BERWICK
Thursday, 5 May, 2022
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Gathering for Eid al-Fitr
Vigils for terror victims
The tide is turning
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SPORT
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Families to picnic for climate
40¢ Inc. GST
Mixed reactions By Eleanor Wilson Despite boosts to health and schools, the 2022-’23 Victorian State Budget, has received a mixed response in Casey. Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas said the Andrews Labor Government was “putting its patients first” with this year’s budget, which includes a $12 billion Pandemic Repair Plan, $333 million to add nearly 400 new staff to increase the scope of Triple Zero services across the state and $236 million to double the capacity of Casey Hospital’s emergency department. “Nothing is more important than the health of our loved ones,” Mr Maas said. “With an expansion of the emergency department at Casey Hospital this Budget will give local families the confidence that when they get sick, the care they need will be there for them.” Casey Council said it welcomed the health funding, with chair of administrators Noelene Duff stating the hospital funding boost, which is shared with Werribee Mercy Hospital, would “better support our community, improve patient care and support local jobs.” “We know the health care sector has been hardest hit during the pandemic and funding is vital to help alleviate the impacts of the pandemic for the services and staff at the front line and so our residents can access the essential care they need,” she said. Despite receiving a positive response from the council, other representatives had a more apprehensive view of the State Government’s health investment. Gembrook MP Brad Battin took aim at Labor’s “empty election promises”, pointing out the Casey Hospital funding was set to be completed in two elections’ time. “The Andrews Labor Government’s cruel joke to upgrade Casey Hospital only if you vote for them two more times is as political as it gets,” Mr Battin said. “Casey Cardinia residents are sick of Labor giving empty election promises. When will La-
Car show at Berwick Car lovers were in their element with a selection of pristine Fords, a Harley bike and even a 1960s’ army truck on show at the Akoonah Park Men’s Shed car show and garage sale on Saturday. It was the group’s first major fundraising event in more than two years. Story page 20
Jim from Berwick in his 1957 Ford Customline. 278701
bor stop spinning and start delivering?” The Liberal MP also questioned the timing of completion dates for local school upgrades funding in the 2022-23 State Budget. Through the Victorian Budget, Kambrya
College in Berwick will receive an $18.9 million upgrade for 400 additional spaces for students in classrooms as part of $658.2 million investment in upgrades and improvements at existing schools.
The upgrade is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025-26, which Mr Battin criticised for falling around the time of the 2026 state election. Continued page 5
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