Ranges
5 Tuesday, 4 August, 2015
Trader
Silvan station opens
3
A Mail News Group publication
Covering the Dandenongs in the Yarra Ranges & Cardinia Shires
VEC seeks electoral feedback
18-19
Sports of all sorts
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Shire backs kids YARRA Ranges Shire has thrown its support behind a state-wide campaign to continue funding for resilience-building programs for the region’s youth. Council has been working with the Victorian Government to evaluate the benefits of the School Focused Youth Services (SFYS) program, an initiative that allows councils to work with schools to create programs designed to support vulnerable students. Mater Christi College has been a major supporter of the program, while about 22 schools in the Yarra Ranges were successful in obtaining funding for this year of up to $10,000 for various programs. Without these funds, which are due to cease on 30 December, present estimates suggest there could be in excess of 9000 children in middle years in the Yarra Ranges who will fall through the gaps. Alice Tudehope, the SFYS co-ordinator, believes the cut could affect as many as half of the 98 schools in the Yarra Ranges. “A lot of work goes into the upper years of primary school, such as Grade 5 and 6, which often get missed by traditional services,� she said. “Early intervention, and then building that resilience among children, can greatly improve chances of long-term positive mental health. “An SFYS-type intervention for adolescents reduces the demand on police, juvenile justice and mental health services.� Funds to deliver SFYS programs in the region have been available since 1997.
Since its inception, Ms Tudehope said the program had delivered some extraordinary results. This includes establishing a resilience fund (up to $100,000) to support schools to develop the strengths of young people. The funds have also helped to deliver tailored well-being programs in areas identified by school principals - this has included at Monbulk. Mater Christi College Deputy Principal, Carmel Feeney, said the service allowed the school to provide an important service. “We have used the program in the past to develop leadership skills in workshops,� she said. “This year we wanted to talk about body image. “We wanted to affirm our girls and empower them to continue to make good choices. “Our staff have appreciated the pr ofessional development opportunities and our pastoral program reinforces the key messages.� Mater Christi College was successful in obtaining funding for a ‘Living Healthy and Free’ program, which was focused on developing healthy body image. The school participated in the resilience survey and, through other research, decided that body image was a key factor in resilience. Presently, the Victorian Government is reviewing the program and is expected to make an announcement on its future in September. Yarra Ranges Council is urging residents and schools to contact their local MP to express their support for the continuation of the program.
2m3, 3m3 and 5m3 SKIP BINS
KALORAMA BINS www.kaloramabins.com.au 1008519-RMB38-11
0458 665 590 OR 9761 9171
WHILE it may look like a fun way of expressing themselves, there is a serious message behind what Mary (Lion) and Charlie (Lion Tamer) are trying to communicate to their peers at Mount Dandenong Primary School. Bullying in the school is being explored through storytelling and performance for the school’s well-planned Wakakirri entry. See full story on page 9. Picture: ROB CAREW
1037596-KG25-12
1128441-DC15-14
Your local Bloke!
Roll up, roll up...
9752 1001 www.monbulkvet.com.au • Consultations • Routine and Advanced Surgery • Digital X-ray • Veterinary Dentistry • Puppy School • Premium Pet Food
• Gas Ducted Heating • Split Systems • Evaporative Cooling • Ducted Refrigeration • Hydronic Heating Gavin฀-฀0417฀586฀620฀•฀Jason฀-฀0417฀310฀049
• Eye Tests Bulk Billed • On the spot Health Fund Claims • All Health Fund preferred provider deals available Conditions Apply • Comprehensive arrange of frames • Spectacles purchased from us will be serviced free for life • New IPL Treatment for Dry Eye sufferers • Seniors Discounts
2-8 Main Rd Monbulk
www.thespectaclesite.com.au
9756 7400
Ph: 1300 773 274 (1300 SPECSITE) 1182345-CG18-15
BORONIA • ROWVILLE • CROYDON
(0(5$/' 6DOHV 5HQWDOV
For your red carpet experience
1193920-AM32-15
By PETER DOUGLAS