Mitchell bushwalkers reach peak

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December 19, 2023

Six members of the Mitchell Bushwalking Group – aged between 50 to 75 – completed a 160-kilometre trek through the Grampians last month.

The Grampians Peaks Trail is an challenging 13-day, 12-night hike from Mount Zero in the north through to Dunkeld in the south.

Hikers carried a fully loaded pack including a tent, sleeping bag, food, clothing for all weather conditions and water.

Member of the Mitchell Bushwalking Group Rene Reynolds said the trail was a great walk.

“This was is incredibly beautiful. The Grampians wildflowers were in spectacular display,” she said.

“There were many steep assents and steep descents and plenty of boulder hopping along the way.

“The view from the peaks were very rewarding after the strenuous climbs up.”

Ms Reynolds said the campsites provided on the trail were ‘first class’.

“The shelters were large, well-built structures with windows capturing views over the valley and around the shelter were timber platforms to pitch the tents,” she said.

Each shelter had phone charging stations and large water tanks with fresh water.

The Mitchell Bushwalking participants had completed plenty of training and overnight hiking prior resulting in all managing to successfully complete the trail.

“We had a lot of fun, a few tears and a few doubts as we faced yet another peak. Our camp at the end of each day was a welcome sight,” Ms Reynolds said.

“Most of us carried a variety of dehydrated food and some welcome delicacies to share around.

“We organised two food drops for the time, which meant we were carrying around a four-day supply of food with an average pack weight of 16 kilograms, but one carried 23 kilograms because he could.

“We ended the walk at Dunkeld where we enjoyed a much-needed shower, fresh sheets and a celebration meal at the Sturgeon View restaurant – we all earned this.”

Mitchell Bush Walking Group has been operating locally for about 10 years with day walks, overnights, hiking and some long-distance walks.

New members are always welcome and can contact mitchellwalksgroup@gmail.com or Mitchell Bushwalking Group Facebook page.

Fostering resilience and recovery post-floods: The Seymour Community Recovery Committee

Grace Frost

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December 19, 2023

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Fostering resilience and recovery post-floods: The Seymour Community Recovery Committee

As the year draws to a close, Seymour Community Recovery Committee, CRC, has shared its journey towards enhancing resilience and recovery in the community.

Seymour CRC, formed in response to the October 2022 flood and consisting of local community members, is dedicated to giving voice to the broad views and recovery goals of the local community.

Since the CRC’s formation and a successful launch with its first meeting in May, some highlights and activities include:

• The continual development of the Community Flood Recovery Plan, providing the framework for proactive community-driven actions and priorities.

• A Phoenix Australia workshop on Psychological First Aid on July 14, attended by 17 community members.

• An informative session by Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Bureau of Meteorology on August 9, attracting 28 participants.

• Participation by CRC co-chair, Neil Beer, speaking as a Seymour CRC representative at the public hearing in Seymour for the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria on September 14.

• The ‘Unbreakable Farmer’ events in Nagambie, Seymour, and Euroa, focusing on mental health and wellbeing in the farming communities. 

• Effective coordination of essential goods distribution to flood-hit community organisations, supported by Broadford Senior Citizens club. 

• Successful Bunnings barbecue fundraisers for flood-affected organisations, led by CRC members Colin Davidson and Michael Easton. 

• The Community Champions Recognition Program initiative, promoting community involvement and recognition.

• The Seymour Community Event and Seymour and District Historical Society photographic project on October 14, to mark 12 months since the flood event.

• The arrangement of the Army band for the Carols in the Park event on December 10. 

The CRC is committed to building on its achievements and continuing to support the community’s recovery and resilience in the coming year.

CRC co-chair Bridget Tehan said the CRC was excited about upcoming initiatives, including a Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Bureau of Meteorology information session and various workshops focused on insurance and recovery strategies. 

“This year has been a testament to our community’s resilience and collaborative spirit,” she said.

“We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support and commitment of all involved.”

CRC co-chair Neil Beer said it had been inspiring to witness the community’s strength in overcoming the challenges posed by the 2022 flood.

“The CRC is just starting its journey, and we’re enthusiastic about continuing this work in 2024, building on the solid foundation we’ve set this year,” he said.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister said was proud of the CRC’s dedication to the community’s recovery.

“The variety and impact of their initiatives reflect the strength and spirit of our Mitchell Shire community,” she said.

“I look forward to seeing the CRC’s continued contributions and success in the coming year.”

Travellers warned to stay informed this summer

The North Central Review

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December 19, 2023

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Travellers warned to stay informed this summer

Before hitting the roads this summer on your travels, CFA is urging Victorians to check local conditions, download the VicEmergency app and familiarise themselves with Fire Danger Ratings.

Recent conditions have resulted in significant grass growth across the state, with fuel loads quickly drying out in the western and central parts.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan reminds Victorians travelling or holidaying across the state this summer to make sure that they are fire-ready.

“We encourage our communities to be well-prepared as they head off on their well-earned break or festive getaway with their friends and family,” CO Heffernan said.

“Fire safety is a shared responsibility so Victorians cannot become complacent about the fire risk this season.

“Stay informed, be prepared, and pack some essential items like water, blankets, and protective clothing so you’re ready to leave when you need to. ”

CO Heffernan said there is a simple checklist to follow to ensure you are safe to travel.

“It’s important to be aware of the weather conditions, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban declarations in the areas you are travelling through each day this summer,” CO Heffernan said.

“It’s a good idea to download the VicEmergency app , check the CFA website and listen to local radio for warnings and updates.

“Within the app you can set up watch zones for the location you’re visiting, that way you will receive a notification for any fires or other emergency incidents in that area.”

Should conditions change, Victorians should be prepared to alter their travel plans.

“On hot, dry and windy days, have a back-up location to visit that is not in a high-risk bushfire area,” CO Heffernan said.

“If you’re staying in a high-risk bushfire area, the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day on a Catastrophic or Extreme day.

“We know grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour, faster than you can run, and can jump highways in the right conditions – so we need everyone to be well alert.”

Victorians should reconsider travel on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating and those camping and hosting barbecues must be aware of what they can and can’t do during a Total Fire Ban day.

“Check CFA’s Can I, Can’t I? guide on our website for more information to ensure you are protecting yourselves and your families,” CO Heffernan said.

“If you plan to have a campfire this summer, check the conditions, always have a person near it and fully extinguish it with water before leaving or going to bed.

Traveller safety tips:

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▪ Learn about the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System on the CFA website.

▪ Check the four-day Fire Danger Period forecast for your area.

▪ Download the VicEmergency app for real-time updates about emergencies across Victoria or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au.

▪ Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas on ‘Extreme’ days and do not travel to bushfire risk areas on days of a ‘Catastrophic’ Fire Danger Rating.

▪ Stay informed, be prepared and pack some essential items so you’re ready to leave when you need to.

A loving community helping its own in Broadford

The North Central Review

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December 19, 2023

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A loving community helping its own in Broadford

Broadford charity Love in Action has once again thanked the community for its generosity this festive season.

The group set up giving trees at Chemist Discount Centre Kilmore, Coles, Kilmore Anglican Church, Country Soul Cafe, Broadford Living and Learning Centre, and Bendigo Bank branches in Kilmore and Broadford to collect donations of gifts and groceries.

Broadford Primary School was also involved in shopping at IGA to prepare Love in Action hampers.

Love in Action Broadford founder Barb Radford said she was not only overwhelmed with the support received but also the Christmas spirit that shone through.

“One of the things that was terrific was people with young children taking their kids and explaining to them why they’re going shopping for other families and just getting them involved,” she said.

“The kids are learning about looking after others, not just themselves all the time and taking care of others, so for me that’s always the most rewarding part of it all.”

Ms Radford said the donations were ‘bringing the real spirit of Christmas into the community’.

“We like to work with people, it’s not just giving out the food, it’s the interaction with the people and putting a smile on their faces and the kids’ faces. That’s the important part of Christmas,” she said.

Reminder to show respect for paramedics

The North Central Review

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December 19, 2023

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Ambulance Victoria is calling on the community to support paramedics to continue doing their lifesaving work this festive season.

As the holiday period approaches, many Victorians will be out celebrating, but for paramedics and first responders it’s one of the busiest and toughest times.

For paramedics to provide treatment, they need a safe environment to work in that is free from aggression or abuse.

What people can do to help paramedics:

Be respectful towards everyone involved in an incident.
Put safety first – if there is violence or aggression present at a scene, stay well back and don’t do anything to aggravate or worsen the situation.
Advise the triple zero call-taker if violence or aggression is present. They can arrange for police to attend.
Follow paramedics’ instructions. If it is safe to do so, ask agitated family or friends to clear the area for a moment.
Offer assistance by offering paramedics help.

An assault or attempted assault is reported by paramedics every 15 hours.

Across the state paramedics are experiencing a rise in violence and abuse – injuring an emergency worker in Victoria is a category one offence and carries a mandatory minimum six-month jail sentence.

Incidents of occupational violence increased by 14 per cent in 2022-2023, with 580 cases reported last financial year. The trend is continuing, with 279 incidents reported by paramedics from July to November.

Emergency situations can be stressful but becoming angry or aggressive will not help the patients paramedics are trying to assist.

Ambulance Victoria clinical operations executive director Anthony Carlyon said Ambulance Victoria had zero tolerance for threatening behaviour, abuse and assaults, and paramedics would leave a scene if they felt unsafe.

“Our people’s safety comes first, and we do not accept occupational violence as ‘part of the job’,” he said.

“For our paramedics to provide treatment to you or your loved one, they need a safe environment to work in.

“We recognise emergency situations can be stressful but becoming angry or aggressive will not help you or the patient paramedics are trying to assist.

“We ask all Victorians to help our paramedics care for the community by being respectful towards them and, if you are involved in an emergency incident, doing your bit to assist.”

Paramedic James, who was recently threatened by a bystander while responding to a patient in cardiac arrest, highlighted how aggressive behaviour towards paramedics can also put other people’s lives at risk.

“This person was swearing at us and becoming increasingly threatening, standing over us with a clenched fist and even trying to push us out of the way to commence ineffective CPR themselves,” he said.

“Along with being unacceptable behaviour, it also impedes our ability to provide the critical care that patients require.”

The prevention of occupational violence is a priority area within Ambulance Victoria with staff encouraged to report every instance.

Paramedics are trained in a variety of strategies to assess, manage and, if needed, de-escalate violent or aggressive scenes.

Salvation Army launches Christmas appeal

The North Central Review

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December 19, 2023

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Salvation Army launches Christmas appeal

The Salvation Army is lending a hand to people who are experiencing hardship this Christmas with the launch of its annual Christmas appeal across the Mitchell Shire.

The rising cost of living has meant that more people are relying on The Salvation Army for support, making this year’s Christmas appeal significantly important.

During the Christmas period last year, The Salvation Army nationally distributed tens of thousands of food hampers, provided more than 132,000 meals and received more than 250,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without – all thanks to the public.

The Salvos are aiming to raise $25 million nationally this Christmas.

“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for The Salvos, and this Christmas we expect the additional stresses of this year will result in more people than ever struggling to afford Christmas for themselves and their families,” Captain Lauren Kirkham said.

“The Salvation Army are here for you. Whether it is practical support like food or presents, or if you are feeling down or lonely this Christmas, reach out to us at The Salvos.”

There are different ways residents can partner with Salvos this Christmas, including lending a hand, donating products such as gifts and goods, or providing a financial donation to the appeal.

The Salvation Army in Seymour are also providing a Christmas Day lunch for people alone or in need.

The Salvation Army, with the support of K-Hub in Seymour and Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister, launched the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, where community members can place gifts that will be distributed to families across the shire.

Ms Kirkham said it was more than important than ever to come together as a community and provide for those who were doing it tough.

“By believing in our good work and supporting our Christmas Appeal, The Salvation Army can continue providing wraparound services and tailored support and bring much needed hope and help to Mitchell Shire families in crisis, ensuring nobody struggles alone this Christmas,” she said.

“Most importantly, take time to remember what matters most at Christmas – connection, community, friends, and family. Reach out to people. Spend time with those you care about.

“If Christmas is a hard or lonely time for you, remember that your local Salvos family is always just down the road. From all of us at The Salvos, we wish you a peace and hope-filled Christmas.”

To find out about local Christmas event information, to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, email mitchellshiresalvos@salvationarmy.org.au or call 5735 8400.

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: December 19, 2023

The North Central Review

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December 19, 2023

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A champion returns

Ray Power came south from Swan Hill last week to catch up and watch some of the Marist cricket carnival at Assumption College Kilmore, ACK.

He was no stranger to the main oval where he dominated in the period 1979-82.

He made both First XVIII and First XI each year and played a key role in two cricket titles and four in football.

A batting all-rounder, he was very handy on the fields of summer but really made his mark in winter time.

For his first couple of seasons in the Associated Grammar Schools Victoria, AGSV, Ray played off half back or midfield but it was in his final season that he really soared.

As captain of the First XVIII, he led ACK to the grammars premiership and also the Herald-Sun Shield title in front of 20,000 people at Waverley.

In a classic final versus St Bede’s, Ray kicked nine goals.

However across the 1982 season, he tallied a massive 210 goals – an all-time Australian record, which I don’t think will ever be beaten.

He was on the radar of a number of league clubs including Geelong but for several reasons deferred to play.

Beyond college days for over 20 years he played in several major leagues – I think he kicked the ‘ton’ in most of those seasons.

Winter Christmas

I spent several periods in the UK, all but one in the northern summer and mostly involving cricket.

But one visit was especially memorable in the 80s when I enjoyed a superb festive Christmas at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.

Wilfred and Sally Weld were the latest castle estate custodians in a long line of the Weld family.

Among Wilfred’s ancestors were a lord mayor of London and a cardinal in the USA.

The castle estate of 13,000 acres took in several villages, the market town of Wool and the coastal resort of East Lulworth.

The Welds were renowned for treating tenant workers and the tenant farmers really well and Christmas was a time when all were involved.

It was cold with light snow on Christmas eve but that didn’t daunt the happy band of carol singers who gathered at the Weld Arms – a thatched-roofed pub just beyond the castle gates.

Plenty of singing and good food, and drink, saw the hours speed by.

At midnight it was time for the Christmas mass in the historic castle church.

It was packed by young and old celebrating the real season for Christmas – the birth of Christ 2000-plus years ago.

Christmas day itself was a special one with gifts distributed from a fire truck to the children of the villages prior to a magnificent feast in the castle hall.

The hospitality extended by the Weld family over several visits spanning four decades was wonderful.

I had first met them through cricket in 1970 when an ACK champion cricketer, Peter Ryan, was playing for Hampshire in England’s County Championship. Wilfred for many years was club president.

Through the association with the Welds a number of local area girls were able to do their gap year working at Lulworth from between 1984 and 200 – they too were royally treated.

Carnival success

The Marist cricket carnival played for over a week at ACK proved very worthwhile.

Luckily fine weather prevailed, and the ovals were in splendid condition.

Teams from Sydney, Canberra, Sale, and Traralgon joined the host XI, Assumption, to provide some excellent cricket.

The title was taken out narrowly by St Josephs, from Hunters Hill, Sydney, defeating Marist College Canberra, with ACK in third place. The visiting army of players and officials were accommodated in Kilmore and area motels.

Happy Christmas

It’s Christmas time again and best wishes to not only the Review’s many thousands of readers but to people everywhere who will be hoping for maybe a better year in 2024 in many ways.

Maybe politicians at all levels will lift their collective game and do what people expect them to do – serve ordinary folk, rather than vested interests and give the kindergarten antics in Parliament – state and federal – a miss.

Maybe peace will come to the people of Ukraine and Israel, also the residents of Palestine.

Also, it would be great if ordinary Aussies could get some cost-of-living relief, which is surely needed.

Finally, cheers to all and best wishes to the two local pastors – St Patrick’s Father Prakash and Christ Church Kilmore’s Vicar David Kerr, who will both deliver great Christmas services to local congregations.

Wish for Wallan boy with rare condition

Max Davies

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December 12, 2023

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A Wallan family is in need of a modified vehicle to support their son who lives with a rare genetic condition.

Mother Louise Pryde has started a fundraiser to purchase a vehicle needed to transport her son Axel, who lives with the condition known as IQSEC2.

The Review reported Axel’s diagnosis in March 2021, when he first began showing signs of developmental delays and concerns rose that he had the same condition as his twin sister Aria – who died in May of that year.

Cleared of the vanishing white matter disease, VWM, that affected Aria, Axel was instead diagnosed with IQSEC2 – a condition causing intellectual delays and can result in seizures, loss of motor functions and behavioural abnormalities.

Only about 100 people worldwide are known to have IQSEC2.

Now four years old, the Pryde family are in need of a new vehicle that can be modified to fit a specialised wheelchair – designed specifically for Axel pending approval from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, NDIS.

Ms Pryde said Axel was getting to the stage where he had ‘outgrown’ his current disability car seat.

“There’s literally no room in our current car for him to be in there comfortably and safely,” she said.

“He’s just getting too heavy for myself to carry him in and out of his car seat, as well as lift his disability pram, which weighs over 25 kilograms.

“It’s becoming a strain on myself and also for Axel … we just don’t know how much longer we can go without having the car where we can push him in and just strap him.”

407361614 670517221872472 1196790642097532970 n e1702272155615 — “Since coming off the CBD oil 6 weeks ago Axel’s seizures have increased dramatically and he is having anywhere between 15 – 30 a day.” – December 2 update via Facebook

The Pryde family have started a GoFundMe to raise funds to purchase a new eligible vehicle, the cost of which is estimated to be about $50,000 with modifications expected to be carried out and paid for through the NDIS.

Ms Pryde said there were multiple factors in converting a car to be accessible, including the age, size and type of car, however there were uncertainties over the vehicle’s warranty and what will or will not be paid for by the NDIS.

The family’s current car is not eligible for modification.

“We’re just trying to get traction with [the fundraiser] to see if we can get a bit of help because unfortunately we’re not in the right place to be able to buy one ourselves,” Ms Pryde said.

“The sooner the better, but we can get by because we’ve still got a little bit of time in the current situation.”

Photo: Facebook, Fighting Rare Iqsec2 & VWMD Axel & Aria

Despite his condition, Ms Pryde said Axel was ‘not doing too bad’ although he was making frequent visits to doctors and hospital for treatment and medication – making the family’s access to a car a necessity.

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Keep updated on Axel’s condition by visiting the Fighting Rare Iqsec2 & VWMD Axel & Aria Facebook page.

Dylan singing for a cause this Christmas

Pam Kiriakidis

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December 12, 2023

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Dylan singing for a cause this Christmas

Beveridge singer Dylan Marguccio has released a powerful rendition of John Lennon’s Christmas song in support of Muscular Dystrophy Australia – a disease impacting 40,000 Australians, including himself.

Produced by Angus Davidson – one of the top sound engineers who’s worked with INXS, Crowded House and KISS – Marguccio’s cover of ‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’ takes on a personal, but powerful message to people living with Muscular Dystrophy.

Marguccio, 18, who relies on a wheelchair, has the most severe type of Muscular Dystrophy called Duchenne that significantly impacts his life, with a life expectancy of the early 20s.

It is unknown when Marguccio will lose his ability to sing but he is determined to show others that people with disabilities can do anything.

“I’ve loved singing ever since I was given a karaoke machine when I was young, and nothing was going to stop me from becoming a recording artist,” Marguccio said.

“Now, to have had a song produced by the same guy behind bands like Crowded House and INXS is a dream come true, so watch out Harry Styles – I’m coming for that number one spot.”

Many Australians live invisibly with the disease, not even aware of it until their muscles become weaker as they age.

Marguccio hopes proceeds from his song will help fund researchers on the cusp of breakthrough to finding a cure.

“Seriously, if my Christmas song can raise money to help other kids living with Muscular Dystrophy, and go towards finding a cure for the disease, that would be incredible,” Marguccio said.

“Ironically, one of the top research centres in the world for muscular dystrophy is in the city where I live – Melbourne. All funds raised will go to their muscle lab research centre at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, MCRI.”

Muscular Dystrophy Australia founder Boris M Struk said Marguccio’s song would support the organisation’s work towards a world without the disease.

“It’s a common misconception that Muscular Dystrophy is only diagnosed at an early age, but it can affect people at any age, from in-utero right up to a late diagnosis at the age of 60 plus,” Mr Struk said.

“It also affects both males and females, and can impact many parts of the body, such as the legs, limbs, spine or knees, depending on the type of Muscular Dystrophy.

“Our hope is that Dylan’s Christmas song can raise funds to aid clinical trials, so that no other parent needs to lose a child to this dreadful disease.”

Marguccio first won the hearts of judges Delta Goodrem and Guy Sebastian with his performance of ‘I want you back’ in the blind auditions of The Voice Australia in 2020.

After his crowd-winning performance, he debuted at Kilmore’s Trackside last year, where his singing dreams came true alongside his friends and family.

Now with his song, Marguccio’s mission is to make a brighter future for people living with his condition, which is starting to look better thanks to clinical trials led by Muscular Dystrophy Australia Fellowship recipient Dr Chantal Coles at MCRI.

‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’ by Marguccio is available to purchase now via iTunes and Spotify.

To make a donation and to stream Marguccio’s video clip visit mda-christmas-appeal-2023.raisely.com.

Ombudsman investigation into Mitchell Shire Council

Jordyn Grubisic

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December 12, 2023

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Ombudsman investigation into Mitchell Shire Council

A 72-year-old widow’s six-year bureaucratic nightmare with Mitchell Shire Council, MSC, and Yarra Ranges Council, YRC, has ended following Victorian Ombudsman intervention.

In 2016 Robyn* built on her land a structure for her son – who relies on a dialysis machine to survive – believing she had the correct permit.

However, unbeknownst to Robyn, her builder applied to MSC instead of her local council, YRC, to build a shed, listing the incorrect purpose on the application submitted without her input.

In August 2014, MSC issued the permit for a shed which cannot technically be inhabited – a misalignment between the permit and intended-use creating problems.

Robyn never received a copy of the building permit with MSC, accidentally listing the wrong person’s contact details and name on the permit.

She also never received MSC’s notice of the permit’s expiry in August 2016.

Five months after Robyn’s son moved in, YRC received a complaint someone was living in the building.

Following inspection, YRC issued a building notice requiring Robyn to provide reasons it should not be reverted to an uninhabitable shed as authorised by MSC.

It was unreasonable for Robyn to turn the building into a shed as it would require her son to move from the building his dialysis machine had been installed in by the hospital.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass found there were factors both councils could have reasonably considered including MSC’s clerical error with the permit; Robyn’s disagreement with her builder about the permit application; and Robyn’s vulnerability.

Robyn lost her home in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, her husband had died a few months before building construction began and at the time of construction, her son required use of a dialysis machine for about seven hours every second day.

“I was 67 when this started, I have not been able to make decisions regarding how best to prepare for ageing,” Robyn told the investigation.

“I have suffered from anxiety and sleeplessness and related physical and mental health issues. My family member has been subjected to years of insecurity when I had wanted to provide him with a safe and secure environment.”

Ms Glass found MSC’s communication and failure to investigate or review its management of the case unreasonable, while YRC’s requirement of reapplication to extend her building order every 60 days was ‘oppressive’.

“We all make mistakes, but when they are compounded by officialdom we should expect agencies to help us find solution,” Ms Glass said.

“Our vulnerabilities should be acknowledged and reflected in how we are treated. We are all human. Behind every complaint is a human story needing to be heard.

“In attempting to resolve this tangled bureaucratic web, Robyn complained repeatedly to both councils.

“The councils did not always coordinate with each other, and at times their requirements were conflicting.

“Neither council initially demonstrated the kind of effect complaint-handling a ratepayer should expect.”

Ms Glass said MSC had ongoing legal and professional responsibilities regarding Robyn’s expired permit.

MSC previously told Robyn it no longer consented for its surveyor to issue building permits outside its boundaries with the position partially underpinned by insurance uncertainty.

However, Ms Glass said MSC had not sought specific advice from its insurer, instead basing its position on a general notice.

The investigation confirmed there were no insurance constraints.

MSC will provide Robyn with a letter including an apology, a clear articulation of her options, and a clear statement council will consider a future building permit application should she pursue it.

MSC chief executive Brett Luxford said council understood Robyn’s feelings.

“Mitchell Shire Council understands the concerns and frustrations of the landowner and emphathises with the stress this situation has caused her and her family,” he said.

“Council has operated within all legal and legislative obligations and requirements throughout the life of this complicated issue.

“We recognise however the building owner may not have been adequately informed about this permit and our written communication wasn’t as clear as it could have been.

“We sincerly apologise to the landowner for the confusion and extra stress this has caused.”

Mr Luxford said the error was not relevant to the decision making regarding future solutions for the building.

“Council has met with the owner of the building on a number of occassions to work through the issue, and we’re focused on finding a constructive solution and committed to supporting the landowner in understanding her options moving forward,” he said.

• Robyn’s name has been changed to protect her identity.