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Digital hub still in limbo By SIMONE KERWIN
CALL FOR EQUALITY: Tania Maxwell (Derryn Hinch Justice Party MP), Monique Hillenaar (Wangaratta Urban firefighter) and Garry Nash (Deputy Group Officer of Wangaratta Group) have called on the State Government to urgently include female-specific cancers to Victoria’s schedule of firefighter presumptive rights. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Fair go for all Maxwellll ramps up community M i campaign i ffor firefi fighter h presumptive i rights i h WANGARATTA-based state MP Tania Maxwell has ramped up her community campaign to add femalespecific ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers to Victoria’s schedule of firefighter presumptive rights. The Derryn Hinch Justice Party MP said firefighters currently have presumptive rights to medical and financial help if they are diagnosed with any of 12 cancers because of their career or volunteer firefighting work. “Only two months ago the World Health Organisation cancer agency (IARC) reclassified firefighting
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as an occupation carcinogenic to humans,” Ms Maxwell, a CFA volunteer herself, said. “So, with more and more women becoming career and volunteer firefighters, it’s vital the government adds these three female-specific cancers to Victoria’s list. “The state should have all firefighters’ backs when they’re
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protecting our lives, communities, property and environment. “It’s simply a matter of safety and equality.” The inequity could not have been made more stark than at her ‘Do Gooder’ campaign launch in Wangaratta on Monday where female firefighter with Wangaratta Urban Fire Brigade, Monique Hillenaar, revealed she only learned about the disparity that morning in a page message to attend the media conference. “It was a bit of a shock,” Ms Hillenaar said.
“I fall into the category of not realising (the presumptive rights do not include cancers more commonly found in women). “I do think it is probably discriminatory.” Ms Hillenaar said if Ms Maxwell’s legislation was passed it would encourage her to remain in the job for years to come, but a continued lack of action would have many female firefighters and volunteers question whether they stay involved. ■ Continued page 3 ■ Government response page 3
WANGARATTA Digital Hub remains in a state of limbo, as it awaits news of whether further State Government funding will be available to continue providing digital technology access to students, business and community members. The issue of funding for the service beyond its initial three year State Government–funded pilot phase was first raised in June, with both Tania Maxwell (MLC, Northern Victoria) and Tim McCurdy (MLA, Ovens Valley) taking time in Parliament to highlight its importance to the community. The Docker Street facility has been in operation since 2019, and has worked in that time to increase local digital inclusion by providing a welcoming space offering affordable access to a range of digital technologies, skill development opportunities and support networks. It has been particularly well– used as locals have adapted to the increasing use of technology during the pandemic, and residents have sought its assistance with activities such as applying for the $250 State Government Power Saving Bonus. While the hub had initially been open between 12 noon and 6pm from Tuesday to Thursday, opening hours were reduced to Wednesday afternoons in July as the funding period wound down, and it is now open only for venue hire, as future funding options continue to be discussed. Anne Shaw from NE Tracks LLEN, auspice for the digital hub, said she hoped to hear some positive news soon on the hub‘s future. She encouraged locals to follow the Wangaratta Digital Hub Facebook page to stay up–to–date with developments.
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