Home Blog Page 639

Kilmore candlelight vigil remembers family violence victims

Max Davies
-
0
Kilmore candlelight vigil remembers family violence victims

By Max Davies

Kilmore District Health’s bluestone building was once again lit in the colour purple last week as the hospital’s rose garden played host to a candlelight vigil to remember lives lost to family violence.

Domestic Violence Remembrance Day, on the first Wednesday of May each year, is marked by candlelight vigils and notable public places being lit in purple across Australia to remember those who died as a result of family violence.

Kilmore District Health’s Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence Project lead Regula McKinlay said it was important to be able to host a candlelight vigil for people to share stories and remember those lost.

“What it means for me is to really stop our busy lives and take a moment to remember the victims who were killed in the context of family violence … and pause for a moment not just to remember them every now and then, but instead take a real step in remembering them,” she said.

“It kind of confirms that it’s important to make space.

“People who come have a story and often a very significant and sometimes horrendously sad story, and it’s beautiful that people get that space to remember their loved ones who have lost their lives.”

Kilmore District Health has been a part of the Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence Project for multiple years, through which the hospital has been engaged with the Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Management, MARAM, framework to communicate with other hospitals about patients’ needs.

The hospital will continue to work through the MARAM framework in the coming months to ensure they are working with other agencies towards the same goals of strengthening the response to family violence and empowering victims and survivors.

“It’s a small gathering here, but it’s really nice to think we are part of a larger gathering all over Australia,” Ms McKinlay said.

“A lot of buildings are lit up in purple and we all do it at the same time of the day to remember the victims of family violence.”

Candlelight vigil 2
Kilmore District Health’s Regula McKinlay lights a candle at the hospital’s rose garden. ​

City of Whittlesea announce business finalists

Lauren Duffy
-
0
City of Whittlesea announce business finalists

The City of Whittlesea has announced finalists for its business awards, with winners to be presented at a gala event in Epping on May 18.

The Business Network awards provides an opportunity for local businesses and operators to be acknowledged for their efforts, commitment, and success.

City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Llyod said there were 88 nominations in total and the council was proud to be able to recognise local business entrepreneurs.

“Our judging panel had the extremely difficult task of choosing winners from each of the categories and we look forward to presenting them with their awards and celebrating all our local businesses at the event later this month,” he said.

The nominations have six categories with several nominees across the municipality.

Start Up: Dahlia and Thyme Studio Florals, Lady Sevin Cafe, Zest Property Partner, Brewer Sisters, Beauty By Dua.

Customer Service: Quest Epping, King of Pawns, Farm Vigano, Stafford Engineering, Ristic Real Estate.

Innovation and Enterprise: Mantra Epping, Social Living, Whittlesea Community Connections, Enterprise Tooling, IntelliTrac.

Sustainability and Environment: Hanson Landfill Services, That’s Amore Cheese, Repurpose It, Social Living, Eco Green Group.

Community Contribution: Whittlesea Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates, A Grade Resumes, Amy Bajada, Brotherhood St Laurence, LINK Community and Transport.

Workplace Diversity: Abruzzo lab, Florida Cheese, Edlyn Boods, Costa Mushrooms, Whittlesea Community Connections.

Whittlesea resident and former journalist Belinda Giardino said she was honoured to be nominated for her resume writing service A Grade Resumes, which was well-known in the northern suburbs.

“I am thrilled to be nominated in the council business awards, alongside some other well-respected businesses, including a few from the local area [Whittlesea],” she said.

“I really enjoy being able to speak about resume writing and share my knowledge with the community.”

The Business Network Awards Gala will be at the Mantra Hotel in Epping, at 250 Cooper Street, starting 6.30pm on May 18.

The event is open exclusively for members of the Business Network and will provide a three-course sit-down meal, and entertainment by local musician Joel Quinn.

To secure tickets, visit .

Applications open for Mitchell Youth Council

The North Central Review
-
0
Applications open for Mitchell Youth Council

Mitchell Shire Council is looking for young people motivated to make a difference in their community to join Mitchell Youth Council.

Youth Council is an advisory committee of Mitchell Shire Council, providing an opportunity for young people to have their input heard in council decisions.

It also provides advice to council about how issues affecting young people can be addressed, guiding council to develop initiatives and projects for youth across the shire.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens encouraged young people from all backgrounds to get involved and experience what it’s like to have influence on behalf of their community.

“Youth Council is a strong voice for youth in our shire and it’s an invaluable way for senior councillors to understand and address the needs of young people,” she said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the younger generation to have their voices heard and advocate for what they are passionate about.”

There are usually nine youth councillors between the three shire wards, and additional positions may also be created to ensure youth council represents a diverse range of views and experience.

Mitchell Shire Youth Mayor Georgia Fletcher said taking part would give young people opportunities they wouldn’t normally get as a teenager.

“I’ve worked alongside senior councillors and the community to stop something that could have a harmful impact on where we live,” she said.

“Advocating against the proposed quarry in Beveridge/Wallan is an important project that I have enjoyed working on.

“That’s why I would encourage other people to get involved with youth council – it’s a great way to help your community and make a real difference.”

To apply to be on youth council, people must be aged 12 to 24 and live, work or study in the Mitchell Shire. Applications close on June 16.

.

Technology set to usher in farming ‘revolution’

The North Central Review
-
0
Technology set to usher in farming ‘revolution’

By Colin MacGillivray

Kilmore East farmer Kevin Butler believes a successful local demonstration of livestock satellite tracking technology heralds one of the ‘biggest revolutions in agriculture’ Australia has seen.

Mr Butler organised a field day at Assumption College, Kilmore to demonstrate Ceres Tag technology, which gives farmers live updates on the location and condition of their livestock, helping to prevent stock theft.

Nearly 400 lambs at an estimated value of $50,000 were stolen from Mr Butler’s property in January, leading him to investigate theft prevention measures.

He said many of the estimated 60 people who attended the field day on Monday last week agreed to join a community cluster designed to lessen the cost of the technology for individuals.

“I’ve never seen anything like the take-up in my 25 years of doing education conferences. Within one day I think I had about 40,000 sheep protected,” Mr Butler said.

“One of the top wool-growing properties in Victoria is in. A couple down at Mortlake are in. A cattle farmer at Kyabram is in.

“These are linked to Australia Wool Innovation, Meat and Livestock Australia – very well-connected people in their field.”

“Another person who runs farms in the Kilmore, Romsey, Reedy Creek district is going alone, he’s not going in with the community cluster.”

Mr Butler said the applications of the smart tags went beyond detecting and preventing stock theft – an industry he estimated cost Australian farmers between $70 million and $100 million a year.

“The big one is zero [greenhouse] emissions. We are mandated to go zero emissions by 2045,” he said.

“This will tell us how much methane our cattle and sheep are producing. It will tell us if we are underfeeding or overfeeding them. It will tell us if an animal is sick because it monitors their heartbeat and body temperature.”

Kevin Butlers demonstration

Mr Butler said the technology could also improve animal welfare.

After a stray dog killed sheep on his property last year, he said he supported the tagging of domestic animals as well as livestock.

“Had the dog had a satellite tag on it, it would have been saved from an excruciating starvation lifestyle for nine months. All those sheep it killed would have been saved,” he said.

“That was a loose, wild dog trying to find its home, trying to live in that environment. It’s not the dog’s fault.

“Wouldn’t it make sense that when you register your dog, you have to put a satellite tag on it and give a link to the [council]? That way every time a cat or dog went outside its geofence, it could send a ping to the shire ranger and they could fine the owner.”

Mr Butler began applying the smart tags to livestock last week and said he believed the technology would change the face of farming in Australia.

“It’s going to be one of the biggest revolutions in agriculture that I’ve ever witnessed,” he said.

“Everyone who listens and understands it is embracing it. The uptake from the farmer participants is massive.

“People have to stop thinking the government, police or the shire are going to save us. More than 99 per cent of [stolen] stock is never recovered and no one is ever charged.

“Community working together will always be 10 times stronger than the authorities.”

Push for accessible childcare ahead of State Budget

The North Central Review
-
0
Push for accessible childcare ahead of State Budget

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has called for more accessible childcare in the electorate ahead of the May 23 State Budget.

Ms Cleeland took Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell on a ‘budget tour’ of the region, stopping at sites across Euroa to discuss the electorate’s needs.

Ms Cleeland said childcare access was a continuing priority as families competed for limited spaces across the electorate.

“There are huge shortages in Avenel, Nagambie and Seymour. While Seymour is receiving a new childcare centre, these issues won’t be resolved overnight,” she said.

“Our major towns aren’t inaccessible backwaters but they are placed at a disadvantage when childcare is so rare.”

Ms Cleeland said fewer childcare spaces had flow-on financial effects for families.

“We have extreme cost of living pressures, as well as a labour crisis – more accessible childcare is important to ensure parents can return to work and alleviate these issues,” she said.

“I’ve spoken to so many parents who are wanting to get back into the workforce but can’t because they are unable to get their kids into childcare.

“This is a real handbrake for us and places a hurdle in front of young people who want to raise their family in the country.

“We’ve got incredible local childcare providers but in some places there’s up to six kids competing for each place. It’s simply not sustainable.”

Mr Rowswell called for the State Government to invest more money into projects in regional Victoria.

Ms Cleeland said childcare reform was necessary.

“Childcare and kinder regulations are incredibly complex. For a regional centre there are licencing, management and land arrangements that often involve all three levels of government,” she said.

“In metro areas childcare centres are usually separated from kindergartens whereas this isn’t the case in regional areas.

“An extra kinder place can mean losing a childcare place and with pressure on both waitlists in places like Avenel it’s just not sustainable for the community with kids and families continually missing out.”

Celebrating IDAHOBIT in Mitchell Shire

The North Central Review
-
0
Celebrating IDAHOBIT in Mitchell Shire

Wednesday, May 17 is International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, IDAHOBIT.

The day draws attention to the harmful consequences of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and to promote a world of tolerance, respect, awareness and freedom.

To acknowledge, support and share awareness of IDAHOBIT, Mitchell Shire Council is organising free community events.

There will be a coffee with a cop session at Wallan Library at Wellington Square Shopping Centre, Wallan, from 10am to 11.30am on May 17.

People can join the proactive policing unit for free coffee, free Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, LGBTIQ+, merchandise and to view artworks created by local LGBTIQ+ community members.

There will also be activities at council youth rooms during May for people aged 12 to 18 years, including a tie dye workshop, ice-cream, music, snacks and games:

Broadford Youth Room, 52 High Street, Broadford, from 3.30pm to 5pm on May 15;

Seymour Youth Room, front room of Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, from 3.30pm to 5pm on May 16;

Wallan Youth Room, 42 Bentinck Street, Wallan, from 3.30pm to 5pm on May 17.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said council would display rainbow flags at community centres and customer and library services during the week.

By flying the rainbow flag, council aims to acknowledge and celebrate LGBTIQ+ people as an integral part of the local community and publicly stand up against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

“In Mitchell Shire we welcome everyone. Diversity is a part of life and understanding, respect and inclusion contribute to making where we live a nice place to be,” she said.

“Everyone has something to add to the changing tapestry of our community, and we welcome and support participation from all who wish to make Mitchel Shire their place to work, visit or live.”

Council also strongly encourages the use of support networks if required, such as the state-wide support network Switchboard Victoria, which provides peer-driven support services for the LGBTIQ+ people and their families as well as allies and the broader community.

Visit council’s event calendar and the Mitchell Youth Services Facebook page for more information.

Business leaders meet MPs to discuss challenges

The North Central Review
-
0
Business leaders meet MPs to discuss challenges

Business leaders from across the region met with Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland and Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell in Seymour last week to discuss current challenges on local traders.

People from Kilmore and Seymour were represented at the roundtable, which focused on regional investment, tax-induced strain placed on local businesses, and overspending by the State Government.

Local businesses have faced a difficult two years with COVID-induced lockdowns, significant floods, and increased taxes.

“We’ve got businesses that have survived COVID, they’ve survived the floods, and now their punishment is high taxes,” Ms Cleeland said.

“There’s genuine fear regional Victoria is going to pay the price of the overspending in Melbourne.

“At the moment, regional communities are only receiving 13 per cent of funding for projects across the state despite making up 25 per cent of the population.

“This disparity means that regional communities are only receiving 50 per cent of what they should be, yet they are still facing the same consequences of high taxes.”

Mr Rowswell said Victoria was the highest taxing state in Australia.

He said Victorians paid an average of $5638 to both state and local governments in 2021-22, compared to $5537 in New South Wales.

The total amount collected by the state and local governments was $36.9 billion, a 25 per cent increase from $29.6 billion the year before.

“We’re seeing these taxes cripple local businesses as well as the budgets of households across the state,” he said.

Starlight Children’s Foundation rockets into Northern Health

The North Central Review
-
0
Starlight Children’s Foundation rockets into Northern Health

The Northern Hospital in Epping is among 19 hospitals across Australia to be part of the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s innovative and interactive virtual platform designed to deliver engaging, positive distraction for sick children.

Planet Starlight will deliver happiness to hospitalised children in every hospital in Australia, especially focusing on general and regional hospitals where children’s support services can be limited.

The platform has been rolled out to patients in 19 metropolitan and regional hospitals across Australia, including the Northern Hospital in Epping, with another 20 hospitals planned by the end of the year.

Free to register and easily accessible from an internet-enabled device, Planet Starlight features daily, interactive livestreams uniquely shaped by the participation of the kids watching and hosted by Starlight’s superhero of fun, Captain Starlight.

Northern Health child and adolescent health unit associate nurse unit manager Aleks Dimitrieski said she and her team were excited to partner with Starlight and bring Planet Starlight to Melbourne’s northern community.

“Innovative digital projects such as Planet Starlight are really important for keeping the children distracted from their, sometimes scary, time in hospital,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the positive impact this has on our patients.”

Planet Starlight was first trialed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when some of the most significant restrictions in children’s healthcare required Starlight to create innovative ways to deliver essential programs to isolated, hospitalised children in any way they could.

A virtual Starlight program was designed and delivered in several hospitals, where evidence confirmed the power of a live, interactive digital platform where children led the play.

“Starlight is uniquely positioned and excited to launch Planet Starlight with a goal to reach sick kids at every hospital in Australia,” Starlight chief executive Louise Baxter said.

“Planet Starlight takes Starlight into the virtual world for hospitalised kids in need of happiness and positive distraction.

“Whenever they need it and wherever they are. Children are digital natives, so it’s no surprise Planet Starlight has really taken off.”

Giving back to volunteers in Mitchell Shire

The North Central Review
-
0
Giving back to volunteers in Mitchell Shire

Mitchell Shire Council is celebrating National Volunteer Week 2023 by offering grants to support local volunteers.

Community groups can apply for a grant of up to $500.

Funds can support volunteer thank you events or activities, training and development or transport.

Every week hundreds of volunteers give up their time to support Mitchell Shire’s community groups and programs.

One example of the many volunteer groups is the L2P Program in Mitchell Shire.

The community-based program assists young learner drivers, between the ages of 16 and 21, who do not have access to a supervising driver or an appropriate vehicle, to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence.

The program relies on the support of volunteer mentors like Seymour’s Noel Pearson, who has been with the program for the past 18 months.

“I wanted to give back to my community and I’ve done plenty of driving in my time so I thought this would be a good fit,” he said.

“It’s very rewarding to be helping young people to get driving experience so they can expand their opportunities for work and education.

“I encourage other people to think about volunteering with the program because it’s a great way to give back and make difference in your community.”

Mitchell Shire L2P coordinator Phillipa Ross said volunteers were an integral part of the program’s success.

“It’s been a very popular program and without volunteers like Noel, a lot of young people in Mitchell Shire would not be able to get their licence,” she said.

“Seeing young people pass their driving test is such a great feeling and we need volunteers to keep making that happen.

“The program is very flexible to suit the schedules of our volunteers. All you need is to be 21 years or older and have a full Victorian licence.

“We’re always looking for new volunteers, so please get in touch if it’s something that interests you.”

For more information about the L2P Program in Mitchell Shire, email L2Phume@berrystreet.org.au.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said volunteers were the backbone of any community.

“The biggest gift you can give anyone is your time, and to also give it freely is exceptional generosity,” she said.

“The warmth, passion, commitment and inclusiveness of a community is influenced by all those amongst us who step up and take on these roles.

“Whether it’s at sporting clubs, around schools and kindergartens, historical societies, community service organisations, those with environmental and sustainability interests, volunteers are key to the success of many opportunities and experiences in Mitchell Shire.”

Cr Stevens said the small grants were one way to say thank you and acknowledge the good work of the generous individuals and groups who often flew under the radar.

“I’m sure they will be most welcomed. I encourage community groups and organisations to apply and to use this money to help them continue the great work they do,” she said.

For more information about council’s volunteer grant and volunteering opportunities, visit www.volunteeringmitchell.com.au.

Applications open Wednesday and close June 7.

For groups wanting to be featured on the council’s website or for those who would like some help applying for the grant, call 5734 6343.

Orphaned joey rescued from hole in Mernda

Lauren Duffy
-
0
Orphaned joey rescued from hole in Mernda

A team of wildlife rescuers have been praised for their efforts to rescue a joey from a hole at a residential construction site in Mernda.

The female orphaned kangaroo, who has since been named Poppy, was spotted by a member of the public covered in mud from tip to tail in a shaft on a vacant block of land at the end of April.

Watch as wildlife rescuers wedge the joey up and out of a hole at a construction site in Mernda.

Volunteer wildlife rescuer Justin Pipe, alongside a team of volunteers, responded to the call for attention at the site.

“There was several minutes of deciding what to do, coming up with a plan,” he said.

“[The hole] was a hell-of-a-lot deeper than what it looks in the video – it was steep, it was slippery,

“There was a crew doing some construction digging with excavators, tractors, things like that. I was going to go and ask them if they could help. I was considering the SES […] or the fire brigade.

“I thought ‘let’s see what happens, I’ll jump in’ – I couldn’t reach down with my hands because I would’ve gone in head first.”

Mr Pipe was able to partially stand inside the shaft and wedge the joey carefully up with his foot, and fellow wildlife rescuer Natasha Talbot help pull her out.

After a clean, Poppy was taken for a thorough assessment at Balwyn Central Vet Hospital, where she was warmed up and put on fluids.

kangaroo rescue
Poppy was bundled up in thermal blankets for a well deserved rest after being rescued.

The 11-kilogram joey is now being monitored at a wildlife shelter, where she was reported to be ‘up and about’ and bonding with other kangaroos.

Mr Pipe said it wasn’t a surprise to receive a call to a kangaroo in a residential area, but it was ‘a little unusual’ to find the joey stuck in a hole.

“Lots of kangaroos get stuck in construction areas, whether it’s for a house or in some of those civil construction areas where they’re building new streets and drains and sewerage pipes,” he said.

“In a lot of these places, the gates can’t be closed all day everyday, they have to be open for people and trucks to get in.

“Kangaroos can find a way in, even through the gaps.

“They get stuck in all sorts of places – inside factories, inside school grounds. A couple years ago there was one in Greensborough Plaza that managed to get inside the Target.“

Mr Pipe encouraged people to call in sick, injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife in Melbourne and surrounds to The Wildlife Rescuers Inc on 0417 506 941.

1...638639640...1,185Page 639 of 1,185