Established in 1981 as the
proudly serving Melton and Moorabool
3 AUGUST, 2021
12496404-AV22-21
FREE DIGITAL EDITION
SIG N U P N O W!
Boredom busters
(Supplied)
Families across the state are thanking a Bacchus Marsh artist for helping them survive the boredom and anxiety that can come with long periods of isolation. Sarah Renae Clark, best-known for her creative colouring books, decided to do her bit for those struggling through the COVID-19 lockdown periods. Seeing the impact the pandemic was having on mental health, Clark released a free bumper package of materials people could download from her website to help keep the lockdown blues at bay. The ‘Quarantine Boredom Buster Bundle’ has been a huge success, racking up thousands of downloads from people looking for ways to pass the time at home. The free printable bundle includes more than 100 pages of colouring pages for adults and the kids, silly postcards, fun activities and decluttering ideas. “I believe in the power of positive thinking and taking the time to laugh, and the freedom that decluttering can bring when we are feeling overwhelmed or trapped,” Clark said. Details: sarahrenaeclark.com Benjamin Millar
Blackspot survey call By Benjamin Millar Moorabool residents are being urged to highlight mobile phone blackspots and broadband internet issues in their area. The state government has announced a community survey as part of its $550 million Connecting Victoria program, asking people to help identify areas where mobile and broadband are most needed. The storms that ripped through Moorabool last month, felling trees and trapping people on their properties, illustrated the potentially dangerous blackspot situation for rural residents.
Rural Councils Victoria chair Mary-Ann Brown said it is vital that rural Victorians have their say as good mobile and broadband coverage is vital for individuals, families, businesses and the work of emergency services across rural Victoria. “Without input from individual rural Victorians and rural communities there is a strong possibility that some of the communities worst affected won’t get the services they urgently need,” she said. “Quality mobile phone connectivity, in particular, isn’t just about convenience – it’s essential for small businesses, emergency services and visitor economies to thrive.”
Cr Brown said reliable broadband internet services are also essential for businesses, families and education. “Far too many parts of rural Victoria still lack effective mobile phone access and broadband, cutting entire communities off from an essential service that most Victorians living in cities take for granted,” she said. “Digital connectivity creates opportunities and decreases barriers to business, education, tourism and social interaction. “In an emergency this lack of mobile coverage can put lives at risk.” The Connecting Victoria program will focus on getting more Victorians access to
business-grade broadband and upgrading mobile coverage, improving 4G mobile coverage, helping more places become 5G-ready, and improving access to safety information during bushfires and other emergencies. The state government will also encourage the federal government and telecommunications providers to co-invest in the delivery of new infrastructure. The first locations to receive upgrades or new infrastructure are expected to be announced later this year. The Engage Victoria Connecting Victoria survey can be accessed until September 20 via engage.vic.gov.au/connecting-victoria
PREPARED DAILY USING LOCALLY SOURCED FRESH AND SEASONAL PRODUCTS Delivery through DoorDash & MENULOG Open Monday to Sunday for pick-up and contactless delivery. Order at our website online or Menulog
Mention this ad for 10% off
Shop 5/11 -17 Station Road Melton South (Next to Ruby’s & Coles)
Ph 8732 9170 | www.frilled.com.au 12464628-SN43-20