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Support for emergency workers through new service

The North Central Review
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Support for emergency workers through new service

Australia’s emergency workers are set to receive additional mental health support through the establishment of the National Emergency Workers Support Service, NEWSS.

Emergency service workers will be able to access an online mental health self-assessment and triage services including access to up to 12 free sessions with a clinical psychologist either face to face or via telehealth.

$4 million will be provided to the Black Dog Institute to establish and develop the NEWSS and will serve as an expansion of the National Bushfire Support Service, extended to all emergency service workers who respond to disasters including bushfires and floods.

Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said the service will be delivered as part of a broader government response to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians after disasters.

“We know that responding to relentless natural disasters, along with the pandemic, has no doubt put strain on our emergency service workers,” he said.

“Australians are so grateful for their tireless efforts, which have kept communities safe in times of need, and it’s only right that we ensure they are supported too.”

The service will make it easier for workers to search for, navigate and determine their eligibility for support and appropriate resources.

It will also provide specialist mental health training to general practitioners and other healthcare professionals to help provide appropriate support and referral options to emergency service workers.

Strategy to address affordable housing challenges

Lauren Duffy
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Strategy to address affordable housing challenges

THE need for new social housing in the south of Mitchell Shire and renewal of existing housing in the north are key themes of a draft affordable housing strategy released for public exhibition by Mitchell Shire Council.

The strategy outlines the effects of a country-wide housing crisis locally, with 8.8 per cent of Mitchell Shire households defined as being ‘in housing stress’.

The draft document estimates a shortfall of at least 1000 affordable housing dwellings across the shire, with almost no affordable housing in the rapidly growing areas of Beveridge, Wallan and Kilmore.

Seymour, conversely, has nearly three times the state average of social housing per capita, but many dwellings require refurbishment in the wake of a flood that struck the town in October.

Cr Rhonda Sanderson encouraged people to view the draft strategy and provide feedback by visiting website engagingmitchellshire.com/affordable-housing-strategy or viewing a physical copy at a council service centre before April 21.

“In the context of Mitchell Shire we’re talking about social housing, and we know there is virtually nil in our growth areas of Wallan and Beveridge, so we’re hoping to address that here,” she said.

“We have quite a lot in the northern part of the shire, probably over the recommended percentage. So we’re trying to address two factors there. We want the current stock that we have renewed.

“We would really appreciate if the community would have a look and let us know any gaps there might be and have a say.”

Cr David Lowe said the document outlined council’s advocacy approach to securing more affordable housing.

“Our role is about advocacy, engagement and partnerships, leveraging land-use planning and providing incentives and opportunities. That’s what we must do to our fullest extent,” he said.

“I would commend this document to the people of the shire and hope to get some feedback and comments on what is an important part of our social fabric.”

Cr Bill Chisholm noted the effect of the floods on housing stock in the region.

“One of the things that highlights the need for this type of policy is the recent Seymour floods, where we’ve seen huge impacts on some people who can least afford housing,” he said.

“A lot of people were devastated by that flood event, and this would go some way to addressing that issue.

“It’s good to see this initiative taken on, and hopefully some of these people can be rehoused, because there are a lot of people suffering.”

Learning leadership skills in the City of Whittlesea

The North Central Review
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Learning leadership skills in the City of Whittlesea

The City of Whittlesea’s Community Leadership Program is returning for a second year, with free training for locals who want to lead community projects and form professional networks.

Launched last year in partnership with La Trobe University Business School, the program offers a range of free workshops and training courses focusing on leadership and practical skills to residents aged 18 and over who are keen to make community change.

City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said she believed the program would help create stronger bonds in the community.

“Our community is made up of diverse and talented individuals who have the potential to make a real impact on important local issues,” she said. 

“Council is committed to empowering our community to take the next step in their leadership journey and I encourage people interested in community leadership to take up this fantastic opportunity.

“By supporting individuals to develop their leadership skills, we create a stronger, healthier and more connected place for all.”

Community Leadership Program 2022 participant Matt Christie said the program shaped his understanding of leadership positions.

“Prior to participating in the program, I thought there was just one type of leader, so it’s great to be able to work out what type of leader you are yourself and to also look at other types of leadership models,” he said.

This year the program will run for 12 weeks from May until August or participants can choose to take three intensive workshops over Saturdays in August which includes a combination of online workshops and in-person sessions.  

Expressions of Interest are now open and will close at 5pm on April 23.  

For information and how to apply, visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/leadingchange.

For further information email communityplanning@whittlesea.vic.gov.au and communityplanning@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 9217 2170. 

Region ready as football, netball return

Lauren Duffy
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Region ready as football, netball return

FOOTBALL and netball seasons full of hope and intrigue will kick off for teams across the Mitchell, Macedon Ranges and Whittlesea regions this weekend.

In the Northern Football Netball League’s top division, Whittlesea will face a stern first-up test against 2022 preliminary finalist Montmorency.

The Eagles are keen to prove they belong in division one after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, and will get a good early indication of their chances against the Magpies.

Whittlesea was non-competitive in an early 157-point shellacking at the hands of Montmorency last season, but improved significantly in their second meeting, losing by only 29 points.

New coach Wayne Van Der Ross has been working on a game style balancing attack with defence, and will rely on new recruits including Thomas Flood and Matt Dornauf to add their experience to the young Eagles side.

The Kilmore Blues will also field a younger-looking side in division three as they face a road game against last season’s grand finalist Laurimar in round one.

Two of the three meetings between the sides last season were decided by less than a kick, and the match should be an early litmus test for the Blues under new coach Paul Derrick.

With two-time league best and fairest Chris Ryall departing for division one side West Preston-Lakeside, Kilmore’s midfield depth will be tested, but the Blues still have the likes of Chris Barton and co-captains Leigh Irons and Mick Marrett to rely on in the engine room.

In the Riddell District Football Netball League, the new-look Wallan Magpies will make the short trip west to play Romsey in round one.

The Magpies are one of the league’s most intriguing sides in 2023, having lost about a dozen senior players from last season’s preliminary final team but recruiting several more key players to fill the gaps.

Among the recruits is veteran defender Michael Tinkler, who will face his old Romsey team-mates immediately, but apart from Tinkler’s departure, the Redbacks will remain largely unchanged this year.

On the netball court the Redbacks are looking for improvement, with several former A Grade premiership players returning to the club, while Wallan will look to integrate a new duo of Maeve Donegan and Rebekah Konstantopoulos in goals after the departure of long-time player Chloe Meulenmeesters.

Lancefield has a first-round bye.

Spirits are also high at Broadford, which will make its long-awaited return as a standalone football team in a home game against Warburton-Millgrove on Saturday.

The Roos combined with Yea last year due to lack of numbers, but have enjoyed a strong off-season.

Broadford’s netball program is also looking for improvement after recruiting Meulenmeesters from Wallan and promoting its junior players.

Results from each week’s games will be printed in the Review during football/netball season.

Registration of pets due for City of Whittlesea

The North Central Review
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Registration of pets due for City of Whittlesea

City of Whittlesea is reminding residents to register their pets to improve their chances of their cat or dog returned if they become lost.

Annual pet registration notices have been released in the City of Whittlesea to ensure all cats and dog owners registered their pets from three months of age. Payments were due on Sunday.

A range of registration fees apply depending on whether a resident holds a pension card, is eligible for reduced fees, or the pet has been desexed.

Residents who have not received a registration renewal notice or if have recently moved and need to update their contact details should contact council by emailing animal.management@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/pets.

Seymour boat ramp upgrade on the way

Lauren Duffy
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Seymour boat ramp upgrade on the way

PLANS are underway to upgrade the Manners Street boat ramp at Lions Park in Seymour, allowing for easier access to the Goulburn River after the impacts of last year’s floods.

The upgrade will be delivered through a State Government investment in boating infrastructure through the Better Boating Fund, with the Manners Street ramp among several others prioritised for enhancements.

Upgrades will be funded through the Better Boating Fund via boaters’ registration and license fees.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Fiona Stevens said the upgrade would rejuvenate the park and better cater to boating enthusiasts in the Goulburn region.

“We are thrilled to see the Victorian Government’s investment in the Manners Street boat ramp, which will improve access to the beautiful Goulburn River,” she said.

“This project will enhance the boating experience for our community, and will also revitalise Lions Park, which was significantly impacted by last year’s floods.”

The ramp currently features a single-lane concrete ramp, an adjacent fixed jetty, and parking facilities, with the upgrade to be planned and designed with the assistance of engineering firm Confluence through consultation with stakeholders and facility users.

Following the functional review, stakeholder workshops and feedback survey results, concept designs will be developed and presented for consultation in the coming months.

Driving opportunities for disadvantaged people

Lauren Duffy
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Driving opportunities for disadvantaged people

THE Transport Accident Commission’s, TAC, L2P program is working across Mitchell Shire to support learner drivers between 16 and 21 without a car or supervising driver to gain driving hours.

Delivered by community service organisation Berry Street, the L2P program has been operating in Victoria for 12 years, pairing volunteer mentor drivers and cars with young people looking to gain their probationary license.

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the program was an important service for young people across the region.

“Disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our community may not have access to a car and therefore a license, which is incredibly limiting,” she said.

“This program opens up economic opportunities for young people and has positively impacted so many lives over more than a decade of operation.”

Ms Cleeland encouraged people to get in touch with Berry Street and apply to join the program.

“If you are between 16 and 21 and don’t have access to a car or supervising driver please don’t be shy in coming forward and enquiring,” she said.

“This program can be life changing and transformative. The mentor drivers are amazing and you certainly won’t regret getting involved.”

For more information, people can visit www.berrystreet.org.au/you-can-help/become-a-mentor/tac-l2p-program-mentor/tac-l2p-program-hume-enquiry.

Free transport for VET students

The North Central Review
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Free transport for VET students

Students studying Vocational Educational and Training, VET, subjects will now find it easier to get to and from their vocational training providers with free transport for regional and rural students.

The $7.5 million Transport Fund was announced last month to support families in northern Victoria to ensure students studying VET subjects can have appropriate support.

Recipients of the new initiative include students from Broadford Secondary College, Seymour College, St Mary’s College and Assumption College. The local schools are among almost 2000 schools benefiting from the program across the state.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the support will help students focus on their studies without unnecessary concerns or difficulties.

“No matter what you want to be, in Victoria we have an educational pathway for you to achieve it. With this additional funding support we’re making it easier for students to arrive at their dream job,” she said.

“Starting acareer shouldn’t come down to whether a student can afford it, that’s why we’re providing the additional funding needed to get students to VET classes and covering the cost of the course materials they need when they get there.”

The Transport Fund comes in addition to the State Government’s $120 million initiative to expand access to VET certificates across Victoria.

The funding package ensures schools can cover course materials for students, while providing access to VET courses in industries with strong workforce needs like building and construction, electrical and auto engineering.

Water supply in strong position

Lauren Duffy
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Water supply in strong position

MELBOURNE’S water storage levels are currently above 91 per cent thanks to above-average rainfall and three consecutive La Nina events.

Based on water storage levels, projected weather patterns and demand, it was last week announced that there is no requirement for a desalination order this year.

The decision follows consultation with water corporations Greater Western Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water and will ensure households do not face additional charges on their water bills in the coming year.

Minister for Water Harriet Shing said despite the increase in water stored, it was still important to consider future storage levels to maintain water security.

“While above-average rainfall means an order of water is not required this year, our desalination plant is a critical part of our long-term water supply – we keep our water storages as high as possible to protect water security in the future,” she said.

“We are acting on the best advice about our water resource position – adapting to the very rare occurance of three successive La Nina events and the wet conditions we’ve experienced over the past three years.”

Demand from rainfall-dependent water sources already exceeds supply, with residents currently using 50 to 70 gigalitres more water each year than what flows into storages while the desalination plant has provided around 25 per cent of storage capacity since 2016.

In a severe drought, storage levels can drop by 20 per cent in a year and requires careful management of the current water supply to avoid significant water restrictions.

The desalination plant is part of a long-term water strategy that helps to avoid water shortages and social and economic impacts of water restrictions on households, businesses and farmers.

No Quarry for Beveridge, Wallan group plans protest

The North Central Review
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No Quarry for Beveridge, Wallan group plans protest

The No Quarry for Beveridge/Wallan community group is planning a protest outside Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence’s office on Thursday next week.

The group opposes a proposed quarry south of Wallan, which Planning Minister Sonia Kilkenny will decide on this year.

No Quarry group spokesperson Skye Forster said members believed they had been ‘shut out of the planning process’ and were frustrated at a lack of answers from politicians.

“We’ve had three planning ministers in 12 months and despite countless phone calls and emails not one of them has agreed to meet with the people who will have to live with this quarry if it goes ahead, making our suburbs an experiment for something untested that planning experts advise against,” she said.

Ms Forster said the group planned to protest outside Ms Spence’s office to make its frustrations clear.

“We have had enough of being ignored and kept in the dark during this process so we’re going to front our local member,” she said.

“We’re calling on anyone who doesn’t want this quarry to go ahead to join us out the front of Ros Spence’s office at Craigieburn Central, 340 Craigieburn Road, at 11am on Thursday, April 20.

“We encourage all community members to come along to voice their concerns.”

Ms Forster said the protest came on the heels of a petition tabled in parliament recently, as well as postcards and emails sent to MPs outlining the group’s concerns.

“We’re simply asking for a seat at the table in the biggest planning decision in our suburbs,” she said.

“We’re the ones who have moved here, bought property here, chosen to raise our families here and yet we’ve been shut out of the process at virtually every step.”

Proposed quarry operator Conundrum did not wish to comment.

• The Review is owned by Wally Mott, who also owns the land upon which the proposed quarry could be built.

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