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5 OCTOBER, 2021
Prem babies need a hand
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Doreen mum Tracey Disantedicola is urging locals to hit the pavement this month in support of premature babies. Tracey gave birth to son Jordan in December, 2020, at 24 weeks gestation. Jordan’s due date was in April, 2021. Tracey said it was a difficult road for the family as soon as Jordan was born. “He had to be resuscitated,” she said. “In his second day of life, he had a massive bleed on his lungs. “The doctors said that they didn’t know where he got his second wind from, but he survived.” Jordan has undergone 12 surgeries since his birth. Tracey said COVID-19 restrictions impacted the ability of her family and friends to provide support. This month, Life’s Little Teasures Foundation is hosting its annual Walk for Prems – virtually. The event raises money to help the foundation and its volunteers to support ‘prem parents’. Tracey said the foundation made sure support is always available. “You’re not alone. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. Details: www.walkforprems.org.au
Scam letter ‘appalling’ By Michaela Meade Hume councillor Naim Kurt says he is “beyond disgusted” after a scam letter – purporting to be from him – was sent out to ratepayers, directing them to pay money to Hume council or risk being jailed. The letter, seen by Star Weekly, was sent to “at least 100” Hume ratepayers around Gladstone Park, according to Cr Kurt. It directs people to pay $187.87 to a bank account, which the letter claims belongs to Hume council, and threatens jail time if the person does not pay within two days. “I have reviewed your rates and found that
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unfortunately you are currently in breach of the council rates and invoices act,” the letter claims. “As your local councillor, I have managed to arrange a great discount for you. If you pay just $187.87 as a one-off payment, I can manage to wave (sic) your rates for the next 12 months. This is a discount on account of Covid crisis. “If you do not pay your rates, then there is nothing I can do. You will be reported to the local law enforcement agency who will arrest you with severe jail time! “This could result in your being placed into the local prison system for up to 20 years without parole. I will not be able to protect you
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at this point. “I can protect you but only if you make this payment.” Cr Kurt said his signature was forged on the letter, which also bears the Hume council and Victoria Police logos. The letter has been reported to police. Cr Kurt said he was “beyond disgusted that my name is being used to scam money from residents”. “This letter is aimed at vulnerable residents, who don’t speak English as a first language,” Cr Kurt said. “To think someone would misuse council and police logos and threaten people with jail
time if they don’t make a special payment to me, is appalling.” Hume chief executive Sheena Frost said council was “disappointed and frustrated” at the scam. “This is an appalling stunt against our community, and we are co-operating with police in their investigation,” she said. “We have placed an alert on council’s website and Facebook, and our customer service team has been notified of the letter to help residents confirm the authenticity of their rates notice.” Victoria Police was contacted for comment. If you receive the letter, report it via scamwatch.gov.au
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