Gardening for good: Meet the students growing food for community members in need
YEAR 11 and 12 students from Epping Secondary College are gardening for a cause at Greenbrook Community House, growing vegetables to help community members in need of extra support during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Each Thursday since March, between lockdowns about 25 VCAL students have been hard at work on the grounds of the neighbourhood house, which is managed by the City of Whittlesea, digging and earthmoving, mulching and soil reconditioning, planting and watering and weeding and seeding.
City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the students were proud to donate four boxes of organic fruit and vegetables to food relief charities Thomastown Neighbourhood House and Countrywide Community Mission.
“The gardening groups decided to donate their produce once they harvested it and saw how beautifully it had grown, and they were proud to choose local organisations to support,” she said.
“The food relief organisations were thrilled to receive boxes of organic spinach, carrots, spring onions, broccoli, lettuce, beetroots and potatoes, but even more excited to know the harvest had been grown and donated by local secondary school students.”
Ms Wilson said the grounds of Greenbrook Community House were looking sensational, with students also chopping and trimming branches, weeding, raking, placing nets over fruit trees, creating mosaic signs, and sanding back boards for artworks.
“They’re looking forward to getting back into the garden and growing more seasonal produce and are happy to be playing a small part in making life easier for people who could use some extra support during the pandemic,” she said.
Epping Secondary College teacher Antoinette Rehak said the students loved being out in the garden, away from technology and involved in a community house.
“They have learnt about gardening and how a little bit of love can go a long way,” she said.
“Epping Secondary College VCAL are so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an amazing initiative,” teacher Giovanna Hill said.
“Working side-by-side and knowing they are making a difference in our community has been such a gratifying experience.”
Two City of Whittlesea-based charities earn State Government funding
Two City of Whittlesea-based not-for-profit organisations providing support to people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds during the pandemic have been awarded State Government grants.
On Friday Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio announced ,000 funding for Sikh Community Connections and Whittlesea Malaylee Association to deliver immediate food relief services to local communities.
Sikh Community Connections in Epping delivers groceries and cooked meals across the municipality.
The group has been especially busy in the past month as residents grapple with the effects of a sixth lockdown.
“It’s overwhelming to come across so many international students, single parents and those who have lost their jobs in this pandemic and unable to get other government support,” the group’s Facebook post read.
The Whittlesea Malayalee Association, founded in 2009, represents the many Whittlesea residents who hail from the south Indian state of Kerala.
It hosts numerous cultural arts and sports activities, as well as helping members of the community connect and bond. The grant money will go towards food relief.
Funded through the Priority Response to Multicultural Communities During Coronavirus program, they are two of 99 organisations sharing in more than $1.4 million to continue important work including providing food hampers, freshly cooked meals, groceries and essential items to community members in need.
“We are supporting Sikh Community Connections and the Whittlesea Malaylee Association to continue their important work – because no one in the Mill Park Electorate should go hungry,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“Our local community organisations do such an important job feeding people and keeping them connected, and we’re ensuring they can continue serving the communities they know so well when that help is needed most.”
Applications to the grant program are assessed based on identified need within the community or cohort, the organisation’s track record of delivering support, and the organisation’s capacity to deliver support immediately.
Close to $23 million has already been invested through the program since it began in August 2020, enabling support to more than 500,000 Victorians.
Since the start of the pandemic, the government has funded more than 320 community organisations through the program to provide emergency relief, food support and community outreach, as well as targeted communication through in-language materials and community-led content.
Thirty seven other grassroots organisations offering support specifically within the City of Whittlesea also received funding, along with several statewide organisations.
Whittlesea food relief ramps up as more people than ever struggle through lockdown
By Aleksandra Bliszczyk
Organisations across the City of Whittlesea continue to support a growing number of people in need of food and essential goods as a result of lost income during lockdowns.
United Minds Psychology has seen a 50 per cent increase in demand for its public open pantry in Doreen since the pandemic began, with the demographics of people in need also diversifying.
“These last two lockdowns [have been] really just anyone and everyone without work,” United Minds Psychology coordinator Tracey Russell said.
“This lockdown, people are a lot more stressed and we’re starting to notice it’s a lot of older people that are starting to come in, whereas last year it was a lot of single mums that were needing help, and people [escaping] domestic violence.”
Though primarily a psychology and counselling organisation, United Minds works with community groups and houses to provide essential services to regular clients, as well as members of the public who call to ask for help.
“We find that it’s more about dignity and for us it’s extending the therapy past the room and helping in a holistic way,” she said.
But Ms Russell said the pantry had been steadily getting ‘busier and busier’ since it launched in 2019, fielding an increasing number of enquires from people in need who reach out directly.
“We started in 2019 through having leftovers from our Christmas drive and we started just for our own clients … but we found early in lockdown last year we just went right, let’s expand,” she said.
Unlike many other organisations who deliver grocery packs or cooked meals, Ms Russell said the pantry gave people sense of independence.
“We invite the consumer to come to us so that way they can chose the items that best serve them and their dietaries,” she said.
“To have them come in and feel everything’s discretional and pick and choose the items they want, and then they can go away feeling a little more at ease.”
Ms Russell said for some volunteers it was overwhelming to hear everyone’s stories as they visited the pantry, but they could see the positive impacts the service had on people’s mental health.
“People just need to know that someone is caring about them and thinking about them,” she said.
“We’re trying to confirm to them that there is good out there.”
There are many organisations offering emergency food, groceries and essential goods relief, including:
Encompass Care Vic, for grocery packs call 0422 461 847.
Whittlesea Community Connections, call 9401 6666 for emergency financial assistance for essentials, or Whittlesea Food Collective on the same number for groceries.
Whittlesea Community House, call 9716 3361 for food vouchers from businesses as well as pet food, for collection by appointment during lockdown.
Whittlesea Ministries Inc Foodshare, call 0407 348 599 for fresh fruit, vegetables and bread supplies available for collection at Whittlesea Uniting Church Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Sikh Community Connections, text 0476 850 607. Sikh Community Connections provides both free cooked vegetarian meals to those in the City of Whittlesea, delivered daily after 5pm, as well as free Indian groceries for international students and temporary residents facing hardship, with contactless pickup and delivery available. For more information visit sikhcc.org.au/emergency-food-relief.
United Minds Psychology’s open pantry at 2/20 Yellow Brick Rd, Doreen from Monday to Friday, 12 to 2pm, and Saturdays by arrangement. It also offers pet food, masks, clothing, second-hand goods and furniture and financial aid for grocery vouchers and education support. Call 8692 9949.
Kyneton choir for LGBTQIA+ community and allies launches online in lockdown
By Aleksandra Bliszczyk
A community choir for LGBTQIA+ identifying people and allies launched in Kyneton this month and is seeking members of all ages, with no musical experience necessary.
Aimed at providing a safe and welcoming space for all, director Adam Przewlocki said the Rainbow Voices choir would promote community connection.
“Singing’s this wonderful common ground that anyone from any walk of life, any age, any demographic can dive into together at the one time in the one space and feel equal and feel valid as a human being,” he said.
“I think there’s very few activities where you can have an 80-year-old and a 10-year-old in the one room at the same time enjoying the same thing.”
Originally planned before lockdown, the first rehearsals were via Zoom and will continue to be online until restrictions permit in-person sessions on Sunday afternoons at Kyneton Community House.
Every virtual session is free, and the first in-person session will be free too.
Rainbow Voices features a largely pop and musical theatre repertoire, with an aim to hold performances around the shire in coming months.
The choir is open to anyone, but Mr Przewlocki has pointed to members of the LGBTQIA+ community to give queer and trans people, especially youth aged 13 and up, an opportunity to express as much of their identity as they wish to without fear of judgement or aggression.
“I didn’t have that as a child or as an adolescent and I’d like to pay that forward now for that young generation,” he said.
He hopes the group will help anyone feeling socially isolated through their sexuality, and will be a step forward for equality.
“We’ve come so far, but we of course still have so much more to achieve and I hope that my group may just be another little stepping stone in allowing the LGBTQIA youth to come out and sing … and be nurtured by some of the older members of this group who will no doubt have some profound stories to tell,” he said.
Mr Przewlocki has been a community choir director for nearly 20 years and a professional musician for 35, as well as a high school music teacher and an award-winning pianist who has amassed more than 200 prizes in eisteddfods across Australia. All of his choirs are non-auditioned.
“There’s no need to read music and there is absolutely no expectation to have any musical experience – that’s my job to bring out the best voice out of every member,” he said.
He is looking for a minimum of 20 members, but there is no cap on numbers and no one will be turned away.
“If it blows out to over 100 so be it and we’ll make that happen. I’m prepared for any number of people,” he said.
Free Zoom rehearsals are on Sundays, 2.30 to 3.30pm. People can email admin@kynetoncommunityhouse.org.au for the Zoom link and sheet music.
Wallan property raided in investigation of alleged corrupt betting linked to racing industry
VICTORIA Police detectives raided a Wallan property on Wednesday as part of an investigation into alleged illegal activity in the racing industry.
Members of the Sporting Integrity Intelligence United arrested two people, a 38-year-old Keilor East man and a 47-year-old Mornington woman in connection with the investigation.
The pair were both charged with engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of an event and conspiracy to defraud Racing Victoria stewards.
The man was also charged with trafficking cocaine.
Properties at Keilor East and Mornington were also raided.
Superintendent Steve White said the investigation focused on the alleged use of illegal substances in racing and corrupt betting practices, as well as the use, possession and trafficking of cocaine.
Police will also consider making a formal referral to the Veterinary Practitioners Board regarding an alleged failure to comply with requirements as a registered vet.
Detectives were assisted by all three racing codes in Victoria during their investigation – Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria.
“Victoria Police has long led the way in terms of investigations into allegations of corrupt and illegal activity within sport and racing, and this investigation again highlights this,” Supt White said.
“Victorians are well known for their love of sport but equally they want to know that the playing field is fair and honest.
“We also know that the various sporting codes, such as the racing bodies we have been assisted by as part of this investigation, feel the same as police and the broader public.”
Anyone with information about illegal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Macedon Ranges Shire records one of the state’s highest COVID-19 vaccination rates per LGA
The latest Federal Government statistics show 40.1 per cent of Macedon Ranges Shire are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
A total of 67.1 per cent have received their first jab in the Macedon Ranges. The rates are based on the shire’s population of 39,626, aged 15 years and older.
Macedon Ranges’ vaccination rates are higher than Victoria’s overall fully vaccinated rate of 32.2 per cent, and first jab rate of 53.2 per cent.
Neighbouring shires have the following full vaccination rates: Hepburn Shire 42.4 per cent; Mitchell 32.3; Mt Alexander 45.9; Hume 22.4.
The State Government has indicated lockdowns will become less frequent once the population’s vaccination rates reach 70-80 per cent.
The statistics come following a collaborative campaign by health and community services in the Macedon Ranges Shire to encourage residents to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
Central Highlands Rural Health, Hepburn Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health have joined together to endorse a campaign to ensure residents have consistent and trusted vaccination information across the region.
Titled ‘Get the Jab Done’, the campaign focuses on the message that vaccination will keep the community safe.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council representative Nathan Upson said one person getting the vaccine was beneficial for the wider community.
“The COVID vaccine will protect you, your loved ones and your community,” he said.
“We encourage everyone across our region to roll up their sleeves and get the jab done.”
COVID vaccines are free and voluntary. Health experts say all vaccines carry a minor risk of adverse reaction, while the risk of contracting or spreading the virus is much greater.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health chief executive Phillip Ripper said the benefits should outweigh the fears over potential risks.
“We know that some people in the community have concerns about possible adverse reactions from the COVID vaccine,” he said.
“The government’s coronavirus website is a good source of quality vaccine information, however your GP is the best person to talk to if you have questions about the COVID vaccine and existing health conditions.”
The COVID vaccine is available through State Government vaccination centres. A full list of locations can be found at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres.
There are also several general practitioners and pharmacies offering vaccinations across the Macedon Ranges, including Lancefield Medical Centre; Ochre Health Lancefield Country Practice; Lancefield Pharmacy; Parkwood Green Medical Romsey; Romsey Pharmacy; Romsey Medical; Saint Mary Medical Centre, Gisborne; Neal Street Medical Clinic, Gisborne; Priceline Pharmacy Gisborne; Gisborne Medical Centre; Ranges Medical, New Gisborne; Riddells Creek Pharmacy; and Riddell Country Practice.
Mernda site announced for new Whittlesea Community Hospital
Construction on a new city of Whittlesea Community Hospital will soon likely begin at 1410 Plenty Road, Mernda.
Health Minister Martin Foley said on Friday the block of land had been identified as the preferred site for the new multi-million-dollar facility.
The land is currently commercially owned but is in the process of being acquired.
The preferred location is close to the Mernda Train Station and local road links into the future town centre of Mernda. It will be near several community facilities including a new retail and dining precinct and future community hub.
The new hospital is part of State Government’s $675 million investment in delivering 10 community hospitals in major growth areas across Victoria.
The new City of Whittlesea Community Hospital – operated by Northern Health – will provide a range of integrated community health and specialist services.
Links to specialist services, community health providers and social support services will aim to improve follow-up treatment and support for those requiring complex care.
The new hospital also aims to relieve pressure from nearby major hospitals including Northern Hospital in Epping, allowing it to focus on critical care and acute health issues, emergency care and more complex surgeries and procedures.
Mr Foley thanked Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green for her advocacy for the project, and said the hospital would give outer north Melbourne residents the greater access to care closer to home.
“We’re getting on with delivering the largest pipeline of health projects in Victoria’s history, so Victorians can access the care and services they need, when they need them,” Mr Foley said.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, construction is expected to start in 2022 and be completed in 2024.
The investment comes alongside $328,300 in funding from the new $200 million Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund allocated to undertake master planning across DPV Health’s 18 sites in the City of Whittlesea.
The masterplan will provide the blueprint for future building needs to ensure health services can be delivered and easily accessed.
Whittlesea Show cancelled for a second year in a row
By Aleksandra Bliszczyk
The Whittlesea Agricultural Society has cancelled its annual Whittlesea Show for 2021 due to uncertainty around ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
Society president Erica Hawke said after four months of communications with the Victorian Department of Health, cancellation was the only option they had.
“The decision was completely out of our hands,” Ms Hawke told the Review.
“At our last meeting with Department of Health they were unable to give us any formal clarification for timelines … moving forward.
“The Department of Health have been really quite helpful in the communications we’ve had so far, but they’re just unable to give us any certainty.
“We’ve come to the point now where we’d have to start spending a lot more money putting out hundreds of thousands of dollars getting everything ready for the show and we’re not in a position to do that.”
Now in its 163rd year, it is the second Whittlesea Show to be cancelled due to the pandemic, after society members made the call to cancel the 2020 show in July last year.
Ms Hawke said the dedicated team of volunteers and society members tried everything to go ahead with the event this year, but would now instead focus on smaller events for the remainder of the year.
“On the bright side, we are really hopeful we can run the horse events, education section and Hoof and Hook, so we’ve turned out focus to promote those,” Ms Hawke said.
“Now that we have the glimmer of hope about the horse events, even though they’ll be exhibitor-only, that still gives us something to work towards.”
Ms Hawke said the team was disappointed by the show’s cancellation, but said because they spent most of each year planning for the event, which is one of Victoria’s biggest two-day shows, the work they had already put in could simply roll forward to next year.
“It hasn’t been in vain. We hope that the COVID plan we have prepared we can use for next year,” she said.
“We’re feeling a bit flat, but the committee has been amazing.”
Ms Hawke thanked the supporters and volunteers who continued to support the society.
“We are just one of the agricultural and pastoral societies across Victoria who have been affected by the pandemic … our members are the lifeblood of our organisation, without their backing we would achieve little,” she said.
Ms Hawke said she understood it was a difficult time to ask for more community support, but that without money coming in to the organisation this year it was calling for new members to keep the Whittlesea Agricultural Society afloat.
“To help us move forward we would love some new society memberships,” she said.
A membership is $60 per year, and usually includes member tickets to the Whittlesea Show, access to the members car park and discounted entry in some sections.
Although the benefits are not accessible this year, Ms Hawke said memberships united people into a community.
“The Whittlesea Agricultural Society is much more than the Whittlesea Show,” she said.
Members receive the opportunity to join Whittlesea Agricultural Society council and have voting rights at the annual general meeting. Members also receive newsletters and can be involved in organising other events throughout the year.
“Most importantly for us at the moment, your $60 enables the society to continue to run and will help get us through to next year when we can hopefully run our much-loved Whittlesea Show,” Ms Hawke said.
“You don’t have to be a farmer and you don’t need to live in a rural area; no matter what your skills or abilities are, age, gender or background, we look forward to welcoming you into the Whittlesea Agricultural Society.”
Membership forms are available at www.whittleseashow.org.au under the Information tab.
People can also email info@whittleseashow.org.au or call 9716 2835.