’t seeking a better life, but rather the prospect of a life.

“The words refuge and asylum mean ‘protection’. There is a process for assessing refugee status, but there is no queue for those seeking asylum, and thus there are no queue-jumpers: Only people with a wellfounded fear.

“With thanks to the work of so many community-minded organisations including the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project and Rural Australians for Refugees working in collaboration in our region, refugees have been afforded the opportunity to contribute positively in a number of ways, including: By filling vacancies in the local agriculture sector, and by sharing the story of their experience.

“The motion is not to sign up every Murrindindian to a cause, but rather for Council to meet the powerful rhetoric of the first line of our Community’s Vision Statement with a public demonstration of our commitment: “We are inclusive, embrace diversity and encourage the participation of all.”

- Damien Gallagher

Youth Leadership

■ Cr Damien Gallagher spoke at this week’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting about youth leadership: “Participants in the 2021 Murrindindi Youth Leadership Program recently attended their seventh session of a packed personal development program.

“A former participant in the program took a lead role, leveraging the skills he himself had attained from the opportunity.

“In the spirit of helping to achieve one of the program aims of fostering inter-generational relationships, Murrindindi Shire Councillors made a cameo appearance.

“Some of the sage advice offered by Councillors is relevant to all young people in the community: ■ You are capable. Value every opportunity you have to extend yourself ■ Put yourself out there. Give. Involvement means connections, friendship, and opportunities.

- Damien Gallagher

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Local People: 2

Dindi projects underway ■ Cr Eric Lording this week reported on infrastructure projects underway in the Murrindindi Shire Council: ■ Kinglake Streetscape works are continuing with the works moving along the front of Foodworks and the Songbird Cafe with works on the main business precinct due to finish this month. Works have moved to the area near the Pharmacy ■ 21 gravel road resheeting projects are on hold for better weather to ensure good outcomes for future traffic ■ Large rainfall events and continuing light rain are keeping crews busy with drainage works, erosion control, and potholes. Crews working on a backlog at the moment ■ A number of new bridge projects are at various stages of development and tenders. Some being Yarck Rd now out to tender, Break O Day Rd bridge specification developed, and ready to go out as a design and construct Tender. Road closure or diversion decisions will be once the contractor has been determined ■ The Yea Caravan Park bridge design is complete and the specification of works document is underway ■ The June storm clean-up is nearing comple-

● Cr Eric Lording

tion but there are still some heavy objects needing removal before the fire season ■ The Projects team have a busy year ahead with over 110 projects to be delivered this financial year. ★ In regards to the Council’s Emergency Management works, Cr Lording said: ■ The Connecting Victoria Survey ¡V a survey on the NBN and mobile phone coverage in our shire is being undertaken ■ Blackspot Victoria ¡V Round 6 opening soon giving details of accident locations so we can plan safety improvements ■ A Community reference group for the Emergency Planning Committee is to be set up.

There were no monthly reports at last week’s meeting from Crs John Walsh and Ilona Gerencser.

- Murrindindi Shire Council ● Murrindindi Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Carpenter says she believes that the diverse backgrounds of our Councilors has contributed to a great sharing of ideas for the Council Plan.

Mansfield picked for build ■ Mansfield has been chosen as one of the areas for a regional housing funding initiative.

“As Victoria continues to grow, so does demand for social and affordable housing – that’s why we’re delivering more housing for Victorians in need, as well as low and moderate income households, while creating thousands of jobs,” said Richard Wynne, State Housing Minister.

“We are calling on landowners and developers to put their hand up to help make a contribution towards the future of their community, create jobs and put a roof over heads of Victorians who need it the most.”

The Big Housing Build will provide more than 12,000 new homes across the state – boosting social housing stocks by 10 per cent – and create 10,000 jobs a year.

The State Government is calling on all developers and landowners in regional Victoria to put forward any developments or vacant land that could be turned into social or affordable housing.

The Government is investing $80 million to address a critical shortage of housing in regional Victoria, with recent rental market data showing housing affordability has fallen to its lowest level since data was first collected in 2000.

“This is an opportunity for landowners and

● Richard Wynne

builders to contribute to the future of their communities by growing the supply of housing and creating jobs under the Government’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.

This round of funding will focus on purchasing new homes, house and land packages and developable land that is zoned for residential use. Strict guidelines for proposals will need to be addressed including proximity to retail, schools and transport.

All Victorian regional areas will be considered, with a preference for the Greater Geelong, Latrobe, Moorabool, Golden Plains, Greater Shepparton, Baw Baw, Mildura, Wellington, East and South Gippsland, Macedon Ranges, Bass Coast, Surf Coast, Mount Alexander, Horsham, Swan Hill, Alpine and Mansfield Local Government Areas.

Landowners and developers are encouraged to partner with community housing providers, local government and other organisations to submit proposals to Homes Victoria. They can tender more than one proposal, with submissions due no later than 2pm on Thursday October 7 through tenders.vic.gov.au (Buying for Victoria).

Up to $485 million is set aside for projects outside the 18 priority LGAs. - Richard Wynne

67 new cases in Whittlesea ■ There were 67 new Coronavirus cases in the City of Whittlesea in the statistics announced by the Department of Health yesterday (Fri.).

Of 27 cases announced in regional Victoria yesterday: • 1 in Ballarat • 1 in Baw Baw • 3 in Campaspe • 5 in Greater Geelong • 1 in Greater Shepparton • 1 in Macedon Ranges • 9 in Mitchell • 1 in Moira • 2 in Moorabool • 1 in Wangaratta • 2 in Wodonga.

Of the 733 cases announced yesterday, the following Local Government Areas in metropolitan Melbourne recorded more than one newly diagnosed case: • 23 cases in Banyule • 4 cases in Boroondara • 36 cases in Brimbank • 9 cases in Cardinia • 22 cases in Casey

● Brett Sutton, Health Officer

• 28 cases in Darebin • 5 cases in Frankston • 5 cases in Glen Eira • 7 cases in Greater Dandenong • 20 cases in Hobsons Bay • 243 cases in Hume • 4 cases in Kingston • 9 cases in Knox • 7 cases in Manningham • 7 cases in Maribyrnong • 4 cases in Maroondah • 11 cases in Melbourne • 31 cases in Melton • 8 cases in Monash • 29 cases in Moonee Valley • 48 cases in Moreland • 13 cases in Port Phillip • 67 cases in Whittlesea • 38 cases in Wyndham • 18 cases in Yarra • 3 cases in Yarra Ranges.

There are 7160 active cases in Victoria – 7159 locally acquired and one overseas-acquired case.

- Department of Health and local health professionals

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The Local Paper - Saturday, September 25, 2021 - Page 3

Local People: 3

Gardeners at Greenbrook ■ Budding gardeners from Epping Secondary College got their hands dirty for a good cause at Greenbrook Community House, growing vegetables to help community members in need of extra support during COVID19 lockdowns.

About 25 Year 11 and 12 VCAL students have been hard at work in the grounds of the City of Whittlesea-managed neighbourhood house every Thursday, in between lockdowns, since March, digging and earthmoving, mulching and soil reconditioning, planting and watering and weeding and seeding.

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the students were proud to donate four boxes of organic fruit and vegetables to local food relief charities Thomastown Neighbourhood House and Countrywide Community Mission shortly before the May circuit breaker lockdown.

“The gardening groups decided to donate their produce once they harvested it and saw how beautifully it had grown, and they were proud to choose local organisations to support,” Ms Wilson said.

“The food relief organisations were thrilled

● Lydia Wilson

to receive boxes of organic spinach, carrots, spring onions, broccoli, lettuce, beetroots and potatoes, but even more excited to know the harvest had been grown and donated by local secondary school students.”

Ms Wilson said the grounds of Greenbrook Community House were looking sensational, with the students also chopping and trimming branches, weeding, raking, placing nets over fruit trees, creating mosaic signs and sanding back boards for artworks.

“They’re looking forward to getting back into the garden and growing more seasonal produce and are happy to be playing a small part in making life easier for people who could use some extra support during the pandemic.”

Epping Secondary College teacher Antoinette Rehak said the students loved being out in the garden, away from technology and involved in a local community house.

“They have learnt about gardening and how a little bit of love can go a long way,” Ms Rehak said. “Epping Secondary College VCAL are so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an amazing initiative.”

- Whittlesea City Council

Art event in November

■ Living & Learning Nillumbik is preparing for its annual diversARTy event. The exhibition will open in November and showcase a range of works, including visual arts, textiles and crafts.

Participants and tutors who’ve taken part in a Living & Learning course in 2021 can enter, as well as those who’ve been part of a coop or MakerSpace this year.

Exhibition categories include: ■ 2D individual (framed or unframed work to be displayed on the wall) ■ 3D individual (video, leadlight not requiring a window, or work to be displayed on a plinth or in a cabinet) ■ Group artwork (created by multiple people) ■ Leadlight window display Mayor Cr Peter Perkins said the diversARTy exhibition is a way to bring together the community as well as the tutors and participants at Living & Learning Nillumbik.

“We truly do look forward to seeing the diverse range of works showcased at every diversARTy exhibition and this year is no different,” Cr Perkins said.

“It’s not just a broad variation in the media presented, but also in the artists themselves.

Some are old hands in their chosen field while others have discovered new talents and tech-

niques. New and old however, all are passionate and proud to exhibit their work.”

“The community will be encouraged to view the exhibition later this year. Many works will be available for purchase and there are bound to be pieces that you’ll want to take home,” he said. diversARTy will run from November 19 to December 12 at the Eltham Library Community Gallery), with an official opening on November 20 (subject to COVID-19 restrictions). Award winners will be announced on December 9.

Full details are available at livinglearningnillumbik.vic.gov.au/ diversarty - Nillumbik Shire Council

Conflict declared

● Cr Peter Perkins

■ The indicative total budget for the Murrindindi Shire Council Grants and Contributions Program for the 2021-22 financial year is $180,000.

A conflict of interest was declared by a Council officer in relation to an assessment of the application received from Alexandra Secondary College.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

Foxes run hen houses: MP ■ Northern Victorian MLC Tim Quilty told State Parliament this month that fioxes were running the hen house ... and he had a swipe at Yan Yean MLA Danielle Green on the way through.

“The Liberal Democrats believe in honest government,” Mr Quilty told the Legislative Council.

“At present, parliamentarians can take advantage of their position by hiring family members to work in their offices.

“No doubt in many cases this work is actually genuine, as we have heard today, but sometimes perhaps it is just a way for politicians to further line their pockets with taxpayers cash.

“This bill prevents politicians from hiring their own family members as staff members.

“This is a small but worthwhile safeguard.

It is important that politicians are not just honest but are also seen to be honest by the electorate.

“I think many members would do well to remember that.

“We have had enough of one set of rules for the ordinary people and a different set for the elite: MPs breaking lockdown to travel to their

● Tim Quilty MLC

holiday houses while the plebs are stuck in a 5-kilometre radius from their homes; and getting special exemptions to take the government jet home for Father’s Day, while many thousands of families are separated by closed state borders.

“We are not all in this together. It is not clear whether you like to rub our noses in it or you genuinely think that you deserve special status.

“Parliamentary expenditure is not uncommonly rorted. In the past few years Labor have used electorate officer funds for campaign purposes and spent millions on politically motivated surveys and market research.

“At a federal level, we have seen the Liberal Party pay for helicopter rides and claim the expenses as standard travel expenses, and we have seen sports grant funds directed to specific areas for political gains.

“I have also heard stories of politicians using parliamentary office funds to buy overpriced goods like magazines or printing from their political allies. This is a way of laundering taxpayer money so it can then be used for campaigning.”

- Tim Quilty

Local News Wellbeing Plan

■ Murrindindi Council has adopted the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 and will presents a copy to the Secretary of the Department of Health for endorsement.

The Plan identifies strategies to help create a community in which people can achieve maximum health and wellbeing.

These strategies acknowledge where improvements need to be made, last Wednesday’s Council meeting was told.

“The strategies have been codesigned with our Health and Wellbeing Consortium partners and are intentionally broad to encompass the changing focus of our partner organisations over the life of the plan,” the Council report said.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

Euroa meeting

■ Northern Victoria MLC Tania Maxwell has spoken in State Parliament about Euroa rail works.

“My constituency question is to the Minister for Public Transport and concerns the Euroa railway precinct,” Ms Maxwell said.

“The inland rail project will have implications for the greater railway precinct, which falls outside of the scope of the Australian Rail Track Corporation and into the hands of the State Government.

“This presents an opportunity for the precinct to be considered in a holistic sense for rail and road users, pedestrians and cyclists.

“The Strathbogie Shire are keen to engage with the Victorian Government to ensure that the planning, funding and timing for a redevelopment of the Euroa railway precinct is collaborative and that it includes the community.

“I ask the minister if she will meet with the Strathbogie Shire to discuss these issues and opportunities and their need for $100,000 in funding to develop a business case for the Euroa railway precinct,” Ms Maxwell said.

- Tania Maxwell

Statements ready

■ Murrindindi Shire Council’s draft financial statements as at June 30 2021, were considered at last week’s meeting of Councillors.

They include a record of all financial activity that occurred during the 2020/21 financial year.

The statements were prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Model Accounts for Victorian Councils which are developed by Local Government Victoria and VAGO. “It should also be noted that these draft statements have been signed off by Council’s external auditor RSD Audit, acting as agent for VAGO,” last Wednesday’s meeting was told.

“The financial and performance statements were presented to Council’s Audit and Risk Committee on September 9 where they were endorsed for adoption by Council at this meeting,” Councillors were advised.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

Lockdown time

■ Mitchell Shire is due to be lifted from its seven-day lockdown restrictions at 11.59pm tomorrow (Sun., Sep. 26).

The move has yet to be announced by the Premier Daniel Andrews and Chief Health Officer Prof. Brett Sutton.

- Local health professionals

Chair endorsed

■ Claude Baxter has been formally endorsed as Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee of Murrindindi Shire Council for the 2021-22 financial year.

The endorsement took place on the motion of Crs Karine Haslam and Sue Carpenter at Wednesday’s Shire meeting.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

Page 4 - The Local Paper - Saturday, September 25, 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.

No more debt

■ Murrindindi Shire Council extinguished all loan debt in 2021-22.

Loans and borrowings compared to rates had been at a level of 4.98 per cent in the 2017-218 financial year, and successfully scaled back annually.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

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Local People: 4

Low-waste aim for Dindi ■ Murrindindi Council is looking forward to partnering with its community, local businesses and other government agencies to move our Shire towards a circular economy, said Cr Karine Haslam.

The Council adopted its new Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy, titled Rethink | Reduce | Reuse | Recycle on August 25.

The Strategy sets out some oals to work toward as a community to ensure a more sustainable future for the Shire.

The Strategy ensures Council's waste services are guided by best-practice principles and will enable us to respond to the challenges of considerable change within the waste industry - while still meeting our obligations to residents and the environment.

Council's Environment and Resource Recovery Portfolio Cr Karine Haslam said the new Strategy reflects the concept of the circular economy.

“The circular economy is all about eliminating waste and the ongoing consumption of resources by directing those resources back into the economy to be reused or recycled into new materials and products.

● Cr Karine Haslam

“Ultimately, we want to become a low-waste municipality. We want to live the principles of a circular economy and we want to work to protect our natural environment and community from the impacts of waste.

As part of the Strategy, Council has set a number of targets, including to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill and to halve the volume of organic materials going to landfill from residential waste bins by 2030.

“We've developed a Strategic Action Plan that will guide our work over the next 10 years and help us achieve these targets.

“The Action Plan outlines over 80 actions that Council will deliver. Many of these actions will happen within the next four to five years, and include investigating options for a glass recycling service, a food organics and garden organics recycling service and options for local reprocessing of food and garden organics, concrete and glass.

“It is clear there is a great deal of understanding and passion in the community already for addressing this important subject. Your feedback resulted in a number of improvements to the Strategy and the Action Plan.”

- Cr Karine Haslam

Firewood collection rules ■ Rules on roadside firewood collection must be changed to allow Victorians to make the most of this valuable resource and ensure it doesn't go to waste and become a fire hazard.

Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA, is calling for the rule to change after the community was heavily impacted by the storms that tore through much of the state, including the Yarra Ranges, Murrindindi, Nillumbik and Mansfield Shires.

"The clean-up efforts from the storm have been long and laborious,” Ms McLeish said.

"Thousands of trees were uprooted in the severe weather. Homes were lost or damaged, community facilities destroyed, and many roads blocked by fallen trees and debris."

Hundreds of uprooted and cut up trees still line roadsides. Locals are calling for roadside firewood collection rules to be changed to allow local people to help the clean-up while making use of a resource that will otherwise go to waste.

As we fast approach the warmer months, bushfire risk comes to the forefront. The large amount of wood and debris that remains, strong northern winds and a hot day is a recipe for disaster in an already high-risk bushfire area.

"We can put common sense rules in place to support the clean-up and reduce bushfire risk, while also making sure a valuable resource of firewood doesn't go to waste."

"The Labor Government must listen to the calls of local people by temporarily changing the rules to allow fallen logs to be collected for firewood," Ms McLeish said.

The work of our emergency services volunteers and staff to respond to thousands of calls for help across the state saved lives and protected property and now supports our communities in the recovery phase.

Current rules prevent firewood collection along VicRoads managed roads, while permits can be obtained for council-managed roads. The autumn firewood collection season closed on June 30.

- Talin Hadlow

Threshold set

● Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has set a financial threshold of $300,000 for procurements, under a delegation to Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi.

“It is proposed that the financial delegation to the Chief Executive Officer be amended to align with the $300,000 threshold, therefore all required open market opportunities would continue to be presented to Council for resolution,” said a report to Councillors last Wednesday.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

Ambo boost in regional Vic. ■ There will be a boost to ambulance crews in regional Victoria from November, says State Health Minister Martin Foley.

The State Government is boosting the number of Ambulance Victoria services on the road, ensuring Victorians get the best care.

A new Medium Acuity Transport Service hit the road this week helping Victorians and providing critical care when they need it most.

The new service is providing world class care for Code 2 and 3 patients with 22 vehicles and 165 dedicated staff, freeing valuable resources up to respond to the most urgent and timecritical emergency cases.

The service is partnering new paramedic recruits with experienced paramedics, providing an opportunity for senior paramedics to impart valuable knowledge gained through years of experience to their new colleagues.

This new approach not only creates new jobs but also creates new pathways for experienced staff whose vital skills may otherwise have been lost to the workforce.

● Martin Foley

Up to 15 new crews are operating each day covering the Casey, Greater Dandenong, Hume, Knox, Kingston, Maroondah, Mornington Peninsula and Wyndham local government areas.

More than 250 paramedics already recruited

by Ambulance Victoria since November.

The new initiative will also bolster resources in regional Victoria, with an additional seven regional crews expected from November. ““The pandemic has had a lasting impact, and right across Australia we’re seeing more ambulance callouts – this new service will ensure Victorians continues to have access to the world-class care they deserve,” said Mr Foley.

“Our paramedics are some of the hardest working in the country and this investment reinforces that we will always back them – and the extraordinary work they do.”

“We’re creating jobs while boosting the paramedic workforce to ensure Victorians receive world class care when they’re needed most – protecting our health system and saving lives.”

- Martin Foley