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Paws for some fun Victoria University held a Stress Less Fest for its students, complete with canine companions. The festival is aimed at giving students a break from studies and assignments, and allowing them a chance to recharge, either online or on campus. VU volunteer and first year nursing student Hannah Joyce said it was “really fun” to unwind and play with some cute dogs. “I think a lot of people are stressed at uni with assignments right now,” she said. “Being able to play with the dogs helps you reduce stress, and remain calm.” The Stress Less Fest last week included wellbeing workshops, mindfulness colouring stations, live music, and pop-up stalls across all VU campuses. Wellbeing services manager Margaret Theologou said the festival was a necessary addition to the student calendar. HANNAH JOYCE WITH WELLBEING DOG RAFA
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Calder funding secured By Tara Murray Brimbank council and the Calder Action Group have welcomed $50 million funding in the state budget for upgrades to the Calder Freeway. The funding will progress planning of safety and capacity at Calder Park Interchange and freeway upgrades between Gap Road in Sunbury and the M80 Ring Road. The federal government has already committed $50 million to the project – $400,000 announced in this year’s federal budget. Brimbank mayor Ranka Rassic said the funding was “hugely significant” and a “very welcome first step” towards fixing one of the
most dangerous roads in Victoria. “Through our ‘Fix the Calder’ campaign we have worked hand in hand with community groups, local MPs, neighbouring councils and concerned residents to advocate for real change,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful that state and federal governments have heard our voices …Our community can now be confident, with this $100m commitment to essential planning work, that further announcements will be made in future budgets to finally ‘Fix the Calder’. “For those who travel along the Calder every day, and see congestion, delays and accidents, this is a huge win.” Brimbank council has long campaigned
for upgrades to the freeway, including the construction of a full diamond interchange at the intersection of the Calder Freeway and Calder Park Drive, the grade separation of the Sunbury train line at Calder Park Drive and the duplication of Calder Park Drive between Calder Freeway and Melton Highway. It also wants funding allocated to bring the road up to freeway standard between the Western Ring Road (M80) and the Melton Highway, which would include additional lanes from Keilor Park Drive to Melton Highway, widening of the Maribyrnong River Bridge and reinstatement of the 100 km/h speed limit. Calder Action Group president Russell Mowatt said the funding was much-needed
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and long-awaited. “We started this in 2012 and it’s good to finally get some funding,” he said. “One hundred million is nothing to be laughed at. This is long overdue and we’re looking forward to the outcomes on the ground. “We want something tangible that we can touch and feel.” Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins said she knows how much this investment means to locals. “We are one step closer to a quicker – and safer – commute for locals travelling every day on the Calder.” ■ Budget
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