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4 MAY, 2021
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Mum’s special day
(Damjan Janevski) 235014_02
Sunday will be a special day for Tugce Hudaverdi, with the Meadow Heights mum set to celebrate her first Mother’s Day. Ms Hudaverdi gave birth to son Yusuf in September last year as Melbourne experienced its tough stage four lockdown. “It was pretty scary … because there was a lot of uncertainty,” Ms Hudaverdi said. Ms Hudaverdi said even though it was a difficult time, she “wouldn’t have it any other way”. “My boy is coping really well, putting aside that he was born in a pandemic and not able to go any places,” she said. Ms Hudaverdi said she has not made any plans for Mother’s Day, although is expecting some sort of celebration. “I’m leaving it to my husband to plan,” she said. “We don’t celebrate many things, but I think Mother’s Day is one of those [that you need to]. “Being a mum is hard … you want to feel that someone notices what you’re doing.” Michaela Meade
Hub divides community A state government proposal for a 500-bed COVID-19 quarantine hub in Mickleham has divided the community. Last week, Acting Premier James Merlino revealed that a site on Donnybrook Road was the state government’s preferred location for the hub, which will house returned travellers. The site is next to the existing federal government-owned Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility. The state government has committed $15 million to design the hub, however its construction is dependent on federal government approval and funding. The state
government said the hub would cost about $200 million to build, with construction to begin in September if federal approval is granted. Several residents told Star Weekly they had concerns about a quarantine hub being built in a growing community. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently revealed that Mickleham experienced the highest population growth in the country in 2019-20. Melissa said she was concerned about the risk of the virus leaking out of the hub. “What is the guarantee that COVID won’t get into our community? … The [state] government still hasn’t gotten [it] right,” she said. “Who will want to live here now … we will only be known as the ‘COVID quarantine
centre’ which means our house prices will plummet. Most importantly, where was the community consultation?” Joa raised concerns about the proposed hub’s proximity to Merrifield City shopping centre, which is less than two kilometres from the site. “It will take only one person working at the facility to rush out to get some lunch at Coles and not wash their hands well or catch 525 bus to Craigieburn.” Other residents said they supported the proposal and that they believed there was no risk to the community as the site was already home to an animal quarantine facility. Adam said Mickleham’s proximity to Melbourne Airport made it an ideal location.
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Hume council has called for more information about the proposal, revealing it was not consulted prior to last week’s announcement. Mayor Joseph Haweil said council has requested an “urgent” meeting with the state government. “Council has not been consulted … and seeks clarification about the ongoing management of the facility to ensure the health and safety of local residents,” he said. Other sites considered for the hub included Melbourne Airport, Cooper Street in Epping, Mickleham Road in Attwood, and Avalon Airport. Yuroke MP Ros Spence was contacted for comment.
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By Michaela Meade