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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021
COVID Latest 11 cases in Mitchell, 2 deaths in W’sea
■ Victoria announced 1903 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday (Mon.). All were locally acquired cases. There are 22,327 active cases in Victoria. There are 851 COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. 155 of those cases are in intensive care, with 103 cases on a ventilator. The Department of Health was notified of seven deaths yesterday: ■ a man in his 50s from Brimbank ■ a woman in her 60s and a man in his 90s from Whittlesea ■ a man in his 70s from Baw Baw ■ a woman in her 70s from Moreland ■ a woman in her 80s and a woman in her 90s from Casey This brings the total number of deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began to 970. The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 67,457. Restrictions From 11.59pm Thursday (Oct. 21), nonhousehold primary close contacts who are fully vaccinated will only need to quarantine for seven days. For more information, see https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/safeand-sensible-isolation-changes-we-hit-70cent For more information on eased restrictions across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria from this date, visit https:/ /www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victoriasroadmap Vaccines On Sunday (Oct. 17), 32,405 vaccine doses were administered by Victoria’s statecommissioned services. The total number of doses administered through state-run services is 4,197,152. 89.2 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over have now had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66.5 per cent have had two doses. New community pop-up vaccination sites will open this week offering walk-ups at the following locations: ■ Victorian Pride Centre, St Kilda ■ Queerspace, Carlton ■ East Reservoir Senior Citizens Centre ■ Our Lady Guardian of Plants Chaldean Catholic Church, Campbellfield ■ Kingsbury Bowling Club ■ Craigieburn Sports Stadium ■ Fawkner Community Hall ■ Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda ■ EACH Building, Yarra Junction ■ Bunjil Place, Narre Warren 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 Outbreaks Of the 1,903 locally acquired cases announced on Sunday (Oct. 17), the following Local Government Areas in metropolitan Melbourne recorded more than one newly diagnosed case: ■ 22 cases in Banyule ■ 12 cases in Bayside ■ 13 cases in Boroondara ■ 149 cases in Brimbank ■ 31 cases in Cardinia ■ 188 cases in Casey ■ 59 cases in Darebin ■ 41 cases in Frankston ■ 16 cases in Glen Eira ■ 158 cases in Greater Dandenong ■ 36 cases in Hobsons Bay ● Turn To Page 2
INDI YOUTH CLIMATE CALL
● Dr Helen Haines, Indi MHR, pictured yesterday in Federal Parliament. Young people aged between 14 and 24 from ■ Federal MHR Helen Haines spoke in the House of Representatives yesterday (Mon.) all corners of Indi, wrote the speech. “I was proud to read a speech written by about Indi’s youth demanding climate action. young people in my electorate in Parliament Indi's youth demand climate action “The Indi Youth Advisory Panel has asked today, to express their raw emotion and ensure me to deliver this speech also as part of the they were heard,” Dr Haines said. “It was confronting for me to read these Raise Our Voice Australia campaign,” Dr words, and that is part of what makes it so imHaines said. “Young people in Indi face various barriers portant for them to be heard – young people in to education. We need more resources, fund- regional Australia are scared and want action on climate change, and the people in power need ing, and support. We need more help. “This is just one of the ways we fear our to pay attention.” “As young people some of our earliest memofuture is challenged, and Government inaction on climate change is only exacerbating those ries surround the impacts of climate change, with extreme temperatures provoking catafears. “During the Black Summer Bushfires, Rhia, strophic weather events,” the young people at 16 years old, travelled back and forth to school wrote. “We are facing yet another summer, scared in Mount Beauty wondering if their home would of a day when the wind is in the wrong direcstill be standing at the end of the day. “As young people some of our earliest memo- tion, or the temperature is one degree too high. ries surround the impacts of climate change, We need to reach net zero emissions yesterwith extreme temperatures provoking cata- day.” The speech expressed desperation and a call strophic weather events. “We are facing yet another summer, scared for urgent action. “You say it is too complex for us to underof a day when the wind is in the wrong direction, or the temperature is one degree too high. stand, but it is really quite simple: we need policy We need to reach net zero emissions yesterday. changes and we need them now, because we “We need ambitious policies that give us are staring down the barrel of our future.” the speech by the young people of Indi said. hope! Dr Haines read the speech by the young “We are grieving a future that you are dismantling before our eyes. We are angry. We are people of Indi on the same day she seconded sick and tired of empty gestures and reckless the Climate Change Bill introduced by Zali Steggall, Member for Warringah . policy. The target is for Net Zero emissions by 2050 “You say it is too complex for us to understand, but it is simple: we need policy changes, to be put into legislation. Dr Haines also made and we need them now, because we are staring amendments to the Bill to protect regional Australia. down the barrel of our future. The Climate Change Bill introduced to Par“Mr Deputy Speaker, these are the voices liament yesetrday includes a regional economic of some young people in my electorate.” Helen Haines delivered a speech in Parliament safeguard mechanism, that requires the new Cliwritten by young people in Indi on Monday, ex- mate Commission to make sure that regional pressing their fear and anger over inaction on Australia secures an equitable share of the economic benefits of a net zero transition, inserted climate change. The speech was developed as part of a cam- by Dr Haines. It also includes a regions-first clause that repaign to bring the voices of young people to Parliament and increase the representation of quires the Climate Commission to implement a diverse groups, run by Raise Our Voice Austra- strategy to maximise the economic benefits for lia. More than 60 MPs and Senators are taking rural and regional Australia in the transition to net zero. part in the campaign. - Sally Whyte The Indi Youth Advisory Panel, made up of
Local News Vale ‘Phar Lap’
● Phil Orth ■ Condolences are being extended to the family of Phil Orth, who passed away yesterday (Mon.). The Yea man was known throughout the community, including sporting interests such as local football and racing circles. The Local Paper joins with the community in extending its sympathies to family and friends on their loss. - Ash Long
Wollert park opens
■ The newly-upgraded Bellavista Park in Wollert is now open. The updated playground now includes a fun-filled multi-level play unit with slides, rope bridge, monkey bars, mini climbing wall and rope ladder, perfect for toddlers through to school-aged children. The popular park also includes new picnic settings and nature play features made from refurbished timber recycled from the old playground. Bellavista Park is located on Bellavista Drive in Wollert. - Whittlesea Shire Council
Close contacts
■ There are currently more than 61,300 Coronavirus active primary close contacts in isolation in Victoria. At 12 Monday yesterday (Mon.), there were around 120 published exposure sites in Victoria. There may be occasions when the Department of Health is unable to make contact with a business or residential premises before their listing as an exposure site. At all times, it takes the decision of when to publish these sites in the interests of public health. The Department regularly manages exposure sites that it doesn’t publish online, particularly if these sites represent lowerrisk exposure, or if they have comprehensive record-keeping and contact-tracing measures, or if they identify small, private locations – including smaller apartment or townhouse complexes. For more information, refer to www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/ coronavirus-covid-19-common-operatingpicture - Local health professionals
Page 2 - The Local Paper - Tuesday, October 19, 2021
COLID Latest More cases, deaths
■ 176 cases in Hume ■ 44 cases in Kingston ■ 26 cases in Knox ■ 10 cases in Manningham ■ 29 cases in Maribyrnong ■ 14 cases in Maroondah ■ 43 cases in Melbourne ■ 115 cases in Melton ■ 31 cases in Monash ■ 39 cases in Moonee Valley ■ 85 cases in Moreland ■ 27 cases in Mornington Peninsula ■ 10 cases in Nillumbik ■ 28 cases in Port Phillip ■ 16 cases in Stonnington ■ 28 cases in Whitehorse ■ 130 cases in Whittlesea ■ 15 cases in Yarra ■ 15 cases in Yarra Ranges There were 497 new cases in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, 519 new cases in the western suburbs, 592 cases in the south-eastern suburbs and 106 cases in the eastern suburbs. There were also 166 new cases announced in regional Victoria . The total number of active cases in regional Victoria stands at 1794. New cases in regional Victoria were: ■ 3 cases in Ballarat ■ 2 case in Bass Coast ■ 19 cases in Baw Baw ■ 1 case in Campaspe ■ 1 case in Colac-Otway ■ 2 cases in East Gippsland ■ 2 cases in Ganawarra ■ 14 cases in Greater Bendigo ■ 38 cases in Greater Geelong ■ 12 cases in Greater Shepparton ■ 29 cases in Latrobe ■ 3 cases in Macedon Ranges ■ 9 cases in Mildura ■ 11 cases in Mitchell ■ 10 cases in Moorabool ■ 2 cases in South Gippsland ■ 2 cases in Surf Coast ■ 2 cases in Swan Hill ■ 2 case in Wangaratta ■ 2 case in Wodonga - Department of Health and local health professionals
$15 million lost
■ The sum of $15 million was lost on pokie machines in Mitchell Shire in 2019-2020. Even during 2020-2021, when the shire was locked down for months, more than $12 million was lost on pokies. Further unknown losses ook place through online gambling, including sports betting, which has increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. October 18-24 is Gambling HarmAwareness Week and the theme for 2021 is Talk. Share. Support. During Gambling Harm Awareness Week, people are encouraged to talk about the harms associated with gambling and the effects they can have on communities, families, friends, workplaces and individuals. Gambling harm can affect self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work performance and social life. The week focuses on personal stories of recovery, which are powerful because they offer a sense of hope and optimism. They also encourage open community discussions that help to reduce stigma, which can be a barrier to help seeking. Stigma around gambling can lead to lower self-esteem and feelings of shame or failure, and can lead to a delay in acknowledging gambling difficulties and seeking help. The 2021 campaign highlights neuroscientific research to explain how the brain changes and responds to gambling, and how an addiction can develop. Help is on hand all the time ■ Gambler’s Helpline 24/7 – 1800 858 858 ■ Gambler’s Help Youth Line 24/7 – 1800 262 376 ■ Online support 24/7 – Gambing Help Online website ■ National Debt Helpline – 1800 007 007 ■ Lifeline 24/7 – 131114 - Mitchell Shire Council
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Help for State’s creative sector ■ The State Government’s Sustaining Creative Workers initiative is now open for applications, providing critical support to Victoria’s independent creative sector when they need it most. Danny Pearson, Minister for Creative Industries, this week invited Victorian-based independent creatives, collectives and micro-businesses to apply for the grant program, which is designed to help them work through the pandemic and beyond. The $5 million program is open to applicants across the state, working in all creative disciplines – including dancers, musicians, writers, visual artists, fashion designers and filmmakers. It’s also open to workers who support creative activity such as technicians and producers. Creative practitioners, including sole traders and freelancers, are eligible for funding of up to $5000, with collectives, micro-organisations and businesses eligible for up to $10,000. Funding is available to meet the needs of creative workers – whether that’s to plan or research new projects, adapt existing work, explore new ways to connect with audiences or upskill with professional development.
● Danny Pearson MLA
The Sustaining Creative Workers grants are being administered through Regional Arts Victoria, working with Creative Victoria, Arts Access Victoria, Multicultural Arts Victoria, Music Victoria, NETS Victoria, Theatre Network Australia and Writers Victoria. The Sustaining Creative Workers initiative has already provided $4.7 million in grants to artists during the pandemic, supporting projects such as the production of new music, podcasts, development of a TV comedy show, the creation of sculptural works and a new platform for photographers to sell work online. Applications submitted by 5pm on Tuesday, October 26, will be considered for fast-tracking, with the remaining applications able to be lodged until 5pm on Monday, November 22. “This vital support will enable Victorian creatives to make and showcase work for Victorian audiences, while also helping them rebuild their careers and businesses,” said Mr Pearson. “Funding initiatives like this are crucial to ensuring our creative industry has the support it needs to navigate these uncertain times and plan for an exciting return.” - Danny Pearson
● Shaun Leane
tions with $2000 grants when they spend at least that amount to support initiatives such as outdoor hospitality and entertainment. The vouchers will be valid for expenses including purchasing and hiring marquees, screens and umbrellas, obtaining insurance and promoting outdoor operations. Some 20 per cent of the vouchers will be allocated in regional Victoria. Hairdressers, beauty services, retail shops, dance studios and gyms will also be eligible to apply for vouchers, meaning they can join restaurants, cafes and bars in harnessing the opportunities of kerbside trading. The Voucher Program will open soon and will be delivered by Business Victoria. A new $40 million COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund will help councils transform more outdoor areas so Victorians can enjoy local attractions safely as we reach the key 70 per cent double vaccination threshold, then 80 per cent, with restrictions lifting significantly at those marks. The Fund will allocate $20.5 million so councils can provide immediate assistance to businesses to operate outdoors, through physical improvements such as new street furniture, landscaping, marquees, planter boxes and public art. - Shaun Leane
● Jaala Pulford
$30,000 per annum (or pro rata) and meet other criteria. Kinaway Chamber of Commerce will help administer the fund. Eligible businesses will be able to use grants to meet costs such as utilities and rent, pay salaries, develop marketing activities and business plans, or seek financial advice. More information on the First Peoples’ COVID-19 Business Support Fund is available at business.vic.gov.au “It’s important that Aboriginal businesses are supported to adapt to new conditions and challenges brought about by the pandemic. These grants will help businesses recover and plan for a strong future,” said Jaala Pulford, Minister for Small Business. “Aboriginal businesses have shown amazing resilience throughout the pandemic and we’re proud to stand with them as we look forward to the economy re-opening,” said Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. “Kinaway is committed to ensuring all of our Victorian Aboriginal businesses are advocated for and we hope to see more of these innovations going forward,” said Scott McCartney, Kinaway Chamber of Commerce CEO. - Jaala Pulford
‘New life into the streets’
■ “Councils will work with their communities to breathe new life into streets and shopping strips across the state, making the most of outdoor opportunities this summer and beyond,” says Shaun Leane, State Minister for Local Government. The State Government will help businesses and the community breathe new life into local neighborhoods as vaccination progressively delivers greater freedoms across the state from Friday (Oct. 22). With summer drawing near and Victorians warming to the promise of a return to bars, cafes and restaurants, new support unveiled yesterday (Mon.) willbuild on the success of last year’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package which helped to create an agile world of parklets and pop-up bars, with streamlined council permits. The $54.5 million Outdoor Economy Package will help support the costs for thousands of businesses of setting up for street trading, and back councils to provide the necessary infrastructure and support. A $14.5 million COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program will provide more than 7000 Victorian businesses, community organisations, not-for-profits and trader associa-
Support for Aboriginal businesses
■ Victorian Aboriginal businesses affected by the pandemic will be able to apply for additional financial support to cover expenses, adapt to changing conditions and plan for a strong future. The $1 million extension of the First Peoples’ COVID-19 Business Support Fund will provide certainty to businesses across the state with grants of up $6000 available. Up to 160 Aboriginal-owned businesses are expected to be eligible for payments. Specialising in Acknowledgement of Country plaques for schools and businesses, Kinya Lerrk art and design studio run by Emma Bamblett and Megan Van Den Berg was among initial beneficiaries of the fund after Coronavirus restrictions meant they could no longer work in the studio together. The fund helped the pair to establish workspaces in their own homes and allowed them to diversify their business offerings while still focusing on producing unique plaques. The fund is open to Victorian Aboriginal businesses including sole traders and self-employed businesses that are certified as an Aboriginal business through the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, have a minimum turnover of
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The Local Paper - Tuesday, October 19, 2021 - Page 3
Local People: 3
Every drop counts: Minister
■ The State Government is funding improvements to water infrastructure to make the most of our water supply, as the community face sthe challenge of a drier climate and increased demand from population growth. Lisa Neville, Minister for Water, yesterday (Mon.) announced that the $14.1 million Integrated Water Management grants will run over three years to boost water security by co-investing in priority projects identified in Melbourne and across regional Victoria. The investment will provide $11 million to infrastructure projects, with the remainder on feasibility studies and business case development. The Integrated Water Management grants are open to more than 100 organisations including local government, Traditional Owner groups, water corporations and catchment management authorities. Successful projects from previous Integrated Water Management grants include Tarralla Creek Stormwater Harvesting System in Croydon, which will deliver 13 megalitres of water savings through use of alternative water to irrigate parkland with the Government providing $1.57 million towards the $2.59 million
● Lisa Neville
project. Another example is the Beaufort Closed Loop Recycled Water Scheme by Central Highland Water and Pyrenees Shire, which will deliver 88 megalitres of recycled water per year for sporting and community facilities with the Government providing $1.4 million towards the $2.8 million construction project. Round one of the new grants program has now opened for Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria. The grants also include a dedicated non-competitive, flexible funding stream for Traditional Owner Groups as well as the groups being eligible for the competitive funding streams. “These grants encourage organisations to work together and activate open spaces for the community to enjoy, which is more important than ever with more people spending time outside,” Ms Neville said. “We’re build our climate resilience by saving water through projects such as stormwater harvesting and increased water recycling.” “We need to adapt to our changing climate and increased demand for water – so we can continue supporting agriculture, industry and jobs while ensuring we have water for environmental, cultural and recreational use.” - Lisa Neville
Exercise parks for seniors
■ Exercise parks featuring fitness equipment specifically designed for seniors is to be installed in Seymour and Kilmore, and Mitchell Shire Council would like community feedback on the plans. The outdoor fitness equipment is planned for Chittick Park in Seymour, and The Elms Reserve in Kilmore. The fitness stations will support older residents’ physical health and wellbeing, as well as improving their independence and sense of social and community connectedness. The fitness parks have been designed in consultation with the National Ageing Research Institute and will include equipment for: ■ pull-ups ■ balance ■ calf raises ■ core twister ■ ramp and net climbing ■ step ups ■ push ups ■ hip extensions Other proposed elements for the parks include information signs on how to use the equipment, new undercover picnic tables, additional seating, paths and additional trees to provide more shade.
‘The fitness stations will support older residents’ physical health and wellbeing, as well as improving their independence and sense of social and community connectedness.’ - Mayor, Mitchell Shire
● Cr Rhonda Sanderson
This project has been made possible through $200,000 funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s new Facilities forActive Seniors Fund and $100,000 Council contribution. A survey is being conducted on the plans for the seniors outdoor fitness park in Seymour and Kilmore. The survey closes at 9am on Monday, November 8. Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Rhonda Sanderson said: “It’s great to see investment for older residents, they can be excluded from more strenuous forms of exercise and need an alternative way to stay active," she said. “Staying active and connected helps build a resilient and strong community – which Mitchell Shire certainly is.” “Council is committed to relentlessly advocating for funding to benefit our community,” Cr Sanderson said. - Mitchell Shire Council
● Andrew Gee
“The Australian Government is committed to recognising the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation. It is crucial to foster this tradition of recognition in order to teach our children the importance of Remembrance Day and honouring the service and sacrifice of all our veterans in a respectful and dignified manner,” Mr Gee said. “Some of the education products in the 2021 Remembrance Day pack focuses on the experiences of Australians who were prisoners of war. “A range of online and hardcopy resources, as well as posters, a calendar and a book are included in the pack. “The book, Endurance: Stories of Australians in wartime captivity, is the 11th volume in the Century of Service series, and tells the stories of our men and women who became prisoners of war while serving in the armed forces. “In addition, an online lesson has been developed to allow students to hear directly from veterans in a unique experience designed to develop an interactive learning environment,” Mr Gee said. - Andrew Gee
Lessons for Remembrance Day
■ A range of commemorative and educational resources will help young Australians understand the history and significance of one of the most important days on the nation’s calendar, ahead of next month’s Remembrance Day commemorations. Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of guns falling silent on the Western Front in the First World War: the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The nation stands in silent reflection for one minute each year to commemorate and honour those Australians who have died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. To assist schools, ex-service organisations and community groups plan for November 11, the Department of Veterans’Affairs has prepared a Remembrance Day educational resources pack or ‘digital kitbag’ to highlight the importance of honouring Australia’s veterans and servicemen and women. Andrew Gee, Minister for Veterans’Affairs and Defence Personnel, said the Remembrance Day pack includes a range of commemorative and educational resources about Australia’s military history.
Local Briefs Prepare for fires
■ With above average rainfall predicted for spring and summer, and with it, unprecedented grass growth, Mitchell Shire residents are urged to prepare their properties and bushfire survival plans. Mitchell Shire is a high bushfire and grassfire risk area. It’s important people understand their fire risk, prepare their properties and make a bushfire survival plan. In preparing their properties and during the fire danger period, residents are encouraged to: ■ Plan what to do in the event of a fire and know where to access information on high fire danger days ■ Download the VicEmergency app ■ Keep the grass short around your property ■ Remove, leaves, twigs and loose bark from around the home ■ Remove or prune shrubs near windows and under branches of mature trees ■ Cut back overhanging tree branches within 10 metres of houses and keep gutters clear ■ Remove other material that can burn from around your home such as boxes, furniture and woodpiles ■ Be prepared for power failures which could impact NBN connections and other telecommunication services ■ Pack an emergency kit of essentials such as important documents, first-aid, medications, blankets, water and a battery powered radio ■ Review your home insurance ■ Make a plan for pets and livestock on high fire danger days and in the event of an emergency Mitchell Shire Council says it is also doing its bit to prepare for the fire season with the annual roadside slashing program and fire prevention property inspections starting soon, as well as preparing through our parks and open space maintenance program. Regional property owners living in metropolitan Melbourne can apply for a travel exemption to travel into Mitchell Shire to prepare for the upcoming fire season. Melbourne residents who need to undertake fire prevention works on their property are encouraged to engage a contractor to complete the works on their behalf whilst COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Cr Rhonda Sanderson, Mayor, said: “Mitchell Shire is a high-risk bushfire area, and it’s important that our residents take the necessary steps to ensure they are best prepared should a bushfire occur," she said. “Preparing early is the key. Now is the time to identify your fire risk, clean up your property and make a survival plan that includes what you will do if your plan fails. “Wherever you live in the Shire, you need to prepare for fire. Residential developments that back onto bush or grassland are still at risk and even urban areas face some risk,” Cr Sanderson said. - Mitchell Shire Council
90 per cent rate
■ COVID-19 first dose vaccinations in the Murray Primary Health Network region have now surpassed 90 per cent. The Murray PHN region spans from Mildura in the north west, to Woodend in the south, across to Seymour and up to Albury. To reach this milestone, vaccines have been delivered by more than 140 general practices, 100 pharmacies, seven Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and four Commonwealth vaccinations clinics across the region. Nine local government areas have reached the milestone of more than 95 per cent of their population aged 15 and older vaccinated (eligible population for Victoria’s Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan). These are Benalla, Swan Hill, Buloke, Wangaratta, Campaspe, Macedon Ranges, Moira, Indigo and Gannawarra. Murray PHN CEO, Matt Jones, said that these milestones were something for everyone to celebrate. - Amity Bradford
Page 4 - The Local Paper - Tuesday, October 19, 2021
COVID testing
■ Some 69,825 COVID-19 tests were processed in Victoria on Sunday. If you are concerned about losing money from missing work to get a test, support is available – including the $450 test isolation payment. For more information, go to www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/financial-support. To find your nearest COVID-19 testing site, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ where-get-tested-covid-19
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
‘Get Back To What You Want’ ■ Yarra Ranges Council has launched the ‘Get Back to What You Love, Get Vaccinated’campaign to encourage community members to play their part and get vaccinated, so that we can all enjoy the summer months ahead. Adults of all ages are now eligible for Pfizer, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) and Moderna vaccines, with young people aged 12-18 able to access Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Fiona McAllister, said that people can access vaccines at GP clinics, pharmacies and State-run Vaccination Hubs. “We know that there have been access issues for locals wanting to get vaccinated,” Cr McAllister said. “We’ve written to the State Government, asking for a hub to be established in the region and for more support to help local people access vaccines. “Some GP clinics and pharmacies locally have vaccine appointments available – many of which are accessible via public transport – and getting vaccinated is one of the reasons to travel beyond your 15km bubble. “Though travelling from our more remote areas can be difficult at times, I’d encourage everyone who can to call their GP and see if
● Cr Fiona McAllister
they can make a booking for their shot.” Cr McAllister said that a fully-vaccinated population would mean the return of social gathering, public events and the things that have been put on hold due to restrictions. “I know that lockdowns have had a devastating impact on different parts of the community, from businesses who have had to close or rapidly adapt to restrictions, to kids, teenagers and adults missing out on social interaction and seeing families,” Cr McAllister said. “There are so many things we love that we haven’t been able to do in a while: going to the local pool with the kids; visiting a winery with friends and enjoying some of our world-class produce; stopping in at cafes and stores and losing track of time; barbecues in backyards, weddings and long drives and seeing family. “We’ve had to put those things aside for a while, but there’s an easy way back to friends, family and summer fun – having a community that’s vaccinated, safe and healthy. Cr McAllister encouraged everyone in the community to see if they are eligible, and chat with their doctor if they have concerns. coronavirus.vic.gov.au - Yarra Ranges Shire Council
COVID case at Yea Vet. Hospital
■ The owners of the Yea Veterinary Hospital have advised of COVID cases that attended their High St premises. “We have been informed today that two clients from the same family who visited our practice on Friday (Oct. 15) have subsequently tested positive for COVID 19,” said a statement on social media. “In line with advice from the Victorian Government our clinic is currently closed. All staff members have been tested and are isolating whilst awaiting results. “The contact with these cases occurred at a time when there were no other clients in the clinic. “The premises has been cleaned and at this stage there is no advice for other clients who have attended our clinic between Friday and Monday to be tested. “We are continuing to notify all existing bookings to reschedule appointments as required, so there is no need to phone us. “We are hoping to resume operating on Wednesday (Oct. 20) - but we will provide an update as soon as we receive notification. “For any emergencies, please call the normal clinic number 5797 2333 for directions.” - Yea Veterinary Hospital
● Yea Veterinary Hospital
■ Yarra Ranges Council has voted to endorse the Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2024, which sets out the roadmap for how it will optimise health and wellbeing across the Yarra Ranges over the next four years. The plan identifies seven priorities that will help guide Council in improving health and wellbeing across the municipality, they are: ■ Respond to public health impacts of emergencies ■ Tackle climate change and its impact on health ■ Increase healthy eating ■ Increase active living ■ Improve mental wellbeing and social connection ■ Prevent violence against women and children ■ Reduce harmful alcohol and drug use The plan was developed in consultation with external partners and the community, while discussions with Council’s youth ambassadors and engagement sessions on healthy masculinities and gender equity also helping inform the final plan. During the public exhibition phase of the draft
● Yarra Ranges Shire wants to promote health ans well being. Plan, the Council received feedback from more McAllister said. than 300 community members, which was taken “This document is one of the most important into account before the final Plan was created. that we put together at Council and given the Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Fiona McAllister, impacts of the pandemic and storm event, it is said that a substantial amount of work had been more important than ever. www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Corpoput into the plan. rate-documents/Policies-strategies “The Plan sets out a wonderful roadmap for - Yarra Ranges Shire Council health and wellbeing in the Yarra Ranges,” Cr
Well being in the Yarra Ranges