Established in 2003
proudly serving the Northern Suburbs
30 NOVEMBER, 2021
12496404-AV22-21
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SIG N U P N O W!
Splash into summer fun Summer just got cooler, with the opening of a water play splash pad at the Whittlesea Swim Centre. The new attraction at the Walnut Street centre features water play equipment aimed at keeping kids entertained all day long. Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said it was wonderful to see the community able to enjoy leisure facilities, following lengthy COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions. “With COVID restrictions now easing, it’s wonderful to see our community enjoying council’s leisure facilities again,” Ms Wilson said. “Whittlesea Swim Centre provides the young and young-at-heart with hours of fun-filled water play and the new splash pad is the perfect place for a family adventure this summer.” The water play zone includes a giant tipping bucket, umbrellas, water cannons, and a water slide for young residents. The upgrade for the centre was delivered by Whittlesea council with the support of the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund. Details: whittleseaswimcentre.com.au Fynn enjoying the new water play splash pad.
(Supplied)
Michaela Meade
Demand for support soars Families struggling to make ends meet this Christmas have been reaching out to welfare agencies for support since October, with one gift program booking out in just one week. Welfare agencies and support services across Whittlesea and Hume have reported a surge in inquiries from people in need of financial help ahead of Christmas, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Whittlesea Community Connections spokesperson said there there had been an
“unbelievably” big increase in the number of people looking for support from the organisation. “There’s been a significant increase in people seeking help,” the spokesperson said. “And it’s all across Melbourne, it doesn’t matter where you’re from. “Anecdotally, you’re looking at probably double the amount [of people compared to pre-pandemic].” The spokesperson said the past 18 months has had a detrimental effect on the community, with people from varied backgrounds needing help “more than ever”.
However, the spokesperson said there are many people and businesses in the community offering support, including Whittlesea township’s Parker’s Auto Plus “They’re running a toy drive,” the spokesperson said. “We’re expecting between 300 and 600 brand new toys to be donated. “Donating toys means kids wake up with presents on Christmas morning. “It can make such a difference.” Whittlesea City Salvos Corps captain Susan Lamotte said there was a “definite” need in the community for more support. She said the
Salvos’ Christmas service – offering presents and gift cards – was in high demand. The program was booked out within a week of opening, Ms Lamotte said. “We had people inquiring as early as October,” she said. “We’re trying our best … our budget was cut by half. “It doesn’t stretch very far, but we’ve tried to do the same amount to support the community as best we can.” Parker’s Auto Plus’ toy drive is accepting donations between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
ZIEBELL’S FARMHOUSE MUSEUM & HERITAGE GARDENS This local gem tells the story of the establishment of Westgarthtown in the 1850s, now Thomastown and Lalor. See our first rose planted in the 1860s along with 70 more, many other plants, heritage buildings and exhibitions. Cnr Gardenia Drive & Ainwick Cres, Thomastown Sunday 11.30 am–3 pm Tuesday 11:30 am–2 pm Adults $3 Children 50 cents
Find us on Facebook www.westgarthtown.org.au
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By Michaela Meade