By The People, For The People
EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021
Local News Delays at Dindi
■ Melbourne metropolitan based construction workers are not able to travel to Regional Victoria because of COVID restrictions, Murrindindi Shire Council was told on Wednesday. Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi said this has impacted three projects: ■ The Kinglake Streetscape project is on hold. The contractor from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The sub-contractors are from the northern suburbs. Murrindindi Council is doing daily checks of traffic management and safety measures. “We understand that contractor employees will have had first vaccination this week and are able come to Kinglake on Monday to make the site safe but will not return until the lockdown restrictions ease in regards to construction,” Ms Bonazzi said. ■ In Alexandra, the William St footpath works were due to start this week but the contractor is based in metro Melbourne so this is delayed ■ The unsealed road resheeting program across the Murrindindi Shire also cannot commence next week as originally planned. The contractor is from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Works stopped
■ “We have ceased any non-essential works for the time being until we can establish the vaccination status of our contractors,” CEO Livia Bonazzi told Councillors. “Contact has begun with contractors to work through their status. “We expect the Greater Melbourne construction lockdown to ease on October 5 and at this stage it is unclear if there will be any further setbacks to our projects. “From the perspective of Council’s staff we are still awaiting advice regarding what is and isn’t considered construction work for our services. “But we have confirmed that any roadworks required under the road management plan are regarded as essential and therefore exempt from the restrictions,” Ms Bonazzi said. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Re-opening doubt
■ There were seven new COVID cases in Mitchell Shire announced yesterday (Sat.) by Health Minister Martin Foley. Although an announcement about the Mitchell Shire lockdown is to be announced by the Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton, Mr Foley hinted that the lockdown may continue locally as the number of infections grow. - Martin Foley
$2000 grant
■ Diamond Creek Force Netball Association has won a $2000 as part of Woolworths' Pick Fresh Play Fresh Grants program. The grants support grassroots netball clubs and associations across Australia, and are focused on helping young netball players get more healthy, fresh nutrition at training and on match days. Each club will be able to fund things such as new fridges, juicers, access to dietitians, or even allow a canteen makeover. A total of 75 clubs across Australia received a $2000 grant to shape positive behaviour and encourage young players to pick fresh. - Sunny Manadavadi
$500 GRANTS AVAILABLE
■ Small grants of up to $500 are available to community groups across Murrindindi Shire for initiatives, activities, projects or events that build connection, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, increase social participation and inclusion, and enhance a sense of belonging. Foundation Murrindindi’s aim is to support projects that help bring people together after experiencing social disconnection through the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know it has been difficult for community groups to plan activities but we have also seen some really creative ideas that increase community connection,” said Robyn Hill, Executive Officer of Foundation Murrindindi. This grant round stems from one of Foundation Murrindindi’s five areas of impact: Community Health and Wellbeing. To be eligible to apply for funding through Connected Communities Small Grants Program, applications must meet the following criteria: ■ Applicant organisations must be a not-forprofit organisation. ■ Applicant organisations must be located within the Shire of Murrindindi with the project providing benefits to local people. ■ Funded activities must create opportunities for community members to experience greater connection to their community through opportunities that improve access and participation. ■ Funded activities must align with one or more impact areas are described by Foundation Murrindindi. ■ Applications must include COVID-19 mitigation in project planning and delivery that addresses current Victorian Department of Health and Human Services advice Funding will not be considered for: ■ Activities with a religious or political focus ■ Capital works ■ Commercial activities ■ Fundraising activities, competitions, prizes or award events ■ Activities that have already commenced or occurred ■ Funded project, events or activities must be completed by February 28, 2022 After the application period has closed and Foundation Murrindindi received applications: ■ Applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application through the SmartyGrants online portal. ■ The application will be assessed against the eligibility and assessment criteria. ■ Funding recommendations will be advised
■ Murrindindi Shire Council has sent out rates notices, Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi told Wednesday night’s meeting. “We recently completed our annual distribution of rate notices for the 2021-22 financial year, with notices sent to Australia Post on September 10,” Ms Bonazzi said. “We experienced a short delay this year due to factors outside of our control, and as a consequence we have extended the first instalment date to October 15. “I have heard anecdotally that some people have not yet received the notices, so I suspect this is an Australia Post delay – which should be resolved within a few days. “We continue to provide support to anyone who is experiencing difficulty making their rate payments, providing they notify us of their situation. “In these cases we can discuss options and arrange a payment plan to best suit individual circumstances,” Ms Bonazzi said. - Livia Bonazzi
Likely increase
● Robyn Hill, Executive Officer, Foundation Murrindindi by Foundation Murrindindi Grants and Programs Sub Committee. ■ Foundation Murrindindi Board will make the final decision on the outcome of all eligible applications. ■ All applicants will receive a notification via email with the result of their application by the end of October. ■ Information about grant decisions will not be given over the phone. ■ The list of successful applicants will be published on the Foundation Murrindindi’s website and social media platforms approximately one month after all applicants have been notified of the outcome of their application Assessment Criteria Connected Communities Small Grant applications are assessed against the following assessment criteria: ■ Alignment to the purpose and objectives of Connected Communities Small Grants ■ Demonstrated community need ■ Number of participants that will participate and benefit ■ Target demographic group/s ■ Budget reflects appropriate scope and scale of intended activity. ■ Geographic location/s of intended activity or event. ■ Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, grant applications must mention how the proposed project will be delivered with changing restrictions in mind. - Robyn Hill
Lovell blasts Andrews ■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has blasted Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews over his handling of COVID lockdown restrictions. “We were promised by the Premier that the pain endured during the devastating extended lockdowns of 2020 would be worth it so that in 2021 Victoria would not be forced to be plunged in and out of lockdown.” Ms Lovell said. “Well, we all know how that went. “But really, isn’t it time for the Premier to acknowledge and understand the devastating impacts that lockdowns have across all facets
Local News Notices on the way
of the Victorian community? Lockdowns negatively impact on our children’s education. Homeschooling is in no way a substitute for face-to-face learning. Children miss out on social interaction with friends, and our teachers are pressured to deliver remote learning. “Families are fragmented, loneliness is a constant companion for many, weddings and birthdays are not celebrated as they should be and sadly many of our most vulnerable die alone without the comfort of their loved ones. “Government-imposed lockdowns also mean the destruction of our businesses and the jobs they provide many Victorians,” Ms Lovell said. - Wendy Lovell
■ Murrindindi Shire Council is part of a group that is anticipating a “likely increase” in Coronavirus cases. CEO Livia Bonazzi said that she had attended a Goulburn Valley Area of Operations Control Team meeting “The purpose of this new Forum is “to supress the spread of Coronavirus and manage community consequences in the GV region through a focussed, coordinated and collaborative response effort. “This control team is preparing for the likely increase in number of infections across our District, as the restrictions ease, I have confidence that this forum has the key agencies and the right level of representation to share information and be well prepared through an integrated planning approach representation includes: ■ LG Councils CEOs ■ Department of Health ■ Department of Justice and Community Safety ■ Department of Education ■ Department of Transport ■ Goulburn Valley Health ■ Victoria Police ■ Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Not out of woods
■ Indi MHR Dr Helen Haines says the last few days have shown that the community is not out of the woods when it comes to the spread of COVID. “As Shepparton emerges from lockdown, Albury unfortunately is now affected,” Dr Haines said. “This fortnight I met with many of the senior administrators of our health services, from Corryong and Albury Wodonga Health in the north down to Alexandra Health in the south. “As we inch closer to achieving the vaccination rates required to open up our state, I heard about the plans they have in place to manage this next stage of the pandemic. “I also heard about the extraordinary number of COVID tests and vaccines they have administered. “Strong local health services are vital to our communities,” Dr Haines said in her Indi Cockatoo newsletter. - Helen Haines
Page 2 - The Local Paper - Sunday, September 26, 2021
Local News Shire now hiring
■ Mitchell Shire Council is recruiting for the following roles: ■ Statutory Planner ■ Property Officer ■ Seasonal Pool Lifeguards ■ Swim Instructors - Mitchell Shire Council
Water disaster
■ Northern Victorian MLC Tim Quilty has commented in State Parliament about water supply issues. “My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Water. The action I seek is for the minister to provide a justification for ordering $77 million of water from Victoria’s desalination plant,” Mr Quilty said. “$77 million amounts to an order of 125 billion litres of water - almost the entire 150-billion-litre order possible. “At present our dams are set to burst. Some dams are already at 100 per cent capacity and the rest of them are creeping closer. “The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting wet months ahead and has said October is usually the wettest month of the year. “The acting minister claims that the water order will cost each Victorian house just $30. Perhaps $77 million is small change for the Government, but it is not for the Victorian people. “This water costs $600 per megalitre, which is well above the current price of water for irrigation during a flood year. “If this water represented value for money, we would see far more private investment in water desalination plants. “We do not see that investment because it is enormously expensive to desalinate water. “Water is a contentious topic. I am not today going to open the debate on whether we should build more dams rather than rely on carbon dioxide intensive desal. “Of course we should, but this government refuses to go there. I just want to know how on earth this water order represents value for money for the Victorians who are required to pay for it. “I am open to an explanation from the minister showing how this water order was necessary, but it is difficult to see what explanation could be sufficient,” Mr Quilty said. - Tim Quilty
Our condolences
■ The Local Paper joins with the community in extending sincere condolences to the Callander family on the passing of Lisa. - Ash Long
Court backlogs
■ Wallan-based MLC, Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes, has spoken in State Parliament about delays in the Court system. “ Obviously, when you are dealing with a health pandemic and protecting the lives of Victorians, many businesses and the community are impacted as a result of those restrictions which keep people at home and indeed prevent this virus from getting out. “That has meant that many jury trials in particular have had to be suspended, because of the inability to get people together. “It is no secret that there are court backlogs that have to be dealt with, and it is a priority of the courts. We have been talking about innovations which have been implemented. The civil lists are going really well, for example. “With anything that could be pivoted to online we have certainly taken up that opportunity, and we continue to work through these issues, as we will as we come out of this pandemic, ensuring that we can get to the criminal trials as quickly as possible. “I would note that we brought forward County Court judge appointments in the last budget to indeed have on hand more people to deal with these trials as soon as is possible.” - Jaclyn Symes
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Local People: 2
847 cases, fears after Final ■ As the highest-ever daily number of COVID cases was announced yesterday (Sat.), Commander Jerome Weimar expressed his fears that groups would have gathered illegally last night for the AFL Grand Final. Melb. 21.14 (140) d Western Bulldogs 10.6 (66). Mr Weimar said he feared that in six or seven days, there will be another big cluster of cases, after people illegally came together, removed masks, screamed, shouted and had a few drinks. There were 30 cases announced in regional Victoria on Saturday ■ 1 in Corangamite ■ 1 in Greater Bendigo ■ 3 in Greater Geelong ■ 1 in Greater Shepparton ■ 1 in Indigo ■ 3 in Latrobe ■ 3 in Macedon Ranges ■ 7 in Mitchell Shire ■ 4 in Moorabool ■ 3 in Mount Alexander ■ 1 in South Gippsland ■ 1 in Southern Grampians ■ 1 in Surf Coast
● Jerome Weimar
These Local Government Areas in metropolitan Melbourne recorded more than one newly diagnosed case: ■ 14 cases in Banyule ■ 56 cases in Brimbank ■ 7 cases in Cardinia ■ 27 cases in Casey ■ 26 cases in Darebin ■ 7 cases in Frankston ■ 10 cases in Greater Dandenong ■ 12 cases in Hobsons Bay ■ 339 cases in Hume ■ 7 cases in Manningham ■ 3 cases in Maroondah ■ 13 cases in Melbourne ■ 45 cases in Melton ■ 7 cases in Monash ■ 18 cases in Moonee Valley ■ 54 cases in Moreland ■ 6 cases in Nulllumbik ■ 12 cases in Port Phillip ■ 7 cases in Stonnington ■ 77 cases in Whittlesea ■ 37 cases in Wyndham ■ 6 cases in Yarra. - Local health professionals
MP welcomes COVID probe ■ Euroa MLA Steph Ryan has welc omed the Victorian Ombudsman’s announcement that a probe will launched into the Andrews Labor Government’s failed handling of border entry and the state’s travel permit system. Ms Ryan said she welcomed the investigation, describing the indefinite locking out of Victorians from their homes as one of the worst overreaches by the Andrews Labor Government to date. “The Andrews Government’s decision to keep Victorians locked out of their homes is by far, one of the cruellest blows they’ve dealt yet,” Ms Ryan said. “I’ve been contacted by dozens of residents from across our region who are stuck on the NSW border and unable to return home - many of whom are quickly running out of money for accommodation and food. “The 24-hour travel window requirement for those needing to transit through NSW from Queensland is just ridiculous, and I am aware of several elderly residents who have pleaded for exemptions to allow for extra time to return to Victoria safely. “Daniel Andrews’s draconian rules and total disregard for due process is callously separating families and effectively exiling Victorians.” Announcing the investigation, Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass said the con-
● Steph Ryan, Euroa MLA
cerning case reports “raised concerns about the exercise of discretion under the relevant public health directions” and “potentially systemic issues about the departmental decisionmaking.” Ms Ryan said while she welcomed the Ombudsman’s investigation, it was crucial to ensure steps are taken right now to get regional Victorians back in their homes as soon as possible. “The Nationals have been calling on the government for weeks now to establish a process to allow people to come home if they return a negative test, have had at least one vaccination and can self-isolate at home. “The government has belatedly opened a pilot program along these lines but with only 200 people to be allowed in and thousands still locked out, it’s not enough. “The people stuck in NSW are people who took up the call to “holiday domestically” and get out and support our nation’s economic recovery and now they are locked out of their own homes. “I’ve said all along that throughout this pandemic that the government’s response must be a balanced one. The announcement of this investigation by the Ombudsman is a clear indicator that the Andrews Labor Government continues to miss the mark.” - Steph Ryan
Boost for McEwen roads ■ Local road maintenance in the electorate of McEwen will receive a boost, thanks to funding under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program. Senator Bridget McKenzie said the Australian Government would deliver over $65.09 million to 215 local government authorities nationwide for safer and better-maintained roads. Macedon Ranges Shire Council will receive a quarterly payment of $588,716. “This Roads to Recovery funding will allow Macedon Ranges Shire Council to progress work, using local knowledge to deliver the best roads,” Senator McKenzie said. “This forms part of our Government’s unwavering commitment to get Australians home sooner and safer, no matter where they live.” Assistant Minister Kevin Hogan said the Australian Government has committed an additional $100 million per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019–20, as part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019–20 Budget.
● Senator Bridget McKenzie
“From 2013–14 to 2023–24, the Government will provide $6.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following,” Mr Hogan said. “We are investing in infrastructure nationwide in order to lay the foundations for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.” “Assisting local councils to maintain and improve roads under their jurisdiction is a big part of that, which is why we are also funding a $2.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2021–22 Financial Assistance Grant payment.” “The Australian Government supports local governments to provide vital infrastructure and services through a range of programs.” “This support includes Financial Assistance Grants and the Bridges Renewal, Black Spot, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity, Roads to Recovery and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure programs.” = Blair Arnold
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The Local Paper - Sunday, September 26, 2021 - Page 3
Local People: 3
Manny rides to raise $5000 ■ Father of two Emmanuel Marabeliotakis will be riding for the kids next month, and raising much needed funds for Barnardos Australia. With a goal of riding 200kms and raising $5,000, Emmanuel is keen to strap on the helmet and put his pedals to the metal in October. By taking on the Champions Ride, Emmanuel will be helping to protect kids at risk, replacing fear and danger with freedom and safety. Celebrating its 100th year, Barnardos Australia is proud to be able to continue its work supporting families to keep children and young people safe at home. It helps children and young people who have experienced trauma to recover and thrive is Barnardos Australia’s core priority, by finding safe homes for children through foster care and adoption, to improve wellbeing, and enable kids to reach their brightest future. Emmanuel said that he’s more motivated than ever to jump on the bike, come rain or shine, and with the support of the community is aiming to exceed his fundraising goal.
● Emmanuel Marabeliotakis
“No one deserves to live in fear, especially not our kids. They need all the support and as many opportunities as possible, to get the start they need in life, and have a positive future. “If I can help just one child to reach their potential through my ride for Barnardos Australia, then I will be happy,” he said. Emmanuel is calling for the community to get behind him, cheer him on, and support him by donating to this important cause. “This time I’m not just getting on my bike for some exercise, I’m going to be clocking up the k’s for ulnerable kids, and raising funds for Barnardos Australia,” Emmanuel said. If you’d like to support Emmanuel on his Champions Ride challenge, make a taxdeductable donation to Barnardos Australia. All donations of $2 or more to Barnardos Australia are tax deductible. You will receive a receipt via email. To make a tax deductable donation visit The Champions Ride at https://www. championsride.org.au/s/345/345/e - Gabrielle Marabeliotakis
Cultural destination at Shepp.
■ A new landmark cultural destination, Shepparton Art Museum designed by internationally renowned architects Denton Corker Marshall will open to the public on November 20. The design was unanimously selected from an architectural competition in 2017 and endorsed by Greater Shepparton City Council. The regional art museum designed by Denton Corker Marshall joins the practice’s impressive cultural portfolio which includes the Australian Pavilion in Venice, the Melbourne Museum, the Stonehenge Exhibition and Visitors Centre, and the Museum of Sydney. John Denton, Founding Director, Denton Corker Marshall said "The Shepparton Art Museum was a great competition to win as it represents such an important cultural contribution to a regional city like Shepparton. “Sitting between the lake and the main road into town from Melbourne it presents a strikingly bold signal - a new contemporary building added to the fabric of the city." Rebecca Coates, Artistic Director and CEO, Shepparton Art Museum said of the design, “The building is about hope and aspiration, with a range of welcoming spaces and places designed to invite all members of the public to meet, enjoy, and call their own through arts and culture. “There’s a play of theatre, performance and comfortable reflection with natural light and views to the landscape connecting people to context and landscape.” Designed to act as a ‘live’ building where every surface presents an opportunity for display, event or installation, the new art museum is characterised by simplicity and clarity of materials and form and includes an art museum housing over 4000 artworks, four main gallery spaces including a dedicated Kids Space and Workshops; Visitors’ Information Centre; Kaiela Arts Aboriginal community arts centre; an outdoor amphitheatre and Art Hill; and cafe and 150-person event space and terrace, all within an 5,300m2 cubic building. With a restricted ground floor footprint due to a floodway across the site, the building is extruded vertically over five levels to generate the distinctive small-and-tall art museum with panoramic views across the surrounding lake and Goulburn Red River Gum forest. Conceived as a ‘land sculpture’ nestled into the surrounding landscape, as the tallest building in Shepparton, it acts as a beacon in the low, flat Shepparton topography. The external façade of SAM comprises four thin floating perforated L-shaped plates suspended in the landscape whose form references the overhang of traditional Australian veran-
Local News Plan for Wallan
■ Mitchell Shire Council is calling on submissions for its draft Wallan Station Street Masterplan and Infrastructure Framework. “Last year, we prepared a concept design for the Railway Station area to begin our advocacy work. “The main purpose of this initial consultation is to test the ideas and vision that we have in the current draft document and to encourage you to think about the future development of the precinct and how we can collectively deliver on the vision,” said a Council representative. Submissions close 9am, Friday, October 8. - Mitchell Shire Council
Trawool mention
■ Trawool Estate has been announced as a finalist in the Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award, part of the Community Achievement Awards for Regional Victoria. The Trawool Estate is striving to become a regional icon once again. Trawool Estate opened in 2019 but only managed to operate for eight months and had been shut down five times due to the COVID lockdowns. Despite the challenges, they remain dedicated to bringing elevated experiences through food, beverage and accommodation. They offer luxury hotel rooms and a showpiece restaurant that offers uninterrupted vistas of the Trawool Valley. In July, they launched Turbine, an Asian restaurant and bar. Trawool Estate works in partnership with local industries and companies and their staff members have grown from 18 to 50 in the past 12 months. The finalists will be presented, and winners announced at an Awards Gala Presentation Dinner on Friday evening, December 10, held at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins. Prizes are up for grabs, with either a $2000 Westpac Choice Account or an air time package on PRIME7 along with a trophy for category winners. All finalists will go into the People’s Choice Award which is run through the Facebook page; “Community Achievement Awards Australia”. - Jemma Sullivan
K’garten funding
● Shepparton Art Museum will be unveiled in November das that offer shade and shelter. Three of the ies, totalling 800m2, accommodated across plates comprise powder-coated aluminium with four floors including two major AA rated exhithe southern approach incorporating an inte- bition spaces which can accommodate exhibigrated Visitor’s Centre super graphic and tions and loans of international significance. the entry to SAM on Wyndham St featuring The gallery spaces include The Lin Onus a cut out offering a tantalising glimpse of the Gallery, People’s Gallery, Williamson Cominterior. The rich ochre-red corten steel of the munity Space, SAM Kids Space, the Bill fourth plate faces the lake and river plain. Kelly Peace Room designed as a collection From a distance, the plates give virtually viewing space, and Showcases at the enno indication of interior life and waits to be trance to SAM and across each floor featuring discovered and explored. new commissions and SAM’s ceramics colAt their base, they float seemingly unsup- lection. ported over an open, visibly accessible and The interior design – the interconnected highly activated ground plane. multi-level spaces, materials, texture, with Each plate is simultaneously an object in intuitive wayfinding by Studio Ongarato – are its own right and an integral part of the whole. overlaid with contrasts of drama, reflection, The plates group together, at different heights outlook, information and discovery, all which and contrasting materiality, to form a cube are conceived as integral elements of the mucomposition at a scale comparable to the surseum experience. rounding red river gums. SAM is located on the lands of the Yorta Each facade plate becomes a canvas, layYorta peoples, on the shore of Victoria Park ered into the treed landscape of dappled light and shade with the ability to transform as a Lake, Shepparton. The new building was funded by local Counbase for temporary installations or projection cil, State and Federal funding, and private philimagery. The design is integrated into the park via a anthropic and community support through the dramatic Art Hill, screening all building ser- SAM Foundation. SAM’s design was brought to fruition by vices, back-of-house and loading under the expanded parkland. The Art Hill creates an builders Kane Constructions; engineers upper ground level, enabling the museum cafe Arup, building surveyors Steve Watson and to enjoy an elevated outlook whilst being di- Partners, landscape architects Urban Inirectly connected to, and accessible from, the tiatives, with signage and wayfinding by Studio Ongarato, who all worked closely with park. Internally, the transparent and accessible mu- Denton Corker Marshall and Greater seum experience is centred around an open, Shepparton City Council. circulation galleria with four different galler - Kate Atkinson
■ Early Childhood Minister Ingrid Stitt says the Yarra Ranges will benefit from extra funding for kindergartens. “I rise to update the house on how the Andrews Labor Government is creating extra kinder places across Victoria by building and expanding early education infrastructure to ensure Victorian families can access more kinder places and better facilities so their children can get the best start in life,” Ms Stitt said. “Last week I announced a further $13.3 million in Building Blocks capacity grants to help expand and modify 10 services ahead of the statewide rollout of three-year-old kinder in 2022. “Kinder services in Ballarat, Cardinia, Geelong, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moreland, Wellington shire and the Yarra Ranges will all benefit from the funding to build new centres, renovate buildings and rooms, improve outdoor play areas and upgrade facilities, creating 561 funded kindergarten places. “These are targeted investments that will create the extra kinder places and early education infrastructure needed to make sure young children across Victoria can access and enjoy three-year-old kinder from 2022. The government is investing almost $5 billion this decade to provide threeyear-old children with access to an additional year of funded kindergarten programs. “The Labor government knows how important the early years are, and that is why we are getting on with delivering world-class early childhood infrastructure to give Victorian children the best start in life.” - Ingrid Stitt
Page 4 - The Local Paper - Sunday, September 26, 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.
Death of Bill Wall
■ Glenburn identity Bill Wall died yesterday (Sat., Sep. 25), his family has confirmed. Bill was a staunch supporter of the region, and had served as a local Councillor. Our condolences to the family. - Ash Long
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Local People: 4
Violence not OK: Stitt ■ The State Government is backing a WorkSafe campaign reminding Victorians that work-related violence and aggression is never ok, and ensuring employers are aware of their occupational health and safety obligations. The campaign returns to screens after a successful first run and follows reports of our retail workers and vaccination staff facing aggression from members of the public. “Violence can happen to workers in any workplace but is a particular concern for our frontline workers in healthcare, retail, hospitality, education and the transport industry.” said a Government representative. “Just as the community benefits from their work, Victorians need to be there for them. It doesn’t matter if it is a nurse, bus driver or someone who serves you across the counter – violence and abuse is never ‘just part of the job.’ Campaign tracking data shows that half of Victorians are now aware of the central message, with awareness and understanding of the issue highest amongst employers. Employers who saw the ads were also more
● Ingrid Stitt
likely to acknowledge that it is their responsibility to protect their workers from all forms of violence. “Work-related violence can cause severe distress and mental injuries to those who witness it but many incidents still go unreported. Workers who saw the campaign said they would be more likely to report incidents than those who didn’t. “The campaign builds on previous campaigns that have focused on violence towards healthcare workers and aims to send a clear message to the Victorian community that everyone deserves to be treated with respect while at work. Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Workplace Safety, said: “No one deserves to be abused for doing their job. These are stressful times, but I urge Victorians to take a moment, not take it out on our frontline workers.” “This campaign makes it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and provides guidance on what employers can do to prevent it.” WorkSafe’s campaign is running across major television, radio, online and print media. - Ingrid Stitt
Help for hospitality: CEO ■ Murrindindi Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi has outlined the help that will be available for local hospitality operators. “We know that the current restrictions are quite severe for our hospitality sector. The caps on indoor and outdoor patrons are making it difficult for many businesses to open in a financially viable way and this is causing hardship for them and their employees,” Ms Bonazzi told Wednesday night’s Council meeting. “This is why we have endeavoured to be proactive in assisting businesses, to access the right channels for the support that’s available to them through the State Government. “We also have rates hardship arrangements that can be accessed, so if people feel this would help to take the pressure off please get in touch with our Rates team. “Or for assistance to access the Government financial support available, ask to speak to our Business Support Team. They can help you to navigate the system during this stressful time.” ★ Ms Bonazzi spoke of the importanec of vaccinations. “One way for us as Council to help ease the restrictions in a safe way is to continue to advocate for easy access to testing facilities and COVID-19 vaccine hubs, and encourage
● Livia Bonazzi, Murrindindi CEO
our community to get vaccinated. We’ve put together a print media Local Faces campaign that tells our local stories of why people are getting vaccinations. “We have worked together with our health services partners to ensure they have what’s needed to roll out vaccination programs to our community and actively advocated for and enabled this important initiative. ■ GV Health’s Jabba the Bus will be at the Eildon Community Centre on Tuesday, Sepotember 28 (first dose) and Tuesday, November 9 (second dose) with appointments available between 10.30am and 3pm. ■ Council is facilitating the booking of appointments so pls call us on 577 20 333 ■ Nexus Primary Health is running a popup COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Kinglake Community Centre on Saturday October 2 and Sunday October 3 between 10am and 3pm. For more information and to make a booking, contact Nexus Primary Health on 1300 773 352 ■ The Alexandra Hospital is also coordinating two pop up clinics in Eildon and Marysville in the second week of October and Nexus Primary Health is delivering the program. “As the details become available we will promote this through our usual channels,” Ms Bonazzi said. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Progress on MTB destination ■ The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination team has been hard at work finalising more than 12-months of detailed technical studies that underpin the project’s Environment Effects Statement, in preparation for public exhibition of the EES later this year. “While the EES document is being prepared, [Yarra Ranges] Council is continuing to strengthen the outcomes of the project through ongoing engagement and collaboration with Wurundjeri Elders and undertaking a Gender Impact Assessment. “The EES, consisting of 15 chapters and six technical reports (Transport, Socio-economic, Land Use and Planning, Cultural heritage, Biodiversity &andHabitats and a Surface Water, Groundwater and Geotechnical Hazards), is undergoing final reviews by the Technical Reference Group, the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning and Yarra Ranges Council throughout September and October. “Once finalised and authorised by the Minister for Planning, it is expected the EES will be released for public exhibition around
mid-November. During the exhibition period, community and stakeholders will be able to review all of the EES documents and make submissions to be considered as part of the process. “Further information on the public exhibition will be provided in the coming weeks, detailing where you can find a copy of the EES, along with upcoming community briefings and how to make a submission. “Yarra Ranges Council has continued engagement with Wurundjeri Elders and is strengthening project outcomes through a Gender Impact Assessment. “We have been out and about in the hills ground-truthing with environmental planners and specialists completing technical assessments and refining trail designs, focusing on the importance and sensitivity of habitats and biodiversity values in the proposed project area. “We are continuing to work with specialists identifying ways to avoid and mitigate potential environmental impacts. “The team has continued engagement with Wurundjeri Elders documenting and discuss-
ing intangible Aboriginal cultural heritage and intrinsic intangible values still felt by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. The project aims to mitigate any potential impacts, and aid the preservation of cultural values of the region. “Last year the Gender Equity Commission announced the Gender Equality Act 2020 to improve and promote positive action towards gender equality. Yarra Ranges Council, in support of the Act, is undertaking a gender impact assessment of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project to ensure it encourages and enables the achievement of gender equality and enhances the participation of people of different genders. “Following the exhibition of the EES, to commence in November this year, the Minister will likely appoint an independent panel to undertake an inquiry to consider the effects of the project. The inquiry is anticipated to be in February – March 2022. Following the inquiry, the panel will prepare a report which will consider all of the information presented and provide recommendations. - Yarra Ranges Shire Council