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November 22, 2018

Reporting to the Owners, this dual role of General Manager/Editor will be responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the business along with management of all staff. In addition, managing a small team of journalists who will write general news and sport for our papers that is both timely and relevant to our readers. The successful applicant will have a thorough understanding of general news content, be responsible for what is printed under the Press Council regulations as well as managing customer expectations.

Your Background:

5 years’ people management experience
3 years’ newspaper editor experience
Bachelor Degree or higher in Journalism
Formal education / training in Business / HR or similar
Proficient with InDesign, and Microsoft Office programs, in particular Word and Outlook
Experience in managing teams in particular with writing newspaper articles, proofreading and press releases; also writing content for websites and managing profiles on social media
Ability to get people to work efficiently under your management
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent communication skills – verbal, written and listening
Good working knowledge of the English language and its correct use with context and grammar
High energy with determination to get the job done
Self-motivated with a drive to improve self, team and business as a whole
Sound business acumen, understanding of P+L
Exposure with managing various OHS issues and training of staff to reduce risks
Current, valid driver’s licence
Current working with children’s check

Key Selection Criteria:

Ability to communicate clearly, effectively and cultivate productive working relationships with a diverse range of customers and stakeholders
Experience in managing competing priorities and organising work in order to complete tasks at an appropriate standard while meeting strict deadlines
Excellent delegation skills and the ability to create a work climate where people are empowered to take action
The ability to deal with complex situations requiring the assessment of priorities under pressure within short time frames
Proven inspirational, motivational and empowering leadership qualities to deliver outcomes
Tenacity and the ability to follow through to a successful conclusion

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your resumé and a cover letter (3 page max) addressing the Key Selection Criteria to gm@newspaperhouse.com.au.

Only applicants who are an Australian resident or hold a relevant visa are eligible to apply (NO VISA sponsorship).

Klein disendorsed

The North Central Review

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November 20, 2018

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LIBERAL Party candidate Meralyn Klein has been disendorsed by her party following claims of an assault and rape threat made in an anti-Muslim video.

In the video, published by far-right party the Australian Liberty Alliance, Ms Klein spoke to Australian Liberty Alliance Upper House candidate Avi Yemini about an alleged incident that took place about a decade ago.

In the video, Ms Klein said she and her daughter were assaulted by two teenage boys from a neighbouring business.

Ms Klein did not describe the background or religion of the alleged attackers, but did say the teenagers ‘were not so happy with two blonde women running their own restaurant’.

However words added in post-production said, ‘they were Muslim…’ and ‘#muslimban’.

Ms Klein told the North Central Review she filmed the video on Wednesday (November 14) with the intent of highlighting crime and violence against women, not speaking out against anyone.

“It’s coming up to White Ribbon Day so I wanted to do a video that highlighted crime,” Ms Klein said.

Ms Klein said Mr Yemini never divulged to her that he was a member of the Australian Liberty Alliance and filmed the video with the understanding that she and the Liberal Party would have the opportunity to approve of it before it was published.

Ms Klein said she was not aware of Mr Yemini’s political affiliation despite Mr Yemini wearing an Australian Liberty Alliance polo shirt and carrying a microphone with the party’s logo.

“I actually didn’t notice it. I didn’t even look to be honest,” she said.

Late Wednesday night, Ms Klein said her daughters made her aware of the video, after which she contacted Mr Yemini through a ‘friend of a friend’, threatening legal action if he did not take the video down.

Ms Klein said the video was taken down Wednesday night before being posted again on Thursday.

Ms Klein added reports of a deal between herself and the Australian Liberty Alliance were completely false.

“[The Australian Liberty Alliance] is last on my ticket and, if you think about it, as the then Liberal Party candidate who preferenced his party last, why on earth would I support him?” she said.

“The reality is I don’t care what colour you are, red, white, blue or purple, the reality is crime is crime and the people who commit crime should do the time.

“I have no affiliation with his party and I certainly don’t endorse the rubbish he put on top of it.”

Despite being disendorsed, Ms Klein will still appear on the ballot as a Liberal candidate as she was disendorsed after pre-polling had already started.

If Ms Klein is elected, she would be elected as an independent despite appearing as a Liberal candidate on the ballot.

Lalios makes council return

The North Central Review

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November 20, 2018

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CITY of Whittlesea councillor Mary Lalios made her return to council at last Tuesday night’s (November 13) council meeting after not attending a meeting since April this year.

The return comes as prior requests to grant Cr Lalios a leave of absence have been denied and another absence would have seen her disqualified from her position as councillor.

An emergency meeting was called last week in a last-ditch effort to grant Cr Lalios leave before the decisive meeting but the matter was never heard after the councillors wishing to move the motion for leave failed to attend the meeting.

A previous attempt at granting Cr Lalios leave was unsuccessful in September after it was revealed she had made a WorkCover claim against council.

Once her attendance at the 6.30pm meeting was noted, Cr Lalios left the chambers with her belongings around 6.45pm and did not return.

Cr Lalios said she is working with council on a permanent return.

“I am working with council to gradually return to my councillor role, after an unplanned absence,” she said.

“I look forward to being able to continue to serve this wonderful community, as I have for the last 13 years and three times as Mayor.

“There’s lots to be done for this growing community and I will continue to be a strong advocate for residents and ratepayers.”

Meanwhile, apologies for Crs Emilia Sterjova and Tom Joseph were accepted and a leave of absence was approved for Cr Alahna Desiato while she contests the state seat of Thomastown in this Saturday’s election.

Shed one step closer

The North Central Review

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November 20, 2018

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AFTER months of work and campaigning, Romsey will finally have a men’s shed to call its own.

In a significant milestone for men’s sheds in Victoria, the Romsey Men’s Shed will be the 100th to receive funding through the state government.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas announced on Tuesday (November 13) the Romsey Men’s Shed would receive $60,000 to build a new shed at Romsey Park.

Despite being formally incorporated in June, the shed hasn’t been able to have any formal or regular meetings or recruit members due to the lack of space.

The announcement means that men in Romsey will soon have a place they can get together, share skills and take on projects that benefit the local community.

The funding will get the Men’s Shed most of the way towards building a new shed, but they have a yet to secure a site for it.

Romsey Men’s Shed secretary Patrick Holt said the funding was a pleasant surprise but doesn’t quite finish the job.

“Our primary focus is we need to get a site secured first. We’ve expressed interest to council about Romsey Park so we’re still waiting to hear back from them about that,” he said.

“The $60,000 will get us pretty close to buying a shed but maybe not getting it standing.

“There was obviously surprise, but gratitude too because Mary-Anne went into bat for us and we really appreciate it.”

Ms Thomas said the Men’s Shed will be a wonderful asset for the Romsey community.

“It will engage men from across the region so they have the chance to come together, share their skills and catch up with mates,” she said.

“Having somewhere to go and spend time with other men makes a huge difference to men’s health and wellbeing.”

“Congratulations to the Romsey community for getting behind this project. They can now start work on building a Men’s Shed for Romsey thanks to this grant.”

Yan Yean candidate disendorsed by Liberals

News

The North Central Review

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November 16, 2018

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Yan Yean candidate disendorsed by Liberals

CANDIDATE for Yan Yean Meralyn Klein has been disendorsed by the Liberal Party following the release of a video by far-right party the Australian Liberty Alliance.

In the video, Ms Klein spoke to Australian Liberty Alliance Upper House candidate Avi Yemini about an alleged incident that took place about a decade ago.

Ms Klein said in the video she and her daughter were assaulted by two teenage boys from a neighbouring business.

A Liberal Party employee told the North Central Review that Ms Klein had been disendorsed by the party.

Ms Klein’s Liberal Party website and Facebook page have both been taken down.

For more, see next Tuesday’s North Central Review.

Labor commits to Riddells Creek CFA upgrade

The North Central Review

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November 13, 2018

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Labor commits to Riddells Creek CFA upgrade

RIDDELLS Creek will get an upgraded fire station if Labor is re-elected on November 24.

The existing station was built in 1984 and is no longer meeting the needs of the local brigade.

The facility is overcrowded, without female amenities and is well and truly ready for a refresh.

The upgraded station will provide the community with the modern facilities it deserves and will house the Brigade’s four vehicles and appliances, as well as supporting more than 60 volunteers that staff the station.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said the upgrade will allow the Riddells Creek brigade to continue to grow to meet the operational responsibilities of the region.

“The Riddells Creek Fire Brigade is home to an active and thriving group of volunteers who are dedicated to keeping their community safe,” she said.

“I have enjoyed working with the Brigade towards this outcome and look forward to delivering this investment under a re-elected Andrews Labor Government.”

Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino echoed Ms Thomas’ sentiments.

“The Riddells Creek Brigade is a pivotal part of the local community. But 30 years on, it’s ready for a refresh.”

Council honours Gallipoli

The North Central Review

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November 13, 2018

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WORLD War I’s Gallipoli campaign has been honoured by the City of Whittlesea with streets and a park in a new Mernda development named in its honour.

As a project for to the Centenary of World War I, several streets in Regent Views have been given names of Victoria Cross recipients from the First World War.

Three streets have been named to honour Australian Army Victoria Cross recipients –Shout Street, Throssell Street and Tubb Street.

Five others are named after the localities of important battles at Gallipoli – Lone Pine Drive, Mortar Ridge, Plugges Street, Popes Avenue and Shrapnel Road.

The estate also features a pocket park with a commemorative plaque listing all the men who were awarded the Victoria Cross Medal at Gallipoli. The medal is the highest honour for acts of bravery in war time.

Mayor Lawrie Cox said the project was a partnership between the developer Allen Pennell and Council as well as the RSL, which was consulted during the process.

“With the 100 year anniversary of the Armistice Remembrance Day it draws another reminder of the sacrifice so many Australians have made serving their country during war and other conflicts,” he said.

“While this particular project recognises the heroes of World War I, we do remember those who have served us throughout history. A personal example of this is my father who was part of the ANZACs which were formed in 1941 during the campaign for Greece in WW2.

“I’m pleased that our Council has been a partner in this important project during the centenary of the ANZACs forces.”

Horror train ride

The North Central Review

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November 13, 2018

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PASSENGERS on the 5.11 V/Line service from Melbourne had a ride to remember last week when one carriage of the Sprinter set began filling with smoke.

Passengers were unable to alert the conductor who was in another carriage due to the lack of access between carriages

Commuter, Josh Laker, who was a passenger on the train called 000 to alert the driver and conductor of an emergency situation.

Mr Laker spoke with 000 before Pascoe Vale station and later expressed concern that the train passed through at least two more stations where could have safely disembarked before arriving at Broadmeadows.

“If the issue were flames, a health scare, or even the carriage had filled with smoke quickly – then this could have been much, much worse,” Mr Laker posted on the Seymour Train Action Group (STAG) Facebook page.

“Once we were at Broadmeadows, first aid could have been offered as there were a small few clearly struggling. I personally have Asthma and a quick squirt of my inhaler put me right. Can’t speak for others,” Mr Laker added.

“We needed a safe and immediate way to alert the conductor or driver, stop the train and have them assess the situation.”

The train was taken out of service at Broadmeadows and passengers were told to wait for the next service and it was later revealed that the cause of the incident was a failure with the air-conditioning transformer.

A spokesperson for V/Line has advised that the company will ‘take on board’ the feedback regarding the handling of the incident at Broadmeadows regarding referrals to first aid.

“Broadmeadows is a staffed Metro station so there would have been opportunity to for assistance if required, however we will look to improve that in future,” the spokesperson said.

Metro trains have an emergency intercom, and other V/Line services have as well. However Sprinter services do not and there does not look to be a solution anytime soon. V/Line has advised that the company is currently in the process of updating its on-board train signage to make it clearer what the emergency process is.

This is the second time a Sprinter has caught fire in the district. In December 2016, a Sprinter caught fire at Seymour station.

A fresh coat of paint

The North Central Review

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November 13, 2018

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LANCEFIELD Neighbourhood House will be able to get a much-needed refresh thanks to $20,000 of funding from the federal government’s Stronger Communities Program.

Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell made a surprise announcement for the funding at the Feed it Forward launch on October 30.

The funding will go towards improvements modernising the lighting, heating and cooling as well as updating the interior and flooring.

Lancefield Neighbourhood House coordinator Vivien Philpotts said the 130-year-old building is incredibly sound for its age, but needs some modernisation.

“We don’t actually have heating in every room and with gas heating, we have to have air flow, which means the building isn’t very environmentally sustainable,” she said.

“We’ll be able to do some draught proofing to make it more energy efficient and so we can have heating in every room.”

As the house is still on bottled gas, making it more energy efficient would also reduce costs along the way.

In the 30 years the Lancefield Neighbourhood House has occupied the building, Ms Philpotts guessed it might never have received a professional paintjob.

“Any painting that’s happened has been by volunteers. It’s been very much a grassroots community paintjob so we’ve had lots of fun colours but it hasn’t been professionally painted in 30 years,” she added.

Mr Mitchell said the House plays an integral role in the town, providing services, courses and a central meeting place to residents and groups.

“This funding, matched by in-kind donations and funds raised by the Neighbourhood House, will make a massive difference to the daily operation of the House,” he said.

“We are thrilled to make their space more habitable and importantly a lot safer, through these updates.”

Council waste

The North Central Review

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November 13, 2018

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CITY of Whittlesea councillors were bemoaning a waste of their time at a Special Council Meeting last Wednesday night (November 7).

Councillors Ricky Kirkham, Alahna Desiato and Caz Monteleone called the urgent meeting on two days’ notice to discuss a leave of absence request for Cr Mary Lalios.

However, the meeting was over in just a matter of minutes when Crs Kirkham, Desiato and Monteleone failed to attend and a quorum was barely achieved.

The motion was for council to resolve to not the medical certificate provided by Cr Lalios and grant a leave of absence for Cr Lalios ‘for the period detailed by her suitably qualified medical practitioner’.

The meeting was called on two days’ notice to allow the ability to consider information provided by Cr Lalios prior to tonight’s ordinary council meeting, at which Cr Lalios would be disqualified if her leave is not granted.

Other reasons outlined include giving Cr Lalios a buffer and allow her to consider her position before tonight’s council meeting.

CEO Simon Overland was informed earlier in the day that the three councillors no longer wished to proceed with the motion.

Mr Overland said there is no course of action to cancel a council meeting after it has been called and councillors alerted.

Cr Sam Alessi said the people who brought councillors and officers were brought to the council meeting at the ratepayers’ expense were playing an unfair game with the community.

With no movers present, the motion lapsed and the meeting was closed with no resolution.

Cr Monteleone said advice and discussion after the meeting was called meant the three councillors felt the matter could be heard at the ordinary council meeting.

“I don’t think a meeting should’ve been held. If the meeting can’t be reversed, it is what it is.”