-

April 9, 2019

By Evelyn Leckie

THE Northern Hospital in Epping has created a culturally inclusive space for Aboriginal patients and families by introducing a smoking ceremony garden for families to carry out cleansing rituals for sick loved ones.

The hospital last week launched the garden ‘Jornung-Bik’, meaning ‘a pleasant place’.

The garden also contains an information bollard or ‘message stick’ that plays information read by Traditional Owner Ben Church.

The audio recording informs people of Aboriginal history and the importance behind smoking ceremonies.

Traditional Owner Colin Hunter Jr welcomed attendees with a moving smoking ceremony, explaining that cleansing rituals are believed to ward of bad spirits and make pathways for a brighter future.

Northern Health chief executive Siva Sivarajah said cultural safety was an important goal for the hospital.

“The garden is the outcome of our partnership between staff members, patients, families, Wurundjeri Elders and the greater community to deliver a culturally appropriate space,” she said.

“We’re also currently in the process of installing welcome signs around all our hospitals which welcomes patients in 14 languages and acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land.”

City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox attended the launch, saying the council supports inclusion.

“Our council is inclusive and we are very encouraging of community groups regardless of background,” he said.

The hospital’s chief strategy and development officer Simon Keating said the need for the garden came after an Aboriginal patient on a 12-year cancer journey entered Northern Health palliative care.

“At the request of the patient’s family, they wished to perform a smoking ceremony in the patient’s final days on the ward,” he said.

“The ceremony had logistical issues – this then lead to the Aboriginal Health Unit developing a culturally safe space for smoking ceremonies.”

Leader of the project senior Aboriginal liaison officer and proud Gunditjmara woman Karen Bryant said she was proud of the new garden.

“In Melbourne hospitals we don’t have a lot of green space, they’re concrete jungles, so sometimes it’s beautiful to have the trees and the earth underneath your feet – to sit down and reflect on whatever is going on for you at the time,” she said.

“It’s a space for patients and families whether you’re Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.”

Robert Bamblett plays the didgeridoo at the opening ceremony

Water restrictions for Kilmore and Wandong

The North Central Review

The North Central Review

-

April 9, 2019

0

Water restrictions for Kilmore and Wandong

Kilmore, Wandong and Heathcote Junction will be on stage two water restrictions from Thursday until further notice.

Goulburn Valley Water made the decision following months of dry and warm conditions.

Storages in the Sunday Creek system, which supplies Kilmore, Wandong and Heathcote Junction, are at about 10 per cent and demand continues to be high due to warm autumn weather.

The water authority says critical works to ensure continuity of supply and combat low system inflows have been underway in the past two months, including an agreement to source some water from Yarra Valley Water and pumping water from Broadford.

Leak detection investigation is also occurring across the network, with residents also encouraged to report any potential leaks.

The water authority’s service delivery general manager Daniel Flanagan said while a number of measures had already been implemented under drought response plans to avoid introducing restrictions during summer, continuing dry conditions and low storage levels meant restrictions were now required.

“We need residents to take action to save water now – stage two restrictions means people shouldn’t be using water outside unless absolutely necessary,” Mr Flanagan said.

“We encourage residents to also take that extra step and think about how they can reduce water consumption elsewhere – take shorter showers, use the half-flush on the toilet and turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth.

“We’re actively monitoring storage levels, demand and forecast rainfall – if demand remains high and there is minimal rainfall and inflows into our storages, we may need to increase the restrictions.”

Key stage two restrictions include:

-Residential, commercial or public lawn areas cannot be watered at any time -Residential, commercial or public gardens must only be watered as required and only with a handheld hose, bucket or watering can at any time, or with a watering system on alternate days between 6-8am or 6-8pm.

Water cannot generally be used to fill or top up fountains, water features, ponds or lakes, or a new or existing pool or spa.

Cars cannot be washed except by using a pressure washer, handheld hose or bucket or at a commercial car wash.

The region experienced one of the warmest summers on record, and climate outlooks from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate that days and nights are likely to be warmer than average from April to June.

Customers can visit Goulburn Valley Water’s website for more information on the full restrictions and for tips on saving water around the home.

Goulburn Valley Water uses text messaging to inform customers of service interruptions, emergencies and other information. To register your phone number to receive notifications, call our 24-hour Customer Service Centre on 1800 454 500.

Fatal crash in Wallan

The North Central Review

-

April 9, 2019

0

A man has died after a crash in Wallan last night (April 8).

A Toyota four-wheel drive left Darraweit Road, near the intersection of Pretty Sally Drive, at about 7.20pm before crashing into a creek.

The driver, a 51-year-old Wallan man, died at the scene.

The exact circumstances of the collision are still being investigated.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Traffic was closed in both directions on Darraweit Road between Pretty Sally Drive and Dakota Avenue but was open this morning.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Council welcomes headspace funding

The North Central Review

-

April 9, 2019

0

The City of Whittlesea have welcomed ongoing funding for a satellite headspace service in the municipality announced last week, saying it is the first step in helping young people with their mental health.

Mayor Lawrie Cox said council was pleased learn the Federal Government would fund a headspace satellite service in the City of Whittlesea, but said more was needed.

“We’ve had a headspace outpost trial which was due to end so it’s great news to hear it will now be extended into permanent satellite service,” he said.

“This will mean young people can find the support they need in their local area rather than having to drive to Greensborough or other centres in neighbouring municipalities.”

However Cr Cox said the announcement stopped short of providing the full headspace service that the City of Whittlesea needed.

“Statistics show us that the need for youth mental health services is growing along with our population,” he said.

“Currently there is a four week wait for services at Headspace in Greensborough which is the nearest full service that services the City of Whittlesea area,” he said.

As assessment by the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network has identified Whittlesea as having the highest rate of people aged over 18 years with high or very high psychological distress; higher than the Victorian average.

“We’re keen to see a dedicated headspace centre be funded in the City of Whittlesea, rather than a satellite service, in the future as there is definitely the need in our community,” Cr Cox said.

“We will continue to fight for an ongoing permanent facility for youth mental health.”

Details of Council’s 2019 Federal Election advocacy campaign can be found online at www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/advocacy.

Paralympians to train in Broadford

The North Central Review

-

April 9, 2019

0

AUSTRALIA’S Paralympic cycling hopefuls will train at Broadford’s State Motorcycle Sport Complex in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

The Paralympics road race and individual time trial events will be at motor racing circuit Fuji Speedway, creating some unique challenges.

Cycling Australia head of performance solutions for paracycling Keren Faulkner said bringing the team to Broadford would help them train for the former Grand Prix circuit.

“It’s a lot more technical with more bends and turns and more elevation than road races and time trials often have in paracycling,” she said.

“We chose Broadford because it had some of the similar features as Fuji Speedway and we want to get some of our athletes with a range of impairments and types of bikes really practicing their skills on that type of circuit.

“We’ve got athletes with a range of impairments, including neurological impairments like cerebral palsy, upper limb and lower limb amputation, and using hand cycles or tricycles.”

Ms Faulkner said Cycling Australia is encouraging people to come down to the track and check out our future Paralympians in training.

“There’s not much opportunity to see paracyclists compete and train in Australia,” she said.

“Most of their major competitions are overseas so we encourage any people locally to come around and have a look and see how paracyclists train, how hard they work and engage a little bit and understand what the sport’s about.

“We would love to see more people appreciate and understand our sport and help us to build a bit of a local fan base for when the games are on.”

Some of the athletes who will be training include Rio gold medallist Carol Cooke, World Championships silver medallist Hannah MacDougall and Track World Championships gold medallist Darren Hicks.

The Paralympians will be at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex on Monday, April 15 from 11am to 5pm and Tuesday, April 16 from 9am-3pm.

A gold coin donation is encouraged with all donations going towards helping the team get to Tokyo.

Lancefield’s children learn about kindness

Kids & Youth

The North Central Review

-

April 9, 2019

0

Lancefield’s children learn about kindness

In celebration of International Children’s Book Day, animal sanctuary Edgar’s Mission visited early education centres in Lancefield to share the gift of storytelling with their new animal kindness-themed books.

Edgar’s Mission is a not-for-profit sanctuary near Lancefield that is home to nearly 400 rescued animal residents and encourage and advocate for compassion towards all animals.

Sanctuary founder and director Pam Ahern visited Lancefield Kindergarten and Lancefield Early Education Centre to talk to children about acts of kindness.

“It has been said that words and ideas can change the world and this is something we very much believe in at Edgar’s Mission,” Ms Ahern said.

“International Children’s Book Day presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate literacy and the art of storytelling as well as nurturing young people’s imagination, their innate sense of compassion and encouraging kindness to all.”

Ms Ahern donated their book Around the Farm and Baby Animals to the schools.For more information on Edgar’s Mission books and merchandise visit www.kindness.shop.

Royal commission into mental health starts in Whittlesea

The North Central Review

-

April 9, 2019

0

Royal commission into mental health starts in Whittlesea

The first step to fixing Victoria’s “broken” mental health system began in Whittlesea on Friday with the Royal Commission into Mental Health hearing the stories of people from the area.

Chairperson Penny Armytage and commissioners Allan Fels, Alex Cockram and Bernadette McSherry met with people from across the Whittlesea municipality.

Ms Armytage said community consultations were starting in Whittlesea due to the area’s diverse background.

“We were keen to start our consultation in a diverse community,” she said.

“Whittlesea is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia – nearly 50 per cent of the community speak a language other than English at home and it has a diverse range between metropolitan suburban and rural environments.”

Up to 80 people signed up to be a part of the consultation process in Whittlesea.

Ms Armytage said the people who attended the consultations were engaged and discussed several issues including access to mental health services and the importance of having support available when needed.

Community consultations will assist the commissioners in recommending major reforms to Victoria’s mental health system.

“We’re here to listen – we found already people are very keen to engage with us to express their views to reflect upon their own experiences and to share insights about how the system can be improved for the future,” Ms Armytage said.

“It’s really an exercise in listening to community members, be they people living with mental illness, family, carers, others that have and interest or people involved with service provision who can tell us what their experiences have been to date and to reflect upon that.”

Ms Armytage said it was a once in a generation opportunity to take make a difference about an issue that impacted the lives of so many Victorians.

“When you think about the prevalence, the challenge that’s in our community – it’s a great honour to be asked to chair the commission and think very deeply about the ways in which we may improve our response to people with mental illness,” she said.

“We don’t underestimate the effort it takes for people to participate, and we are sincerely grateful to hear so many personal stories and experiences.”

Hair-raising success

Kids & Youth

The North Central Review

-

April 9, 2019

1

Wallan’s Mackenzie Fereday raised more than $2300 for Variety’s Hair with Heart initiative and donated her hair to help make wigs for children with leukaemia.

Mackenzie and her parents Mel and Michael Fereday originally hoped to raise $500 through friends and family but a groundswell of support saw them hit their target within two days.

On Friday, Mackenzie underwent the big chop and at 12pm – online donations had reached $1053 and, with help from Mr Fereday’s employer Cleanaway, another $1315 was raised through raffle tickets and donations.

Mackenzie said she was proud to be able to raise so much money.

“It feels amazing. I was a bit nervous because there were nearly 100 people watching. I love my haircut. I can brush it all by myself now,” she said.

A hairdresser donated her time and services while Casual Cuts Wallan donated a wash and blow dry to treat Mackenzie before the cut. Costco also donated morning tea and La Manna donated a hamper for the raffle.

Mel Fereday said the whole family was overwhelmed with the support.

“We didn’t think it was going to get this big. We thought it would just be friends and family,” she said.

“Our first target was $500 and we got to that on the second day, then we upped it to $600 and kept upping it to $1000 and we reached that on Friday, $2400 is just amazing.”

Ms Fereday said the whole idea was to raise awareness for what Variety did for the families that need help.

“I just wanted to raise awareness for people out there that could be in a situation where their kids could be unwell to contact Variety,” she said.

“For those kids who could be in a situation like Mackenzie where they’ve got long hair and want to help, get onboard with Variety and look at ways at fundraising or donating hair if possible.”

Footpath frustration

The North Central Review

-

April 9, 2019

0

Residents are concerned for their safety when walking due to a lack of footpaths in Lancefield.

Mothers Anita McMaster and Bianca Rantall – who walk daily with their prams – said footpaths only existed one street from the middle of town.

“I walk every day to get out of the house, with the pram on the road. People don’t really want to move over for you,” Ms McMaster said.

“Some roads are 70km/h and it’s very stressful to walk along. I had to move to a baby carrier because I nearly got run off the road two weeks ago with my pram on McMasters Lane.”

Ms Rantall said she would feel safer if footpaths were constructed at least on one side of the main roads in Lancefield.

“Even for us to get to kinder, we’ve got to walk on the main street,” Ms Rantall said.

“We can’t even get to the park without walking on the main road with no footpath.”

Both women have noticed not just mothers and children putting themselves at risk to travel in town.

“I pass two or three prams walking everyday who are on the road, but we’ve also got a nursing home nearby and they are on their mobility scooters,” Ms McMaster said.

“It’s very dangerous for them to drive along the main road,” Ms Rantall said.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Shire-wide Footpath Plan was developed after community consultations in Gisborne, Macedon, Riddells Creek, Woodend, Kyneton and Romsey in 2017 and 2018 – there was no session in Lancefield.

The plan is estimated to cost $15 million over 15 to 20 years, subject to funding.

Projects will be considered for future funding depending on the priority rating in each town.

Connors Road, Chauncey Street and High Street were considered high priority in council’s plan, but no details have been released.

Council said now that the budget had been increased for the footpath program, most towns would see at least some construction for footpaths every year.

Ruffled feathers

The North Central Review

-

April 9, 2019

1

There was an outcry in the public gallery at City of Whittlesea’s council meeting last week as councillors debated the future of a proposed poultry farm in Eden Park.

Members of the gallery raised signs objecting to the farm while councillors considered the planning permit application for the Fifth Avenue property.

Cr Tom Joseph proposed to defer the decision on the basis that not enough information had been submitted regarding the affect the farm would have on surrounding residents.

“We can’t make an informed decision without expert reports,” Cr Joseph said.

“We need to make decisions according to local laws, I thought the reports put forward were insufficient.”

Cr Sam Alessi agreed with the deferral acknowledging that the planning permit was a contentious issue.

“I’m concerned about the waste field – it’s important we have more information put forward, it must be upfront,” Cr Alessi said.

Cr Caz Monteleone said while he had not made a decision on the planning permit, he was concerned with the amount of hoops council would force the applicant to go through to request further expert reports.

“We’ve had hospitals built on tips before, we’re making them jump through too many hoops for just a chook farm,” Cr Monteleone said.

“I’m worried about deterring other agricultural businesses – this will prevent other applicants coming forward – we need to reduce the red tape.”

The public gallery booed at Cr Monteleone’s comments causing Mayor, Lawrie Cox to ask the gallery to settle down.Cr Norm Kelly stood up asking councillors, “how do you determine if it affects neighbouring properties?”

“What about the pests and vermin? I sure wouldn’t want to be sharing a fence with them,” he said.

Eden Park resident Kerry Stewart told the North Central Review she was disappointed with the poor effort in community consultation.

“I would have thought that – considering there were 49 objections and 51 signatures on a petition that they would not have gone ahead and sent this off to the council meeting without any consultation,” she said.

Ms Stewart lives 450 metres from the proposed poultry farm and said her notification was received by mail the day after the council meeting.

“It was mailed on Friday by normal post, council need to express post so people can actually be there,” she said.

“I know what the winds are like in Eden Park, we’re concerned about the smell, vermin and air borne diseases.

”The applicant must now provide council with a detailed land management plan, environmental management plan, waste management plan, nutrient management plan, risk assessment report including likely emission of noise and odour, a traffic management plan and a report on Aboriginal overlay.

Cr Rick Kirkham also requested that council provide a level of assurance to represent residents should the applicant appeal the matter with VCAT at a later date.

The applicant did not respond to the Whittlesea Review’s request for comment.