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EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021
Local News Dog grooming query
■ Jeff Bourman, MLC, spoke in State Parliament on Thursday (Oct. 14) about the dog grooming industry. He said there were 1498 signatures on a petition about all pet grooming services needing to be classified as an essential service as thousands of dogs are currently suffering from severe pain and health issues due to the current COVID restrictions. “Veterinarians are already under severe stress and many are at breaking point, either leaving the profession or taking their lives. “They now have to deal with distressing animal welfare issues due to dogs not being groomed and calls from distraught owners begging for their pet to be given an exemption for grooming on animal welfare grounds. “Groomers are getting calls from desperate owners and are unable to provide assistance for those in need. “With over 80,000 domestic dogs and only 1,300 groomers in metropolitan Melbourne, groomers were already struggling to keep up with the backlog and demand for their services even prior to the current lockdown. “Only retail pet groomers are able to provide services under strict animal welfare conditions, escalating the problem for thousands of dogs at risk and even more in the coming months heading into summer. “The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to immediately classify dog grooming as an essential service to protect the welfare and safety of animals and the mental health and wellbeing of veterinarians, groomers and pet owners.” - Jeff Bourman
‘Lies’ says Lovell
■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell told the Legislative Council this week that Parliamentarians were told lies. Ms Lovell was speaking of the I Cook Foods inquiry: “I also wish to join in speaking on the reopening of this inquiry and the report that we have tabled. “Like my colleagues Ms Crozier and Dr Bach, I remain unconvinced and certainly less convinced than the Chair and the government members that we were not deliberately misled in our first inquiry. “Certainly—Dr Bach is right—we were lied to. There is no doubt about that. The record clearly shows that the chief health officer told us that I Cook Foods was the sole supplier of foods to the Knox Private Hospital. “When we have a hearing, and Professor Sutton told us that during that hearing, he is given a copy of the transcript. But not only would he have reviewed that transcript, there would have been half a dozen public servants that reviewed the transcript to see that it was true and correct. “No-one came forward and told us that Professor Sutton had lied to the committee. We also found in the second inquiry that noone had told us in the first inquiry that they had asked Mr Christie of the Knox council to undertake a review of Knox Private Hospital, but what we found out from Mr Christie was that not only had he given them a report, they only asked for that report on February 21. That was the same day that they actually signed the order to close down I Cook Foods. They knew they were closing down I Cook Foods before they asked Knox council to investigate Knox Private Hospital, and they did not even wait. They did not even give Mr Christie 24 hours to table his report, so this is certainly a farce of a report.” - Wendy Lovell
CEMETERY OK AT KINGLAKE
■ Local activist Lyn Gunter joined with others in a Tribunal case about a Murrindindi Council decision, since overturned, which means that the Kinglake Cemetery may now proceed. Alison Glynn, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, last week (Oct. 8) determined that a permit be granted for the land at 265 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd, kinglake Central to develop the cemetery and associated car parking. Murrindindi Council voted on September 9 last year not to grant a planning permit. Some 19 objectors, saying that the scale and intensity of the cemetery would not be in keeping with the rural and landscape character of the area. The lawn cemetery will be developed with an accessway, car parking and the removal of two native trees. The land has an area of 5.074 hectares and is largely pasture with a few scattered trees. The land slopes approximately 26 metres from north to south. There is a frontage to Blackwood Lane of 133 metres. Ms Glynn inspected the site from Blackwood Lane and Frank Thompson Reserve as part of the process Tania Cincotta, for Best Hooper Lawyers, acted on behalf of Ms Gunter and others. She called town planner Angela Mok and environmental engineer Mark Connolly as witnesses. Ian Pigdon, solicitor of Russell Kennedy Lawyers, acted for Murrindindi Shire Council. Paul Beeson, solicitor of Equipe Lawyers, acted for the Kinglake Ranges Cemetery Trust. He called town planner John Glossop and traffic engineer Valentine Gnanakone as witnesses. There was no appearance by representatives of the Department of Transport and the Country Fire Authority. The review applicants, including Ms Gunter, said the traffic and safety impacts of the proposal had not been properly considered. They said that environmental and amenity aspects, including noise, light pollution and possible groundwater contamination has not been properly addressed. Ms Glynn said: “I find some alteration is needed to the description of the permit to be issued to accord wioth the permit triggers that apply. “There is also a need to vary some of the proposed conditions set out in the Notice of Decision. “I note the submission of the applicants they are particularly concerned about a broader community concern to ensure that any new cemetery for the Kinglake and broader local community is appropriately located given the longterm implications of designating and approving land to be used as a cemetery. “To this extent some submission and discussion was put by the review applicants about another site that had been previously considered for the cemetery within the Kinglake township. “The role of the Tribunal is to review the permit proposal before it. In this instance it is to establish a cemetery at 265 WhittleseaKinglake Rd, Kinglake Central, not any other site. “The consideration of issues below only relates to whether the proposal at the review site produces an acceptable outcome when tested against the relevant provisions of the planning
Local News Cricket on Oct. 31
■ The Seymour District Cricket Association website notifies that competition is set to start for the 2021-22 season on Saturday, October 31. - Seymour District Cricket Assoc.
Exposure sites list
■ The Department of Health has listed latest Coronavirus public exposure sites: ■ Avenel. Imperial Hotel Avenel - Hop Back Brewery. 17 Mitchell St. Tier 1. ■ Mooroolbark. KingKids Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten Mooroolbark. 101103 Manchester Rd. Tier 1. ■ Watsonia North. Grimshaw Street Early Learning Centre. 292 Grimshaw S. Tier 1. - Department of Health
Special charge
■ Yarra Ranges Shire Council has voted to approve a special charge scheme for the Russell Road Group in Seville for road improvement works as part of the $150 million Federal Government funding for sealing roads within the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas. - Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Senator quits
■ The Governor-General has advised of a vacancy in the representation of the state of Victoria in the Senate through the resignation of Senator Scott Ryan. - Hansard
Monty question
● Lyn Gunter. File Photo scheme, not whether another site may achieve an acceptable outcome.” Ms Glynn said the review applicants put that this is somewhat an unusual proceeding as cemeteries generally do not come to the tribunal or need a planning permit. Ms Glynn noted that the first attempt in 2016 was abandoned by Murrindindi Council, in what was described in Council Minutes as a lack of community consultation prior to the commencement of the amendment process. The Tribunal noted that the public land manager of the adjoining land to the east was notified and had no objection. “I am satisfied the proposed use, buildings and works are sufficiently modest to not unduly impact on the significant views gained from the Frank Thompson Reserve or from general environs,” Ms Glynn said. She said that on the day of inspection “there was a clear sky and panoramic views over the site were possible from the Frank Thompson Reserve”. “The views from the reserve will be retained, although obviously slightly modified as memorial stone walls and timber beams, on which memorial plaques will be placed, will be visible within the view. “The review site, however, sits low in the overall vista available from the reserve and occupies one small section of what is currently open grazing land and public reserve.” The proposal includes constructing Blackwood Lane to a two-way sealed road to just west of the vehicle exit point of the cemetery. The construction is described as modest, which “can be achieved, respectful of this lower order ‘lane’ form south of the proposed access drive. Modelling suggets 60-80 attendees for most burials, with between 100 to 150 people for bigger events. - Special Writer
■ Bruce Atkinson MLC has raised the matter of Montmorency railway station and the at-grade pedestrian crossing at the end of the station. Mr Atkinson told the Legislative Council that there was considerable concern about in terms of safety. “The Level Crossing Removal Project has continually said that it meets all their technical and safety standards and in fact has obviously conveyed that advice to the local member, Ms Ward, who has also put in writing her support for that particular project and indicated that all the safety criteria are met. “Yet in regard to a query at another railway station that is subject to development, the LXRP has indicated that it needs to go for underpasses for these railway crossings because of safety considerations. “I would therefore ask that the minister have the LXRP again look at an underground pedestrian crossing at Montmorency station to meet community concerns. Again, there is a problem of a lack of consultation overall on this project.” - Bruce Atkinson
Flood warning
■ A Moderate Flood warning has been issued for the Yarra River downstream from Warburton to Coldstream and the Watts River in Healesville. This includes Yarra Glen. - Bureau of Meteorology1
Highway closed
■ Significant flooding has closed Melba Hwy between St Huberts Rd and McIntyre La this morning (Sat.) Melba Hwy is therefore closed due to flooding between Yering and Yarra Glen. - Department of Transport
Page 2 - The Local Paper - Saturday, October 16, 2021
Local Court List Seymour Court Criminal Court Listing Thursday, October 21 Victoria Police - Patane, H (43503) v Baker, Kye. Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Marrett, M (45540) v Bell, Carlie. Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Babitsch, M (44523) v Brookes, James. Uni-Kilmore Community Corrections Centre - Bowler, R v Brydon, Cameron. Seymour Community Correction Centre Victoria Police - Barclay, J (36190) v Cleland, Jeffrey. Highway Patrol-Seymour Victoria Police - Walton, A (40916) v Coad, John. Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Sowden, D (36568) v Davidson, Brock Iainh. Uni-Pyalong Victoria Police - Yates, C (42281) v Dunn, Michael. Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Walton, A (40916) v Edge, Darren Wayne. Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Marrett, M (45540) v Eldridge, Peter. Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Izzard, B (41080) v Foley, Adam, Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Bennett, N (36915) v Gardiner, Ashley. Ciu-Mitchell Victoria Police - Carter, S (42829) v Gates, Tracey. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Elliott, C (45668) v Gutterson, Warren. Uni-Melbourne East Victoria Police - Basse, E (41359) v Gutterson, Warren. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Keevil, A (43714) v Gutterson, Warren. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Carter, S (42829) v Gutterson, Warren. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Crossing, J (42422) v Gutterson, Warren. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Downey, A (37208) v Harris, Nathan. Highway Patrol-Mansfield Victoria Police - Pratt, J (45214) v Howarth, Brandon. Uni-Seymour NHVR - Green, B v Hunter, Steven Arthur. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Community Corrections Centre - Bowler, R v Iocco, Oscar. Seymour Community Correction Centre Community Corrections Centre - Bowler, R v Iocco, Viscardi. Seymour Community Correction Centre Community Corrections Centre - Bowler, R v Iocco, Viscardi. Seymour Community Correction Centre Community Corrections Centre - Peacock, T v Izzard, Jaxon. Seymour Community Correction Centre Victoria Police - Oraha, Y (42872) v Izzard, Jaxon. Dtu-Seymour Victoria Police - Carter, S (42829) v Izzard, Jaxon. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Watson, A (31257) v Izzard, Jaxon Regan. Ciu-Mitchell Victoria Police - Keevil, A (43714) v KeamyQuirk, Caleb. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Tait, W (37033) v KeamyQuirk, Caleb. Uni-Nagambie Victoria Police - Basse, E (41359) v KeamyQuirk, Caleb. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Bedggood, C (32518) v Kemp, Graeme. Traffic Camera Office Victoria Police - Hemsley, C (43658) v King, Johnny. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Babitsch, M (44523) v Lee, Shane. Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Kaur, P (43037) v Linton, Brandon Victoria Police - Page, T (42834) v Linton, Brandon. Uni-Mill Park Victoria Police - Stephens, S (40205) v Manning, Scott Adrian. Uni-Alexandra Victoria Police - Kliemt, R v Manson, Tane. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Sowden, D (36568) v Mcbean, Dylan Gregory. Uni-Pyalong Victoria Police - Bourne, G (44387) v Merkel, Scott. Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Brown, W (45415) v Merkel, Scott Andrew. Uni-Malvern Community Corrections Centre - Kandell, E v Miller, Duncan. Seymour Community Correction Centre Victoria Police - Whiteside, M (43500) v Paterno, Domenic. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Nixon, S (44470) v Plieger, James. Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Konings, D (26750) v Potts, Tyffany Lee. Uni-Yea Victoria Police - Smith, K (46300) v Quinn, Keara.Uni-Seymour Victoria Police - Sowden, D (36568) vReimers, Adam Francis. Uni-Pyalong NHVR - Khaissi, C v Rex J. Andrews Pty Ltd National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Victoria Police - Abbott, J (45649) vRobinson, Peter.Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Mcpartlan, M (22827) v Sandhu, Ammol.Highway Patrol-Wallan Victoria Police - Hanvey, A (39642) vSheridan, Matthew.Uni-Broadford Victoria Police - Taylor, Y (36839) v Stray, Cayman.Uni-Sunbury NHVR - Khaissi, C v Taylor, Joshua. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Victoria Police - Edwards, P (42776) v Tobin, Thomas. Seymour Prosecutions Unit Victoria Police - Bova, L (31851) v Willison, Matt.Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Fairweather, R (24890) v Willison, Matt. Uni-Kilmore Victoria Police - Holcombe, S (39769) v Willison, Matt. Uni-Broadford Victoria Police - Woosnam, J (31061) v Wilson, Andrew.Uni-Nagambie Victoria Police - Voisey, M (27261) vWorkman, Hayden.Uni-Yea
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156 new cases in Whittlesea ■ Of the 2179 locally acquired cases announced yesterday (Fri.), some 156 cases were in the Whittlesea municipality. Other nearby Local Government Areas in metropolitan Melbourne included: ■ 39 cases in Banyule ■ 65 cases in Darebin ■ 218 cases in Hume ■ 23 cases in Manningham ■ 10 cases in Maroondah ■ 88 cases in Moreland ■ 11 cases in Nillumbik ■ 26 cases in Yarra Ranges Regional statistics announced yesterday were: ■ 2 cases in Alpine ■ 6 cases in Ballarat ■ 2 cases in Bass Coast ■ 20 cases in Baw Baw ■ 1 case in Benalla ■ 1 case in Campaspe ■ 1 case in Colac-Otway ■ 1 case in Corangamite ■ 1 case in Glenelg ■ 6 cases in Greater Bendigo ■ 28 cases in Greater Geelong ■ 26 cases in Greater Shepparton
● Martin Foley
■ 1 case in Indigo ■ 21 cases in Latrobe ■ 6 cases in Macedon Ranges ■ 34 cases in Mildura ■ 16 cases in Mitchell ■ 4 cases in Moorabool ■ 1 case in Moyne ■ 1 case in Murrindindi ■ 4 cases in South Gippsland ■ 2 cases in Strathbogie ■ 2 cases in Surf Coast ■ 2 cases in Swan Hill ■ 3 cases in Wellington ■ 1 case in Wodonga There were 585 new cases in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. New community pop-up vaccination sites will open, all offering walk-ups. ■ East Reservoir Senior Citizens Centre on Strathmerton St (open Monday and Tuesday) ■ Kingsbury Bowls Club on Dunne St (open Wednesday and Thursday) ■ Craigieburn Sports Stadium on Craigieburn Rd (open Tuesday and Wednesday) ■ EACH Building, Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction (open Monday to Friday) - Department of Health
● Bridget Vallence
lion loss in revenue and see no hope for the future of their business that they have successfully run for 18 years. “With the failure to mention school camp businesses as part of the government’s road map and no certainty regarding school camps for the remainder of term 4, 2021, they are facing more than two years of being forced shut by government-imposed restrictions without commensurate financial support. “The risk for these family businesses, for the department of education and for hundreds of thousands of Victorian school students is that these important school camp businesses will fold and be lost forever. “Surely, Minister, you do not want that legacy. Minister, I seek your urgent action to provide certainty to the school camps industry and allow them to reopen and host students from November 5, 2021.” - Bridget Vallence
‘Please open school camps’
■ In State Parliament this week,. Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence raised the matter of school camps. “The action I seek is for the minister and the Andrews Labor Government to commit to allowing school camps to reopen on November 5, on the same day that all students will be back in school in accordance with Victoria’s roadmap when the 80 per cent double vaccination for COVID-19 has been met, and permit schools and their students to return to school camps during term 4 in 2021, before the end of the year,” Ms Vallence said. “Currently school camps are not included anywhere in Victoria’s road map, and the education department has been completely silent on when school camps can recommence their operations. “There have been very concerning reports published in the media that the Labor Government are planning to ban any school camps taking place for the remainder of the 2021 school year, with no certainty as to when school camps will be allowed to open in 2022. “As part of the action I seek, can the minister rule out a ban on school camps for the remainder of the 2021 school year? “If it’s safe for all children in all year levels to return to school full-time, then there is no reason why our kids in smaller year-level groups can’t return to enjoying our amazing school camps. “I have been contacted by a number of school camp operators—small family businesses—who take duty of care extremely seriously and have told me they have their COVID-safe plans in place, they undertake regular cleaning, all staff have received COVID-19 vaccinations and most of their activities take place outside in the fresh air, as opposed to a classroom. “If our public health authorities advise it’s safe to allow 10,000 people to attend a horse race, then surely 100 children can attend a school camp. “Our children have suffered the longest lockdown in the world and have lost more than 170 days of face-toface learning as a result of the harsh lockdowns, severely disrupting their education and social development. “Our children and young teenagers have been starved of social interaction and participation in exciting and challenging outdoor activities. “School camps play a significant role in the education of our children, providing them physical exercise, team-building and problem-solving skills, social development, and improving their mental health and wellbeing. “Minister, one of these school camp operators in the Yarra Valley recently told me she and her family were broken. “They have suffered a more than $1.5 mil-
Cash for community groups ■ The Fe3deral Government is providing $150,000 in funding for smallscale upgrades and new equipment for community groups in North East Victoria. Expressions of interest are now open for Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Program, giving local governing bodies and community groups an opportunity to nominate projects for grants of up to $20,000. Senator f Bridget McKenzie said more funding for the electorate of Indi would deliver the infrastructure and equipment communities need to be successful and grow. “This latest funding injection will support up to 20 projects across our communities, supporting jobs and delivering an economic boost to drive our recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I strongly encourage interested organisations to contact my office regarding projects important to them and our community. Grants from $2,500 up to $20,000 are available to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, or up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs for local governing bodies.” Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Government was continuing to back regional Australia. “Through the Stronger Communities Program, our investments support local jobs, grow local economies and deliver lasting infrastructure and much-needed equipment,” Mr Joyce said. - Blair Arnold
● Senator Bridget McKenzie
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The Local Paper - Saturday, October 16, 2021 - Page 3
Local People: 3
Carjackings at C’burn Youth Parliament
■ Tania Maxwell, Northern Victoria MLC, spoke in the Legislative Council this week about the Youth Parliament. “This year’s Youth Parliament sitting week brought together bright young minds from across the state to debate key issues as a culmination of the Youth Parliament program run by the YMCA Youth Services. “This program educates youth on how our Parliament operates and encourages their participation,” Ms Maxwell said. “Congratulations to everyone who joined in the sitting day program, including those from Mildura, Castlemaine, Bendigo and Whittlesea in my electorate. “Over 600 video entries were received from Victorian students highlighting what they would say in Parliament if they were an MP, and there were many outstanding entries. “I hope that we will see some of these young people elected into this place in the years to come.” - Tania Maxwell
■ Embona Task Force and Divisional Response Unit detectives arrested a man at a property on Gillingham St in Preston yesterday (Fri.) as part of an investigation into two alleged attempted aggravated carjackings in Craigieburn. It will be alleged a man attended an address on Penhall Drive, Craigieburn and threatened a 21-year-old Craigieburn man with a handgun while attempting to steal a motorcycle on October 10. He then attended a second property on Travers Street, Craigieburn, where he allegedly threatened a 59-year-old Craigieburn man with a handgun and attempted to steal a vehicle. The offender fled the scene on foot and the two victims were not injured in the incidents. A 29-year-old Preston man was arrested in relation to the alleged attempted aggravated carjackings. He is expected to be interviewed and charged with offences including attempted aggravated carjacking. An imitation firearm was also located during the search warrant in Preston. Two other people were arrested at the Preston property for matters unrelated to the alleged attempted aggravated carjacking.
A 39-year-old Preston woman was arrested in relation to two outstanding warrants for drug offences. A 36-year-old Preston man was arrested in relation to an outstanding warrant for driving offences. ■ Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au - Victoria Police
● James Merlino, Monbulk MLA
tiers of intervention: tier 1, positive mental health promotion, includes things like mental health first aid training, positive education and therapy dogs; tier 2, early intervention and cohort-specific initiatives, like cross-cultural responsiveness training, art therapy and trauma-informed care; or tier 3, direct additional mental health practitioners in our schools. “We heard this morning from Chelsie Spence and her adorable therapy dog Joosh about how Joosh helps students at school with their mental health and their engagement. “It is just one example of how this fund will make a difference at government schools right across Victoria. “On this side of the house we accepted every single one of the recommendations of the Royal Commission because we know it is important not just to talk about how we support mental health but to actually fund it and to actually deliver initiatives, critical ones like the one I have just announced today. “Now more than ever our kids need support both at home and at school to make sure that their wellbeing is on track, and the Andrews government is doing exactly that.” - James Merlino
Mental health for schools
■ Monbulk MLA James Merlino spoke in State Parliament on Thursday (Oct. 14) with an update about how the Andrews Government will provide students with further tailored support for their mental health. “The Andrews Government’s $200 million Schools Mental Health Fund acquits a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System which called for a fund to support schools with evidence-informed initiatives for students’ mental health and wellbeing, and today we launched that menu for schools to choose from,” Mr Merlino told the Legislative Assembly. “The commission also recommended that rural and regional schools be a priority, and that is exactly what we are doing—in the first year for every government school in rural and regional Victoria and then for metro schools beyond that. “With schools having already received their indicative budgets for next year, this announcement means they can make decisions immediately and be fully informed. “Schools will be able to select from evidence-based programs and initiatives that best match the needs of their students across three
Family violence in northern Vic.
■ Family violence in northern Victoria has been raised in State Parliament by Tania Maxwell MLC. “The government committed to keeping more victim-survivors of family violence safe in their homes, and the action I seek is for the minister to detail the number of perpetrators in my electorate of Northern Victoria who have been removed from the home as part of this program,” Ms Maxwell said. “On August 17, 2020, the Government announced they were directing more than $20 million to keeping perpetrators in full sight and victims in their home. “As part of this, the program was to enable 1500 perpetrators of family violence to be moved into short-term or long-term accommodation and provide intervention and behaviour change programs. “This included support for the growing issue of adolescents using violence in the home. “The latest crime data ending June 30, 2021, shows family violence remains at an all-time high. “More than 19,000 incidents of family violence in northern Victoria occurred in the last
● Tania Maxwell MLC
12 months. More than 5000 breaches of family violence orders and 1794 reports where the affected family member is a child. “The coronavirus restrictions have placed some families into settings of increased isolation and risk. “For children experiencing family violence, school is often the only safe space they have and provides a critical opportunity for them to get a break from the chaos and the stress of home and to connect with welfare staff at school. “For some vulnerable children, school might be the only place where they have access to food. Schools have remained open for vulnerable children, but we know not all at-risk children have been attending. “The only way to keep families safe is to stop perpetrators from offending. My colleague Mr Grimley referred very recently to the report of the family violence reform implementation monitor which said 500 men could be waiting to access a program at any one time. Many finished their community correction order without even completing the core program, which is meant to address their offending.” - Tania Maxwell
Local Briefs Shocktober
■ October is Shocktober for Ambulance Victoria. Tania Maxwell has told State Parliament. “Every day 18 Victorians will have a cardiac arrest, and only one in 10 survive. “Shocktober educates bystanders on CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator as well as promoting the GoodSAM app,” Ms Maxwell said. “I will be attending Ambulance Victoria’s Shocktober online event next week. GoodSAM alerts registered nearby members of the community to a cardiac report so they can attend and start CPR. “It is a voluntary program which is well worth a look, and I encourage all community members to participate in this wonderful opportunity to assist AV to save lives.” - Tania Maxwell
$200,000 car theft
■ Detectives from Moreland Crime Investigation Unit are seeking public assistance to locate a distinctive Ford stolen from Fawkner. Investigators have been told a 1976 Ford HB coupe was being stored in a garage at a property on Lanigan St. The property was broken into some time between September 1 and October 9 and the vehicle stolen. Investigators have been told the distinctive yellow Ford, with registration plates IME-310, is valued at $200,000. - Victoria Police
Decision aside
■ A decision of Nillumbik Council has been set aside by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after SSH Constructions Pty Ltd took an appeal about a property at 615-623 Yan Yean Rd, Yarrambat. VCAT Senior Member Margaret Baird heard the matter, and in a second matter, ordered that an amended permit should be granted. The Tribunal was told that the permit application related to the St Macarius Coptic Orthodox Church, and that the organisation wanted to install one include one metre high bollard lighting in the car park area, and three metre high LED lighting poles. LED lighting was also installed in one of the two crosses. Nillumbik Council refused to grant approval on four grounds. - Austlii.edu.au
Little Aths off
■ Murrindindi Little Aths was cancelled this morning (Sat.) due to the rain, Lyndal Tait advised on social media. - Murrindindi Little Aths
New CFA vehicle
■ Kangaroo Ground CFA has taken possession of a new Ford Ranger, Field Command Vehicle. A FCV is a four-wheel-drive off road vehicle of an appropriate size to operate in the bush and delivers enhanced incident management capability. FCVs are used in a range of incident management roles including incident control, Operations Officer, Sector Commander, Strike Team Leader, Ground Observer or Staging Area activities for some incidents. The vehicle was funded partly through a grant from the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, and through the sale of the previous Nissan Patrol FCV. - Kangaroo Ground CFA
Highway hit
■ Maroondah Hwy was hit by a series of tree down between Dom Dom Saddle and Fernshaw. Melbourne bound on Saturday morning (Oct. 16). There was a mall land slip aswell, with three small basketball sized rocks on the roadway just past Dom Dom. - Black Spur Conditions
Page 4 - The Local Paper - Saturday, October 16, 2021
Policeman charged
■ A senior constable from Transit and Public Safety Command has been charged following an internal investigation. The 26-year-old male officer was charged with reckless conduct endangering life. The charge relates to an incident that occurred in August last year while he was on duty. - Victoria Police
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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Grants for traditional owners ■ The State Government is delivering 154 grants to community, volunteer and Traditional Owner groups across the state to protect our environment and enhance biodiversity. Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, announced the successful recipients of $1.3 million in grants that will support Traditional Owners, young people and Coastcare groups to continue restoring precious habitat across the state. Successful recipients from every corner of Victoria will benefit from the grants, which will support large and small projects including the development of a masterplan by an Aboriginal corporation for bush tucker on Dja Dja Wurrung Country and a project to engage young people in restoring a threatened ecosystem in Staughton Vale. Other projects include a partnership between Traditional Owners and Trust for Nature to deliver community engagement and education workshops on traditional fire management in the north east and an erosion remediation improvements project on the Bass Coast run by Phillip Island Nature Park. In total 111 grants are being delivered through the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity
Grants program, 10 through the Aboriginal Community Caring for Country Grants and 33 through the Coastcare Victoria Community Grants Program. “Victoria is fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and not-for-profit groups that are passionate about looking after the environment and biodiversity,” said Ms D’Ambrosio. “We are thrilled to support these groups and the work they do to preserve and protect precious and iconic environments now and into the future.” “Hard working volunteers, community groups and Traditional Owners play a critical role in education, restoration and caring for Victoria’s natural environment, which they should be extremely proud of.” - Lily D’Ambrosio
Council charge
● Lily D’Ambrosio
■ Yarra Ranges Shire Council Council voted to approve a special charge scheme for Mont Vue, Lilydale for road improvement works as part of the $150 million Federal Government funding.
Scoping study at Mansfield
■ The Mansfield Emergency Precinct Committee has contributed $7,200 to a scoping study into the Mansfield Emergency Services Precinct. The scoping study, which is jointly funded by Mansfield Council, will build Council’s understanding of the potential for a precinct and detail what is required, which resources could be shared and the best location for the precinct. Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe said community feedback demonstrated strong support for better resources for local emergency services. “This project is a great example of how the community and Council can work together to build a better future for the Mansfield Shire,” said Cr Holcombe. “We are grateful to the Mansfield Emergency Precinct Committee’s community leadership and partnership with Council.” Chair of the Mansfield Emergency Precinct Committee, Ellen Hogan, said the Committee was delighted to be able to financially support this project. “For the last three years our committee has lobbied and raised money to support this precinct so that we can get the infrastructure that our emergency services desperately need.
So when the opportunity came to contribute to this scoping study, the committee was keen to volunteer.” The Council will continue to partner with the Mansfield Emergency Precinct Committee to apply for funding for a future feasibility study and detailed design. - Mansfield Shire Council
Stabbing at Shepp.
● Cr Mark Holcombe
■ Police have arrested a man following a stabbing in Shepparton yesterday (Fri.). Officers were called to Parker St following reports a woman was located with stab wounds just before 2pm. A 25-year-old Shepparton woman was taken to hospital with suspected serious injuries. It is alleged a man fled the scene in a white Kia station wagon with a 4-month-old boy known to the man immediately after the incident. He was arrested a short time later near McLennan St, Mooroopna where the infant was located uninjured. - Victoria Police
‘Strong position to re-build’
■ The State Government’s work to bolster the economy, support workers and protect businesses against the devastating effects of the Coronavirus has put Victoria in a strong position to rebuild as the state reopens. New figures show more jobs were created than lost over the course of the past financial year. While 238,600 Victorians lost work between March and September 2020, 240,200 Victorians found work between September 2020 and June 2021. Despite the effects of the pandemic on the labour market, between November 2014 and June 2021 520,800 jobs were created in Victoria, including 97,800 in regional Victoria, showing we are in a position to bounce back strongly again as restrictions ease The report presents the consolidated financial outcomes for Victoria, including the general government sector, the public non-financial corporations sector and the public financial corporations sector. The deficit was $14.6 billion, an improvement of $2.9 billion from the revised estimate in the Victorian Budget 2021-22.
● Tin Pallas, State Treasurer
As of June 30 2021, net debt sits at $72.7 billion, which is $4.8 billion less than the Revised Budget estimate and $14 billion less than the original Budget estimate. This is consistent with our four step fiscal strategy of creating jobs, returning to an operating cash surplus, returning to operating surpluses then stabilising debt levels. A stronger than anticipated recovery in Victoria’s property market contributed to state taxation revenue being $145 million higher than initially estimated. Victoria had a record capital spend in 202021 of $15 billion, $2.9 billion higher than last year, due to the state’s strong pipeline of public infrastructure projects. “Despite a pandemic that has swept through the world, Victoria’s strong economic fundamentals have helped us weather this storm and put us in a strong position to rebuild as we open up,” said Treasurer Tim Pallas. “While we know the pandemic has had, and continues to have, an impact on many businesses and families, these figures show how resilient our economy is. We bounced back after previous lockdowns and we will again.” - Tim Pallas