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Page 4 Tuesday, 1 April, 2014

Connecting people and communities FTG

Time to protect against disease AS A PARENT I know the importance of timely immunisations from preventable diseases not only for our children, but for ourselves and our community. Before starting school, we are reminded of the importance of ensuring young children are protected against serious contagious diseases. In the school yard, children face an increased risk of coming into contact with someone carrying an infectious disease and passing it onto others. So when we decide to immunise our children, in effect we are also protecting the lives and well being of those around us.

The state T of

affairs Christine Fyffe MP

Member for Evelyn

Tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps and rubella are some of the diseases that have the potential to disable, and in severe cases, kill our children. Although these diseases are relatively rare in Victoria, they are still being brought into the state from people

travelling in and out of the country. The best defence against these illnesses is immunisation. As the days are getting cooler and the flu season is upon us, I would also urge people to be immunised against influenza. It is estimated that 2800 Australians die each year either directly from the seasonal flu, complications due to flu, or pneumonia. Pneumonia vaccinations are also important for those who over the age of 65 and who maybe at high risk. Talk to your General Practitioner who will provide further information and advice. Every year influenza causes wide-

spread illness in the community, so again, immunising yourself and your family also offers protection for the community. The vaccine provides protection from about two weeks after the injection, and lasts for about one year, so even if you were immunised against the flu last year you still need to be protected this winter by having the vaccine again. Your local General Practitioner can provide further information about immunisation programs and the suitable ages to begin vaccinating children for different diseases. Vaccination is crucial if we are to

Snippets

ensure the strong development of our children for generations to come. I strongly urge everyone to make the most of the free vaccinations on offer. The Yarra Ranges Council offer immunisation clinics throughout the year under the National Immunisation Program. For information about local immunisation sessions please visit www. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Residents/Immunisation or contact the Immunisation Program Officer on 1300 368 333. As always, please feel free to contact my office with any State Government issues you may have on 9735 3208.

Email diary entries to: editor@yvnews.com.au by 5pm Wednesdays

VIEW club THE next Belgrave VIEW Club meeting is at Marybrooke Receptions, Kallista on Thursday 3 April at 11.30am. April’s speaker is Mick Rogers - a psychiatric nurse working in hospitals, jails and with asylum seekers. For more information, call Cathy 9752 1197.

Kallista market KALLISTA Community House Art and Craft Market is on Saturday 5 April from 9am to 1pm at 2 Church Street, Kallista. For site bookings or more information, call 9754 4930.

Fun run YARRA Ranges Athletics Lilydale Lake Fun Run is on Sunday 6 April from 9am. The family event includes a 2km, 5km and 10km. For prices and more information, email events@yarrarangesathletics.org.au or visit www. yarrarangesathletics.org.au.

Fun fest EMERALD Fun Fest is on Sunday 6 April from 10am. For stalls or further

inquiries, email echmarket@iinet.net. au or call 5968 3881.

Music concert BLACK Roots African World Music Concernt with special guests Emerald Secondary College Taiko Drummers and Matthew Fagan is on Sunday 6 April, 7pm to 11pm, at Gemco Players Community Theatre - 19 Kilvington Road, Emerald. $20, for more information, call 0438 881 985.

Art sale THE Emerald Arts Society is holding a sale and exhibition of affordable art as part of the PAVE festival on 6, 12 and 13 April from 11am to 4pm at the EAS studio, corner of Anne and Church Streets, Emerald. For more information, visit www.emeraldartssociety.wordpress.com.

Rap school DANDENONG Ranges Music Council presents School of Rap at Upwey High School grounds on Monday 7 April from 10am to 2.30pm. To book, email drmc@drmc.org.au or call 9754 6566.

Poetry explored PENGUIN Club of Australia is holding an evening exploring ’what is poetry’ with local writer and member Dorothy Williams on Wednesday 9 April at Wellington Cottage, Monbulk. No charge, for more information, call Alison on 9756 6385.

Funky cakes LEARN to make a Funky Hand Bag Cake for Mother’s Day with Pam Archibald on Sunday 13 April at the Scout Hall, Turramurra Drive, Rowville. Running from 10am to 3pm, $10 for Members and $15 for non-members. To book or enquire, call Velma on 9763 8646.

Holiday programs THE HABY Goddess in Monbulk is running a school holiday program for kids of all ages. Prices start at $10 per child. For more details or book to book, call 9752 1114 or visit www. thehabygoddess.com.au.

Free art FREE art classes for beginners is of-

fered in Monbulk at the Open Door Community Church Hall (corners David Hill Road and Moxhams Road, Monbulk) on Mondays from 2pm to 4pm. All welcome, for more information call Yvonne on 0400 857 166.

Winter weight MAROONDAH TOWN (take weight off naturally) Club meets Thursday evenings from 6.30pm at St Margaret’s Uniting Church, Hull Road, Mooroolbark. For more information, call Jodi on 0425 739 576.

Emerald activities THE PAVE arts program has low cost activities for school holidays. For full list of activities, visit www.pave.org.au or call 5968 3881.

No fad MONBULK Evening Take Off Weight Naturally (TOWN) Club is looking for new members. The club meets at the Open Door Church, Corner of Moxhams Road and Main Street, Monbulk, every Thursday evening from 6pm. For more information, call Conja on 9756 6287.

Volunteers needed THE Lions club of Wantirna carries out several projects in the Knox community. We would like more volunteers to help in our service towards our community. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to know more about being a member call Val on 9800 2113.

Pre-School vacancies SASSAFRASS Pre-School has limited vacancies in both three and four-year-old groups. Please contact Fleur Green on 0409 512 872 for more information or visit www.sassafraspreschool.com.au for session times.

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Drum fun AFRICAN Drumming Classes for Kids is available on Mondays from 4pm at the Tin Shed, Belgrave. All ages welcome. Children under six years must be accompanied by a parent. Cost is $12 per session, free drum hire if required. Bookings essential, call 0421 150 255.

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