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■ Letters to the Editor | page 19 ■ 7 day TV Guide | page 20 ■ Classifieds | pages 21,22+23 /SheppartonAdviser YOUR TOWN YOUR NEWS PAGE 5
MEMBER FOR NORTHERN VICTORIA VISITS MALL
MORE THAN JUST WORDS PAGE 14
ENTERTAINMENT FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME PAGE 8
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No 1:1511
Let’s talk about the Lower Lakes
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020
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Local manufacturer booms
By Steve Hutcheson FOR some time, there has been a contested view that the Lower Lakes at the mouth of the Murray River were in fact saline as opposed to being freshwater lakes. According to a study undertaken by an independent panel appointed by the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), the committee has since 2019, consulted with almost 100 scientists and technical exper ts and reviewed hundreds of documents and papers to reach their final position. Continued on page 17
SHEPPARTON MANUFACTURING MOVES IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION... Managing Director of Maddison Wright Engineering Shepparton, Heath Wright is experiencing business in a growth phase. Photo: Steve Hutcheson
By Steve Hutcheson WHILE we contemplate the economic demise that has taken place over the last few months, for some companies operating within the Shepparton region, it is business as usual and in fact they are booming. One such company began five years ago, amalgamating a company operating from Geelong with a home-grown business that had worked its way up from the ground. Their first foray together was at the Fonterra plant in Stanhope where they agreed it was better and simpler to work as a single unit. Maddison Wright Engineering is now taking on competing with larger national companies in servicing some of the major developments that are taking place in the region. With organisations such as Fonterra, Freedom Foods, Bega Cheese and Pental of the recent installation of large sanitiser tanks, Maddison Wright Engineering has certainly fulfilled a diverse range of turnkey projects. The company has a basic division of purpose. The larger mild steel fabrication projects take place in Geelong while the stainless steel process and tank fabrication takes place in Shepparton. Speaking about how they have managed during the pandemic, managing director of the company, Heath Wright who manages the Shepparton plant said, “This is the new normal. Initially we put all our office staff to work from home and introduced a range of new measures in the factory, maintaining workspace distances, temperature checks, sanitisation but we have adapted since these measures will be in place for some time to come.” Continued on page 16
NEWS
Respiratory clinic opens in Shepparton SITUATED at the river end of Vaughan St, adjacent to Princess Park Clinic, a medical GP led respiratory clinic has opened to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funded by the Federal Government, the program intends to open 100 similar clinics across the country. In announcing the commencement of its operation, local Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum said, “The clinic is to be operated by the doctors and staff from the adjacent Princess Park Clinic and is the best place for anyone with a fever, a cough, cold or sore throat to be attended to. “I encourage anyone in our community experiencing these symptoms to call the clinic or go online and book an appointment.” Mu rray PH N , helped ident i f y t he appointed practice to manage the facility. Chief executive of Murray PHN, Matt Jones welcomed the establishment of the Shepparton Respiratory Clinic to help with the testing for community transmission of COVID-19 as more restrictions begin to ease this month. For people attending the clinic, they will need to book an appointment, either by phone or online. It is important people only attend at the time of their appointment so
INTRODUCING SHEPPARTON’S RESPIRATORY CLINIC... Local Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, practice manager at Princess Park Clinic, Leanne Taylor and Murray PHN CEO, Matt Jones. Photo: Steve Hutcheson
that social distancing can be maintained and they may be asked to wait in their cars until the clinic is ready to receive them. To access the clinic, people can go to
www.health.gov.au and use the online booking system or ring Princess Park Clinic on 5821 9655.
State Government announces extension on pool and spa registrations IN December 2019, the Victorian Government introduced new regulations that all owners of a pool or spa capable of holding more than 300mm (30cm) of water must register it with their local Council by 1 June 2020. The State Government announced a five-month extension of the deadline due to the impacts of COVID-19, so now pool or spa owners in Greater Shepparton now have until 1 November, 2020 to register their pool or spa with Council. The new regulations were a concerted effort from the State Government to make swimming pools and spas safer and prevent young children from drowning. Owners are still required to register their pools and spas with their local council with a one-off fee of up to $79.
Once registration is complete, Council will inform the pool owner of the date by which they must arrange their first inspection and certification of their barrier – the deadline for owners to lodge their first barrier certification will also be extended. In addition, owners must have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify the continuing compliance of their safety barrier every four years. Owners who fail to register their pool or spa with their council by 1 November 2020 may face an on-the-spot fine of $330. Council is accepting registrations from now until 1 November. To register your pool, or for more information go to the Council website at http://greatershepparton.com.au
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NEWS
Member for Northern Victoria checks out Mall MEMBER for Northern Victoria Region, Wendy Lovell, took a firsthand look at Shepparton Chamber of Commerce’s recent suggested changes to the redevelopment of the Maude Street Mall precinct last week. During a walk through the Mall, Chamber president, John Anderson showed Ms Lovell plans drawn up to complement the Greater Shepparton City Council’s plans. Ke y ele m e nt s of t he C h a mb er ’s modifications to the Maude Street Mall redevelopment: • Central location of road with slow safe one-way vehicle movement from Fryers through to High Street with traffic calming (not to exit Stewart Street as the current plan has) • Retain the trees as a natural canopy (not remove existing trees as the current plan shows) • Easy forward directional parking on both sides of Maude Street. (Allowing balanced and better parking for the whole Maude Street strip). Currently the plan has the bulk of parking at the south end • Creation of a Town Square near the Telstra Tower for young families and the elderly
• Create passive spaces East to West from Stewart Street (outside the Village Cinemas) through to Fraser Street Wyndham Street, creating a community hub feel, and near the already upgraded amenities • Unclutter the current design and therefore less ongoing maintenance • Relocate the Event Space (outside Harris Scarfe) to the suggested Town Square area near the Telstra Tower, where the recently upgraded $500,000 amenities are located • The Chamber is of the opinion that current plan is already dated and therefore won’t last the distance of what should be a forward-thinking design that will last for several decades During a recent Chamber visit to Mall businesses, 85% of traders supported the Chamber’s redevelopment plan, the balance of the businesses who weren’t recently visited were mostly closed during the Chamber’s survey due to COVID-19. Many surveys carried out by the Chamber over the years have shown in the high 90% range of supporting the Chamber’s plans to opening the Mall.
LOOKING AT THE MALL IN DETAIL... Member for Northern Victoria Region, Wendy Lovell (right) discusses the Chamber’s suggested Maude Street Mall redevelopment plans with Chamber president, John Anderson (left), Shepparton retailer, Shane Sali and Chamber CBD subcommittee member, Wendy Crow. Photo: Geoff Adams
Changes to council services and facilities as we raise some restrictions AS we move into the next phase of livi ng u nder rest ric tions i mposed because of COV ID-19, the Premier and Chief Health Officer have made announcements has led to some easing of those restrictions across the state. The raising of some of the restrictions will now see changes to some of Greater Shepparton City Council’s facilities and services. Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah said, “With the Premier recently announcing a switch in messaging from ‘stay home’ to ‘stay safe’ we are doing everything in our power to assist our community to transition to what will be our new normality, however the health and safety of our residents remains our number one priority,” she said.
T here is an in-depth process at Council that oversees the re-opening of services, and this includes making sure re-opening is feasible with the numbers allowed in certain spaces, and making sure is it is safe including signage, cleaning and record keeping. Further modification and re-opening of Council services will only be undertaken when required measures are in place to keep the community and our staff safe and well. As from June 1, services such as caravan parks, libraries, visitor centre, the Shepparton Art Museum will all be opened with limited conditions. For full detail of Council services, refer to the Council website at www. greatershepparton.com.au
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NEWS
Libraries re-open! IT is with great excitement that Goulburn Valley Libraries announce that all libraries will be open to the public this week. The Premier has eased the restrictions and they can now open with a maximum of 20 patrons in the library spaces from 1 June. CEO of Goulburn Valley Libraries, Kevin Preece said, “This is great news for our communities and staff who have been very patient while waiting for the restrictions to pass. We are adopting a cautious approach and initially we will only be encouraging people to come and borrow from our great on-site collections as an extension to our popular Click and Collect service. “ At this stage they will not be offering
use of public computers or printing / copying service until they are sure they can manage the physical distancing and hygiene requirements needed to ensure public safety. Patrons will be expected to maintain physical distancing and personal hand hygiene will be mandatory. All returned books w ill be cleaned before going back on the shelf and in the first step to reintroduction of services, people will be encouraged to minimise the time spent in the library. Click and collect, borrow and go home will be the mantra! Patrons are still encouraged to make use of the on-line services that have taken off while people are in isolation! There is a
BORROW YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKS... Goulburn Valley Libraries CEO, Kevin Preece, is excited to see patrons back in and using the touchless self-serve kiosks to borrow their books. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
huge range of FREE eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines for adults and kids. People can join online and get access straight away. The libraries also offer video streaming of
movies and documentaries through their Kanopy streaming service.
Councils put on notice over farm rates VICTORIAN farmers across the state are putting local government on notice as councils prepare their draft budgets for 2020-21. This week Victorian Farmers Federation (V FF) president, David Jochinke wrote to the state’s rural and regional mayors warning them that Victorian farmers will strongly oppose any unfair rate hikes. “Victorian agriculture cannot be expected to shoulder an even greater rating burden as we work to help rebuild the state’s economy in the wake of COVID-19. “The VFF will be vocal in calling out councils that unfairly shift the rating burden onto farmers and the agricultural sector, whilst acknowledging and publicly
commending councils that strike balance in their rating strategy,” Mr Jochinke said. Mr Jochinke said the VFF was also encouraging councils to join with farmers to lobby the State Government for changes to the rating system. “Victoria’s rating system has created the situation whereby all regional and rural ratepayers pay more in rates as a percentage of the value of their property than ratepayers in metropolitan Melbourne.” “What’s more, regional and rural ratepayers often receive and have access to fewer services from local government than ratepayers in the city.” “Changes must be made to the state’s rating strategy in
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the long term and we would welcome the opportunity to work with councils to advocate for reform.” Mr Jochinke said the VFF will be looking closely at all council budgets this year to catch out councils trying to force through unfair rate hikes. “The VFF constantly monitors and reports on the rates set by all local government councils to promote fair rating strategies and to actively campaign against unfair and inequitable rate hikes.” The proposed rate rise in this year’s Greater Shepparton City Council budget is at 2% and at the time of going to press, has not been confirmed by the Council.
NEWS
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Far from being a sleepy little country town and the one-time home of a former Prime Minister, Jack McEwan as well as the current editorial manager at The Adviser, Stanhope is also home to a new cadre of young women ambitiously dabbling in the arts. Stanhope is getting a new facelift that will see more local art and performance appearing in the centre of the town.
Stanhope artist goes international GETTING READY WITH COUNTRY CHARM... Entrepreneur, Clare Jones outside her new country music venue in Stanhope, Neon Horse. Photo: Steve Hutcheson STANDING BEFORE HER ARTWORK... Stanhope artist Kym Patten at the Art Space. Photo: Steve Hutcheson
WHEN the call first went out by Dutch children’s author, Nina Koet, now living in Greece who was looking for an illustrator for her new book, local Stanhope artist, Kym Pat ten submit ted some of her sketches. Nina liked her style and commissioned Kym to go ahead and produce a series of illustrations to go with the story she had written. For Kym, it’s quite satisfying. Having recently returned to Stanhope where her father’s family had lived for many years,
Kym was able to raise her two daughters, Mayley, 8, and Evie, 6, while working on the production of the book. “She was very demanding and knew exactly what she wanted,” said Kym. “A number of changes were made along the way but in the end, it worked out very well.” Kym also has a showcase of some of her other work located in the town’s Art Space including a restored piano that she has decorated with her artwork
Country comes to Stanhope THERE are plenty of cows but not so many cowboys in Stanhope, but that has not stopped entrepreneur, Clare Jones from building from the ground up, a venue that is claimed to be Victoria’s first dedicated Country Music Hall, Neon Horse. Originating from Melbourne, Clare wanted to get out of town when she can and chose Stanhope as a staging post. Since taking over the building, much of the work in getting it ready has been done by Clare, who will don work gear or dress up as the occasion requires. For the interview with The Adviser, she was frocked up yet still
showing the signs of furniture stain on her hands where she had been working on the finishing touches to some of the outdoor furniture. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, she won’t open to the public as yet but does intend to stage some online streamed country music concerts performed in the venue. At the right time when restrictions lift, Neon Horse will be open on Saturday afternoons and evenings. The music will cover the spectrum of country and blues music and as Clare says, “Long live country music.”
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1511 Wednesday, June 3, 2020 – Page 5
NEWS LAST YEARS WINNERS… From the 2019 White King – Pental 95.3 Triple M Business Awards, the team from Graham Hill Eyecare, who won the Hall of Fame award. From left, co-owner, Graham Hill, wife, Dawn Hill, optical technician, Trevor Mackenzie, manager, Leeanne Jones and receptionist, Rhonda Allan. Photo: Alicia Niglia.
Chamber Business Awards rescheduled W I T H the disruption of COV I D -19, Shepparton’s premier business awards have been rescheduled to 2021. This year was to be the 25th year of the popular awards. For many years the awards have attracted 100s of nominations in 13 business categories. Categories include: • Apprentice/Trainee of the Year • Best New Business (under two years) • Visitor Experience of the Year with three awards: Tourism – Hospitality, Tourism – Accommodation, Tourism – Accommodation • Best Marketing/Advertising campaign • Entrepreneur of the Year • GV Healthy Workplace of the Year • Young Professional of the Year • Customer Service of the Year with three awards: Professional Services, Trade Services, and Retail Services
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• Business of the Year with three awards: Professional Services, Trade Services, and Retail Services • The highly coveted Business Hall of Fame award will also be a highlight in 2021 M ajor local ma nu fac t u rer, Pental, manufacturer of leading Australian brands such as White King, sponsor the awards. The Chamber is delighted Pental White King will continue to sponsor the awards in 2021 and 2022. The awards will be bigger and better than ever before in its 25th year, now set for 2021. The 2021 awards will be known as the White King Duracell Awards. You can follow the updates of the awards via Triple M, WIN TV, The Adviser, and the Chamber’s website.
NEWS
Staying connected: A new routine CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR PIANO AWARDS... Things are still looking bright. Photo: Supplied by ANPA
Australian National Piano Award has continued Council support THE Australian National Piano Award (ANPA) is a piano competition held at Riverlinks Eastbank every two years. The competition began in 1992 and has built its reputation in the past three decades to now sit as Australia’s second most prestigious piano competition, after the Sydney International Piano Competition. Greater Shepparton City Council pledged its support to the Australian National Piano Award, approving funding of $121,000 for the competitions to be held in 2023 and 2025 at the last Council meeting. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 ANPA was postponed until 2021, pushing the future competitions out to 2023 and 2025. Council acknowledged the event is one of international
significance and it has the ability to enhance the image of Greater Shepparton and that it puts the region on the ‘cultural map’ nationally and across the world. The ANPA boosts our cultural tourism, which will be important as the region looks to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 emergency. Approximately 30 percent of attendees will come from outside the catchment area. “Council is proud to continue its support of the Australian National Piano Award,” Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah said. “The competition brings people from around Australia to see our great region and only enhances our reputation as a major event hot spot.”
THIS damnable pandemic has placed pressure on everyone in some way, reduced hours, loss of job, loss of income, isolation just to name a few. For some, those pressures seem to be insurmountable which places an obligation on all of us to look out for those around us. R U OK? CEO, Katherine Newton says, “The virus has affected everyone in some way and we all need to actively seek ways to connect, and in some cases reconnect, with those in our world who might be struggling. “The pandemic has inspired some wonderful examples of how caring our community can be and we need to hold on to that because that sense of genuine care and concern can be life changing for those grappling with the impact of recent events. “Everyone deals differently with increasing and sometimes unrelenting pressure. While I might be coping well, but some of those around me might not be,” Ms Newton explained. Life might not be the same as it was before and we might need to live with some ongoing restrictions and social distancing. “We want to bring everyone through this tough period and social connection is critical in ensuring we do. We want those who are well and able to make checking up on others part of their daily routine. “In the morning think about who in your world might be struggling and make a plan to reach out to them and ask ‘Are you okay?’. Said Katherine. That simple question and a conversation has the power to change someone’s life for the better.
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NEWS
Entertainment from the comfort of the home RIVERLINKED LIVE… Musician Braden Pullen performed in Riverlinked Live Concert 2 last week. Photo: Supplied
AFTER two successful nights, the third instalment of Riverlinks’ brand-new online series, RiverLinked Live is taking place tonight at 7:30pm. RiverLinked Live is taking place over the next six weeks, featuring local artists performing to an online audience. Tonight, Melbourne singer-songwriter, Parmy Dhillion is set to take the virtual stage with upcoming singer-songwriter, Kamali joining him to entertain anyone and everyone from the comfort of their own home.
Parmy Dhillon delivers powerful music that is full of raw, honest emotion. Parmy is an expressive, of ten biographical songwriter, with his lyrics reflecting his life struggles. At 16 years old, with four years’ experience behind her, support act, Kamali has performed at many local events in the Greater Shepparton region. Kamali will accompany herself on guitar. RiverLinked Live takes place every Wednesday at 7.30pm, for the next six weeks. The live stream can be accessed from the Riverlinks Facebook page or the Riverlinks website, www.riverlinksvenues. com.au.
New milk supply agreements must comply with dairy code A standard form milk supply agreement template, developed by Australian Dairy Farmers, was released earlier this month. The farmer group was contracted by the Federal Government to develop a template that incorporates all elements of the Code and can be used by farmers and processors in negotiating contracts. The Code of Conduct, which came into effect on January 1 2020, requires most dai r y processors to publish standard form milk supply agreements on their websites by June 1 and farmers and processors are being reminded to ensure all new agreements comply with the new Code of Conduct. “It is extremely important that farmers and processors comply with the Code of Conduct so that they don’t risk being penalised in a way that could jeopardise
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their business,” ADF president, Terry Richardson said. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in its 2018 dairy inquiry, made several recommendations related to contracting practices, including that milk supply arrangements should be acknowledged in writing, processors should provide farmers with all contractual documents before the start of their agreement, and that those agreements should be simplified. The Code does not apply to farmers and processors with a milk supply agreement that was entered into before January 1 2020, unless that contract is varied or renewed and all must comply from January 1 2021.
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NEWS
Make a meal of June
RAISING FUNDS TO SUPPORT FOODSHARE… From left, …Foodshare operations coordinator, Grace Grieve, Shepparton Foodshare chair, Rod Schubert, Freemasons, Dennis Kroezen and Rick Hall, The Woolshed’s Angela Mangiameli, Freemason Geoffrey Thompson and ConnectGV vice chair, Cam Mangiameli. Photo: Steve Hutcheson
THE community can get behind local food rescue service Shepparton Foodshare by ordering from The Woolshed’s home delivery menu over the next two weeks. Place your order for a delicious 3- course meal and support Foodshare fundraiser’s, ‘Make A Meal Of June – Takeout Style.’ To o r d e r y o u r m e a l f o r t w o , v isit T he Woolshed website w w w. t he wo ol she d at em era ldba n k .com . au . Orders can be placed for collection from The Woolshed, or for local delivery, on either Friday, June 5 (orders close 12 noon, June 4) or June 12 (orders close 12 noon, June 11). Meals are served ready to be heated and enjoyed at your convenience. Cam and Angela Mangiameli of The Woolshed are donating 100% of the proceeds to Shepparton Foodshare to help ensure the critical local service, that provides food for the most vulnerable in our community, can continue. This incredible support has been made possible due to many local businesses donating some of the necessary ingredients for the meal and Cam and Angela themselves donating ingredients and their time to plan, prepare and deliver the meals. The Woolshed’s Angela Mangiameli said, “We are so pleased that we can support Foodshare again this year albeit it ‘takeout style’. Supporting our community is so important to us, it is amazing what can be achieved when we all work together.
With food insecurity continuing to rise, we know that Foodshare needs our support now more than ever to ensure people that are doing it tough have access to nutritious food.” Shepparton Foodshare board chair, Rod Schubert, said, “We are extremely grateful to Cam and Angela, this is the second year they have supported our annual fundraiser. Whilst we are disappointed that due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to come together at their stunning venue, this way at least we can still come together for the cause whilst enjoying The Woolshed’s beautiful meals at home.” Shepparton Foodshare relies on its own fundraising efforts to operate. During June, they aim to raise $60,000 to cover 50% of the annual operating costs. Foodshare supplies more than 100 emergency relief agencies, churches, community meals programs and schools with access to free food to distribute to their clients in need. The busy warehouse receives and distributes in excess of 300,000kg of food annually, or the equivalent of 600,000 meals, and prevents edible food entering landfill. T he com mu nit y can also suppor t Sheppar ton Foodshare’s f undraising campaign by making a tax- deductible donation online via the Foodshare website at www.sheppartonfoodshare.org.au
Kindergarten and pre-Kindergarten registrations for 2021 now open PARENTS and guardians are reminded that kindergarten and pre-kindergarten registrations for 2021 are now open. To re g ister, go to t he G re ater Shepparton City Council website and complete the online form. The Council also reminds residents the Victorian Government funds one year of kindergarten (year before school) for each eligible child. Kindergarten registrations for the Greater Shepparton area closes 31 August 2020, while pre-kindergarten for Council services will close 30 September 2020. Page 10 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1511 Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Greater Shepparton City Council acting manager, Children and Youth Services, Jackie Vibert said, “Both prekindergarten and kindergarten bring new challenges, educational learning opportunities, lots of fun and interaction with other children and adults in a playbased environment.” “Council would usually encourage residents to visit local kindergartens prior to registration; however, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, other avenues such as talking with other parents have to be considered instead.”
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NEWS
Council not meeting community expectation
GREATER SHEPPARTON CITY COUNCIL SCRAPES THROUGH... Community satisfaction is at 51%. Photo: Katelyn Morse
By Steve Hutcheson ACCOR DI NG to a regular Greater Shepparton City Council telephone run Community Satisfaction survey, almost half of the public surveyed indicated that Council was not consulting the community adequately. Lobbying on behalf of the community only satisfied 52 percent of those surveyed, community consultation 53 percent and overall value for money at 53 percent, all were down on previous years. The survey indicates that only 61 percent of the public expressed satisfaction with the Council’s performance which is on par with the previous surveys. T he 2020 Qua r ter 3 C om mu n it y Satisfaction Survey was conducted between 2-18 March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite closing face-to-face meetings due to COVID-19, Council’s customer service was rated 70, which is just one point
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behind the results of the 2018 and 2019 Quarter 3 surveys. Overall waste services rated 75, which is a higher score than the majority of Victorian Councils, overall roads footpaths and cycle-ways (61) and overall parks and reserves (77) rated well, and invoicing is clear and correct (76) also continued on the upward trend it has seen in recent quarters. Greater Sheppa r ton Cit y C ou ncil Director Corporate Services, Chris Teitzel, said the survey is an important measure for Council to understand whether it is meeting community expectations of the services it provides. Given that only 51 percent consider that they are and almost as many consider they are not, and that measure has not changed other than to go down since previous surveys, it suggests the Council needs to look more closely at and spend more time listening to the community opinions.
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MAINTAINING CONTACT ONLINE... Manager at Impact Speech Pathology, Fiona Crawford consults with clients online. Photo: Steve Hutcheson
More than just words ALL children learn and develop at different stages. Communication and speech in children is one of those skills that grow and develop uniquely. At times children will need a boost to accelerate and support their communication skills. Fiona Crawford, the manager at Impact Speech Pathology said, “Impact Speech Pathology work to a process that will initially assess the child’s capabilities, set goals and set therapy tasks that they can take home to work on.” With the rise of additional provisions to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic,
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the consultants at Impact Speech Pathology have taken to online consultations with as many as fifty percent of their clients interacting through Telehealth, an online application that enables them to connect face to face via the internet. Some kids are referred to Impact Speech Pathology through their GP but for others, it is the parents who recognise that some additional coaching is required to give their kids better communication skills. Impact Speech Therapy is at 1 Collett St, Shepparton and can be contacted on 0439 385 072.
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NEWS
Speedy internet
WORKING from home over the past couple of months has brought home the need for faster and more reliable internet if this is the new normal. Help may be on its way. Researchers from Monash University, Swinburne and RMIT have recorded the world’s fastest internet speed from a single optical chip of 44.2 terabits per second. At that speed, users can download 1,000 HD movies in a split second. This is achieved through the use of a micro-comb, an optical chip replacing 80
FASTER THAN FAST... Internet speeds are likely to increase rapidly with new chip development in Melbourne. Photo: Supplied.
separate infrared lasers capable of carrying communication signals. This technology has the capacity to support the high-speed internet connections of 1.8 million households in Melbourne, Australia, at the same time, and billions across the world during peak periods. “What our research demonstrates is the ability for fibres that we already have in the
ground, thanks to the NBN project, to be the backbone of communications networks now and in the future. We’ve developed something that is scalable to meet future needs. What will be required on top of the new chip, is for the NBN to revert to the previously planned ‘fibre to the home’ infrastructure rather than persisting with copper from the node that currently exists.
Local manufacturer booms continued from front page THE Shepparton branch employs 25 staff and with the recent acquisition of their own 15 tonne crane and numerous other handling and manufacturing pieces of equipment, look now to training programs to enable our staff to operate them in a safe and productive manner. Maddison Wright Engineering represent the typical Australian ‘can-do’ attitude that a lot of local companies do. Proud of their local origins, supportive of local industries and suppliers and creating prosperity for the region. Yet, even with their local credentials, they are also in a sense, a
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national company with their sister company, All West Engineering, operating many branches across the Pilbara and in Perth, Western Australia and are in the process of further national expansion as well. While the pandemic has been devastating for a number of smaller businesses in the region and will take some time for them to recover if at all, there is still a core of industry that has been able to continue on and in fact prosper at the same time. Maddison Wright Engineering is one of many that symbolises the strength of local industry and the capacity to push through even the most pressing global disasters.
NEWS
continued from front page
Let’s talk about the Lower Lakes IN May, they delivered their findings to the MDBA. The panel found that while some knowledge gaps were evident, the science of the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth was well understood. The panel outlined that the available research findings are consistent and that the Lower Lakes are being managed appropriately. The key finding was that the Lower Lakes were largely fresh prior to European settlement. Local Member for Shepparton District, Suzanna Sheed said, “I like many others have been very disappointed with the increasing levels of toxicity and division between the basin states and within communities. Mr Keelty has recently reiterated this concern. We need to start a new conversation focusing on what is actually achievable under a basin plan that has been endlessly reviewed and shown to have many flaws. “The ‘Independent Review of Lower Lakes Science Informing Management’ report is a good place to start a new conversation. While it maintains that the lake’s recent history as a largely freshwater estuarine system is now settled, it also clarified this will not be its future with climate change and rising sea levels. “In light of the report together with the recent Wentworth Group report, which made similar findings regarding the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels on the Lower Lakes, it would be futile to continue to demand irrigators in my electorate sacrifice their water share to sustain the Lower Lakes in their present condition. “I urge the Basin Ministerial Council to ensure that this most important issue is discussed at its forthcoming meeting this month and a new and realistic direction adopted.” According to the information available to the panel, the pre-development longt e r m ave ra ge a n nu a l i n f low f rom the Murray River is more than 13,000
ASKING FOR A NEW CONVERSATION ON WATER... Local Member for Shepparton District, Suzanna Sheed is urging the Federal Government to adopt a new and realistic direction. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
gigalitres. This volume would fill the lakes on average more than eight times a year. Over the years however, upstream development has reduced the flow into the lakes to less than half, resulting in more frequent incursions of salt water into them. The barrages were built in 1940 in response to these changes, isolating the Coorong and the sea from the Lower Lakes. According to the committee, remov i ng t he ba rrages wou ld have significant ecological and socio-economic impact and it would not result in any water saving if targets informed by science and modelling and envisaged under the Basin Plan are to be met. Further aspects to be considered in addressing the Lower Lakes is climate change and an anticipated rise in sea levels requiring even more Murray river flow into them in conflict with less water being available for the same reasons.
Has the lockdown affected people’s mental health? N E W re se a rch lau nched re c ent ly in response to the impact COVID-19 restrictions is having on people reveals that recent workplace changes have had a major impact on Australia’s mental health. Based on data collected through the Relationships Australia monthly survey, the research demonstrates the extensive mental health effects caused by changes to the nature of work, the working environment and people’s workload. “This research reveals that people from all aspects of the Australian workforce are feeling the effects of the COVID-19 workplace restrictions and changes” said Relationships Australia National Executive Officer, Nick Tebbey. “We are seeing that those who relied
on their workplace for social stimulation are more affected by these changes.” “ F u r t h e r m o r e , t ho s e w ho h ad relatively good mental health prior to the pandemic are reporting greater changes to their mental health” Mr Tebbey says. “T here was a n overa l l t rend demonstrating that workplace changes had a direct impact on respondents’ mental health. However, it is worth noting that in some industries, in particular some of those most affected by workplace changes, the respondents in this survey reported lower rates of mental ill-health,” Mr Tebbey said. If you feel impacted by these changes to you r workplace , consu lt you r employer or physician for advice on how to deal with it. The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1511 Wednesday, June 3, 2020 – Page 17
Don’t ignore your lawn this winter
AS most lawns in Australia hibernate in the winter months, we often forget that it still needs care and attention despite its resting state. To ensure your lawn is lush and healthy going into spring, follow these tips throughout the cooler months. Mow less often During the cooler months, it is advisable to raise the mowing height to prevent damaging the grass which can result in scalping and browning. Repeated scalping, in turn, weakens the grass and leaves it vulnerable to the onslaught of diseases and weeds. In mowing your lawn, avoid cutting the grass lower than 2.5cm. If you must, mow your lawn once every three or four weeks, depending on the type of grass on your property. Alternatively, you can mow your lawn when the length of the grass’s blades exceeds 6cm. Aerate the soil Towards the end of winter, the soil may have become hard and compact, which can decrease the amount of water and fertiliser reaching the grass roots. Working a garden fork through the soil to aerate it will help keep the roots happy. Remove weeds During winter, weeds take advantage of the lawn’s weakened state to fill every possible gap. Winter is the time for a weed killer that removes invaders without causing damage to the lawn – always make sure you read the label to ensure the chemical is suitable for your grass variety.
Brighten your home
ultimate
home& garden
this winter with colour
WINTER has officially begun, meaning we’ll be spending even more time in the warmth of our homes. Often the damp, cold weather can make us feel a little melancholy, and without much sunlight to brighten the home, you might find your home looking a bit dull. But it doesn’t have to be. Now is the perfect time to give your home a makeover, and the easiest way to do this is to add colour. Whether it’s through paint, décor, or furniture, colour can really add life into your home, especially during those cold winter months. This season’s colours are warm toned and soft earthy colours, such as terracotta, rust, beige and brown. These colours are the perfect choices to bring warmth into your home and create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Deep jewel tones are also still on trend and are great ways to add a pop of colour to any room with a simple throw blanket, different textured cushions, or even a statement piece of furniture. Coastal blues and olive greens are also making their way into the cool season, which are great colour choices for those not game enough to go into the deep jewel tones and can also create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. So, while we’re all rugging up and have the heaters keeping us warm, don’t forget to create a warm and relaxing home by simply adding some colour.
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POPPING WITH COLOUR… Adding colour to your home during winter can really warm up your space and create a relaxing atmosphere. Photo: Supplied.
LETTERS
OPINION
Letters to the Editor
MINISTER ADVISED TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE ON THE GROUND Dear Editor, Some of us who were fortunate to have a rainforced break on Thursday took the opportunity to participate in two webinars – one featuring Water Minister, Keith Pitt and the other featuring Basin Plan Inspector-General, Mick Keelty. I felt extremely frustrated, especially after listening to Keelty, who can see that there are problems, yet in his report he skips over the main issues and misses his opportunity to provide some real solutions. Many of us are in the second and third decade of dealing with changes to water policy and management. We have seen a revolving door of Water Ministers, bureaucrats and advisors who come and go depending on their personal situations and ambitions. But we are still here, suffering the consequences of bad management and an extreme lack of understanding about the mistakes, and more importantly the solutions which could return some common-sense to this vexed issue. Our farmers are still trying to do what we do best – grow the cleanest and greenest food in the world. Our biggest challenge used to be weather and markets, now it’s politicians and bureaucrats more interested in saving their own skins, rather than supporting good policy. We would like the opportunity to work with governments to achieve this lofty aim, though it’s unlikely this will occur as there isn’t the political willpower. As for the Murray Darling Basin Authority (M DBA), it will continue spending the government’s billions until there is no more, because it appears as if we do not have Ministers with the courage to implement the Productivity Commission recommendations. Numerous politicians have called for the MDBA to be disbanded, but it seems Federal Government cannot muster the courage to take this step. I sensed frustration from Mr Keelty with the MDBA. He’s only been working with them for a period of months, so imagine how we feel after nearly a decade. It refuses to acknowledge either its own shortcomings or those of the Basin Plan and shows no interest in working with our communities on any solutions. While watching the webinar featuring Mr Pitt,
it was obvious he has not yet developed much knowledge of his portfolio. If I could be so bold as to offer him some advice: Start listening to people on the ground who know more about water management than your Canberra advisors. If previous Ministers had taken local advice, we would not be in the terrible situation that exists today. Also, please take note of one of the very few comments from Mr Keelty that is 100% accurate: ‘We have to find a better way to manage the system for the long term. We have to find solutions’. Our communities have got the solutions we just need to be heard! Your faithfully, Jan Beer Upper Goulburn River Catchment Association , Vic
We welcome Letters to the Editor but they are not guaranteed to be included and may be edited for reasons of style or content. Letters will not be eligible for consideration if they contain defamatory material, or information of a personal nature which is not in the public domain. amount of unallocated water is more like 375GL per year”. Ms Ley tells us her “focus remains to work with all parts of the electorate to address water security issues”. That is laughable. She refuses to meet with myself or other executive members of Southern Riverina Irrigators to discuss and resolve our concerns. She also ignored the flood plain harvesting issue which is destroying the Darling and crippling the Murray region economically and environmentally. For the record, there is only one reason I am getting involved in politics ie. I want to help and protect our farmers and the communities, because at present they are being let down as the sacrificial lambs for a disastrous Basin Plan the Coalition Government will not fix.
However, I am prepared to issue a challenge to the Prime Minister and his Liberal/National Party colleagues, including Ms Ley. Quite simply, if you are prepared to fix the Basin Plan and provide food producers in southern NSW and northern Victoria with sufficient affordable water to do our job properly and support our nation’s prosperity, I will willingly bow out of the political fight that is pending. All we are asking is that you reverse the water wastage and improve water management so there is the equitable share that was promised (yes, PROMISED), when the Basin Plan was being drafted. Sincerely, Chris Brooks Barooga, NSW
CHALLENGE TO POLITICIANS Dear Editor, I would like to clarify some comments made by Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley following media coverage of my decision to try and shake up the cosy political arrangements that are presently costing our nation billions of dollars. Firstly, I want it made clear this action is purely due to the inaction from Ms Ley and her Coalition colleagues around the problems being faced by water management. Myself, like many others, know there are viable and achievable solutions the politicians are avoiding. Also, I don’t want to be a politician. I want to be a food and fibre producer. However, I am extremely limited in my preferred profession because Ms Ley and her colleagues refuse to provide adequate affordable water for myself and other producers across southern NSW and northern Victoria. Please do not believe false claims there is no water available. As Ms Ley knows, vast volumes have been flooded unnecessarily into forests and poured out to sea. An utter waste that cannot be tolerated, causing environmental damage that unbelievably is not being called out by the Environment Minister. Ms Ley also claims the MDB Inspector-General Mick Keelty found in his report there is no water available. It seems she missed the subsequent revelation from the MDBA, as I quote from her Coalition colleague Damian Drum, that “the
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Mini diggers and great service
SET TO ROLL... Shepparton Mini Diggers operator, Cam Grogan, manager Leigh Hitchcock and owner, Chris Hitchcock behind the controls of their machines. Photo: Steve Hutcheson IF you’ve got a front or back yard project and need more than a wheelbarrow and shovel, Shepparton Mini Diggers can help. With several years in business and six dedicated staff, Shepparton Mini Diggers specialise in projects such as moving soil, digging post-holes, topsoil removal, levelling, and trenching for the Goulburn Valley and surrounds. Shepparton Mini Diggers owner, Chris
Hitchcock said, “We can also help with rubbish removal, landscaping, sprinkler repairs and installation of new systems as well as tree lopping and more.” Available seven days with 24-hour emergency call out service for tree removals, visit Shepparton Mini Diggers on Facebook or call Leigh on 0427 393 710 or Chris on 0447 772 974.
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