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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021
Local News Call to honour the fallen
■ At 11am this Thursday (Nov. 11) Australians will once again fall silent to commemorate Remembrance Day, in honour of all those Australians who have suffered and died defending our nation, our values and our freedoms. Andrew Gee, Minister for Veterans’Affairs and Defence Personnel, said Remembrance Day remained one of the most significant days of the year for Australians. “We must never forget the courage, valour and sacrifice of all those men and women who have served this nation in war, conflicts and peacekeeping operations,” Mr Gee said. “From those who fought on the Western Front more than hundred years ago to those still serving abroad today, we must continue to acknowledge their service and sacrifice. “Remembrance Day can be a difficult time for many veterans and those families who lost loved ones, and this year will be particularly difficult for those who served in Afghanistan, and their families. “We should use this day to also acknowledge the tireless work of all those individuals and organisations who support our veterans and their families. Many of them are veterans themselves and selflessly devote their time to helping others.” This Remembrance Day marks the 103rd anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War. More than 300,000 Australians served overseas and over 60,000 lost their lives. “Armistice Day, as it was first known, was a moment for our nation, as there was hardly a family in the country who had not been touched by tragedy,” Mr Gee said. “The words of one of our diggers Lance Corporal Morgan, describes the sense of sacrifice and hope that their ordeal had not been in vain. “Just 21 years later Australians were called on to fight in the Second World War and they have continued to serve for generations since.” Mr Gee encouraged all Australians to commemorate Remembrance Day, whether in the community or at home, and to honour the fallen by following the tradition of wearing a red poppy. “The poppies grew in the battlefields of France during the First World War, a burst of colour amidst the darkness and devastation,” Mr Gee said. “I encourage everyone to buy a poppy from the Returned Services League (RSL) to help fund its work and wear it proudly in support of the veteran community. “While COVID-19 restrictions may limit how we are able to gather this Remembrance Day, they will not stop us from honouring our fallen. “Whether at home, work or school, or at a service in your local community, I encourage all Australians to pause for a minute’s silence at 11am to remember them, and to keep this vital tradition alive.” The 2021 national Remembrance Day commemoration service will be hosted by the Australian War Memorial. The service will take place from 10.45am and be broadcast on ABC, radio, television and online. Attendance at the event will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Tickets are available at www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/remembrance-day - Ashleigh Weidmann
WHITTLESEA TO LEAD WAY ON MENTAL HEALTH
■ 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
● 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.”
■ 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
■ 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, announced the tender process is now open for the first six fast-tracked new Local Adult and OlderAdult 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 Blew .313: Police
MP’s office hit
Patrols active as lockdown lifts
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Moderna is here
● As lockdown restrictions 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
■ 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 14 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Local News Falls Rd responses
■ Murrindindi Shire Council has received a number of responses regarding a special charge scheme for the sealing of Falls and Allandale Rd, Strath Creek. A Council report says the comments from the responses are summarised as: ■ Our property lies 2km down Falls Rd from Allandale Rd. This section will not be sealed. ■ There is no benefit to us in the resealing as we still have 2km of gravel road to drive. ■ Our property is valued at $100,000. We are not paying $70,000 to seal a road that does not pass our property ■ We prefer a dirt road in this area ■ I bought the property as I like the unsealed road ■ There is a business (cricket ground) that disproportional uses the road compared to residents Again you gave the permit to the business get them to pay ■ It will make no difference to the value of my property, nor will I sell ■ I cannot afford it ■ Rates are not just for bins ■ Do the whole of life assessment, council will save on the maintenance ■ You raised rates when I bought the property when I restumped house again. Come and maintain the swale drains, I can't even mow ■ Also, your estimate is wrong -1.8km to my place 1800mx6m2 = 10800m2 Prep for seal, say $2/m2, emulsion primer seal, say $10/m2 = $130,000 to my place ■ The price you have indicated is ridiculous and furthermore the shire would need to fund a minimum of 50 per cent as they will no longer be spending on maintenance and I am sure that you will look at rate increases. P.S. The job by Council on Falls Rd and Allandale Rd is appalling and there are pot holes in the road even before the grader has left to go to the next job ■ Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions we have been unable to reply to the recent correspondence regarding the Special Charge Scheme for Falls Rd Strath Creek by the May 30 deadline. We are NOT in support of this scheme; arguably this is what our taxes should be going to ■ I would not have signed petition. I thought it was a government road. I am on a pension cannot contribute to costs as are so many people around here. So, it’s a clear no ■ Cannot afford as only a holiday house ■ We would like the road sealed but as self-funded retirees we could not afford the charge ■ We understand council's need to have the road funded under the Special Charge Scheme ■ We feel it is unrealistic to expect struggling farmers to finance the sealing of Falls Road. ■ We have lived at the end of Falls Road for over 35 years. During that time, we have seen the Council open up, what was once a quiet area, to tourism, accommodation, school camps, cafes and cricket grounds. The council recently even approved development on a 4-acre lot which in itself breaks numerous By Laws that govern what is a "Farming Zone". All this has resulted in a significant increase in traffic on Falls Rd which now sees frequent bus use. This has added a great burden on the unsealed road that was never intended for such intensive development. If the Council is so keen to develop Falls Rd in such an inappropriate manner, surely it must accept responsibility and the consequences that this impact this will have on a dirt road ■ I am satisfied with our gravel road, as long as it is maintained sufficiently ■ Government Road, residents should not be required to pay ■ We derive no benefit from this proposal ■ Being a resident since 1984 we are happy to keep the dirt road. However, we would appreciate if the road could have some sort of gravel to minimize dust, and less crowning ■ St Monica's College Epping is willing to assist the Council and other properties in supporting the proposed road - Murrindindi Shire Council
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Local People: 2
Liquor licence for Thornton
■ Murrindindi Shire Council will consider an application for a liquor licence at the former Thornton Primary School. The application was due to be be considered at the Council meeting due to be held on October 27. The permit for the General Liquor Licence is for 3 Back Eildon Road, Thornton. A suggested condition is that prior to the commencement of the use of the liquor licence, a plan showing the liquor consumption limited to the existing seating area outside the café building Under the proposed licence the predominant activity carried out on the premises must be the preparation and serving of meals for consumption on the premises. T Packaged Liquor would only be sold after 10am to the closing time specified in the permit unless with food in which case it can be sold from the opening time specified. The premises must be open for patrons to consume meals during normal business hours Patrons consuming alcohol on site must be seated at all times Packaged liquor must not be consumed on the premises, under the proposal.
● Livia Bonazzi, Murrindindi CEO
The suggested permit conditions include that packaged liquor offered for sale shall be restricted to products offered for consumption on the premises Seating must be provided within the premises in accordance with the permitted number of patrons No signage is to be displayed on the frontage of the site advising that packaged liquor is available for purchase At all times during the operation of the use, there must be present on the premises a person over the age of 21 years who is responsible for ensuring that the activities on the premises and the conduct of persons attending the premises do not have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the locality to the satisfaction of the Council. “The site and immediate surrounds must be maintained to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority in a manner which ensures that the residential amenity of nearby residential properties is not detrimentally affected (that is, collection of cigarette butts, bottles and other litter from outside the site). This permit will expire if the use is not commenced within two years of the date of the permit. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Arrests over hoon meetings
■ North West Metro Region police have charged two males 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 - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - Page 15
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 UpperYarra. 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 last month’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 re-opens
■ Another Yea business, Mint and Jam, temporarily closed after a local COVID scare. It has now re-opened. 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 16 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, November 10, 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. ■ Stephen Bennett, Yea CFA. ■ 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 Dalziel, St Luke’s Anglican Church, Yea and Molesworth. ■ 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. ■ Shannon Mittrow, Alexandra SES. ■ Sara Murray, Alexandra Show. ■ 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.
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Local People: 4
Valuing local younger people ■ Mansfield Council is asking the community how it can best support and value young people who live, work, play or study in Mansfield Shire through a short survey for young people and those who support them. Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe encouraged the community to fill in the survey. “We want to hear what role Council should take in supporting young people and what kinds of services our community feels would best serve young people,” said Cr Holcombe. “Young people are important for the future
of all communities, but especially in regional areas such as Mansfield Shire. The better Council understands the needs of our young people, the better we are able to provide services and programs that meet those needs into the future. Council’s youth services program is aimed at people aged 12-25 years. Council currently delivers a range of programs and services, including: ■ Mansfield Youth Drop-In Centre ■ FReeZA music, art and cultural events and activities ■ Engage! support and development programs ■ TAC L2P and Mentor programs that match volunteers and learner drivers to gain driving experience To give input about how well Council’s current programs meet young people’s needs, you are asked to complete a short anonymous survey. The survey is at engage.mansfield. vic.gov.au and was open until 5pm on Friday November 5. If you have any questions you can contact Mansfield Youth Services on 5775 8619 or email youth.services@mansfield.vic.gov.au - Mansfield Shire Council
Toolangi plan
■ Murrindindi Council considered granting a planning permit for the development of an agricultural shed at 25 Phillips Road, Toolangi. The Council considered that prior to the commencement of buildings and works, updated plans must be provided and approved by the Council. Plans might be amended to show North and West Elevations. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Architect for Shepp. centre ■ A leading Australian architecture firm will design the State Government’s new world-class facility at GOTAFE Shepparton. Gayle Tierney, Minister for Training and Skills, yesterday (Fri.) announced Gray Puksand has been appointed to design the $10.7 million project, which will extend the Goulburn Murray Trade Training Centre at the Archer St campus and create a new car park for more than 40 vehicles. The new facility will house 560 students in plumbing and electrical trades courses and feature a hand tool area, classrooms, skills bays, break-out spaces and student and staff amenities. The centre will accommodate growing enrolments at GOTAFE, including in Free TAFE courses, which experienced a 77 per cent increase in its first two years, and a pipeline of skilled workers for the local community. More than 85 per cent of GOTAFE students in Shepparton reported finding employment after graduating and more than 88 per cent were satisfied with their training. Construction is expected to start mid-2022 and last about two years, and will create up to 300 local trade jobs. Up to 15 new education
● Gayle Tierney
jobs will be created when the building opens. The GOTAFE Archer St campus works were funded as part of the Building Better TAFEs Fund in the Victorian Budget 2021-22, which includes a total $383.8 million investment in the sector to ensure more Victorians get the training they need for in-demand jobs. Since 2014, the Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways. “The appointment of Gray Puksand to design the GOTAFE extension is an exciting step towards better trades training for jobseekers in Shepparton – and an expanded pipeline of skilled workers for the local community,” said Ms Tierney. “This project is part of our record investment in TAFE and training to ensure jobseekers across Victoria get the best education in world-class Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, said: “It’s exciting to see this project progress – it will be a world-class facility for plumbing and electrical trades, allowing locals to get the skills they need for a rewarding job in their community.” - Gayle Tierney
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.”
● 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