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The L ocal Paper - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 - Page 19
Local Politics
From Page 18 her new boyfriend and what kind of jerk must this guy be? And that was my rude introduction to no, there is no privacy. LIBBI GORR: But also your rude introduction into what people think of Sophie. GREG MIRABELLA: Well, some people. I mean, that's the left, isn't it? LIBBI GORR: Is it? GREG MIRABELLA: I think so. LIBBI GORR: Mirabella has certainly attracted more than her fair share of invective. How do you cope with being portrayed as a bitch? Do you feel you are portrayed as a bitch? SOPHIE MIRABELLA: I think those sorts of labels say more about my detractors and opponents than about me. GREG MIRABELLA: Well lately they've been calling her the Queen of Mean, haven't they? I think that's the common one. LIBBI GORR: How do you feel about her? GREG MIRABELLA:How do I - what, as a ... ?
Council Briefs Volunteers invited
■ Murrindindi Council is looking to recognise volunteers in the Shire ... but you have to be in Alexandra if you want to attend the celebration. The Council posted a notice on its website on Monday (May 16), celebrating Volunteers Week: “We'd like to acknowledge and give thanks to the wonderful volunteers in our community,” the Council says. “Volunteers are invited to enjoy a performance by Summer Rain. Feel free to bring along a friend.” The performance begins at 1.30pm on Tuesday, May 31, at the Alexandra RSL Hall. Devonshire tea follows. Bookings are essential. Phone 5772 0365 by May 26 to book your place.
Payment of rates ■ Murrindindi Council posted a notice at its website on Monday (May 16) about payment of rates: “Ratepayers are advised that the Fourth Instalment of the 2015-16 period is due and payable by May 31 “Credit card payments are accepted at all Council offices and from a secure section on Council’s website (visit Payments page). “Credit card payments will incur a bank merchant fee of 0.75 per cent. “If you are unable to pay your rates by the due date, please contact Council’s Rates Department on 5772 0333 to discuss payment options.”
Library cancellation ■ A mobile library cancellation this Saturday (May 21) was announced this week at the Council’s website: “Murrindindi Shire Council wishes to advise that it has had to cancel its service to Eildon on Saturday, May 21, to allow for a mechanical upgrade to the Mobile library. “Council apologises for any inconvenience this might cause. “All other library branches remain open on that day and the Mobile Library will resume normal services on Tuesday, May 24. “If you have any questions about the closure, please call 5772 0333.”
Plan consultation ■ The Goulburn Valley Waste and Resource Recovery Group (GVWRRG) is seeking input on its draft GV implementation plan until June 10. All regional Waste and Resource Recovery Groups in the state are currently preparing regional implementation plans. These plans research and set-out the required waste and resource recovery infrastructure requirements for the region for the next 10 years. You can read more about the draft GV implementation plan at the Council’s website. You can also learn more about how to get involved and about the Open House events being held throughout the region. Once finalised, the GV implementation plan will inform the State infrastructure plan. GVWRRG is a Victorian government agency that has representation from local councils through its board.
LIBBI GORR: How do you feel about Sophie? GREG MIRABELLA:I love her dearly. Love her dearly. She is - as a person, I think anyone who knows her well would say, whether they don't like her or not, she's incredibly loyal. Extraordinarily loyal. GREG MIRABELLA: I love her dearly. Love her dearly. She is - as a person, I think anyone who knows her well would say, whether they don't like her or not, she's incredibly loyal. Extraordinarily loyal. SOPHIE MIRABELLA: Astrong woman in politics and a strong woman on the conservative side is not what those who oppose the conservative side of politics want to see, obviously. LIBBI GORR: And the people that don't like Sophie on a personal level that join your campaign? CATHY MCGOWAN: (Shrugs) (Shrugs again) Yeah. and people who don't like me, of which there's many. LIBBI GORR: Who? Name one.
CATHY MCGOWAN: So - so, that's how it is. People make emotional decisions about people and that's just the game, isn't it? RUTH MCGOWAN: Cathy was the one in the family that didn't have kids, so she had time. But also she has got a deep passion for her nieces and nephews and their friends and for young people. As a community, we've got her back. As a family, we've got her back. LIBBI GORR: What's your role with her? RUTH MCGOWAN: To love her and nurture her and look after her. LIBBI GORR: It's as simple as that? RUTH MCGOWAN:Yes. LIBBI GORR: And so the stage is set for the 2016 battle of Indi. SOPHIE MIRABELLA: I am passionate about really doing the very best for this area where my children are growing up here, where my family is. LIBBI GORR: What if you lose? What will you do?
SOPHIE MIRABELLA: Oh, look, I'll sort it out. I can't tell you because I haven't had that discussion with my dear husband yet. LIBBI GORR: It's got to be on the horizon. You've got to have a Plan B. SOPHIE MIRABELLA: Um, we'll - we'll talk about that later. LIBBI GORR: You've committed your life to community. No children. CATHYMCGOWAN: Yeah. LIBBI GORR: Is that - is that ... ? CATHY MCGOWAN: I wouldn't say I've committed my life to community. I don't think I've committed my life. LIBBI GORR: No? CATHY MCGOWAN: No. No, that's too big a thing. No, I haven't committed my life. LIBBI GORR: What are you doing, lending it? CATHY MCGOWAN: I'm living it. LIBBI GORR: You're living it. CATHY MCGOWAN: Yeah. I'm being.