LILYDALE & YARRA VALLEY EXPRESS EDITION Local and Independent. Not associated with any other publication in this area.
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www.LocalPaper.com.au WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
LABOR PAINS
■ THE Andrews Government Health Minister Jennifer Mikakos MLC quit at the weekend, and her replacement will be decided by the Federal Labor Party National Executive. Under State laws, Ms Mikakos’s replacement will not be decided by voters, but given to her own political party headquarters to decide. The National Executive seized control of the Victorian headquarters in June after the branch stacking scandal associated with disgraced minister Adam Somyurek, as revealed on the 60 Minutes TV program. Ms Mikakos’s resignation as a Minister and MLC came last Saturday (Sep. 26), after Premier Daniel Andrews threw her under the ‘political bus’. It came as MichaelSmithNews.com revealed that COVID-19 hotel quarantine contracts were signed by a representative of Martin Pakula.
● Martin Pakula’s department signed the agreement with a security firm.
Victoria loses MP as Jenny Mikakos ‘thrown under bus’
● Jenny Mikakos: resigned as MLC
Last push: Premier
■ “Whether you call it the final quarter, the home stretch, or the last push – we’re nearly there. We’ve got this,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said this week. “Seven weeks ago, our average case numbers were peaking at more than 400 every single day. Today, Melbourne’s rolling case average is 22.1,” Mr Andrews said. “It’s a remarkable thing – and an achievement that belongs to every single Victorian. “Because with grit and with guts and with heart – we are beating this thing. We are driving it down. We are winning. “I can also confirm, again on the advice of our public health team, that we are further ahead than we’d hoped for. “The latest modelling shows that our strategy is working. Not only have we been able to drive down cases from the hundreds – we’re well on-track to hit single digits in the next few weeks. “Instead, the “trigger point” for review by our public health team will be based solely on reaching our case number targets. That means the sooner we hit those targets – the sooner we can consider our next steps. “It also means that getting back to the things we love – seeing more of the people we love – not only is achievable, it’s in our hands. “This, and based on the current projections, means we’ll be in a position to consider our next Step by mid-October. “None of these changes though are a sign we can take our foot off the pedal. The fine for gatherings – having visitors over to your home, meeting outdoors in big groups – will be increased to the same penalty for travelling into regional Victoria without a valid reason. That is, almost $5000,” the Premier said.
Building Ranges resilience ■ Yarra Ranges people are encouraged to attend an online event on Monday (Oct. 5) to help them build resilience and tackle life’s harder moments. From Surviving to Thriving is a webinar being held from 7pm-8.30pm, featuring CoDirector of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience, Dr Lucy Hone. Dr Hone, drawing on her personal and professional experience, will provide information, tips and evidence-based strategies to help community members build resilience. This event is part of a Local Government Health and Wellbeing Series, organised by EACH, Eastern Regional Libraries, Yarra Ranges Shire and other Councils.
FIREWOOD Murray River Redgum Yes! ... We Deliver. P: 1300 87 87 25 E: yarravalley@ brazzen.com.au