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EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021
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.
RACV warns about dangerous highways
Local News Ranges drug bust
■ Detectives have charged a man after nearly $1 million worth of cannabis was locate during a drug investigation in the Yarra Ranges. More than 300 plants weighing about 267kg were located at an unoccupied property on Maisey Rd in Gembrook last Friday morning, (Oct. 1). About $45,000 in cash was also seized from the Berwick man’s car. A 44-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged with cultivate large commercial quantity of a narcotic plant (cannabis), traffick large commercial quantity of drug of dependence, theft and negligently deal with proceeds of crime. He was remanded in custody to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 10. - Victoria Police
Yan Yean upgrade
LOCAL ROADS IN A MESS
● Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish wants to see urgent fixes to local roads, especially in the Murrindindi and Mansfield regions. ■ The RACV’s has of vehicles including trucks, caravans, horse confirmed that egional roads are in an appalling floats and cars towing boats and trailers.” condition. “When wet or foggy weather impacts driver’s Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish says it comes visibility, the roads become that much more danas no surprise that regional highways across the gerous. Throw in deep potholes, deteriorating Mansfield and Murrindindi Shires have been road surface and driver’s losing concentration, listed as some of the most dangerous in Victoria. it is a disaster waiting to happen.” “Roads are easily one of the biggest issues in The survey results found the electorate,” Ms McLeish told in the Mansfield and Murrindindi Shires, the greatest roads of concern were: “Our roads need attention and major resur- ■ Midland Highway in Lake Nillahcootie, facing works, especially on the regional high- Mansfield ways which already pose risks to drivers due to ■ Goulburn Valley Highway, Murrindindi sharp bends, animals crossing, and the variety ■ Maroondah Highway, Murrindindi “Too often the State Labor Government conducts band-aid fixes for potholes or a crumbling road shoulder instead of getting to the root of the problem,” Ms McLeish said. “Safety improvements need to be made and resurfacing plans properly addressed. “Listening to local knowledge about the roads ■ Twelve fresh Coronavirus cases in they travel on daily is so incredibly important. Mitchell Shire were announced yesterday Community members know the potential dan(Monday) by health authorities. gers on local roads and can identify what safety The announcement also confirmed 304 improvements need to be made.” new positive cases over 24 hours in Hume The survey used an intermunicipality, 116 in Whittlesea, seven in active map showing high-speed roads with large Yarra Ranges and six in Nillumbik. concentrations of crashes causing fatalities or Of the COVID-19 cases in hospital yesserious injury in regional Victoria. terday, 5 per cent were fully vaccinated. Survey results found that 46 per cent of people There are currently around 35,000 active listed dangerous driver behaviour as the biggest primary close contacts in isolation in Victoria. contributing factor to safety conditions on our At 12 Noon Monday, there were 580 pubregional roads. lished exposure sites in Victoria. Road maintenance and infrastructure includThe City of Greater Shepparton, ing potholes, narrow lanes, limited overtaking Moorabool Shire, City of Latrobe, Mitchell opportunities and intersection safety issues Shire and metropolitan Melbourne remain closely followed. in lockdown. “The survey confirms what we already know, Restrictions on the Victorian construction but I hope the State Labor Government will industry eased overnight. take on board these statistics and improve re- Department of Health gional roads,” Ms McLeish said. and local health professionals - Talin Hadlow
12 cases in Mitchell Shire
■ Drivers can look forward to a more comfortable commute, thanks to an upgrade of Arthurs Creek Rd in Yan Yean. The City of Whittlesea will reconstruct Arthurs Creek Rd, between Plenty Rd and Recreation Rd, providing motorists with a safer and smoother drive. The upgraded connection will include new asphalt, line marking, repairs to guard rails and much-needed drainage improvements. City of Whittlesea Administrator Peita Duncan said that Arthurs Creek Rd was a vital link in the local road network. “Arthurs Creek Rd is an important connector road for our growing community in the north of our municipality,” Ms Duncan said. “The upgrade will improve the condition of the road, making it safer for the community.” “The reconstruction is part of a $76 million Whittlesea Council investment in 202021 into creating new and updating existing infrastructure, including road projects to help connect communities,” said a Council media statement. Arthurs Creek Rd, between Plenty Rd and Recreation Rd, will be closed for approximately six weeks to complete the works safely and efficiently. Road detours will be in place throughout the construction period. The upgrade to Arthurs Creek Rd is expected to be complete by early next year. This project is supported by the Victorian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. - Whittlesea City Council
Jabba rolls in
■ Mitchell Shire says it is getting close to hitting 80 per cent of first Coronavirus doses/ ‘Jabba’, the vaccination bus, is rolling into Wallan this week, and it is said to be easy to make a vaccination booking. Lock-in an appointment on Jabba by phoning 5734 6200 or register online Jabba, the vaccination bus, will be at R.B. Robson Stadium, 48 Bentinck St, Wallan, from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Wednesday (Oct. 6) Anyone over the age of 12 is now eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine. If you are eligible to be vaccinated, the Council strongly encourages you to do so. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available to anyone – including those aged 60 and over through GPs and pharmacies – regardless of where they live. - Mitchell Shire Council
Page 2 - The Local Paper - Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Local Briefs Help available
■ There are a variety of financial support packages for people and businesses impacted by COVID-19 including financial, job and business support. Victorian construction workers needing financial support may be able to receive the COVID-19 Disaster Payment if they have been impacted by the shut down in September. If you or a loved one needs wellbeing or mental health support, help is available online, or contact: ■ Lifeline: 13 11 14 ■ Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 ■ SANE 1800 18 SANE (7263) ■ Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 To see what support is available visit the state government website. - Mitchell Shire Council
Youth strategy
■ The ideas of hundreds of young people from across the Shire have helped shape Nillumbik’s draft Youth Strategy 20222026, which has been released for community feedback. Nillumbik’s first Youth Council has played a key role in the development of the strategy, informed by the Young Minds: Your Voice, Our Future engagement project earlier this year. The strategy sets out a four-year strategic commitment to how Council will support and respond to the needs of young people aged 12-25 who live, work, study, volunteer or play in Nillumbik. Young people make up 20 per cent of the Nillumbik population. Central to the draft strategy is the vision that “young people in Nillumbik feel heard, empowered and equipped to thrive in a community where they are healthy, safe and welcomed”. Mayor Cr Peter Perkins said the process of developing the strategy had given Nillumbik’s young people a meaningful voice in the decision-making of Council. “It’s important our young people are given opportunities to get involved and make a difference, not only on the issues that affect them, but the wider community,” Cr Perkins said. Youth Mayor Fieke van der Kamp said the Youth Strategy would provide opportunities for young people to find and pursue their passions. “This strategy will be essential in guiding Council on how to best listen to and implement young people’s ideas and views.” The draft Youth Strategy identifies five priorities, each with their own focus areas: ■ Healthy and well ■ Empowered and engaged ■ Access to safe spaces and places ■ Equipped and employed ■ Welcomed and connected Key findings of the Young Minds: Your Voice, Our Future engagement shows the top three most important issues for young people were mental health, climate change and discrimination while the biggest challenges were body image/eating disorders/ disordered eating, anxiety and school stress. - Nillumbik Shire Council
Permit amnesty
■ With the wetter than average start to the fire preparation season, Mitchell Shire Council is waiving the permit requirement for burnoffs until the start of the CFA declared Fire Danger Period. Until then, the normal off-season local law applies. The fire permit amnesty will give people from metropolitan Melbourne or regional Victoria who can’t attend their properties in Mitchell Shire under current restrictions, more time to prepare for the upcoming fire season. “We have a travel permit system ready to go once the Victorian Government releases details to enable people to come to Mitchell to prepare their properties,” said a Council representative. - Mitchell Shire Council
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Local People: 2
Have say on Plenty station ■ Nillumbik Shire Council is asking the community to share its views on the future use of the site of the old Plenty Fire Station. The Plenty Fire Brigade will soon be moving to its new home only a short distance away in Memorial Park, leaving vacant its former fire station, which sits on Council land at 109-115 Yan Yean Rd, Plenty. The Council must now decide whether to retain and repurpose the building for future community use or require the CFA to demolish the building and rehabilitate the site once its lease has ended. Mayor Peter Perkins said the Council had not made a decision on the issue and wanted to gauge community opinion to help reach a position. “This particular site has served the Plenty Fire Brigade well for more than 50 years, now we want the community’s help to guide the next chapter. “But I’d like to assure you, no matter the decision, the site will remain for public use.” Blue Lake Ward Councillor Richard Stockman said that if the community wanted the building retained, Council was keen to hear ideas about what it could be used for.
● The old Plenty Fire Station. “I encourage local residents to complete the tion. Submissions close at 11.59pm, Tuesday, short survey at Participate Nillumbik and tell October 26. Nillumbik Council is expected to make a us what you think should be done with the site,” final decision at its meeting on Tuesday, DeCr Stockman said. Feedback can be provided at cember 14. - Nillumbik Shire Council participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/plenty-fire-sta-
■ Mitchell Shire residents can cut down the amount of waste going into theirr household garbage bin by joining the world of composting or worm farming. For the month of October, Mitchell Council is offering a Compost Bin and Worm Farm subsidy, where residents can claim up to 50 per cent back for any compost bin or worm farm purchased at one of the participating retailers (capped at $50 for worm farms and $30 for compost bins). The subsidy gives residents a low-cost opportunity to introduce composting and worm farming into their home recycling routines, as well as reducing the amount of waste going into garbage bins. Typically, organic waste accounts for 30 per cent of the average household's garbage bin, so putting food scraps into a compost bin or worm farm will help reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill. To claim the subsidy, simply purchase your compost bin or worm farm from one of the retailers listed below, then complete the claim form on the Council’s website within seven days of purchase. Participating retailers include: ■ Broadford: Broadford Timber & Hardware
■ Kilmore: Kilmore Mitre 10 ■ Seymour: Bunnings Warehouse ■ Wallan: Pretty Sally Home and Garden Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, residents will need to call their local store to organise pick up of theirnew compost bin or worm farm. If you're new to composting, the Council is hosting an online workshop on October 19 - a Beginners Guide to Composting. Registrations are essential. The Compost bin and Worm farm subsidy will run for the entire month of October, or earlier if funds are expended. Mayor Cr Rhonda Sanderson said: "We’d love to see the whole Mitchell community get behind the War on Waste, and this is a practical way for households to do their bit and make a difference. “As well as reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfill, home composting and worm farming gives you fantastic fertiliser that, when added to your garden, encourages strong plant growth and helps the soil retain water. "They’re an easy, low-maintenance way to turn your kitchen scraps into a rich fertiliser which your garden will love,” Cr Sanderson said. - Mitchell Shire Council
Subsidies for worm farms
● Cr Rhonda Sanderson
Q&A on local earthquakes
■ Mansfield Shire Council is hosting an online forum where members of the community will have the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered by earthquake expert Dr Mark Quigley. The session will commence at 6pm on Thursday (Oct. 7). Book your free ticket at eventbrite.com.au (search Mansfield) or go to www.event brite.com.au/e/180648914767 (link is external) Send your questions in advance to council@mansfield.vic.gov.au Dr. Mark Quigley is Associate Professor of Earthquake Science at the University of Melbourne and an acclaimed geoscientist with more than 100 research articles on earthquake processes around the world. He is the recipient of several prestigious international awards, one of which he received for his work on the 2010-2011 earthquakes in Christchurch. In collaboration with the Seismology Research Centre in Melbourne and Geoscience Australia, Dr Quigley is working on the seismological, environmental, and engineering impacts of the September 22 Magnitude 5.9
Woods Point earthquake that caused significant ground shaking and minor damage across Victoria. Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe encouraged the community to take advantage of the opportunity. “We were all shocked by the earthquake and it left us with a lot of questions,” said Cr Holcombe. “This is a great opportunity to speak to one of the world’s leading experts about earthquakes in general, the earthquake that shook Mansfield this month and about the project he is working on in Mansfield Shire now. “We’re grateful to Dr Quigley for providing this opportunity for our community to learn more about earthquakes and are excited about the Q&A on Thursday night.” Dr Quigley’s website is drquigs.com and his Twitter handle is @DrQuigsQuakesci. - Mansfield Shire Council
● Dr Mark Quigley
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The Local Paper - Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - Page 3
Local People: 3
Kinglake Art Show is ON
■ The Kinglake Art Show is to proceed from this Friday (Oct. 8) despite COVID-19 lockdowns and curfews. Organisers say the ever-changing times have not defeated their artistic talent pool. Entry numbers have increased and quality is high. The decision to only go virtual for the 10th annual Kinglake Art Show has seen the date for entries to be received extended to Wednesday, October 6. The plan for this week is: ■ Wednesday October 6 - Closing date for entries in all categories except primary school children (see below for that info) ■ Thursday October 7 - Final acceptances of entries ■ Friday October 8 - Judging The Virtual Opening on Friday night will be a 7.30pm start. Numbers will be limited. The sales part of the whole show will be on line from the opening night until October 22. Once again as soon as that link is available it will be shared everywhere we can think of...then you have the opportunity to promote to your friends and fellow art lovers and our team will advertise it to get sales for all those beautiful works.
● Flashback: Anne Melroy with her award-winning entry
CATEGORIES ■ Any painting - any media (Landscape, Portrait, Flora/Fauna, Contemporary/Abstract) $1000 prize money - sponsor Sadie & Co Boutique ■ Photography (any subject, any size) - $500 prize money - sponsor Integrity Real Estate Kinglake ■ Textiles (any textile article, felting, knitting, quilt, patchwork, crochet, hand or machine made) - $500 prize money - sponsor Kinross Farm ■ Single or Mixed Media - $500 prize money - sponsor Stone the Crows Festival ■ Laser/CNC/3D Printing - $500 prize money - sponsor Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges ■ Sculpture (any media) - $500 prize money sponsor Whittlesea Bowls Club ■ Any article, any media - created during Covid-19 lockdowns - $300 prize money - sponsored by Kinglake Berry Growers Group ■ Best in Show Award - $2000 - sponsored by Murrindindi Shire Council ■ Emerging Artist Award (under 25 years as at 1/10/2021 - $250 ■ Encouragement Award (over 25 years as at 1/10/2021 - $250. Both: Bendigo Bank Kinglake - Chrissy Eustace
Haines hears Greening bid
■ The Greening Euroa Committee’s campaign to attract funding to the innovative, firstof-its-kind project, has been heard by Indi MHR Helen Haines. The project aims to establish a pipeline from the Wastewater Management Facility on the Euroa Tip Road to provide treated, recycled water to Euroa’s biggest water users in town. It is being driven by a committee of passionate locals who want to lessen the impacts of chronic water shortages in a rapidly warming climate. However, to ensure the recycled water gets to the town’s green spaces the project must attract funding. Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn said Council was excited to be supporting the committee to seek funding opportunities and thanked Dr Haines for hearing their calls. “We had a positive meeting with the Federal Member for Indi and we were encouraged to hear that we could lead the way with the initiative, paving the way for other townships to do the same,” Cr Raeburn said. “We want our communities to continue to live in green townships for so many reasons including mental wellbeing, bushfire safety and the overall cooling affect that areas with ample greenery provide.” Greening Euroa is a joint initiative between Strathbogie Shire Council, Goulburn Valley Water, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and local schools and community groups. The project has been supported by the Victorian Government through Integrated Water Management Program funding. Greening Euroa’s Richard McGeehan said the project would be the first of its kind in Victoria. “More than this, it presents a clever solution to a growing concern for many rural communities about how to sustainably manage outdoor spaces in the scorching summer months,” Mr McGeehan said. “We are proud of the work we have done so far to make it happen. “It would ensure that during times of drought our prized community spaces stay green, meeting a critical public health need.” Mr McGeehan said the committee had received commitment from nine user groups to utilise the service. “The program plans to deliver recycled water to each user group, and they will be responsible for all on site costs,” he said. Dr Haines said she was committed to assisting Council to look for possible funding sources at a Federal level. “It is so positive to see the town of Euroa
● Dr Helen Haines, Indi MHR, with Greening Euroa supporters. "There is no doubt that as our climate warms looking to embrace innovative uses of water for our need for conserving our water and using it the community,” she said. “Euroa is providing great leadership to other wisely grows. This project could be a game towns in thinking creatively about the best use changer for Euroa.” - Strathbogie Shire Council of our most precious resource – water.
Targa postponed
■ Targa High Country has been postponed until February 11-13. Many of the people who work with Targa to set up the event travel from Tasmania, so ongoing border closures have contributed to this decision. However, High Country Festival, a combination of community-led events, is set to go ahead. On Friday October 29, Mansfield Council will host: ■ Marks’ Supa IGA Sideshow Carnival ■ FReeZa Rock Out Youth Concert ■ Food & Wine Market ■ Fireworks event A limit of 1000 attendees and other adjustments are required to meet the COVID-19 Public Events Framework. Both the torchlight parade and The Grand Parade will be cancelled as it is not possible for Council to control crowd numbers at these events. Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe said the community needed to come together to celebrate after a tough year: “Community events allow us to connect with one another, have some fun and bring back a sense of normality after a year of challenges. - Mansfield Council
● Cr Mark Holcombe
People Profile Scotty Reid
● Scotty Reid ■ For nearly three decades, master butcher Scotty Reid has propped an antique bike outside Avenel Meats to signal when the weatherboard shop is open. “It’s an old butcher’s delivery bike,” Scotty said of the 1930s Malvern Star, which is an iconic sight in the historic Bank St streetscape. “I bought it from a mate in Trawool about five years after moving to Avenel.” The shopfront is a picture of yesteryear and the business is renowned for good oldfashioned service and quality, locally sourced meat - the wholesaler is equally acclaimed by customers across Victoria for its handmade gourmet goods. Especially famed for its speciality sausages (about eight varieties) and smoked goods, the family business works closely with local eateries which have built Avenel’s reputation as a foodie haven. Scottish-born Scotty and his late parents John and Jill opened Avenel Meats in 1987. It was the first opportunity to work together for John, an old-school butcher transitioning to semi-retirement, and Scotty, who was at the tail end of his butcher apprenticeship. “We worked together for about 15 years,” Scotty said of the move to Avenel from Broadmeadows. Scotty, who now runs Avenel Meats with wife Neisha, cherishes an old black and white photo of John then aged in his 20s, which is displayed inside Avenel Meats. “That one photo tells a thousand words,” Scotty, 54, said. “It’s really special, I just love it.” Scotty believes the photo was taken in the 1950s, when John worked as butcher aboard the transatlantic passenger liner “I love the look on Dad’s face with a couple of his workmates,” Scotty said. “They partied pretty hard, but they went through some tough times as well, just like we are all going through tough times today [due to COVID-19]. “One of Dad’s crazy mates used to get on the bow of the ship like Leonardo DiCaprio [with Kate Winslet in the movie ]. “Dad travelled the world: when we he got back to Scotland he’d be dressed in these suits from America and looking pretty suave to all the girls; he was talk of town.” John and Jill Reid left Scotland for South Africa in the early 1970s with their two sons, Scotty the youngest. John opened a grocery store and Scotty started school before the family migrated to Melbourne when Scotty was six years old. The family settled in Broadmeadows, and at 15-years of age Scotty started his butcher’s apprenticeship in Coburg. Somewhere along the way, his dad’s parttime band, Deep Sea Rhythm Boys, scored a guest appearance on “Dad played the piano accordion. It was a really exciting time,” Scotty said. Fast forward to 2021: some of Scotty’s six children have at various stages worked at Avenel Meats, alongside apprentice and qualified butchers and other local teenagers seeking their first part-time jobs. ● Turn To Page 4
Page 4 - The Local Paper - Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Local Briefs Pop-up clinic
■ A pop-up vaccination clinic at the French St Hall in Lalor from 9.30am to 5pm on Thursday (Oct. 7) to Sunday (Oct. 10). These will be walk-up clinics only. Pfizer and AstraZeneca first doses will be available. Arabic and Macedonian interpreters will be available. - Whittlesea City Council
Ranges parklets
■ Community Parklets have been installed in townships around the Yarra Ranges, preparing the region for visitors and residents heading outdoors for picnics and social interaction. Yarra Ranges Council has designed and installed parklets as part of the State Government’s Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund, to encourage people to connect with their communities, support local traders, and take congestion off footpaths as restrictions ease. Parklets have been installed in Upwey, Kallista, Olinda, Sassafras, Mt Dandenong, Montrose, Mt Evelyn, Seville and Healesville, with seating and tables for enjoying drinks and food from local businesses in a COVID-safe way. The parklets also showcase the talent of our local artists, who have also been heavily impacted by successive lockdowns. Each parklet features bespoke artwork that was commissioned earlier this year, along with links to see more of each artists’ work, meaning that each parklet is unique to the township it is placed in. The parklets were designed inhouse with a focus on sustainability, being produced from recycled shipping containers, sustainably sourced timbers and native plants. The modular design will enable them to be reused elsewhere in the municipality once they are no longer needed in the centres. Each parklet will be fitted with accessibility ramps and consideration was put into colour choices and spacing to maximise ease of access for everyone in the community. As restrictions ease over spring and summer, these parklets will be important in providing a COVID-safe way for locals to enjoy their communities – and local cafes and restaurants - outdoors. Dion Bright of Geppetto’s Workshop, and President of the Sassafras Township Group, hopes more people will be able to enjoy the Parklets, and support local business, once lockdown ends. “I think they’re beautiful, they fit the landscape and look like they belong. They’re informative too, and showcasing two local artists, that’s wonderful.”consume alcohol outdoors. - Yarra Ranges Shire Council ● From Page 3
Scotty Reid Avenel Meats is as intrinsic to the Avenel community as its famed sausages, smoked goods and other lines of local products ranging from honey, chutneys, sourdough, cider and wines. “It’s like the saying ‘The butcher the baker, the candlestick maker – but we don’t sell candles!” Scotty said. Across the road, Bank St Wood Fired Pizza and Garden use Scotty’s pork and fennel sausage in the aptly name gourmet pizza – The Scotty. Scotty loves the country pace of life and close-knit community in Avenel – and he enjoys sharing the area’s must-visit destinations with newcomers and tourists. “I feel lucky to live and work here,” he said. Scotty Reid is among the “local rockstars” in the Rock Your Senses in Strathbogie Shire podcast series who give insight into what makes their town rock as a tourist destination. Visit www.strathbogiestory.com/storytowns or download the Storytowns app to hear from the Shire’s podcast rockstars. - Strathbogie Shire Council
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Local People: 4
Super Kids Sunday planned ■ Children and families in the City of Whittlesea are invited to celebrate Children’s Week virtually this year with the annual Super Kids Sunday event. The event kicks off on Sunday, October 24, and will transport you into a digital play space with on-demand videos, live-streamed performances, artworks, stories and more. Administrator Chris Eddy said the annual event was traditionally celebrated in play spaces and parks throughout the municipality, but with COVID-19 restrictions in place, Council was now pivoting to bring Super Kids Sunday online. “Led by a Welcome to Country with Wurundjeri woman Kellie Hunter, Super Kids Sunday will see live-streamed performances from magician Nick Nickolas and even snake handlers from Reptile Encounters,” Mr Eddy said. “There’s also a range of live workshops for children and families to take part in, from crafting your very own puppet from recycled materials, discovering the basics of AusLan signing to learning how to juggle. There’s truly something for everyone. “We’re so amazed by the resilience of the
children within our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and are excited to deliver this interactive fun experience for all children to enjoy.” Other highlights of the Super Kids Sunday program include: ■ the premiere of a musical composition for the Mill Park All Abilities Play Space composed by local resident Michael Johnson ■ solo and group performances from singing students across the municipality ■ a live-streamed circus performance from the Quizzical Mr Jeff. For more information and to get involved from October 24, visit arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au - Whittlesea City Council
Arabic Vax Chat
● Chris Eddy
■ A free online information session about the COVID-19 vaccine for the Arabic-speaking community will be held by Zoom, at 6pm this Thursday (Oct. 7) Local nurses Mona Abbouchi and Farah Moualla will present the session in English and Arabic. - Whittlesea City Council
● Mary-Anne Thomas
■ Place-based Worker Support – to support the development of COVIDSafe worker accommodation. ■ Training and Education – to provide support for farm and food processing workers to access information and services and ensure businesses are providing COVIDSafe work practices. The grants will provide support for businesses as they prepare for upcoming peak seasons including spring shearing, grains harvest and meat processing, and horticulture’s peak picking and packing season. The Agriculture Resilience and Recovery Program is part of the Government’s comprehensive $84 million support package to assist industry to address workforce challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. More than $30 million has been provided through the Agriculture Workforce Plan, which has awarded more than 380 grants to assist businesses to create COVIDSafe workplaces, provide worker induction and training, and create additional accommodation and transport facilities. - Mary-Anne Thomas
● Peter Perkins
mate resilience of the natural environment, climate responsive Council services and facilities, zero emissions energy use, sustainable transport and achieving zero waste and a circular economy. Nillumbik Mayor Peter Perkins said the Shire was ideally placed to be at the leading edge of meaningful climate action. “Our community is highly engaged and informed about the issue of climate change and the need for climate action. Both Council and our community have a strong record when it comes to matters of sustainability and climate action and through this Plan we will aim to build further on what has already been achieved,” Cr Perkins said. “It is important therefore, that the community be integral to the development of the Plan which will set the framework for Council’s actions over the next decade and beyond to address the challenges presented by climate change.” The draft 2022-2032 CAP is informed by previous community consultation, including a survey conducted in December last year. - Licardo Prince
Steps for rural recovery
■ The State Government is fast-tracking the road to recovery for agriculture and food supply chain businesses in rural and regional Victoria. Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Agriculture , announced a new $5.2 million Agriculture Resilience and Recovery Program while visiting Mt William Advanced Tree Nursery in Lancefield. The nursery received $35,000 last year as part of the Government’sAgriculture Workforce Plan - Business Adaptation program. The grant enabled the nursery to build a portable lunchroom and expand the existing lunchroom to provide suitable space for workers. Prior to this, staff were forced to split shifts, restrict work days, rotate lunch breaks and work across multiple sites. The new program provides grants of between $10,000 and $300,000 to support on-farm infrastructure, business upgrades and new facilities to enable businesses to adapt their operations to COVIDSafe settings. The program provides three types of business support: ■ Business Resilience and Recovery – to support businesses to adapt their operations to maintain production and manage risks.
Nillumbik declares emergency
■ Nillumbik Shire Council has developed a draft 2022-2032 Climate Action Plan, and is calling on the community to provide further input prior to finalising and endorsing it. The draft Plan, which includes a formal acknowledgement of a climate emergency, has been endorsed for community consultation by the Council. When formally endorsed it will build on the Council’s previous climate plans (2010, 2015). It outlines three key goals: ■ Council Mitigation: to reduce Council’s direct contribution to climate change and sets a target of net zero Council emissions by 2030; ■ Council Adaptation: Prepare for, respond and adapt to the risks and impacts of a changing climate on our community, environment, infrastructure and services; and ■ Community mitigation and adaptation: supporting our community in adaptation and resilience with a target of net zero community emission by 2035 The draft Plan also identifies areas of action on which to focus, including climate action leadership, climate resilience of our community, climate resilience of the natural environment, cli-