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Editor: Ash Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Mike McColl Jones, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Jim Sherlock, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, Gavin Wood, John O’Keefe Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Sherryn Danaher, Mary Downie, Peter Green, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel Logistics: Sam Fiorini (All Day Distribution), The Gregson Family, Graeme Hawke, Maurice Golden, John Parry Credit Manager: Michael Conway OAM, Fast Action Debt Recovery, 0402 142 866 About Us

The Local Paper is published weekly (FebruaryChristmas) in localised editions covering 38 local government areas in and around Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and periurban areas. It is available in print at approximately 1000 outlets including newsagencies, milk bars, convenience stores and petrol stations. The Melbourne Observer is published weekly (February-Christmas). Copies can be ordered through good newsagencies across Victoria (via All Day Distribution) at $2.95 per copy. Print copies are also inserted free in all editions of The Local Paper. Both papers can be read online, free. Imprint

Racism in Darebin: Cr

■ Darebin Councillor Tim Laurence says that the pro-Greens bloc of Councillors are denying resources to “new migrants”.

“The pro-Greens bloc voted to exclude a 50 meter pool from the Reservoir Leisure Centre redevelopment,” Cr Laurence said of a Council vote late in April.

“The pro-Greens bloc voted in contradiction to the RLC Feasibility Study which showed that Reservoir Community Health, Reservoir Neighbourhood House, RLC staff, Darebin Internal Staff, Reservoir Preston Swim, various public written submission and internal Council staff all support a 50meter pool.

“Cr Susan Newton claimed that “new migrants” don’t need a 50 metre pool (that have been built in high migrant areas like Northcote, Coburg, Fitzroy and Richmond) because ‘new migrants’ in the catchment of Reservoir Leisure Centre (Reservoir, Preston, Kingsbury, La Trobe uni, Bundoora and McLeod) can’t swim therefore they need only need a hydrotherapy pool and a children’s learn-toswim pool.

“This stands in contrast to Cr Newton’s support for the $63 million new pool development at NARC that replaces an existing 50 metre pool with a $10.5 million new 50 metre pool and includes an indoor 25 metre pool and a number of other pools for all user groups.

“This ‘ethnic’ based exclusion of swim options is some● ● ● ● ● Cr Tim Laurence

Long Shots

with Ash Long, Editor

Celebrating 53 years in local media Winner, Best Local Reporting Award

Victoria-wide Westpac Award

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“For the cause that lacks assistance,

‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do” thing we would expect in Apartheid South Africa and the racially divided deep south of 1960s America but it flies in the face modern inclusive progressive politics.

“ Luckily this race based planning does not apply across Melbourne where large new pools are being backed by State and Local Governments to ensure people from all ethnic and income backgrounds have access to decent facilities.

“Sadly here in Darebin the proGreen group are applying a ‘color bar’ to block full access to future aquatic services.

“If you have too many ‘new arrivals’ like above Bell St then according to Cr Newton you cannot have a full range of pools for all users.

“This is pure discrimination that we would expect from conservatives anti-migration parties like One Nation.

“By not creating enough swim space for the northern half of the city it will create a structural barrier for the next generations to learn to swim and gain certificates and Darebin’s proGreens bloc are denying resources to “new migrants”.

“Clearly this makes a mockery of Darebin’s claim to welcome refugees and migrants.

“This is a patronising form of institutional racism that we must all resist,” Cr Laurence told The Local Paper.

Local Photo Flashback

■ Whittlesea City Council is currently consulting on two cat welfare proposals - a potential cat curfew and mandatory desexing of new cat registrations.

An online session was held last Thursday (Apr. 28) to hear a presentation from the Council’s Animal Management Team.

Trough damaged

■ Plans are underway for the repair of an historic public horse trough in Main Rd, Research, which is believed to have been struck by a vehicle and damaged late last week.

The trough, which is of heritage significance, is the only one of its kind in Nillumbik and has been in place since the first half of the 20th century.

Nillumbik Council officers have collected the damaged parts and have arranged for their safe storage. The Council will engage a heritage specialist to advise on the appropriate restoration works required.

Mayor on Panel

■ Nillumbik Mayor Cr Frances Eyre has been appointed to the influential Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel.

Shaun Leane, Minister for Local Government, announced the 10-member 2022 Panel, to be chaired by the Minister himself. Playspace to open

■ Darebin Council will mark the opening of the Penders Park All-abilities Playspace in Thornbury on Saturday, May 14.

Darebin Mayor Cr Lina Messina will be in attendance “for an afternoon of fun, enter● ● ● ● ● T tainment and treats at the park”. The event is from 2pm to 3.30pm at Penders Park, Collins St, Thornbury

The new playspace has a mix of accessible and challenging play equipment, social spaces, a sheltered barbecue and seating areas – all set amongst indigenous trees and landscaping.

The Penders Park All-abilities Playspace was delivered by Darebin Council, with the support of the Victorian Government through the Suburban Parks Program.

Mentoring for biz

■ Nillumbik Shire Council is offering local small business owners the opportunity to participate in the 2022 Small Business Mentoring program.

This free, interactive eight-week mentoring program for new small business owners is open for expressions of interest. ‘New’ is considered any business that has commenced in the past two years.

Grants for W’sea based groups

■ Whittlesea Council Grants Officers are offering free applicant support sessions to help people feel ready to submit' applications fore the Community Recovery Funding Program.

Sessions are being held: ■ Wednesday, May 4. 9.30am1.30pm. Mernda Villages Community Activity Centre, 70 Mernda Village Dr, Mernda. ■ Friday, May 7. 9.30am -11.30am at Thomastown Library, 52 Main St, Thomastown. ■ Tuesday, May 10. 9.30am - 11.30am. Thirtyfold Cafe , 11 Gorge Rd, South Morang 3752

Phone enquiries can be made on 9217 2137. Email community.grants@ whittlesea.vic.gov.au if you have any questions about the grant program.

A quick response grant round providing $2000 cash grants to fund essential equipment purchases and to support small scale community events for City of Whittleseabased groups.

Applying for funding is easy – just follow the link to the online form to get started.

Applications close at the end of May, or when the funding pool runs out (whichever is sooner).