Pubs welcome back patrons

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September 22, 2020

By Jackson Russell

Mitchell Shire’s pubs, clubs and cafes reopened their doors for the first time last week, since being forced to close when stage three COVID-19 restrictions were reintroduced on July 8.

The re-opening comes after regional Victoria moved to the third step on the roadmap out of restrictions on Thursday.

Under the third step, hospitality businesses can have up to 50 patrons seated outdoors and 20 seated indoors across a maximum of two spaces.

Hogan’s Hotel in Wallan was one of the shire’s busiest venues, opening for lunch and dinner all weekend.

General manager Darren Freestone said the pub was overwhelmed with the amount of people trying to book a table.

“It was good, people were coming through the doors all day all weekend. We’ve got limited spots inside, we can seat 20 inside, but it was really good,” he said.

“I think that face-to-face is what people have enjoyed and being able to catch up and have a chat with each other. It was definitely a nice start to the trade again really, just seeing people happy.

“It was a sigh of relief for myself but [it was great] just to get that trade through and for the staff to feel as though we’re moving in the right direction.”

Mr Freestone estimated Hogan’s Hotel would have served up to 100 people each dinner service and only slightly less at each lunch service.

“Hopefully things keep going in the right direction and not too long we’ll be able to get customers in the door like we were in stage two,” he said.

Kilmore Trackside was also completely booked, with the venue full for dinner on Friday and Saturday night and for lunch on Sunday, each with two sittings.

Venue manager Emily Milwain said the venue would have served close to 140 people each night.

“The minute we knew we were allowed to open up when we could, the phone started ringing about 8.30 the next morning,” she said.

“When people did turn up to dine in, you could feel this warm buzz and atmosphere in the dining room where people were happy to be out. It was so beautiful. It was a really lovely feeling.”

Ms Milwain said one of the more challenging aspects of reopening was having to turn customers away.

“Keeping bookings to the restriction numbers has also been difficult and making sure the seating is appropriately distanced is something that we’re really cautious of,” she said.

“We’re ensuring people are compliant by wearing their face masks and making sure that we’re socially distancing as patrons and staff… that’s been difficult because you just want to give them all a hug and welcome them back.

“I think people know that we’re really across the restrictions and we take all that stuff seriously. Their safety and the safety of my staff is my highest priority and I think the community knowing that has helped ease their concerns when it comes to choosing our venue to dine out.”

Community assets a focus for Neal

The North Central Review

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September 22, 2020

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Former Wallan Football Netball Club president Neal Langborne believes he will provide a fresh voice if his bid to join Mitchell Shire Council is successful.

Mr Langborne, a Wallan resident for more than 30 years, will stand as a candidate in the south ward in the October local government election.

As a small business owner and having raised his family of four daughters in Wallan, he is a familiar face to many in the town.

Mr Langborne is keen to help businesses prosper across the south ward.

“In 1991, I started N and K Electrical and since then have provided apprenticeships to more than 15 young men in our community,” he said.

“I would like to encourage businesses to set up in the area to create jobs for our youth.

“I hope to bring a fresh voice for the south ward to negotiate with other councillors to improve local infrastructure, parks and amenities for all south ward residents to enjoy.”

Mr Langborne said council rates and the services council provided to residents were a priority.

“I hear a lot of residents complaining about what they get for their rates, and that Mitchell Shire rates are among the highest in the state, based on valuations. Some residents’ rates have gone up by up to 30 per cent in the past five years,” he said.

“While our country lifestyle is great, some people can’t afford to live here, especially with the economic effects of COVID-19.”

Mr Langborne said community facilities and infrastructure in Wallan and Beveridge were key issues.

He said funding for an outdoor pool, streetscapes and footpaths were a priority.
This is the second time Mr Langborne has stood as a candidate in the council elections.

“I ran at the last election four years ago. I nominated with limited marketing budget to see if there were like-minded people and I was pleasantly surprised with the support I received,” he said.

“I received approximately 15 per cent of the vote, missing out by less than 200 votes with two other candidates.

“I have developed great people skills and I care what we will look like in 10 years. The once small towns of Wallan and Beveridge need somebody to put us first.”

Mr Langborne’s association with Wallan began in 1980, when he joined his uncle John to play football for Wallan.

His love for the area grew, and in 1986, he and his wife Kay moved to Wallan, joining the committee of the football club soon after, and then becoming involved in various sports.

Mr Langborne has been board member of the Greenhill Social Club since 1991, becoming president in 2010 – a role he is still serving in.

The Wallan Football Netball Club life member was also involved in the Greenhill Committee of Management.

“I have watched our town grow from a small village to a thriving community of nearly 15,000 in the south ward,” he said.

“I have worked alongside the member clubs and council to improve the facilities in Wallan.

“If elected to represent the south ward of the Mitchell Shire, I will fight hard to obtain a more equitable share of funding to provide infrastructure and amenities for all.

“Your concerns will be my concerns.”

SES urges people to be flood ready

The North Central Review

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September 22, 2020

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By Colin MacGillivray

THE Victoria State Emergency Service, VICSES, has called for people to be flood ready as a potentially wet spring arrives.

The Bureau of Meteorology recently released data indicating La Niña weather was likely to bring heavy spring rains and a higher risk of floods in parts of Victoria.

VICSES officials said the service’s north east region, which encompasses Mitchell Shire and stretches east and north to the Murray River, was particularly susceptible to flooding.

Mr Payn said people could find simple steps for getting flood ready on the VICSES website.

“Flood risk from late September into October gives us some time to get flood ready, to find out the flood risk for our homes, farms and businesses right across the North East region,” he said.

“Some areas are prone to less predictable and very dangerous flash flooding, which can happen quickly and with little warning, like homes on high ground and freeways.

“Flash floods can be very deep, rise quickly and move fast, so you need to keep away from trees, drains, culverts and stay off the road during flash flooding to keep you and your family safe.

“Leaving early is always the safest flood option, so planning to move people, animals and equipment to that safer place needs to be worked out now – not when floodwater is already rising.”

VICSES Seymour Unit controller Christine Welsh said her unit was collaborating with Mitchell Shire Council to disseminate flood information.

“Mitchell Shire and our unit are getting together very shortly to start putting out some information for people,” she said.

“SES has already got a heap of information and we’re looking at posting something at least once a week to let people know to clean out their gutters and things like that.”

Ms Welsh said the Seymour area was particularly at risk of flooding, and said people needed to be aware of areas where roads could flood.

“Places like Deltite Road, Sugarloaf Creek and Ashes Bridge Road are all at risk of flooding,” she said.

“We’ve got the Goulburn River, we’ve got Sunday Creek, we’ve got Whiteheads Creek – we’ve got quite a few creeks and rivers that meet around the Seymour area.

“If one floods it’s not too bad, but if they all come up at the same time that’s when we tend to have the majority of our issues.”

Ms Welsh said there were several simple steps people could take to get flood ready.

“It’s also important to be aware that with a potential La Niña alert and the Indian Ocean dipole being in negative, the last time that happened was 2010-11, and we got a lot of flooding in that time,” she said.

“With rain and storms, make sure your gutters are cleaned out so the water doesn’t build up in your gutters and go inside your house – that’s a big one.

“Make sure things are tied down in storms, and don’t drive through flood water – that’s always bad.

“Just be ready. Know the numbers to call if you need to. Call 132 500 if you need assistance.”

Ms Welsh said the group would also advise Seymour residents of sandbag collection points when severe weather warnings were in effect.

No luck for gyms

The North Central Review

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September 22, 2020

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By Jackson Russell

Gym owners have been left confused after being suddenly told they were unable to reopen when regional Victoria moved to the third step of the State Government’s roadmap out of COVID-19 restrictions.

When the roadmap was first announced, gyms and other indoor physical recreation facilities were able to open in the third step but were ‘heavily restricted’.

However, when Premier Daniel Andrews announced the move to step three, he revealed gyms would remain closed due to data that showed a higher risk of transmission in gyms.

While indoor gyms are shut, the businesses are still able to host outdoor classes for up to 10 people or have staff on-site to record to stream online classes.

Totally Fit Gym in Wallan and OzzFit 24/7 in Kilmore are two Mitchell Shire facilities heavily affected by the announcement.

Totally Fit Gym owner Kieran Atkin said gyms were one of the most hygienic workplaces possible and used by people for the benefit of their mental health, as well as physical.

“I would question where that data came from because there hasn’t been a single cluster Australia-wide in gyms,” he said.

“We have a COVID safe plan we implemented after the first lockdown and it’s really cruel for the government to tell us we’re able to open then tell us that we can’t again without warning.

“Gyms aren’t just for people who are extremely fit, people do their rehab after accidents and injuries, and it’s a stress relief, and now it’s been taken away from people without explanation.”

OzzFit 24/7 owner Shannon Downey, who is also a founding member of fitness industry lobby group VicActive, said the announcement was a ‘significant dagger into the heart of gym owners’.

“We’re heartbroken but we’re not surprised because during the whole period the rules have changed on a whim,” he said.

“We’ve asked and requested from [Chief health officer Brett] Sutton the referenced data that gave them the thought to give the directive that gyms are a highly-transmissible space.”

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there has been one outbreak in Victorian gyms, which has 27 cases linked to it.

A DHHS spokesperson said gyms remained closed because the nature of working out carried a high risk of transmission, due to sweat and heavy breathing as well as shared equipment, and gyms were scheduled to open in the ‘last step’ which would not happen before November 23.

“We understand everyone is making huge sacrifices and the closure of gyms have been difficult, but this strategy is working and we are driving cases down,” the spokesperson said.

“The mental health and wellbeing of Victorians has always been our priority – we know how tough 2020 has been for the community and recognise that the mental health effects could long outlast the global pandemic.

“This is why we’ve invested nearly $200 million in additional mental health support to help meet demand and ensure Victorians get the care they need, during and well beyond the coronavirus pandemic.”

Minister for Business Support and Recovery Martin Pakula said the ‘heavily restricted’ conditions on gyms were still to be determined when he met with industry association Fitness Australia prior to the announcement.

“Ultimately, the public health advice defined heavily restricted in step three for regional Victoria as outdoor operations only,” he said.

“The Premier has made it clear that step three restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne may not necessarily be the same as those that apply currently to regional Victoria – this will depend on our level of success in reducing the rate of infection in the community.

“We will continue to consult with the industry and have facilitated a meeting between Fitness Australia and deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng for next week.”

Song to raise money for mental health

The North Central Review

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September 22, 2020

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ELECTRONIC music producer Corey Courts, better known as Justflow Music, was inspired to raise money for mental health awareness through his music.

Mr Courts, who grew up in Kilmore and currently resides in Albury, NSW, released a song called ‘Seems Like Forever’, dedicated solely to raise funds and support people suffering mental health problems.

“After having times in my life where I suffered myself from this illness and understanding how it affects one,” he said.

“I wanted to use my platforms to show everyone else suffering from this illness that there are people that care and want to help.”

For every 100 views his song gets, Mr Courts will donate $1 to the Black Dog Institute.

The Black Dog Institute is a medical research institute focused on investigating mental health across the lifespan and aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.

“The track is currently sitting at 33,000 plays in within 10 days of release,” he said.

“The total views will be calculated on October 19, which will then be followed with my donation with my own money.

“I will also be using my platforms on that day to raise any extra money people want to add before I make my final donation.

“I cannot put a number on what I think will be raised because each day could surprise me with anything, but I won’t be taking any breaks until October 19 so we can raise as much as possible.”

The music producer said he was inspired to create the song after he realised how much people were struggling with 2020.

“This whole project started a few months ago. I began to realise a lot of people around me were feeling extremely down, not their normal selves because of the situations we are facing in 2020,” he said.

“Any moment in my life that leads to good or bad emotions goes into my music. This song started based around these times, where mental health is affecting a lot of people – not only in this country but around the world.

“I’m hoping that this can lead to greater things…other music producers and influencers using their platforms to make a change. This is me doing my part to help mental health.”

Follow the links to listen to ‘Seems Like Forever’ on YouTube or soundcloud, and to donate to The Black Dog Institute, visit www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Charges laid over Whittlesea kidnapping

The North Central Review

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September 22, 2020

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A DOREEN woman and two men from Warburton and Lilydale will face court in December charged with kidnapping a Whittlesea woman in July.

The trio allegedly kidnapped the woman from a Whittlesea property at about 10.30pm on July 29.

Police allege they forced open the door of the property and overpowered the woman before tying her, blindfolding her and forcing her into the boot of a car.

Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Liam O’Connor said the woman was later able to untie herself and escape the vehicle after it had left the property.

Det Sgt O’Connor said the crime was serious and unusual for the Whittlesea area.

“It is a disturbing type of crime. It’s a high-level crime. Under the Bail Act, it is a schedule one crime,” he said.

“It’s absolutely unusual for the area. This is the first case like this I can think of in the two years I’ve been here. They’re not common crimes.”

The two men, a 24-year-old from Warburton and an 18-year-old from Lilydale, were remanded in custody, while the Doreen woman, 36, was bailed.

The trio is set to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with aggravated home invasion and kidnapping on December 8.

JobKeeper cuts set to hurt McEwen

The North Central Review

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September 22, 2020

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NEW data reveals about 19,000 workers in McEwen could be worse off and almost $17 million will be taken out of the electorate’s economy each fortnight if the Federal Government proceeds with its cuts to JobKeeper at the end this month.

Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said with nearly one million Australians unemployed and unemployment expected to increase, it made no sense for the government to withdraw support without a comprehensive jobs plan to replace it.

Mr Mitchell said an estimated 5000 businesses in McEwen would be impacted by the cuts, planned to start on September 28.

JobKeeper will introduce a two-tiered system, with full-time workers to receive $1200 and part-time employees $750 a fortnight. It was previously $1500 a fortnight for all workers whose employers were eligible.

He warned the cuts would make the recession worse.

“Scott Morrison should reconsider his cuts to JobKeeper which are coming at the worst possible time for many workers, businesses and communities who are relying on it,” Mr Mitchell said.

“From next Monday, cuts and changes to the JobKeeper scheme will see local businesses and workers lose access completely, while others will have their payments slashed by between $300 and $750 per fortnight,” he said.

“The premature withdrawal of JobKeeper support follows the Morrison Government’s decision to exclude millions of workers from the program, including over one million casual workers.

“In recent days, concerns around compliance with JobKeeper’s rules by some businesses have surfaced, with 8000 tip-offs reported to the Australian Tax Office – many concerning deliberate underpayments of the wage subsidies.

“JobKeeper’s potential to do so much good and help protect Australians in the depths of this recession is being cruelled by Scott Morrison’s botched implantation, poor compliance enforcement, and premature cuts.

“The recession will be deeper and the unemployment queues will be longer because Scott Morrison is pulling support from the economy too soon and because he doesn’t have a plan for jobs.

“Our community needs and deserves a comprehensive jobs plan to set us up for the recovery and the future.”

Dog groomers united in animal welfare concerns

The North Central Review

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September 22, 2020

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Dog groomers united in animal welfare concerns

By Steph McNicol

WHITTLESEA Hairy Cherubs dog grooming salon owner Trish Wileman says she is worried for the welfare of people’s pets as metropolitan Melbourne groomers are unable to open under current COVID-19 restrictions.

Metropolitan groomers working from a fixed location remain closed under step one of the state’s roadmap to recovery but will be able to open on September 28, while mobile groomers will still be closed until step three in October.

In regional Victoria, pet groomers, working from a fixed location and mobile groomers, can operate but may not travel into metropolitan areas.

Ms Wileman said the closure had caused anxiety and stress for pet owners who were unable to get their dogs groomed.

“The first wave of the virus outbreak it was undecided what was happening with businesses and there was a lot of scare right at the start,” she said.

“We wanted clearer direction from the government. Obviously, we introduced COVID-safe practises and slowed the regularly grooming down.

“We fell into a pretty safe pattern and put more measures in place for our customers, like social distancing in the salon and specific requirements for dropping dogs off.”

Ms Wileman said the stage four lockdown sent her salon into lockdown and meant she had no income for six weeks.

“We had to reject so many clients’ calls and it was concerning because there was no real warning, nor was there any for the virus,” she said.

“Dogs that were due to come in had waited about five to eight weeks for grooming and owners had to look at their regular grooming being closed for six weeks or more.

“It caused a lot of stress and anxiety and I worried for the welfare of the dogs. I understand the government had to be cautious, but we had minimal human contact in place.”

At Pawfect Pinups in Broadford, groomer Danielle Chisholm said restrictions on metropolitan Melbourne made it hard to ensure she received no visits from people living in step one.

Ms Chisholm operates her salon from home inside a renovated caravan, which she says is suited to grooming one dog at a time.

“Everything changed a little bit; with the way we have to deal with people in general now. Having the 1.5 metres, masks and all that stuff,” she said.

“The first time around was more daunting because we sort of had to wait and ask what happens next. This time around though it hasn’t been as hard, because we already implemented rules for the salon.

“No one else was allowed in the salon, we had handovers at the door – I guess it was just hard making sure no Melbourne people came up. But mostly, people were good at filling in their details, phone numbers and addresses.”

One giant leap for regional Victoria

The North Central Review

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September 22, 2020

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Being part of regional Victoria allowed Mitchell Shire residents to take a big step towards normality last week, progressing to the third step of the State Government’s roadmap out of COVID-19 restrictions.

Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement on Tuesday last week, just more than 24 hours after regional Victoria had moved to the second step.

Melburnians are still in the first step.

The decision was made after regional Victoria passed the ‘trigger point’ of having a 14-day average of less than five new cases of COVID-19 and no cases from mystery sources.

The third step is perhaps the biggest step in the government’s roadmap, allowing public gatherings, home visits and the reopening of hospitality and retail businesses.

However, regional Victoria must wait for Melbourne to catch up before it can progress to the last step before the ‘COVID normal’.

The final of the four steps will not be taken before November 23 and only when there have been no new cases of the virus in the community for more than 14 days.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the announcement was a testament to the determination of regional Victorians.

Mr Andrews implored Melburnians not to travel into regional communities unless it was for one of four permitted reasons.

“We are almost there. Today is proof positive that with purpose and patience, we can see this thing through,” he said.

“And when we do, we can find a COVID normal where life looks close to how we remember it. We can do this.”

Leader of the Nationals and deputy opposition leader Peter Walsh said every country Victorian had been forced to make ‘massive sacrifices’ to take the third step and many businesses would continue to pay for the issues in managing hotel quarantine.

“Despite very low case numbers across regional Victoria, dining restrictions will force our local cafes and restaurants to make tough decisions on whether it’s viable to open after months of little to no income,” he said.

“Families will still have to make the painful choice of deciding which loved ones can attend weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies and who will miss out, under severe restrictions on public gatherings.”

Rural Councils Victoria, which represents communities in 38 rural council areas, welcomed the Premier’s announcement.

Rural Councils Victoria chair Cr Mary-Ann Brown said the step was a great move in the right direction.

“This latest announcement will allow rural Victorians to begin to get back to business and to a new kind of normal,” she said.

“I was absolutely delighted at what the Premier said, especially in saying well done to rural and regional Victorians and the tremendous work they have done.

“We have been advocating for rural Victoria to be treated differently to metropolitan Melbourne and regional cities on the basis that there were few or no cases in most rural municipalities and this announcement delivers on that.”

Park loss concern

The North Central Review

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September 22, 2020

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By Jackson Russell

A group of Wallan residents have taken issue with Mitchell Shire Council’s draft King and Queen Street Masterplan, particularly with the loss of land at Wallan Community Park.

A north-south connector road between William Street and Watson Street forms part of the masterplan, and if it were to go ahead, the road would be a key thoroughfare.

The road is expected to be used for vehicles headed to and from Hidden Valley, Wallan East or the recently-funded Watson Street interchange connecting to the Hume Freeway.

However, the road would have to be built over a section of Wallan Community Park, with a signalised intersection installed at McCarthy Court and Watson Street, drawing calls for it to be removed from the plan.

Wallan resident Christine Banks said council should not have considered a road through the park.

“It’s precious, we have wildlife here, we have magpie families and also, it’s the only safe environment for families to come, for kids to come and play, where there’s no road running next to it,” she said.

“If they put a road through here… there’s going to right be a road right behind people’s houses and it’s going to have traffic on it 24/7.”

Ms Banks said she was also concerned about the current consultation period during the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of communication from council to affected residents.

“How can you put things through like that when you cannot have a public meeting? It’s just abhorrent,” she said.

“It shouldn’t even be in consideration until after this COVID thing is over and we can have a proper public meeting, and have time to actually let people know.”

Wallan Environment Group, with assistance from council, previously volunteered at the site removing basket willows and revegetating the creek.

It also built a rabbit-proof fence at the eastern end of the site, where the proposed road will be built, to aid in the regeneration of the park’s vegetation, which has more recently been used as an off-leash area by dog owners.

Wallan Environment Group president Claudia James is another objector to the road, with concerns about traffic and the use of public space.

Ms James said while she agreed the plan was necessary to co-ordinate development in the area, the idea of severing Wallan Community Park was ‘unacceptable’.

“Once the recently announced Watson Street freeway interchange is completed… this is destined to become a major thoroughfare, one that empties out at both the freeway entrance and soon to be built exit, becoming Wallan’s ring road,” she said.

“Through many hours of volunteer effort and with the support of the [council’s] parks and gardens team, Wallan Community Park has developed into an extremely valuable and well-used community asset.

“Now a major connector road is proposed to be built through the eastern section, cutting off a huge area, fragmenting what is currently a wonderful safe, car-free recreational area, rendering it useless.”

A council spokesperson said the draft masterplan was now out for public consultation with property owners in the area directly mailed, along with some residents of properties near Wallan Community Park.

“The north-south connector road will provide significantly improved access to Watson Street, which will provide for direct access to the future diamond interchange,” the spokesperson said.

“This road would be required to be built across a small section of the community park, however, there are additional open spaces planned across the precinct including a larger open space area between King and William Street and linear parks along Mittagong Creek.”

The spokesperson said council would continue to host discussions with submitters, residents and wider community following the public consultation process.

“There are further steps to go before the masterplan is adopted in whatever final form it takes. This is the starting point and we welcome input from everyone who is interested,” the spokesperson said.