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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021
Local News Lockdown lifts
■ Regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne came out of many lockdown restrictions early today (Fri.). Victoria authorities announced 2235 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday (Thu.). 2232 were locally acquired cases and three cases were acquired overseas in returned travellers in hotel quarantine. There are 22,889 active cases in Victoria. There are 779 COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. 141 of those cases are in intensive care, with 96 cases on a ventilator. The Department of Health was notified of 12 deaths yesterday. This brings the total number of deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began to 1,005. The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 73,151. Victoria yesterday reached its 70 per cent double dose vaccination target. While information on COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Directions can be found at Information for industry and workers required to be vaccinated, all businesses are also urged to review their employee vaccination requirements against Victoria’s Roadmap. 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, said government authorities. Non-household primary close contacts who are fully vaccinated only need now to quarantine for seven days. Updated isolation protocols will be in place for new and existing close contacts who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and who don’t live in the same house as someone who has COVID-19. A close contact is a person who has come into contact with someone who has COVID19 (such as at work or a public exposure site) and has to quarantine. Under the new protocols, non-household primary close contacts who are fully vaccinated will only need to quarantine for 7 days, instead of 14. To be released, they will need to return negative test results from a test taken on day 6 of their quarantine. Household and/or unvaccinated PCCs will still be required to isolate for 14 days. This includes children and people who have a medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccination, due to the high risk of transmission in households. People who are identified as close contacts will receive an interactive SMS to determine their eligibility for the reduced sevenday quarantine. Verification and audit measures will be in place, including checking against immunisation records. If the contact is eligible for the seven day quarantine period, they will be informed of their quarantine length and sent a subsequent test reminder by SMS to get tested on day 6. If a negative test result is received from a test taken on day 6, the contact can leave quarantine from 11:59pm on day 7 of their quarantine period. The Department will today (Fri.) send an SMS to approximately 23,000 existing primary close contacts who it determines may be eligible for reduced quarantine. ● Turn To Page 2
WHITTLESEA TO LEAD WAY ON MENTAL HEALTH
■ Whittlesea will be one of the first areas to open new local adult mental health services. The Victorian Government says it is making sure all Victorians get the care they need sooner and closer to their families and communities, with work continuing on the development of new local adult mental health services. James Merlino, Minister for Mental Health, yesterday (Thu.) announced the tender process is now open for the first six fast-tracked new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services - aimed at bringing vital support services closer to communities. Benalla, Brimbank, Frankston, Greater Geelong, the Latrobe Valley and Whittlesea will be the first areas to open these new local services by late 2022, in a rolling program that will see up to 60 services implemented across Victoria. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommended 50 to 60 new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services be established across Victoria by the end of 2026. These services will act as a ‘front door’ to the reformed mental health system - connecting Victorians to the care they need in their own community, focusing on prevention and early intervention for adults who are experiencing mental illness or psychological distress as well as treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. To build a new mental health and wellbeing system from the ground up that meets the needs of all Victorians, the Victorian Budget 2021-22 invested a record $3.8 billion in mental health and wellbeing services and support. “We are building a new mental health system from the ground up - one that is responsive,
Local News October 29?
■ This morning’s Herald Sun (Fri.) floats the suggestion that 80 per cent double vaccination rate may be reached by Friday next week (Oct.29). This could allow a lifting of restrictions prior to the Melbourne Cup Holiday Weekend. This would mean: ■ Metro/regional border ditched and statewide travel allowed ■ Capacity increased to 150 people indoors for hospitality venues ■ Indoor entertainment venues, theatres and cinemas reopen ■ Masks off outdoors ■ Indoor retail opens ■ Indoor pools, gyms open ■ Community sport resumes ■ Weddings and funerals can have 150 people indoors and 500 outdoors. - Herald Sun
Blew .313: Police
■ Police intercepted an alleged drink driver in Reservoir on Wednesday night (Oct. 20). Officers responded after numerous called to Triple Zero (000) alerting to them to an erratic driver about 9pm. The grey Toyota sedan was stopped in Chaleyer St by Police and the 59-year-old male driver from Reservoir returned a positive evidentiary breath test of .313, Police say. His vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of just over $800. The man’s licence was immediately suspended, and he is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving. - Victoria Police
MP’s office hit
● James Merlino tailored and localised that meets the needs of all Victorians no matter where they live,” Mr Merlino said. “These new local services will transform the way we deliver treatment, care and support for Victorians with mental illness and psychological distress – giving them easy-to-access local services and support within their community.”
Patrols active as lockdown lifts
■ Northern Metropolitan MLC Fiona Patten’s office was vandalised. Ms Patten said: “Last night my office was vandalised. Replacing the front windows – the glue used can not be removed, will waste thousands of taxpayer dollars. “This attack comes amid the social media pause I and my staff announced recently. That pause reflected our disdain for the way in which people feel they can behave behind the anonymity offered by these platforms. “We said we would be back on the various open media applications and sites when we’re ready. Well, we’re getting ready and will update you in coming days. “My office and I regularly receive horrific abuse. It is so sad people feel they can behave like that yet wish to be treated with decency. We will always here show people the decency and respect they deserve. “Abuse – verbal, written, vandalism – is not acceptable. Vigorous public discussion about ideas and policies is magnificent. We choose to focus on the positive aspects, and are going to go straight to the community with our message, as well, of course, continuing to engage fully with mainstream media. “I know this has been a challenging two years for everyone. Extremists will never stop my efforts to make life better and fairer for all Victorians. And yes, even trolls,” Ms Patten said. - Michael Short
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● As lockdown restrictions partly lift, the Transit North Tasking Team are spending the day in and around the Greensborough Plaza, patrolling the transport hubs. They say they will continue to patrol the transport hubs attached to shopping precincts such as the Plaza. Photo: Crime Watch Victoria
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Page 2 - The Local Paper - Friday, October 22, 2021
COVID Latesty ● From Page One
Lockdown lifts The SMS will ask if you are fully vaccinated and if you live with a confirmed case. Should a response to the message not be received, you may receive a phone call to verify. The SMS will advise contacts of their reduced quarantine period and new day 6 testing requirements. It will state: “You must have a negative test result on day 6 of your quarantine period to be able to finish quarantine. Once you receive your negative test result you can stop quarantining at 11.59pm on your day 7. If you are already past day 6 of your quarantine period, you can get tested immediately and will be free to leave quarantine as soon as you get your negative test result.” When relevant Chief Health Officer Directions come into place at 11.59pm, this information will be published online at What to do if you are a close contact of a person diagnosed with COVID-19. ★ On Wednesday, 37,824 vaccine doses were administered by Victoria’s state-commissioned services. The total number of doses administered through state-run services is 4,311,454. Victoria surpassed the 90 per cent rate for first dose vaccinations in people aged 16 years and over. This means we are on track to become one of the most highly vaccinated jurisdictions in the world. While the current high rate of vaccination is encouraging, the government is continuing its efforts to boost vaccination rates in Local Government Areas with lower coverage by hosting mini pop-up clinics to remove any remaining barriers to vaccine access. As part of this push, 30 vaccination centres across will open to walk-up Pfizer appointments with no booking required and nine pop-up clinics will launch in partnership with youth mental health organisation, headspace. This weekend there will be 17 school popup vaccination sites in key suburbs and towns, including Cranbourne West, Epping, Frankston North, Melton, Mildura and Box Hill. There are more than 500,000 second doses to go to reach the 80 per cent double dose vaccination target. 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 the Australian Government Department of Health website The Government announced a boost to mental health services as the state recovers from the pandemic. 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. There are currently more than 65,600 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. The ACT remains an orange zone. - Department of Health and local health professionals
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Local People: 2
Diamo pool set to re-open ■ The Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool is set to make a big splash when it reopens to the public today (Fri., Oct. 22). This follows the Victorian Government’s easing of some COVID-19 restrictions. The pool will operate in line with current Victorian Government COVID-19 guidelines including a venue capacity limit of 50 fully-vaccinated swimmers at any one time. To help manage this limit, non-essential spectators will not permitted. All patrons aged 16 and over will be required to provide proof of their vaccination status or exemption each time they visit before being permitted entry. To speed up entry the Pool encourages visitors to link their vaccination record to the Services Victoria app on their mobile phone. Instructions on how to do this and how to access vaccination records can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-your-covid-19-digital-certificate This is uncharted territory for everyone and so visitors’ patience and understanding is requested as the Aligned Leisure staff, who manage this facility on Nillumbik Council’s behalf, do their part to comply with the rules as set by
● Diamond Creek Pool
the State Government. The pool will operate modified hours for the first two weeks of opening with a return to normal seasonal pool operating hours from Wednesday, November 3. Showers and change rooms will be closed, but access to toilets will remain available. Face masks are required for all visitors aged over 12, except in the pool. The Pool management is excited to welcome everyone back to the pool and says it will continue to update on the latest restrictions and guidelines. For full details on the reopening, new visitor requirements and opening hours, please visit the Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool website. Nillumbik Council’s other leisure facilities – Eltham Leisure Centre, Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre, Diamond Creek Community Centre and Community Bank Stadium Diamond Creek, remain closed until the Council receives further advice from the Victorian Government. “We will keep you updated as the situation evolves. For more information on changes to Council services and facilities, please go to nillumbik.vic.gov.au/COVID-19 - Nillumbik Shire Council
Arrests over hoon meetings
■ North West Metro Region police have charged two males this week following illegal hoon meets and unregistered dirt bike riding in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The arrests come as part of Operation Achilles, the state-wide operation targeting illegal hoon driving across the state. Highway patrol officers and local police from the North West Metro Region executed two search warrants this week at different addresses in Reservoir, arresting two males. A 24-year-old Reservoir male was arrested on Tuesday (Oct. 19) in relation to an investigation into multiple illegal hoon meets across Epping and Thomastown. He was subsequently charged with reckless conduct endangering persons, driving in a dangerous manner and improper use of a motor vehicle. He was bailed to appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on March 15. On Wednesday, Police arrested a 20-yearold Reservoir male in relation to an investigation into unregistered dirt bike riding in the Hume area. He was charged with reckless conduct endangering persons, driving in a dangerous manner, unlicensed driving and driving an unregistered vehicle. He was bailed to appear at the
‘The arrests come as part of Operation Achilles, the state-wide operation targeting illegal hoon driving across the state’
Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on May 24. The investigation into the illegal hoon meet remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to report this to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Operation Achilles Acting Senior Sergeant Dean Pickering said: “Operation Achilles remains very active and we will continue to hold high risk driving offenders to account. “The easing of Victoria’s coronavirus restrictions are not an invitation to attend and participate in illegal hoon driving – the community can be assured we will have a strong and visible presence to deter this activity. “Where arrests are not made on the spot, police are continuing to thoroughly investigate in the aftermath of the event to ensure offenders are identified and charged where appropriate.” - Victoria Police
Police prove sex assault
■ Fawkner Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are appealing for public assistance after a woman was sexually assaulted in Greenvale. Investigators have been told a 25-year-old Greenvale woman was walking along a track on Kirkham Drive about 7.45pm on October 13. As she walked past Kinloch Grove and headed towards Somerton Rd a man started following her. He sexually assaulted her before running off along Kinloch Grove and was last seen running down Castlehill Avenue. The offender is described as late teens to early twenties and with a tanned complexion. He was wearing a black jacket with green inner, black t-shirt, grey pants with a stripe and black shoes. Investigators have released CCTV of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their enquires. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au - Victoria Police
Banyule Mayor on ‘leave of absence’
● Police want to speakl with this man
■ Cr Rick Garotti has informed Banyule Council that he has taken a leave of absence from his role as councillor for personal reasons, effective immediately and has stepped down as Mayor. Banyule CEO, Allison Beckwith said, “a number of concerning reports have emerged from the IBAC hearings, which was addressed by Cr Garotti in recent days. I can appreciate this is a challenging time for Cr Garotti and I respect his decision to step down.” Deputy Mayor, Cr Tom Melican, acknowledged that while the hearings relate to Cr Garotti’s role as a member of the Labor Party, the matters dealt with have raised concerns in the local community. Cr Melican said, “We have received a number of enquiries from residents. While Cr Garotti has decided to vacate his post for the time being, this will allow the remaining eight councillors to keep focused on the important work we do in supporting the community.” - Banyule Council
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The Local Paper - Friday, October 22, 2021 - Page 3
Local People: 3
McLeish calls for repairs
■ The State Labor Government has missed the perfect opportunity to ensure key tourism facilities in Warburton were in excellent and safe operating order, ready for visitors as the harsh lockdown ends. Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish called on the government to make urgent repairs as the condition of several facilities in Warburton are not in a fit state to handle the certain influx of tourism numbers. Speaking in Parliament, Ms McLeish said, “There are fears from the Community Economic Development Association that these facilities, which should have been repaired when there were no visitors, will have to be closed as the visitors return.” Ms McLeish called for the stunning redwood bridge in Warburton to be fully repaired and functional, the damaged trestle bridge on the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail be repaired and fallen trees removed, and the works at the Redwoods forest, including installation of promised toilets are completed. The huge influx of tourists expected over the coming weekends to the area will be most welcomed by the Upper Yarra. The Upper Yarra is no different to other parts
● Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA of Victoria where the businesses and prosperity “We need to ensure visitors have a great exof the region have taken a huge hit due to perience, that there is minimal disruption and COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions. “The closure of tourist sites would ultimately risks to the public are minimised,” Ms McLeish affect business and hospitality trade in said. Warburton and surrounding areas. - Talin Hadlow
■ A Hurstbridge man won $1 million in Wednesday night’s Lotto. “Holy hell! I still can’t believe this. One million dollars! This is unreal. I want to cry!” When asked how he planned to enjoy his million-dollar win, the hardworking man admitted he already had a few ideas. “I have decided I want a new car and my wife has been dreaming of a new kitchen, so we will do that too,” he explained. “I have worked hard all of my life in very extreme conditions. And I have been in this line of work for over 50 years, so I can’t wait to retire. “I just want to live the good life now.” His winning 50-game QuickPick entry was purchased at Hurstbridge Newsagency, 800 Main Rd, Hurstbridge. Hurstbridge Newsagency owner Poovan Sivalingam said he was thrilled for his local customer. “I am very glad! It’s put us on the map as an outlet that sells big winning entries, which is amazing,” he said. “We are so happy for the winner. We wish him all the best and hope he can use his prize in many great ways. “All of our customers have been so excited
for us and have congratulated us on this big moment. It’s great for our small community. “Hopefully, this is the start of a winning streak.” The winning numbers in Monday and Wednesday Lotto draw 4123 on Wednesday (Oct. 20) were 14, 43, 41, 9, 21 and 31, while the supplementary numbers were 3 and 22. Across Australia, there were three division one winning entries in Monday and Wednesday Lotto – one each from New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 364 so far this calendar year, including 133 won by Tatts customers. In the 12 months to June 30, Monday and Wednesday Lotto created 95 millionaires across Australia. During this time, there were 102 Division One winning Monday and Wednesday Lotto entries across Australia, which collectively won $101 million. - Lauren Cooney
● Joh Barber and father Arnold
Stroke Foundation Victoria State Manager Eamonn O’Toole said one million strokes each year globally are linked to physical inactivity. “Our No Postcode Untouched research indicates that in any given week, 12 per cent of Australians are not doing any physical activity. In the McEwen federal electorate, it’s estimated more than 17,000 people are not moving enough,” Mr O’Toole said. “I thank Joh for getting involved in Stride4Stroke and leading by example. Boosting your daily moving minutes can make a difference to prevent stroke and other chronic disease. “I hope her story inspires others in the community to sign up. It’s not too late.” Stride4Stroke is open to anyone who would like to get active – at a safe distance and within coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic guidelines. Participants are encouraged to set an activity goal to increase their daily ‘moving minutes’. Every dollar raised through Stride4Stroke will have an enormous impact. It will help Stroke Foundation prevent stroke, fund research and support survivors and their families at all stages of the recovery journey. - Emily Granland
H’bridge $1 mil. Lotto winner
5km daily to fight stroke
■ Joh Barber from Doreen has set herself a challenge to walk 5km a day throughout November to boost her fitness, raise funds and raise awareness of stroke. She’s been inspired to take part by her father Arnold who used to love going for long walks before experiencing a stroke in March this year. Joh said her dad’s stroke came as a complete shock. "Unless someone you love has been impacted by stroke, it’s difficult to understand how heart-wrenching it can be,” Joh said. “Dad’s life changed in an instant. He was permanently paralysed down one side of his body and was not able to return home because he required full time care. You grieve for the loss of the person you once knew. “I am doing Stride4Stroke to raise awareness of this disease and help other people and their families.” Stroke is sudden. It is a devastating disease that strikes the brain and can impact people of all ages. However, the good news is 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by managing blood pressure and living a healthy, active lifestyle.
Local Briefs Save lives with ‘000’ calls
● Martin Foley ■ Victorians are again being reminded to save Triple Zero for emergencies with the “Save Lives, Save 000 for Emergencies” campaign relaunching to help paramedics respond quicker and save lives. The successful advertising campaign is back after non-emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) increased again in 2021. More than one-in-five calls to Triple Zero for ambulance do not require an emergency ambulance response, which can take paramedics away from time-critical life-threatening emergencies. Demand for ambulances and emergency departments has continued to increase and will continue to increase as we safely reopen. The campaign aims to reduce the number of non-emergency calls to Triple Zero by highlighting the teams of other healthcare professionals who are ready and able to help manage non-urgent health care issues, roundthe-clock. These include GPs, pharmacists and Nurse-On-Call (1300 60 60 24). The campaign has provided Victorians with a better understanding of when to call an ambulance – with the previous campaign run helping to reduce the average number of daily calls to Triple Zero by 10 per cent. Everyone can play a part by using other healthcare options when they are unwell or have a minor inquiry. If in doubt, call 000. The people who take your call are trained to help and direct you to the appropriate assistance. For everything else you can get advice and immediate treatment from experienced GPs, pharmacists and registered nurses available to assist. There are already plans to increase capacity in our hospitals due to rising numbers of COVID-19 patients. The Victorian Budget 2021-22 delivered an extra $759 million for Ambulance Services and Emergency Departments to boost triage services, expand telehealth and get more paramedics and ambulances on the road. Martin Foley, State Minister for Health, said: “Our hardworking ambos are doing an incredible job of responding to record levels of community demand. By saving triple zero for emergencies, we can help ensure our ambulances are available for those who need it most.” “Victorians are lucky to have so much choice when it comes to healthcare – so we encourage everyone to explore their options most suitable to their needs, whether it’s experienced GPs, pharmacists or registered nurses.” - Martin Foley
Yea shop shuts
■ Another Yea business, Mint and Jam, has temporarily closed after a local COVID scare. The proprietors went to social media to advise: “We have been made aware that our staff members are secondary close contacts to a positive case. We have made the decision to close until further notice and wait until all staff members return a negative result. As we are secondary contacts, we are closing as a precaution but will notify and update the community as necessary.” - Facebook
Page 4 - The Local Paper - Friday, October 22, 2021
Testing sites
■ COVID-19 testing is available at Alexandra District Health and Yea and District Memorial Hospital. Contact Alexandra District Health's Urgent Care Nurse to make an appointment on 0418 589 131. If you are unable to get through on this number, contact 5772 0931. Please visit their website for the latest information. Contact Yea and District Memorial Hospital on 0428 618 994.
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
‘Business led recovery unlikely’ ■ There is still no plan for Victorian jobs and no plan to open many small businesses, according to David Southwick, Deputy Liberal Leader in Victoria. “Indoor retail and the fitness industry which employ thousands of people remain closed and many hospitality venues will not open with only 20 fully vaccinated patrons allowed indoors regardless of the size of venue,” Mr Southwick said this week. “Across the border, retail, fitness and hospitality venues are all open with appropriate density limits at 70 per cent double vaccination making Victoria again the poor cousin to New South Wales. “Recent September job figures show 123,000 jobs have been lost in Victoria and 90 per cent of the job market loss has come from Daniel Andrews’s locked down state. “Keeping these small businesses closed will only continue to add the state’s job losses, with many of these operators unlikely to recover. “It’s clear the Premier is more interested in running a popularity contest rather than adhering to the health advice, when you can now have 10 people over to your house but no one inside a retail store or a gym.
‘Keeping these small businesses closed will only continue to add the state’s job losses’
● David Southwick MLA
“This is despite these businesses having QR codes, COVID-safe plans and only accepting vaccinated customers. These rules simply don’t make sense. “Instead of suffocating small business with endless restrictions, only the Liberal Nationals have a positive plan to reopen, rebuild, and recover to get our businesses back open sooner. “Every day lost from small business closures is another day that jobs are lost and Victoria is left further behind,” said Mr Southwick, who is Shadow Minister for Small Business. “The only way we are going to restart our economy is to let small businesses open and instead of Daniel Andrews making decisions based on polling advice, he needs to treat people equally based on health advice. “The Andrews Labor Government has turned their backs on small business and we desperately need a plan to recover from world record lockdowns and return our great state to what it once was.,” Mr Southwick said.
● Tania Maxwell MLC
and retail businesses a great head-start towards recovery. “It would help them set out on the path towards rebuilding cashflow that’s so critically important in all our communities after 20 months of severely restricted business. “With Victoria’s population aged 16 and over today achieving 70 per cent double vaccination almost a week ahead of target, it seems reasonable to expect the 80pc target should be met ahead of November 5, the date forecast in Victoria’s road-map. “Many accommodation providers in the regions, and especially in Victoria’s east, rely heavily on a mix of metropolitan markets, including Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, and they stand to lose the advantage offered by the closest market if Melbourne people are unable to make bookings in regional communities for what is usually a boom weekend ahead of the Melbourne Cup. “While I encourage everyone to stay COVIDsafe, I hope Mr Foley and the Health Department will recognise the opportunity that strong vaccination uptake offers to make the weekend a winner for our regional communities and tourism businesses.” - Jamie Kronborg
● Helen Haines, Indi MHR
“The Government currently only has 75 MPs in the House of Representatives. This is the minimum amount needed to hold Government. When all crossbenchers vote with the Opposition, the Speaker has the deciding vote. “If the Leader of the House had not blocked the two crossbenchers participating in Parliament remotely from casting their votes yesterday, the deciding vote yesterday may well have been with the Speaker,” Dr Haines said. “We know the Speaker believes there is a prima facie case to be answered to when it comes to Mr Porter. The result could have been very different.” “The current arrangements mean the true will of the Parliament can not be reflected in a vote. This is not what the people of Australia voted for.” The rules state that MPs should be physically present in the Chamber for divisions, but it is long-standing practice that MPs from the major parties who are absent can be “paired” to reflect the true margin in votes in the House and the Senate. - Sally Whyte
Head start for Northern Vic.
■ Northern Victoria MLC Tania Maxwell has encouraged the State Government to give regional tourism a head-start by allowing Melbourne residents to book accommodation and to travel to the North East, Central Victoria, Murray, Mallee and Sunraysia from October 29. The Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party Member for Northern Victoria put the request in a letter to Health Minister Martin Foley this week following representation from hospitality businesses hit hard by bushfire and COVID-19 lockdowns since January, last year. “As a snapshot, the cumulative impact of the 2020 bushfires and pandemic restrictions that followed shortly afterwards is estimated by Tourism North East to have cost Wangaratta, Benalla, Indigo, Alpine, Towong, Mansfield, Murrindindi, alpine resorts and local communities at least $1.5 billion in the 16 months to June, this year, let alone the on-going cost of COVID restrictions since July,” Ms Maxwell said. “Allowing Melbourne residents to travel and stay in our regions from October 29 – the Friday before what many enjoy as an extended weekend ahead of the Melbourne Cup – would give our tourism sector and many small hospitality
Haines calls out Liberals
■ Federal politician Christian Porter could have been referred to the Privileges Committee if the Government had allowed crossbenchers to vote, Indi MHR Helen Haines said. The Leader of the House, Peter Dutton, rejected a united call from the crossbench for their votes to be properly cast in divisions when participating in Parliament remotely. Mr Dutton told Dr Haines it would be “impractical” for the Government to include the votes of remote crossbenchers in divisions, despite the Government doing so in the Senate since September 2020. “The fact that MPs want to exercise their right to vote in Parliament is not ‘impractical’. It is a fundamental tenant of our democracy and Parliament, and it is offensive to the constituents of the electorates represented on the crossbench.” Dr Haines said. “The entire crossbench, including Craig Kelly, wrote to the Leader of the House over two months ago, calling on him to instate a proper voting system over the six week break. He did not do so.” “It’s entirely practical. The Senate does it every day.”