City of Whittlesea announces changes to services due to COVID-19 outbreak

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January 18, 2022

City of Whittlesea announces changes to services due to COVID-19 outbreak

THE City of Whittlesea has announced changes to services, vaccinations and testing rules in light of increased COVID-19 cases in Victoria.

A series of pop-up vaccination clinics will open from January 17 until further notice with no appointment necessary for first, second or booster doses from 9.30am to 2.30pm each week for people aged 12 and over.

Clinics include the Painted Hills Community Pavilion in Doreen on Mondays, Wollert Community Hall on Tuesdays, RCG Cook Community Pavilion in Thomastown on Wednesdays, Kirrip Community Centre in Wollert on Thursdays, and at 2 Manchester Crescent in Bundoora on Fridays.

The interval between second and booster dose vaccinations has been reduced to four weeks and will be reduced further to three weeks from January 31. For vaccination information and locations, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres.

People can now test for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test, RAT, and must report positive results to the Department of Health online at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report or by calling 1800 675 398 and then isolate for seven days.

Standard PCR testing is still available at La Trobe University carpark 7A in Bundoora, Melbourne Pathology and Northern Hospital in Epping, Mernda Station in Schotters Road, RMIT East Campus carpark in Mill Park, and First People’s Health and Wellbeing in Thomastown.

The City of Whittlesea Customer Service Centre and planning and building counter at the Civic Centre in South Morang will be closed until January 31. To contact council during this time, people can call 9217 2170 or email info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au with the sharps drop-off service remaining functional.

Appointments for council’s maternal and child health service may need to be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice due to staff shortages as a result of COVID-19.

Priority is being given to babies under 12 months of age and 3.5 year-old appointments and staff will be in contact with appointment holders. For urgent concerns, people can call the maternal and child health 24-hour line on 13 22 29.

Home support for older residents has also been affected, with some services unable to be provided to ensure the provision of essential services. Staff will be in contact if services are interrupted and people can call 9407 5940 for any enquiries.

Masks are required indoors for people aged eight and over, as well as indoors – and outdoors when moving around – at major events with more than 30,000 people. They do not need to be worn when sitting down outdoors or in the home.

For full COVID-19 information from the City of Whittlesea, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/health-safety/coronavirus-information-covid-19.

Medi-hotel planned for Epping to manage rising COVID-19 patients

The North Central Review

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January 18, 2022

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Medi-hotel planned for Epping to manage rising COVID-19 patients

NORTHERN Health is working with the Royal Melbourne Hospital to set up two medi-hotels, helping to care for a growing number of COVID-19 patients needing lower-level care.

Two quarantine hotels, the Mantra in Epping and the Pullman in Melbourne’s CBD will be transformed into medi-hotels from January 17.

The medi-hotels will provide ‘Hospital in the Home’ care for low-acuity patients in a controlled environment with all the amenities of existing health hotels.

They will have a capacity to provide care for more than 300 patients at a time, and will alleviate pressure on hospital networks by freeing up beds for patients with higher-care needs, while also making use of existing space in the hotel quarantine network.

Director of Hospital without Walls program at Northern Health, professor Don Campbell, said the medi-hotels would help hospitals deal with increasing COVID-19 patients.

“We’ve had unprecedented pressure on hospitals and the government asked [Northern Health] and the Royal Melbourne Hospital to help by setting up these medi-hotels,” he said.

“We’re currently taking patients who have or have had COVID and need low-level care, we’ll be able to give them the sort of help they would have received through Hospital in the Home but now in a safe and controlled environment.”

Patients eligible for transfer will be those well enough to be relocated from a general hospital ward for the final stages of their clinical care. The triaging process will be managed by authorised health professionals from the coordinating hospital.

Transitional care and support will be provided to people in the medi-hotel, with clinical teams available to respond to any medical emergencies.

Medi-hotel patients will remain under the care of the coordinating hospital and will still be considered an inpatient of that facility.

Acting Minister for Health James Merlino said the medi-hotels would provide health authorities with an extra buffer at a difficult time.

“Patients will receive high-quality care from health professionals in a hotel setting, making even better use of the resources we have available,” he said.

“The COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria, CQV, workforce stand ready and able to assist their fellow frontline workers in the ongoing efforts against COVID-19, helping keep Victorians safe.”

CQV will retain operational management of the hotels and Victoria Police will continue its on-site security function.

Hotel quarantine for unvaccinated returned overseas travellers and emergency accommodation for community members and frontline workers will continue at separate hotels that are not being used as medi-hotels.

COVID-19 test delays causing havoc in the Mitchell Shire

The North Central Review

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January 18, 2022

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COVID-19 test delays causing havoc in the Mitchell Shire

By Tricia Mifsud

Mitchell Shire businesses are having to close doors and minimise trading hours due to shortages and delays in staff receiving COVID-19 test results.

Despite lockdowns finishing, businesses are being affected by staff shortages due to a lack of supply of rapid antigen tests, RAT, and the delay in receiving results for polymerase chain reaction, PCR, tests.

In the week from Tuesday, January 11 until yesterday, 102,824 people tested positive via RAT tests and 123,425 by PCR tests in Victoria.

Mac’s Irish Pub and Bistro in Kilmore shut its doors on January 8 for a week after owner Manny Singh tested positive to COVID-19 while on holiday in Yarrawonga.

Mr Singh said a staff member had also tested positive, with he and the other person developing symptoms and testing positive on January 8.

While Mr Singh and the other staff member were not at the pub when they tested positive, he made the decision to close the pub for the week as a precaution while they waited isolated.

“We all went for tests, and I didn’t want to put staff and customers at risk. The best way to deal with it was to close everything down,” he said.

“Everyone else is fine, and we’ve done our tests, it was just me and one staff member that was positive – everyone else is negative.”

Mr Singh said he was in a fortunate position to have already purchased several RATs and was able to test immediately when his symptoms presented.

He and the other employee also took a PCR test and on January 13 still hadn’t received the results from that test.

Mr Singh said while the business lost money when closed, it had been able to manage.

But he was unsure if it could continue to do so if a similar situation occurred again, and there continued to be issues with obtaining RATs or PCR results.

“I am trying to understand the rules. I spoke to Northern Health [and they suggested] once you get COVID, you are fine for three or four months, but I don’t know what will happen if we are exposed again,” he said.

“There’s still unclear stuff with this virus, but hopefully there is more clarity with when and how to isolate.”

The State Government took possession of three million RATs yesterday, the first of its 44 million test order, which will be directed to essential workers in the health system, emergency services, and disability and aged care services.

Graffiti artists invited to contribute to Whittlesea mural

The North Central Review

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January 18, 2022

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Graffiti artists invited to contribute to Whittlesea mural

Whittlesea H Hardware owners are calling out to graffiti or mural artists transform an unsightly fence into a work of art.

Pauline Lord, whose family has occupied the land where Whittlesea H Hardware is situated since the 1940s, is seeking people who are interested in painting a mural on the side fence of the hardware store to cover the word ‘COVID’ left by illegal graffitists.

Ms Lord said there was scope for a mural to be created that highlighted the history of her family, which previously ran a sawmill on the Plenty Road site.

“We do have a very big history in our family as the business has been there since 1948,” she said.

“Now it is run by my husband and son as my father-in-law has passed away, but that’s three generations in the business.

“I’d love to put some of that history into the mural; we’ve turned the site into a hardware timber store, which was before Bunnings came down to Mernda. It was quite successful but it was a lot of hard work.

“It was originally a sawmill, but we had to close it down.

“Younger people don’t know we existed as anything other than Whittlesea H Hardware.”

After suffering a severe accident during the pandemic, Mrs Lord was left with a lot of time on her hands, which she used to think about how to not only cover the graffiti on her fence, but to minimise graffiti in Whittlesea.

Ms Lord and her husband regularly travel through Victoria and Australia, and after seeing many large-scale murals, the idea came about.

“Ever since they put the word COVID on the fence, I didn’t like it,” she said.

“We travel Victoria and Australia when we are able, and see some of the most beautiful murals, and thinking about that, I said to my husband this is what we need.

“I had a pretty tough year last year and was isolated more than others as I had a bad accident but I pondered my thoughts, came home from hospital and I thought I’ll put out a message and see if anyone can help me.”

Mrs Lord said she hoped the project would encourage graffitists to deter from illegal works, and instead be encouraged to paint meaningful pieces of art, which would beautify the town, and invite tourists to Whittlesea to view the murals.

“We need to see a change and for that to happen, we shouldn’t condemn the people doing the graffiti, but encourage them to use their talents in a different way,” she said.

“If you put up these beautiful murals, then people will hopefully not want to graffiti anymore.”

Ms Lord will supply the equipment needed, including paints and brushes to the artist/s willing to help her with the project.

Anyone willing to assist can contact Ms Lord’s son, Stuart, on 0407 545 290.

Priority list quarries endorsed by regulator

The North Central Review

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January 18, 2022

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Priority list quarries endorsed by regulator

Earth Resources Regulation has given in-principle approval for the expansion of two quarries, including one at Oaklands Junction, north of Melbourne.

Holcim Australia has proposed an expansion of a storage area at its Oaklands Junction quarry, while the other quarry is at Jindivick, east of Melbourne, where JH Cuthbertson has requested an expansion of its extraction pit.

Both sites are on the Extractive Industry Priority List, which aims to help the expansion of quarries that are important to the growth of Victoria by providing priority consideration of their planning permit applications.

Earth Resources Regulation has identified both quarries as important to Victoria’s ongoing growth, enabling their proposals to progress to the planning permit and public consultation stage.

The regulation body has endorsed both proposals after assessing the adequacy of the geotechnical, environmental and public safeguards, pending local council planning permission.

The companies must now apply to their respective local governments, Hume City Council and Baw Baw Shire, for planning permission before the work plan variations can be approved by the regulator.

Continued supply of quarry materials is required to support the construction of new infrastructure and housing.

Planning and regulatory approvals enable materials to be provided at the right time for building projects, helping safeguard local materials.

Earth Resources Regulation executive director Anthony Hurst said community concerns and environmental factors would be considered as quarries plan for growth.

Mr Hurst said the proposed work plans could play an important role in supplying the raw materials needed to ensure affordability of new construction in Victoria

“Earth Resources Regulation is continuing to assess a high number of applications to lift production at quarries around Melbourne and across regional Victoria,” he said.

“A final decision will be made on these proposals once the local council planning application and public consultation process is complete.”

Communities will have an opportunity to have their say on the proposals as part of council’s planning permit application process.

Hidden Valley rail trail works preserving natural values

The North Central Review

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January 18, 2022

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Hidden Valley rail trail works preserving natural values

RECENT works at Hidden Valley, north of Wallan, to uncover a section of former railway line between Heathcote Junction and Bendigo have unearthed more than just tracks.

A working bee in December to clear part of the line attracted 32 volunteers from environmental and cycling groups, as well as Mitchell Shire Council representatives.

The volunteers were able to clear fallen timber, weeds and other plant growth from some sections of the track, with an ultimate goal of creating a rail trail for recreational use.

However, Upper Merri Landcare facilitator Chris Cobern said the land was exciting for more than just a former railway easement.

“The 1.2km section of the former Heathcote Junction to Bendigo railway line near Hidden Valley in Wallan has been unmanaged and unused by trains for more than 50 years, however the significant natural values of the site have persisted,” he said.

“The area has remnants of the native vegetation that once covered the surrounding area but today is limited to small, fragmented patches on roadsides.”

On Sunday, January 9, another working bee saw 26 people from the Wallan Environment Group, WEG, and Mitchell Bicycle Users Group, MBUG, return to the site to mow the track and remove weeds.

Mr Cobern said the native vegetation was under threat from invasive weeds, particularly gorse and blackberry bushes, as well as briar rose and other woody weeds including the South African weed orchid.

He said WEG members had started removing weeds from the south-eastern section of the site and recorded a diverse range of wildflowers, lilies, orchids and shrubs.

Mr Cobern showed the group how to identify and safely remove the South African weed orchid.

“WEG [and I] are mapping the weeds and gathering information on the natural values and threats to the reserve,” he said.

“This information will help … to develop a project that could include things such as weed control, revegetation and the installation of nesting boxes for wildlife, as well as community engagement events including a spring wildflower walk, National Tree Day community planting and maybe even a night walk spotlighting activity to see what nocturnal creatures inhabit the area.”

Mr Cobern said Wallan had a shortage of bushland areas set aside as public open space.

“This reserve offers the opportunity for locals to enjoy and appreciate a nearby natural bushland area and also offers a safe place for locals to cycle – especially children and those with limited cycling experience,” he said.

“Enhancing the reserve will hopefully lead to better walking/riding connections with the rest of Hidden Valley and Wallan.”

Product limits in place due to staff shortages

The North Central Review

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January 18, 2022

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Product limits in place due to staff shortages

By Tricia Mifsud

THE latest Omicron surge has led to major supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths enforcing product limits on items including toilet paper and analgesic painkillers.

Both supermarkets have enforced a two-packet limit per customer on the items, while Coles has further implemented a two-packet limit on mince, sausages, and chicken products.

Coles have also instated a six-fillet limit for chicken breast and thighs when bought from the deli department.

The limits come as mandatory isolation for close contacts have seen a further staff shortage at distribution centres, sending customers into a panic and stocking up on items in demand.

A Coles Kilmore employee said product limits had left customers angered, with many taking out their frustrations on the employees who had no control of limits or shortages.

The employee said while working through the pandemic, Coles staff had been treated poorly by customers, including being sworn at and called derogatory names.

“We mostly get at the moment things said like, ‘this is ridiculous, why don’t you keep stock out the back? I’ve got a family of six, how is two cartons of milk going to feed six’, things along those lines usually,” they said.

“We have also been sworn at and, and workers [are accused of] keeping all the stock for ourselves.

“[I’ve] been spat at and had things thrown at us because they couldn’t have the amount they wanted.”

The employee said despite the treatment, they loved their workplace, but they and other staff shouldn’t have to deal with the unacceptable behaviour.

“I still love my job and my customers and I try not to take anything personal, that way I don’t carry other people’s poor behaviour or problems,” they said.

Woolworths director of stores Jeanette Fenske said they understood it was an anxious time for all, but the stores were doing everything they could to remain open and provide an essential service.

“We will continue to closely monitor product availability across our stores, with stock continuing to be sent to stores daily. Customers will notice some gaps on shelves but we’re doing all that we can to meet demand,” she said.

“We encourage everyone to be mindful of others in the community and to continue shopping in reasonable quantities.”

As well as grocery limits, in line with guidelines from the Federal Government, when in stock, rapid antigen tests, RAT, will be limited to one pack per customer, with packs ranging from one to seven testing kits, depending on the stock available.

The State Government announced on Thursday that as of midnight tonight, emergency services, education, critical utilities, custodial facilities, transport, and freight will join workers in the food production sector as being eligible for an exemption, which would allow them to work even if considered a close contact.

The exemption only applies if the worker is necessary for continuity of operations, and if all alternative options have been exhausted, and includes strict measures such as daily RAT testing for five days.

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Beveridge author publishes first book

Max Davies

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January 18, 2022

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By Max Davies

Beveridge author Chris Barber published his first book last month, with the children’s book exploring themes of independent decision making and sharing learnings that come as a parent.

Sparkle Light Lollipop Girl: The Royal Race began five years ago as a way for Mr Barber to spend time with his young daughter during visits, connecting and sharing their love for creative writing.

Mr Barber said the process of creating the book was challenging but rewarding.

“[The book] took quite a bit of time to complete as I balanced the responsibilities of a husband, father and working full-time,” he said.

“However I feel that the harder you work for something the more rewarding it becomes, and when it was finally published in mid-December I was both relieved and over the moon.”

The story was written as a non-traditional children’s book, featuring a princess who competes in a car race in a fairytale universe.

It also includes an unexpected light-hearted twist to keep both carers and children engaged with the journey.

Mr Barber wanted to be able to share the experience of reading to his children at bedtime with other families and caregivers as they are some of his favourite memories.

“In the book, I wanted to cover things that I was taught, I wanted to cover things about green choices and red choices and about emotions,” he said.

“I was also very careful because I didn’t want to have any adult influence for any of the characters, I really wanted to promote independent thinking.

“I really wanted to encourage that independent thought-process and an independent way of making decisions for young children.”

The book was illustrated by Anastasiia Hryvstova and Mr Barber hopes there will be more books to come in the Sparkle Light Lollipop Girl series.

Sparkle Light Lollipop Girl: The Royal Race is available electronically for Amazon Kindle and physical copies can be purchased on Amazon.

Wallan and Seymour CFA to receive new tankers

The North Central Review

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January 18, 2022

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Wallan and Seymour CFA to receive new tankers

Wallan and Seymour are among 50 Country Fire Authority, CFA, brigades set to receive new tankers.

The first tankers will begin being delivered to brigades for commissioning and training from next month, at a cost of $23 million.

The new vehicles are part of the State Government’s $126m CFA Capability Funding package, announced in June 2020.

The fleet of new dual-cab vehicles includes 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers, all of which replace single-cab tankers and allow a full crew to sit within the vehicle cabin.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes announced on Saturday the first 20 stations to receive tankers by mid-2022 included Wallan, Seymour and Gisborne.

The full roll-out will be completed in 2023.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said tankers were a vital part of CFA’s fleet, with more than 1800 across the state.

“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” he said.

“The heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4000-litre water tank, while their four-by-four capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.

“They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.”

The heavy tankers also have a 1200 l/min diesel engine-driven fire-fighting pump, crew/vehicle roll over and burn-over protection, and full equipment stowage cache.

Ms Symes said the tankers’ multilayered crew protection system would allow them to withstand fire temperatures of more than 600 degrees celsius during burn overs.

“With its dual cab features and life-saving crew protection systems, these new CFA tankers will ensure our volunteer firefighters have the latest equipment, and best protection to do their vital work,” she said.

“Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and these new tankers will help support communities and firefighters stay safe across the state for many years to come.

“We’re delivering record funding for our fire services to keep communities safe, while supporting local manufacturing and local jobs.”

Manufacturing on the 48 heavy tankers began in September 2021 at Sunshine North manufacturer R.A Bell and Co, with the final vehicles expected to be complete in September 2023.

Broadford Historical Society set for photographic display on Australia Day

The North Central Review

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January 18, 2022

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Broadford Historical Society set for photographic display on Australia Day

Broadford Historical Society is once again helping Broadford celebrate Australia Day with its annual photographic display.

With hundreds of people expected to flock to the Island Reserve in Broadford for Australia Day celebrations, people are invited to wander through the museum, located opposite the post office.

All of the society’s buildings will be open to the public for browsing including the always popular Courier newspaper office, and the original Broadford police lock-up cell with lots of police memorabilia on display and feature articles to read.

This year’s theme is ‘families who have lived in Broadford over the past 50 years or so’ and follows the society’s successful online Facebook event during History Month 2021, which had the same theme.

Hilary Mackenzie, from the Broadford Historical Society, invited all to attend the event to learn about the history of Broadford’s longtime families and perhaps even contribute to provide missing links of information or photos to the collection.

“We are hoping that more people attending on Australia Day will be able to contribute information or photos to the collection as that’s what the society is after,” she said.

“It’s amazing the things you can learn as well, I am not a local but have learnt a lot through the society’s collections.”

Every day during October last year, longtime Broadford families were celebrated with a short written and photographic story.

“It was extremely well received with hundreds of people joining every day, contributing to the conversations, sharing photos, and adding to the posts with their own recollections,” Ms Mackenzie said

“Mitchell Shire was in lockdown, and it gave people a reason to smile, to join in the fun and share their memories. Contributions were received from overseas, interstate and locally from Broadford residents, and relatives of the families featured.”

The contributions assisted Broadford Historical Society to add much-needed information to their database for future generations to share.