Major road works for new Yan Yean to Bald Hill Pipeline alignment

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June 13, 2023

Major road works for new Yan Yean to Bald Hill Pipeline alignment

Road closures and speed reductions are in place due to works occurring for Melbourne Water’s Yan Yean to Bald Hill Pipeline alignment.

The construction of a 20 kilometre pipeline from the Yan Yean water treatment plant to the Bald Hill, Kalkallo tank site commenced in early May.

AA Online Project Map FA — Map of the planned works in place as of June 2023, provided by Melbourne Water

A section of Grants Road was closed for the works, and is expected to remain shut until early July.

Speed limits have been reduced in the area to accommodate for the works, including on Plenty Road between Whittlesea and Donnybrook Road from 100 kilometres per hour to 60 kilometres per hour.

Melbourne Water said the new pipeline was being constructed ‘to meet growing demand for water in the northern and western suburbs of Greater Melbourne and to support development in the planned growth area’.

Melbourne Water senior property advisor Doug Wilson said last year, there was not enough water in the area to support the amount of development expected, and the new pipeline would help to better accommodate.

Properties along the alignment won’t be connected to the new alignment with its primary function being bulk transfer of water.

A Melbourne Water representative said residents nearby the works should expect frequent truck activity, and would be informed of the closures to Recreation Road and the entrance to Yan Yean Reservoir. However access for residents will be maintained throughout the works.

Works are expected to be complete by late this year.

New builder for Gisborne’s Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct

Lauren Duffy

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June 13, 2023

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New builder for Gisborne’s Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct

MACEDON Ranges Shire Council has welcomed the appointment of a new builder to complete the first stage of Gisborne’s Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.

Monaco Hickey has been appointed ahead of the start of work this month, as council has worked collaboratively with administrators and potential contractors following the announcement of Lloyd Group going into voluntary administration in March.

Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said securing the project’s future given the difficult circumstances was welcome and minimised the impact on the project’s momentum.

“It is very pleasing to announce this appointment, and we have ensured that we’ve completed the necessary due diligence,” he said.

“As part of the agreement, the contractor has agreed to re-engage existing subcontractors and site staff wherever possible.

“This was an important consideration for council, knowing there were a number of local companies and workers on the books previously.”

Work on stage one of the precinct began last year, with significant progress made including site setup, drainage, utility connections, building foundations, earthworks on the new oval and structural works on the sports hub.

The $26 million first stage consists of a three-court sports hub, a natural turf oval and sports pavilion, passive recreation facilities, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

“We’ll continue to work productively with all key stakeholders – including Monaco Hickey, the Victorian Government, Melbourne Water, AFL Victoria, the Primary User Reference Group and the community more broadly – to progress what will be such an important recreational addition for the shire,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Stage one is targeted for completion by mid-2024. .

Whittlesea Secondary College set for upgrades

Lauren Duffy

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June 13, 2023

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Whittlesea Secondary College set for upgrades

WHITTLESEA Secondary College is set to benefit from a $11.7 million commitment as part of the 2023-24 Budget.

The school will be one of many across Victoria to share in $2.1 billion in funding for planning, with more modern classrooms, science labs and libraries, as well as better school gyms and sporting facilities.

Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said the funding would help support children to do their best in the classroom and beyond.

“At the election I said that a re-elected Andrews Labor Government would upgrade Whittlesea Secondary College. In this year’s Budget we have begun that process by kickstarting the planning for these exciting upgrades,” she said.

“Students excel when they can learn in state-of-the-art facilities at their local school. That’s why the Andrews Labor Government has delivered in this budget planning funding to the $11.7 million commitment to upgrade Whittlesea Secondary College.”

The building and upgrading of school across the state will also support more than 3800 jobs in construction.

Whittlesea women’s club looking for members

Lauren Duffy

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June 13, 2023

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Whittlesea women’s club looking for members

The Whittlesea VIEW Club is looking for new members who are interested in giving back to their community and making new connections with women in the area.

VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, is a network of about 300 clubs and more than 14,000 women across Australia. It and provides a place for women to connect in the community, enjoy social activities and develop friendships – and also demonstrates the values of education charity The Smith Family.

For its Back to School Appeal, The Smith Family is calling on the community to sponsor children experiencing disadvantage through the Learning for Life education support program.

VIEW is the largest community sponsor of Learning for Life, which provides children with financial assistance for essential school supplies, and access to out-of-school tutoring and mentoring programs.

A Smith Family team member connected to the families is on hand to support the child’s specific needs and interests.

In addition to their support for The Smith Family, Whittlesea VIEW Club is a new group that hosts regular social events and luncheons and is eager to grow their membership.

Club meetings take place at 10.30am on the second Thursday of each month at Whittlesea Bowls Club, at 101 Church Street.

Anyone interested in becoming a member can call Lyn on 0409 145 073 or visit www.view.org.au for more information.

Broadford Recovery Centre hours cut back

Jordyn Grubisic

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June 12, 2023

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Broadford Recovery Centre hours cut back

The opening hours to Broadford’s Resource Recovery Centre, RRC, have been cut back to two days – Friday and Saturday.

Mitchell Shire Council has reviewed the days and operating hours of all its RRCs, following the new Seymour site opening on May 29.

All sites will now have the same hours of operation, 10am to 4pm, to reduce confusion, but be open on varying days.

The Seymour RRC will open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.

Broadford RRC’s operating hours are now Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

Previously it was operational 10am to 4pm, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford said prior to 2018, the Broadford site was open three days a week, from 12pm to 4pm.

“These hours were extended in 2018 following the closure of the former Seymour RCC to provide an additional waste disposal option for residents while the new facility was constructed,” he said.

All RRC’s are now closed on Wednesdays to enable staff to attend mandatory training sessions and meetings.

They will also remain closed on days of total fire ban and code red days, as well as Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday.

People can visit the resource recovery page on Mitchell Shire Council’s website for revised opening hours or contact council customer service on 5734 6200.

COVID Positive Pathways to close

Lauren Duffy

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June 12, 2023

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THE COVID+ Pathways Program is set to close permanently, with the last day of operations to be June 30.

The program is a state-wide telehealth initiative that monitors people who have tested positive to COVID-19 and identifies patients who need extra support.

GV Health has delivered the program in collaboration with a range of other regional health services, including Kilmore District Health, Seymour Health, Alexandra District Health and the Yea and District Memorial Hospital among others.

To date, the program has supported close to 32,000 people who were diagnosed with COVID-19 via telehealth nursing, remote monitoring and access to health and social support activities.

GV Health COVID+ Pathways manager Angela Burns said she was proud of the work the program had done during its time of operation.

“The GV Health COVID+ Pathways Program is extremely proud of the support and services we have provided to people in our community with COVID-19,” she said.

“[We’re proud of] the combined efforts of our teams and partners who together have proactively ensured the program continued to work seamlessly.”

Beginning on June 1, the following services are available to support patients who test positive to COVID-19:

GPs: People can call their usual GP to ask if they can see them in-person or via a telephone appointment.

Accessing antiviral medication: Certain groups are urged to check their eligibility for COVID medicines and contact their GP even if symptoms are mild.

National Coronavirus Helpline: Call 1800 020 080 for information and support 24/7.

GP Respiratory Clinics: Assessment, testing and treatment is available for people with respiratory conditions.

Nurse-on-call: Call 1300 606 024 for direct contact with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED): A public health service for non-life-threatening emergencies, accessible from anywhere in

Victoria 24/7.

Accessing Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs): Most councils and some community health organisations are offering free RATs.

Craigieburn Road to close for upgrades

Lauren Duffy

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June 9, 2023

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WORKS to widen Craigieburn Road will be fast-tracked over coming weeks to provide a safer and faster commute as soon as possible, with crews to undertake 24-hour work to begin building new lanes in both directions.

Craigieburn Road will be closed to all traffic in both directions between Hanson and Bridgewater roads from June 23 to August 19.

Road detours will be in place using Hanson Road, Medway Road and Cimberwood Drive for motorists navigating the northern side of Craigieburn Road, while Hume Highway traffic travelling to Craigieburn Plaza can use the Grand Boulevard turnoff to avoid the closure.

Road users navigating the closure on the southern side of Craigieburn Road should use Hothlyn Drive and Bridgewater Road.

Major Road Projects program director Dipal Sorathia said the works would be disruptive but would be a drastic improvement once completed.

“We encourage motorists to plan ahead and allow extra travel time as we get on with building the new lanes that will keep Craigieburn Road moving well into the future,” he said.

“These works will be disruptive but are absolutely necessary to build the much-needed new lanes this key arterial needs, as safely and quickly as possible.”

Intersection at Craigieburn – Mickleham roads

The new and improved Craigieburn Road and Mickleham Road intersection has opened to traffic, easing congestion and improving traffic flow through Yuroke and western Craigieburn.

Craigieburn intersection 1 — The completed intersection of Craigieburn and Mickleham roads following upgrades.

All sides of the intersection have been widened to accommodate dedicated right-hand turning lanes and left-hand turning slip lanes, as well as new traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, traffic islands, pedestrian crossing lights and new line marking.

“We thank the community for their patience while we carried out these essential works to reduce congestion and improve peoples’ travel times through our suburbs,” Mr Sorathia said.

“Around 20,000 motorists use this intersection every day and by widening each leg and creating additional lane capacity, we’re ensuring these growing parts of Melbourne’s north are prepared for future growth.”

Some minor works including the installation of line markings, footpaths, landscaping and street lighting will continue over coming weeks with speed and lane restrictions in place.

The Craigieburn Road Upgrade project is on track and scheduled for completion by 2025.

For more information about the Craigieburn Road Upgrade project, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.

For a full list of works and closures and to plan your journey, visit vicroads.vic.gov.au and ptv.vic.gov.au.

Community grants dedicated to Wollert services

The North Central Review

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June 9, 2023

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Community grants dedicated to Wollert services

Wollert services and schools are recipients of this year’s Cedar Woods Community Grants program – an initiative that helps groups, organisations, and small businesses to develop.

Now in its 15th year, the Cedar Wood Community Grants program have selected eight recipients to share in funding to further the development and success of the City of Whittlesea and City of Wyndham.

In the City of Whittlesea, Wollert Fire Brigade, Wollert Primary School, and Wollert Secondary College were selected.

Wollert Fire Brigade is a volunteer-run Country Fire Authority, CFA, brigade that has serviced Wollert and the neighbouring communities continuously since 1942.

The brigade currently attends about 200 emergency calls each year, but as the population continues to grow, the number is expected to significantly increase.

Wollert CFA treasurer Stuart McCombe said the grants would enable the CFA to continue servicing the rapidly growing population.

“This grant will help us fund our upcoming fire station infrastructure improvements, including the installation of fire hose drying tower and connection of our large rainwater storage tanks to a pump,” he said.

“This connection will allow us to fill our fire trucks onsite instead of travelling into developed areas to access mains water hydrants.

“We will also use this grant to further promote fire safety and volunteerism with the CFA in Wollert and the surrounding areas, working together to create a prepared community that is ready to face any challenges that arise.”

New school program builds Whittlesea connections

Pam Kiriakidis

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June 9, 2023

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New school program builds Whittlesea connections

By Pam Kiriakidis

Students at Diamond Valley Special Development School have been developing work experience skills with a new program that makes items for local businesses to sell.

Over the past month, few students at the Whittlesea campus have created jewellery out of polymer clay and dog biscuit bags to sell at businesses including Bazinga Clothing, Whittlesea Flowers and Bears, and Stone Real Estate.

The students are excited to build their stock and sell them through the stores through the initiative that started last week.

Leading teacher Caitlin Winther said the new program promoted motor and literacy skills for students to practise and gain for the outside world.

“It builds fine motor skills when making the earrings and placing them on cards or in boxes, as well as developing their art techniques and allowing them to use their creativity and decision-making skills,” she said.

“The program gives our students work experiences and enables them to have real work experience with money.”

Mathew 1 1 — Diamond Valley Special Development School student Mathew is part of the school’s program that helps build community connections by selling products through businesses in the City of Whittlesea.

In addition to preparing the items for the shops, the students were also part of a trial shop for the Whittlesea Community House ladies lunch, with students selling the products at Whittlesea Community Activity Centre.

Ms Winther said communication skills were one of the many areas the program was designed to improve, as students met their community peers.

“When selling their products, students get to use their social skill and work on communicating with different, unfamiliar, members of the public – this also allows us to teach the local community how our students communicate,” she said.

“The students take great pride in their work and in selling their products … you could see the pride on their faces when they sold their goods to customers.”

Ms Winther thanked the businesses for the opportunity and for supporting the students.

The next ladies lunch will be at Whittlesea Community Activity on June 22, from 11.30am to 1.30pm, with a gold coin donation appreciated.

For further information about the program, contact Caitlin Winther on 9688 8090 or by emailing caitlin.winther@education.vic.gov.au.

Epping doctor awarded for patient safety

The North Central Review

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June 9, 2023

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Epping doctor awarded for patient safety

Northern Health’s Dr Amanda Baric was awarded the Robert Orton Medal – the highest award the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetics, ANZCA, can bestow on its fellows.

The medal was established in 1967 to acknowledge outstanding service to anaesthesia, perioperative medicine, and pain medicine.

ANZCA acknowledged Dr Baric, deputy director in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine at Epping’s hospital, for her contributions to improving anaesthetist training and patient safety in Mongolia.

Dr Baric, who is known to be a dedicated and skilled educator, also earned the Order of the Polar Star for her efforts – the highest civilian honour of the Mongolian Government.

Dr Baric said she was honoured to be considered for the award that recognised her efforts to clinical care.

“I am very grateful that the College of Anaesthetists has recognised that many of our fellows don’t just work in their home country and hospital and have a commitment in other parts of the world,” she said.

“It is great to be recognised, but I need to acknowledge that it was not just me – it was mostly the Department of Anaesthesia here at the Northern that’s been doing this work. Northern Health has been really generous with its support.

“One of the motivators for me has been the desire to make the world just slightly better in a small way. I am hoping that other people will be motivated by that, to just chip away.”

Northern Health associate professor and chief medical officer Wanda Stelmach congratulated Dr Baric on the exceptional achievement.

“How amazing, but not totally surprising – Amanda has always worked above and beyond what anyone expects,” she said.