Local People. Thu., Oct. 21, 2021

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021

COVID HITS YEA SITES COVID Latest Lockdown to lift in metro areas

■ Lockdown and the curfew will lift in restricted areas across Victoria at 11.59pm tonight (Thu.).

For more information on eased restrictions across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, visit https://www.corona virus.vic.gov.au/victorias-roadmap Non-household 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/ safe-and-sensible-isolation-changes-we-hit70-cent The Roadmap provides for a progressive reopening with increased capacity limits across various settings when all attendees are fully vaccinated. This includes workers. The option of increased capacity limits will only apply if everyone present is fully vaccinated (or has a valid medical exemption).

This means if your staff are not fully vaccinated, you may not be able to open or to apply the eased capacity limits offered in the Roadmap. Encourage your workers to get vaccinated as soon as possible. ★ Victoria was notified of 1842 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday. Some 1841 were locally acquired cases and one case was acquired overseas in a returned traveller in hotel quarantine.

There are 22,598 active cases in Victoria.

There are 786 COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. 147 of those cases are in intensive care, with 97 cases on a ventilator.

The Department was notified of 12 deaths on Tuesday.

This brings the total number of deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began to 993.

The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 70,998. ★ A new Schools and Early Learning Centre Outbreak Management Plan has been developed in partnership with the Department of Education and Training.

The plan guides schools and early learning centres on assessing the risk posed by COVID-19 cases, and aims to minimise the impacts to children, students and staff.

If a facility is regularly cleaned in-line with their COVIDSafe plan, then deep cleaning will generally not be required after a case has been present.

Single cases and exposures are unlikely to result in extended school closures, however short closures may be required to assess who has been in contact with the case and to undertake notifications.

Contact with positive cases will be assessed by the nature and location of the contact, whether masks were worn and the vaccination status of the contact.

Only high-risk contacts will be quarantined for either seven or 14-days, depending on their vaccination status. ★ On Tuesday, 38,881 vaccine doses were administered by Victoria’s state-commissioned services.

The total number of doses administered through state-run services is 4,273,258. ● Turn To Page 2

COVID Latest Tests in Yea

■ Yea Hospital will be available to provide swab tests from 9am Thursday by appointment on 0428 618 994, said a message from Yea Medical Centre.

“YMC will resume in -clinic appointments on Friday following a deep environmental clean,” said a statement on social media.

Thursday’s Pfizer clinic will be rescheduled to either Friday or Monday/Tuesday; all patients will be notified.

“We apologise for the inconvenience to our patients,” said a YMC representative.

- Yea Medical Centre ● Royal Mail Hotel, Yea. ■ Three Yea sites have been prompt in advising the public of their exposure to a positive COVID case.

The Royal Mail Hotel in Yea posted on social media: “Dear valued customers and community, It’s with great regret that we are informing you that we are a Tier 1 COVID site.

“As of Sunday (Oct. 17) anyone who has entered the building is highly encouraged to get tested and isolate as soon as possible.

“We are working hard with following what the Department of Health is telling us. We will be closed for the time being and undergo deep cleaning.

“At this time we are unsure who is classed at a Tier 1 or 2, but will keep everyone updated once we know.” ★ The Provender Bakery, also in High St, sent this message: “To our valued customers and the community of Yea. We have been notified of a positive case of COVID-19 at our bakery.

“We will be in contact with the DHHS tomorrow (Thu.) and will follow all instructions given to us. ● Provender Bakery, Yea. “We will be closed until further notice whilst importantly, we would like to wish the much we undergo a deep clean and are cleared by loved members of our community that have DHHS to safely reopen. contracted the virus a very speedy recovery.”

“Our staff have been notified and will un★ dergo testing and the necessary quarantine peYea Medical Centre commented: “Unforturiod as advised, based on who is deemed to be a nately Yea Medical Centre has been subject to close contact. another positive covid exposure. Friday (Oct. “We urge any customer that was in our bak- 15) between 11:45 am and 12:45pm. Patients ery between Wednesday (Oct. 13) and Satur- who attended the clinic during this time frame day (Oct. 16) to get tested, isolate until your will be contacted tonight or tomorrow and adresult and monitor for symptoms. vised to have a covid swab test as soon as can “We will provide any further updates as nec- be arranged and isolate until advised otherwise.” essary as we work through this. Lastly but most - Local health professionals

Some spots listed

■ The Yea exposure sites were yet to appear on the State Government’s public exposure site listings when this edition of Local People went to press early on Thursday morning (Oct. 21).

Other sites in the region included: ■ Avenel. Imperial Hotel Avenel - Hop Back Brewery. 17 Mitchell St. Tier 1.

■ Thomastown. Greek Orthodox Church Of Thomastown - The Transfiguration of Our Lord. 45 Poplar St. Tier 1.

■ Watsonia North. Grimshaw Street Early Learning Centre. 292 Grimshaw St. Tier 1.

- Department oif Health and local health professionals

House available

■ The Whittlesea Community House is still operating and able to help you. The house may be physically closed, but help is still available remotely Monday – Thursdays 10am -3pm.

You can contact the Community House

by Phone: 9716 3361, Facebook Whittlesea Community House or on their website.

Some activities like Crafternoons, Choir, Yoga and the Community Garden are still operating by zoom – just give the House a call to find out how you can be involved.

With the anticipated changes to restrictions many more activities will resume: ■ First Aid - October 30 ■ Walking group - Wednesdays at 10am commencing November 10 ■ Digital Literacy – Tuesdays at 9.30am commencing November 9 (six weeks) ■ Crafternoons – Monday 1pm-3pm ★ The Whittlesea Community House will hold itsAnnual General Meeting at 1pm on Thursday, October 21 (by zoom) For further information contact the Community House by phone: 9716 3361.

- Megan Smithwick

Grants for clubs

● Yea Medical Centre, Yea.

■ A number of local sporting clubs are recipients of the AFLMetro - NFNLTAC Club Rewards.

These include Heidelberg West Football Netball Club, Darebin Womens Sports Club, Thomastown FNC, Bundoora FNC, Whittlesea JFC, St Mary’s Senior FNC, Watsonia Sporting Club, Kilmore FNC, Eltham FC and VU Western Spurs Women’s FC. - Whittlesea Junior Football Club

Page 2 - The Local Paper - Thursday, October 21, 2021

COVID Latest ● From Page One

Lockdown to lift 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 ★ Data on Victorian Coronavirus cases is available at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ victorian-coronavirus-covid-19-data There are currently more than 63,500 active primary close contacts in isolation in Victoria. ★ All Local Government Areas in the Greater Sydney region – including Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Shellharbour and Wollongong – are now orange zones.

All Local Government Areas in the remainder of regional New South Wales, plus Jervis Bay Territory, have moved from red/ orange zones to green zones.

In addition, Broken Hill in New South Wales and Shepparton in Victoria has rejoined the New South Wales-Victoria crossborder community area.

The ACT remains an orange zone.

These changes came into effect at the same time as broader changes to Victoria’s travel permit system announced last week: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/permitoverhaul-make-safe-border-changes This means that if you have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and you have been in the Sydney area (which is now an orange zone), you can enter Victoria on an orange zone permit without any quarantine or testing requirements.

People who are not fully vaccinated entering on an orange zone permit must isolate on arrival, get tested within 72 hours, and stay isolated until they receive a negative result.

Information has been published online at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ victorian-travel-permit-system People travelling to Victoria must follow all Chief Health Officer Directions in place while in Victoria. ★ Testing: 78,928 COVID-19 tests were processed in Victoria.

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. Operating hours and wait times will vary.

- Department oif Health and local health professionals

Rural Aid helps

■ Rural Aid is helping fill the agricultural worker shortage created by border closures and travel restrictions.

Rural Aid’s Farm Army website provides a platform where volunteers and workers apply for jobs that are listed by farmers needing a hand.

Since 2015, thousands of volunteers and workers have found meaningful work on Aussie farms through the Farm Army site.

The site has undergone an upgrade, making it easier than ever to find workers.

South East Queensland pumpkin grower Pauline has had several volunteers help on her property after a tough few years dealing with flood, drought, mouse plague, personal injury and covid-19.

“We couldn’t find any help. We would normally employ people but with the mouse plague here, the mice were eating our pumpkins faster than we could get them picked.

We tried to find local workers but we couldn’t get backpackers and nobody could take us up on the paid work. We found it really difficult,” she said.

“With the Farm Army, we have had someone who was able to come and help us pick.

It was life-saver. Just to have another person on deck for my husband to work with... it just made such a difference to us.”

- John Warlters

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Local People: 2

Bonus for those doing it tough ■ The State Government is encouraging people doing it tough to apply for the one-off $250 Power Saving Bonus.

Mill Park MLA Lily D’Ambrosio, as Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate yesterday (Wed.) announced that 300,000 payments, totalling $76.6 million, had been made to Victorians since the program was established 12 months ago.

Eligible households include those receiving payments through the Pension Concession, JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance programs, or who hold a Department of Veterans’Affairs Gold Card.

The program provides a $250 payment to those who need it most with the payment typically transferred electronically into bank accounts or provided by cheque on request.

People who may not have a computer or need help applying can get help through community outreach partners - Brotherhood of St. Laurence, Consumer Policy Research Centre, Good Shepherd and Neighbourhood House, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, Consumer Action Law Centre and State Trustees Limited.

The Power Saving Bonus is part of the

● Lily D’Ambrosio, Mill Park MLA

‘There are still many Victorian households who are eligible for help with their energy bills through this bonus’ Government’s $797 million household energy affordability package. It is delivered through the Victorian Energy Compare website which helps people find the best energy deal, with data showing seven out of every ten users save money by switching – typically saving around $330 a year.

The program closes January 31. To apply for the bonus visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au. If you need assistance with your application phone 1800 000 832.

“There are still many Victorian households who are eligible for help with their energy bills through this bonus and I encourage everyone who needs help to apply,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“This one-off $250 payment provides immediate financial relief for those struggling to pay their power bills.”

“We want to help as many vulnerable households as we can - whether that’s through a quick call with the Victorian Energy Compare helpline or by a visit to one of program partners.”

- Lily D’Ambrosio

Survey for W’sea residents

■ The annual City of Whittlesea Household Survey will be making its way to 3000 homes around the municipality in the coming weeks.

The households selected to participate in the survey will be asked to answer 55 questions about a range of topics, including their housing, health and wellbeing, employment, and community participation.

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the City of Whittlesea Household Survey is like a local version of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census.

“The ABS’ nation-wide Census collects information to help the federal and state governments know which services to invest in and where,” Ms Wilson said.

“Our survey helps Council to understand the backgrounds and challenges of a representative sample of our residents.

“The information we collect then guides the delivery of Council services and programs, including the location of new community buildings or the demand for maternal child and health, positive ageing, youth and other services in different areas of the municipality.

“Households that have been randomly selected to participate will be receiving their survey by post in the coming weeks.

“Responses are confidential and the data will be compiled into anonymous statistics. A full report of the results will be published on Council’s website early next year.

“I really encourage you to participate in the survey if you receive one. Your contribution will help to ensure your community has access to the services it needs, when it needs them and that we constantly review and improve the way we do things,” Ms Wilson said.

- Whittlesea City Council

Fix It Friday

● Lydia Wilson, Whittlesea Council

■ Help is at hand this month - via phone at Fix it Friday with the Whittlesea Community House.

The Whittlesea Community House has a free service for all issues/problems/enquires related to: Legal, Social work, Centrelink, My Aged Care, NDIS, no Interest Loans Scheme, Uniting financial counselling, Lift Mental Health program, Victims Assistance Program and Yan Yean electoral issues.

To register Phone 97163361. All calls will be triaged through the Community House.

- Megan Smithwick

First splash at Indoor Pool

● Local ladies enjoyed their first splash this week at the Alexandra Inddor Pool. Contributed.

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The Local Paper - Thursday, October 21, 2021 - Page 3

Local People: 3

Nod to top volunteers ■ Nominations are now open for the 2021 Volunteering Awards, which celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Victoria’s hard-working volunteers.

The awards are an opportunity to recognise the incredible support volunteers have given to others during a difficult year – whether it’s delivering essential food relief and medical supplies or helping seniors video call loved ones, volunteers are the backbone of our community and we say thank you.

The efforts of volunteers, leaders and organisations will be recognised across eight awards categories, including for leadership, service, impact and teamwork. ““If you know a volunteer doing extraordinary work, I encourage you to nominate them so we can celebrate their important achievements,” said Monbulk MLA James Merlino is his role as Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers.

Ivanhoe MLA Anthony Carbines, Parliamentary Secretary, said: ““Victoria’s volunteers have made a huge impact in our community during the pandemic, selflessly helping others in our community.”

A highlight is the Premier’s Volunteer of the

● James Merlino, Monbulk MLA

Year, who is recognised with the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award. The winner will receive a $10,000 prize to donate to a not-for-profit organisation of their choice.

This year Volunteering Victoria will combine its awards with the Victorian Government’s Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards.

Nominations for the 2021 Volunteering Awards will close on January 14. Finalists will be announced on February 23 and winners will be acknowledged at an official ceremony in March.

For more information or to nominate someone, visit volunteeringvictoria.org.au/events/ volunteering-awards-2021 Following consultation with volunteers and community organisations, the Government is currently developing a Victorian Volunteer Strategy which will underpin efforts to ensure volunteers are supported and make volunteering more “More than 2.3 million Victorians participate in volunteering. It is important we celebrate these enormous contributions and continue to support the efforts of volunteers and organisations alikem” said Scott Miller, Volunteering Victoria Chief Executive.

- James Merlino

● Cr Rick Garotti

grant to go to the Somali Australian Council Of Victoria.

“He also manipulated the process, by lobbying ministers and ministerial advisers for SACOV to receive the funds.

“IBAC heard SACOV was a ‘recruiting ground’, and its president, Hussein Haraco, who was also the head of Labor's Heidelberg branch, would sign up and often pay for Somali Australians to become members of the party.

“Cr Garotti admitted to lobbying then gambling minister Marlene Kairouz for a $100,000 grant under the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.

“The inquiry heard Dr Haraco, who was a factional ally of Cr Garotti and Ms Kairouz, received $75,000 of the grant for SACOV, and pocketed nearly the entire amount.

“Financial records presented to the hearing reveal more than $50,000 was paid for wages and salaries, $6,000 on admin and $7,000 for a video, which was actually paid directly to Dr Haraco.

“Counsel assisting IBAC, Chris Carr SC, told the inquiry that Dr Haraco also received all the wages,” said the ABC report.

- ABC

● Allison Beckwith, Banyule CEO

“However, BRAG is deeply shocked at the revelations from IBAC Operation Watts and the interrogation of Mayor Cr Rick Garotti concerning alleged corrupt behaviour involving the process of allocating State Government and Council grants to community groups.

“BRAG agrees with and respects Cr. Garotti’s decision to step down from Council pro tem pending the conclusion of the IBAC Operation Watts enquiry.

“BRAG calls on the State Government to immediately appoint a Commissioner or Municipal Inspector from the Local Government Inspectorate to assist the Banyule Council CEO to investigate and report on the Council’s governance processes from 2016 onwards.

“BRAG demands a full inquiry into grants given to SACOV (Somali Australia Council of Victoria) and the Himolo project, other community grants, budget grants and the overall grants system by BCC since 2016 which must include a full audit from an independent forensic auditor.

- Kevan Hill, President Banyule Ratepayers Action Group Inc.

Banyule Mayor stands aside

■ No statement about the situation of Banyule City Mayor Cr Rick Garotti could be found on the Council’s website when this edition of The Local Paper went to pressearly on Thursday morning (Oct. 21).

There are unconfirmed reports that Cr Garotti has stood aside from the top position at the Council.

A corruption inquiry has heard Cr Garottio successfully lobbied for State Government grants to be given to a community group to reward factional work, with the leader then pocketing significant portions of the taxpayer funds, said the ABC. “Rick Garotti said he lied about the Council's intention for a $100,000 State Government grant He said the money went to a community group that would sign up ALP members “Most of the taxpayer funds were pocketed by the group's leader, Hussein Haraco, IBAC heard “IBAC is investigating the misuse of taxpayer money and community grants in the Victorian branch of the ALP.” Cr Garotti, former Labor Heidelberg branch secretary, admitted to lying about the Council's intention for a $100,000 State Government

‘Shocked at IBAC claims’

■ “Since its incorporation on August 16, 2018 Banyule Ratepayers Action Group Inc. has been deeply involved in holding Councillors and Council staff accountable, particularly relating to financial matters,” said Kevan Hill.

Vax at Bundoora

■ Bundoora Secondary College is hosting a temporary pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic this weekend for people of all abilities. You can walk-in or make a booking.

The sessions will be held: Friday, October 22, 4pm - 7.30pm. Saturday-Sunday October 23-24, 10.30am- 5.30pm.

The College is at 53 Balmoral Avem Bundoora.

First and second dose, Pfizer or Astra Zeneca, will be administered.

To book online visit portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine for more information.

- Whittlesea City Council

Local Briefs Public unwelcome

■ The Banyule Council meeting for Monday (Oct. 25) will stream live from 7pm on the City’s web page and via Facebook.

“Health and safety are our top priorities, and to ensure compliance with the Victorian Government's COVID-19 restrictions for gatherings, members of the public must not attend the meeting,” said a Council representative.

“No provisions are made to accommodate members of the public. We are keeping the meeting open and accessible online.

“The live stream allows you to tune in at any time and rewatch any point of the public meeting at your convenience wherever you have internet access. It will not be interactive,” said the Council statement.

- Banyule City Council

No waste cooking

■ Murrindindi Council, together with Open Table, is offering a free webinar series to Murrindindi Shire residents.

There will be two educational cooking classes that focus on innovative yet simple ways to reduce household food waste.

The first session is at 7 pm on Thursday (Oct. 21), where participants will learn about creative ways to make frittata.

This is followed by another session at 11 am on Saturday (Oct. 23), which will focus on Quick Pickled Vegetables.

The facilitator will also share helpful tips and tricks about reducing food waste and how to keep food fresher for longer.

Bookings are essential and there are limited places.

- Murrindindi Shire Council

Digital proof

■ If you do not have a smartphone, and you are unsure on how to provide proof of your vaccination, Services Australia can help.

Call Services Australia on 1800 653 809 Ask them to send your Immunisation History Statement to you. It can take up to 14 days to arrive in the post.

Alternatively, you can print your COVID19 digital vaccination certificate located on the home page of your MyGov account.

Venues participating in the vaccinated economy trials may ask to see proof that you have checked in and proof of vaccination. When you show your check-in confirmation screen, they'll see your vaccination status if you have linked your COVID-19 digital certificate to your Service Victoria app.

The confirmation screen will show a green tick to show that you have checked in, your name and the words valid certificate.

Businesses cannot keep or store this information.

Other eligible proofs of vaccination include a COVID-19 digital certificate in your smartphone wallet, a paper-copy of your Immunisation History Statement or an eligible proof of exemption.

Children age 16 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter venues, except those with medical exemptions.

Children under 16 do not need to be vaccinated, but must be accompanied by fully vaccinated adults.

- Banyule City Council

Moderna is here

■ Moderna vaccine appointments are now available through local pharmacies in the City of Whittlesea for people aged 12 to 59 years. Find your nearest pharmacy and book at Find A Community Pharmacy (findapharmacy.com.au) Locals can book Astra Zeneca and Pfizer vaccines by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or using the online booking system.

Residents can book at a GP via the Commonwealth Eligibility Checker Vaccines Clinic Finder (healthdirect.gov.au) - Megan Southwick ● Go to the ‘Subscribe’ section at www.LocalPaper.com.au to register for free emailed copies of this paper.

Page 4 - The Local Paper - Thursday, October 21, 2021

Govt. backflip

■ Victorian small businesses continue to face an uncertain future as the Andrews Labor Government backflips on critical support for outdoor street trading costs, says David Southwick.

He says the Government ridiculed the idea of delivering support, then days later, announced a new funding package paying up to $800,000 to municipal governments“so councils can provide immediate assistance to businesses to operate outdoors”.

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

‘Victory for North-East’

■ Indi MHR Helen Haines has declared “victory for Benalla” after this week’s announcement from the Australian Rail Track Corporation that it will ditch their plans to build a massive new road bridge in the heart of Benalla and instead deliver the community-backed option to redevelop the station precinct.

The ARTC had originally planned to demolish the Mackellar St Bridge at Benalla station and to replace it with an even larger bridge to allow larger double-stacked freight trains to run on the North East Line as part of the Inland Rail project.

Many in the Benalla community had concerns with the ARTC’s proposal and developed an alternative plan – re-aligning the railway track, demolishing the Mackellar St overpass and redeveloping the entire station precinct for greater safety, accessibility and amenity.

Dr Haines said that the announcement that the community-backed option will now be delivered was the culmination of two years of dedicated campaigning from the Benalla community.

“When I first started meeting with the ARTC two years ago, they told me their road bridge proposal for Mackellar St was a done deal, and

● Dr Helen Haines, Indi MHR

the community proposals would be too expensive and could never happen. The fact we have turned that around is a testament to the power of the community campaign we pulled together,” Dr Haines said.

Dr Haines said the fact the announcement from the ARTC came so soon after the consultation opened showed the strength of community sentiment.

“Just three weeks ago, the ARTC told me they would not be making a decision on the final design for Benalla until next year.

“But the level of community support for the track re-alignment and the redevelopment of the station precinct has clearly been completely overwhelming.

“I’ve been persistent in making the case to Government that they have to listen to the community in Benalla, they cannot simply come into our community and force things onto us. That advocacy to Government has worked.

Dr Haines said that while the announcement is a significant step, the community campaign has to keep up pressure to make sure the outcome delivered is top quality.

- Sally Whyte

● Dr Liz Walker

Winners for the fictional story are: Cruze Marsh - “Being part of the RSPCA Pawsome Stories Competition was amazing!

The best part was meeting the judges (Andy Griffiths and Cam Macintosh) and Dr Liz Walker online! We got to ask questions about what it would be like if we were to become an author and what it would be like to protect and look after animals. It was a great opportunity. I thank the all the organisers for encouraging the writers of the future. I hope everyone will continue to support all the brilliant work RSPCA does for animals in our community.”

Evalena Dimond – “Participating in the Pawsome Stories competition was wonderful, as both writing and animal welfare are important to me. It was very exciting meeting and having my work read by professional authors.

There were challenges, at first it was difficult to come up with an idea, and I had a bit of trouble sticking to the page limit, but I figured it out and the competition was really fun and an excellent learning experience, I definitely think I've grown as a writer.”

Oliver Oswald – “The Pawsome Stories competition was amazing, I really enjoyed writing ‘The Secret Dragon’ and hope I can write another story like that.”

- RSPCA

‘Pawsome’ is awesome

■ Back by popular demand, RSPCA Victoria’s Pawsome Stories writing competition has been received with overwhelming enthusiasm for the second year.

Some 345 applications resultied in six Victorian children winning writing awards for their animal stories.

The recipients of this year’s Pawsome Stories Awards were announced via a live webinar to an audience of more than 200 primary school students and their families.

RSPCA Victoria’s Pawsome Stories invited Victorian children in grades three to six to put their writing skills to the test, asking participants to write either a fictional story about rescuing an animal, or a persuasive essay to answer the question, ‘If you could change one thing in the world to improve animals’ lives, what would it be and why?’

This year’s Pawsome Stories applications were reviewed by two of Australia’s most renowned children’s authors, Andy Griffiths, and Cameron Macintosh, who joined RSPCA Victoria’s CEO Dr Liz Walker on the judging panel.

Andy Griffiths said he was incredibly impressed with the calibre of the written work he reviewed.

Cash must go to businesses

■ The Andrews Labor Government must ensure that its outdoor trading support scheme announced this week goes to small businesses and not local council coffers, says Richard Riordan, Shadow Minister for Local Government.

“After nearly two years of lockdowns and tight restrictions, retail and hospitality businesses across Melbourne and regional Victoria urgently need support to get back on their feet,” said a State Opposition spokesman.

The Liberal Nationals next week will debate its Local Government Amendment Bill which seeks to suspend any new and increased fees and charges until end of financial year 2025.

This would ensure local councils do not charge increased fees and charges to small business, helping to support the recovery of thousands of Victorian businesses.

“Concerningly, the government’s announcement only‘encouraged’ local councils to waive permit fees and charges and does not guarantee the promised money will go where it is needed.

“The Andrews Labor Government must also rule out massive fee hikes to CBD traders who will rely on outdoor dining areas.

“This follows the City of Melbourne and the

‘The outdoor trading support scheme needs go to to small businesses and not local council coffers’

● Richard Riordan

City of Yarra’s decision to charge in excess of $5000 per year for ‘parklet dining’ starting early next year.

“The CBD, regional tourism and hospitality businesses are desperate to recover and the Andrews Labor Government must ensure that funds godirectly to those in dire need of help.”

Mr Riordan said.

“Local councils and the government should be doing everything in their power to revitalise community organisations, businesses and regions that have suffered so much through repeated lockdowns and strict restrictions.

“We need to ensure the money gets to where it needs to be, supporting businesses and workers, not propping up local council balance sheets.”

- Richard Riordan