12477071-CG03-21
Established in 1981 as the
proudly serving Sunbury and Macedon Ranges
6 APRIL, 2021
See inside for all your property news
SIGN UP NOW!
Mia sings in joyful strains
(Damjan Janevski) 232067_01
While some adults confess to having never learned the words to the Australian national anthem, there’s one enthusiastic toddler that has the tune mastered. At just two years of age, Mia Saakhalkar (pictured) could be Sunbury’s youngest singing superstar. Mia’s mother Dipti said her daughter was playing with her toys one day, when suddenly, she belted out Advance Australia Fair from pillar to post. “We were astonished,” Dipti said. “The first time we heard her sing it we were moved to tears, we knew we had to share with everyone else.” Mia’s spontaneous performance is not a complete aberration. Her parents Dipti and Saab are often playing the anthem and other Australian classics including Waltzing Matilda and True Blue. Originally from Mumbai India, Dipti and Saab relocated to Australia looking for a better life in 2014. “Being a migrant who came to this country and this land gave us everything ... so as parents we couldn’t be more proud to hear her sing the anthem.” Oliver Lees
Residents demand action By Oliver Lees A Sunbury residents group is demanding Hume council “consider all legal avenues” against the Victorian government, following its approval of an application to receive contaminated soil at a site in Bulla. Hi-Quality’s planning scheme amendment application, which gives the builders of the West Gate Tunnel Project the legal option to use Hi-Quality’s site on Sunbury Road to relocate the soil, was approved by the government last Monday. The final decision about whether the soil will be taken to Bulla rests with Transurban.
Sunbury resident and administrator of the Facebook group Sunbury Against Toxic Soil, Chris O’Neill has repeatedly voiced his frustrations at a lack of community consultation. “We need the council to act in the best interests of the community after being let down by our local member,” he said. “As a ratepayer, I would demand Hume council launch legal action to stop the scheme. If we have to march down the streets, we will.” Hume council declined to respond as to whether it would be pursuing legal action. Mayor Joseph Haweil said the approval marked “a really disappointing day for the
Bulla and Sunbury communities”. “Hume City Council cannot be clearer; we do not support the spoil coming to Bulla and continue our opposition to this proposal,” Cr Haweil said. “We stand by our community’s real concerns for their health, the environment and the impact the traffic congestion this facility will create. “Council is now considering the implications of this decision and the reasons the Victorian government felt it appropriate to sidestep the usual process and approve the amendment without public consultation and independent review.” Council has also flagged concerns about the Sunbury Eco-Hub’s proximity to residential
developments in Sunbury South and Emu Creek, as well as the likelihood of increased congestion on Sunbury Road as a result of extra truck movements. Both Melton council and the Moorabool Environment Group have launched legal action against the state government, following government approval for the soil to be taken to Ravenhall and Bacchus Marsh. A Hi-Quality spokesperson said the company is “committed to leaving a positive legacy”. “Hi-Quality has undertaken rigorous assessments … our designs meet and exceed the highest environmental, operational, and safety standards.”
AITKEN STREET FAMILY LAW Dedicated to helping you. A boutique law firm in Gisborne, specialising in tailored advice in all areas of family law for married, defacto and separating couples.
20 MINUTE FREE CONSULTATION
Call (03) 5428 1976 or visit www.aitkenstreetfamilylaw.com
Janine Gibson