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Connecting people and communities
Thursday, 7 September, 2017 Page 19
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Roundabout for multiple crash site
Casey stands true blue
Hampton Park will be home to Victoria’s newest roundabout as works begin to upgrade the intersection of Pound Road and Shrives Road. Member for Narre Warren North Luke Donnellan and Member for Narre Warren South Judith Graley attended the site on Friday 1 September to officially announce the beginning of the $7.5 million project. The current give way signs at the intersection will be replaced with a two-lane roundabout and new walking paths, guard rails and street lighting will also be installed. Between 2008 and 2016, there were 27 recorded crashes at the intersection, with nine people suffering serious injuries as a result. With Pound Road carrying more than 30,000 vehicles a day and drivers risking their lives at the intersection, the new roundabout is expected to improve traffic flow and safety. Mr Donnellan said the roundabout had been a long time coming. “The community has remained patient while we’ve worked through the land acquisition and planning processes and it’s great to see construction starting,” he said. “This vital upgrade will improve traffic flow for the more than 30,000 people that use Pound Road every day.” Ms Graley said the new intersection will be a boon for local road users. “We’ve listened to locals every step of the way, and now we’re getting on with this important safety upgrade,” she said. “Locals know how hard it can be to get through this intersection during peak times; the new roundabout will make it safer and easier for people to get to where they need to be.” The project will be complete by mid2018 and drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are asked to take extra care with reduced speed limits in place and road workers on site.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells Casey Council has affirmed its support for Australia Day to remain on 26 January, rebutting moves from other Melbourne councils to ‘change the date’. Councillor Susan Serey, who moved the motion, said the campaign to move the date was “undermining our history and our heritage”. Concerned residents needed to be reassured that Australia Day was “here to stay” in Casey, Cr Serey said. “We’ll be making it bigger and better than before.” As someone with migrant parents, Cr Serey said Australia Day was a unifying day of celebration and commemoration. It was a chance to reflect on the “things that make Australia a great place to live” as well as the “opportunities for everyone”, she said. Australia Day marks the landing of British settlers in the First Fleet in Sydney Harbour in 1788, a day that’s also seen as marking the invasion of the Aboriginal-occupied continent. Yarra Council was condemned by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Daniel Andrews after it recently voted to no longer recognise Australia Day and to stop holding citizenship ceremonies on 26 January. It will instead hold a smoking ceremony to acknowledge the loss felt by the Aboriginal community. In a recent editorial, Yarra mayor Amanda Stone described the date as a “day of mourning”. “For many, it is not a day for celebration but instead marks the start of the systemic extermination of their culture.” Cr Serey’s motion to back Australia Day was supported unanimously by her colleagues at a
Farida, Hussein and Shadia celebrate Australia Day at Balla Balla Community Centre, Cranbourne this Picture: VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS year. 164444 meeting on 5 September. Councillor Rosalie Crestani thanked Cr Serey for “formalising what was in many of our hearts”. “It’s an opportunity to unite us as a nation. “Any changes (to the date) are likely to divide us.” Mayor Sam Aziz said it would be a “cold day in hell” before Casey changed Australia Day.
He said the day, which he marked with a mayoral video address this year, was the “most important day of the year to me”. He said it celebrated Australia as the “greatest nation on Earth” that had given him and his family “opportunities we couldn’t have dreamed of”. It was a day celebrated with citizenship ceremonies and other events across Casey, in which joy was writ
on the faces of residents. “It’s a day to be absolutely celebrated.” “They, like us, want a different day, one not redolent with tragic symbolism associated with loss and sadness but a day where we can all celebrate our nation.” Darebin Council has also since voted to move its Australia Day events from 26 January.
Multicultural Food, Wine & Music Festival
Saturday 16 September 2017 10am - 4pm Monash Uni -Clyde Rd, Berwick What’s Happening... A $2000 getaway from Grand Ridge Brewery and many more prizes to be won!
A wide variety of food trucks and stalls featuring multicultural tastes and lavours
Tasting & sales of locally produced gourmet Cooking demos and demonstrations/displays foods, wines & craft beers from local and cultural groups
Easy access from Berwick railway station, or the Monash Freeway with parking onsite Tickets available at the gate - $5 Entry (children 12 years and under free & family passes available) or pre-purchase your tickets online at https://www.trybooking.com/RPVH *Children’s amusements not included in entry *Rides only if weather permitting
12362196-KC36-17
Stage performances featuring cultural, dance, Petting zoo, face painting and amusement singing and musical groups rides for children* ... and much, much more!