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New Medicare urgent clinic in Epping

September 24, 2024

The Epping Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now fully operating from the Epping Plaza Medical and Dental Centre.

The Epping clinic will help reduce the number of people attending the local department for urgent, but non-life-threatening conditions such as sprains, infections, rashes, or cuts.

In the 2024-25 budget, the Federal Government provided $227 million to expand the Medicare UCC program.

Seven existing state-funded Priority Primary Care Centres will transition to the Federal Government’s Medicare UCC network, following a request from the State Government.

The transition to the Medicare UCC program provides longer term funding and gives the clinic access to the experience and learnings of the whole Medicare UCC network.

Located at Shop 216, Epping Plaza Regional Centre on High Street, the Epping Medicare UCC is open 8am-10pm every day.

Member for Scullin Andrew Giles encouraged residents to visit the clinic.

“I encourage any local with a non-life-threatening but urgent health issue to visit the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Epping Plaza,” he said.

“Using the clinic instead of the Northern Hospital will reduce pressure on busy emergency department staff and give you quick access to treatment at no cost.”

Sharing crucial conversations

Pam Kiriakidis

September 24, 2024

Findon Primary School took part of the conversation around R U OK? Day earlier this month at an assembly.

R U OK? Day falls on the second Thursday of September, encouraging Australians to start conversations with friends, family, and colleagues who might be struggling with their mental health.

Sharing the conversation around mental health, the school heard from headspace Greensborough and Plenty Valley, who provides free and confidential counselling services and support to young people from age 12–25.

Clinical Lead Chris Jewell and Community Engagement Practitioner Joel Rainford went through the four steps to having a conversation with someone who might need support, including asking ‘R U OK?’, to listen, to encourage action, and to check in.

Mr Jewell and Ms Rainford both recognised the crucial role of connecting to young people and their families.

“It’s Grade 6s that have reached that age mark, but there’s also young people that we can reach who are potentially experiencing some mental health issues that might not be at the point for support yet, but by the time it gets there, they’ve gone ‘That’s right, headspace’,” Mr Jewell said.

“With primary schools, it’s good to reach the families because it’s the families that often are the ones that recognise that they need some help,” Ms Rainford said.

Principal Anita Osavkovska said having conversations was the beginning of support.

“From a school’s perspective, this is the first year we’ve [had] wellbeing ambassadors, and they’ve really taken on the role to show the link between learning and wellbeing,” she said.

“It’s been really great for them from a leadership perspective to be able to take on the organisation, and link with the community, and bring that awareness to other students.

“Sometimes awareness around mental health can look really big, but if you kind of break it down just to the simple act [of kindness], and [how] we’re connected to our school values, so show care, and compassion.”

Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio was also a special guest at the assembly, sharing her thoughts on the wellbeing day.

“Findon is a wonderful school in so many ways, and for them to have initiated having wellbeing ambassadors really does speak to the fact that the school is really alive to mental health for all students,” she said.

Seniors Health & Lifestyle: Get h(appy)

Emily Waite

September 24, 2024

While technology is often blamed for feelings of isolation, some studies show that for older adults, being online can offer a boost to wellbeing.

One reason is the internet provides a sense of social connection, which is undoubtedly one of the most important contributors towards positive mental health and wellbeing throughout life.

While many older folk shy away from new technology, staying, or getting engaged with it doesn’t have to be a burden. It might simply mean saying ‘Yes,’ when a niece or nephew invites you play Minecraft, or opening your own Facebook account just to check it out.

Other studies suggest that when older adults lack the skills to be able to use technology effectively, it leads to a greater sense of disconnection and could even lead to disempowerment.

You don’t have to master every new app or tool, but being comfortable with new developments can help ensure you don’t end up feeling helpless or blindsided when the technology you rely on every day changes.

Wallan kinder service provider announced

The North Central Review

September 24, 2024

Wallan kinder service provider announced

Kids First Australia has recently been announced as the service provider for the new Wallan Secondary College Kindergarten (interim name), which is set to open in Term 1 next year.

The kindergarten site will be established at Wallan Secondary College as part of the State Government’s Best Start, Best Life reform.

In the 2023-24 State Budget, the project shared in $1.3 billion allocated to build around 100 new kindergartens to support the reform.

Locating kindergartens on or near schools helps children get the most out of their early learning, while also providing a smoother transition from kindergarten to school for children.

Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said she looked forward to having a new kindergarten which would support many families in the community.

“I know just how difficult the double drop off can be for busy parents and families, which is why I’m so excited that Kids First Australia has been appointed as the service provider for Wallan Secondary College Kindergarten (interim name),” she said.

“We’re now one step closer to delivering this brand-new state-of-the-art kindergarten in Wallan, and I know that once completed, many families will benefit from it.”

Mitchell Shire Council is managing enrolments through their Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme, which can be found at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/community/children-and-families/kindergartens.

Exciting news for Broadford Secondary

Emily Waite

September 24, 2024

Broadford Secondary College Principal Tania Pearson has shared exciting news that the school is set to receive five new Mod 10s (double storey portables), providing students with access to new and improved rooms, facilities, and learning environments.

The announcement comes after Education Minister Ben Carroll approved plans which will see the college’s existing portables, commonly known as the ‘B Blocks’, removed and replaced with three Mod 10s in Term 4, with the remaining two to be delivered at a later date.

Ms Pearson warmly welcomed the news.

“We are continually growing and are now at capacity, making things very tight,” she said.

“Our old, outdated portables are being removed and will be replaced with five Mod 10 portables. This will give us more rooms and allow for some flexibility.

“In addition, we will also receive a new block of toilets, which will be located in the same area. One of the Mod 10 portables will be dedicated to textiles and Japanese studies. The other two will become our senior school area.”

As the school continues to grow, Ms Pearson shared that the college was looking at further dividing its campus into three sections by adding a middle school area alongside the existing junior and senior areas.

“As you can imagine, this has created a great deal of excitement among staff and students,” she said.

“Already we are needing to relocate staff rooms and specialised offices in preparation of the decanting and removal of the old portables.

“Our Year 12 students have lost their study room, but the library staff have been most gracious in sectioning off an area in the library just for our Year 12s.

“This being the pointy end of the year for our senior cohort, it’s important that we look after them while juggling everything else.”

It is expected the middle school campus will be ready for use in 2025.

Getting work ready

Jo Kubeil

September 24, 2024

By Jo Kubeil and Ava Schwebach

Max Chetcuti is a local student undertaking work experience at the Puckapunyal Military Area base, near Seymour.

The Year 11 student plays basketball in his spare time and said it’s important to him to plan for the future, and building houses for an income is his career path.

Max is in his second year of studying for the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a Vocational Major (VM) in Building and Construction at Seymour Secondary College.

Careers, Pathways, and Vocational Educational Training (VET) Coordinator Felicity Wilmot helped Max find his first work experience placement at the army base with contractor Venita.

Venita is responsible for the repairs and infrastructure of the army base, and they employ around 270 staff to provide essential services to the community.

Venita Coordinator Peter Murphy said they collaborate with four schools in the Mitchell Shire to provide young people with an opportunity to explore their employment pathways, and Seymour Secondary College is one of them.

“We’ve been doing this partnership for roughly around nine years now, and we try incorporating all the schools in the local area to come in and work with us to further their careers,” he said.

“My actual position is to look after the infrastructure and all the facilities, the infrastructure underground, the panel, and gas supply.”

Max is four weeks into his work experience, and said it involves a lot of maintenance work.

“We mainly do maintenance and fixing up stuff, anything broken,” he said.

“Like fixing potholes, locks on doors, putting up shelving, and painting benches. I can ask to help with plumbing or electrical stuff. I can go off with one of their contractors to learn about other things too.”

Max is also attending GOTAFE in Seymour where he is acquiring skills specific to the building and construction industry, and is on track to finish this year.

Max hopes to get into the workforce with a local builder and get on the tools, and eventually own his own business.

The Review would like to wish Max all the best with his future endeavours.

Shed time in Mitchell Shire

The North Central Review

September 24, 2024

National Men’s Shed Week was celebrated last month, and Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell took the opportunity to visit the Kilmore Men’s Shed.

“Anyone who knows me knows how highly I rate the Men’s Shed program. As Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Sheds, I am a passionate supporter of the mental health and wellbeing benefits of the sheds,” he said.

“I have seen firsthand the difference they can make in a man’s life. They are invaluable.

“You don’t have to have a trade or know certain skills to join a men’s shed. It is not all about woodwork and carpentry. So many members often are just there for the social interaction, for a cuppa and a chat and some company.”

The Men’s Shed movement started in Australia in the 1990s and has been gradually enriching men’s lives as it grows.

The Kilmore Men’s Shed is entering its 20^thyear and memberships have grown to 100 participants.

Men’s Shed President Paul Harvey said they have a 3D printer and tools for metal fabrication and laser engraving, and they also have an orchard and a garden plot.

“We are one of the biggest sheds in Victoria, and we are an information exchange point for members to learn about strokes, prostate cancer, and mental health,” he said.

The Kilmore Men’s Shed is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am–1.30pm.

For more information, email kilmoremensshed@gmail.com.

Fun for the whole family in Seymour

The North Central Review

September 24, 2024

This Friday, the Seymour Fun Centre, supported by SU Victoria, will play host to Seymour Fun Day, a jam-packed activities and entertainment event for every family to enjoy.

With rock climbing, laser tag, drone flying, a jumping castle, and more, both little and not-so-little ones are sure to enjoy everything in store.

Seymour Fun Centre Catalyst Michael Easton said the event was inspired by a dream to create a permanent activity centre for the town.

Fun day 1 — Seymour Fun Centre Catalyst Michael Easton is inviting all families to attend this Friday’s exciting event.

“This event is part of a continuing dream being undertaken by local people to create a permanent fun centre here in Seymour as a community enterprise,” he said.

“Concerned by the shortage of activities for families and young people to engage in locally, our dream is to have activities such as mini golf [and] rock climbing in a multi storey play space and a cafe that is accessible on an ongoing basis.”

Families are encouraged to dress up in their favourite footy colours for the event, with even a prize for the best dressed up for grabs.

A sausage sizzle, waffle and ice-cream van, street food, and the Aquatic Centre kiosk will keep families well-fed and energised for the day.

“We look forward to seeing you there dressed in your team colours—maybe not Collingwood,” Mr Easton said.

The event will run from 10am–2pm, at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre in Pollard Street, Seymour. To book tickets, visit www.brushfire.com/sua/fun-centre/580391.

$10K for local groups

Emily Waite

September 24, 2024

Five local community and sporting groups have received a share of $10,000 in funding to help them support Mitchell Shire residents through their various programs and initiatives.

The grants, which were awarded by Broadstead developer Jinding as part of the organisation’s Broadstead Community Grants program, aims to recognise the importance of local groups in creating a sense of community.

Recipients of the program’s second year included the North Central Mothers Network, the Kilmore Junior Football Club, the Learning Brain Kilmore, Goranwarrabul House, and Get Started Disability Support Australia, with each organisation receiving $2000.

The recipients were chosen by a panel comprising of Gavin Wilson of Mitchell Shire Council, North Central Review General Manager Richard Reid, Red23 Managing Director Terry Portelli, and Jinding General Manager of Developments Dr Andrew Ashwood, who praised the reach of the program and the support it offered the community.

“It is fantastic to be celebrating our second year of the Broadstead Community Grants program in Kilmore,” he said.

“The calibre of local organisations established to help others in this region is outstanding and demonstrates the depth of community and care in this area. It is a privilege to support such dedicated groups as they make a real difference.

“Judging was a tough gig, but we feel we have selected a range of groups whose impact will be vast and help many in need.

“We’re grateful to have been welcomed into the Kilmore community and look forward to contributing to its future through Broadstead. The way people come together to support one another makes this area a truly special place to call home. We aim to continue that tradition.”

The Review would like to congratulate each of the recipients of Broadstead’s Community Grants program, and looks forward to hearing their stories of success in the future.

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