Local People. Fri., Oct. 8, 2021

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021

Local News Chloe is missing

● Chloe ■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Mernda girl Chloe.

The 11-year-old was last seen at a school on Grand Boulevarde in Craigieburn today (Fri.) around 11am.

Police and family have concerns for Chloe due to her age.

She was last seen wearing her school uniform, which consists of a yellow jacket and brown track pants and carrying a backpack with clothing inside.

Investigators have released an image of Chloe in the hope someone can provide information on her current whereabouts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Craigieburn Police Station on 9303 4433.

- Victoria Police

Burg at Viewbank

■ Darebin Criminal Investigation Unit detectives have charged a male after a burglary in Viewbank last night (Thu.).

It is alleged the male entered a business premise on Robern Parade about 9.35pm and stole cigarettes, confectionery and cash before driving away in a stolen Toyota Hilux vehicle.

Local police, with the assistance of the Air Wing, tracked the vehicle to a nearby park where they arrested the male.

A 17-year-old Kingsbury boy has been charged with burglary, theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods and other offences and will appear in court at a later date.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au - Victoria Police

Broadford bound

■ Jabba the Bus is on its way to Mitchell Shire.

From 10am-3.30pm on Wednesday (Oct. 13) the bus will be at Broadford Hall (Murchison St) Bookings are now being taken over the phone through Council's Customer and Library Services call centre. Phone 5734 6200.

Moderna vaccine will be offered for all first doses, with Astra Zeneca and Pfizer vaccinations available for those who are having their second dose.

You are required to bring photo ID and your Medicare Card, if you have one.

- Mitchell Shire Council

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CEO SPEAKS AT ROTARY

■ Murrindindi Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Alexandra this week.

Over a career spanning 20 years of executive experience, Livia has worked in senior roles in public and private enterprises in planning, governance and strategy roles.

She, as an architect, completed her BA concurrently with Architecture, MBA and Australian Industry Group Directors course.

From a start in architecture and urban planning, her career has moved through to management and operational logistics, with a common thread of working with community and environment.

When approached by a recruiter to apply for the CEO position, Livia already had friends in Marysville, Flowerdale and Yea, but hadn’t been to Alexandra.

Arriving in June , the first challenge was to find accommodation in a historically tight housing market.

Several important initiatives were about to be implemented at her job at the Council.

August brought the Community Vision for the Shire, with focus on inclusivity, embracing diversity, recognising the cultural heritage of First Nations people, waste management, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting growth and educational opportunities.

The five pillars supporting the vision are ■ Resilient communities ■ Beautiful townships ■ Growth and opportunity ■ Protection of the environment, with a focus on sustainability and target net zero emissions by 2035 Shirewide.

■ Transparency, inclusivity and accountability.

In regard to the Council’s 10-year financial plan. Livia has inherited a strong operational budget of $36 million-$45 million over the next 10 years, but the capital works program is constrained as Council is heavily dependent on grants, with little money for new assets.

Murrindindi Council hasa lot of decaying infrastructure, roads, buildings and parks.

Murrindindi has 12 times more kilometres of road per head of population to maintain compared to state average.

● Livia Bonazzi, Murrindindi Shire CEO, spoke at Alexandra Rotary The majority of spending is on traditional areas of roads and rubbish.

For a comparison of how Murrindindi is tracking Livia encouraged a visit to the ‘Know Your Council’ website (currently mid range on many scores).

Challenges facing Murrindindi include: ■ Employment. Despite a steady population growth of 1 per cent per annum, more than 600 jobs have been lost over the past six years. Some of this can be attributed to completion of rebuilding after 2009 fires and the North-South pipeline construction.

■ Property prices are going through the roof, having tripled in 10 years. This affects housing affordability throughout the Shire.

■ Weather- fire, flood, drought etc.

The Shire has previously demonstrated great strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Livia would like to introduce a ‘Happiness Index’ as a potential new metric to measure effectiveness of the management of the Shire.

Livia says she feels blessed to now call Murrindindi home, thanks all for the warm welcome received, and looks forward to living here long enough to be regarded as a ‘local’ - Rotary Club of Alexandra

■ International students will start returning to Victoria by the end of the year under the State Government’s Student Arrivals Plan, which has been submitted to the Commonwealth for approval.

The Plan provides a graduated, safe return to study in Victoria for international students, and a pipeline for continued arrivals through 2022.

Students arriving under the plan will be in addition to Victoria’s existing international arrivals cap, which means they will not displace returning Australians.

Under the first stage of the plan, 120 places will be available each week for Victorian university students, prioritising those who need to undertake practical work to continue or complete their degrees, such as health and medical degree students, as well as postgraduate research students.

Universities will provide funding towards the extra quarantine places for student visa holders,

with students required to cover the cost of their flight to Melbourne. Students will be quarantined in dedicated accommodation managed by COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria.

The second stage will enable more places with larger-scale international student arrivals from across the sector, including those enrolled in TAFEs, English-language courses, private education providers and secondary schools.

International students are a vital part of Victoria’s academic and broader community.

While over 75,000 international students from 100 countries are currently studying in Victoria, around 47,000 more are enrolled with Victorian education providers but remain offshore while Australia’s international borders are closed.

International education is a critical services export and jobs provider for Victoria, contributing a peak of $13.7 billion to the state’s economy and supporting around 79,000 Victorian jobs prior to the pandemic.

Local News Whittlesea alert

■ Whittlesea AMCAL Pharmacy published this post on social media late last night (Thu.): “We were notified by a customer who was in our pharmacy on Sunday (Oct. 3) that they have since tested positive for COVID and was in their infectious period while in the pharmacy.

“The customer was in the pharmacy between 12.15pm and 12.30pm and spent most of their time at the back of the store on their own.

“We have yet to be contacted by DHHS, but we would like to assure the community that we have regular daily cleaning systems in place, and we have organised a deep clean of the pharmacy overnight.

“All of the affected team members will be getting tested and isolating as required.

We will review our camera footage and endeavour to contact all customers who were in the pharmacy at the time,” the statement explained.

- Whittlesea AMCAL Pharmacy

Supermarket worry

International pupils return

■ Quinton's Supa IGA Warrandyte is open again following a deep clean. A number of staff in isolation. . “We also would like to reassure our customers that our stringent mask policy and our hourly sanitation and disinfecting of all touch points throughout our store are ensuring risks to our customers and staff are minimal,” said a store representative on social media.

“We have been following these procedures since the beginning of the pandemic.

“As Victoria opens up next month, we will potentially be seeing more businesses going through this but please be assured we believe you are safe shopping at Quinton.”

- Warrandyte Diary

Tribunal win

■ The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has affirmed Mansfield Council’s decision to refuse to amend a permit to allow a high flow diesel pump to be placed at 140 High St, Mansfield opposite the Station Precinct.

Mansfield Council fought against the amendment, which raised serious safety concerns for pedestrians and vehicles and would have seen a high flow diesel pump placed in close proximity to existing residential houses.

Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe said VCAT’s decision represented a win for Council and for the community.

“We’re listening and we care about the safety and amenity of our Shire. We are proud to have fought alongside our community on this matter and that we have been able to maintain safety with this win,” said Cr Holcombe.

Two key impacts on amenity were considered: noise and vapour/exhaust emissions. A 2.5m high acoustic barrier was included in the submission but VCAT determined that the barrier would be unlikely to be effective due to the size of the vehicles that would use the site.

The existing planning permit was extended until February 2021 by VCAT. This gives the permit holder until June 2022 to commence works on the site in accordance with the existing permit.

- Mansfield Shire Council

Page 2 - The Local Paper - Friday, October 8, 2021

Local Briefs Travel exemption

■ The State Government has announced a new travel exemption for Victorian residents who need to visit their properties to prepare for the bushfire season.

Under the exemption, an owner of a property - or a nominated representative - will be permitted travel from their primary residence to a second property during the current COVID-19 restrictions to undertake fire preparedness work.

Property owners must apply for the exemption with the council in which their property is located. In the case of properties in Nillumbik, owners must apply with Nillumbik Shire Council. Owners of properties outside Nillumbik need to contact their relevant council.

Applications are now open with travel valid to be undertaken from Monday (Oct. 11) until further advice from the Victorian Government.

Property owners are only eligible for the exemption if their property is within the Bushfire Management Overlay and work is required to be undertaken to prepare for the bushfire season.

This work can include reducing the bushfire fuel loads on the property by cutting grass, removing vegetation (as permitted), slashing, clearing gutters and removing items from around dwellings and out-buildings.

Owners are permitted to remain at their property for a maximum of 72 hours, but this can be extended by 24 hours at the discretion of Council if the owner needs to travel a long distance to reach their property. If further work is required, property owners can apply for an additional permit.

The permit is valid for the owner of the property and their immediate household members. If the owner is unable to travel, they can nominate a representative to undertake the work on their behalf. Owners can also employ a local contractor to do the work for them.

Applications can be made using the online application form. If you have any queries or need assistance, please contact the Council’s Customer Service team on 9433 3111 during business hours.

- Nillumbik Shire Council

Getting better

■ Mansfield Council says it has demonstrated significant improvements in its statutory planning services.

September’s results show that 100 per cent of planning permit applications were processed within 60 days and 100 per cent of Vicsmart permits within 10 days.

The achievement of these figures reflects consistent improvements made over the past few months in response to community feedback.

The functional and operational improvements were made in response to community concerns.

An independent review was conducted and Council consulted with a committee of key stakeholders who helped contribute to Council’s understanding of areas for improvement in its system.

Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe said that he was pleased to see the improvements across the Shire’s statutory planning service.

“We have made sweeping changes to how planning permits are issued in Mansfield Shire as a result of community feedback,” said Cr Holcombe.

“The results reflect a fundamental change to how we operate in this area. The improvements demonstrate that we have listened and continue to listen to our community.

“It is our responsibility to ensure an efficient and transparent planning permit process and we’re doing that now.”

Since implementing the first stage of the changes recommended by the independent review, the community satisfaction score for planning has increased nine points from 2019.

“We’re proud of the work that has been done and we know there is more to achieve.

We continue to work with our community and stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective Council processes,” said Cr Holcombe.

- Mansfield Shire Council

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Local People: 2

Failures in COVID system ■ Kinglake publican John Holmes has questioned COVID-19 procedures, and the checking of information by authorities.

“It is very rare for me to put myself out there but I feel this experience has been very distressing,” Mr Holmes told “We are being told that everything is going OK and we all have to do what is right. Unfortunately I believe my experience shows that there are glaring problems with the whole system starting at the beginning and following through to the end.

“Are staff being briefed in a satisfactory way?

Do they not have checklists?

“Shouldn't initial information be checked? In my case incorrect information was supplied initially by accident but was never confirmed.

“Ramifications are that people are put in isolation and in my case was this at all necessary?”

Mr Holmes detailed his concerns: “At about 5pm on Friday, September 17, I received a telephone call from a person who introduced themselves as Darian from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Coronavirus Section.

“I was told that on eptember 11, between 11am and 1pm a person who had a confirmed case of Coronavirus had attended at the Kinglake Hotel.

“As a result the Hotel had been declared as a Tier 1 exposure site. Darian informed me that all staff members who had been working on the 11th were to immediately obtain A COVID test and then quarantine for 14 days dating back to September 11.

“They were then to follow the instructions found on the DHHS website. I was told that all information in relation to responsibilities, cleaning etc. would be detailed on that site.

“In all, the call lasted for about 20 minutes and Darian seemed to be reading most of the information from prepared notes.

“I was referred on a number of occasions to the DHHS websites for further instructions. I was also given 1300 number to call if I wanted more information.

“Before hanging up I did ask if there was any way I could confirm the information as being correct. “ I was advised that the only way I could confirm the information was to visit the Victorian Government Coronavirus Public Exposure site webpage.

“After finishing the call I immediately closed the Hotel. I notified the staff members that had been working on September 11. Three staff members in all.

“I then checked the public exposure site web page as instructed. I did not see any reference to the Kinglake Hotel. I rang the 1300 number I had been given (1300 651160).

“I was on hold for approximately four hours.

At about 9.30pm I was then put through to a person, Alex, from the COVID Co-ordination Uni. “I explained my situation. I was then put on hold for about 20 minutes whilst Alex made some enquires.

“On returning I was told that as yet the Kinglake Hotel was not on the public exposure site. Alex was going to ensure that the report would be escalated and referred to the section that looked after the Kinglake area. I was then advised to check again in the morning.

“The next morning, Saturday, September 18, all staff members who had been affected were tested for the virus (all were negative) and began quarantining along with their respective partners. In all six persons.

“On Saturday afternoon, I again checked the public exposure site website. Still no mention of the Kinglake Hotel. I again rang the 1300 number but after a long delay on hold I gave up.

“On Monday, September 20, there was still no mention of the Kinglake Hotel on the public exposure website.

“I again rang the 1300 number and after being on hold for about three hours I was told that there was nothing I should do but wait.

“I did tell the person that answered me that I was concerned as no-one had contacted the people who had been at the Hotel on September 11 at the same time as the infected person and that time was getting on.

● Kinglake Pub. Photo: Trip Advisor site to be created. It had been an oversight and the procedure had been missed. This was a 10am.

“I later spoke to Adele at the Goulburn Valley Health section who told me the same.

“She told me that as soon as the site was “I knew from viewing the CCTV footage that there had been eight people who had attended created she would link myself and the staff to the Hotel between 11am and 1pm, six of those the site and then ring us and release us. This was done and at 5 pm on the Sunday we were people were known to me.

“I was told that there was nothing I could do released from quarantine.

“On Tuesday, September 28, the Kinglake and that the reporting of the information was Hotel was listed as a Tier 2 site dating back 17 running behind.

“Out of frustration I rang the office of my days to September 11. Not even a Tier 1 site.

Member of Parliament (Cindy McLeish) and Did we quarantine for nothing?

“No one who had attended at the Hotel on explained to the receptionist the situation and September 11 was ever contacted by the COVID asked if they could provide some assistance.

“I was now very concerned that after all this Tracing team.

“Those people we knew, after looking at time other people in Kinglake could be affected.

This was a waste of a phone call as to this day I CCTV footage, for September 11 , did get a test (all negative) because we told them. have not even got a phone call back.

“Why didn’t either of the call takers on the “As per the DHHS website I filled in all relevant forms to advise the government of the 1300 number (September 20 and 22) make a details of myself and staff. As it turned out if I simple enquiry to see if there was an incident on had not submitted this self reporting form our September 11 that should have been followed details would not have been recorded anywhere. up.? They would have identified a failure in the “On Wednesday, September 22, now 11 days system and that a report had not been completed after the initial contact at the Hotel, there was for the Hotel.

“There is no point in asking why no one constill had no mention of the Kinglake Hotel on the tacted people who had checked in using the Public Exposure site.

“I received a follow up phone call from a Government QR code system because other person who was following up on my self report- than a telephone call to me nothing else got done until 17 days after the incident and only then ing form.

“I explained to him that I was concerned that because I chased it up.

“If all this is not bad enough there is a final there still was no mention of the Hotel as a Tier 1 site, ‘why am I quarantining etc. I cannot open kicker which makes a mockery of the entire the Hotel.’ He told me to wait and see if the site process and shows the unprofessional attitude was added and if not ring the 1300 number the to this whole incident.

“On Wednesday, September 29, I was at the next day.

“On Friday, September 24, I attended a Hotel when I was approached by a person known COVID testing site in Mernda for my second test to me who apologised and explained to me that as per instructions (13th day). Still no mention he had been the person who had attended the on the Public Exposure site. Result came back Hotel on September 11and had been infected with Coronavirus. negative.

“Remember I had viewed the CCTV foot“On September 25, 14 days after the initial exposure I rang the DHHS to find out what was age of that day and I explained to this person being done. After being on hold for four hours I that they in fact had not attended the Hotel on the Saturday. gave up.

“I was then able to tell him that it was the “According to the DHHS web site to be released from 1uarantine a person must had a sec- Friday, September 10, when he had attended ond negative test on the 13th day and then wait the Hotel.

“He hadn’t actually come into the Hotel on for a text message or an email to clear them.

“Until they get the message they are to re- the day as he saw me in the car park and was main in quarantine. I was now very concerned purchasing take away alcohol and because he that due to the failure to add the Hotel to the had his dog with him I took the money off him, Public Exposure site list we would not be re- got the alcohol from inside and then gave it to him in the car park. leased from the quarantine.

“Surely a more competent system would in“At 8am on Sunday, September 26 (15th day) I rang the 1300 number and managed to speak clude checking with the establishment (me on this occasion) to verify the accuracy of the into a person named Gunnike. “ I explained to her that my staff and I were formation received in the initial instance.

“Perhaps if this had been done I would not waiting on clearance from a Tier 1 exposure site quarantine and that we still had not been have had to close my Hotel for nine days.

“Also six people would not have to quaranlisted. I was placed on hold.

“I was then told that as a result of her en- tine. More importantly the people of Kinglake quires she could see the record of my self re- would not have been put at risk of the infection porting, she could see the report of the person spreading.

“I think that on this occasion it was luck and attending the Hotel on September 11, but unfortunately no exposure site had been created and definitely not good management that this did not therefore we had not been linked to a site so end up with serious consequences,” Mr Holmes told therefore we could not be released.

- John Holmes “She put through an urgent request for the

Kinglake publican tells his own story

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The Local Paper - Friday, October 8, 2021 - Page 3

Local People: 3

Mitchell in tennis awards

■ Mitchell Shire Council is hitting winners with its investment in improving recreational facilities, having been named a finalist in the 2021 Victorian Tennis Awards.

The Supporting Tennis – Local Government Award is presented to the LGA who is judged to be the most engaged with, and supportive of, tennis in their community.

Mitchell Council has invested nearly $4.2 million in the past two years towards tennis projects.

A further $2.1 million of combined grant funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria, Tennis Australia / Victoria, Sport Australia and local clubs, has seen nearly $6.3 million of service improvements delivered.

Mitchell Council says its commitment to improving sport and recreation opportunities for girls and women has also benefitted netball participation through shared-use courts and a pavilion.

These projects have addressed the urgent need to renew ageing outdoor courts infrastructure and expand and update lighting to support greater participation.

Projects completed in the past two years or due for completion shortly include: ■ J.J. Clancy Reserve, Kilmore, Tennis Court

● Cr Rhonda Sanderson, Mayor

and Lighting Project: Reconstruction of 4 tennis courts and 8 courts lit to competition standard ■ L.B. Davern Reserve, Wandong, Netball/ Tennis Court and Lighting Project (Enclosure 3): Reconstruction of 2 dual purpose courts with competition standard lighting ■ Harley Hammond Reserve, Broadford, Netball/Tennis Project: New shared use pavilion with 2 dual purpose courts and competition standard lighting L.B. Davern Reserve, Wandong, Tennis/Netball Court and Lighting Project (Enclosure 2): Reconstruction of 2 dual purpose courts with competition standard lighting Current projects include: ■ J.J. Clancy Reserve, Kilmore, Netball Tennis Court Renewal and Upgrade Project: Includes 2 Netball/Tennis courts and 2 Netball courts, all with competition standard lighting.

■ Wallan Tennis Complex – Enclosure 2 Lighting Project: New competition standard lighting for 2 courts ■ Beveridge Recreation Reserve Netball/Tennis Court Project: Includes reconstruction of 2 Tennis/Netball courts with competition standard lighting.

- Mitchell Shire Council

● Lydia Wilson

ment on his property.

“The grant has helped us to carry out work along the creek bed, planting trees, reeds and shrubs to help slow down erosion, increase the amount of natural habitat for wildlife and generally improve the landscape and environment around here,” Norm said.

“We’ve since noticed an increase in wildlife on the property, including more frogs in the creek, wombats and even an echidna. We’re hoping to add some nest boxes this year to attract more birdlife.”

“The process to apply for the grant is really easy and the help you get from the Council staff has been great. It really is a great initiative to help anyone wanting to do some revegetation or environmental work on their property.”

Landowners on two hectares or more can apply for a grant of up to $1500 and can apply in consecutive years, provided that previous projects are completed prior to a new application being submitted.

Applications for the 2022 Environmental Works Grant Program will close on November 30. To apply for a grant visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/grants - Whittlesea City Council

● Martin Foley, Health Minister

In Cobram, more than $5.6 million is being invested in NCN Health to renovate the Urgent Care Centre, improving clinical care and infection control measures and enhancing staff and patient safety.

South West Healthcare are receiving more than $2.3 million for a purpose-built community mental health facility in Hamilton, increasing local access to mental health care and services.

More than $1.2 million for the East Grampians Health Service will modernise their medical imaging department to meet increased demand and relocate the Palliative Care service delivering greater privacy for families.

These projects build on the more 380 projects the RHIF has made possible since it was created in 2016. Projects include the $9.7 million Healthy Community Access Hub in Kyneton, $6 million Aboriginal Co-operative Medical and Regional Health Hub in Ballarat and a $4 million Integrated Health Centre in Yarram.

“Every Victorian deserves access to high quality, safe care when they need it – we’re supporting rural and regional health services to do just that while creating hundreds of jobs,” said Martin Foley, Health Minister.

- Martin Foley

Help for rural landowners

■ Rural landowners looking to undertake work on their land to help improve the native environment and boost habitat for local wildlife can now apply for a City of Whittlesea Environmental Works Grant.

The program, now into its 21st year, provides a financial incentive for property owners on two hectares or more to create sustainable land management practices that protect and enhance the land and wildlife.

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said that a large proportion of the city’s native vegetation is found on private land and these grants provide support to local landowners to manage and care for the vegetation.

“Our annual Environmental Works Grants are a fantastic opportunity for rural landowners to do some work on their property that will not only enhance their property, but also provide environmental benefits,” Ms Wilson said.

“This might include fencing off areas to protect the vegetation from livestock or other animals, planting new trees and shrubs or creating nest boxes for the local wildlife.”

Eden Park resident Norm Dinnage has successfully utilised grant funding over recent years to replant native vegetation along the creek ease-

Boost for rural health services

■ The State Government says it is ensuring people living in rural and regional areas have access to the world-class care they deserve close to home, unveiling more than $100 million in vital hospital upgrades across the state.

Nearly 80 rural and regional hospitals, community health services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations will share in $120 million from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund – creating hundreds of jobs.

The program promises to deliver a variety of projects across regional Victoria including operating theatre refurbishments, new waiting rooms and hospital beds, accessible paths and ramps, additional consulting rooms, expansions projects and equipment upgrades.

With 105 projects located across 40 rural and regional council areas in Victoria, the program is ensuring communities continue to be able to access high quality care from Cann River to Mildura.

This includes Central Highlands Rural Health who are receiving more than $4.5 million to upgrade their operating theatre so more locals can get the surgeries they need, closer to home.

Local Briefs Anzac Ave upgrade

■ Residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy a stroll along Seymour’s Anzac Avenue under a lush green canopy with the planting of 28 English Oak trees last week.

At 2.5 metres tall and in full leaf, the new oaks have already made an impact on the streetscape of Anzac Avenue.

The new oaks will help recreate the avenue of trees along Anzac Avenue that was first planted in 1917 in memory of the soldiers who had enlisted for service.

To acknowledge and thank the many young men who had volunteered to fight for their country, the people of Seymour planted 114 oak trees along Anzac Avenue on July 21, 1917.

Of the healthy Crepe Myrtles that were removed to make way for the oak trees, 11 were transplanted in Howard Place Reserve to help screen the boundary fence. Further planting and mulching works are planned for the reserve.

Another three Crepe Myrtles were planted near the carpark in Kings Park.

This project was part-funded through a $10,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Pick My Project initiative.

James Hall from The Seymour We Want community group, spearheaded the campaign to secure the grant for the 28 English Oak trees to help improve the landscape on AnzacAvenue.

“These works are part of the Mitchell Shire Council 2021 planting season which has seen almost 1600 street trees planted throughout the shire, including more than 450 trees in Seymour," said Cr Rhonda Sanderson, Mitchell Shire Mayor. ‘‘One of Mitchell Shire’s main attractions is our rural landscapes and trees are an important part of our region’s character.

“We have planted new trees across the shire and will continue to work alongside developers and contractors to ensure we maintain a healthy network of trees."

“We look forward to the current plantings continuing to enhance our towns.”

James Hall said: “Growing up in Seymour, it’s great to see this avenue recreated as the memorial it was originally intended for.

“It will also create much needed street canopy for one of our main thoroughfares."

- Mitchell Shire Council

Seniors’ Festival

■ Strathbogie Shire Council’s Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined program of events offers the opportunity to explore Tahbilk Winery and its surrounds.

The Water, Wine, Wetlands and Walks is on Wednesday October 20 from 10am to 3pm.

For just $10, guests will be invited to take part in all four aspects of the day which include: ■ Tours of the winery’s historic cellar and museum ■ A guided Taungurung Walk through the surrounding bushland ■ Cruise onboard the Goulburn Explorer through the beautiful Goulburn River ■ Enjoy lunch at the Wetlands View Café overlooking the landscape ■ Established in 1860, Tahbilk Winery is one of Strathbogie Shire’s most renowned wineries.

Situated on some 1214 hectares of rich river flats, the property has 11 kms of frontage to the Goulburn River and 8 kms of permanent backwaters and creeks.

Tahbilk is home to some 200 hectares of vineyards, specialising in whites such as Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne and reds including Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn said the event was fantastic value for just $10.

“This is the only event that has a cost associated with it for our Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined; but for just $10, you can take in all that Tahbilk Winery and its surrounds have to offer,” he said.

For all enquires and assistance with bookings, contact Strathbogie Shire on 5795 0000.

- Strathbogie Shire Council

Page 4 - The Local Paper - Friday, October 8, 2021

Q&A success

■ More than 60 people participated in an online community forum hosted by Mansfield Shire Council. The online ession featured guest speaker Dr Mark Quigley, Associate Professor in Earthquake Science.

The community asked questions that ranged from how likely another earthquake was to why dogs reacted before the tremor was felt by humans. - Mansfield Shire Council

Thanks to these local contributors

Local contributors include: ■ Ann Argent, Central Bowls Division.

■ Stephen Baker, Seymour Railway Heritage Centre.

■ Julie Blyth, Y Water Discovery Centre.

■ Liz Bower, Nanna’s Makers Market.

■ Laura Caine, Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House.

■ Beth Caldow, Shepparton Festival.

■ Meagan Callander, Middle Kinglake Primary School.

■ Bonnie Cavanagh, Broadford Football Netball Club.

■ Viv Cavanagh, Yea Bowls Club.

■ Gayle Cole, Kinglake Friends of the Forest.

■ Stuart Dale, Albert Edward Lodge, Alexandra Masonic Centre.

■ Paul Denham, Buxton CFA. ■ Holly Ditchfield, Eltham Jazz Festival.

■ Andrew Embling, Alexandra Truck Show.

■ Chrissy Eustace, Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges.

■ Patrick Evans, Yea Football Netball Club.

■ Hannah Graham, Green Wedge.

■ Sam Hicks, Fawcett Hall, Alexandra Indoor Pool.

■ Ryan Hurst, Kinglake Football Netball Club.

■ Alison Huth, YAPPERS, and Yea Arts.

■ Bev Johns, Kinglake.

■ Ross Malcolm, sports photographs.

■ Rhyll McCormack, Mountain Cattlemen.

■ Kelly McLeish, Yea CFA. ■ Shannon Mittrow, Alexandra SES. ■ Sara Murray, Alexandra Show.

■ Eden Elizabeth Nicholls, St Luke’s Anglican Church, Yea and Molesworth.

■ Alan Pell, Yea Golf Club.

■ Pam Petersen, Alexandra Christmas Tree Festival.

■ Brian Phillips, Yea Football Netball Club.

■ David Purcell, Healesville Amateur Race Club.

■ Peter Rice, UGFM - Radio Murrindindi.

■ Clinton Robinson, Kinglake Football Netball Club.

■ Sacred Heart Primary School, Yea. ■ Michaela Sargeant, Goulburn Valley Water.

■ Denis Smith, Yea St Pats Race Club.

■ Megan Smithwick, Whittlesea activities.

■ Ian Staff, Whittlesea Table Tennis, agricultural items.

■ Steels Creek Grapevine, newsletter.

■ Sarah Stevenson, Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club.

■ Ray Steyger, Alexandra Football Netball Club.

■ Jeffrey Swain, Yea-Kinglake RSL, Alexandra-Mansfield-Yea Legacy.

■ Cat Thomas, Upper Goulburn Landcare Network.

■ Heidi Twining, Victoria Police.

■ Nikki Vanderwerf, Alexandra District Health.

■ Iris Vrzovski, Bollygum Community Market.

■ Ash Walsh, Yea Football Netball Club.

■ Caroline Weeks, Murrindindi Beanie and Fibre Festival.

■ Peter Weeks, Alexandra SES. ■ Glenda Woods, Rotary Club of Yea.

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Local People: 4

W’sea youth in Parliament ■ Budding young parliamentarians from the City of Whittlesea got a taste of the real deal through YMCAVictoria’s Youth Parliament program during the school holidays.

Whittlesea Council says it was proud to support local residents Annie, Jasmine, Victoria, Monica, Nina and Anna to take part in the annual program, where they debated issues of importance to young people.

Whittlesea CityAdministrator Peita Duncan told this week’s Council meeting that the Youth Parliament program was an opportunity for young people aged 16 to 25 to have their voices heard at the highest levels of State Government.

“These sorts of initiatives are part of Council’s broader support for community leadership and we are extremely proud of last week’s youth participants,” Ms Duncan said.

“This team participated on behalf of the Council and sponsored The Improved Accessibility in Public Transport Bill, which was overwhelmingly supported by the Youth Parliament in the Legislative Assembly, and passed following the same procedures that the Victorian Government use to adopt bills in Victoria.

“The Improved Accessibility in Public Transport Bill is an act to improve access to

BILLS PASSED

● Peita Duncan

trains, stations and services, with a particular attention to the barriers faced by people with a disability.”

Bills passed by the Youth Parliament and given the assent of the Youth Governor are passed onto the State Government for consideration, with more than 30 pieces of state legislation originating there in the program’s 35-year history.

Mernda resident, Annie, 18, was an eager participant and said taking part in the Youth Parliament program was an amazing experience.

“The bill was the first and only bill in this year's Youth Parliament to pass unanimously, which is incredibly exciting,” Annie said.

“The Youth Parliament program gave me a chance to put my current skill set to use, expand my knowledge, meet like-minded young people, and find a collaborative resource to continue to grow after the program finished.”

The program is traditionally run in the chambers of State Parliament but was held virtually this year.

- Peita Duncan

● Jaclyn Symes

people with mobility devices had to be carried into the building.

The upgrade will make the hall safe and accessible, so everyone can use the space easily.

Other recipients of the Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities include Myrtleford Scout Group which will use its grant to build a new home, the Bairnsdale Tennis Club to improve its club house and facilities, and fireproofing and improved water supply for the Noorinbee Public Purposes Reserve Hall.

Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Emergency Services, said: “These projects are the hearts of country towns – the community hall, the local sports club, the rec reserve. They were a symbol of refuge during the bushfires – now with these grants, they’ll be a symbol of resilience.”

“Helping bushfire-affected communities to choose their own rebuilding priorities is a vital part of the recovery process. I encourage community groups to actively explore what grants and supports they’re eligible for through Bushfire Recovery Victoria.”

Visit brv.vic.gov.au, contact 1800 560 760 or visit a local Bushfire Recovery Hub. - Jaclyn Symes

● Chris Eddy, Whittlesea Council

side the following panel members: ■ Peter Vu from Costa Group ■ Daniel Wilson from Quest Apartments Epping ■ Kerryn Lester-Smith from Melbourne Polytechnic ■ Catherine Cervasio from Aromababy ■ Joshua Robinson from Lotus Energy ■ Aristos Karavias from Repurpose It ■ Giorgio Linguanti from That’s Amore ■ Michelle Andrews-Sims from Wine in a Glass ■ Paul Hearne from Limelight The panel, joined by City of Whittlesea Administrators Lydia Wilson and Chris Eddy and Council officers, are set to hold their first meeting later in October.

“Next year we hope to help establish an additional chamber of commerce style group for small and micro businesses in the City of Whittlesea and propose that a representative from that group join the Business Advisory Panel,” Mr Eddy said.

“In the short term though, Council is looking forward to collaborating with the Panel members to continue building upon our vision.”

- Whittlesea City Council

New facility for Mansfield

■ Twelve organisations across Victoria’s bushfire-affected areas will share in almost $500,000 in recovery grants to repair damaged or destroyed community facilities after the 201920 bushfires.

Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Emergency Services, announced the latest recipients of the Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities.

The grants support community groups who want help to build, upgrade or repair important local facilities that everyone can use.

A new kitchen facility will be providedc at the Mansfield Football and Netball Club In the North East, Tallangatta Rail Trail Advisory Group has been awarded $45,600 to upgrade the High Country Rail Trail Boggy Creek with fencing and a shelter with a hydration facility, making it safer and easier for people to enjoy the trail.

In East Gippsland, Wairewa Public Hall and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management will receive $49,967 to upgrade the hall improving the storage facilities, accessibility and resurface the outdoor space.

On the night of the 2019-20 bushfires the Wairewa Public Hall was used as a place of last resort. The hall wasn’t accessible which meant

Business Panel appointed

■ Representatives from local agriculture, tourism, education, trade, resource recovery and manufacturing will make up the City of Whittlesea’s inaugural Business Advisory Panel announced this week.

Administrator Chris Eddy said the business operators appointed to the panel would bring a broad range of views, experiences and ideas to support the community’s strong local economy initiatives.

“The cultural and geographic diversity of the new panel members will enable Council to gather and use insights about challenges and opportunities businesses and industries are facing right across the municipality,” Mr Eddy said.

“It will also enable us to collect and implement feedback about the impact of local, state and federal policies and programs.

“We’re really pleased to welcome representatives from our key industries, including agriculture, tourism, education, wholesale trade, resource recovery and advanced manufacturing,” Mr Eddy said.

David Power, from Melbourne Market Authority, has accepted the position of Chair along-