Local People. Thu., Oct. 14, 2022

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Local Education Praise for teachers

■ Eltham MLA Vicki Ward has this week told State Parliament about the work of teachers.

“I know firsthand how hard they have worked. I live with a teacher, a teacher who is up into the early hours of the morning—he has VCE students—who does an extraordinary amount of work to look after his kids but also to create interesting, entertaining, informative content, which becomes increasingly difficult online.

“Our teachers have—to use that very well-used word over the last 18 months— pivoted. They have pivoted, and they have pivoted, and they have pivoted.

“They have done everything they can to keep our kids engaged, and I congratulate them as well as our students on the success that we have seen with our NAPLAN results from last year. They have been leading the country.

“This government is continuing the good work that we have been doing since we were first elected in 2014 in creating the Education State with this amendment.

“Now, as has been discussed by a few others, it is easy for Monday’s experts, for those in the gallery, to criticise teachers— you know, coming up with ideas like incentive payments for teachers when their students get high marks, trying to financially incentivise teachers to be better and better.

“What this does though is it misunderstands, it demeans and it disrespects the role of the teacher. Kids are their incentive— helping them to grow and to learn. That is why they are teachers.

“And this is not to say that I do not think teachers should be paid extraordinarily well.

I think they should. Their role is incredibly important, and they need to be remunerated accordingly.

“They need to be remunerated based on longevity and based on commitment, but it is no good siphoning off teachers and trying to create a competition around rote learning.

“It is only the ignorant who say, ‘Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach’. None of us would be where we are without our teachers.

“They are instrumental in helping us become the people that we are, helping us reach our potential and helping us see the opportunities that are available to us.

“In the last 20 or so months it has become incredibly clear just how hard teaching is, how hard our teachers work and how devoted they are.

“Our teachers over the last two years have been absolutely vital to our kids, their wellbeing and their education, and I thank our teachers for their extraordinary work throughout this pandemic.

“Now, as other members here have said, the Labor Party has always led the way when it comes to education reform. We can go back only as far as Joan Kirner and the work that she undertook regarding the VCE. “This move was led by the terrific Howard Kelly, a devoted and lifelong educator who continued his work on the VCE throughout the Kennett years despite the numerous and record-breaking amount of schools Premier Kennett closed and then worked under the wonderful Lynne Kosky.

“He led a ministerial review that led to our magnificent LLENs—and I will pause here to give a shout-out to my local LLEN, the Banyule-Nillumbik LLEN, who are just fantastic. Our local learning and employment network are incredible in the work that they do—their commitment to kids, how they just help scaffold kids through the pathways and come out with fantastic outcomes.”

- Vicki Ward

COVID TRAGEDY: WHITTLESEA DEATH

■ A Whittlesea woman in her 80s has died from COVID-19, the Department of Health announced yesterday (Wed.).

There were seven other deaths announced: Sadly, the Department was notified of eight deaths yesterday: ■ a man in his 40s from Bayside ■ a woman in her 50s and a man in his 70s from Moreland ■ a woman in her 70s from Maribyrnong ■ two men in their 80s, one from Moonee Valley, one from Monash ■ a man in his 90s from Hume.

Victoria was notified of 1466 new cases of COVID-19 un the figures announced yesterday.

All cases were locally acquired.

There are 19,627 active cases in Victoria.

There are 675 COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. 144 of those cases are in intensive care, with 100 cases on a ventilator.

The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 55,898.

On Tuesday (Oct. 12) , 36,383 vaccine doses were administered by Victoria’s state-commissioned services.

The total number of doses administered through state-run services is 3,970,509.

86.7 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over have now had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 59.8 per cent have had two doses.

This excludes most recent Commonwealth data.

This weekend, 11 new pop-up vaccination sites will open targeting school communities and anyone in the local area at the following locations: ■ Thomastown Secondary College ■ Lowanna College in Newborough, in the Latrobe Valley ■ Carrum Downs Secondary College ■ Pakenham Secondary College ■ Tarneit Senior College ■ Gleneagles Secondary College in Endeavour Hills ■ St Albans Secondary College ■ Elevation Secondary College in Craigieburn ■ The Lakes College in South Morang ■ Coburg High School ■ Chaffey Secondary College in Mildura The sites will administer Pfizer and Astra Zeneca, with the exception of Lowanna College Newborough which will dispense Moderna and Astra Zeneca.

Some are taking bookings, but all will accept walk-ups with no appointment All Victorians aged 12 and over are able to access mRNA vaccines Pfizer and Moderna at fixed, state-run vaccination centres.

Victorians are encouraged to book their COVID-19 vaccination through their local GP or community pharmacy, community health service or state vaccination centre. To find a GP or pharmacy provider and make a booking, visit www.health.gov.au Of the 1,466 cases reported on Tuesday, the following Local Government Areas in metropolitan Melbourne recorded more than one newly diagnosed case: ■ 24 cases in Banyule ■ 6 cases in Bayside ■ 9 cases in Boroondara ■ 99 cases in Brimbank ■ 19 cases in Cardinia ■ 125 cases in Casey ■ 53 cases in Darebin ■ 26 cases in Frankston

● Jeroen Weimar, COVID Commander. File Photo ■ 17 cases in Glen Eira ■ 53 cases in Greater Dandenong ■ 25 cases in Hobsons Bay ■ 203 cases in Hume ■ 44 cases in Kingston ■ 12 cases in Knox ■ 10 cases in Manningham ■ 30 cases in Maribyrnong ■ 17 cases in Maroondah ■ 31 cases in Melbourne ■ 80 cases in Melton ■ 25 cases in Monash ■ 35 cases in Moonee Valley ■ 63 cases in Moreland ■ 22 cases in Mornington Peninsula ■ 6 cases in Nillumbik ■ 16 cases in Port Phillip ■ 10 cases in Stonnington ■ 9 cases in Whitehorse ■ 162 cases in Whittlesea ■ 87 cases in Wyndham ■ 16 cases in Yarra ■ 12 cases in Yarra Ranges Overall, there were 527 new cases in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, 387 new cases in the western suburbs, 363 cases in the southeastern suburbs and 69 cases in the eastern suburbs.

There were also 110 cases notified in regional Victoria: ■ 4 case in Ballarat ■ 1 case in Bass Coast ■ 8 cases in Baw Baw ■ 1 case in Benalla ■ 1 case in Colac-Otway ■ 2 cases in Glenelg ■ 10 cases in Greater Bendigo ■ 12 cases in Greater Geelong ■ 17 cases in Greater Shepparton ■ 9 cases in Latrobe ■ 1 cases in Macedon Ranges ■ 24 cases in Mildura ■ 11 cases in Mitchell ■ 1 cases in Moorabool ■ 1 case in South Gippsland ■ 3 case in Strathbogie ■ 1 case in Swan Hill ■ 3 cases in Wellington - Department of Health and local health professionals

Local News Eltham e-petition

■ Vicki Ward, Eltham MLA, was the first MP to submit an e-petition to State Parliament, Speaker Colin Brooks remarked this week.

The petition, about the dangers of radiation from mobile phone towers, is detailed in a report on Page 3.

- Vicki Ward

Threatened species

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish says that new report has revealed the Andrews Labor Government’s failure to protect the most endangered species.

“The Victorian Auditor-General says the government “cannot demonstrate if, or how well, it is halting further decline in Victoria’s threatened species populations,” Ms McLeish said.

“Every Victorian benefits from a healthy and diverse natural environment, yet for years the Andrews Labor Government approach to protecting vulnerable species has been unreliable and underfunded.

“The Auditor-General has revealed that funding provided by the Andrews Labor Government to protect threatened species falls significantly short of what is actually needed to achieve meaningful outcomes.

“Furthermore, only 49 of Victoria’s 556 critically-endangered species have a dedicated plan to protect against further loss.

“The Premier has been yet again caught out putting spin ahead of delivering actual outcomes.

Ms Mcleish said: “The Andrews Labor Government is putting spin before substance on protecting Victoria’s biodiversity.

“It is the height of hypocrisy for this government to cripple the timber industry with prosecution and penalties, whilst failing to meet the requirements of the very Act they legislated to strengthen.

“Victorians don’t need more spin but a real plan to better protect our natural environment and save native species from extinction,” Ms McLeish said.

- Talin Hadlow

Support outreach

■ The Salvation Army is encouraging financially stressed Australians to reach out for support early to avoid potentially devastating ongoing debt this Anti-Poverty Week, October 17-23.

New research shows more than a quarter of Australians are concerned about poverty and hardship in their community and half the country believes housing affordability is an issue.

“At The Salvation Army, we see firsthand the impact on individuals and families experiencing debt or financial stress not reaching out for support early,” says Kristen Hartnett, Salvation Army Moneycare financial counsellor.

“Leaving or ignoring the problem only escalates unnecessary debt and stress.”

Hartnett cites the increase in in online shopping throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns has led to an increase in financial options such as buynow, pay-later schemes.

The Salvation Army found amongst clients with BNPL debt, 48 per cent had over $1000 accrued, with single parents the most likely users of such schemes.

- The Salvation Army ● Go to the ‘Subscribe’ section at www.LocalPaper.com.au to have this newspaper emailed to you free, immediately when it is published.

Page 2 - The Local Paper - Thursday, October 14, 2021

Local Politics Fitness query

■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence questioned Premier Daniel Andrews in State Parliament yesterday (Wed.) about fitness centres.

“My question is to the Premier on behalf of residents in my community who own and operate gyms, fitness centres and dance studios, or are members of a gym, fitness centre or dance studio,” Ms Vallence said.

“Given Victoria is expected to reach 70 per cent COVID-19 vaccination on or around October 25, and there has been little or no community transmission of COVID-19 in gyms or dance studios, will you revise Victoria’s roadmap to permit gyms, fitness centres and dance studios to reopen indoor facilities and conduct training sessions under a density quotient of one person per 4 square metres once the Victorian community has reached 70 per cent double vaccination?

“It makes no sense that the Andrews Government’s current roadmap restricts gyms to only outdoor training at 70 per cent double vaccination.

“Not only is this unviable for these businesses, but gyms in NSW are already open and operating since surpassing 70 per cent double vaccination.

“Gyms, fitness centres and dance studios have been forced to shut by the Andrews Government for a whopping 350 days which has been devastating for these small businesses and jobs and has diminished the ability for local residents to maintain their physical and mental health.

“Permitting gyms, fitness centres and dance studios to reopen safely and conduct indoor training sessions will support thousands of jobs in the fitness industry and allow people the vital opportunity to recover and rebuild their physical and mental wellbeing.”

- Bridget Vallence

Message error

■ Wendy Lovell, Northern Victoria LC, spoke in State Parliament on Tuesday (Oct. 12), “I also wish to raise a separate matter, but this matter also has a connection to Constable Damian Eyre’s family,” Ms Lovell said.

“Last Friday (Oct. 8) members of the Shepparton community received text messages advising them that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 on September 30 at Fairleys IGA in Shepparton.

“The text went on to advise them to get tested and isolate for a 14-day period. The problem is that these texts had been sent in error. IGA is not a tier 1 site.

“There was a case that had visited the cafe there, but only the cafe was affected and not even the staff at the supermarket were considered close contacts or required to isolate, let alone customers who were nowhere near the cafe area.

“Yesterday I raised this with the Minister for Health’s office on behalf of a constituent, and the Department of Health immediately contacted her to advise her an error had been made.

“But there has been no blanket correction of this incorrect advice to other customers, and they continue to isolate for no reason.

“This morning I was contacted by Damian Eyre’s father, Frank, to advise me that Damian’s mother, Carmel, has also received the incorrect text message from the department.

“I immediately contacted the minister’s office advising of the importance of today as the anniversary of their son’s death.

“Unfortunately Carmel has still not been contacted to release her from isolation so she can visit her son’s grave.”

- Wendy Lovell

News contributions

● The contributions of news stories and photographs about local people from honorary citizen journalists is welcomed. Email your sties to: editor@LocalPaper.com.au

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Local People: 2

MP holds Police to account

■ Northern Victoria MLC Tim Quilty held Police to account, when he spoke in the Legislative Council last Wednesday (Oct. 6).

“I will preface this by saying I do not relish coming in here and holding the police to account. I always thought that kind of thing was a role for the Greens, but it seems recently they have abdicated their responsibility,” Mr Quilty said.

“Indeed they seem to have become advocates for harsh policing, and someone needs to be prepared to stand up for Victorians’ civil liberties.

“In September last year the police were called to assist a man suffering a mental episode in Epping. The officers who arrived at the scene found a distressed man weaving in and out of traffic.

“Police deemed he was a threat to himself and set about helping the man. So far so good, except the way they decided to help the man was by running him down with a police vehicle.

“They doused the man with capsicum spray and then, while he was on his hands and knees, restrained by six officers, one officer stomped his boot into the back of his head.

“The force from the blow slammed the

● Tim Quilty MLC man’s head into the ground and he was put into a coma. Remember, police were called to help this man and to protect him.

“IBAC began an investigation. The officer who ran the man down was banned from driving a squad car. The other officer was placed on paid suspension for the duration of the investigation.

“IBAC found that the officers failed to inform the man of the reason for his arrest and failed to provide care after the violence they inflicted.

“Several officers also apparently failed to turn on their worn body cameras, or at least no footage was recovered by investigators.

“Despite these findings and the excessive

violence shown in video evidence, in July this year IBAC found that both officers acted lawfully.

“To my mind this ruling is incomprehensible.

If these acts of gratuitous violence were lawful, then the law is wrong.

“Following on from this ruling, it seems that Victoria Police have been empowered to openly attack the Victorian people.

“We have seen one violent and unjustified assault after another in recent weeks by Victorian police officers against ordinary Victorians.

“There is clearly a culture of impunity at play.

The standard we walk past is the standard we accept, and it appears we have been walking past these standards for far too long. A few weeks ago the minister responded to a question I asked regarding police violence with the statement ‘I support Victoria Police’s judgement when it comes to how best to use their powers’.

“In the face of this incident from last September and in the face of the violence we saw during the protests this month, the action I seek is for the minister to clarify whether she still supports Victoria Police’s judgement in the use of their power. Will you walk past this standard, Minister?”

- Tim Quilty

Nillumbik’s artist program

■ Applications are now open for the Nillumbik Artist in OWN Residence Program.

The program has been developed in response to the continuing impact of COVID-19 restrictions on local arts, the culture economy, creatives and creative organisations.

The program provides commission opportunities for Nillumbik artists and creatives from their own home, studio or unique space.

The program is open to artists and creative businesses working in all mediums including visual artists, musicians, performers, writers, film makers, photographers, crafters and any other type of artistic or creative pursuit.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Peter Perkins said applicants are encouraged to deliver innovative projects that will support their own work, help strengthen community connections and boost morale.

“These residency opportunities continue Council’s strong support of local creatives who make Nillumbik the vibrant and creative place it is,” said Cr Perkins.

“More than ever, this is important for our individual and collective wellbeing.”

Residencies will be selected according to their creative merit, ability to positively impact the community and contribution to an overall

ARTS IMPACTED DURING COVID

● Cr Peter Perkins

program that is diverse and vibrant.

Two categories of residency commissions are available: ■ Up to $1000 +GST for bite-size projects ■ Up to $3000 +GST for larger projects Total pool: $30,000 In addition to the residency funding, costs of up to $1000 associated with access requirements for participating artists/arts workers or to make work accessible for audiences with disabilities will be considered (for example Auslan, captioning, support workers, special materials and equipment).

Nillumbik Council welcomes applications from people with a disability, CALD communities and First Nations artists.

A selection panel comprised of members of Nillumbik Council’s Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee and the Inclusion Advisory Committee will formally assess and select all successful projects.

- Kate Shannon

● Ros Spence MLA

ation has partnered with the Australian Institute of Company Directors to deliver the threeday program, which provides a comprehensive overview of the main components of directorship including governance, strategy, risk and finance.

Two streams of the program are available.

Stream one will provide training for up to 25 women who currently sit on a board, with stream two providing training for up to 25 women who have been identified as, or aspire to be, future board members.

“This initiative is crucial to empowering women and boosting representation in leadership positions across sport and active recreation organisations,” said Ms Spence.

“We’re creating more opportunities for women to demonstrate their skills and promote a more inclusive culture in sports leadership.”

“The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation is pleased to be able to support women to thrive in governance roles through this program, whether they are early in their director journey or seeking that first opportunity.,” said Sarah Styles, Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.

- Ros Spence

Opportunities for women leaders

■ Yuroke MLA Ros Spence, in her role as Minister for Community Sport, says that the State Government is creating more opportunities for women to reach their leadership goals in the sports industry with a study program for current and aspiring board members.

Ms Spence today (Mon.) opened the Government’s expanded Change Our Game Women in Governance Program.

It follows a successful pilot last year that saw 25 women graduate and many subsequently take up leadership and executive positions within the sector, including newly appointed Swimming Victoria board member Michelle Harris.

With more than 20 years’ experience as a sports sector professional and an extensive record of volunteering in community sport, Ms Harris was keen to take the next step and was nominated by GippSport to take part in the pilot and complete the directorship course.

The program helps women working and volunteering in the sport and recreation sector who are new or aspiring directors gain the knowledge, skills and ability to excel in board positions at a regional, state and national level.

The Office for Women in Sport and Recre-

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The Local Paper - Thursday, October 14, 2021 - Page 3

Local People: 3

Rapid testing needed

■ Euroa MLA Steph Ryan has called on the State Health Minister to permit rapid testing for workers who are not vaccinated by the state government’s mandated deadline, to avoid looming workforce shortages.

The call comes after businesses and industries across the electorate raised concerns that they will have to scale back services or close due to an inability to backfill for unvaccinated workers, who will not be able attend their workplaces after Monday (Oct. 18).

Ms Ryan said there was already a critical shortage of workers in many industries, including education, childcare, hospitality and agriculture, and the mandate would only exacerbate those shortages by forcing business and providers to furlough staff who had not been vaccinated.

“I have been contacted by farmers in my electorate who are already struggling through staffing shortages and will now be impacted by a mandate that requires individuals who work acres away from one another to be vaccinated or become unemployed, further crippling businesses,” Ms Ryan said.

“Local farmers are facing difficulties finding shearers and dairy farmers have lost milk-

● Steph Ryan, Euroa MLA

ers. Given the great majority of this work involves little contact with other humans, this could have serious animal welfare issues and be devastating for our agricultural sector.

“Businesses are also incredibly concerned about the legal ramifications come Friday should they have to make decisions around unvaccinated workers.

“The government has not provided any clarity to businesses who are worried about privacy, unfair dismissal and what unvaccinated workers are entitled to receive.

“Without any sort of legal framework businesses feel extremely vulnerable to legal action, which is just another source of stress from a government that shows an incredible lack of understanding.”

“An inability to fill these vacancies in the immediate future will result in a significant impact on the wider community, emphasised in rural and regional Victoria where there simply isn’t a fully-trained workforce waiting in the wings for a job,” Ms Ryan said.

“Alternatives must be considered, particularly in regions where there are no lockdowns and very high rates of vaccination.”

- Steph Ryan

● Vicki Ward, Eltham MLA

with additional 5G & 4G panels and throws out significantly more EM radiation. It’s much taller, more imposing, visually dominant and 55m closer to residential housing including a popular bike path.

“Residents move to the area for the parklands and Green Wedge surrounds and these are diminished by such visually intrusive and arguably hazardous structures.

“The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly call on the relevant ministries of Government to review the proposed erection of the mobile phone tower in Greensborough (RFNSA 3088012).

“We request a reassessment of alternative site locations and seek relevant electromagnetic energy readings of the existing facility (RFNSA 308808) to compare the additional loadings imposed by the proposed new tower.

“Full disclosure and communication is also sought with local residents, many of whom are excluded from the consultation process.

“At least one hundred affected residents received no information about this project.

“Finally, we stand with Nillumbik Council in calling for more clarity on how the proposed tower successfully fits and integrates into the local neighbourhood character and existing visual amenity.” - Nillumbik Shire Council

● Cr Fiona McAllister

postpone its scheduled events until next year.

However, in its place Council is running a Grand Short Story Competition, calling on children and young people of Yarra Ranges to write a short story about a special older person in their life. Stories can be up to 200 words in length, or for younger entrants, a drawing can also be submitted.

The competition will be broken into three categories, preschool to prep, primary, and secondary school students, with one winner from each category to be selected to win a $100 voucher to one of the local Yarra Ranges businesses listed in the terms and conditions.

“Our older people are often great mentors and pillars in our children’s lives, so I encourage family members to let their kids know about the Grand Short Story Competition and to submit an entry, as I am sure there’s so many wonderful stories to be told from right here in the Yarra Ranges.”

■ For more information, including terms and conditions for the competition and online submission form, please visit www.yarraranges. vic.gov.au/grandstorycomp - Yarra Ranges Shire Council

Radiation fear with phone towers

■ Vicki Ward, Eltham MLA, this week presented a petition with 124 signatures to State Parliament.

The petition read: “The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly yet another suburban community which neither welcomes, nor rejoices a new mobile phone tower in their midst.

“We’re NOT against technological progress!

However, we cite credible sources ofscience which continue to associate health dangers with high frequency, non-ionising electromagnetic (EM) energy sources like mobile phone towers and wireless technology including mobile phones.

“Residents with vulnerable young children and elderly parents are being left with little choice but to continue receiving ever increasing microwave / radio frequency EM radiation.

“Specifically, this “new-for-old” Greensborough tower replacement is definitely not a “like-for-like” straight swap either. The current tower slated for replacement is screened by vegetation and consistent with surrounding tree canopies.

“It’s distant from housing and sits adjacent to the Metropolitan Ring Road.

“Conversely, the proposed new tower brims

Ranges celebrates older people

■ Yarra Ranges Council is helping bring awareness to, and celebrating, the older members of its community throughout the month of October, with a number of different awareness campaigns and activities taking place.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Fiona McAllister, said that recognising the positive impacts that older people have on their communities was a great first step in reducing ageism.

“We all know that our older people add so much to our community, but sadly around the country there are still instances of ageism which takes away opportunities for our older people to actively participate in society,” Cr McAllister said.

“Campaigns such as Ageism Awareness Day allows us to help raise awareness and educate everyone on knowing what ageism is and being able to name it when we see it.

“Hopefully as the groundswell of support behind these kinds of campaigns builds, we will move closer to being in a society free of ageism.”

October is also the month where many Seniors Festival events are usually run, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Council has had to

Local Briefs Tourism marketing

■ Murrindindi Shire Council is keen to hear from local tourism businesses who may be interested in participating in collaborative marketing activities, including development of visitor experience packages.

The Council undertakes a range of targeted marketing activities designed to encourage visitors to stay longer and support businesses in our region.

These include promotion via the Discover Dindi social media platforms, advertising and editorials in print media, participation in visiting journalist programs and involvement in TV programs.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

‘Huge hit’: MP

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has asked a question in State Parliament about the Community Economic Development Association in Warburton.

“The Upper Yarra is no different to other parts of Victoria where the businesses and prosperity of the region have taken a huge hit,” Ms McLeish said.

“Being a very popular tourist destination, CEDA knows too well that the easing of restrictions will see a huge and welcome influx of tourists to the area.

“What is troubling, though, is the condition of several key facilities which are not in a fit state to handle this inevitable situation.

“CEDA fears that these facilities, which should have been repaired when there were no visitors, will have to be closed as the visitors return.

“Will the minister ensure that; the stunning redwood bridge in Warburton is fully repaired and functional, the damaged trestle bridge on the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is repaired and fallen trees removed, and the works at the Cement Creek Redwood Forest, including installation of promised toilets, are completed so visitors have a great experience, there is minimal disruption and risks to the public are minimised?” Ms McLeish asked.

- Cindy McLeish

Broken promise

■ Euroa MLA Steph Ryan has asked the Minister for Public Transport why the State Government has broken its promise to North-East passengers to deliver the first of the six new VLocity trains on track and taking passengers in the second half of 2021?

“The long-awaited VLocity trains between Albury and Melbourne reached an exciting milestone last month, when they were spotted on the tracks for testing in line with the Australian Rail Track Corporation and National Rail Safety Regulator requirements.

“However, with testing expected to take several months, north-east commuters are frustrated that they will not be able travel on the trains, as promised, before 2022.

“The State Government has repeatedly claimed that the only thing holding up the delivery of these new trains was the Federal Government’s $235 million track upgrade— an upgrade which was completed back in March.

“The Department of Transport also promised commuters in a flyer dated April 2021 that the first of the six trains would start ‘taking passengers in the second half of 2021 following the completion of the North East Line upgrade’.

“The Premier, the Minister for Transport Infrastructure and a member for Northern Victoria are all on the record stating that the trains would be operational after track works were completed.

“The government must provide northeast commuters with the exact date trains will be on tracks and in service.”

- Steph Ryan

Tests underway

■ The number of COVID-19 tests undertaken in Victoria topped 80,000 for the first time yesterday (Wed.).

In total, 82,762 COVID-19 tests were processed in Victoria.

- Department of Health

Page 4 - The Local Paper - Thursday, October 14, 2021

Online forum

■ Tourism North East Industry Forum invites businesses in Murrindindi Shire to join them for a monthly online industry forum to share current information, discuss topics relevant to the tourism industry, and provide the opportunity to network.

The theme for this month's forum is ‘the road to opening up’. It will be held at 11.30am on Tuesday, October 26.

- Murrindindi 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

$3500 grant for solar homes ■ Mill Park MLALily D’Ambrosio, in her role as Minister for Solar Homes, spoke in State Parliament on Tuesday (Oct. 12) about the results she says are being delivered to Victorians thanks to the State Government’s record $1.3 billion investment in the Solar Homes program.

“Last week I was absolutely delighted to announce that Victorians can now access a $3500 Solar Homes battery rebate when they bundle their new rooftop solar with battery storage,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“This means customers no longer have to wait until they have solar panels installed before they can access the rebate for batteries.

“More than 4000 Victorians have already taken up the battery rebate, and the member for South Barwon will be delighted to know that Torquay residents, for example, are racing ahead with battery rebates, as will the member for Bellarine, with Ocean Grove residents also enjoying their batteries in big numbers.

“I am sure that the members for Tarneit, Werribee and Bass will be delighted that residents in suburbs such as Hoppers Crossing, Wyndham Vale and Pakenham are also leaders of this pack.

MP ANNOUNCES

● Lily D’Ambrosio, Mill Park MLA

“The Solar Homes program has already delivered 170 000 rebates, putting power generation on your roof and batteries and solar hotwater systems in the home.

“By the time we finish, more than 770,000 Victorians will be absolutely delighted with these systems in their homes, saving them money, growing fantastic jobs—5500 jobs are being delivered through this program—with savings of about $1000, more than we had originally estimated, off power bills each and every year; delivering greater safety through a very rigorous audit program, which is really important and which means that the standards of all solar installations will go up; and absolutely leading the way right across the nation.

“We have already abated about 820,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions alone, and by the time we finish, it will be almost four million tonnes. This is about jobs, lower energy prices,” Ms D’Amrosio said.

- Lily D’Ambrosio

Local opportunities in education

■ Thomastown MLA Bronwyn Halfpenny has spoken in State Parliament on the Education and Training ReformAmendment (Senior Secondary Pathways Reforms and Other Matters) Bill 2021.

“When elected to government almost seven years ago now we made a commitment to establish Victoria as the Education State,” Ms Halfpenny said.

“That meant a state that would value educational opportunities equally for every Victorian student regardless of their circumstances.

“It also meant a state that ensures that students are given every possible chance to acquire the skills and knowledge that they need to lead rich and fulfilling lives and make great contributions to our society.

“Since that time we have seen record investments made to reform our school system through both buildings and programs, and it is hoped that this will ensure that students are even better prepared to embark on their future lives and careers.

“In the electorate of Thomastown alone well over $80 million has already been spent building new and redeveloping old schools.

“This builds on top of the grants and maintenance funds as well as of course the recurrent spending increases.

“This bill provides such an important platform to further reform our secondary school system in a manner that provides opportunities to prospective and current students.

“In fact it is a critical element of a transformational reform program that will create better education and training pathways for students to get the skills they need for the jobs that they want.

“The Education and Training Reform Amendment (Senior Secondary Pathways Reforms and Other Matters) Bill 2021 will implement recommendations 1 and 10 of the Firth review.

“Specifically the bill will deliver two new options to students in their final years of school and will commence from 2023.

“The bill will provide for the creation of a new category of course and qualifications by inserting a definition of ‘foundation secondary course’ and ‘foundation secondary qualification’, and it will also facilitate the smooth transition of Victoria’s senior secondary system to a new certificate scheme that comprises both the vocational major within the VCE system and the Victorian pathways certificate.

“The Victorian pathways certificate will replace foundation VCAL and is designed to support students to transition either to the VCE or to entry-level employment and VET. “This pathway provides an additional option for students that may be at risk of leaving school

● Bronwyn Halfpenny, Thomastown MLA early and also for students that have additional needs. As many speakers earlier have said, the current system has a VCAL stream and a VCE stream in the later years of the senior years of secondary school.

“This will put those together so that the VCAL system will be embedded within the VCE system and be given equal standing and equal weight rather than running alongside it as a separate program that often is given less attention.

“The new pathway certificate and the vocational major within the VCE will provide an integrated certificate framework. This will include a rigorous and detailed curriculum.

“The certificate will then build on the best elements of VCAL within the VCE program but also include flexibility to provide some extra opportunities for senior secondary students.

“Those educational opportunities will be an education that is of course engaging, can be based on real life and also can deliver skills that are required and demanded in a flexible way in the future world of work.

“This bill of course is important for so many reasons, some of which I have discussed, but we do see I think that it is even more important that it is coming at this time when we have seen such a disproportionate impact on young people across our state due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Students have had to bear the brunt in many ways of the pandemic, with disruptions to their learning, impacts on their mental health, significant social implications and job loss in some of those hospitality areas.

“I think many people, when they are in their higher years of school, also require a bit more spending money and often have to go and get part-time jobs—many of those around cafes and coffee shops— to get that little bit of money to spend.

“So as we emerge from this pandemic, or this crisis, it has never been more important to

recognise that young people must be given opportunities to acquire hands-on skills and ensure that those skills are just as valued and respected, in both our education system and society as a whole, as the academic pathways that lead on to university.

“And with the economy undergoing rapid change, the ability to provide great education and relevant high-quality training for the workforce will be vital to Victoria in leading recovery and future prosperity.

“That is why it is essential that our senior secondary system and education system more broadly are were very well positioned to help students build the skills and capabilities to thrive in future education and training and later on in life, and these new certificates will provide all senior secondary students with access to the best aspects of both VCAL and VCE by delivering high-quality vocational and applied learning opportunities as well as the academic.

“The intention is really to lift the vocational aspect of years 11 and 12 to ensure they are on an equal footing, because trades and hands-on education and subsequent employment are just as vital and just as important as university qualifications and work, because education is not just about academic results and entrance scores to university.

“So the opportunities that this reform will make are critical to providing young people with a holistic education experience that encompasses integrated learning elements.

“I look back and think about my family and my two sons, both of whom studied VCE and the academic path.

“When you look back, they really were not given an option or an opportunity to do anything different. The schools that they went to did not really put an emphasis on VCAL or vocational programs, and I feel that they would have significantly benefited if they had been given the choice and the opportunity to experience other forms of learning rather than being really told that there was just one path.

“Every young person in Victoria deserves and will benefit from opportunities that provide theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills in order for them to continue on with life.

“So these reforms are the result of extensive consultation as well as the commissioned Firth Review. I think previous speakers have talked— in fact I think it might have been the Deputy Chair—about a lot of detail around the extensive consultations that have been produced as a result of these reforms and that have shaped the reforms that we are talking about today.

“I would like to really take the opportunity to acknowledge the work, in the most difficult of circumstances, of principals, teachers and school staff during this pandemic.”

- Bronwyn Halfpenny