May 28, 2021
12496497-CG22-21
FREE DIGITAL EDITION
SIG N U P N O W!
Recruiting for the future Corio Fire Brigade has launched a recruitment campaign to triple its numbers and ensure its long-term survival following structural changes. “We’re recruiting to guarantee our future,” said firefighter and life-long Corio resident Jordan Grossman. “We’ve got 11 active operational members and are looking to increase that by at least 20 in this recruitment drive.” The brigade’s career firefighters have switched from CFA to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) under recent statewide changes. While the career firefighters still attend the same callouts, they no longer count towards Corio CFA’s service delivery requirements, Mr Grossman said. If, hypothetically, the brigade was to close due to not meeting its service delivery requirements, Corio would lose valuable support for the career firefighters, he explained. “That surge capacity that we offer for when things go real bad – like bushfires, grassfires and factory fires – will be gone.” The brigade will hold an information night at its Norlane headquarters at 7.30pm on June 17, dependent on the COVID situation.
Corio CFA firefighters Thomas Parry, Ben Lane, Jordan Grossman and Paul Martin. (Ivan Kemp) 238450_05
Rush for COVID-19 jab By Luke Voogt Geelong residents are rushing to get their COVID-19 jab amid the latest Victorian outbreak and snap lockdown, with Barwon Health’s mass vaccination hub booked out yesterday. The health provider urged residents to book in advance as the state government announced the opening of vaccinations to Victorians aged 40 and over yesterday. Barwon Health spokesperson Kate Bibby warned that walk-in availability was limited at the old Ford factory hub in Norlane and that those with appointments would have priority.
“We apologise for the inconvenience this high demand could cause to some people hoping to get vaccinated today on a walk-in basis,” she said. “Booking a vaccination on the Barwon Health website is the best way to secure an appointment time.” Meanwhile, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Brett Ince urged state government to provide assistance to businesses in the sector – no longer receiving JobKeeper – as Victoria entered another snap lockdown last night. “That was certainly implied by the acting premier [James Merlino] today that there would be [assistance coming], so we’re hopeful
FREE emergency dental sleep dentistry general dental www.norlanedental.com.au
124 Sparks Rd, Norlane ph: 5278 2666
KIDS DENTAL Consultation Medicare Bulk Bill for eligible children (up to $1,013)
Enquire Now
that is the case,” Mr Ince said yesterday. The lockdown, lasting until at least next Thursday, would not be as damaging for tourism and hospitality operators as the previous lockdown in February, in terms of revenue, he said. The previous lockdown occurred during a higher visitation period, Mr Ince explained. But, unlike the current lockdown, thousands of businesses were receiving federal government’s JobKeeper payment during the February restrictions, he said. “It’s going to be extremely difficult and disappointing for local business owners, navigating a second snap lockdown.
“But we also know that this is a needed measure to stop the spread and, hopefully, open again at the end the lockdown to continue our recovery.” Mr Ince urged those planning to visit Geelong and the Bellarine to “reschedule instead of cancelling”. He also encouraged local residents to order takeaway to support their favourite cafes and restaurants. The Department of Health reported another 12 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing Victorian total to 34 active cases. ■ Victoria
in snap lockdown: Page 3
FREE CONSULTATIONS for - smile makeovers - dental implants - orthodontics
Enquire Now 12497694-DL22-21