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Wet weather release of recycled water in Romsey

September 27, 2022

Due to ongoing wet conditions across Romsey and Lancefield, Greater Western Water, GWW, started releasing controlled amounts of recycled water to Deep Creek from Thursday.

Sustained heavy rainfall had led to a significant rise in water in storage at the Romsey Recycled Water Plant.

GWW officials said wet weather releases would continue until the storage returned to normal operating capacity.

The body notified Environment Protection Agency, EPA, Victoria the temporary release of recycled water was necessary and would be monitored closely for any impacts on the environment or human health.

Discharging excess recycled water from storage helps to reduce potential for uncontrolled overflows and protects the recycled water plant infrastructure to continue operating.

Operations and delivery solutions general manager Jodie Hallam said GWW was committed to minimising impacts from the release of recycled water to Deep Creek.

“We expect these releases will continue into October under the current weather conditions,” she said.

“Strict water quality monitoring processes will remain in place to protect the health of the local community and environment.”

Greater Western Water is also commencing an engagement program across Macedon Ranges next month to understand community views and aspirations for local water management, including recycled water.

For more information, people can call Greater Western Water on 13 44 99.

Coffee fundraiser for Plenty Valley FM

Lauren Duffy

September 27, 2022

Saturday is International Coffee Day and Plenty Valley FM is celebrating through its annual coffee fundraising event.

The public is invited to the station’s headquarters at 288 Childs Road, Mill Park, between 10am and 2pm for a coffee and a toastie.

People can also tour the station and meet the team.

All money raised will help keep the community radio station on air.

Plenty Valley 88.6FM is the official emergency broadcaster for the municipalities of Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea.

During emergencies such as bushfires, floods, storm or other major incidents, Plenty Valley FM provides prompt updates when directed to do so by authorised agencies, providing vital, up-to-date information to listeners.

REAL happy to welcome back international students

Grace Frost

September 27, 2022

REAL happy to welcome back international students

By Grace Frost

A Doreen business owner is hoping the return of international students to Australia and State Government support to encourage more students to move to Victoria will reinvigorate his tour company.

Luke Sexton reopened his tour company REAL Australia in July after a nearly two-and-a-half-year break amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Melbourne-based tour company hosts tours for Study Abroad students and full-degree international students, aiming to provide them with the ‘real’ experience of Aussie life.

Mr Sexton purchased the company in 2015 after working as the operations manager for a year, hosting tours alongside a team of people along the Great Ocean Road, Healesville, Phillip Island and Mornington Peninsula, among other destinations.

The closure of Australia’s borders in 2020 meant international students were unable to travel to Victoria or experience university on campus during the pandemic.

Mr Sexton said the company was hit hard by lockdowns and border closures.

“Around mid-March 2020, we had to cancel all of the tours we had planned,” he said.

“We lost all business and the majority of any partnerships and relationships we had in place, as universities were also heavily hit and lost a lot of their staff that we worked with.”

Mr Sexton said the tour company had returned to not only provide international students the opportunity to tick off ‘bucket-list’ adventures, but also allow them to quickly integrate themselves into the Melbourne community.

“We love our country and are passionate about people and want to help integrate international students into our country, helping them feel more at home in Melbourne,” Mr Sexton said.

“We believe some of the best memories these students can make are through the relationships they form while here, rather than simply just the sights they see.”

The Victorian tourism industry remains in recovery after the state’s lockdowns, recording a net loss of $19.5 billion at the end of 2020.

About 37,000 extra students have returned to Victoria since international borders reopened in December.

A new State Government International Education Recovery Plan 2025, launched earlier this month, will aim to support more international students in their return to Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Backed by almost $53 million of government funding, the plan sets out to build Victoria’s performance as a leader in education excellence and student experience, through initiatives such as an International Student Travel Pass, which offers a 50 per cent discount on public transport for students once they arrive in Victoria.

Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney said the recovery plan acknowledged the critical role international students play in Victoria.

“We’re backing the return of international students because they make a critical contribution to our state, boost the economy and add to our cultural fabric,” she said.

Mr Sexton said he hoped REAL Australia could support orientation programs in Australian universities with the increasing number of international students returning to the state.

“We aim to leave students feeling seen and valued as they leave us at the end of a tour, in a way they haven’t experienced before,” he said.

“Still to this day, there’s a lot of unknowns, but we are back, international students are back … and we’re excited to see what 2023 holds and beyond.”

Mitchell Shire Police News: September 27, 2022

Lauren Duffy

September 27, 2022

Traffic collision

MITCHELL Crime Investigation Unit, CIU, is seeking assistance from members of the public regarding an incident involving a female in a white sedan travelling at high speed in the Seymour area on the evening of Tuesday, September 20. Mitchell CIU officers want to speak to anyone with information or anyone dash cam footage of the incident. Please contact the Mitchell CIU on 5735 0216, or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Attempted burglary

On Wednesday September 21, unknown offenders entered a property via an unlocked gate on McDonald Drive, Wandong. A neighbour noticed the open gate while the owner’s dog was located down the road by a local ranger. It appears nothing was stolen from the property. Anyone with any further information can contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or Police Assistance Line 131 444.

Theft of parcels

On Wednesday, September 21 unknown offenders attended a property on Tussock Drive in Wallan and stole two parcels that were left on the front porch by a courier. The parcels contained two Blu-ray collections of Star Trek with a total value of $251. The empty parcel packaging was located in the front yard of the victim’s neighbour’s property. Anyone with any further information can contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or Police Assistance Line 131 444.

Property damage

On Tuesday, September 20, unknown offenders damaged mesh fencing on the perimeter of a Wandong self-storage facility. The offenders then walked around the facility, using what is believed to be a mobile phone on a selfie stick to allow them to peek into the storage units. The offenders unsuccessfully attempted to gain access into the storage units and left without stealing any property. The two offenders were wearing hoodies, surgical masks and gloves.

Anyone with any further information can contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or Police Assistance Line 131 444.

Kilmore petrol theft

At 11:05 am on Monday, September 19 an unknown offender drove to Coles Express in Kilmore and filled up $65 worth of petrol. The offender then entered the service station, purchased some items and stated she did not fill her vehicle with petrol before leaving. The female is described as Caucasian with long blonde hair, wearing a black and brown cardigan, black jeans and black boots.

Whittlesea Showgrounds lighting pledge ahead of election

Lauren Duffy

September 27, 2022

Whittlesea Showgrounds lighting pledge ahead of election

LIBERAL candidate for Yan Yean Richard Welch has pledged $20,000 for upgraded lighting at Whittlesea Showgrounds if the Liberal-Nationals Coalition forms government at November’s state election.

Mr Welch, who was announced as the Liberal candidate for Yan Yean this month after contesting the federal seat of McEwen earlier this year, said upgraded lighting would improve the safety of night events at the showgrounds.

The grounds host several annual community events, including Whittlesea Agricultural Show, a regular community market and Whittlesea Rodeo – the largest Australian rodeo outside Queensland.

“Having worked closely with the committee of management over the last two years it’s been made clear to me that upgrading the lighting at the showgrounds will improve safety and ensure that the community can continue to get the most out of their showgrounds,” Mr Welch said.
Mr Welch said there was ‘chronic under-investment’ in community facilities and roads in Yan Yean.

“The reality is that our communities are growing rapidly, and investment in our local facilities is not keeping pace with that growth,” he said.

“Meanwhile our roads are deteriorating while critical upgrades to arterial routes like Yan Yean Road have been delayed and our sporting clubs are getting close to capacity.

“I will continue to work with community groups to identify opportunities for the Victorian Government to help address these issues and look forward to work closely with the local community to solve these problems.”

Free TAFE for more healthcare workers

Lauren Duffy

September 27, 2022

The State Government is delivering more free TAFE courses to build Victoria’s most in-demand industries, with new courses available in emergency healthcare, mental healthcare, family violence and agriculture in 2023.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney announced a Diploma of Emergency Health Care would be one of four new free TAFE courses and six new short courses supported by the government from next year.

The diploma course is currently delivered at Victoria University and Swinburne University and qualifies students to work in non-emergency patient transport as ambulance transport attendants, patient transport officers and ambulance community officers – as well as providing a pathway into university paramedicine courses.

Other new courses to be added to the Free TAFE list for 2023 include level three qualification in production horticulture, and a graduate certificate in client assessment and case management, which upskills health and community services workers in the family violence field.

Six short courses will also be made available next year under free TAFE, including courses in mental health, agricultural chemical handling and electric and hybrid automotive maintenance

The program has seen enrolments grow in Victoria’s most in-demand industries – with 2021 commencements growing by 56 per cent in the Diploma of Nursing, 80 per cent in the certificate IV in Disability and more than 113 per cent in early childhood courses.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said there had never been a better time for anyone across northern Victoria to start studying at TAFE.

“Free TAFE has helped more than 122,000 Victorians embark on a rewarding new career – we’re adding courses in in-demand industries to make sure students can get a great job straight out of their training,” she said.

Second Taungurung book released

Lauren Duffy

September 27, 2022

TAUNGURUNG Land and Waters Council, TLaWC, has announced the release of a second children’s book in Taungurung and English languages, following the successful launch of Bijil Ba Wudhi Deberra in June.

Gukra-U Garringa Bijilal, Bijil’s Bigger Cloak, was written by Taungurung elder Aunty Loraine Padgham.

The first book of the Bijil series received glowing reviews from readers and now features in schools, kindergartens and bookstores across Taungurung Country.

Gukra u garringa Bijilal Front Page — Children’s book Gukra-U Garringa Bijilal, Bijil’s Bigger Cloak, written by Taungurung elder Aunty Loraine Padgham.

The Bijil book series focuses on the ordinary activities a Taungurung family would have experienced prior to colonisation.

The books include a QR code that can be scanned to listen to the story read in Taungurung language.

“I was overwhelmed by the public response for Bijil Ba Wudhi Deberra, which was the first children’s book to use Taungurung language,” Aunty Loraine said.

“What started out as an exercise in exploring and applying Taungurung language demonstrated a broader public acknowledgement and interest in the culture of the Taungurung people.”

TLaWC chief executive Matt Burns noted the positive response from the community, who now have increased access to an accurate depiction of Taungurung culture suitable for the youngest generations.

“The revitalisation of Taungurung language is a longstanding priority of the Taungurung community and is reflected as a core focus in TLaWC’s strategic plan,” he said.

“The addition of these new books into schools and kindergartens ensures that children have access to Taungurung language from a young age.”

The series is dedicated to the Taungurung people, past and present, who have cared for Taungurung Country and culture since time immemorial.

Maintenance blitz money set for schools in Mitchell and Macedon Ranges

Lauren Duffy

September 27, 2022

Maintenance blitz money set for schools in Mitchell and Macedon Ranges

Schools in the Mitchell and Macedon Ranges shires are among more than 100 schools to be upgraded through a State Government maintenance blitz.

The following schools will receive varying amounts of funding from the government’s Term Three Planned Maintenance Program: Wallan Primary School, $105,000; Gisborne Primary School, $80,000; Woodend Primary School, $50,000; and Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School, $45,000.

The maintenances across 111 schools aims to provide better environments for students and teachers, with work to include replacing floors, classrooms and external landscaping works to pathways and lighting.

Member for Macedon Mary Anne-Thomas said she was thrilled to see Macedon Ranges schools on the list.

“This investment ensures schools in Macedon are safe and comfortable – giving our students the best possible settings to learn and thrive in,” she said.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the funding totalling $11.24 million was to ensure safety and to maintain consistency, as funding was allocated over the last term.

“This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is well maintained and safe to provide the best possible environment for students to learn in,” she said.

“Our record investment in school infrastructure is delivering high quality classrooms for our hard-working principals, teachers and staff, as well as students and families.”

The funding also covers an ongoing program to repair or replace solar power systems across 737 school campuses.

Call for regional funding amid population boom

Lauren Duffy

September 27, 2022

Call for regional funding amid population boom

By Colin MacGillivray

Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has called on the government to increase regional infrastructure spending after the Regional Australia Institute, RAI, revealed an additional 11 million people would live in Australia’s regions by 2032.

The RAI last week launched a plan titled Regionalisation Ambition 2032 – a Framework to Rebalance the Nation, which would see 11 million more people living outside Australia’s capital cities in the next decade.

The figure was 500,000 more than a previously estimated regional population growth of 10.5 million.

Mr Birrell said he was concerned the Federal Government would disproportionately reduce regional infrastructure spending.

“I want to continue to develop our region and regional Australia more broadly. I don’t want an Australia that’s dominated by a few ever-expanding megacities,” he said.

“For Nicholls and other regional electorates to cope with the influx of new residents during the pandemic and the forecasts for further population growth there needs to be a steady and reliable pipeline of investment.

“Labor already has a raft of programs and funding committed by the former [Liberal-Nationals] Coalition government under review and has indicated it will scrap billions of dollars in regional investment planned for the next decade.”

Mr Birrell called on the government to commit funding to several key infrastructure projects in his electorate.

“Having met with Mitchell Shire Council, Seymour Health and the wider community on a number of occasions, I know how important the establishment of the Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub is,” he said.

“This centre is a worthy project that will change lives directly, turning around years of intergenerational disadvantage with improved access to health and mental health support alongside other community services.

“[The Coalition] promised $10 million dollars for this facility during my campaign and while that is now unable to be delivered, I will be continuing to advocate to the Albanese government for funding to get this critical project off the ground.”

Mr Birrell said he was working to secure funding for Seymour RSL to improve its facilities, as well as other projects such as high-speed electrified rail throughout Victoria.

RAI chief executive Liz Ritchie described the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 as a national first, identifying 20 targets in areas such as housing, education, health, jobs and skills, digital inclusion, transport, childcare, community participation, migration, climate, innovation and the resilience of regional communities to close a divide between city and country life.

“Regionalisation is about delivering on the potential of regional Australia and rebalancing our nation,” she said.

“We’ve seen more than a 100 percent jump in job vacancies in the last 2.5 years. More than 3.7 million regional Australians live in a childcare desert.

“Regional home building approvals have declined in five out of the last 10 years. Remote students do half as well as their metropolitan counterparts in NAPLAN.

“These issues are all interlinked, complex and equally as important, so the development of a holistic and integrated framework is a momentous step forward to achieving better outcomes for all.”

People can view the full Regionalisation Ambition 2032 report at rebalancethenation.com/common/Uploaded%20files/Rebalance-the-Nation/Rebalance-the-Nation-Report-2022.pdf.

Success for juniors in league best and fairest awards

Lauren Duffy

September 27, 2022

Success for juniors in league best and fairest awards

The Northern Football Netball League best and fairest awards saw success for several Kilmore Junior Football Club players.

Members of the boys under 13 blue side saw a tie for first, with Campbell White and Caylin Ingram recording 18 votes each. Third was Lachlan Peggie with eight votes.

Campbell White went on to win Kilmore’s club best and fairest award, with Caylin Ingram finishing second.

Bobby Marchant was first in the boys under 14 red league count with 27 votes. He also went on to win best and fairest for Kilmore.

In the girls under 14 red, Lana Carroll came second with 17 votes and went on to finish second in Kilmore’s club best and fairest.

In the boys under 15 red, Jackson Mansfield came first with 19 votes, also claiming Kilmore’s club best and fairest award.

U15 Jackson Mansfield League Best Fairest 1 — Jackson Mansfield took the best and fairest crown in the under 15s.

U13 3rd Peggie 1st White Ingram League Best Fairest 1 — Jackson Mansfield took the best and fairest crown in the under 15s.

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